Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 404: Weight of responsibilities

Chapter 404: Weight of responsibilities

Even as this was her third time here, Nadia couldn’t bring herself to feel comfortable as she navigated the Underworld with caution.

She didn’t dare look anywhere but forward even as the glares from the shadows caused goosebumps all over her skin.

Gulping hard, she continued until she arrived at the grand hall where Lilith was seated.

Nadia didn’t hesitate to bow in reverence as she greeted her. "I pay homage to the Mistress of the Crimson Night."

Arise, my child

Lilith’s manner of speaking had taken a drastic change since the last time.

No longer aloof, it held a slight hint of care which caused Nadia to feel even more pressured.

Barely suppressing the nervousness within, she remarked. "I have completed the task you gave to me."

Indeed, you have. I can detect the grace of a hidden entity on you, however, it is unlike your sisters. Why is that?

"That..." Nadia trailed off, not expecting that Lilith would be so observant.

Perhaps this was what happened when a great entity placed its attention on you.

Swallowing spittle, she replied. "Circumstances prevented me from utilizing the normal route."

Is that so?... I sense a unique aura, a familiar one even. Rather curious.

Nadia paused at this point as the gravity of Lilith’s words settled in.

Familiar?

How would Lilith be familiar with Alex’s aura?... That made no sense.

But that was no longer Alex, a hidden entity had indeed taken Alex’s body for themselves.

Perhaps they were the ones Lilith was familiar with.

Having rationalized her words, Nadia nervously inquired. "Does this mean I failed the trial, Mistress?"

On the contrary, you have passed splendidly. Perhaps this new route of yours would be the deal breaker to ensure you live up to my expectations.

The weight of those expectations crashed heavily on Nadia’s shoulders, leaving her barely able to arise from her kneeling position.

Shifting her gaze away, Lilith poured a little liquid from her glass causing an arched gate made of bones with the image of a tree with ten branches etched in the middle, to emerge.

The second branch gave way revealing the title underneath.

To be considered a true Occultist, one must not only join a secret cult but must be acknowledged by the hidden entity the cult serves. Nadia Khan, as you have been acknowledged by a hidden entity, you qualify to be known as an Occultist.

"Thank you, Mistress."

Now, you may return and prepare yourself for the next trial. When you are ready, you may return.

"If it pleases the Mistress, I am ready now."

Lilith didn’t immediately respond, causing silence to descend on the hall.

Feeling tense, Nadia nearly forgot to breathe as she worried that she’d ended up angering the Mistress.

As seconds passed and her hope of survival dwindled, Lilith finally spoke.

Then your trial can begin.

Nadia froze, clearly not expecting such a response, however, she recovered quickly enough to listen to the rest of what Lilith had to say.

Perform a major act of terror amongst men, striking fear that would persist in their souls for a time, a time, and a time again.

"Understood, Mistress. I shall not fail you."

I look forward to your success.

Moments later, Nadia disappeared from the hall, leaving it as silent as it was before her arrival.

Seconds passed before a satisfied sigh reverberated throughout the entirety of the Underworld.

***

Two days passed by in the blink of an eye as members of Constellations prepared themselves for what was going to be their first joint venture as a group.

Tension was high but they’d managed to cope with it, ensuring that on D-Day, they were prepared to set out.

Donning dark cloaks with hoods possessing glowing white spots resembling stars, they gathered in the starlit hall where Alex waited to receive them while wearing a black suit with a top hat and a similar-colored cane.

No words were spoken as they exchanged looks with one another, enough had already been said before now and that would have to do.

Just as Alex gestured to Victoria to make a move, Arwen suddenly put her arm out causing the others to glance her way in confusion.

She seemed nervous, a simple fact that could be verified by the subtle trembling of her outstretched palm.

Alex was the first to react, putting out his hand and placing it under her own.

Nadia soon followed, then Elena, Ana with Douglas doing so as well.

Finally, Victoria stepped forward and placed her arm down.

Feeling the weight of responsibilities that came with leading these people, Alex subtly nodded before the gathering broke apart, each Constellation feeling a new sense of camaraderie as Victoria opened a spirit gate and left with Douglas following closely behind.

"See you soon," Arwen remarked as she moved to stand with Ana.

Nadia came closer and embraced him, taking in his scent before stepping aside as well.

Finally, Ana remarked. "Be safe."

Nodding in response, Alex watched them disappear in a flash of black and white only to suddenly stagger back as a sharp pain rushed through his pneuma, leaving him disoriented.

Elena quickly rushed to support him. "Are you okay?"

Managing a weak smile, Alex nodded. "Of course, just not feeling myself."

Hesitant at first as though she’d thought of something, Elena soon remarked, her words seemingly out of the blue. "Have you ever wondered why gods only ever have one Apostle?"

Alex raised a brow at the strange question. "Why do you ask that?... Also, how do you know that?"

Elena pursed her lips before remarking. "I just thought to ask, and about how I know... I guess I just do."

"Are you joking?"

Elena shook her head causing Alex to stare intently at her for a few seconds before he pulled his gaze away.

The fact that such a question was posed on the eve of what was expected to be a troublesome encounter naturally didn’t sit well with him but Alex had learned to not take anything mystical for granted.

After some thought, he quickly decided on the next course of action.

Closing his eyes, he interlinked mentally with all Constellation members.

Then, he gave the order. "None shall make use of my Power till further notice unless for transport back to Evernight. Any dissidents shall be punished severely."

It didn’t take long for a a response to come with all in agreement though none understood why the decision was made.

With that, he broke off the connection and opened his eyes, letting out a sigh as he glanced at Elena who stared back in silence.

"I guess I’ll need to have an enlightening talk with Princess Berenice once all this is over."

"Perhaps I should handle transportation?" Elena suggested, noting Alex’s somewhat exhausted appearance.

Muttering a low thank you, Alex reached out and held Elena’s hand with the duo disappearing a moment later in a flash of bright golden light.