Chapter 475 – An Unforgettable Tour
Asterios led Noir through the hallways of his castle, acting like he wasn’t paying attention to how she curiously peered at everything around. She tensed when the servants crossed their path, greeting their lord politely and inclining their heads at his guest. However, she didn’t show them hostility save for the frown she almost permanently wore on her forehead.
Or it was just how her eyebrows naturally pinched into that sharp expression.
While their destination wasn’t exactly just around the corner, it was only a few minutes away. They soon reached the restricted house arrest chambers and he knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” A familiar voice answered, belonging to the older sister.
“It’s me. And a friend.” Asterios glanced at Noir meaningfully and she inclined her head in understanding. “Can we take a moment of your time to speak about the cult?”
“Of course,” Linu replied, her voice unchanging from its previous position. “Please, come in, My Lord.”
He pushed the entrance open and stepped into the room. The chamber the noctis duo had been assigned to had seen some changes already. It became a bit more colorful, brightening the atmosphere with flowers, paintings, and decorations. The night-skinned pair rested on their big bed, the big sister sitting against the backrest with the younger sister lying flat on her back with her head on the other one’s thighs, holding an open book over her face.
The mood switched the moment Noir moved out from behind Asterios. Linu’s eyes widened to the brim and she tugged her little sister off her lap, evoking dissatisfied groans from the small girl. Those didn’t stop the mature abyssal elf from shoving her only remaining family behind her back. Tatiana didn’t understand what was happening, but she was smart enough to play along with her suddenly anxious guardian.
Asterios frowned at the scene, then realized that it must have been brought forth by Noir’s aura. The older noctis must have recognized the dark energy, but since she had only felt a tiny touch of mana that came from a singular black True Dragon, it was like her master unexpectedly showing in front of them. Or his agent.
“This is Noir.” He quickly gestured at the Dragon girl. “She’s unaffiliated with the case. So far. As I just brought her in to help us solve it. If you trust me, you can trust her.”
“She smells like him,” Linu said tensely.
“Smells?” Asterios tilted his head.
“I assume she’s talking about another True Dragon sharing my affinity?” Noir glanced between them. “Scent is one of the ways to recognize one’s spiritual signature and gauge its power. Her lineage provides an instinctual way to do it since it seems to have been influenced in the past, but she is untrained in that skill. Mistaking the aura of one for another is common with inexperienced users.”
“It will be faster if I show you.” He met her eyes. “Mind taking a peek into my head?”
She was a tad taken aback by the casual suggestion but deepened their connection nonetheless. In a matter of seconds, the most crucial memories related to the cult and Ast’s group’s interactions with it played out for both of them. He did his best to focus on the draconic details.
When they were done, he waited for her to withdraw from his mind. It didn’t happen instantly, her curiosity pushing her forward to peer a little deeper now that she was in, but she caught herself quickly and jumped out, still surprised at the freedom she had been given at that moment.
“I think I understand.” Noir nodded to herself. “Your race has been enslaved, your master left the world, but he still directs you towards his old goal, with his efforts being thwarted by Asterios. If I were to guess, you summoned me, a member of a dark-shaded lineage, to try and find out who and where they are, aiming to end his reign and the threat he poses to you once and for all.”
“Got it in one.” Asterios smiled at her proudly, evoking a tiny smirk from the cunning lady.
“Yes, I can do it.” She puffed her chest out a bit. “I can’t guarantee instant results unless he is someone I’ve previously interacted with or got in contact with his aura, though. In that case, I’ll need to employ a few techniques to scry this bastard’s current whereabouts.”
“Anything you can try will be greatly appreciated.” He made a polite bow, stunning her briefly. “What do you need?”
Regathering herself, she turned to the noctis women and unhurriedly walked up to the bed. He followed her closely, trying to reassure the ladies with his close presence. Linu knew something was needed from her so she pushed Tiana further back and brought herself to the edge of the bed, pretty much offering to be the one to be subjected to whatever spells or techniques that were going to be used.
“You are a Slave, aren’t you?” Noir asked, her face as frigid as always.
“Yes, I am.” Linu swallowed with some difficulty.
