24. The Black Dragon's Pride

Scott smirked as Brandon’s mask of indifference briefly waned at the Spectra's words. His brother never liked being spoken to without reverence.

But Scott smiled at his brother’s reaction. It wasn’t too often that he’s a witness to someone crushing Brandon’s ego and self-esteem. It was oddly cathartic.

“Did the Director send you here?” Brandon said, before expanding some of his aura, allowing a massive pressure descend on the room. And clearly, it wasn’t just a pressure for the three Framers, even to Elder Dick, because they looked like their energies have been drained–– except maybe for General Marius, despite not being an Awakened.

But surprisingly, even Avernus looked undeterred. He only stood still like a statue, not revealing if he was affected by Brandon’s pressure release or not, much to his brother’s chagrin.

“Mr. Secretary. On behalf of SPECTRA, we request that you please withdraw the following persons from Noah Academy,” said Avernus before taking out a slip of paper from his suit jacket’s pocket. “Aoife Manners and Fia Manners.”

Elder Dick, while healing Elder Willie, yelled at Avernus. “WHAT?! How dare you tell us what to do!”

But Avernus ignored him as he addressed Brandon again. “The presences of the aforementioned individuals is cause for complication. I trust you understand, Mr. Secretary.”

Scott raised an eyebrow. Complication?

And what was odd too was that even his brother could only grit his teeth before the Spectra’s words. He offered no rebuttal at all. Is the UDD and SPECTRA working together? Don’t they hate each other? Scott thought.

“Speak plain. What are you trying to say? Why are you here?” Brandon said with tone so impatient.

Avernus stared at Brandon for quite some time before replying. “As I said, we request that you please withdraw Fia Manners and Aoife Manners from Noah Academy. Their presence is cause for complication.”

“This is not the place or time. Bring me this request later in the future. We are currently dealing with another matter here,” Brandon said almost with a growl as he spoke still through gritted teeth.

But clearly, his intimidation wasn’t working, as Avernus just calmly replied.

“And this matter you’re dealing with is connected to the nature of our request. Fia Manners was obviously captured to get to you, Mr. Secretary. For reasons unknown. But no matter what the cause may be, you would still surely understand, that we cannot allow that to happen,” said Avernus before looking at Scott. “Thus, we will take care of the matter, and in exchange, I make the same request to you as well, Mr. Scott. Please withdraw your daughter from the Academy.”

Brandon narrowed his eyes dangerously. But, surprisingly, he did not tell Avernus to get out. At least, that was what Scott expected. Instead. “Be frank. You’re here because you can’t act without my permission.”

“Cooperation,” Avernus corrected after a moment of pause. “But you are right, acting without your cooperation would be a conflict of jurisdiction between SPECTRA and the UDD. We wouldn’t want to impose on you.”

Scott frowned. SPECTRA is not here as help, they’re demanding Brandon to cooperate.

And while there were definitely a lot of undertone beneath Avernus’ words, Scott didn’t want to waste any more of his energy dwelling on what those may be. “If you’re going to rescue my daughter, I will come with you.”

“As powerful and capable as you are, Mr. Scott, we must refuse.”

“Why?!”

“I understand your frustration. But two Spectras are involved. I’m sure you’ve heard of Spectra 36. He’s handling the rescue operation,” he said.

Scott pursed his lips in thought. He would be lying if he said he felt no relief after hearing that, because even if 36 isn't a Named yet, he's got quite the reputation as the very own handler and brain of SPECTRA's all-Prime team – the Hummingbird Unit. A team that only lost a single member throughout the five years of its existence. And that's quite an impressive feat, considering the job that comes with being an Awakened. More so for elite Awakened like members of SPECTRA. “Are you saying Hummingbird is here?”

“That would be a waste of resources for a job like this. And the only reason that even a Named like I was sent here, is to express our respect to the United Defense,” said Avernus. “And as the father of the objective, be assured that the rate of success is 95 per cent. The highest predictable rate of success. Hence, it is unwise to change our plans at this stage. Because you, as an unpredictable factor, may instead prove to be a hindrance rather than a help.”

Scott shook in subdued rage at those words as he gripped tight both his fists. If you were a father, how would you feel if somebody told you to sit on your ass and let others do the rescuing of your daughter? Not to mention, how in hell would SPECTRA retrieve his daughter anyway? As capable as they are, this is still a hostage situation! And SPECTRA specializes in assassinations. They can’t just go in and kill the kidnappers.

