Priest : Rise of Project Nyx

Zerah's gaze swept across the table, meeting the serious expressions of the Headmasters. Just as she was about to speak, Sybil Bloom's voice cut through the silence.

"Project Nyx is a risky project," Sybil stated, her silver eyes flashing with concern. "It breaks the codes of the Priest Academy, turning our own words, rules, and laws against us."

Her expression seemed to convey genuine concern, but when her eyes met Zerah's, they burned with a challenge, as if daring Zerah to justify the project. However, Zerah remained calm, her expression unruffled.

"Project Nyx may be a risk," Zerah acknowledged, "and an insult to what our ancestors built. But it would change everything."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room as she continued. "The creatures of the Night are gaining ways to battle against us. Especially the vampires – they fight us in the night, and by day, they use their influence and human pawns to challenge us in politics and diplomacy."

Zerah's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the growing threat they faced. The Headmasters' expressions turned even graver, their faces reflecting the weight of Zerah's words.

Sol Everglow's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he asked, "How would Project Nyx help us, Zerah? We're talking about anomalies, hybrids of light and darkness. They defy the logic of our world, blurring the lines between good and evil."

His voice was measured, but his words conveyed a deep sense of curiosity and skepticism. "These hybrids are neither fully of the light nor of the darkness. They exist in a gray area, a realm that challenges our understanding of the world and our place in it."

Sol's eyes locked onto Zerah's, his expression expectant. "How can Project Nyx possibly address this issue, when the very nature of these hybrids seems to defy our comprehension?"

Zerah's expression turned resolute. "The children are still young, and with proper training and guidance, we can steer them down the right path. I'm willing to take on the responsibility of mentoring them, and the Academy can provide the necessary resources and support."

Sybil Bloom's eyes flashed with skepticism. "Are you certain that's wise, Zerah? Wouldn't this cause turmoil among the young and old priests alike? We're talking about helping and schooling the very beings we've sworn to oppose. It's a betrayal of our principles, and it will be seen as such by many."

Zerah's gaze met Sybil's, her voice calm but firm. "They are not the enemy, Sybil. If they were, the blood of the innocent would be on their hands. But there is none. They are children who know nothing of the real world. They've only seen the surface, the top of the water, but they don't know what lies deeper. We have the chance to shape them, to guide them, and to help them become the heroes we need."

Zerah's eyes sparkled with conviction. "Project Nyx is perfect for this. The enemies don't know of their origin or powers. And if an anomaly like Kael, the child of prophecy, would be able to save the world, why can't he have others like him?"

Abilene Rosewood's eyes widened, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How do you know the name of the child of prophecy, Zerah?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise.

Sybil Bloom's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing as she asked, "Zerah, did you know the child before the prophecy, or did you discover who he was during your... research?" Her tone was laced with a hint of skepticism, as if she suspected Zerah of withholding information.

Zerah's expression remained calm, her voice steady. "I found information about an attack on a family. We discovered that the child of prophecy was the target, and we managed to get to him in time. He had already... dealt with those who killed his family." A hint of sadness flickered in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a determined glint.

Ael Everbright's eyes darkened, his voice low and serious. "Who were the attackers, Zerah?" he asked, his gaze intense.

Zerah's jaw clenched, her voice firm. "Members of the Helsing Academy." The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air like a challenge. The Helsing Academy was a rival institution, known for its ruthless tactics and unwavering dedication to eradicating supernatural threats. The revelation that they had targeted the child of prophecy sparked a mix of emotions, from outrage to concern.

Zerah's eyes gleamed with determination. "If we can find and recruit anomalies like Kael, we can gain the upper hand against the creatures of the Night."

Ael Everbright's brow furrowed, his voice thoughtful. "But how do you propose we find others like Kael?"

Sybil Bloom's eyes met Ael's, her expression respectful. "Ael, are you considering Zerah's project?"

Ael's gaze turned back to Zerah, his expression measured. "I need to understand the project better before I can make any decisions."