“Good.” The fierce girl smiled thinly. “I can use you.”
She extended her hand, which started turning draconic as it headed towards the female’s forehead.
Seeing the woman shiver at its sight, Asterios caught Noir’s wrist, halting her advance. Glancing at him, her mouth scrunched in annoyance, but she calmed herself right away. After a few seconds, she seemed to have figured out what he was worried about.
“This isn’t going to kill her,” Noir explained, peering into his eyes. “I admit, it will hurt. Is that a problem?”
“In the future, elaborate a little more about what you are going to do, please.” Asterios released her wrist.
She smacked her lips, but nodded, which was the closest to an apology he could get.
“I’m going to touch your forehead, draw out your mark, slice through it, and take a drop of your blood.” Noir followed his instructions. “If my energy isn’t recognized by your master’s, it might oppose me and cause some pain. Withstand it just for a moment.”
“A moment of pain is nothing before the hope of being freed from this curse,” Linu stated and closed her eyes.
Resuming her halted actions, Noir pressed her draconic thumb to the girl’s skin and sent out a pulse of spiritual energy. The noctis woman groaned, her veins popping up from anguish. The Slave sigil appeared, and from the bits Asterios could see that poked out from under Noir’s thumb, it resembled the snake tattoos most if not all the members wore somewhere on their bodies.
A short cry broke out of Linu’s throat as her forehead was slashed across. Her blood didn’t drip down, instead following the True Dragon’s fingers. Three threads of dark liquid coalesced into a thumb-sized pearl before they cut off and the night-skinned lady’s struggling ceased, her breathing labored.
While Tatiana crawled to her sister and hugged Linu from the side with concern, Asterios stealthily materialized his Spellslinger and activated a healing spell. The cut healed up in an instant and he hid his weapon away, just in time to catch the two noctis girls turning to him.
“Thank you for your cooperation.” He smiled warmly. “We’ll leave you to your own things now since I don’t think we have to bother you with this uncomfortable stuff anymore. I hope you are finding your stay in my castle tolerable. For now, that’s all I can guarantee.”
“We are very grateful for everything, sir!” Tatiana peered up at him innocently. “I have my sister! I don’t need anything else!”
“You deserve much more, though.” Asterios chuckled. “But, that will come later. Have a good rest.”
Inclining his head at the duo, he guided his companion out of the room by placing his hand at her waist, the ball of blood floating atop her joined palms. As soon as they were out of earshot, he watched her with great interest.
“I need to take it home to begin the rituals since I don’t recognize the signature.” Noir shook her head. “Now that I have properly crystallized it, I don’t need to rush it, but I could start right away…”
Seeing her reluctant expression, he closed her fingers around the orb. “Later, then. I promised you a tour of my domain. You did a bit of your job, so now it’s my turn.”
The tip of her tail wagged a tad as she stored the blood somewhere. He was beginning to think that she wasn’t used to being subjected to many positive emotions from her peers. It didn’t know it wasn’t supposed to be this lively and she hadn’t yet taken notice of its betrayal.
“Before we go, however, tuck that tail in.” As much as Asterios wanted to keep admiring that cute appendage, it was time to bid farewell to it. “As I said, there are no True Dragons here so we can’t be parading around announcing our heritage.”
“Do I have to?” Noir took a peek at the now still limb. “I almost never hide it.”
Observing the faintest shadow of a pout on her lips as she gazed at it, he hummed to himself.
“Well, technically, everyone should be used to having Lesser Dragons around, so I guess it should be fine as long as you don’t sprout wings.” Asterios scratched his head.
Noir’s face snapped up to his. “Are you telling me to pose as a worm? Do you have no shame?”
The venom in her voice was apparent, so it didn’t look like she thought well of that idea.
“Either that or no tail.” He shrugged. “My town, my rules.”
Considering her options, she grumbled and dismissed the additional appendage. Asterios was man enough to admit he already missed it.
He offered her his hand and she took it right away, already aware of what it represented. The shadows swirled around them, and in a blink, they showed up outside, just before the outer bridge leading to the separated island. Letting go, he waited for a moment as she spun around and took in their charming surroundings.
