A strange, tense atmosphere, seemingly less dangerous but no less critical than the standoff earlier, descended upon the small tent as Nyx and Timur stood motionless with their gaze locked upon the other.
Seeing this after getting to her feet, a fresh layer of cold sweat appeared on Lilly's back as she audibly gulped and started to back away, only stopping when she hit the canvas at the edge of the tent.
Even though she had swallowed the strange pill thrown by Nyx, only after confirming that she should with subtle eye contact from Timur, the black lines on Lilly's neck and arms had retreated yet her insides still felt as if they were on fire causing her usually steadfast personality to be shaken by the scene before her.
After what felt like forever for Lilly, Nyx's hands slowly rose and started unbuttoning the tattered mantle before placing it on the desk on the opposite side of the tent
Her eyes had never left Timur as, without a shred of hesitation, Nyx started to take out the many daggers, some apparent while others were subtly hidden, from her mismatched, leather armour.
After placing each carefully, positioning them on the table to allow her easy access in case she needed to defend against either Timur or Lilly should they make any sudden movements, Nyx's movement's started to slow as she began to feel vulnerable.
Sensing this, Nyx's eyebrows subtly creased as she wondered why she would still feel this after confirming that Timur could probably kill her without much effort in the current situation.
However, even though her thoughts had momentarily strayed, Nyx's movements hadn't stopped as she started removing her gauntlets in a graceful, elegant manner before moving onto her the vambraces.
As she did so, Nyx noticed that Timur's eyebrow had lifted slightly.
Taking note of his reactions, Nyx revealed a mocking smile as she continued as her hands moved to the sides and started undoing the string ties that secured her leather chest piece. "Have I passed or are you going to wait until I am completely naked?"
Releasing an amused chuckle, Timur slowly stood up and shook his head. He couldn't deny he wasn't slightly disappointed, a small part of his inner desires wanting to see what the young woman undressing in front of him looked like without clothes, but that wasn't his real reason for putting Nyx under such pressure. "How did you know it was a test?"
Nyx's mocking smile grew, showing the hint of teeth as her cheeks slightly creased. "Everything in life is a test. The only question is what is the purposes behind them. Was it to see if I would disarm? Remove my armour, leaving me defenceless against those metal projectiles? To see if I would be a submissive target for your lust in the future..."
Nyx's expression, which would appear emotionless if it wasn't for the mocking smile, subtly cramped as the image of the fat man floated to the surface of her mind's eye.
Unknown to both her and Lilly, who was watching nervously from the side, Nyx's hands slightly shook, a feeling of disgust and rage surging from the depths of her soul before being forcefully suppressed.
Timur, who had noticed the change in Nyx, pretended to miss it as she continued. "... or simply to see where I would draw the line in our 'relationship'."
"With your appearance, let alone not being human, I keep forgetting you probably have vast experience with the darker side of the world. I just wanted to see what type of personality my newest disciple has." Timur laughed, subtly trying to assert some of his theories as he used his left hand to scratch his cheek before turning around and moving to the back of the tent.
Nyx's smile vanished the moment Timur turned, her flickering blue eyes locked onto his back, seemingly wanting to burn a hole into it.
With his massive frame, it only took two strides for Timur to reach the back of the tent where he promptly lifted a concealed flap, letting the bright sunlight flood the temporary shelter once again, causing Nyx to wince as her eyes narrowed subconsciously.
However, just as he was about to exit, Timur stopped without turning around. "Speaking of tests, did I pass your's?"
Nyx said nothing, her movements had halted when the conversation started as if waiting for Timur to leave.
Little did she know, that the pride she had placed in her ability to mask her feelings and emotions have been destroyed by the changes in her psyche and body, enabling Timur to make certain assumptions.
With a quiet sigh, Timur's shoulders slouched a bit. "I won't deny you are beautiful and captivating, in an eerie, dangerous way and words will never put a paranoid mind at ease, but I hope after getting to know me better, you will understand that you don't have to worry about that kind of thing from me."
Why Nyx didn't have to worry about him, Timur didn't expand upon, yet because of his next words, she completely forgot about this statement entirely.
After sighing again, noting that Nyx's silence was not a concession of acceptance or disagreement, Timur's back straightened, giving an imposing, almost regal vibe as the many questions he wanted to ask danced in his mind.
