Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 294: Compatibility

Chapter 294: Compatibility

Compatibility, the measure which served as a means to determine the harmony between concepts.

It was a major aspect of the supernatural, one that utilized the concept of balance that reigned over Eventide to determine the relationship between concepts.

Just as how water served as a counterbalance for fire and how wind served as a counter for lightning.

Of course, it wasn’t completely straightforward when one got into tricky fields like Psionics or even Spiritomancy but that didn’t mean it didn’t work the same.

One’s understanding of Compatibility was imperative when facing off against opponents as unfavorable compatibility would result in them being defeated even if they were to be at a higher level mystically.

It was just how it was in the esoteric world of mysticism.

It wasn’t just about how many Locks one had unlocked or how many Abilities one had.

Compatibility was just as important which was why most Mystics always took the time to learn about mystical domains to avoid being caught off guard in battle.

But in Douglas’s case, it wasn’t a situation of him getting into battle.

His dealt with a more personal circumstance where he was unable to completely merge his dual domains.

Douglas didn’t dare to think he was smart and adding on his relatively recent entry into the supernatural, it was understandable that his understanding of Compatibility was lacking.

Of course, one had to understand that apart from his lack of understanding, it was the esoteric nature of his domains that left him unable to figure things out.

Lady Victoria had provided ideas multiple times with most falling short of the onus needed to complete the connection.

The clash with Carlos could be said to have done him a favor but the favor was short lived and now he found himself grasping at straws.

Opening his eyes after once again failing to grasp the intricacies of the dual domains of Psionics and Frost, Douglas didn’t even have the desire to be angry.

Letting out a disappointed sigh, he rose to his feet and slowly sauntered out of the meditating room within his abode on Evernight.

He didn’t know how long he’d been in there but it had been a while though it didn’t matter since he still hadn’t succeeded in the goal he hoped to achieve.

Walking into the bathroom, he pulled off his clothes and sank into the black pool of water at the center, taking a deep breath as the cool water seeped into his skin, nourishing it after an otherwise dehydrating venture.

As he closed his eyes, basking in the calm the waters afforded him, Douglas dreamt.

He dreamt of a time when he hadn’t lost anything.

Where his parents were alive and happy with Alex still by his side.

It was a world filled with golden rays and large stretches of greenland, a beautiful world.

But the self-awareness that it was all a dream prevented Douglas from enjoying it before it twisted and turned, quickly devolving into a nightmare.

The golden rays disappeared, replaced by darkness that threatened to bloat out everything while the greenery decayed and took on a reddish hue, almost like the land was bathed in blood.

’Why are you always running away?’

’Why are you so weak?’

’Why do we end up dead but you remain?’

’Join us, join us already!’

The same parents that once looked at him with love now glared at him with hollow eyes filled with darkness and unadulterated hatred.

The brother he couldn’t protect grabbed at his ankles and pulled him into the darkness.

Douglas didn’t even scream or try to struggle as he sank further into the dark expanse having already accepted that he was at fault for being so weak.

If only he was stronger, if only he hadn’t run away... These and much more rushed through his mind until he awoke, causing him to realize that he had fallen too deeply over the edge.

Perhaps if not for the calming effects of the black water of Evernight, he’d have lost himself again.

Douglas clenched his fists and after taking an active effort to calm himself, he got out of the pool and wiped himself clean before picking up the dirty clothes he’d left on the floor to return to the bedroom.

Once there, he placed the dirty clothes in a laundry bag which he intended to take with him as he got dressed, putting on a white cotton shirt with low collars and a pair of brown khaki trousers with sandals to match.

Ensuring he didn’t make a blunder in his choice of attire, Douglas let out a sigh as he picked up the bag filled with his dirty clothes before disappearing in a flash of black and white.

***

He was back in Livermore, a place he’d spent limited time in after meeting with Emily.

There was a need for a change of pace and environment. Perhaps it would help with his unfocused mind.

"Oh my, Douglas dear, you are here. I thought you had already skipped town to find work." A middle-aged-looking woman with dark auburn hair, donning a maid’s attire and carrying a broom said smilingly as she met Douglas as he was coming up the stairs.

She was Ms. Linda, one of the two cleaners in the motel Alex had rented out for the group during their stay in Livermore.

Linda, alongside another cleaner, were the only two employed by the owner of the motel as he was quite a stingy man.

If not for Alex demanding that cleaners be brought in for the duration they’d be staying and also because Linda and her fellow employee were quite cheap, the motel wouldn’t have gotten any resident cleaners at all.

Douglas replied with a smile. "I found some work but I returned to check on you and Ms. Vera."

"Oh my, that’s really nice of you," Linda said only for her expression to fall a bit as she added. "Unfortunately, Vera can’t be here today."

"Is she okay?" Douglas asked with a hint of concern.

"She had an accident on her way to work and is currently recuperating at the hospital. Don’t worry, I’d do well to tell her you visited once I go see her."

"That would be great." Letting out a relieved sigh, Douglas decided to broach up another topic to lighten up the mood. "Ah yes, while I’m here, I thought to ask for your assistance in washing these."

"Hoho, is that so?" Linda teased as she took the bag and checked what was inside.

Giving Douglas a side eye with the latter turning away in slight embarrassment, Linda teased some more. "If one were none the wiser, they’d think you came back only to get me to help you with your laundry."

"Ahem." An awkward cough escaped Douglas’s lips at Linda’s spot-on deduction.

"Hoho, just kidding, don’t be so serious. You’re lucky, I was just about to get some washing done so I’ll add this to the pile."

"Much thanks, Ms. Linda."

Linda grinned as she continued. "You know, instead of doing this, I’d suggest you get married."

"..."

"Yes!... You are an ambitious young man with good looks. A lot of young damsels would be willing to be your bride. Even Franca from Room 305 had a big crush on you, you know?"

"... Ahem, Ms. Linda, I don’t think it’s the appropriate time for such a discussion."

"Oh, why?"

"...I think I’ll be taking my leave now."

"Oh, Douglas boy..."

"Thanks, Ms. Linda, I’ll be back later for the clothes," Douglas said as he rushed down the stairs and out of the building, only stopping at the sight of carriages riding up and down the roads with pedestrians going about their day.

A certain sense of calm came upon Douglas at the rather mundane sight, reminding him of his time in BoneHaven... before it all went wrong, and as he basked in the memories, he slowly made his way down the street.