“It’s so… full of life here.” Noir’s eyes hopped from person to person and their interactions. “Most villages and even cities in our realm are kind of… lethargic.”
“I wonder why.” Asterios snorted.
“It isn’t all our fault.” She sent him a light glare. “Okay, fine I can’t speak for all dark True Dragons, but we aren’t the only strong beings in the area. The dimension is a quite dreary and deadly one. Not as dark and ominous as that Nethernight Realm or whatever.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet. Come along.” He waved at her and started walking.
Assuming a leisurely pace, he led them through the streets, passing by shops, taverns, establishments, and so on. Plenty of people greeted them and he returned each greeting, matching the smiles. Along the way, he explained a bit about the city’s lore, like the modular sections or what they had done to the town.
“You have a personal dungeon?” Noir blinked at him in shock. “There’s always so much fighting over the ones emerging into our world. It’s as dangerous to go in as it is to go out, risking an ambush at the entrance.”
“Ah, yeah. I’ll introduce you to it later.” Asterios smirked. “Dungeons in general are fairly open here, though some are controlled by local powers and require an entry fee.”
“Introduce me? To the Core?” She looked at him weirdly.
“Ours is called Kori and she can talk.” He chuckled. “Too much to explain so you’ll see. Unless I get to that point while sharing our adventures.”
A pair belonging to the Dragon Guard flew over their heads and the passersby erupted in cheers. Noir sneered under her breath, making him smile wryly.
“Asti! Is that you my keen eyes spy afar?” A voice he would never mistake for another sang through the crowd.
Kindra jogged up to them, weaving between streams of people. She ran up to the pair while carrying two giant metal jugs under her armpits.
“Hi, Mom.” Asterios grinned at her. “Those look heavy. Want me to hold them for you?”
“I won’t say no to that, at least for a while. They are a pain in my back.” She sighed heavily.
He gladly took hold of her jugs.
“But, I think I’m getting stronger thanks to you. I wouldn’t have been able to even lift this much in the past.” Kindra then took note of his companion. “Oh! What a pretty lady! A new mate? Is my little Dragon already growing his entourage again?”
The unstoppable woman launched herself at the short girl, both of them not that different in terms of height. Catching on the fact that this was Ast’s mother figure, Noir didn’t lash out, but she definitely regretted not doing so. The undignified squeak that broke out from her lips as she was pulled into a crushing hug would haunt her for years.
“No, Mom, a new friend.” He rolled his eyes, watching how she spun them both in place. “And she’s the first one like me.”
“Oho! You finally found a colleague?” Kindra giggled happily, her fingers slipping into Noir’s hair and ruffling it lovingly. “I’m so happy you can learn more about who you are! Thank you so much for guiding my son, dearie!”
“Stop that!” The feisty female slapped her hands away with a huff.
“Oops!” Ast’s Mom withdrew. “Why?”
“It’s disgraceful!” The raven-haired beauty crossed her arms over her chest.
“Ah, are you only accepting pats from Asterios?” Kindra tilted her head adorably.
“I don’t accept pats from anyone!” Noir growled.
“My apologies, then!” The other woman made a kind bow. “Most girls enjoy having their heads patted by those they care for.”
She then continued bowing and spun to Asterios.
“Now, give me a few!” she requested.
“You are my mother.” He deadpanned at her.
“Am I not doing a great job for you every day?” Kindra peered up at him with a massive pout.
Sighing tiredly, he ruffled her hair while she squirmed giddily. In the next moment, she was out of his grasp, stealing the jugs back.
“Got a delivery to make! We’ll talk later! It was a pleasure to meet you, Noir!” She waved with just her fingers and jogged away.
They stood there in silence for a few seconds.
“So… Yeah… My mother…” Asterios gestured after the fleeing woman with a dry smile.
“I never told her my name,” Noir noted, blinking distantly in the same direction.
“Must have fished it out of my head,” he suggested.
“You have your mother in your entourage?” She whipped back at him with disbelief.
“Crazy, I know. Still can’t believe I’ve been talked into it.” Asterios rubbed his eyes.
“There’s no way I would be able to bear such a thing.” Noir shuddered, massaging her arms.
