Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 255: Dreams

Chapter 255: Dreams

The Eastern Highlands.

The last true bastion of the Vampire race was ruled by 8 Monarchs.

Maxius Blackwood, Gregory Christiansen, Lucas Serrano, Moldark Dashkovar, Vorigan Ravette, Lafayette Mabuse, Beatrice Magena, and Sierra Bloodrose.

Each one a powerhouse in their own right, ruling over a territory marked by their aura.

These Monarchs were currently gathered at the Central Chamber, a grand hall used to convene meetings on circumstances that involved the vampires of Ra’as.

The last time it was used was during the Night Raid when the Vampires came together to drive away the encroachment of the Hyenas, dastardly creatures they were.

There was no seat of power as each one sat before a round table, accompanied by two retainers, none greater than the other.

A few were regarded with interest, perhaps because it was their first time seated in such an authoritative position.

Silence loomed over the grand hall until an aged vampire with a crooked posture, donning a black and red cloak, same as the Monarchs, emerged from the shadows.

"May the meeting commence!" He announced in a booming voice which stood in great contrast to his otherwise frail appearance.

Maxius was the first to speak, his distinct white hair standing out in the crimson-lit chamber.

"I come bearing news, brothers, sisters... I believe it is time to come together once again before the opportunity is misplaced."

"Hmmph quit with the vague words and tell us why you called for this meeting. I was in a rather joyous state before I got your message." Moldark remarked, his muscular physique causing him to be larger than the others.

Beatrice nodded as she intoned. "I agree with Moldark’s words, Maxius. Stop beating around the bush and tell us why you called this meeting."

Maxius sighed but understanding their sentiments, began.

"A spy I left within the Empire returned to me a few days ago with incredible news, one that could very much be our ticket to bringing back the Dark Age."

"There he goes again," Gregory interjected while rolling his eyes. "Speak properly, Maxius, To.The.Point!"

"The Dark Lord is risen!" Maxius finally blurted out, slightly upset at the mundane attitude of the others.

What was the point in simply going to the point?... It was boring and without art.

Only by weaving an incredible tapestry of words would one be able to savor the beauty of the news.

Alas, they just had to rush him.

Regardless, he would have to make do with their current expressions which bordered on shock and disbelief.

"Are you certain of this, Maxius?... What proof do you have?" Vorigan finally spoke, his hoarse tone similar to two stones striking each other.

Amongst those within the chamber, he was the oldest, one that had been around during the Great Purge.

His crimson eyes carried with them a cold light that caused Maxius to tense subconsciously.

However, the next moment, he relaxed as he replied. "I am certain and the proof is the entire city of Krobridge."

"The 25th Stronghold?" Vorigan muttered as he leaned back in his chair, seemingly in deep thought.

The other Monarchs seemed to grow excited at the prospect of the Dark Lord’s emergence which signaled the coming of a new age.

"We must be sure of this before taking any drastic steps." Vorigan began after a few seconds of silence.

Lucas remarked. "I agree. How about we send our scouts to inspect the 25th?... That way we can be sure of the Dark Lord’s presence."

"I have already sent out a few scouts. Word reaching me is that the Ruling Families have stirred," said Maxius.

"Which gives further impetus to your claim. Fine then, I believe we should begin making preparations. If the Dark Lord is truly amongst the humans, we must retrieve him at all costs!" Gregory spoke, his tone filled with reverence at the thought of meeting the fabled being meant to lead their race to the promised land.

Vorigan nodded slowly. "Then let us return to our territories and prepare. Once ready, we shall return to plan our next course of action."

With all in agreement, the Chambers soon returned to silence as the Monarchs left, leaving the frail old man behind.

Seemingly pondering something, the man finally muttered. "My ancestors, it seems I will be alive long enough to finally see your dreams come to fruition."

Tears welled up in his eyes and almost like an enormous weight had been lifted off him, his crooked back turned straight and as he walked, he moved with a certain goal in mind.

***

It was an underground cavern lit up by a distinct golden light.

Several people, donning alchemical attires moved about, some taking the time to pause and glance in a certain direction before returning to their tasks, be it moving equipment or taking records.

The makings of what could be a laboratory were laid out with various wires layered about.

At a certain portion of the cavern was a balcony that seemed to be connected to a different building.

Standing on the balcony was a woman with brown hair, donning a similar alchemical attire like the rest.

"How is it going, my love?" A blonde-haired man asked as he approached the woman.

The woman, her gaze trained at what lay at the center of the hall, replied. "The experiment is about to start. If this works, it means human evolution will enter a new age."

The man followed her gaze and for a moment, grew astounded at the sight ahead.

At the hall center, a golden orb, its size equivalent to a large boulder, with an uneven surface, floated in midair with ethereal gold dust intermittently falling from its body.

It was the source of the golden light and even more so, it seemed to be much more than a light source as a few bowls were placed underneath, collecting the gold dust that fell from it.

He had seen it several times before but each time, it always felt like it was the first time.

"I can’t wait to see that day." The man remarked before shifting his gaze to the side profile of the woman. "And once this is all over, our kingdom will be the most powerful nation in Eventide and us... the most powerful couple in the world."

Though the woman didn’t share his sentiment of world domination, it could be seen that her desire for human evolution wasn’t a fluke.

She turned to regard the man for a moment, their eyes holding love in abundance for the other.

The man leaned forward and planted a kiss on her supple lips before muttering softly. "I love you."

Just as the woman was about to respond to his declaration, there was a sudden flicker in her side view, prompting her to glance toward the glowing orb.

The next moment, a golden flash erupted, and the entire hall was bathed in its light.