Was Nyx really the soul of legend? Was she, even though it was deemed impossible for a soul to inhabit the body of the opposite gender, a he in her previous incarnations? Did she really possess elemental royalty, even though he had just seen a seal-like pattern on her hand? Were her eyes, so similar to that of a guardian, due to her bloodline or was it an ability that had been misclassified? What beastial heritage did she carry?
However, he knew these were questions that could only be asked when their relationship had improved and so held his tongue.
Instead, he decided to do what he would have done for any of his Hall's disciples. "I expect a full description of the person or persons who inflicted that emotional scar. If they are not in the top three clans, our sect, or has a position that will make things difficult for the sect if they disappear, I will send out a find and detain order and let you deal with them at your leisure."
Pausing for a few moments more, thinking about the limited knowledge he had about Nyx, Timur's voice lowered considerably when he resumed speaking. "If they are unapproachable in the light, then as part of your new role, I am sure the darkness will claim them without anyone being able to identify the culprit or circumstances behind the event."
He wasn't sure if his interpretation of Nyx, mainly from the rumours and myth he had heard as well as his brief encounter, was a hundred per cent accurate, nor if his words would match her thinking but Timur also knew that it didn't matter too much. Anything he said at the moment, just like how he was breaking apart and dissecting everything she said, would be overanalysed and distrusted.
Behind him, Nyx's left eye had violently twitched when Timur had all but declared that he knew of the trauma that had taken deep root in her psyche and felt a swell of conflicting, intense emotions that momentarily caused her to lose control.
The emotions were not aimed towards Timur or the sect but the realisation that, if she played her role well, Nyx would not only gain training and resources in supporting her growth but the manpower that would make achieving her goals much more obtainable.
Just like she had done countless times in the last ten years, Nyx mentally recited her main objectives. -"Regain my soul stone, kill the man who summoned me, kill the fat man and destroy as much knowledge of the soul energy transfer as possible, hopefully alongside 'him'."
Feeling slightly more comfortable with the situation, something she hadn't even considered mainly because she didn't see how she could hide her body or soul's uniqueness, her inability to lie about who she was, as well as the reputation that preceded her, Nyx reaffirmed that her current course of action was in line with her goals.
However, with this realisation, her doubts and concerns only grew as she questioned Timur and his motivations. Her personality having warped to one that would not only look at a gift horse in the mouth but even set it on fire if it was made of wood.
Sensing Nyx's eye twitch with his spirt sense, as well as the chaoticness of the aura that she couldn't entirely suppress, Timur revealed a surprised, somewhat flabbergasted expression as the complexity of the mental image of Nyx's personality in his mind grew.
Just as he was about to step out of the tent, a cold voice that caused the hairs on the back of his arms to stand one end reached his ears.
"Nothing in life is free. State the cost." Even though Nyx's voice had become something that could also cause a gem rank five to pause and shiver, her face revealed a conflicted expression as her head slightly tilted to the side.
"While I would do the same for any under my Hall's protection, I doubt that reasoning will satisfy you," replied Timur as he watched the grass blowing in the breeze outside, for the first time putting stock in some of the rumours. "A life for a life."
Nyx's expression deadpanned slightly, yet the response was one of the few that she was more willing to accept. However, once again, Timur's next words through her mind through a loop.
"For my aid in ending a life, one that has done nothing directly to the sect, and whose actions were done to you before you were a disciple, I would like you to prolong the life of another. My aid will be limited to my morals and the sect rules, and I would expect the same from you. You are only to do what you can do and, as long as you honestly try your best, something only you can know, I will consider the deal upheld."
Nyx's eyes narrowed dangerously. She, who was confident in taking life was being asked to protect someone, something that felt fundamentally wrong due to the perceived stains on her soul. "Who?"
"You will meet when we get back to the sect. For now, its good enough to know that they can't possibly have any relation to you or your objectives."
"Right, I will go get an adapts robe and some new fighter's light armour. While they are not black or suited for stealth, officially you are not a disciple until you have had the entrance exam. While I will uphold my side of the deal until that is so, it would be easier for me if your true identity wasn't leaked before then."