If it was that easy, the Defense would have already taken care of it. Hell, not even. If it was a matter of taking care of local thugs, even the local police would have sufficed.

But Avernus seemed to be able to read his thoughts. "We have our methods, Mr. Scott," he said. "Call us arrogant, but we consider the success of this rescue operation already a success. However, it is not the situation that concerns us, but rather the intent. Allow us to handle this."

Shadow covered Brandon’s features as he glowered at Avernus. “Leaving aside my role within the UDD, do not forget that the Manners is a Bloodline family. Are you saying we need SPECTRA’s help to take care of our own problem? Don’t you think that's both insulting and presumptuous? To dare question me? The Black Dragon himself?!”

Brandon said those really fast, clearly agitated.

Scott controlled himself from lashing out as his brother still dared to put on airs. Even he kept himself calm when Avernus suggested he shouldn't get involved. Because this is not the time for pride!

But Avernus, instead of arguing back against Brandon, fell quiet instead.

For a moment, the Spectra seemed to consider his words, before he finally pierced through the suffocating silence. “I see. Then forgive me if our concern is unnecessary," he said with a nod. "If you have the situation under control, then we will withdraw. Feel free to disregard our request. We didn’t mean to impose.”

Elder Dick spoke this time. “How dare you act so smug! Are you forgetting that SPECTRA is under the UDD’s authority? So, why don’t you scurry along and just do your damn job?!” Elder Dick said.

This time, it was General Marius who responded. Until now, he has just been watching the exchange like a hawk as he enjoyed his black coffee.

“While the Defense Secretary’s position within the UDD makes his authority over the armed forces secondary only to the head of state, SPECTRA is the only Awakened organization working for the government. And they are under the president’s direct command,” said the general, as if directly reading an excerpt from the government’s website. Scott wondered if the general encountered a similar situation in the past.

After all, SPECTRA and the UDD, specifically the UDD’s army and intelligence division, really do hate SPECTRA. But sometimes, they're forced to work with each other. And entities forced to cooperation often leads to conflict.

“What are you talking about General Marius?!” Elder Dick demanded. “That cannot be right! It cannot be!”

“SPECTRA is here as part of a direct partnership with the UDD,” said General Marius. “But I cannot speak more to what that is. Just revealing you this fact is already complicated enough. Isn’t that right, Avernus?”

SPECTRA is here as part of a direct partnership with the UDD? What the hell is going on, and how did Fia get caught up in all of this…, Scott thought.

Stolen story; please report.

“That is correct, General Gibson,” said Avernus as his pupils trained at Elder Dick, who almost shook uncontrollably.

Elder Dick, obviously not wanting to be embarrassed, spoke again, not wanting to back down. “It doesn’t matter. If you’re that confident, then you could’ve just rescued Fia. But where is she, huh?! You’re just using this situation to disrespect Brandon!”

Avernus stood still and did not reply, but Scott swore he saw the Spectra roll his eyes behind his mask.

Elder cackled. “Ha! I knew it. Just empty promises. So, go on! Retrieve the child! …What? Why are you just standing there? Go on, why don’t you hurry along?!”

Avernus let out a soft breathe as he ignored Elder Dick, before addressing Brandon once more. “As you already know, Mr. Secretary, our request concerns national security, which I cannot speak of while in the presence of–– irrelevant parties,” he said, his cold, indifferent eyes shifting to Elder Dick. “…Too much information has already been disclosed by my presence here alone. But I trust that you will take of the matter, Mr. Secretary. Not doing so would be treason.”

National security?! Scott thought in alarm.

Elder Dick replied. “Treason?! How dare you! You need to watch your tongue boy! You are addressing one of the Six Elder of the Manners family!”

Again, even behind the mask, Scott could tell Avernus’ displeasure and–– killing intent. He’s not one to mince words, he thought. And perhaps the Spectra would have already cut off Dick’s neck if Brandon wasn’t here.

“Oh, look! He’s angry! Are you mad boy?! Ha! So quick to violence!” Elder Dick said with a laugh.

But Avernus only stared at Brandon, who remained quiet in deep contemplation, eyes trailed on the ruined table as he sat back on his seat.

