The chamber shook, a swirling vortex dwelled at the center most point constantly quaking. Walls constructed from smooth stone lined the surroundings, Figures made of an unknown metal were erected adorned with mysterious cloaks and greatswords. Six of these eerie statues watched the circular room with diligence evenly apart nothing hidden from their gaze. Slits from above shone, the twinkling night sky snuck in its rays beamed on the vortex. Revealing a globe within the whirlpool black ooze constantly twisted, enveloping most of the globe in darkness. Vermilion lights persisted bulging on the globe, seemingly invoking the statue, from within one's hood an emerald light permeated, invading the surroundings. Deep hums encompassed the chamber, momentarily other statues too began gleaming various other lights permeated akin to coming alive their eyes went aflame. The statues spoke in hoarse tones.

"So it's begun..." ... "We can't be sure there still is time." "Investigations are to be made, who is patrolling near?". "Yes." "One of ours the Twilight sect, Jabaloth." ... "Notify him or what we have worked towards may be for naught." ... "We must."

...

Somewhere concealed to peering eyes a rickety town stood, erected in a forest of death. Screams and despair emanated from the town's walls but no salvation came, all in desperation. Lingering above a thin translucent bubble surrounded the area sealing those within, its luster.

With vigor, a broad claymore thrust through his chest, splitting the man's spine entrails hung like a skirt. Crimson blood began to spill, dripping from the blade's tip impaling this meager peasant's life cut short. Gasping breaths of sorrow were his legacy, dulled eyes lifeless reflecting the man whom butchered him. Mourning cries drenched the atmosphere, bodies scarred, impaled and bleeding strewn innards masked the cobbled walkway, its cracks brimming with pools of blood. Moonlight swayed above, the beaming rays hadn't shrouded this massacre clearly visible in the obscurity of night, hundreds of townsfolk slaughtered disposed of in towering piles.

The stench of decay wafted, followed by unsettling crackling submerging those near. Pillars of flame, a raging inferno engulfed these discarded, deceased scorching their bodies charring them black. It was an ominous fire piercing skies above, far surpassing the treetops. A multitude of men basked in the carnage, some with ashen expression's others seemingly elated at this sight. Flames shone in their eyes, striking like daggers glancing over the surrounding twitching rabble still beneath their feet bleeding out. similar to a second skin, they were outfitted in full clad armor stained sable. The gaudy armor boasted thick layers of protection, yet nimble an emerald luster radiated from the seams. Etched into their chest plate's was a golden cross-coupled together with a crescent moon, diagonal lines cutting the cross in thirds.

Standing at the epicenter, saturated in blood, a stark contrast to the other men, with armor tinted silver helmet-less, ebony hair dangled above his shoulders. A Visage lacking sympathy. Apathy settled lying upon his eyes gazing at the burning corpses, stacked mindlessly women, children and men didn't deter his gaze. Beneath him a corpse laid, its spine split in half this peasant no longer amongst the living, a broad claymore skewering him. "Disgusting, I need to wash off this filth these heretics dared to make a mockery of our sect. They'll repent in fiery brimstone, knowing true torment in bowels of the underworld." Jabaloth sneered, looking at the man before him in contempt.

Jabaloth reached for his claymore, retracting it from the peasant's spine. "Hmph.."

hard snapping emanated from the damned, more bones shattered from this action if the dead could feel pain he'd be in eternal anguish. Blood and other bodily fluids trickled down the blade, dancing along its surface painting it a deep scarlet. "Even in death they stain my image, this putrid being didn't deserve the taste of my steel, yet it was his salvation." With scorn Jabaloth wiped his blade, cleaning it from the muck that had tarnished it. Once the blade had shone its glimmering luster, pristine with no grime Jabaloth slid the claymore once more into his leather hilt. Placing his hand on the swords pummel nearing waist level, standing with vigilance looking over the destruction he had brought. A slight smile surfaced on his face.

Shortly metallic clanks came behind Jabaloth, encroaching near the sets of movement stopped. "Sir, Richnell reporting" ... Quickly the man kneeled accompanied by two others "We've wiped the insurgents out. All are repenting for their sins, in the holy flame" Richnell's face wavered, slightly quickly returning to his stoic expression, his breath was ragged. Jabaloth turned, facing Richnell who started to profusely sweat further. "Something the matter Richnell, why are you shaking?" Richnell still with his head perched down "W-Was... It truly, necessary to butcher all of these people.. Surely not all followed the rebels.