“If she starts getting too nosy, let me know.” He looked to the side. “Fancy a snack?”
Receiving a neutral shrug in response, he guided them into the nearby restaurant. They chose a free table and picked up the menus, diving into the available options.
“Dragon Roast?” She raised a brow at him. “Really?”
“The quicker you get used to the silly naming sense, the easier it gets, trust me.” He didn’t even tear his eyes off his card.
“My Lord! Welcome!” A portly elf stumbled in, wearing a simple apron. “Oh, with a new Dragon?”
Noir stilled, her needle-thin pupils unmoving from her lecture, unable to believe she had been done so fast.
That was when Asterios realized that her ferocious eyes were a dead giveaway.
“Yeah. She’s not part of the Dragon Guard, though. Just a friend.” He chuckled at the man, conveying his insight to his companion mentally.
She relaxed a little, muttering something about not being a worm under her breath.
The man took their orders and they received their food and beverages shortly. Noir didn’t make any expressions worth admiring, but Asterios kind of expected that. The servants at her home were undoubtedly going out of their way to satisfy whoever lived there. He could imagine the cook losing their chance at life after the soup was too salty.
Still, he did register a few tiny curls at the cusp of her lips once or twice.
As they ate, he brought up his origins, going chronologically from the earliest unlocked memory. She listened intently as he told the fascinating story, enhancing it with a mental image or full scene once in a while. Absorbing the enchanting tale of ups and downs, the beastly girl let out a few growls, scoffs, sneers, but also proud smirks and huffs. His early life certainly wasn’t boring.
Since they were sitting in front of empty plates for a while, Asterios wrapped it up shortly after Selene’s recruitment. He left a tip on the table and stood up. Noticing that Noir lagged behind a bit, he cast a glance at her over his shoulder.
She held her hand on her chair’s backrest, peering back at him. “You don’t wish to hear my side?”
“Hmmm. Honestly, I would love to. At the same time, there’s so much I would like to show you too.” He grimaced, torn between options. “Next dinner on you?”
Her visage brightened faintly. “I’ll pick the establishment for it, then.”
“Looking forward to it already.” Asterios grinned and held the swinging entrance open for her.
Noir strutted outside with a lighter step. Catching him staring, she put more weight into it, scowling aggravately.
“What?” The feisty girl let out some growls.
“Nothing.” He walked faster. “Just can’t stop thinking how badass you are.”
She tried to slug him, which he dodged, making her huff. But, as he led them on, he still caught the shadow of a grin from her.
It was very dangerous. He was tempted to keep messing around with the gutsy True Dragon girl.
“Speaking of badass, I think you’ll like our next destination.” Asterios shoved his hands into his coat, unknowingly mirroring his companion.
A few intrigued stares were directed their way as the rugged pair walked down the alleys. A mix of red and black, forming a neat combination.
Fifteen minutes later, the duo reached the entrance to an artisan workshop with the signboard showing a beautiful, feminine face from the side view on the background of a mighty tree. The bell rang at their entry as he confidently guided them inside. The tall and handsome elf appeared behind the counter, coming out from the back of the shop.
“Asterios. Nice of you to drop by.” Imadil passed the counter to give him a handshake.
“I come by whenever I can, Imadil.” Asterios returned the gesture.
“Usually in the form of a shadow emerging behind Cynthia’s back.” The man chuckled lightly.
“No matter which one of you I pick, it always causes a scene.” Asterios shook his head. “That’s why, I used the front door today.”
“I’ll let my daughter know to stop checking over her shoulder every five minutes, then.” Imadil’s attention moved to his companion. “Your friend?”
“Noir the Nightmare. My kin-sister,” Asterios said, noting the faintest reaction in the eerily unwavering smith. “We dropped by to ask if you two would be able to make her a worthy greatsword… for tomorrow.”
Noir was as surprised to be introduced fully as she was about what he had said.
The talented Spellsong whistled. “An express order from the very top? I have to admit, you rarely abuse your position to get what you want fast.”
Asterios rolled his eyes, channeling his inner monarch. “Enough dawdling, Artificer! Can it be done or not? The lady and I are attending a ball the next day and she is worthy of the finest accessory for our dance! She better be satisfied with the quality or your head will become a snack for our executioner!”