This irked Elder Dick, who promptly abandoned the still unconscious Elder Willie, before stomping his way to Avernus with a raised hand.

“…Touch him and I’ll kill you myself, Dick. You may be an Elder, but my daughter is still in danger,” Scott warned, lightning briefly crackling around his legs. “Do sabotage that, and I swear to all that’s holy, I WILL fucking murder you,” he said, before looking at General Marius. “Even if the League hangs me for it.”

Elder Dick turned pallor; his head becoming full with veins. He looked afraid, but not afraid enough to stop himself from spouting nonsense. “He’s an uninvited guest!”

Scott looked at Brandon. “Make your decision, brother,” he said.

The choices are simple.

First, is for Brandon to let SPECTRA handle things, in exchange for withdrawing Fia and Aoife from the Academy. Second, is to refuse SPECTRA’s help, and risk failing the rescue of Fia and her friends.

Brandon sighed. “Elder Dick. Please retrieve Elder Willie on your way out,” he said as he released his Aura, making his black scales disappear and reverting back to his normal form; steely, silver eyes, and sharp-angled features crowned with a military-cut red hair.

When the Elders left, but not after some more complaints from Elder Dick, Brandon addressed Avernus once more, regaining his usual low, chilly voice. “Unpleasant Dick may be, he is still correct. You are in my presence. A member of the federal cabinet, and you are also in the presence of General Marius Gibson, and Councillor Scott Manners of the Awakened Society. While I do not demand your respect, Spectras are still expected to provide decorum and a modicum of respect.”

But Avernus’ voice was colder when he replied. Almost accusatory. And Scott couldn’t help but admire the man’s candour, may he have a death wish or not.

“As someone in your position of power and authority, it is your duty to ensure the security of your family, so as to avoid our enemies from using them against you,” said Avernus.

“Yes, and SPECTRA has no right to impose itself in my duties.”

“And I do not deny that, but as I said, this matter now concerns national security. There are others who are concerned with the situation. Thus I have come to verify if–– you failed your basic vow.”

Brandon looked like he wanted to say something as he only glared at Avernus, but he surprisingly did not reply.

Scott wanted to revel in the sight of his brother looking stumped and helpless, but this was not the right time. His daughter was still in danger.

Avernus continued. “Well then, I will take your silence as confirmation that you have the situation under control. SPECTRA will send you a public apology and compensation for daring question your competence and authority.”

At that, Avernus bowed. “But please understand that it is only prudent for us to ensure that you are not exposed. And that there is no threat for an information leak,” he said before standing erect, and turning around to seemingly leave.

But. Brandon stood up, glaring at the Spectra. “Hold on right there, assassin. If you don’t like me, then that is your right. But I cannot allow this disrespect to continue! Who do you think you––”

Avernus interrupted him as he glanced over his shoulder. “I am but a messenger. Thus, you mean nothing to me, Mr. Secretary,” he said with a pointed tone. “I am here on SPECTRA’s behalf, but also of His Excellency, President Brian Harvey.”

“President Harvey? This means that you’re here because of––” Brandon said with widened eyes, until Avernus hastily interrupted him again.

“Yes. I thought that was obvious to you, being the Defense Secretary,” Avernus said as he casually flashed Brandon the presidential seal, which shone with golden light to establish its validity.

And seeing the seal, Brandon couldn’t help himself but pale.

Scott dared not imagine what his brother would be feeling right now. A presidential seal means a situation is of utmost priority.

And within the government, if an individual says he is working directly on behalf of the head of state, it is usually enough to just say so. Because verification of the truth is very simple. They could just text the president himself.

But to actually reveal the presidential seal is more of a symbolic gesture. A gesture that states: There is no time for formalities, and you have no choice but to obey.

Yes, everything up until now were just formalities. SPECTRA was letting Brandon save face. But, Brandon failed to read the room and let his pride get in the way.

When Brandon did not reply, Avernus said, “I suppose that is all, then. If you have things under control, then consider our request unnecessary. And we trust that you will continue ensuring your family’s safety. After all, you have all the resources you need, and it was indeed foolish of us to believe that with all those resources provided to you, that you would fail to provide the utmost basic care.”

