Chapter XVII

It was rare that the rides to the upper floors of the Citadel were as smooth as they currently were. Normally the lift would lurch and drop every once in a while as the magic user controlling it attempted to keep it steady. Even when her longtime partner, Nigreos, attempted to raise it, he would have occasional trouble. Album, herself, had never even attempted it since her skill with wind magic was so weak that she knew she couldn’t have ever managed to lift it even if she were the only passenger. So, to be riding it so smoothly with not one but three passengers was an experience she knew would be a rare one.

Album stood on the lift with her hands folded behind her back. Beside her, even the ever prideful Nigreos remained silent and patient, and she knew it was out of respect. After all, the third person on the lift and the one currently controlling it was none other than the eldest princess of Ijiria and the most powerful woman in the country. Her name was Anna-Piura Iiji, and just like every other time she had been in the presence of the princess, Album felt tense as she did her best to keep her mind clear and her emotions in check. Their history was a complicated one, and it was an issue she had no interest in ever addressing.

Album exhaled softly as she thought about Piura. Despite the fact that her status marked her as the rightful heir to the Ijirian throne, she had given up that role to her younger brother, Reigious. Instead, she acted as one of the commanding officers of the Ijirian military and already had a very famous reputation both within Ijiria and throughout the rest of the world. She had fought in the many skirmishes between Ijiria and the neighboring kingdom of Trovia in the north, and had also been one of the leading figures in stamping out the uprisings in the southern city of Krato many years back. Despite the princess’s weak control over combat magic, Album couldn’t say with certainty that she would win in a fight against the royal daughter.

Being in her presence only solidified that belief as she had a powerful aura about her that set Album’s instincts off. Piura was currently dressed in her gold and green commander’s military attire as well as her officer’s peaked cap. Like the rest of the royal family, Piura’s long straight hair was emerald green and, though Album couldn’t currently see them, she knew her eyes were a deep blue.

“Ortumo,” Piura said calmly, putting a stop to the wind magic propelling the lift.

It gradually came to a halt, stopping only once they’d reached the top floor of the Citadel—the floor that housed both the royal quarters and the throne room.

“Follow me,” she ordered without ever once looking back as she stepped off the lift and into the corridor beyond.

Nigreos followed after her wordlessly and Album did the same. It wasn’t often that the Master of Light made her way to the royal floor of the Citadel, but it looked just as she remembered it. Unlike the silver and white lower floors, these corridors were a golden color with a green carpet. There were no windows on the walls so the only light in the corridor came from the fire lamps hanging from the ceiling. Instead, the walls were lined with paintings of kings and queens long dead with suits of emerald armor standing between each picture, holding the pummels of their swords with the blades facing downwards.

Album only spared the armor brief glances before turning her attention back to the task at hand. Piura led them down what seemed like a maze of hallways, each looking no different from the next. They seemed to go on forever but Album knew that wasn’t the case. She could sense the overwhelming power of illusion magic cast over the upper floor to make it so that no intruder would be able to find their way without a guide. Even she and Nigreos wouldn’t know where to go without Piura. The only ones who did know were the royal family and top members of the High Council.

Which only begs the question, Album thought to herself, How did Abi’s children get to the vaults without a guide? How did they bypass the illusion?

However, she quickly pushed the question from her thoughts. She and Nigreos had already thoroughly discussed the implications of what the attack on the citadel could mean. There was no doubt that somebody gave the Children of Reiner the means of bypassing the illusion which meant that there had to be a traitor somewhere within the building. In addition, most of the Masters believed that the traitor must be on the council. The Master of Fire, Nakoma Taurus, was currently leading the investigation alongside Ryokumo, but so far, they hadn’t learned a thing.

“Here we are,” Piura announced, returning Album from her thoughts.

The three of them had come to large, golden doors that Album knew was the entrance to the throne room. Piura folded her arms across her chest and indicated the door with a nod of her head.

“You may now speak with my father,” she told them. “But I would request that you be quick about it. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that His Majesty tires quite easily.”

Nigreos politely bowed his head. “Of course, princess. We should only be a few minutes. Your guidance is much appreciated.”

Album remained silent but still followed her partner’s lead and bowed her head. Then, after smoothing out his suit, Nigreos reached for the doors and pushed them open. Album followed alongside him as the two stepped into the Ijirian Throne Room.