Zerah nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I've been tracking down others like Kael, and I've been successful. There's a growing number of... taboos, hiding in the shadows. Creatures of the Night and humans, living together in secret."

Yael North's eyes widened, his voice incredulous. "That's impossible. Humans fear the creatures of the Night."

Zerah's gaze met Yael's, her expression calm. "But what if they look human? What if they don't attack? What's to fear, except being discovered and killed by either the creatures of the Night, the Helsing Academy, the People, or even the Priest Academy?"

The room fell silent, the weight of Zerah's words sinking in. Her logic was sound, and the implications were staggering.

Ael Everbright's expression turned serious, his voice firm but measured. "Zerah, I'm willing to allow you to proceed with your project, but I must make it clear that if anything goes wrong, the hybrids will face severe consequences. They will either be executed or exiled, depending on the circumstances."

His gaze locked onto Zerah's, his eyes stern. "You will be held personally responsible for any adverse outcomes, and you will be required to report back to us regularly to keep us updated on the project's progress."

Ael's expression softened slightly, his voice taking on a more formal tone. "Regarding the enrollment of the hybrids, we cannot proceed with that just yet. We will need to discuss and vote on this matter with the rest of the teachers, to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and the potential risks involved."

Zerah nodded, her expression understanding. She knew that Ael's conditions were non-negotiable, and that she would have to accept them if she wanted to proceed with her project.

Ael Everbright nodded, his voice measured. "In the meantime, you can continue to teach and search for the hybrids."

Zerah's smile was enigmatic. "There's no need to search, Ael. There are already two of them here."

The room fell silent, the Headmasters' eyes widening in shock. Sol Everglow's voice was incredulous. "You brought the child of prophecy and another hybrid into our midst without announcing it to us?"

Sybil Bloom's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with suspicion. "It seems to me that you might have continued with Project Nyx regardless of our approval or disapproval." Her gaze locked onto Zerah's, her eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "Perhaps I should read your mind to see if you're hiding any secrets."

Zerah's expression remained calm, but her voice took on a subtle edge. "I wouldn't dare you to try, Sybil. If you attempt to read my mind, I'll fry your brain. You know I'm capable of it." The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Zerah's gaze met Sybil's, the unspoken challenge hanging between them like a dare.

Ael Everbright's voice cut through the tension, his tone firm but calm. "Enough. Zerah, where are the child of prophecy and the other hybrid?"

Zerah's expression remained serene. "They are at my abode, staying there safely."

Ael's gaze narrowed. "I want to see the child for myself, to verify if he is indeed who you claim him to be. If not, Zerah, you will face the consequences."

Zerah's smile was unruffled, her voice gracious. "Thank you, Ael, for allowing me to proceed partially with Project Nyx. I appreciate your trust, and I assure you that I will not disappoint."

Her calm demeanor seemed to diffuse the tension in the room, but Ael's eyes remained watchful, his expression a reminder that Zerah was walking a thin line.

As the door closed behind Zerah, Abilene turned to Ael, her brow furrowed with concern. "Ael, are you certain about this? We're venturing into uncharted territory, dealing with something we barely understand."

Sol's expression turned grave. "The child of prophecy is already a problem. A being with the strengths of both worlds, yet vulnerable to neither... he could be our downfall."

Yael countered, his voice filled with conviction. "Or he could be our salvation."

Sybil's eyes narrowed. "Having more of these hybrids will only lead to confusion and conflict among our priests and the humans. They'll see them as abominations, and we'll face opposition from all sides."

Ael's eyes shone with a sense of purpose. "Zerah is right – these hybrids could be our solution. The enemy hasn't encountered anything like them before. They may have theorized about such beings, but they've never been able to create them. This could be God's work, our salvation..."

Abilene's voice trailed off, her expression cautionary. "...but also our downfall, if not done right."

Zerah walked up the path to her house, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. She pushed open the front door and stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the warm glow of the interior.

In the living room, she spotted Orion Arin's little brother, fast asleep on the couch. Lyra was busy cooking in the kitchen, the aroma of roasting vegetables wafting through the air. Tera sat nearby, surrounded by stacks of books, her nose buried in a particularly thick tome.

