Silence enveloped everything, the town appeared deserted. It was peculiar how the scenery unfolded before him, yet his mind remained blank, devoid of thought. In the next instant, the doors and windows of every house swung open, moving without a sound. But this tranquility was short-lived as the silent town caught glimpse of a child's laughter.
It felt unusual, unsettling. The hair on Yan's hands stood on end, and though he turned his head, the town was all he could see, the laughter all he could hear. He paused, realization dawning, and smiled.
"You've managed to enter my mind? It seems I'm not yet ready to depart from my body," Yan uttered, even though he couldn't hear himself. "Ahh, baby steps, slow and steady."
It was common knowledge that an illusion was most potent when the victim was unaware; a nightmare, the strongest when the victim was powerless. But most of the time, when the victim reclaimed control over their mind, they became the ruler. A golden cross materialized in the heart of the town, and everything stopped, including the laughter. Under Yan's mental command, the cross emitted a bright light, dispelling the illusion.
He awoke. Yet darkness was all he could see. Moving his hands, he felt the carpet on which he had been meditating. He touched his nose and blindfold, confirming the reality. Now he could hear his breathing, think, and feel his body. Stimulating his SE, a shiver was sent down his spine, and a blue aura surrounded him, bringing a sense of comfort.
Focusing for a moment, a rune taken from a mental image materialized below him, a warm light rose from its outer circle, creating a defensive wall. Yan's condition got back to normal, his body relaxed. Everything was in order, so he returned to meditate.
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Location: State of Uttarakhand - Indian Himalayas, Garhwal Region - Nanda Devi Mountain
Named after the goddess Nanda, a revered figure in the region, the second tallest mountain in India held significant religious importance for the locals. Under the protection of the Uttarakhand state, the mountain stood at an elevation of 7,816 meters, its peak off-limits to the common folk.
Home to a diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species, the inner sanctuary at the peak of the mountain offered a pristine natural environment largely untouched by human activity. The only people remaining secluded in the inner sanctuary for the whole year were part of a solitary tribe that had lived there for generations.
However, because of the energy of the place, as well as the medical skills and remedies concocted by the locals, the International Exorcists Bureau (IEB) sent wounded exorcists here for treatment. Now, a small part of the inner sanctuary of Nanda Devi served as a medical facility capable of hosting up to a hundred people.
Under the night's cover, illuminated by torches of crystal fire meant to keep evil spirits at bay, an old lady led four individuals on a mountain path. Dressed in expensive suits, with glossy leather shoes on their feet, the four men walked behind their guide without uttering a word. One of them, seemingly a Nigerian - at least that's who the body belonged to, kept his nose and mouth covered with a kerchief, a protective measure taken against the bluish smoke of the torch.
Walking for a little more than ten minutes, a modern hut became visible at the end of the path. Only the candlelight exiting through the window served as proof that someone lived there, but the Nigerian man became excited. Stopping in front of the wooden door, the old lady prepared to knock. An unnecessary action, as the door opened wide on its own. The woman and the Nigerian walked inside while the rest of the people remained outside, the hut not having enough room to accommodate them all.
"They came to take you," said the old lady to the young man meditating on the carpet.
Yan lifted his head, eyes covered by a black blindfold.
"Is it time?" he asked.
"It is, Master," the Nigerian replied.
Yan waited patiently for the old lady to remove his blindfold before slowly opening his eyes. His blurred vision lasted for a few seconds, moments in which everyone remained silent.
"How do you feel, Master?" asked the Nigerian.
"I think I'm good," Yan replied, getting to his feet.
"You think?" the old lady asked before her eyes glowed with a yellow light and she examined his condition.
Yan blinked rapidly before smiling. "Am I good enough?" he asked.
The old lady flicked her hand, and a needle flew out of her sleeve, aiming at the Yan's chest. Yet, it never reached him as it was immediately caught between his fingers. The old lady smiled before extending her hand to receive her weapon back.
"You're good to go," she said, leaving the hut.
"Master, congratulations on your recovery," the Nigerian man said with a bow.
"Thank you, Silver. Good to see you again," Yan replied before exchanging a hug with his seneschal. "How are things? Was my registration confirmed?"
"Yes, Master. There were a few problems, but we took care of them. You are expected to start at Qínghuá Shùshù Yuàn (Academy of Azure Mystical Arts) on Monday."