Unlike the rest of the top floor, the throne room wasn’t a bright gold or anything even close. In fact, it was so different from the rest of the Citadel that Album was once again taken aback by the overwhelming shift in mana levels between the corridor and the room. It was so powerful that it made her own mana react in panic and that feeling spread all throughout her body. However, she refused to let the discomfort show on her face and she knew Nigreos was doing the same.

Before the two Masters was a long silver platform about fifty yards long leading to the center of the room with a drop on either side. When Album looked over the railing, she could see a black, writhing material churning about below. The entire room was made of a black metal known as sensium which, despite being classified as a metal, was often seen in a state jumping between a solid and a liquid. The ceiling, the walls, and even most of the floor below the platform was made of the material and all of it churned in its liquid-solid state.

Nigreos continued down the platform and Album did the same, trying desperately to calm her nerves in such a mana-dense place.

At the end of the platform, in the center of the room, was a square box about ten feet tall and ten feet wide. It was constructed of a pure and transparent material known as liquet crystal which allowed them to see the being living within. In the center of the box, hanging from the top, was the form of a shirtless man whose body only extended down to his mid-torso. His emerald green hair hung down to his back in tatters and his beard was untrimmed and prickly. Below where his body ended was where the black mass of sensium started. It formed what looked like human hips and legs but, instead of ending at his feet, the sensium continued on to the bottom of the box and even below, combining with the metal in the rest of the room.

Much like in the case of Nigreos’s right hand, sensium was often used as a material to replace limbs due to its compatibility with human nerve cells. In essence, it allowed the user to control it like a part of their own body and they could even feel it like their normal limbs.

So every drop of sensium in this room is a part of him, she thought in a mixture of fear and awe, having seen it before but still finding it hard to believe. This room is him.

“Your Majesty,” Nigreos said, bending down on his knee and bowing his head before Markreas Iiji, the Ijirian king.

Album did the same, following her partner’s lead.

The man in the box began to mumble something but Album couldn’t make out what it was he said. Nigreos didn’t respond either but, moments later, the king repeated himself, this time sounding clearer despite the raspiness of his voice.

“Rise,” he said. “Then state your names and the purpose of coming before me.”

The two Masters immediately did as they were commanded, pushing themselves to their feet to face their leader. When Album once again looked upon his face, she saw that he was missing an eye but the one he did have was as dark of a blue as his childrens.

“My name is Nigreos Noctis,” her partner began. “I’m the Citadel’s Master of Darkness.”

“And I am Album Luz,” she said. “I am the Citadel’s Master of Light.”

This wasn’t the first time the two Masters had interacted with the king. In fact, it was far from it. But ever since Markreas was almost killed, and his body confined to this box, his memory from before was quite damaged, and the king often struggled to remember important details of his past. Because of this, his son, Reigious, was the one essentially running Ijiria, and Markreas was a king more in name only.

Markreas furrowed his brow, his lip twisting into a half smile.

“Noctis and Luz?” he muttered. “Ah, yes. My son has told me quite a bit about you two. You’re very powerful mages and more importantly, you’re loyal. Two very good traits to have.”

“Thank you, your Majesty,” Nigreos said with another bow of his head. “Your words flatter us.”

The king’s smile then faded and his expression became as blank as it was before. “Now, if it’s you two here then I imagine this visit has to do with that raid on the Citadel? Have you finally reclaimed the Assassination Gem?”

Nigreos shook his head. “I’m afraid we haven’t yet. However, we have a lead on where it might be and so, Album and I have come to request your permission to use a realm dagger to jump into a magicless world.”

Markreas cocked an eyebrow at Nigreos’s words. “A magicless world? Hmm…and why is that? Please, fill me in on everything you have learned, Noctis. Do not leave anything out.”

The Master of Darkness nodded firmly. “Of course. In that case, I must ask if you were already told of the events leading to the loss of the stone?”

“Yes, Anna told me everything,” the king confirmed. “The thief used an illegal realm dagger to escape into another world but we weren’t able to figure out which one it was.”

“Well, we know where it is now,” Nigreos replied. “In the last few weeks, the QuaerBasim has picked up numerous high mana events taking place in a nonmagical world that can only be attributed to the gem. After all, only the Ijirian relics are so mana dense that they can be used in such quick succession within a world like that.”