Arin and Kael were nowhere to be seen, but the sound of clashing steel and heavy breathing drew Zerah's attention to the training room. Lyra and Tera looked up, welcoming Zerah with warm smiles.

"Zerah, you're back!" Lyra exclaimed. "We've gotten quite cozy here."

Tera nodded in agreement. "Your home is wonderful, Zerah. There are so many amazing things here – we've heard of some of them, but never thought we'd see them in person."

Zerah chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm glad you're making yourselves at home. Where's Kael?"

Tera gestured toward the training room. "He's in there with Arin. They're... um... intensely training."

Zerah's lips curved into a knowing smile. She headed toward the training room, located on the left of the library, its two sliding doors slightly ajar. She pushed them open, stepping inside just as Kael and Arin clashed in a flurry of steel and sparks.

Their training session was heated, their movements lightning-fast as they exchanged blow after blow. Neither of them noticed Zerah's arrival, their focus solely on each other.

Zerah stood at the edge of the combat room, her eyes fixed intently on Kael and Arin as they clashed in a flurry of steel and movement. Despite being human, Arin held his own against Kael, their exchange of blows a testament to their skill and training.

But Kael's eyes shimmered with an otherworldly light, and in a burst of speed, he unleashed a quick leg combo that sent Arin stumbling. Kael's foot connected with Arin's knees, making him lose balance, and then he followed up with a powerful roundhouse kick to Arin's temple.

Kael rushed to Arin's side, helping him to his feet. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Zerah stepped forward, her eyes never leaving Kael's face. "That power you possess, Kael... it's something else." She paused, her voice measured. "It's quite strong, but it's also teetering on the line between chaotic and controllable."

Kael's gaze met Zerah's, his eyes searching for answers. He knew that his powers were growing stronger by the day, but he also knew that he struggled to control them. Zerah's words struck a chord within him, and he felt a surge of determination. He would master his powers, no matter what it took.

Zerah's eyes locked onto Kael's, her voice filled with conviction. "I can help you learn to control your powers, Kael. And Arin, you can also guide him in his training."

Kael and Arin bowed lightly, their voices filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Zerah," they said in unison.

After their intense training session, Kael and Arin headed to the shower to clean up. Refreshed and rejuvenated, they made their way to the dining table, where Lyra had already set out a simple but mouthwatering meal. The aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation.

Zerah's gaze swept over the table, her eyes lingering on Orion and Lyra. "How do you plan on eating, Orion, Lyra? You're vampires, after all."

Kael's expression turned somber, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude. "My mother helped them, Zerah. She performed a magic ritual that nullified their thirst for blood, allowing them to eat food instead."

Zerah's eyes widened, her gaze locked onto Kael's. "But at what cost, Kael?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael's jaw clenched, his voice laced with emotion. "It cost her her holy abilities. She sacrificed her own powers to help them."

The table fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of utensils on plates. Zerah's voice broke the silence, her tone filled with warmth and respect. "Kael's mother was always a great and kind woman. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Zerah's eyes locked onto Kael's, her voice filled with determination. "I vow to end all those who knew of the attack on your family, Kael. They will be brought to justice."

Kael's eyes shone with gratitude, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Zerah."

The group prayed lightly, giving thanks for the food and the company. As they ate, Kael and his friends regaled Zerah with stories of their lives, while Zerah shared tales of her adventures.

After the meal, they cleaned up, the atmosphere relaxed and convivial. As the evening drew to a close, Zerah gestured to the twins. "There's a spare room upstairs, you can share it with Orion."

Kael and Arin would sleep on the couch, a makeshift bed that would have to suffice for the night. As everyone began to get ready for bed, Zerah turned to Kael, her expression serious.

"Kael, we'll need to go see the Headmasters tomorrow for your evaluation."

Kael nodded, his eyes locked onto Zerah's. He knew that this was just the beginning, that his journey was far from over.