Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 538: Circinus

Chapter 538: Circinus

/2 days later/

Construction sounds echoed in the background as Alex stood before a raised platform with Arwen huddled beside him, her arms wrapped around his own.

Donning a black suit with a hat and a cane while Arwen wore a white dress, Both of them had their eyes on an unconscious Ana who lay on the platform, swaddled in coats to ensure she was comfortable.

Her chest moved rhythmically, proving that she was in a stable state which came as a welcome relief to Alex after what could only be described as the worst days of his life since his arrival in Eventide.

Emily and Arthur had died, Douglas was missing and his carefully selected team was on the verge of falling apart before it even got a chance to grow further.

A part of him had considered going after Douglas to save him but he knew that was suicide and so sensibly put the notion aside for now.

But that didn’t mean he would forget what had happened.

He buried the anger deep so that when the opportunity finally arrived, it would be utilized well.

Until then, he would continue on his original mission which was finding the Branches of the Absolute One.

"Are we just going to leave her like this?" Arwen suddenly asked, jolting him from his thoughts.

Alex glanced at her, noting her current temperament which was hardly ideal.

It was clear recent events had affected her quite badly.

Not just her, everyone was in a similar state so Alex didn’t judge her blindly, instead reaching out to pat her head as he replied. "We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon so you don’t have to worry. I’m sure she’ll wake up before we have to continue our quest, so don’t worry."

"Alright."

Just then, Arwen sensed something causing her to glance back with Alex following her gaze to find Nadia approaching along with Victoria and Elena.

Unlike usual, Nadia was dressed in a traditional white saree with no jewelry or makeup, while Victoria spotted a black gown with a hat, and Elena wore a white shirt with khaki trousers and thigh-high boots.

"Master." Victoria was the first to speak, taking the chance to bow in reverence toward Alex.

Alex could detect a certain shift in the way she regarded him, almost like she had grown from a simple believer to a religious fanatic.

"How was the trip?" Alex calmly asked, shifting his gaze to focus on Nadia who seemed slightly out of it.

Elena helped her respond. "We saw the stele... and the corpses."

"With everything that’s happened, I will understand if you wish to go your separate ways. I give you yet another opportunity to leave. There is no reason to tag along if you no longer want to." Alex calmly remarked.

Victoria once again, was the first to speak as she intoned. "As was the case last time, Master, I choose to remain by your side."

"Thank you." Alex acknowledged her words before shifting his attention to Elena, who responded similarly.

Arwen needed no questioning so Nadia was the last.

The emetite’s lips parted as she finally found the voice to speak up. "I will remain... but I wish to ask for a leave of absence."

"May I ask why?"

"... I wish to grow stronger," Nadia replied after a bit of hesitation. "I couldn’t do anything but watch him fight alone. I knew he would die but I was too scared to do anything. I don’t want that to happen again."

Alex nodded. "I understand. When the time comes, I hope you can aid me in avenging those that have fallen."

Nadia met his gaze momentarily before turning away.

She had no response to give but Alex had no reason to worry about it being negative.

He turned to the others. "All of you. This event has shown that we still have a lot to build before we can take on the adversaries that line our path. So I admonish you all to work hard and increase your strength. Let what happened this month not repeat itself ever again."

"As you wish, Master," Victoria replied with Elena obliging as well.

He turned to Arwen. "You will go as well."

"But..."

"I cannot take you to Henos in good faith, at least, not until I’m satisfied with your strength. So do well to get stronger quickly so that I may be satisfied leaving my back to you."

Arwen was rendered speechless and so ultimately responded with a reluctant nod.

"Be careful out there," Alex muttered softly as he shifted his attention to Nadia.

Nadia nodded before turning to take her leave.

It seemed she was intent on starting immediately.

Just then, she paused before proceeding to glance at the corner to find Ulysses seated there, perhaps in a bid to hide away.

"Who is that?" Nadia asked while attempting to scrutinize Ulysses.

Alex replied. "His name is Ulysses; he belongs to the Nester family, a famed family known for their exceptional exploratory skills, which have allowed them to map out almost a quarter of Eventide."

Nadia furrowed her brows as she found herself unable to see through Ulysses causing her to glance at Alex. "Is he joining us?"

"We require his skills, he would be useful in our journey."

"Is he a Mystic?" Elena suddenly asked, grasped by sudden curiosity.

Alex shook his head. "No."

"Can he not speak?" Victoria posed a question as well.

"I can," Ulysses replied in a heavily accented Razan, catching most off guard.

"Then why do you stay silent?" Nadia inquired.

Ulysses pursed his lips. "I apologize... I am still coming to terms with... everything that has happened."

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind that," Ulysses replied before adding. "I look forward to working with you all. Though I don’t look the part at the moment, I am quite excited to embark on a quest to retrieve the Branches of the Absolute One."

Nadia looked him over before nodding. "Alright."

"Does he have a codename yet, Master?"

"Not yet." Alex shook his head before adding. "But I believe Circinus would be a good fit."