“Agreed,” the king rasped. “If the Basim indeed picked up signals such as you describe then the stone must be there. Which world was it detected in, Noctis?”

Nigreos hesitated for a moment before replying. “Well…that would be Omaruo, Your Majesty.”

The king’s brow instantly tightened. “Omaruo?” he said slowly. “Reiner.”

The king’s conflicted emotions could be felt throughout the whole room. Album felt her body go cold as she watched the writhing masses of sensium begin to bubble more violently across the ceiling, almost like a pulse.

“Yes,” Nigreos said. “The stone was detected in Abi’s Haven and was activated by what we believe to be an very powerful mage. However, I do not think it’s something we need worry about. As I previously stated, if you grant Album and I permission to go to Omaruo, we can personally reclaim the stone in no time at all.”

“Can you?” Markreas growled. “And what of this supposed magic user? Do you think the two of you can handle them?”

Nigreos nodded firmly. “Absolutely. If they don’t know we’re coming, we can make our move against them before they even know they’re being hunted.”

“Hmm…” Markreas cocked his head to one side and regarded Nigreos for a moment. “Both of you. Stand still.”

Album and Nigreos both stood straighter just as the ceiling above them began to churn. Album watched with bated breath as the sensium took on the form of two human hands that stretched down from the ceiling and toward the two of them. The Master of Light tensed up as one of the hands reached out and wrapped its cold fingers around her neck while the other did the same to Nigreos. She could feel it interacting with her internal mana and it only made her want to hurl.

“I see,” Markreas whispered. “You are powerful indeed. Fine.”

As quickly as they arrived, the two hands released their grip on the Masters before receding back up into the mass of the ceiling.

“You have my permission,” the king continued. “You may go to Omaruo to reclaim the stone and you have permission to use whatever magic you deem necessary to do so. In addition…if any denizens of that world have come into contact with the stone…” He paused for a moment, as if the conversation was wearing him down. “…then do as the law commands and erase them.”

Nigreos and Album both bowed down to him.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Nigreos replied. “We won’t let you down.”

“I don’t expect you will,” Markreas grunted. “Now, you are dismissed. Let me rest.”

Taking their cue to leave, Nigreos and Album both turned on their heels and began making their way back along the platform and toward the throne room’s doors. Album was grateful that they were finally permitted to leave as even spending the few minutes in that room as she did had mentally exhausted her. When the two Masters pushed open the doors and went out into the hall beyond, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“So, it’s all worked out, I take it?” Piura asked calmly once the doors had shut behind them.

“It is,” Nigreos confirmed. “Once everything is in order, Album and I will go to Omaruo and reclaim the gem.”

The princess nodded firmly. “Good. It’ll be best to put all this business behind us as fast as we can.”

“I agree,” Nigreos replied. “We’ll do our best, my lady.”

Piura eyed them both for a moment longer before silently turning and making her way back in the direction they had come. Album and Nigreos followed after her.

The trip back to the lift didn’t feel as long as the trip to the throne room and before she knew it, they were once again riding down to the Citadel’s lower floors. Piura took them to the residential floor and, after thanking her once again for guiding them to meet with the king, they bid her goodbye and got off the platform. Piura then wordlessly continued her descent down the shaft and vanished from sight.

“Well, I’m glad that’s all worked out,” Nigreos muttered, his exhaustion now showing with the princess’s departure. “I don’t imagine the Council will be terribly efficient at getting us a dagger so now all we do is wait.”

The man once again began walking down the corridor and Album followed his lead. She could tell that he was stressed about the whole situation despite his confident front before the royal family and she knew exactly why. After checking to make sure she didn’t sense anybody nearby, Album spoke.

“I’m surprised you didn’t tell the king about Eric Reiner,” she said softly. “You know how dangerous it is to keep secrets from a man like him.”

Nigreos scoffed. “We’ve been over this. I will not break my promise to Abi. If her son truly is wrapped up in this mess then we will deal with it as discreetly as possible.”

“Hmm,” Album grunted. “I still find it so amusing, Nigreos. After everything you did to Abi, you draw the line at breaking a mere promise?”

The man glanced down at her with a dangerous glare in his eyes, but she refused to show any sign of backing down.

