Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 247: Orion

Chapter 247: Orion

Arwen took steady steps as she traversed the dark passageway adorned with obsidian and lit up by strange plants with glowing white flowers and ink-black stalks.

Her breathing calm, she pondered on what was about to happen, her heart palpitating at the thought of the responsibilities she’d have to carry once she got to her destination.

However, she had already come to a decision before now.

She would do whatever it took to bring back Claudia and while at it, find the entrance to the PaleLands within the expanse of dimensions and finally make contact with Death.

So with renewed vigor, she continued walking until she happened upon a large door that seemed fit for a giant.

She reached out and placed her palm against it.

The next moment, the doors slowly opened to reveal a grand hall within.

Obsidian pillars held up the roof where a glass dome lay silently, revealing a sky reminiscent of the one in Eventide but with one glaring difference.

There were twinkling bright lights that seemed to exude a sense of mystery and grandeur, leaving her in awe.

But that wasn’t all, as on closer inspection, Arwen quickly noticed that the stars weren’t scattered about erratically but seemed to be aligned in various shapes and sizes, depicting strange images she was unfamiliar with.

Then the doors closed and she shifted her attention to the hall itself which seemed large enough to occupy more than a hundred people.

At the center of the hall was a black lake with glowing fishes within and about it, incredibly high structures numbering 12, that doubled as chairs with the one at the head serving as the grandest of all.

Currently, there were five occupants within the hall with Alex seated at the head of the gathering.

The other four had their figures shrouded by a black veil with white lights, giving off a rather intriguing feeling that left Arwen wanting to replicate it.

The next moment, as though in response to her desires, a black and white veil appeared and covered her, leaving only a portion of her face visible.

Her eyes glowing with excitement, Arwen glanced at Alex only to notice the latter carrying a rather complicated expression on his face.

***

Alex watched Arwen manifest the black and white veil worn by the others causing him to feel increasingly awkward.

He had no special requirements for the gathering when he decided to hold it but Ana thought otherwise and so ended up manifesting the veil first before the others followed in kind.

It wasn’t too surprising once he understood that despite its cringe nature, it did have a cool factor though he had to look closely to see and even then, his toes curled regardless.

Alex sighed helplessly as he leaned back on the throne manifested by Ana.

Having shared his Power with each person present in the hall with his Ability, Blessings of the Dark Moon, they were able to manifest other Abilities from Evernight, allowing them to be extensions of him.

Apart from the augmentation of their Abilities, Alex saw it as a good means to ensure that none of the ones present within the hall would ever fall prey to being manipulated.

With the Blessings of the Dark Moon in the form of a seal serving as a binding on their soul, it ensured that any form of insubordination would end up with their life being forfeit.

In any case... "Now that we are all gathered, I believe we can commence the inaugural meeting of our currently nameless organization," Alex remarked in a calm and aloof tone, giving off the aura of a leader with the others regarding him with interest and awe.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "When I first awakened, I had considered a lot of things to fulfill my goal and with all I’ve experienced, I understand now that more than anything, I need a team as on my own, I can accomplish very little.

"Here, we have only one mission; to help me fulfill my goal. Of course, I believe in the saying, ’do to others what you want done to yourself.’, so as you assist me in my goals, I promise aid in return."

Although they already expected the last portion of his statement, they didn’t think that Alex was serious about it with most thinking that he only said it to convince them to join.

"Each one of you was picked based on three things," Alex remarked as he ignored the astonishment of those present, putting up his right hand as he highlighted with his fingers. "Your growth potential, your individual goals, and most importantly... your loyalty to me."

Pausing for a moment to ensure they followed, Alex continued. "You may wonder why I need you to have goals of your own. It is simply because a mortal without a dream is likened to a beast and I would rather not have such a subordinate."

A few nodded with understanding while others took a moment to digest his words.

"As you join me now, you shed your past lives and are born anew as subordinates to me. On that note, you shall decide your new designation."

Glancing at the night sky above, Alex added. "So take your pick."

Ana was the first to decide as she quickly pointed at one of the star signs depicted above the glass dome.

Then Arwen and the others soon followed before finally, Alex made his choice.

Then, letting out a sigh, Alex pondered once again on his reason for forming this organization.

It was meant to be an unofficial team that helped him in his quest for the Branches but with Ana doing so much, he felt a desire to play along, perhaps to give it a sense of legitimacy.

Alex chuckled as he realized just how much of a chuuni he was being but then again... why so serious?

It changed nothing about his goal or who he was and instead served as a reminder of his espionage days on Earth.

In any case, he’d considered the best name to give this ragtag group.

Grand titles came to mind but he tossed them aside perhaps because he was unsatisfied or rather they sounded a bit cringe.

But now, as he stared at the night sky, he understood that there was no need to complicate things.

As always, simple was best.

So in a calm and deep voice, he shifted his gaze to Ana who quickly sat upright on sensing this.

"Andromeda."

Then, to Nadia. "Cassiopeia."

"Apys." To Arwen.

Meeting Douglas’s gaze, he continued. "Lupus."

And finally... "Ara." For Victoria.

"From this day on, you are members of Constellations."

Alex was about to say more only to pause as he noticed Arwen putting up a hand.

"Yes?"

Coughing dryly, Arwen inquired. "What about you?.... What is your designation?"

"Ah, that..." Alex trailed off for a moment before slowly replying. "Orion."