"Excellent! But what is the nature of those problems that interfered with my application?" Yan asked, wanting to confirm his suspicions.
"It is as you expected, Master. The main family pulled some strings," Silver responded.
"I understand."
"Mr. Rain, forgive us for rushing you, but the plane takes off from Delhi in about eight hours. We have to hurry," said one of the men waiting outside.
"Yes, yes, my mistake," Yan said before exiting the hut.
"Congratulations on your recovery, Mr. Rain."
"Congratulations."
"Congratulations," echoed the people outside.
"Thank you for your kind words," Yan replied. "Also, thank you for taking care of me, Master Aishwarya." He bent down and touched the old lady's feet in respect.
The old lady smiled and tilted her head from side to side in acknowledgment.
"Namaste," she said, joining her hands.
"Namaste," Yan replied, mimicking the gesture.
After exchanging pleasantries, the old lady proceeded to lead the way back. Falling in line, Yan gazed at the quiet world below him. Life seemed peaceful at the peak of the mountain.
The few guards on duty roamed the pathways with their crystal fire torches. The place inhabited by humans was surrounded by more than one barrier. However, no barrier was impenetrable, and when dealing with things that no one seemed capable of fully understanding, caution was the key to survive.
Silver, who walked at the back of the group, kept his nose and mouth covered. His attention was directed at the back of his Master, but his sharp senses were always active. He took notice of everything happening in the ten to fifteen-foot area around him—the wind gently moving the plants on each side of the path, the quiet conversation between the two patrolling guards passing near, the different spirits dancing in the air without a care in the world, and even those not-so-beautiful ones clinging to his body.
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He was accustomed to them; he was once just like them. They were too powerful to be harmed by the crystal fire, but that didn't mean they were comfortable with it. That's why they became irritated enough to manifest closer to the physical world. That's why he could feel their disgusting presence.
There were people and methods strong enough to help Silver get rid of his unwanted friends, but most certainly he would be forced to leave the body or die together with them, as he wasn't yet at the level where he could withstand positive energy that potent. And besides, if they were gone at this time, his power would drop significantly.
Elder Aishwarya, walking at the front of the group, started to repeat a mantra to calm her thoughts. She was at a level where her mind's eye could clearly see what entities clung to Silver. And her senses were trained enough to allow her to feel too much. The difference in the vibrational level between Elder Aishwarya and Silver and his companions was large enough to make both parties struggle to endure each other. However, no one dared to attack. After all, a fight of that magnitude wouldn't benefit either one of them, and even though Silver's friends were enemies, he himself was an ally.
"I hope you manage to control your urge," Elder Aishwarya murmured to herself as they arrived at the central facility.
The staff at the helicopter were still unloading small boxes of various shapes and colors.
"Supplies?" Yan asked.
"Plants," Elder Aishwarya corrected.
"Are you planning to expand the medicinal garden?"
"I don't plan to do anything, but we need medicine to treat people like you. The stronger the effect of the medicine, the harder it is to procure. Your higher-ups better send quality medicine, because we're not gonna ruin the sacred land by plucking every last plant here."
"Mr. Rain, let's go up. You still need to be updated on what has happened in the past months," said one of the people escorting him.
"Yes," Yan answered. "Elder Aishwarya, thank you once again for your effort."
"You go, son. Let Nanda protect you; I don't want to see you again on my table." Elder Aishwarya used her thumb to take some dust from her sole and applied it to Rain's forehead to bless him and protect him from evil eyes.
Yan touched her feet in return, then proceeded to walk to the helicopter. He was about to enter when a muffled hum came from the sky. Following the sound, he saw an aircraft emitting a blue light traveling at high speed through the night sky. Most probably, a Blizzard 11 from the private class, as only the Blizzard model was a passenger aircraft capable of reaching hypersonic speed (Mach 5 and above).
Powered by a hydrogen reactor on both of its wings, the Blizzard 11 wasn't equipped with heavy weaponry and was used mainly by top exorcists for scouting and rapid travel in the wild. But of course, while having one of these toys, in their free time, the exorcists used them for mundane travels instead of private jets.
"When will I be able to have one?" Yan asked himself before entering the helicopter. "Silver, do you know what happened to my belongings?"