Jabaloth leaned closer, resting his palm on Richnell's head. Its cold sensation caused shivers to run down Richnell's spine. "One bad apple will rot the entire batch we had to set an example, they harbored these heretics spreading lies about our god utter blasphemy." Jabaloth forced his hand down, Richnell under his embrace was thrusted downward with a mouth full of dirt. Jabaloth's face was ashen, watching the twitching man before him "Sympathizing, you know what happens to sympathizers to enemies of the church, don't you?" Now crouching Jabaloth released his hand, "I'd rather not kill my newly second in command..." ... "I-I'll acc-cept any punishment, in the name of our Lord." "Hmm..." Jabaloth pondered for a few moments, getting up gestured to the other knights. "Take him to be re-educated."

"Repent for your transgressions" Parting the knights dragged Richnell, from whence they came. Soon soft vibrations emanated from within Jabaloth's breastplate, similar to buzzing it pulsed in secession. Feeling this he pulled out an item, within his gauntlet sat a mysterious sphere, in its core a shadow resided constantly fluctuating, warping, folding on itself from within the darkness, a cobalt glow emanated. At the spheres base steel legs laid, metal mesh was woven between the tiny studs. A peculiar voice echoed germinating from the core's glow.

Seeing this spectacle unfold within the sphere Jabaloth kneeled, hand over his chest with a determined expression, intently gazing through the orb's obscurity. Rapidly the shadows converged merging inside the cobalt glow, a cloaked figure unveiled itself distorted within the hazy core its face was masked. Additional plumes of smoke shrouded the figure leaving it an enigma. "You've done well Jabaloth, the eradication of those devils pleases our Lord Kesh you honor his name." The existence said, in a hoarse voice.

"It's only but my duty as a servant. But I'm sure the high council isn't just contacting me for these matters, what needs be done?" ... "Prudent as always Jabaloth, there has been an unsettling disturbance: great negative energies had surged, abruptly so vanished... Near Freywyn, a frontier city on a small chain of islands off the coast of Efaerine, towards the south. Take your squad and bring the Twilight sect honor, our Lord…. Use what you deem necessary….” The image quickly faded, Jabaloth returned to his previous stance placing the sphere once more in his breastplate. Then turned around, signaling the other knights. "Erect crosses for those still bleeding we need to show the onlookers!" A devilish visage had awakened. Quickly saluting the squad, collected thee soon to be dead, ready to be nailed.

...

..

Bizarre cracks surfaced slicing the air, distorting the surroundings light began to warp bending towards these glowing slits. Beaming rays of light, blinded the area turning the walls white. Similar to floating mirrors, these fissures of light reflected the scenery yet a dark shadow resided at its center. The darkness swiftly grew becoming darker, within its ambiguity a silhouette took shape. Coming into view, masked in an aura of mystery, a black cloak enveloped the figures entire body, shrouded from peering eyes. Approaching near the shadow reached out, its hand grasped the fissures of light, starting to fluctuate these cracks diverged, parting as if sentient making way for the figure.

A hand emerged, from the depths of light covered in an black glove accompanied with a golden ring, etched with something silver. A cracked ruby laid at the rings top, it shone through the surrounding haze. Encroaching into the hallway this unknown entity crossed, immediately exiting the distortion before it collapsed dissipating, carrying a large rucksack various indents of objects peaked from the sacks seams. The figure with speed walked down the carpeted path, delving deeper appearing in front of a door. With agile movements this stranger looked around in suspicion, then hastily twisted the doorknob glancing at the interior of the room before entering, shutting the door.

...

Chance. That's all it was, it wasn't any fulfilling prophecy, with a strict expression Ceron pulled back his hood, with a shallow thud closed the door. A foolish venture hadn't dug a pit of full misfortune, death; Well not yet at least, Ceron thought, lying back on the door frame. "The Oath of Athenia... I better count my feline side for another favor, still I'm standing. Using this Asriel's soul, there might've been remnants as I absorbed him wager my hunch was right on that... Or that entire occurrence was charade." It could've been possible I hadn't a clue of being under his influence the moment I stepped through the door. Ceron pursed his lips, at the moment his inner mind wasn't formed, nor wished to talk with any wondering wizard lest courting a knife in the back. Usually a contract sigil was engraved on one's soul.

Stabbing myself might've been best, that disgusting creature. The leering gaze the dwarf produced wasn't any novice would possess, refined with intent. The room wafted, bending under pressure of Ceron's weight as he moved continuing to the bed. Trickles of dust and other dead cells rained, whoever had decorated the extravagant hallways somehow neglected his room, was it fate? All the posh and golden trim was lost to Ceron, the room however dull remained true to his disposition. Forgotten as he was, paved over the world knew not of him or this insignificant pile of dust and wood. But was this all true? Had the world truly forgotten his legacies left behind, no no.. "A stain will always remain, somewhere even if not on the surface.." Ceron said softly, dropped his rucksack onto the bed.