“It’s because of everything I did to her that I won’t break this promise,” he whispered. He then scoffed. “And don’t make it sound like you’re blameless in the matter.”

Album shrugged, unbothered by his words. “I’m not. However, I’m well aware that she brought it on herself. Our hands were forced. There’s no point in letting it hang over us. And if Eric Reiner forces our hands as well…” She looked directly into her partner’s eyes. “Then we’ll kill him, too.”

***

After parting ways with Nigreos, Album made her way down the rather empty residential corridors. The silver and white hallways were normally quite packed but that particular day was a day of rest and so, most would be in their lodgings or out in the city spending time with family and friends. Only a handful of mages and council members would be working that day. Normally, Album wasn’t one of them but, given that she no longer had family or friends with which to spend the day with, losing it bothered her very little. Now that the meeting with the king was over, she intended to return to her room to relax and clear her mind. She wanted an afternoon of peace to prepare for the upcoming mission to Omaruo.

Yet, as she rounded the corner that would take her to her rooms, she realized that it was easier said than done.

“Album, my friend. There you are!”

Standing right outside her door, his back leaning up against the wall and his finger toying with his silver curled mustache was the Master of Wind, Ryokumo Caeli.

She immediately narrowed her eyes, her guard raised as it always did whenever she was in the man’s presence.

“Come now,” Ryokumo said before she had a chance to speak. “What’s with the sour look? Is that any way to greet an old friend of yours?”

“What do you want, Caeli?” she asked softly.

The silver haired Sukonese man merely sighed. “To talk. That’s all. May I come in for just a few minutes?”

As much as she wanted to turn him away on the spot, she also knew it wouldn’t do her any good to treat him poorly. Despite his eccentric appearance, he was still a Master of the Citadel and, even if she no longer cared for him, Nigreos still respected him.

“Fine,” she said curtly. “But make it brief.”

Ryokumo chuckled dryly. “Worry not. I wouldn’t want to long remain in the company of a woman who clearly dislikes me.”

Album ignored his remark as she walked past him and placed her hand against the door.

“Pateno,” she whispered, sending her own personal mana flowing into the door to unlock it.

The residential doors in the Citadel were charmed so that only those who owned the rooms could unlock them. Not even Nigreos could get into her room without her permission. Once she heard the click of the door unlocking, she pushed it open and headed inside with Ryokumo right behind her. The door opened directly into her main living room which consisted of a single couch facing a crystal table and a desk in the opposite corner. The hallway that led back into her room was directly behind the couch and there was no place to store food since the Citadel had numerous places to eat.

Wanting to deal with Ryokumo as fast as possible, Album walked immediately toward the couch, taking her seat and folding her pale hands atop her lap as she eyed her guest. She made no move to invite him to take a seat on the couch so instead, Ryokumo remained standing as he glanced around the room with a cocked eyebrow.

“It’s as dull of a place as I remember it,” he mused.

“What do you want?” Album asked sharply, ignoring his comment.

The Master of Wind laughed softly before glancing down at her. “How’d the meeting with the king go? Did he grant you permission?”

She narrowed her eyes, knowing that question wasn’t the reason he was there. After all, idle chatter was better suited between him and Nigreos. However, she decided to appease him for the time being, knowing that his question must have some point.

“He did,” she replied simply. “Nigreos and I shall go to Omaruo and reclaim the Assassination Gem. You have our thanks for getting us a meeting with the Council.”

The last part was a mere pleasantry as she held no real gratitude toward him. Yet, it was a simple fact that getting a meeting with the High Council wasn’t an easy thing to accomplish and nobody was allowed to bring a request before the king without first going through them.

“Of course,” he replied casually. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you. After all, I’ve got a bit of a personal stake in this matter myself. I’m sure Eric Reiner intrigues me every bit as much as he intrigues you.”

Album shrugged. “I disagree. I don’t think there’s anything interesting about him at all. Merely having Abigail’s blood does not mean he’s involved in this. The gem could have simply been claimed by a mage from another world with no connections to Reiner.”

“Maybe…but I doubt it,” Ryokumo muttered. “I’m not sure if Nigreos told you or not but I looked into those readings on the Basim. They were all coming from the same place…a quaint little seaside town the locals call Wilham. Sounds a tad familiar, does it not?”