"Mr. Rain, everything is kept here," said one of the men, pulling a metallic chest to the center.
After opening the chest, Yan nodded his head, pleased to see all his equipment inside, from the twin pistols to his phone and ring. Everything was there. It was no secret that among exorcists, some liked to steal good stuff from others.
"Much appreciated," Yan said, caressing his most-used weapons.
[ Acknowledged: Astral Seraphim ]
Description: The Astral Seraphim is a pair of elegant, high-tech pistols designed for advanced spiritual bullets.
Key Features:
* Design: Black, sleek, lightweight, and ergonomic with celestial motifs, adopting the simple design of the Desert Eagle.
* Barrels: Double, hexagonal barrels for shooting and absorbing spells.
* Mag: filled with enough SE to produce 24 bullets, capable of storing SE from immaterial spells.
* Interface: Integrated with 3 buttons for precise control and rapid spell selection.
* Aesthetic: Purple glowing runes and ethereal light accents, giving them a mystical and otherworldly appearance.
Yan checked his phone. Of course, it was dead after being unused for almost half a year. He put the fiery ring back on his finger, as it was his lucky charm received from his deceased grandmother. Then, taking the silver pendant in the form of a coin—a symbol of the rank and duty of an exorcist—he traced its contour with a finger.
At the center of the pendant stood a stylized cross with entwined vines, representing life and power, while on the outer ring was an intricate runic pattern that united on the back, forming a protective talisman. Rain inserted his will into the pendant, and after reading his mana signature, the pendant displayed the informational hologram of its user.
Name: Yan Rain
Age: 20
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 74 kg
Exo Class: Venerer
Exo Rank: C
Main Weapon: Twin Pistols
Specialty: Attack
IEB Description:
CCS (Close Combat Specialist), high adaptation in the field, can carry an assistance role, runic knowledge, suitable for teamwork.
Exorcist's Current Parameters:
* SE: Positive/100%
* SF: 97%
* END: 99%
* MP: 100%
SE: Spirit Energy
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* SE: /ˈɛs iː/ Pronounced as the individual letters "S" and "E."
This pronunciation reflects the common way to say these abbreviations in English.
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SF: Soul Force (Life Force present in the body. Calculated from purity, will, quality, quantity, concentration. Can be increased or lost.)
END: Endurance
MP: Mental Power
After checking his vital parameters and finding everything in optimal condition, Yan placed the pendant in his pocket.
"Everyone, take your seats," the pilot's voice sounded over the intercom. Following his command, everyone moved to their places and fastened their seat belts. Yan sat next to his seneschal, Silver, while the other three men escorting him sat opposite, giving the two time to chat freely.
"How are things at home?" Yan asked.
"Everyone's good and healthy. Your mother still has moments when she cries, but other than that, everything is good," Silver responded. "Oh, and your brother is preparing for the Blood Cleansing ritual."
"Right, he's fifteen already," Yan said more to himself.
Time passed much faster than he expected. It felt like yesterday when they still fought with each other.
"Here, you should familiarize yourself with what has happened in the world," Silver said, handing Yan an iPad. "In America, Iowa was abandoned for the moment, the defensive line being moved to Nebraska and Kansas. They're waiting for James Miller to recover before going on the offensive again. On the other side, the Great Asian Alliance managed to clean the southern part of Mongolia and are waiting for the Russian troops to reach the northern border. They estimate that the Nexus will be closed by the end of the month. IEB has decided to send reinforcements if the situation requires it, but up until now, no help request has been made. They have also discovered the weakness of the Mountain Apes."
"A change needs to be made in the American government. They have power, but everyone pulls in different directions, and no decisive action can be taken," Yan said, reading the reports. "The Asians, on the other hand, move pretty fast, even though Mongolia was under the threat of becoming another wild region. What have they used? Lasers, ultrasound cannons?"
"Both. Plus, they mobilized 2 million Exorcists, B and above," Silver explained.
"They sure are rich in manpower. I hope they don't get too cocky," Yan said while navigating through the uninteresting reports. "Oh? What exactly happened in Russia?"
"The northwest part of Russia up to Kargopol' was officially declared wild territory."
"That's not good. But then again, the Grade 1 Nexus there is one of the most troublesome ever. Have the Russians said anything about their exploration team?"
"Nothing has been announced."
"...then they're probably dead," Yan said sadly.