Nightblade (Darkest night)-Chapter 212: Hell flame

Merlin.

Very few people within the Praesagius knew what the legendary figure actually looked like.

No one was certain about the man’s age.

The man was something of a mystery even within the Praesagius.

One thing was certain. He was no ordinary Talented. Even the Videntis listened when he spoke. The man held considerable sway over the Brass.

Rumors claimed he was behind the invention of the Chronobox, Amanda, and several other revolutionary technological innovations which made many believe that his ability had something to do with technology.

That also made him an anomaly of sorts.

The Chronoevaluation had been full of surprises. As soon as it had come to an end, the Videntis had promptly left, and with them, Aisha Lorke and her personal giant.

Norvax briskly walked down a hall leading to the office of the esteemed headmaster of the Pyreptar Academy, his eyes staring bleakly into space.

Of course, not all Talented were ordinary indivduals but this man was extraordinary even among the most unique of individuals.

Norvax could have moved the distance to Gregory’s office within mere seconds but today he decided to take things slow.

Stopping at the large reception, he calmly took in the lavish decor.

" The Great Houses truly spared no expense with this place" he thought with a smile.

The reception counter was made of an elegant glass-like material that he failed to recognize.

Gold engravings marked the ceiling, with inscriptions of the Great Houses and feats.

The other parts were filled with writing in a language he failed to recognize. Not to mention the crystal chandeliers and seemingly floating lights that hovered just a few centimeters above the ceiling.

"Interesting..."

Several paintings adorned the walls depicting figures that he failed to recognize, presumably beings of legend in the Brotherhood of Shadows.

Flashing the woman a roguish smile, he calmly took out the badge signifying his rank and position.

"I’m expected" he said.

Paying him no attention, the woman nodded, tapping her comlink.

"One moment please..."

" Frosty much..." he thought frowning slightly.

A few moments later, she moved around the elegant glass top.

" This way please..." she said gesturing for him to follow her.

"Well, that didn’t take long..."

The petite blonde led him to a massive set of double doors.

She left him in front of the doors. A few moments passed in silence.

" Well this is awkward..."

After a few moments, the doors opened on their own.

" Norvax..." A voice spoke from within the office.

" Come in."

Norvax entered the office, his eyes slowly running across the large office space.

Several large shelves are spaced throughout the large room. Countless large volumes of books lined the shelves.

The man himself, was standing in front of a large fireplace, staring intently into the illusory flames. Subtle wrinkles marred his face, the ever-present scar twitching slightly.

"What brings you here, Norvax?"

Norvax shrugged.

"Can’t I drop in to see an old friend?"

Gregory turned, his lips curling into a small smile.

" We both know that isn’t the reason why you’re here."

Norvax let out a sigh, then plopped down into one id comfy sofa, crossing his legs and draping his arms on the soft cushions.

" You’re absolutely right..."

And if you know why I’m here, then you also know that that small surprise has had far-reaching ripples."

Gregory nodded, walking to his desk.

Sitting down, he steepled his fingers piercing Norvax with a cold gaze.

"The girl is under my protection. Claire cared for her as though she were her own daughter and I will not allow anything to happen to her again. I won’t fail her again."

His grey eyes sparked with ethereal light, glowing eerily in the warm light of the large room.

Leaning forward slightly, he whispered.

" Even if it means going up against the Videntis themselves."

" Oh ho..."

Norvax regarded him coolly and then leaned back slightly.

"Even if it means going up against Merlin?"

Gregory regarded him for a brief moment, the glow in his eyes flickering slightly, then his eyes hardened.

"If that’s what it takes, then so be it."

Norvax held his gaze for a few moments, then leaned back with a chuckle.

"Well, Victoria probably won’t like that I told you this but Merlin’s interested in the girl and he’ll be paying her a visit in person."

Gregory’s eyes widened slightly then narrowed.

" I see..."

Norvax casually tapped a cushion with his fingers at super speed.

" And that’s not all, even Aisha Lorke seems to have gained an interest in her."

Gregory nodded then spoke evenly.

"I noticed..."

A lull in conversation followed.

"Why is Aisha Lorke here?"

Norvax slowly shook his head.

" I’m just as surprised as you are. The Videntis are playing it close to the chest."

Gregory leaned back with a frown.

"Aisha Lorke is an old monster. And if she’s here without your knowing, we can only assume, the only other people inhabiting the know are the Videntis and the upper echelons.

Norvax nodded.

" Indeed."

Standing up, he walked over to the shelves.

"A lot of things are happening, he said, running his hands over the neatly arranged spines of the ancient texts.

And although the Brotherhood and their Council are hiding it well, I can tell that they’re shaken by everything that’s been happening so far. My intel tells me one of the scions of their revered Great Houses was among those students that are still missing..."

Norvax sighed.

" But I understand their dilemma well. After all, the most dangerous foe is the one that you don’t see coming..."

Gregory smiled wryly.

" Sounds eerily similar to what they do, no?"

Norvax laughed shaking his head in amusement

After a while, his expression turned somber.

" We should be careful as well. The upcoming Veilrend Games would be the perfect stage for anything to happen. That would throw a wrench in any sense of stability that we’ve gained in the past few years."

Gregory nodded.

" We’re prepared for anything. In fact, I hope something does happen. The thought that we failed to do anything the last time gnaws at me every waking hour. "

Norvax’s eyes narrowed at the comments.

And what do you plan to do if something does happen?

Gregory pierced him with an icy cold gaze.

"Several measures are already in place. That and the fact that we haven’t been idle these few years."

"In fact..."

Gregory’s eyes ignited with a grey light.

A light breeze stirred through the room rustling the pages of the books on the large table where he was seated.

In the next moment, a startling change occurred.

The light in his eyes flickered then they turned completely black.

Norvax watched with ominous change with a grim fascination.

Dark flames ignited in the air around Gregory spinning impossibly in the air in concentric rings.

Norvax could feel the harrowing power radiating off the man in front of him. It was almost as though he were a completely different person.

"What are they supposed to be?" He asked quietly...

From the different times Norvax had witnessed Fire elemental types unleash their powers, he could instinctively tell that he was witnessing something completely different.

When Gregory spoke, his voice had taken on a darker, icier edge.

" I call them hell flames," he murmured.

"I’m sure you can tell just how powerful they are and with time, you’ll see them in action."

Norvax inwardly shuddered.

"Bloody hell..."