Pilling some of its contents in lines along the bed, strange bottles and various plants... "..." Ceron remained silent as he emptied all he had bought, albeit for higher prices than he liked. Some of it would serve well. Two crystals left... That damned market seemed to only sell the barest of goods at exorbitant prices, perhaps tangible resources in the town's walls would do me better... Disregarding that lone thought, a streak of satisfaction ran along Ceron as he felt his new ring and black coat. Most of what he relished in something among the grime. A golden ring.. Well, that's what he bought it as.

Ceron mused, the dealer had no clue what she had. Perhaps only someone who had experience in engraving could tell that old hag was far from any enchantress, hell was she even human? Her ragged face was in resemblance of an undead... "... I can't use it now but. If I can repair it, it'll serve me well." Ceron spoke as he held it, noticing fissures along the ring's inside the inscription had decayed. It had something to do with invoking, Ceron could tell that much as all magical inscriptions often revealed purpose; Still, some of it was unknown or had worn beyond anything readable. He may be many things, a bastard yes. A divine psychic no.

Furrowing brows Ceron drew his attention to the map from Reedrick, the book he had oh so graciously received. A month isn't a lot of time, but I'll have to make due. The map was thin, it was cheap at best. Ceron gauged the map with detail, it wasn't grand or anything like, it was lackluster with barely any information to go off of. A brief description of the potion, a circle of the designation and that was it. No markers, or even labels for zones. "Whoever made this needs to be shot, preferably at least seven to twelve times." Ceron said lamenting at the fact, he only could tell a very- VERY.. Simple direction outside the town east of where he was, in a plain or forested area.

The map screamed pathetic and perhaps a trap. I'll need to figure out more on the geography of this area, if god forbid what that dwarf said about the "Lost isle's" is true. Perhaps this body still has it's uses, Ceron glanced at the registration papers' a magical academy may be worth it, at least for acquisition of material and any normally scarce resources... Now that book..

...

Shortly subtle footsteps sounded intruding near, low creaking emanated from beyond the door interrupting his contemplation. Getting up Ceron eyed the door, quickly grabbing a violet potion from his belt, shuffling to the doors side. Setting his head against the wall feeling the encroaching vibrations. "I'm not expecting anyone..." Looking down at the potion, twisting its cork a vile stench carried filling the air. However its smell didn't stop Ceron with haste he poured this odd liquid forming, encircling him immediately the purplish substance began to bubble. Slowly it vanished, and so did his presence disappearing from sight. This concealment potion better work or that shady hag will pay for it. Crouching Ceron waited, intently staring at the door.

The ominous creaking stopped, movement had halted upon the doors edge, hefty knocking protruded. The loud bangs reverberated through the door bending under its pressure. Suddenly stopping the doorknob began to twitch with a crisp snap the lock had been undone slowly, the knob turned with it so did the door open exposing what laid within the room. A dark thin figure quietly emerged from the door frame, entering the room sounds of deep leather boots scrapping echoed. Wearing a ragged white dress shirt, blotches of unknown substances stained it furthermore a torn morning coat hung from the waist, waving as the stranger walked.

Short silver hair, blocked the face except for blue veins that trickled down the person's neck. Looking down Ceron noticed a dagger, residing in this figure's hand, gripping it tightly. The thin blade was only a few inches but it seemed well crafted. Silver engravings dotted the hilt, with tiny pythons etched intertwining with a Serpent's head at the hilts base. Various carvings of fangs were present on the blade itself giving a serrated edge.

The stranger loomed, walking around the room searching for something. Presumably, the person who had resided in the room prior, turning the person stared in the direction of Ceron. Before shortly heading towards the exit, his movements were sluggish similar as if in a trance. Seeing the chance, Ceron rushed forward bringing his arms behind the figure, taking him by surprise, quickly grabbing the person's neck choking him, to the point the stranger began to fall, passing out. Ceron caught his decent, trying to keep the room quiet immediately laid him on the floor, then looked past the doorway gazing down both directions of the hallway. "Seems to be alone, at least for now..." Ceron muttered while hastily approaching the body. Parting his hair dark bags weighted under the figures eyes, his skin also tinted a ghastly pale. "It's Travis, he looks rather fatigued." Apart from his horrid complexion, thick blue veins extended all over, enveloping the body in a web throbbing violently slightly growing as Ceron inspected the body.

Seeing this oddity, Ceron grabbed the dagger with a swift motion. Lightly piercing the vein on Travis's neck, a vile ooze leaked from it slightly corroding the wooden floor minute plumes of white smoke flared above the pool of bluish liquid. Witnessing this spectacle he pulled the vial of aqua liquid from his pocket. "It's similar, except the puddle is less potent. It seems he only consumed a third of this substance, underestimated its effects there must be a hidden ingredient." Ceron thought while slightly swirling the vial in his hand, quickly putting it back in his pocket. "A somewhat mild binding potion but crude, his body might be useful to me..." Ceron once more pulled out the concealment potion from before. "Shame I'll have to make more of this myself, but there's no time for that." Placing the potion next to Travis, then hurriedly checked his body for any valuables. "As expected, he's been stripped of everything except for this dagger.