Album scoffed, having already heard the information from her partner. “And? That town is one of Omaruo’s gateways. It’s not unlikely at all that somebody else could have entered the realm and taken up residence there. I think it’s dangerous to jump to conclusions.”

“Sure. Keep telling yourself that,” the Master replied. “Well, regardless, I suppose I should get to the point. As you know, I’ve been helping Nakoma interrogate the prisoners from the Citadel raid as well as with his investigation into this potential traitor.”

Album silently nodded, impatiently motioning for him to go on.

“Well, quite simply, it’s been a damned headache,” the man growled. “Thanks to your erasure of that Pine fellow, not a damn one of our prisoners can tell us a thing about him.”

“To be expected,” Album replied sharply. “But I did what I had to. Allowing him to escape into an unknown world where we couldn’t follow was too risky.”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Ryokumo said with a grin. “I’m not disrespecting your decision. I’m simply stating a fact. But regardless, the prisoners have refused to tell us anything.”

“And the traitor?” Album pressed. “Any news on that front?”

The man sighed and for a moment, she could see that he was truly worn out by the situation.

“Nothing,” he muttered. “Not a damn thing. The prisoners won’t even admit that a traitor exists. Then comes the fact that there are only a handful of people who can even act as guides through the royal floor. Which is what brings me to my presence here.”

Album sat up straighter, thankful to have finally gotten to the point.

“I need you to confirm something for me,” he continued. “Aside from Rista Pine, did you erase anybody else during the Citadel raid?”

The woman snorted as she leaned back in her chair, disappointed that his question was as boring as it was.

“One or two,” she admitted. “But none that were anything more than Children of Reiner. Why?”

Ryokumo scowled. “Why do you think, Album? I’m saying that it’s almost like this traitor doesn’t exist! As if they were wiped from reality…erased.”

“No. That’s impossible,” she stated dismissively. “Nobody I erased could have been guides for the royal floor. So unless Nadia is keeping secrets, the traitor should still be at large.”

The man quickly shook his head. “No. I’ve already confirmed that Nadia was down south during the raid.” He clenched his teeth, turning to look down at the crystal table for a moment before sighing. “Look. Is there any way that there could be another eraser in this building aside from you and Nadia?”

“Absolutely not,” she said firmly, not even taking a second to consider his question. “Becoming an eraser is not an easy task, Caeli, nor is refraining from going insane once you’ve wiped away as many as I have. There are probably only a few dozen of us in Ijiria and we can sense when the others are nearby. If there were another eraser within this city, I would know.”

Ryokumo eyed her for a moment, his hands clasped behind his back as if trying to gauge whether she was lying or not. She met his probing head on, refusing him to gather even a glimpse of her inner feelings.

“I can’t help but be suspicious of you then,” he growled, his tone becoming cold. “I have gaps in my memory, Album. I’ve forgotten something…someone. I know I have. So if there truly are no other erasers then…”

Album met his icy stare with a challenging glare of her own.

“Don’t test me, Caeli,” she snapped. “If this is about the disappearance of the Angel then—”

“Somebody took it,” he interrupted. “Or I gave it to somebody. I don’t remember but…I know something was erased. And…”

Album tensed up, centering her mana around her hand on the chance that the fury she sensed in him would be unleashed.

“…if you did take something from me,” he continued. “You will regret it.”

She scoffed. “Are you threatening me, Caeli?”

“I’m threatening the eraser who took my memories,” he replied. “So only you know if I’m threatening you or not.”

With that, Ryokumo turned and began making his way to the door.

“Consider my words, Album,” he called over his shoulder. “And heed my warning.”

She watched him leave, never once moving from her spot on the couch until she could no longer feel his presence even out in the corridor. Though, knowing he was a master of distortion magic, she realized that didn’t mean he was gone.

He’s getting more bold by the day, she thought. He’s always been clever…too clever. He knows I’m lying to him…but he can’t prove it. And if he can’t prove it then he won’t act.

She sighed. I just hope he never does. This is for his own good. It always has been, and unfortunately, he’ll never realize that. He’s the last one. If we lose him then Nigreos and I will truly have lost everything.

Album clenched her fists, feeling a small wave of emotion crack through the barriers she always had put up, and for just a moment, a nostalgic feeling began to torment her.

So…please, Kumo. Don’t stick your nose into this matter any further. You’ll regret it, if you do.