"How many already know?" responded Nyx, still in the dead, emotionless tone.
"I, the other three elders present, some of the inner disciples and, of course, Lilly can probably guess now she has overheard us," replied Timur in a carefree manner before abruptly halting and turning around, his silvery-grey eyes locking onto Nyx. "Though earlier can be dismissed as necessary due to the situation, if you hurt any of the other disciples without just cause... what I see as just cause, then our deal will be void."
Nyx stared back for a while before nodding, having expected as much. "Agreed. However, you should assume that my identity has already been leaked."
"How so?" frowned Timur, slightly insulted. "Not to mention the elders are beasts and naturally aren't inclined to betraying others unless their survival is in jeopardy, the disciples of my sect are extremely trustworthy."
Nyx revealed, a warm, gentle smile yet the words she spoke next were laced with contempt. "The moment more than one person knows a secret, then it is already impossible to keep. This leaves us with two options. Eliminate the sources, or we assume that it has already been leaked."
"It's good to be careful, but there is a limit. Paranoia can do as much harm as good. I won't be long so you better hurry up if you don't want your body to be seen by me," grumbled Timur, thinking it would be more likely that Nyx's actions had revealed her if her cover had been blown, and not a member of his sect.
After complaining internally for a few seconds more, he turned and exited the tent, finally letting the flap fall and returning the inside to only the dim light that managed to pierce the heavy canvas.
Even though she knew it was useless, Nyx tried to extend her senses outside the tent to ensure that he had left. However, just like she expected, the thick material blocked her natural abilities while the bright sunlight dissolved her essence a few inches from the tent's outer wall.
Not being able to sense anything and realising that it was pointless to continue trying, Nyx couldn't help but sigh, feeling somewhat trapped and out of control but not to the extent when she was being herded outside earlier.
In a small, somewhat tired voice, Nyx whispered, talking to herself having become somewhat of a normal occurrence during her isolation, as she turned towards Lilly. "It's not paranoia if they are really out to get you."
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While it was a casual gaze, at least coming from Nyx, Lilly still couldn't help but try to back up, only to find she was already out of space, as an instinctual fear, like one would get from great heights or brightly coloured snakes, took hold of her.
Seeing this, Nyx's mind became somewhat calm as the flickering in her eyes intensified, and a slightly eerie smile appeared on her lips as she continued to stare at the scared middle-aged woman.
However, within moments Nyx could sense Lilly circulating her essence, causing a thin, dull brown film to appear atop of her skin as she visibly calmed down.
After taking a few deep breaths, her back straightened as resolve flashed in her brown eyes as Lilly stepped forward. "Please undress to your undergarments, and I will complete the examination promptly. I am only looking for curses, bindings and contracts and I will not reveal any information I learn that is not related to those subjects."
Maintaining eye contact until she was sure Lilly was about to turn and flee, Nyx turned back to the table and continued to undress. While it looked like carelessness, her senses had locked onto every minute movement of Lilly.
However, having taken off the most accessible pieces earlier, it took a fair amount of effort to take off the remaining portions of mismatched armour, especially as Nyx was doing it without aid. What seemed to make it worse, though Nyx felt like she didn't really care, was that she was being watched.
After a few minutes, including a brief struggle that would have ended up with Nyx crashing to the floor while removing the tight, leather trousers that seemed to be one size too small, she managed to remove everything bar her chest wrapping and small, worn-looking boxers that she had 'acquired' during one of her raids.
A few small, black smoke-like vines crisscrossed Nyx's pure, snow-white skin as she turned back to Lilly, the muscles tensing and relaxing visibly as they rippled beneath the surface with every slight movement. "Hurry up."
Lilly had been in somewhat of a daze, wondering if Nyx's body was enchanting or, due to the too perfect, almost alien strangeness, offputting, but Nyx's words brought her back to reality, and she quickly stepped forward.
"I am afraid I will have to touch you, is that OK?" asked Lilly as she finally reached Nyx. While her steps were confident and without hesitation, her voice held a trace of anxiousness.
"Go slow and don't make any sudden movements or actions. You have already escaped death once today, there won't be a second time." Unlike how she treated Timur who had the strength to kill her if she wasn't careful, while still extremely cautious, Nyx didn't place Lilly, with a two-layer core, as much of a threat.
