Chapter 149 Pulling strings
Chapter 149 Pulling strings
Anthony looked at Ema, who held onto him tightly, embracing him with her small arms. It was the day when Anthony would depart for the imperial capital with Lysandra, and Ema didn't want to part with him. Despite his attempts to console her, Ema was visibly affected, her eyes filled with tears. Although she understood the situation, it was difficult for her to say goodbye to her older sister.
After a quiet conversation with Ema, he finally managed to convince her to let go. Though it hurt, Ema knew that Anthony would visit her again, and that gave her some comfort. With a resigned sigh, Ema finally released her embrace, allowing Anthony to prepare for his departure.
Anthony took a transparent crystal from his ring and explained its function to Ema. It was a device that would allow them to communicate over long distances: she could send him a message, and he would respond, like a sort of remote communication. Ema received the crystal and tucked it into her ring, drying her tears and trying to smile at her brother's comforting gesture.
After a while, Lysandra emerged from the room. She nodded, indicating that she was ready to continue with the preparations for their departure. Her task was to gather some garments for herself and Anthony, making sure to bring what was necessary to the academy.
Lysandra couldn't deny her excitement and anticipation; her eyes also gleamed with eagerness to arrive as soon as possible in the imperial capital.
Anthony nodded along with Lysandra as he glanced at Ema, who accompanied them holding hands. Together, they left the house and met their parents at the door. Anthony's mother approached slowly and gave him a warm hug, wishing him to take care and not to forget to visit her. His mother smiled tenderly at seeing her son.
Noah, Anthony's father, placed his hands on his son's shoulders and nodded solemnly. Anthony returned the gesture, expressing his understanding and respect for his father's words. Then, Noah took a crystal from his ring and handed it to Anthony, explaining that it contained enough money for his stay at the academy. If he needed more, he just had to send him a message.
Anthony's eyes lit up with gratitude, and he quickly accepted the crystal, thanking his father with a big smile. After all, who wouldn't like to receive extra money for free?
After exchanging some words with their parents, Lysandra also shared some reassuring words, informing Anthony that his enrollment in the academy was already complete, so he didn't need to worry.
Of course, they didn't care in the slightest, after all, they all believed in their god, after a few hours. The leader of the dark congregation, with his empty and dark eyes, scrutinized each of those present with a penetrating gaze. His words, charged with unquestionable authority, resonated in the oppressive silence of the forest clearing.
"The beginning of the academy is only seven days away," he proclaimed with a grave and sepulchral voice. "The lord's words are clear: he wishes for one of us to infiltrate as a normal student. The lord craves more loyalty, more souls to offer in his name."
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As his words reverberated in the air, the followers of the leader knelt in submission, their deformed faces showing a fanatical devotion to their dark god.
The sky itself seemed to respond to their presence, with dark clouds writhing and swirling as if feeling the weight of the darkness surrounding them; at the same time, the sky split open, an immense pressure fell upon the place, and from that darkness, a green hand emerged.
In the deepest part of the forest in zone 7, the Ancient-rank creatures moved stealthily, aware that the beginning of the academy was approaching. For them, this was the perfect moment to obtain a large number of souls and thus strengthen themselves even more. Aware of the importance of this date, they moved their faithful followers and infiltrated them as normal children.
*****
Anthony and Lysandra immersed themselves in the beauty of the journey, barely having elapsed a day since their departure. The landscapes surrounding the carriage, with their calm and serene forest, inspired a sense of peace and awe in the couple. As they moved forward, they shared exciting conversations that filled the journey with vitality and anticipation.
Each moment together strengthened their connection and fueled their enthusiasm for what awaited them in the imperial capital.
OBS