"My apologies for the delay everyone!"
"Mr Uthane! pleased to see again!"
"Finally you are back..."
"Uthane.... welcome back."
"Made a new acquaintance along the way!" he announced, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Meet Umbra."
“And he is....”
“Our new client! Just you wanted Alistar!” Uthane smiles cheekily.
After i managed to recall back my senses. I was met with what looks like a meeting held by a number of relevant figures, seemingly to be the leader of this whole enigmatic and rather fugitive organization.
The room was quite extensive. Illuminated by the soft glow of torches mounted on the walls. Wooden desks with quills and lanterns. Parchment lined one side of the room, while shelves stacked with leather-bound books and scrolls occupied the other. A large fireplace crackled with warmth, casting a flickering light that danced across the stone floor.
There, at the office sat a well attractive and handsome man who seems rather, worried or tried, evident by the shadows cornering his eyes. His hair, however, must have been his magnum opus. Golden as the sun, divine as the gods. And rich as his prestige, majestic as the lion stood the most out.
Given his looks, his attire and the ridiculous long sword that rested beside him. He must be a noble one. Or a former.
But he wasn't the only one that piqued my curiosity. Rather, the other two.
One who sat beside the fireplace and kept smoking carelessly. Although from a distance he reveals himself to be nothing more than any other bystander. If it weren't for the string attached around his neck circumference, i wouldn't have bothered inspecting him.
His skin spoke volume of his state, his skin as pale as the snow, a stark contrast against the fire beside his. Each movement is deliberate, as though their body moves with a purpose beyond mortal comprehension.
His features are chiseled in mystery, giving him an otherworldly appearance that sets them apart from the living. His eyes, once bright and full of life, now hold a hollow emptiness, as though the spark of vitality within has been extinguished. Yet, there is a haunting intelligence behind that cold gaze, a hint of the mind that still lingers within the shell of his undead form.
His hair hangs in dark, unkempt tangles around their face, framing features that bear the scars of a life lived and lost. Though his expression may be stoic, hints of the anguish he must have endured in the depths of his eyes, a silent testament to the pain that courses through his undead form.
Despite his cold demeanor that seems to emanate from his very being, there is a strange allure to this man. It is as though he embodies the mysteries of the grave itself, drawing others into their orbit with an irresistible magnetism that defies explanation.
And for the lady, a demi human whose tails stood as angelic as a goddess. Wiggling excitedly as she stared back at me.
Can't say the same for Okami who was grunting with resent towards her of all.
Something said ominously about her. Not only a sense of tranquility radiated from her, but a frolic instinct spurned out, driving one's senses into danger.
The tails, moreover, gave a particular ethereal elation energy. Given how large and majestic they looked, and no less, in amount. She must be more than a regular demi-human.
(I might have an idea on what she is...)
But what's more intriguing is the garb he wore.
It was a military commander outfit. Something foreign to the people of the republic. Almost, white legion in terms.
This was evident by how unusual and rather dissimilar to the others in the room. She wore what usually consists of a typical set for a military commander official; a tailored jacket, skirt covering till her knees, a black glove, a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. The outfit was also covered by a jacket that had a unique and specific insignia denoting the officer's rank and branch of service, which i am not familiar with.
No question she must be from the white legion given her outfit. But a demi-human wearing such attire is almost outlandish since the white legion don't allow any demi-human among their high ranks except few.
But now that i mention it. Her outfit is completely black color, with a few stripes. And finally, her Insinga is anything but white legion.
(Could she be...)
“Sir Umbra?”
“....?!” Suddenly, i was interrupted by the ex-noble man calling me out.
“Is everything Alright...? Uthane said you are interested in our position. Is this true?” The ex-noble asked confusedly.
“Say something!” Uthane whispered.
“No.” i answered coldly.
“EHHHH!” Uthane let out a screeching sound. “What are you doing?!”
“But i won't do out if charity. If i am going to work with you, id rather make a.... business... a beneficial one. For both of us.”
The demi-human chuckled.
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“Something amuses you...” I asked.
“Oh no.” She denied polity. “I just find Uthane plans to impel me away with... whoever you are as a means to cut down our mutual bargaining.”
“That is false milady!” Uthane proudly smiled back.
“So much for business when its industrialism...” The undead smoker laughed off as he gazed his attention back to the fireplace.
“Better than leaving these poor souls in shackle and dead than safe, is that what you are saying Mr. Vincent...” the demi-human smirked.
“Thats enough!” The Ex-noble stood up and spoke cordially. “Ms. Amiya. I am still considering our deal. But for now, i think we should at least get over the supplies of Dragonstone your company asked for. This was your reasoning for coming all the way here.”
“Indeed....” The demi-human, Amiya nodded.
“Meanwhile, allow me to deal with the new client matter swiftly. Then we might discuss more.”
“Very well...” She said with a listless tone.
“Thank you...” The Ex-noble bowed. “Uthan, please take Ms. Amiya to the warehouse.”
“You got it boss.” Uthane proceeded to open the door. “Come on milady.”
She took her cape and covered herself as she made her out. Only to stop for a moment beside.
“You....” she asks curiously.
I looked back.
“You aren't from here, are you?”
“i am not obliged to answer that...”
“Scary!” She chuckled. “I look forward talking to you in the future Sir umbra.”