That being said, even if it was to invalidate the newly formed deal, Nyx was prepared to kill Lilly at a moment's notice if there was the slightest hint of danger, principally as she was so close.
A small brown ball of essence appeared at the tip of Lilly's finger, and she slowly started to trace it across Nyx's smooth, silky skin as she searched for any signs that might indicate that her body was a danger to the sect.
Even though she had been warned beforehand that Nyx might be a single essence cultivator, Lilly's hands paused momentarily as she confirmed the fact, surprised at how many layers she sensed and finally started to understand why her Hall master was going to these lengths to secure an amicable deal. What also surprised her, even more so, was that there were only enough traces of the other elements for Nyx to maintain a humanoid, mortal-like body.
Swallowing loudly, not able to explain the mysteries of Nyx's body with her limited knowledge, Lilly quickly resumed her examination.
While Nyx noticed the pause, she didn't pay it too much mind as she had somewhat expected the reaction. However, even though she seemed unperturbed by the skin on skin touch, something Nyx had not experienced in a long time, she felt weird as a strange, tight feeling starting to emerge from the depths of her stomach as she carefully observed Lilly examining her body.
Nyx had already examined her body extensively, having little to do between her self imposed missions and everyday survival. After confirming that her preferences hadn't changed, as well as the sensitivity of a female body, Nyx had often debated whether she should disguise herself and enter a town to look for companionship.
However, no sooner had the thought had appeared her mind, Nyx would immediately kill it. However this didn't stop the urges and due to the frustration that seemed to grow with time, especially after stalking over affectionate adventurers or coming across those who had absconded for a forbidden rendezvous, was forced to relieve herself alone in the depths of the forest.
Yet, even though she felt that her resolve had somewhat faltered since her reincarnation, having sworn off all relations with others, both physical and emotional, Nyx was shocked to discover that her resistance had diminished to such an extent.
A small smile appeared on Nyx's lips as she internally mocked herself. -"If the old me could see me now, he would be spinning in his grave and cursing me into the next cycle. This was one of the first weaknesses he got rid of."
It wasn't long, maybe two minutes, before a sheen of sweat appeared on Lilly's forehead, her essence being attacked continuously and dissolved by Nyx's. Feeling like she was reaching her limit, she looked up into Nyx's eyes. "Please, can you..."
Lilly's words stopped as she saw the smile, which appeared utterly genuine, if a little predatory, on Nyx's face.
"What?" The smile vanished instantly, replaced with a slight frown as Nyx realised she had become somewhat distracted by the light, seemingly gentle caresses of the woman.
"Can you restrict your essence a little bit? I can't complete the examination."
Nyx shrugged, feeling a little playful with the nervous woman, the weird feeling in her stomach growing as her lower region started to feel warm.
Slightly leaning in, so their faces were closer, Nyx watched Lilly's reaction turn from nervousness to fearful and couldn't help but chuckle, restraining herself from flicking the woman's nose with her tongue. -"Well, I guess my tastes have somewhat changed. The first me was pretty submissive and restrained."
"It's OK, I am almost done." Believing that Nyx was becoming impatient, Nyx's facial reactions not being something she could easily discern, Lilly quickly shook her head and started pushing the circulation of her essence to its limit.
However, the fearful and timid response only served to further ignite Nyx's desires in a predatory way.
With her enhanced senses, Nyx's could hear Lilly's rapidly beating heart and smell her sweat and, the only way Nyx could describe it, nervousness causing her to feel even more excited and, against everything she had learnt and experienced, she started to forget where she was.
The strange feeling in Nyx's stomach continued to grow as she resisted the urge to release a small, feral growl. Her instincts screamed at her to fight or mate, though she knew she couldn't really mate with another female.
The strange combination shocked Nyx's already fragile mind, a small portion of her mind screaming that something wasn't quite right.
However, just as Nyx's reason was battling with her instinct, seemingly on the losing side, Lilly stood up and backed away. "Done."
Releasing a deep breath, the muscles that had been unconsciously tensing, noticed by Lilly who had increased her speed believing she was about to be attacked, relaxed as Nyx's rationally won and a deep frown appeared on her forehead.
