Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 246: Welcome aboard

Chapter 246: Welcome aboard

The wind whistled as a blurry figure rushed through the prairie, heading toward the mountain range that stood silently in the distance.

The figure soon arrived before the mountain before he finally came to a stop, revealing a dark-haired man with crimson eyes and a lanky physique.

He seemed short of breath and quite tired but the urgent look on his face seemed to serve as a telltale of the reality of his situation.

Taking a moment to ensure he got his coordinates right, he began his search for something before finally happening before a large boulder.

Placing his palm against it, he muttered softly. "May darkness reign yet again."

A minor rumbling occurred before the boulder rolled away to reveal a stone passageway lit by flame torches.

The man stepped in after which the boulder rolled back into place.

Once again, the man ran, quickly arriving at the end of the passageway that seemed to stretch on infinitely.

At the other end, a large metal gate stood tall with Crimson Knights standing guard before it.

The knights regarded the young man before inquiring. "State your name and business, scout."

"My name is Stefan Von Strauss. I have come with urgent word from the Empire of Men. I must speak with the lord."

"Go on ahead." The crimson knight replied as he placed his palm against the gate before opening it just large enough for a person to enter.

Stefan nodded as he whispered a low thank you before rushing past the gate.

***

Stefan found himself in an underground city adorned with gothic architecture and filled with vampires but he hardly had the time to admire them as he headed toward the central structure.

It was a tower with three spires and high fences.

Several bats could be seen perched on the rough, gazing down on the sprawling city.

Having gotten to the gates, he announced his name and business before he was ushered into a grand hall with a throne placed at the highest point.

Soon, a man with dark red hair and adorning a black and red cloak, appeared in midair before moving to sit on the throne.

"You asked to see me, young one." The man spoke with a rather feminine tone, adding more confusion to his already androgynous appearance.

Stefan didn’t dare to regard the great figure as he bowed his head and went on his knees. "I bring word from the west."

"Tell me."

"... One of our Strongholds has been destroyed by the Enforcers!"

"What!" The red-haired figure seemed to flair at the news, his eyes widening in shock as an overwhelming presence engulfed the hall.

Stefan could barely breathe as he continued. "We still are unaware of the situation but what is known is that most of our people have been killed and even... even the Silver Knights laid in the depths have been slain."

"It would seem the humans have forgotten that the only reason we decided to the Accords was because of the Incursions that occurred nonstop. How dare they do such a thing!"

"That’s not all, great Monarch."

"What more is there?"

Stefan hesitated but ultimately decided to answer. "... I am not sure of the veracity of the news but... if it is as I’ve heard then... it would seem the Dark Lord has finally appeared."

The man’s gaze shook at the unexpected news.

"The Dark Lord, you say?"

"... Yes, my lord."

"... So that’s how it is." The man muttered as his earlier annoyance disappeared like a lie, his eyes shining with excitement. "It would seem the time has come. The Dark Age is upon us!"

He promptly rose to his feet as he added. "I must inform the others and you..."

"Yes, my lord," Stefan replied quickly.

"Get some rest. You will be heading out soon with a contingent. If the Dark Lord is alive... then we must find him and if not, it is time to inform our subordinates in the Empire that it is time to return. War might not be too far away."

***

"I never thought you to be such a being." Victoria couldn’t help but comment as she stood beside Alex, the latter watching Douglas fumble over himself as he tried to communicate with Emily.

With a smile at the corner of his lips, Alex replied. "What do you mean?"

"... I always pictured the Dark Lord as an embodiment of darkness, a great being sent to lead my people to the promised land."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed, master. A being as great as yourself does not need such petty human relationships as you are above it. I wouldn’t be surprised if you considered us ants in your eyes."

Alex couldn’t help but pull his gaze from the scene ahead with Douglas to regard Victoria for a moment.

It was clear her words meant no harm and she was merely speaking her mind, but Alex couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with such a thought process.

Letting out a sigh, he replied. "Don’t overthink things, Victoria. I may be a great being but... such connection is what makes living so interesting. Do you know the emptiness that comes with such an aloof stance?"

"... I may have an idea," Victoria admitted.

"Then do away with such thoughts like relationships make you weak, instead they make us stronger. Isn’t that why I am putting this team together?... Because I can’t do everything alone."

"I understand. I was too shortsighted. I will try to consider things properly from now on."

Shaking his head in amusement, Alex returned his attention to Douglas only to find that he was done talking with Emily.

The conversation must have been rather awkward for Emily but judging by how she didn’t run away, maybe a portion of her mind still remembered who Douglas was and the special relationship they shared.

Douglas, though melancholic, seemed a bit happier than when Alex first arrived.

Once he’d gotten to Alex, he said. "Thank you. I know you aren’t family but..."

"Don’t overthink it. I’m only doing what I can to get on your good side." Alex joked.

Douglas regarded Alex for a moment, seemingly in thought before finally asking the burning question on his mind.

"Why me?... I’m a broken man with anger issues and a strong yearning for a family of his own. What can I offer in an organization that has the Last Dragon and my master as members?"

"You are a good man... and we might need a hulk."

"What?"

"Forget that." Alex chuckled lightly as he reached out and grabbed Douglas’s shoulders. "As I said, don’t overthink it. If you want a reason, then how about this?... You have potential. I doubt the first Vampire-werewolf hybrid in Eventide would be any weaker than Ana or Victoria at full strength and I am the one who can draw it out so... I’ll ask again.

"Will you join me, Douglas Regulus?"

Silence loomed for a moment before Douglas took a deep breath and replied. "As long as I can be useful, then... I see no reason to say no."

With a satisfied smile, Alex calmly intoned. "Welcome aboard."