Pocketing the dagger, picking up the potion Ceron undid its cork. Grimacing Ceron watched as the last drop fell while pouring the contents over Travis's body concealing it. The bottle now empty Ceron readily scooped up some of the blue puddle partially filling the bottle, placing it on his belt. With haste, Ceron got up going towards the bed, dresser gathering his remaining items, stuffing them promptly in the rucksack, dressing it to the brim. "This room isn't safe anymore, I have a feeling Beth won't stop until she has me dead. She came trying to kill me, It doesn’t matter who she is, I'll reap her soul letting it rot." Finishing Ceron pulled up his hood, with eyes shining an intense scarlet. Leaning down, laid Travis over his shoulder, now whom is fully obscured. "Wish there was enough for the both of us, Mmph" Ceron silently approached the doorway looking both ways before peering out, entering the hallway.

No longer within the room's grasp Ceron walked down the hallway it was eerily quiet. Only his muffled footsteps were heard, slowly walking forward. Abruptly numerous doors opened that lined the hallways walls, students wearing blue suits surfaced exiting their rooms. Ceron received a multitude of strange, bizarre looks. "Seems I'm not in Uniform." Ceron chuckled, but his amusement halted. Ahead somber groans bellowed, vibrating through his ears the students still stood at their doorways gazing forward. Coming into view, Beth resided, stoic motionless however that's not what shocked him. A thick stone like gauntlet clutched her bruised neck, tightly to the point of almost suffocation.

This gaudy gauntlet seems more as if claws embedded into the skin intertwining, conjoined at the wrist and forearm. Beyond that, a figure crept into view one of a woman. Broad, boasting bulging muscles all over, wearing an all brown suit with rather plain aesthetics, yet it shined a whitish hue. The area fell silent, only tapping of heels, sliding was present emanating from this woman walking forward. "Get in line, before you... get in trouble." whispered one of the students, gesturing Asriel to do so. Sweat-dropped Ceron quickly got in line, still gazing towards this stranger.

"It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance."... Looking around, a tiny smile surfaced. "Dear entries sorry for the abrupt entrance. this isn't a very subtle way to introduce myself, yet it's quite informative don't mind the blood. I will be your primary evaluator for enrollment into one of the academies." Pausing briefly she felt the air, huffing Carolin gazed downward. "Oh, this?.." Slowly raising her fist, the sound of tightening resonated. Beth's figure became more clear, no longer shrouded, as Carolin raised her various lashes, bruises decorated Beth's body. Streaks of crimson ran down her face, parting midway dripping down to the floor, the glimmer was gone within her eyes sunken nearly lifeless. Beth's attire was in tatters, large tears and red blotches covered its entirety.

Beth's expression remained unchanged, only a dreadful expression was rooted with nothing deterring this, no action had caused even a ripple. "We know what happens don't we? Those who don't follow the rules will be punished, just like this one here rule number one you've seen it on your papers already... Carolin’s face turned ashen, the area around her darkened. Walking forward she continued "As it states, anyone attempting to harm another student while in academies selection process will be punished along with those who are supporting such actions." Immediately afterward, Carolin walked past Ceron gazing at him then gazed at his shoulder scoffing. "Get in uniform Asriel... Someone clean this mess up." She stated, as throwing Beth onto the floor like trash snap cracking emanated from her chest, blood began to seep, drenching the carpet walking off Carolin’s form became an obscurity in the hall's darkness.

It wasn't hard to say Beth's current appearance pleased Ceron, yet looking to where Carolin had left his heart slightly dipped. "An Intense aura, luckily she wasn't after me I wouldn't have any options to fight her reasonably as of now..." Clenching his fist Ceron looked down, seeing the carpet consume Beth's blood like a sponge, now seemingly out of the trance inflicted Beth locked gaze with Ceron, with gasping breaths... "Hmhm at least she was brought to me." Ceron thought inwardly, slowly approaching Beth.

Witnessing this the other students slowly began to come closer as well, however, Asriel's gaze said otherwise. "Leave her to me." Shocked various students backed off, some re-entering their rooms while others walked down the hallway. Shifting closer Beth's face was stricken wide-eyed consumed by terror revealing more anguish than before. "L-lLeave me b-be...." Coughing up cobbled words Beth wailed watching Asriel get closer yet it was for naught, her immobile body nor pleas did nothing to stop judgment.

…

“… I saw into his eyes, reflecting my future... They were deep black, beyond darkness something deeper, where my destiny resided in an abyss.”