Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 431: A mystery waiting to be solved

Chapter 431: A mystery waiting to be solved

Standing at the only window in his office with his hands behind his back, Aiden had his gaze fixated on the crimson sky outside, watching as the bloody rays were refracted through the crystallized snowflakes falling from above, resulting in a hypnotic dance that spoke of madness and bloodshed within the cold winter.

His breathing measured, it was unknown how long he stood for, his mind punctuated with varying thoughts until the door to the office opened, revealing a blonde-haired woman dressed in an incredibly appealing maid attire.

The woman walked in while carrying a cup of tea, her actions methodical to a fault.

As she set the cup on the table, she softly inquired. "Are you alright, Master?"

"Is there a reason not to be?" He inquired in turn as the woman shifted her gaze to scrutinize his broad back.

"News came in today."

"... What does it say?"

"Another city is on the verge of destruction with thousands dead."

"... I see."

"Will you not consider sending men to assist in the war effort?"

"... The Ruins also need defending. On the danger scale, the Night Kindred are much lower than the Otherworldly. At least they kill quickly... the Otherworldly does not."

"I understand."

"Regardless, though they bicker more than they should, I believe my brothers are equal to the task."

"I believe so too."

Letting out a sigh, Aiden turned away from the window and approached the table after which he picked up the cup of tea and took a sip.

Pursing his lips with furrowed brows, he intoned a moment later. "Perhaps a bit more sugar next time."

"Understood."

"Now then..." Aiden trailed off as he sensed something approaching.

It was the same for the maid as she muttered. "I detect Lady Ana’s aura."

"Come, let’s go and see what that runaway dragon wants," Aiden remarked before proceeding out of the office with the maid in tow.

***

The scenery outside on the training grounds was quite tense as the Enforcers present all had their eyes on a particular location at the entrance where a certain redhead stood alongside a man in a billowing dark cloak with white dots and lines.

Unsure of how to react considering they were unable to figure out if the duo were friends or foes, the Enforcers were torn between brandishing their weapons or engaging in conversation.

Before any could figure out their next course of action, however, he appeared in the accompaniment of a maid.

His short stature was enough for the narrow-minded to consider him a weakling, however, those sensible enough to detect it could tell that he was no ordinary man even when compared with his fellow Family Heads.

"You are back," Aiden remarked, his gaze alternating between Ana and Alex. "You ran quite fast the last time."

"Forgive my actions, I had just returned from a sojourn in the Abyss and was hardly in a state to engage in combat."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed."

"I see." Aiden nodded before shifting his attention to Ana who instinctively backed away on sensing his gaze. "I’ve heard all about your exploits on the battlefield."

Taking a moment to let his words settle, he added. "Coupled with your presence here, Does that mean you are ready to come back?"

"... I wish to take back the vow I took at my birth," Ana replied after a brief moment of hesitation, her expression marred with worry.

Aiden raised a brow. "You wish to abandon the Empire in its darkest moments?"

"... No, I just... I want my freedom. I want to travel the world and..."

"You cannot do that."

Ana flinched, taken aback by Aiden’s sudden response, however, she mustered the courage to inquire. "Why?"

"Because I forbid you from doing so."

"... I am not a child, Aiden."

"The more reason why I cannot allow it."

"You can’t keep me in Ra’as forever!... I..."

Aiden’s expression cooled causing Ana to trail off as a primal fear gripped her heart.

Then, like a lie, the terror disappeared, replacing a deep sense of calm.

"There’s something you aren’t saying," Alex remarked, his tone soft as it was devious.

Aiden glanced in his direction. "Perceptive. But it hardly concerns you."

"I believe it does, after all, Ana is a subordinate in my cause."

"You speak without tact, your words laced with a confidence that is almost repulsive. Do you think you would be able to handle the truths of the world?"

Faced with such a question, Alex’s expression shifted before returning to normal.

A second later and his demeanor changed, the cloak he wore disappearing like it never existed.

Seeing this, Aiden turned curious.

Alex took a deep breath and in a casual tone, remarked. "I wish to bargain."

***

Deegon took his leave mere seconds after bringing the Nesters to the World’s End.

Most others would be cautious enough to avoid such things considering they were inexplicable and without reason yet the family of Explorers seemed delighted to jump right in with no care in the world.

He didn’t think it necessary to warn them as if they didn’t understand the danger already, no amount of wasted spittle would get them to leave so he excused himself and allowed the Nesters to continue in their twisted dance with death.

Meanwhile, the Nesters busied themselves preparing for the next portion of their exploration, their goal pointed toward a hole along the edge of the World’s End.

Unfortunately, the hole located at the World’s End on Henos had long since been sealed for inexplicable reasons with no records stating why or when it happened.

Spurred by curiosity and their neverending desire to understand the mysteries of the world to put them down on paper, Ulysses and his family members quickly put together the equipment they’d prepared for the sojourn below.

Soon, decked in attire most suitable for mountain climbing, they gathered around the hole which was big enough to fit all seven at a go.

Taking a peek at its dark depths, Leonard, Ulysses’ second uncle, inquired while standing next to him. "What do you reckon is down there, boy?"

Silent for a moment, Ulysses bit down on his lower lip before ultimately replying. "A mystery waiting to be solved."