By now, Noir looked positively lost, staring at him dumbfoundedly.
His executioner ate people?
What?
Imadil played the role of a threatened worker, bowing low. “You needn’t worry, Your Grace! We’ll forge through the night if we have to, me and my apprentice daughter! The lady shall be appeased or my name isn’t Sver’tuyil anymore! What doth the gentlewoman usually don?”
Trying his best not to laugh, Asterios turned to the overwhelmed Dragon girl. “Show the good man your treasure!”
Taking way too long to decipher his request for her own liking, Noir snarled slightly as she brought forth her mineral greatsword.
“Oh, what a fine craftsmanship, so simple yet so elegant.” Imadil leaned closer to the unique weapon. “Is this the style you are going for?”
There was just the tiniest trace of rosiness on Noir’s cheeks at the praise.
“I carved it myself. Stole a few of Mother’s spiritual cores to enchant it with some useful spells. It still needs to be fed my aura regularly to remain sharp and durable,” she shared with a tinge of pride. “As you can see, I’m not that skilled at sculpting so it’s rough. But, you work with what you have. I love my sword, however I wouldn’t mind replacing it with something more… dreadful. Something that strikes fear into the hearts of my enemies.”
The elvish artificer squinted thoughtfully. “Yes… That would fit your image well… And your aura… Hmmm… I have a few ideas… And lots of leftover materials from our Lord’s personal order…”
Tapping his mouth for a moment, the man took a deep breath and turned his head around.
“Cynthia! Drop everything you are doing! We are making another Legend Tier request! In less than twenty-four hours!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.
“WHAT?!” A distant shriek reached their ears. “DIBS ON THE DESIGN, FATHER!”
The magical smith smirked, shaking his head as they listened to multiple things clattering to the ground.
“We’ll have it done by morning.” Imadil nodded at Asterios. “Could I take you to the back for a second? I think we need to discuss the resources for the finishing touches so they match the madam’s style.”
Asterios figured out what he meant and followed the man, gesturing at Noir to wait for him. Out of her sight, he changed into his Battle Form, making the artificing family’s eyes almost pop out of their sockets as he slumped under their roof to fit in. They hastily gathered lots of his black scales and ushered him away, jumping right to their work.
Noir was still a smidgen bewildered when he returned with a cordial smile. She followed Asterios outside without a word, trying to comprehend everything that had happened. He saw her looking at his face searchingly as she racked her brain over the recent interaction.
Then, without a warning, the entire city shook with mighty tremors, a thunderous sound echoing through the streets along with sharp winds. Some people lost their balance, but many found stability with nearby structures and buildings.
“What’s going on?!” Noir lowered her stance, looking ready to shift. “An attack?!”
A trader laughed from his stall nearby, holding onto his dear life. “No! It’s just our Great Guardian returning from his trip to dispense justice! Scouts have spotted a vile criminal in the vicinity of our town and he decided to nip the problem in the bud! Look! Here he comes!”
Everyone directed their faces to the sky as a humongous shadow was cast over the streets. Noir froze when an unimaginably grand shape emerged from behind the tiled roofs. The gargantuan draconic beast sailed through the air at a logic-defying slow pace, its three pairs of vast wings flapping in a rhythm one after another, creating those earth-shaking quakes and violent thunders with each triple repetition.
A thirty passed with the colossal entity traveling to its destination in the central plaza, where they watched his bottom half descend behind the line of buildings. One last vast shudder rolled through the streets from the impact of its landing. The Great Guardian raised its heavy head towards the clouds and released a sky-splitting reverberating howl of a giant roar, holding it for a few long beats before laying to rest. People started recollecting themselves, sharing chuckles and amused comments.
“Ah. The executioner.” Asterios snickered, glancing back at Noir. “Want to greet the guy?”
Noir didn’t respond. She was still as motionless as the dead, her needle-thin pupils directed at the spot where the monstrous thing had disappeared from their sight. She was as pale as a ghost and it looked like she might have unconsciously popped out her tail. She made a fine statue with how stationary she had become.
Maybe it would be smart to give her a moment longer to reset.