POV Astral

“We need to isolate where the demon is located and which parties are involved. Dealing with the threat head-on means we’ll lose our opportunity to isolate terrorist activity. These sorts of people are willing to work with demons, potentially orchestrating future invasions,” Dezmond said. He had lectured Astral at length on this very topic, knowing that she most likely was not going to obey his command. She saw his doubts urging the reds in his aura.

He redirected his orders to the much more pliable Headmaster. “Has the boy registered for the upcoming school year?”

“Not yet.”

Dezmond considered this. “I’ll give him a bit more time. I might be able to incentivize him.”

“Sir, with all due respect. It’s best if he stays as far away from the school as possible. Not only for himself, but for our students as well,” Vincent pleaded. “Let him have his last year!”

Dezmond remained in control, stoic. “The boy has been marked. If he remains free in the Nation, the demon may come for him. Should he return to the campus, he has the protection of our shield technology. It’s easier for the EMI to rally nearer to the borders and reduce demonic threats from the rear. An attack on the capital will cause mass panic, which is exactly what we wish to avoid.”

“But an attack on the Academy will also cause mass panic!” Vincent countered.

“The millions in the capital will remain secure in their feelings of safety. Ten-million lives saved versus a hundred thousand.”

Vincent squeezed his fists shut, fuming. “I don’t agree with this at all, but it’s obvious I don’t really have a say in this,” he said.

“It’s good that you understand your position,” Dezmond replied, all semblance of alliance and comradery dissipated.

“The boy will return to the Academy to complete his final year. If he’s suffering from cold feet, I will handle the matter personally. He will maintain his role as captain, and he will seek victory for his fourth consecutive year. You will encourage him to pursue this path, and if you must, you will clear a path for him.”

“I-“ Vincent lowered his head. “I don’t have that kind of influence over the games.”

“But you do have influence over people, and people influence the games. You’ll find a way.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. You will also encourage the boy to recruit my grand-daughter, as a favor for his rapid release and burying his involvement with that game.”

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“But he’s not-“

Dezmond narrowed his eyes, and Vincent stopped. “Yes, Sir.”

“It’s enough to have him think that he committed a crime. There’s plenty in his testimonial that I’m certain he feels guilty about. We’ll leverage that.”

Vincent couldn’t look Dezmond in the eye anymore. “Yes, Sir,” he said under his breath.

“In this situation, Astral’s role is twofold. To monitor for demonic activities within the games, and keep an eye on the boy. If the Gaming Commission doesn’t show their hand, Seth Wright will inevitably lead her to the location of the demon. Perhaps, we’ll make a sacrifice of our own.” Wide eyed, Vincent’s shameful gaze snapped to Dezmond’s hard and cruel eyes. “And then, we’ll slay the demon.”

“There is one more thing with regards to Mr. Wright,” Dezmond added, directing his attention to Astral. “I suspect that he has the uncanny talent to sense demons. More than that, I suspect he can see demons before they manifest. As a Hunter he would be an invaluable resource in our fight.”

“Becoming a Hunter should be a choice,” Astral said, knowing that hadn’t been the case in centuries. Vincent nodded, but kept his eyes lowered.

Dezmond scowled. “That’s not your decision to make. You will assess his talents, and you will report back your findings. Do I make myself clear.”

“Oh, absolutely crystal,” Astral sneered. “I will assess, and I will test. But the choice to serve is his. If this does not suit you, I’m just as content clearing the Barren Wastes, and you can have humans deal with human problems. I’ll come in and clean up what’s left.”

Dezmond’s hand twitched, fighting the urge to strike her. United front, they were not. There was nothing he could do to punish her into obedience. She had served the worst already. Dezmond was a kitten by comparison. He needed to keep her close to keep her under his control. Without her, he’d lose his weapon against the demonic hordes.

“You are not responsible for training him, or recruiting him,” Dezmond said, reasserting control over her side mission by reiterating his commands.

“Understood,” Astral replied. As valuable as Seth’s talent could be, he’d find himself as just another asset under Dezmond’s control, to be disposed of when the threat was eliminated. Sooner or later, Dezmond would discard the wrong asset, and a new terror would emerge.

He frowned at her prompt reply, suspecting that she had found a favorable angle to counter his orders. “For the duration of this next school year, you will see to Seth Wright’s continued safety. You will track his habits, and test for his talents. You will be his shadow, his constant companion. No trickery.” He shook a finger at her.

Oh, there will be trickery!

The curfew bell’s chimed, signaling the end of their heated meeting.

“We’ve covered all of the important details,” Dezmond said, and gestured down the main path to return to the dormant fountain.

Astral complied and took the lead, delighting in bursting her silencing ward. Pop! Little sparkles of fading magic burst from the spell and danced towards the ground. Natural sound filtered back to their surroundings, almost alien.

Vincent forced energy and excitement into his voice. “You’ll stay the night, obviously,” the Headmaster invited. The Councilman had members of his staff who were permitted for night travel. It was possible for Dezmond to excuse himself and leave immediately. “And if it suits you, I would love to personally escort you on your tour of the campus grounds tomorrow. At your leisure, of course.”

Astral smirked, seeing in the headmaster’s aura that he’d rather be anywhere Dezmond was not. She was impressed by how believable he performed. He must have had a lot of practice appeasing the upper-echelons of society.

Dezmond nodded. “After dinner is a good opportunity to go over the details of my grand-daughter’s enrollment. Particularly, with regards to my grand-daughter’s security detail.”

As the sun descended over the Administration building, the first seeds of a decades-long plan were planted.