Shadow of the Abyss

Altair's emergence from the rift was a tumultuous mix of anticipation and anxiety, a surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He found himself in the familiar confines of his chamber within the Palace of Sunset. A gentle breeze, almost a whisper, playing at the curves of his ashen hair, heightening his senses to the bustling world beyond.

The sound of officials, their tireless work echoing through the walls, was a stark reminder of the impending storm. Despite their exhaustion, they remained silent, their hearts burdened by fear.

Faintly amused, he stepped onto the terrace, his gaze drawn upwards to the once serene azure skies, now marred by the bustling traffic of the Sky Cruiser. Even from the sanctuary of his castle, the chaotic sight of lanes directing the flow was a jarring contrast to the tranquility he sought.

"By the end of the Month, Gaia and Earth will be one. Transcendence will be out for my head, alongside various deities," he paused, his fingers tightening into fists. "And then there is the deciding factor of my choice, a choice that Azura gave me, a choice that could change everything."

Altair became deadly silent.

The choice, or the lack thereof, had given him pause for violence, seeking to wipe out any sort of swine that wanted to attend his bed. Yet such an action would be met with either death or brutal recourse for him, or worse, Syris.

Fear began to replace anger, clouding the mind in a fog that faded beneath the throbbing might of the Soul of the Indomitable, rippling like a gong through his very being, felling his fears until only calm remained.

"Tasha…"

She appeared like a ghost, phasing through the very walls of his palace. "Lord Blackwood?"

"I think I'll play along."

The Lilim's eyes narrowed into a smile.

"That meal you're preparing for me… I'd like to delay it until the first of next month. Tell Gremory I'll be more than happy to comply."

Tasha savored her lips," You've every intention to have a child with me?"

Altair looked at her, his expression masked by indifference. "Does it matter? The final result of copulation is the production of a child, is it not? Whether you're able to or not isn't really my concern."

And he thought,' What are the chances of me fathering a bastard? I need to have Ava test me. And prepare a contraceptive. The last thing I need is a child inside a devil or worse, one I've no control over.'

His heart dipped at the thought, though his expression remained the same.

"My Lord… would it be possible for me to become one of your Sword Maids?" Tasha unfolded, looking him straight in the eye. Altair did not look away.

"You wish to be a shadow?"

"No, just by your side."

Altair expression grew all the more intense. "And what sane man seeks to have a devil by his side?"

"I've more things to offer than just spreading my legs, my Lord. There is a reason that Devils are one of the strongest races in all creation. And while Lilims are not the strongest, we make up for that with our minds said nearly to rival Ilthads, a race known for their schemes and intellect. Give me a chance."

Altair gazed at her with an unwavering intensity, impressed by her unshakable confidence in her own intellect.

It had seemed she knew her worth beyond seduction; all that was left was to prove it.

"Find for me a Sword, Spear, or dagger of equal value or power to Shadowclaw, and I will acknowledge you as something more than a tool of pleasure."

With a graceful motion, Tasha fell to her knees, her sultry eyes bowing in reverence. This simple act of her submission exposing her acceptance.

Altair measured her every motion of breath, reaching out, finger to chin, lifted her head, brushing his thumb against her luscious lips.

"I do hope you won't disappoint me. I have no doubt the Lords of Hell could conceive of punishments far beyond my imagination. Betray me, and I assure you, I will offer you up to the Hells."

Tasha could discern no trace of deception or change in his tone beneath his icy words. Her body shook involuntarily upon realizing that he was telling the truth.

"I assure you, my lord, I will not fail you."

"Failure, Tasha, is expected and will be tolerated. Betrayal won't," he said, lowering his palm, the sensual sensation of her lips against his thumb fresh in his mind. "You may go."

And she vanished, dissipating into a mist that escaped his heightened senses.

