Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 270: We shall meet again

Chapter 270: We shall meet again

The border city of BlackWatch was busier than ever as Enforcers trudged in from all over the Empire to answer the call of the Defense Headquarters.

Factories and smithies within could be seen working overtime in preparation for a protracted battle with the Eastern Highlands.

The guards standing over the high walls were on high alert with golem warriors on standby.

The tension in the atmosphere was palpable with several taking the time to spend time with their loved ones in fear that when the war began, they might end up devoured by it.

At the center of the city, the Octagon, which served as the main building for the Defense Headquarters was currently occupied by members of the Great families with their aides accompanying them.

Charles Eland, Ethan Ainsworth, Noah Silverthorn, Henry Blackwood, Godric Rayden, Arthur Graham and Maximilian Lynn.

Apart from the illustrious Lionel Winchester who was still on his way, Ana whose whereabouts were still unknown, the Battle God who was most likely not going to show up and a few others who were still finishing preparations in their respective outposts, the top brass of the Department of Defense were all gathered.

Each one a Saint in the Warrior Wheel, they served both as leaders of their respective houses and generals over the legions of Enforcers gathered within BlackWatch.

The air within the hall was heavy as silence reigned for a moment before Charles spoke, his booming voice echoing within the silent hall.

"Explain to us, Ethan, how you were unable to keep your foolish son under control and instead allowed him to do something so foolish!"

Ethan gritted his teeth as he shot back. "Just shut your mouth!"

"I would if you didn’t raise such an idiotic son!"

"Enough!" Arthur had to speak up at this point, preventing the situation from devolving further.

Letting out a tired sigh, Godric commented from the side. "Look at the two of you bicker like children while the peace our ancestors forged with blood and sweat breaks down. Aren’t you ashamed?"

"Shut your mouth and stop acting like you are any better." Ethan spat coldly causing Godric to let out yet another sigh.

At this point, Veronica, the only person within the hall not affiliated with any of the Great Families yet representing all of them, stepped forward.

She was the first homunculus and served as the leader of the Valkyries, a unit of Homunculi sworn to protect the Empire from all supernatural threats.

"Gentlemen, I believe it’s time we take a step back to evaluate the situation." She began calmly.

Due to her unique position, she was able to stand on equal footing with the family heads.

The hall fell into silence as they turned their attention to her.

"Ms. Ana is currently missing, Sir Lionel has admitted to being with her when she disappeared and is trying his best to find her. Finally, we have to consider the possible repercussions for Ethan’s son’s attempt at a reconnaissance mission. According to my calculations, retaliation is not out of the books."

"Any information on the current whereabouts of the Dark Lord?... If we wish to prevent this war, the Dark Lord must die." Henry remarked, drawing approving nods from others.

Unfortunately, not all were accepting of his suggestion.

Ethan snorted. "Do you think such a move would cause the vampires to stay put?... The Dark Lord is their prophesied savior. How could they allow him to die so easily?... And even if he does, wouldn’t that mean they no longer need to go back? Expect a war with no winners in such a scenario."

Though pessimistic, Ethan’s words held truth to them that could not be easily disposed of.

Henry was about to explain his stance when the alarm system installed within the city went off.

Immediately, the heads grabbed their weapons and prepared to move when Veronica intoned loudly.

"Relax gentlemen. The situation is not bad, instead, I believe it is some good news in our increasingly dire circumstances."

"What are you..."

Then they sensed it causing them to pause, a dragon pressure unlike what they were used to fell upon the hall causing them to turn their attention toward the entrance.

Moments later, the doors were flung open, Ana strolling in, donning a red gown with her fiery red hair left to fall, reaching her waist.

"Ana," Maximilian muttered, his formerly uptight posture relaxing as a warm smile appeared on his lips.

Charles however wasn’t so welcoming as he scolded almost immediately. "Where the hell have you been?... Do you know how much trouble you’ve caused?"

Surprisingly enough, Ana remained silent which caused those present to notice that something was wrong.

Under normal conditions, Ana would have shot back with a response of her own.

She wasn’t one to remain silent, especially when it was Charles.

Hardly had they begun to contemplate her strange state when her lips parted.

"I saved Dean and his aide. Unfortunately, the men he left with are all dead. Considering the number of vampires killed, I believe it is an equal trade to avoid the Vampire Monarchs calling for repayment in blood."

"... That is quite thoughtful of you, Lady Ana," Veronica remarked, her gaze scrutinizing Ana as she searched for possible causes of Ana’s unusual composure.

"I am not here to receive your praise, nor am I here to banter words with any of you. I was sent by my master to inform you all of the true nature of the events that led to the phenomenon now known as the second coming of the Dark Ages."

"This..."

Not allowing any to respond, Ana began her tale, exactly as Alex had told it to her.

With each revelation, the expressions of the family heads shifted and distorted as they realized the situation wasn’t as they thought it to be.

"So it wasn’t the Dark Lord that caused the second coming?" Arthur inquired.

Ana nodded. "The Devil of Fear, Truzrazeth, wished to exert vengeance against his sisters by wiping out the human race, after all, as we know, Devils utilize the negative emotions of humanity to achieve functional immortality."

"This... This is unbelievable." Ethan muttered, completely ignoring his frustrations.

Giving the group a few seconds to come to terms with her words, Ana soon continued. "My master is well aware of the fact the second coming might be attributed to him which is why he sent me to clear up any misunderstandings you might have. Now that all is clear, I would like to make an announcement."

"Ana, you make mention of a master," Godric spoke up at this juncture. "What do you mean by this master and also, what is the strange aura I detect around you?"

"... It is related to the announcement I would like to make."

"What is it?" Charles pressed.

Ana took a deep breath before she began. "I am leaving."

"What!" The hall was instantly engulfed in a resounding silence as the family heads realized the severity of the situation.

Ignoring their reactions, Ana continued. "Do not worry, I don’t plan on ever causing chaos to the empire. But I will be leaving with my master and so I have come to thank you and your predecessors all for taking care of me."

"Ana, what are you talking about?... Who is your master?"

"The Dark Lord."

"..."

Before any more words could be exchanged, Noah made his move.

He instantly closed the distance and utilized a chain he manifested to restrain Ana.

Alas, Ana was already prepared for this as she immediately unleashed the entirety of her Authority as a repellent.

Noah took a step back, his eyes widened as he remarked. "You have regained your full power."

"Yes."

Before Noah could make up for his mistake of underestimating Ana, she leaped back and rushed out of the hall before disappearing in a flash of black and white, leaving the following words behind.

"We shall meet again."