As Lilly's presence and smell retreated, Nyx found it easier to think clearly. The strange sensation in her stomach was still there, making her feel frustrated and somewhat irritable, but it wasn't as pressing as it had been moments earlier. -"What was that?"
Without waiting to be told, Nyx quickly pulled on the mismatched leather armour in a practised, if somewhat rushed manner.
As Nyx was dressing, even though her Hall master had said that he was going to get new equipment, Lilly remained silent as she wondered why her skill had not worked as it normally did.
Usually it would cause people to feel friendly and more comfortable with her, which is why she was put in charge of examining the new recruits, but as she got more nervous and increased the power she was injecting into it, instead of feeling safer, she felt as if she was standing at Death's door and could only wait to be pushed in.
What was even stranger was that as Nyx was meant to be a beast, her ability should have had a more significant effect.
Ignoring the slightly confused expression on Lilly's face, Nyx quickly finished equipping her armour, the multiple knives rapidly disappeared in a somewhat elegant manner, some spinning in her hands before being placed in their predefined places.
After hopping up and down a few times, twisting her body to make sure everything was secure and wouldn't make unnecessary noise, Nyx's head shot up as the hidden flap at the back of the tent opened.
Timur walked in, only frowning slightly at Nyx for a second, with two bundles. One was standardised leather armour while the other appeared to be two sets of grey robes.
Nyx backed away as he approached the table and placed them down before returning to his seat. "OK runt, let-"
"Runt?" interrupted Nyx, though there wasn't any of the hostility of coldness that her voice previously contained. In fact, Timur could almost see a trace of redness in her cheeks and noted that her breathing wasn't as calm or steady as it had been earlier.
"Do you want me to use your real name?" chuckled Timur as he once again crossed his legs and leaned back, making a mental note of Nyx's flustered state. "While your identity will almost certainly get out in future, isn't it best to be discrete and misleading? Besides, you are pretty small for a twenty-eight-year-old."
Timur's eyes scanned Nyx's, looking for any sort of reaction to indicate that his guess was right as, if he believed the rumours, that was her age, but at the same time, all of his senses were telling him she was no more than eighteen. "And with that petite and frail looking body, as well as being a beast, it seems pretty appropriate. Most will just assume you were the runt of a litter. If you don't like it, I can come up with another."
Seeing Nyx's emotionless face, yet burning gaze, he chuckled.
"Another test?" replied Nyx, the coldness once again seeping into her voice.
"Why are you acting surprised? I thought you said everything was a test?" replied Timur, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Nothing is ever easy," muttered Nyx as she nodded her head once before reaching for one of the two bundles.
"You're telling me. I had enough trouble with keeping the other three in line, but I have the gut feeling you are going to make them look like newly hatched chicks," agreed Timur, his mood increasing significantly for a reason only known to himself.
After scanning the items with her essence and finding nothing strange, Nyx put on one of the grey robes, finding it big enough to conceal that she was wearing armour underneath. At least to the untrained eye.
Smoothing out the cloth, resisting the urge to smile due to the quality and the fact that no light penetrated the robe, creating a small buffer between her body and the fabric where she could control her essence easily, Nyx's gaze returned to Timur.
Seeing Nyx wasn't going to put on the leather armour, at least in front of him, Timur pinched a small bit of mental from one of the balls, making it look as soft as dough before his silvery-brown essence covered the tiny blob.
The metal seemed to melt before taking the shape of a small, shield-like mask overlayed with a large, chipped axe. Finally, two tiny, curved pins, enabling the broach to be safely secured to clothing formed.
Taking a moment to look over the metal object, checking for any defects, Timur locked eyes with Nyx, their ability to momentarily enchant him having waned as he got used to their unique appearance.
Chuckling, he threw the badge over.
Catching it at the last moment, having analysed it as much as she could with her spirit sense, Nyx studied the brooch more intensely before looking back to Timur with a somewhat perplexed look.
"The mask is the sign of my Hall of Iron. The axe represents the class given to you. The fact it's made from metal personally refined my me, containing a trace of my spiritual essence, defines you as my disciple," explained Timur with a wave of the hand, purposefully not calling himself her master. "If you want to make friends or comrades, you might want to only wear it when your identity is concealed, but as we discussed earlier, that choice is yours."