"I wonder if I weren't so vital to her survival, would she have glanced twice at me?" Altair laughed almost derisively at the sudden sense of indecision. It annoyed him as his mind began to question if it was his merit and potential that attracted Syris or Ren. Continue your adventure with M-V-L

He shook his head, pushing down such doubts and insecurities.

"I need to—-" He stopped a sharp tinge of awareness of his surroundings, forewarning something in the distance.

Altair frowned, a part of him connecting to Vaiga to see her at a bar with Syris, Atelia, Aurora, and her group; he looked out over the terrace, following the greater sense of prescience guiding his eyes, to the ruined monolithic building on the horizon.

The Lazitor Building had been an impressive skyscraper and one of the most prominent landmarks in Zamphis. It stands as a symbol of the city's progress and growth, reflecting the ambition and vision of its people. Only surpassed by the Palace of Sunset, the Lazitor Building was a testament to the city's dedication to development and innovation.

Just then, Altair saw it amidst the ruin, the faintest glint, alerting his conditioned mind of possibilities.

'Sniper…'

Despite the perceived danger, Altair did not react, keeping his intent hidden beneath the sphere of his domain, sending an alert to his Shadows.

Trusting his refined instincts and foresight, the prince did not react like a man facing death but rather held a reserved nature, ordering up a bottle of wine. It arrived over the terrace via drone. Altair smiled, taking a seat and peering through the eyes of his Shadows while he appeared to be enjoying the view.

Vaiga had already arrived, invading the tower, avoiding the very runic traps and camera like a ghost, using her Spirit Domain. Behind her, Nia, Aurora, and Talia trailed behind, leaving Syris and Altelia to monitor the building like a shadow to ensure no one escaped.

In an impressive display of efficiency, the team managed to pinpoint the whereabouts of the sniper within less than a minute. The sniper had cunningly hidden himself beneath the rubble, using it as a disguise to escape detection.

Moreover, several meters away, hidden from sight, they spotted a swordsman who was dressed in an all-black ensemble, adding an element of secrecy to the already tense situation.

"Target is in sight," said the sniper sharply. "Target is intoxicated by wine. Vitals show a steady decline in faculties. The barrier is still inactive. I currently have the shot."

Vaiga was coldly observing, disturbed by the level of calm displayed by her Master. She could feel Altair watching through her eyes, and it made her insides turn even colder.

'Do not act yet… for now," he ordered.

Vaiga had recognized the rifle. One used to take out even Ninth Circles with proficiency in body cultivation with ease. However, simply acquiring the parts necessary to assemble such a piece was nearly impossible due to the advanced A.I. field that alerted the government of any banned weapons.

The fact that such a weapon had been assembled without notice was a testament to a betrayal within that sector.

"Confirmed." said the sniper.

'He has a Neurolink.' Vaiga thought. 'A cheap one if he has to speak aloud for the words to register.'

"Confirmed, Shot will be taken in, Three, Two…."

'Immobilize them,' commanded Altair.

Opening the King Domain, Vaiga arrived, leaving behind an afterimage, stabbing Shadowclaw through the rifle's barrel just as it hummed to life; it fell dead soon after, blistering a glimmer of static.

"Number 10!" Shouted the swordsman to the rear, lunging forward to assist, unsheating his sword. His entire body erupted into a purple arc of lightning, crossing the distance in a flash, slashing his sword across her neck, catching air, as Vaiga ducked beneath and whispered.

'Shadow Cage'

Before the Sniper or the Swordsman could escape, tendrils of darkness sprang form out their shadows, holding their very being in place. Just as Talia and Nia arrive, pressing their palm over the back of their necks, knocking them unconscious with an explosive jolt of infernal lightning. They dropped like flies.

"Mission accomplished, Master," said Aurora. "However—-"

"I know… Secure the Rifle for now. Sorry to disturb you on your day off."

"No, this is actually for the best," said Aurora brightly, peering down at the strange rifles billowing a cloud of dark smoke. "Work is the best remedy right now."