Just like that, she eventually left the office.
“Vicent... i need to tell you something...” Uthane spoke just before he left.
“It can wait...” the smoker, beside the fire said carelessly. “I got to see this...”
Uthane took a heavy sigh and eventually gave up. Leaving me and Okami, who was growing now calmer with the ex-noble and man called Vincent.
The Ex-noble named Alistar took a heavy sigh and rubbed his forhead in agony.
“Cant this ever go easy...”
“With them?” Vincent butted in. “Of course, not but you asked them.”
“I didn't invite them... they love barging in whenever they like.”
“Be thankful it's her and not Anderson...”
“Ahm ahm...” I invited myself in.
“Ah... forgive me Sir Umbra.” Alistar stood from his chair and patched his attire. “You came rather in a difficult time. But nonetheless, we are always looking for helping hands. So please, seat yourself-”
“Id rather cut to the chase.” i cut him midsentence. “What do you want?”
Alistar stood silent for a moment but eventually sat down and explained;
“In short, we need help. We don't have many helping hands to fight off the endless monster's threat that pose against our base. Except for me, Vincent and Uthane. We are the only ones considered professional fighters in the matter of speaking. Though I just i met you, i take it Uthane must have seen potential in you and hired you, yes?”
“Tricked me.... rather...”
“Ha!” Vincent let out a loud laugh. “Should have just rejected him at first glance genius...”
I was starting to grow irritated from this undead. But i held it and kept listening.
“I as way saying... we really need the helping hand if it's possible.” Alistar showed a sincere face. But his other side showed otherwise.
When i gazed into the soul's gaze, their aura radiated between dark purple and pink. Clouded by a thick mist that concealed their presence that showed colors of manipulation and mistrust.
No wonder, i indeed fell into their trap. The fact this base is well hidden, and they simply welcomed me just like that is obviously suspicious.
Unless they are indeed fools.
“Of course.... this deal will not go out of complimentary.” Alistar eyebrows narrowed. So did his aura. “You said you wanted to start a business. A benefactory one. Something fortunately, we can do.”
“Before that.... i want to confrim something.”
“Yes?”
“Am i trapped in this place or i am free to leave whenever i want?”
“I thought you already knew that answer...” Vincent spoke out.
“And yet i am asking again...” I spoke with a harsh tone. “If i am to reject your invitation. And leave this place as if I have never seen it again. Will you, or not allow me to walk freely.”
“You are stubborn one kid...”
“Thats enough!” Alistar shouted. “Vincent! We are not here to make enemies! At least we can get out of this so yap it!”
“Heh....” Vincent chuckled. “Whatever you say...”
“Sir Umbra...” Alistar spoke with a calm tone. His aura seemed to lesser down. “You are smarter than you look. So i take it you understand the relevance of your position.”
I crossed my arms and listened carefully.
“Yes... this is a secret base outside the republic eyes. And we would rather not reveal such a location to the eyes and ear of the republic. And we certainly don't just welcome anyone and trap them if they have no intention of helping us. We usually set a council between each other and then decide whether they are welcome or not.”
Alistar seemed relax more than ever as he kept talking casually;
“But i trust Uthane judgment, and I trust his intuition in many things. Regardless of what Vincent's cold demeanor is threatening you with. We don't back off of our deals that easily. Therefore, if what the current arrangement is not to your liking. We can adapt it any way possible since it has taken this far.”
“.....” i kept silent and listened.
“In addition, owing you a one. You just saved us from Lady Amiya. Giving us a window to breath for a moment.” Alistar smiled. “So, you aren't a prisoner if you say no. But care to listen at least?”
“Color me impress Lord Alistar.” i nodded in impression. “You have sweets with your words. As expected from a former noble.”
“Well, i do have experience.” He chuckled.
“But it didn't seem to work that fox earlier.”
“Thats because i am trying to alleviate away from her current goals into another. One that is must rather than a needed.”
“Who was she?” I asked curiously. “She looks from white legion but my guts tell me otherwise.”
“We are not obligated to answer that pal...” The undead butted in once again.”
“Just another stubborn client,” Alistar spoke with desertion. “Don't mind her, lets focus back.”
It's not hard to assume his words are true. But i can't say the same for the other. Whether he is honest or not, I can assure that he is suspicious of me. A commendable act and one i would be in his shoes. However, to go as far to recruit a complete stranger like me in desperate time simply is absolutely a blunder. Especially me.
I can reason these two aren't dumb like Uthane. And in fact, must be aware of what i am. At least in some aspect. Like not being human for one. So, if they want to keep me on a short leach it is rather worrisome to my end.
Not to mention i am basically trapped. And my only way out is either fighting them to death. Or break some kind of deal with them. Speaking of; he claims if their bargain won't meet, they will attempt to meet such a level. This is also a blunder.
You should never make promises. Especially when you don't have proof of evidence as an example.
But then again; Uthane did promise me knowledge about the Infinity Slayers. And this undead guy seems to know what i am. Therefore, must be knowledgeable to some extinct. And perhaps so much more.
And in a way, i am also holding them as a hostage. If by miracle i escape. I can warn the republic about the secret base and gain Favour to their card. Betray in short.
I still have cards up on the table. It topples down on how will i use it. Should i trust their words or betray them...
to be continue...