After thinking for a few moments, Nyx shrugged as she placed the badge on the right side of her robe, before putting her blindfold back on and raising the hood of her new robe to cover her hair.
Nyx's voice turned almost playful, yet there was a definite tone of warning hidden beneath its surface. "You forgot to mention that you can track me with it."
"I thought that much was obvious," chuckled Timur, not paying it any mind as anyone who knew anything about cultivation or essence would know this. "Also, if you get into trouble and need aid, break it. If I am in the area, I will know immediately. If not, I will know as soon as the essence has returned and come as soon as I can."
Nyx nodded, deciding that having the old man believe he could track her movements, at least until he realised his folly, would give her the advantage, before picking up the bundled armour and remaining robe. Tucking the items under her arms, Nyx turned and started moving towards the tent's entrance.
"Going somewhere?" asked Timur, though it was clear he was just asking and not going to stop her.
"I have some things to collect," responded Nyx, her attitude strikingly similar to how Timur had behaved earlier causing the corners of his lips to lift, believing that this was Nyx's way of reaffirming that they were master and disciple in name only.
-"I really can't get a good grasp of her personality. One minute she seems old and wise, the next, childish and immature."
However, the premature smile froze for a moment. "You have already had the 'pleasure' of meeting Dimi. While I can control her somewhat in normal circumstances, you have undoubtedly attracted her attention which might make things a little troublesome for you. It's unlikely she will be able to resist 'playing' some more."
Nyx's steps slowed for a moment as a cold smile appeared on her lips. "Any rules?"
"What's the point? It's not like you two will listen to me no matter what I say. Just try not to go overboard." With that Timur stood up and beckoned Lilly to follow him as he moved to the opposite end of the tent. "We are leaving at midday tomorrow. If you don't want to find your own way and walk, make sure you are back by then."
"Why should I drive when I can sit at the back of the bus," responded Nyx as she exited the tent after kicking the walking stick she had discarded when grabbing Lilly into the air and catching it effortlessly.
Seeing Nyx leave, not understanding her statement in the slightest, Timur quickly handed Lilly some pills and checked her pulse. After noting that the poison was already neutralised and her complexion had only got worse due to overtaxing her internal energy and stress, his shoulder slumped as he relaxed.
"Master, was Runt really the only nickname that you could come up with?" asked Lilly, feeling extremely exhausted now the situation had ended. "Any my ability didn't seem to work at all, even though you said it would be more profound on a beast."
"Not really. I initially thought of a couple based on the beautiful, yet deadly, flowers that bloom only at night but decided against it," responded Timur, revealing a slightly twisted smile. "And I wouldn't say your ability didn't work. It's just that you might want to avoid using it on her in future. High-rank beasts tend to be a little... aggressive when their sexual desires are prompted artificially. If they don't try to jump you, then they will try and fight you."
"Sexual desires?" winced Lilly, finally placing the weird smile she had seen on Nyx's face and feeling somewhat lucky that the eight core girl, at least compared to her own age, hadn't acted upon any impulses her skill might have triggered.
"Why didn't you pick one of the other nicknames?" asked Lilly trying to change the subject in a casual, extremely natural manner, showing that her Hall master was someone who could be spoken to easily.
"Because anything that was endearing, cute or meaningful would have been rejected without debate. As Runt sounds like an insult and slightly irritates her, it is acceptable as she probably feels she won't feel connected by it."
"Really?" responded Lilly with a somewhat disbelieving expression, the one a woman gives a man when he makes a comment about something he probably has no idea on.
"Everything in life has a price." chuckled Timur, liking Nyx's phrase, as the pair walked out of the tent and moved the conversation away from Nyx's new nickname. "If everything has a price, then everything can be bought. I wonder just how expensive my new disciple is going to be."
"Your wife isn't going to be happy Hall master," muttered Lilly as they walked, the crowd and other disciples manning the desks and perimeter acting as if the pair wasn't there.
"Pfft," chuckled Timur. "She let me take you as a personal disciple, what's the difference between having one female disciple or two? Anywho, It's not like I will do anything with you two, is it? And you have a partner and that girl is interested in women. There is no problem on any side as I see it."
Lilly just shook her head, wondering how bad the fall out would be between the pair this time.