Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 250: Radio

Chapter 250: Radio

Several days went by with Constellations preparing to embark on its maiden mission in search of Ashtyx.

Today, with a certain destination in mind, Alex, alongside Ana, strolled into the park located in the northern part of Livermore, currently filled with several well-to-do citizens enjoying the eye-catching scenery.

The trees stretched on for a bit, giving off a rich green ambiance with a lake just beside it.

Like a normal couple, Ana placed an arm over Alex’s own as they continued on their way, enjoying the wonderful weather.

Soon however, it became clear that their intentions weren’t completely relaxed when they spotted a certain figure seated on a park bench, his back hunched over with a hat over his head and wearing a brown jacket with black pants and a matching pair of shoes with a cane placed beside him as well as what looked like a miniature brown box from which a voice could be heard.

[... And remember folks, try not to get involved with the black market else you could be arrested for illegal peddling.]

[In other news, information reaching us states that the war with the rebels is over with our great Emperor coming out victorious!... May his reign last forever!... A parade is being organized in the capital to welcome his triumphant return. If you can make it, then come along, if not, endeavor to celebrate in your homes. Peace has once again returned!]

It was clear that the voice from the brown box with an antenna had drawn a few people over as they gathered about, listening to the news with interest and substantial awe.

Alex regarded the brown box, its likeness similar to a certain device he was familiar with back on Earth.

Those days when he and his siblings would gather in the sitting room and listen to the radio, waiting for when their favorite shows would come on.

It was a time just before colored television came up and before the 20th century began in earnest.

Reminiscing the old times for a while, Alex only snapped out of it after Ana nudged him a little bit.

"Is something wrong?"

Taking a moment to regain his composure, Alex nodded. "Don’t worry about it. Spaced out for a moment."

"Is it because of the radio?" Ana asked, referring to the brown box.

Alex glanced at her. "You know what it is?"

"Of course!... It arrived in the Empire two weeks ago though when I heard of it, it hadn’t arrived at that time. So this is technically my first time seeing one."

Feeling curious, Alex inquired further. "You said it arrived in the Empire..."

"Yeah. Most technological advances come from the Goddess of Automation in Henos. Her unique domain allows society to advance quickly." Ana said, her voice laced with a proud undertone as she shared her knowledge.

Hearing about the goddess, Alex couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take for machines like cars and the like to arrive.

Just then, he noticed the man’s gaze trained on him, inviting him over.

Taking a deep breath, Alex remarked. "Wait here."

"Mn." Ana obliged as she left Alex’s side, taking the time to explore the park.

Alex sauntered over just as the man turned off the radio, earning a few sighs from the crowd.

Then he remarked. "Don’t be down, this device is called the radio and it’s a one-of-a-kind currently only available in Dawnwall where the House of Lords resides. I was barely able to get 10 of them so come down to Art’s Gallery to get yours and live like a capital noble!"

Hearing that the radio was to be sold, the crowd quickly dispersed with the more enthusiastic ones heading home to gather up the funds to purchase one.

Shaking his head in amusement, Alex sat beside the man. "Pretty good advertisement."

"Can’t exactly pay for it so I’m stuck doing this." The man replied with a sigh.

Chuckling lightly, Alex glanced at the man. "Nice to see you again, Arthur."

The man turned to regard him for a moment before shifting his gaze to where Ana stood as she admired a pair of birds singing while perched on a tree branch.

Then he remarked. "I didn’t think the lizard would be part of your organization. You should know the Great Families won’t sit still as their pet is taken away."

"I don’t care much and in any case, things happened. She’s officially the first one who showed interest to join me." Alex calmly replied.

"Hard to see her accepting your orders without issue." Arthur continued eliciting a chuckle from Alex.

"You don’t have to worry about that, surprisingly, Ana can be quite obedient. One just needs to understand how she thinks."

"Perhaps you are right, seeing as you don’t have any problems with her. In any case, how about you tell me why you asked to see me."

Taking a deep breath, Alex commented. "You sounded like I called at the wrong time when I contacted you."

"You did..."

"Then thank you for making time. I’ll try not to take too much of it."

"Bah, enough with the formal banter," Arthur said as he gestured with his hand. "Come, tell me first. How’s she doing?"

Knowing the ’she’ Arthur was asking about, Alex replied. "She’s no longer the woman you considered her to be."

"Tell me."

"She’s no longer human, having taken on some characteristics of a vampire, effectively becoming a Dhampir."

"So it was your group that had a hand in what happened in Krobridge."

"It seems the news has spread."

"Of course. It’s easier with this." Arthur remarked as he fiddled with the radio.

"What’s been said?"

"Nothing much. Just that the Academy city of Krobridge was attacked and currently the authorities are looking into it. Of course, my sources tell me that it’s much more than that."

"How much more?"

"95% of the vampire population was wiped out."

Alex turned silent as he couldn’t help but wonder how and why that happened.

Noticing Alex’s state, Arthur inquired. "Just what the hell happened over there?"

"... It’s complicated."

"Really?... That’s all you have to tell me?"

"Hah, just know that I’m lucky to be alive today, same with Nadia."

Revealing a complicated expression, Arthur sighed. "You say she’s a Dhampir now, correct?"

"Mn. Because of what we had to do, she was able to survive with enough benefits. You don’t have to worry, Nadia is currently stronger than when she left BoneHaven."

Arthur nodded in satisfaction. "As long as she’s safe."

"So..."

"Before you ask me what you called me here for, I still have one last question."

"What is it?"

"The darkness that engulfed Ra’as on that day... is it also related to you?"

Revealing a complicated expression, Alex could only nod as he thought it was most likely Tru... Fear’s apotheosis that caused the darkness Arthur was talking about.

"Just what crazy business are you involving yourself in, boy?"

Alex sighed helplessly as he replied. "It’s worth it as long as I fulfill my goal."

"Hah, fine. Just make sure that Nadia doesn’t end up giving her life for your sake. I won’t forgive you if that happens."

"Don’t worry, she’ll be fine."

"Hmmph, from a potential son-in-law, you turned into such an adventurous man... I don’t know whether to be disappointed or proud." Arthur commented as he shook his head leaving Alex wondering how his statement related to anything that was said.

Shaking his head to get rid of the confusion, Alex remarked. "I want to know everything you know about Aragon."