Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 362: Parley

Chapter 362: Parley

His demeanor calm and collected, Alex didn’t bother to ask a how or why as he remained poised, making eye contact with the enigmatic Mouthpiece of the Order.

Knowing the pointlessness of asking questions, he instead opted for a mysterious undertone, seeking to increase the wariness of his opponents towards him.

As expected, his act paid off as the Mouthpiece, taken aback by his reaction, couldn’t help but ask. "Aren’t you curious to know how I figured out your identity?"

At this point, the other Order members were all scrutinizing Alex, trying to figure out if he was an opponent worth worrying over.

Alex managed a smile, though hidden underneath his mask as he replied. "Would it make any difference?"

The Mouthpiece paused, unsure of what to make of his response but didn’t waste time on this as she remarked. "Perhaps you would like to introduce yourself to the Order."

"But of course," Alex replied, rising to his feet before taking off his mask with a bit of theatrics, revealing his soft features underneath.

A flurry of gasps escaped the lips of those present as they saw that it was Lucius.

The most surprised of all was Lord Fitzgerald as he also took off his mask in shock, rising to his feet as his eyes shook at the sight.

"Lucius..." he muttered softly.

Alex paid them no mind as his appearance swiftly changed, returning to his original form.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Aldrich, Master of the Shadowless. Nice to meet you." He casually intoned, bowing slightly in a rather exaggerated manner before standing upright yet again to regard the Mouthpiece.

In an instant, several Order members prepared to unleash their authorities but a gesture from the Mouthpiece kept them at bay.

"You have heard what has been said in this hall. Are you open to a parley?" The Mouthpiece began.

"Is that why you waited till this moment?"

"I have watched you and I can confidently say that we both don’t wish for the same thing."

"And what is that?"

"To harm the citizens of the Empire. So I am willing to listen to your request. As long as it can be fulfilled, then you shall have it. In return, give us the girl."

"You are quite an amiable leader. Fine then, I agree with your parley."

Nodding in satisfaction, the Mouthpiece inquired. "What do you want?"

"It’s very simple actually. You see, I want Ashtyx."

The entire hall was immediately draped in an oppressive silence as the Mouthpiece stared at Alex.

Ignoring the cold glare, Alex continued. "So?... Will I be leaving this hall with it?"

"How about I give you death instead." A Cavalier erupted in annoyance, already unleashing his authority to frighten Alex.

"No..." The Mouthpiece exclaimed but alas, it was a tad bit late.

"Know your place," Alex warned as he unleashed Nyx’s authority, forcing the man to sit back down, his back drenched with sweat.

The chill in the hall dropped a notch further as all those present felt the frightening authority displayed by Alex, allowing them to finally catch a glimpse of why the Mouthpiece hadn’t attacked him yet.

"Teach your dogs manners or I won’t hesitate to do so," Alex said, ignoring the hostile gazes thrown his way by those he’d so casually insulted.

The Mouthpiece replied. "I apologize for the interruption. But your request... even if I wished to accept it, I can’t give it to you."

"And why is that?"

"For Ashtyx is an aspect of the Absolute One. It is a symbol of that great being’s Omnipotence and most importantly, it is the beacon that shall one day allow the Empire to dominate the whole of Eventide."

"Delusions," Alex called out but the Mouthpiece did not give in as she retorted.

"Oh, but that is hardly the case, Lord Aldrich. Ashtyx is not some simple artifact but an aspect capable of miracles. Such a thing cannot just be handed over to a shady figure like yourself."

"Then I believe our parley ends here." There was a tone of finality in his voice as he took a step down from his position, those in the way quickly clearing to avoid getting entangled with him.

"Will you not reconsider, Lord Aldrich?... I have offered enough face to you already. Any more and one would think I fear you." The Mouthpiece intoned.

"Do you not?"

"Is there a need to?"

"... No, you are right. For one to be feared, they must prove themselves worthy of it."

Then he snapped but as Eternal Night sought to unfurl, it ended up dissipating just like that.

Alex merely raised a brow, intrigued that it had not worked though it allowed him to guess that his current whereabouts was the Will extension of the Mouthpiece or perhaps, the Undead Wheel Mystic currently permeating the entirety of the hall.

Silence reigned for a moment before the Mouthpiece let out a chuckle, pulling off the mask she had on to reveal the beautiful face underneath, her blonde hair cascading down her back.

"A Human Wheel Mystic." The Mouthpiece muttered as a sinister grin adorned her supple lips. "So that’s how it is. Let me guess, you wish to use Ashtyx to free the people of Thebes from their perpetuity in limbo."

Alex remained calm and collected, his impassive expression revealing nary an emotion.

Unperturbed, the Mouthpiece continued. "You wish to be the Hero?... Or is it Shepard?... Or an Illuminating Darkness?... Pray tell."

Still no answer.

"I doubt you are a Daemon yet considering you still require gestures to utilize your Abilities so I am curious, how did you intend to face the Order with your meager strength?... You demand so much while carrying so little. I gave you the benefit of the doubt, thinking you would be a hidden powerhouse but who knew it was like this?... Tell me, what will happen to the girl if you die here?"

Letting out a sigh, Alex finally deemed it fit to proffer a response, mostly because he didn’t have the patience to keep listening to the Mouthpiece.

But instead of words, he opted for action.

Pa