Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 351 Nox De Nier III

'1000 years,' Altair wondered, unable to even imagine the amount of time that really was. It seemed only like words on paper rather than a reality.

He exchanged looks with Tasha before settling his face back on the butler. Tasha seemed to understand because she stood up, spinning on her heel, and said, "Leave. The Young Master will not be seeing anyone."

Anklem practically paled. "Young Master. Allow me to—" his words fell on deaf ears as Tasha conjured a sword forged out of Mana and pressed it against his throat.

"Leave!" Tasha demanded, drawing a sliver of blood.

Anklem froze before retreating a few steps. With a dismissive bow, he left without another word.

Neither Altair nor Tasha spoke until they saw Anklem ordering a few servants to drag Layla away.

"I wasn't sure of Nox's mannerisms or if he has an accent, so I didn't speak," Altair explained.

"We could make up a cover story," said Tasha. "Amnesia or something."

"Maybe..." Altair muttered, unsure. "If there are denizens of Allmor who become vessels to outsiders like us. I can imagine some people are against it. Some who might even go out of their way to kill these offworlders." He glanced at Tasha, who nodded.

"This is correct, my Lord. They're known as Veil Hunters. And I can imagine one will be visiting us soon."

The Young Lord hummed in response, folding his arms. "I get my role is to become Nox. But what is yours?"

Tasha deviously grinned. "To serve you, of course. You see. The Father of Nox made a deal with the hells. He wanted his son to open his eyes again, so he paid a fee."

"A fee?" Altair chuckled dryly. "Funny way of saying he sold his soul."

"Well, I'm not sure what price he paid, but since you awoke as Nox, We fulfilled our end."

"I don't suppose you know who he made a deal with?"

Tasha shook her head. "I only know this much because I awoke in a new body, with someone claiming I was to be the cure to his son's awakening."

"poor bastard"

"He knew what he was signing up for. But what irks me is that the person who directed me to House Nier refused to tell me the price Godrey paid. I know Father is involved somehow, but I don't know how."

"It doesn't matter," Altair affirmed. "What matters now is surviving. If Nox was a Transcendent, then I can't imagine what realm his Father is in. We need information. What happened to Raven and the others?"

Tasha's expression turned awkward as she explained all that occurred after he fell unconscious. Altair was more than surprised as he reached into himself to find Raven. He nearly fell over as he saw her flying through the skies, batting her wings free of worry. However, what alarmed him was the lack of emotions echoing from out of her.

She was very much like a husk. It was indeed as Tasha had described—hollow, without emotion.

"If I summon her, will you be able to take her down?" Altair asked, returning to himself.

Anklem bowed, suddenly wishing he had kept his mouth shut. He couldn't explain why he felt the way he did, but the feeling grew until he let out a breath of air.

"What am I to do with him? I just hope the Second Young Master takes the news well."

****

"Tsk..." Zelos smacked his lips, glaring at the hologram before him. "I still can't get in contact with your husband. You know where he is?"

Syris blushed. "He is not my husband."

" he is laying it down, right?"

If looks could kill, Zelos would have been besieged by hundreds of particles. That feeling only seemed to intensify at that mischievous smile of triumph he wore

"Yeah. Yall married. Only a wife could give that type of look."

"Or a terribly angry woman." Syris countered. "What is it you want?"

"Aha~" Zelos smiled. "Well, thanks to your husband, not only has he gotten me what I dreamed of, but even my Father feels like he owes Altair a favor. In form him wherever he is, the Archon of Bios has added him to his list of selective guests for any party he so desires."

Syris's expression shifted. "Really?"

"Syris, I cannot state the level of power my Father, as Archon wields for it beyond anything you or I can imagine. His words are not to ever be taken lightly. Inform your husband, but tell him to tread lightly. I can't imagine the backlash to what he asked me to do is going to be light."

Just then, Syris's Hologram flickered as a new face joined the call. "Is that Zelos? You little fucker, where did you run off to! You got my money!" Arsene demanded as the call went dead, to his amusement.

Syris tilted her head, glancing at Arsene, smiling. "He owes you money?"

"Yup. Quite a few Soul Coins. Nothing big, at least not to me, it's not. He's been ducking my calls for nearly a decade." His smile widened as he threw his hands behind his head.

"You don't seem like you actually care."

"I don't, but it's fun to mess with him. Zelos is a man of pride, or so his blood demands. Watching the turmoil on his face is hella enjoyable." Arsene explained, releasing a yawn. He shot an eye at Syris and said, "I'm a little bored. Care for a training session?"

"You serious?"

"Ya boy, Arsene is all about bully... I mean training the new generation, especially when you lack a true master. Zariel and I can help you out for a while. Not like we have anything else going for us."

"... Don't you have a daughter and another son?"

"Yup, but Iza and Ves are an odd duo because they awoke much faster than Altair. Altair didn't. Thought it might be due to the Lake Of Rot. They don't need me as much." He smiled with a most curious gleam in his eyes. "That seemed to have changed. And I'm a little curious what an Awakened being like you can do.

Altair did make you his saintess."