Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 440: Confrontation/Declaration

Chapter 440: Confrontation/Declaration

It was unnerving, to say the least.

The empty streets of Malstrom patrolled by Royal Blues armed to the teeth caused Albus unease as he made his way through them with the aid of his handy cane.

He did well to scan the area, paranoid that he could be attacked by the eerie shadows created due to the bloody light illuminating the city.

As he turned a corner, entering into a rather desolate street, he heard rustling in an alley causing him to turn only to be met with a most gruesome sight.

A few emaciated dogs rapidly bit down on a beggar’s corpse, tearing off the little flesh that clung to his bones as they reveled in the free meal afforded them.

Terrified into stillness at first, Albus didn’t need to be told to get a move on when one of the dogs turned in his direction, prompting him to turn away.

Alas, he reacted a little too slowly as the dogs barked and charged at him, their eyes filled with a desire to devour another prey as they closed in on him.

Albus backed away in terror only to trip and fall causing the dogs to grow even bolder in their charge.

Just as they got close, a single shot from a musket downed one causing the rest to scatter in fright.

Some blood from the unfortunate creature struck by the gun splattered on Albus’s face causing him to stiffen as his breathing turned increasingly erratic.

"Are you alright?" A youthful Royal Blue inquired as he came to support the middle-aged professor.

"... Yes, I am," Albus muttered as he got back to his feet, taking a handkerchief out of his pocket to clean the bloody stains on his face and shirt.

"You should be careful, sir, we’ve received reports of pets attacking their owners and stray animals attacking those that were unlucky to be caught off guard."

"Like that man?" Albus inquired, gesturing to what remained of the old beggar in the alleyway.

The Royal Blue turned and immediately stiffened.

It seemed he was unaware that such a thing had happened.

His expression radiated regret as he nodded. "Indeed, something like that."

Then he added, "Please give me a moment."

Taking a deep breath, the Royal Blue approached the beggar’s corpse before taking out a lighter and turning it on.

He tossed it on the body and watched it burn for a few minutes with Albus left unsure whether to pray and even if he did, to what deity.

Soon enough, he came to a decision as he remarked. "May his soul rest in peace."

The Royal Blue echoed the same sentence before approaching him again.

"Where are you headed, sir?"

"To the market, the old lady says we are running out of food items."

"I see, would it be okay if I escorted you?" the Royal Blue inquired, perhaps in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the pitiful beggar’s end.

"That would be much appreciated."

"Then, right this way."

With the Royal Blue in the lead, Albus continued on his journey.

Their trek lasted for a little over thirty minutes with a few more run-ins with other patrolmen.

Soon, they arrived at the market which looked incredibly empty with only two stalls opened, both of which were manned by security.

"Get in line, fuckers!... I better not see any of you causing trouble." A Royal Blue loudly remarked causing a few to murmur begrudgingly though none offered a loud enough response.

"Thank you, young man." Albus intoned, addressing the Royal Blue that had accompanied him.

"My pleasure, do be careful on your way home, sir."

"I will."

Albus watched the Royal Blue excuse himself before moving to join the queue.

However, just then, there seemed to be a scuffle at the front of the line.

"I paid for more, why am I getting so little?"

"The prices got bumped up, we have to keep the people that are protecting your sorry asses safe."

"So I should starve because you are doing your job?"

"Why, you..."

A Royal Blue stepped forward and struck the man with the butt of his musket.

Just as Albus thought to interfere to de-escalate the situation, something unexpected happened.

The man that had been struck suddenly reached out and without hesitation, clawed out the eye of the Royal Blue.

"Bastards!"

That word seemed to serve as some sort of war cry as within a moment, the organized line broke apart with the Royal Blues getting into a confrontation with the civilians.

***

Alex remained silent for an extended period as he found himself pondering Aiden’s question.

It seemed simple at first glance but he understood that it was anything but that.

Putting down a teammate, especially one who was poised to serve as a central part of his team moving forward, wasn’t just a matter of answering with a simple yes or no.

Its implications had far-reaching consequences and so for that reason, he couldn’t just utter the first thing that came to mind.

Especially when he knew that Ana was currently watching the exchange from somewhere above.

"I’m waiting, Alexander Regulus." Aiden intoned calmly, his sword poised to strike should Alex refuse to answer the question.

Taking a deep breath, Alex muttered. "As long as I remain myself, Ana shall never go out of line."

"And what guarantee can you give that you would remain yourself till the end?... Do you think constant run-ins with the Branches won’t have unseen effects on you?"

"..."

"What if you were corrupted?... Or perhaps your hand was forced. What then?"

"Everyone is a risk, Aiden."

"But we are focused on the last dragon in Eventide so answer the question!"

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Alex remarked. "If Ana does ever turn out to be the secret weapon of the Dominator of Space/Time, then I shall ensure she remains my weapon."

It was more a declaration than anything else, a subtle hint that no matter the workings of fate, Alex deigned himself great enough to change the ending to fit his narrative.

It was bold yet, Aiden did not discount him and instead, seemed to think for a moment if he could be considered an ally.

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