Scott thought that Avernus’ words of provocation was unnecessary, but he glanced to Brandon who looked like he needed to poo. “What’s the matter, Brandon? Do you have things under control?” he said, trying to rile up his brother too. But while he did not understand what made Brandon hesitate, he understood that everything is a matter of pride to his brother.

Like in this current situation, allowing SPECTRA to handle things means that Brandon is admitting that Fia and Aoife are his weaknesses, and that he could not protect them.

The Awakened circle also believes that he sent Aoife to an Awakened Academy as a test of will and strength. So, to go back on his own words would mean diminishing the weight behind his actions.

And as someone obsessed with strength and power, Brandon values his own words even stronger than others. It’s a matter of pride.

His stupid philosophy on strength completely backfired, thought Scott, before finally realizing what Avernus, with his words, tried to imply. He’s forcing Brandon to beg for SPECTRA’s for help. He’s calling him incompetent, he thought. Not that I even care, why.

But it’s not that Brandon is truly that incompetent. He’s actually very good at his job as the Defense Secretary and the patriarch of the Manners. But he’s grown greedy with power due to his hatred for Muriel. And he pushed this greed to the family, believing that in this world, the strong survives while the weak dies, and it’s important to teach every Manners that philosophy of strength.

After all, he believes, that with the rise of the Awakened, sheer strength rules above all. It’s a philosophy that convinced Scott that being a Class IV does not mean one is wise.

But ultimately, the problem is, will he swallow his own pride? If not, then…, Scott thought as he placed a hand behind his waist.

“Put away your dagger, Scott,” finally said Brandon after a long silence before looking at Avernus. “Fia and Aoife Manners will be withdrawn. They will transfer to another Academy, and I give my word that security will be improved.” While his tone still sounded arrogant, there was a hint of shame and defeat.

Scott did withdraw his dagger. If Brandon chose his pride over Aoife and Fia, Scott planned to kill him–– even if he dies himself too.

“Thank you for your cooperation. Consider Fia rescued, and I hope the Defense and SPECTRA will continue this pleasant relationship in the future. After all, we all are working together for the benefit of our people and our nation.”

Brandon frowned at the sarcasm. “Of course. Is there anything else I could do to help ensure your success?”

“Yes. Please withdraw your forces encircling the warehouse where they are being kept. And to proceed with the kidnappers’ demand.”

Brandon ground his teeth. “What are you talking about?! We do not have access to Victor, and Master Livia is presently occupied!”

“Pretend that you have it. Send one, single personnel as the kidnappers’ requested. Because if your forces are in the vicinity, you might as well consider this mission a failure. And we both know what that means,” said Avernus before looking at Scott. “That applies to you too. Let us handle the matter.”

Scott sighed. What else could he do, but nod?

Brandon took a deep breathe. “Fine. But if you––”

Avernus’ eyes sharpened. “Have we ever failed?” he replied.

“Your arrogance is unbeco––”

“With all due respect, please control your tongue, Mr. Manners. We know what failure entails and I don’t have to listen to your threats. Politics is beyond SPECTRA’s scope, and since we will be working more together in the future, I must remind you now–– your pride is meaningless.”

Scott was surprised when Brandon did not even reply, only meeting Avernus’ gaze with his own steely eyes.

Avernus nodded to all in the room before heading for the door.

Brandon raised a hand. “Avernus,” he said, his voice becoming calmer.

The League’s youngest Class III did halt but did not to speak.

“Tell me. How about you?”

“What about me?”

“Forgive me for my outburst, but you must understand that those were not directed to you. It’s clear that you’ve relayed only what your handler told you over your comms device. So, consider their words noted. But I’m curious, what about you?”

Avernus hesitated but swiveled to face Brandon. “…Is this an order?”

“No. I am merely curious. Are Spectras not allowed to make small talk?” Brandon grinned. “Speak freely. Messages from the Director and the President aside, what’s your opinion of me?”

“Freely…,” echoed Avernus with a whisper. And beneath his mask, his eyes slitted as he looked down on the seated Brandon. After a hum, he said, “I have no desire to entertain the musings of an incompetent man,” he said.

Amazingly, Brandon just raised a brow. “Oh? I said to speak freely, but don’t you think––”

“Let this be a warning, Mr. Secretary. Do not waste our time again. It is only thanks to His Excellency’s command that your niece still lives. But it’s not our job to save the princesses of those who pretend to be kings.”