Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 525: The perfect stage

Chapter 525: The perfect stage

’Who was the owner of that gaze and what did I do to draw their attention?’ Alex couldn’t help but ponder as he relaxed his nerves, allowing the tension he’d felt from that mysterious gaze to wash over him.

Unfortunately, the more he thought, the less he understood and soon enough, he was forced to put it aside for now.

For whatever reason, the gaze had scanned him briefly before taking its leave.

Since it didn’t mark him or attack him, it meant that they weren’t an immediate threat.

He may have to worry about them later but for now, he’d focus on the task at hand.

Due to that gaze, Sister Crimson no longer probed Eternal Night, allowing it to stick around for longer than he expected.

Alas, all things had an end and this case was no different.

The space the Witch of Fables created shattered like glass and her buff disappeared like it never existed.

Victoria’s Spirit Portals flickered before disappearing and Humphrey’s mirrors broke apart, leaving Alex with no means to continue projecting Eternal Night over the Empire.

Quite unfortunate but considering he already got what he wanted, there was no reason to feel bad about it.

You did well.

The Witch praised unabashedly, with Alex replying.

"It wouldn’t have worked without your help, for that, I thank you."

You are welcome.

Taking a moment to inspect his gains, Alex inquired. "Did any of you sense a certain gaze in our direction?"

Victoria and Humphrey shook their heads while the Witch maintained silence for a moment before ultimately replying.

Did you sense a gaze?

"I did. It felt... powerful."

How powerful?

"I’m not sure how to grade it."

Which means it’s stronger than I or Sister Crimson. Considering your identity, it is no surprise that the powerhouses of Eventide are paying close attention to you. You should be careful going forward.

"Don’t worry, I love my life more than you could ever imagine."

It would be for the best. Now then, what do you plan to do?

"I have completed two-thirds of my goal; it remains a third. I have a place in mind to complete it."

Alright then. Do you require my aid?

Alex raised a brow. "Why so eager to help?"

There is a reason I slumber so much. Now that you have temporarily kept that reason at bay, there is no reason to sit around doing nothing. It would be better to make you owe me more.

Alex’s eyebrows twitched at the Witch’s shameless statement but he wasn’t about to let go of proper help.

If she wished to gain his aid, she’d have to prove herself worthy of it.

"Then we should be on our way."

As you wish.

The Witch pulled out a paper and tossed it toward Alex who caught it and inquired. "What’s this for?"

"Think about the place you wish to go and channel the thought onto the paper, it would hasten our journey."

"I see."

Doing as he was told, Alex closed his eyes and thought of that city stuck between two mountain peaks, overrun by countless undead, tethering on the edge of destruction.

The perfect stage to serve as a Shepherd.

He channeled the thought and a moment later, a portal manifested.

***

Alejandro’s show of power was tyrannical but against these Classless beasts, he couldn’t even feel happy even as he had vanquished several thousands with a single attack and stopped several others from approaching courtesy of his domain of heat.

For a moment, the battlefield was silent, only broken by Lucia’s excited voice as she rushed to Alex’s side.

"You are the Dark Lord." She remarked with a brilliant smile on her lips.

Alex glanced at her, looking her over for a moment before intoning. "You are the one with my essence."

"Yes, your Envoy blessed me with it during a short meeting. She hoped that I would serve as a forerunner to ensure a clear path for you on your return to the Highlands."

"... I see." Alex didn’t even know what to say so he decided not to say anything.

Just then, he sensed a piercing gaze in his direction prompting him to glance back only to find Veronica scrutinizing him.

Ignoring her, he moved to stand beside Alejandro.

"The Family Heads entered the curtain," Alejandro remarked.

Alex glanced at him. "You look like you are contemplating suicide."

"How so?"

"If even out here is already toxic, how do you think inside would be?... I dare say it would be equivalent to the abyssal area we fell into the last time."

"But we are better prepared this time."

"How so?"

Alejandro grinned. "I have you to help, don’t I?"

"You are a troublesome fellow." Alex let out a resigned sigh.

Alejandro turned back to regard his fellow countrymen. "You lot will remain here, help the Valkyries, and ensure that these Classless beasts don’t head further inland.

"As you command." The leader of the group replied before moving to liaise with Veronica.

Just then, they all noticed something causing many to look up.

Alejandro dared to do so but Alex grabbed his beard and dragged his head down. "I will not let you run mad while I still have uses for you. Behave."

Just then, crimson light fell from above, illuminating the ground below.

The slumbering yin grew restless, serenity was replaced by bloodlust and madness threatened the minds of the less prepared.

The blood feast had once again shown its fangs.

"You couldn’t maintain it," Alejandro muttered with a hint of regret.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Who do you think I am?... How strong do you think I am to maintain such a feat on a massive scale?... It’s already a miracle it lasted so long. Now come on, I have a sister to save."

With that, he snapped and both of them disappeared in a flash of black and white, appearing in front of the dark curtain that rippled with corrosive intent.

Even a single touch was enough to corrupt a person’s pneuma and turn them into creatures subject to the dark.

Alejandro reached at it and with a howl, melted a path through to the other side.

The duo walked in and the curtain closed behind them.