CHAPTER 20: BORE
The creature stood beneath the dome's waterfalls, wings folded, its form half-shrouded by cascading water. Droplets hissed against its luminous body.
Siah's voice came low, tight.
"It landed near the waterfalls."
He flicked a glance at Kale, who looked shaken despite his practiced composure.
"It doesn't seem to care about us," Kale muttered, releasing a long, unsteady sigh.
Siah's brows furrowed.
"How do you know that?"
Kale clicked his tongue, irritation flashing across his features.
"Why is a mortal questioning a Stillness?"
Siah sneered, though his grip on the knife in his palm had grown slick with sweat.
"That thing looks like something out of a legend."
Kale's expression hardened, eyes narrowing as he studied the distant glow.
"That isn't a common Hue Beast. It's likely status two or maybe three stillness."
The words struck Siah his shock laid bare.
"That strong? As strong as a Major House's head… or its elders?"
Kale's smile returned. His gaze slid toward Siah.
"So. You are from the Grelon Empire."
Siah's frown deepened.
"How do we leave this place?"
Kale only chuckled.
"We don't."
Kale's grin widened, his tone almost playful.
"I gave you my name. It's only right I get yours in return."
Siah shot him a tense, cutting glare.
"I'm not your friend. Cut the bullshit and tell me the way out."
Kale's breath came heavy, as though savoring the tension between them.
"They say the best time to make friends is in your time of need."
Siah turned his back without a word, stepping into the shadows of the forest. Kale's low chuckle followed.
"Do you think that Hue beast is the only one roaming this place?"
The words rooted Siah mid-step. His face drained of color.
"Damn it… why didn't I think of that?"
Kale's chuckle grew into full laughter, cold and amused.
"I think it's better we head to the waterfall and seek that Hue Beast's protection. Better to gamble on the least hostile monster."
Siah turned, his movement slow, deliberate. He coughed lightly, eyes locking onto Kale.
"How strong are you?"
Kale's smile sharpened.
"I'm a status seven Stillness."
Siah inhaled sharply, steadying the turmoil inside him.
"I will never entrust my life to a Hue Beast. It's clear you don't know the way out of this place."
Beneath the roaring waterfall, the Hue Beast bathed in serenity, droplets scattering into silver mist across its luminous body. Its voice resonated in the air, deep and resonant.
"Hmm… Bates is back. But weaker. Why would he bring such a guest?"
The beast's glowing eyes slid shut, its presence both divine.
"He did say he would return when the Seven Stars crumble. Yet with his current strength… he cannot endure what lies ahead."
Its radiance pulsed.
"A high-ranking Critten… this Rishon will be irreversible."
---
Northern Hemisphere, Antilla Islands — Piriah Island.
The sea lapped against stone harbors where towering Tessels stood docked.
In his office, Vex Bates reclined in a chair, papers spread across his desk. His brows furrowed as he read, lips moving with muted irritation.
"Change is inevitable."
He set the papers down with care, then rose and strode to the window. The docks stretched beneath him.
"So-called allies move swiftly," he muttered, voice low with disdain. "I wonder if my enemies are prepared to go all out."
The office door slammed open. A man bowed low, voice trembling.
"Chained General, Her Majesty Charlotte Acasta wishes to see you before she departs."
Vex nodded, his sharp eyes never leaving the sea. He flicked his wrist, dismissing the man.
"The Shurur Empire wants to secure Zircon crystal mines, take the Karman line, and sell me to the highest bidder. That blind bitch—is not satisfied with the slaves and Zircon I already gave her."
He rapped lightly on the chamber door, then pushed it open.
Inside, Queen Charlotte Acasta sat on a woven mat, her posture poised. Two attendants knelt beside her, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups.
Her beauty was unsettling—an ethereal presence rather than mortal flesh. She wore a pale, flowing garment adorned with intricate floral and fan-like embroidery along the hem. Her hair, white as moonlight, cascaded down her back in silken sheets, framing her serene, closed-eyed face. Painted lips of deep crimson lent her an alluring presence.
Vex dropped to one knee, bowing low.
"The Almighty's strongest Chained General… it seems your heart is waning."
He sighed heavily.
"I am reluctant to part with the fruits of my labor."
Queen Charlotte Acasta paused mid-sip, her voice soft.
"What fruits can a servant bear?"
A shadow crossed Vex's expression.
"I read of Chained General Lai Taylor fate."
Her lips curved faintly, amusement stirring.
"House Bates of the Space Stillness was said to be among the creators of Dyson. Unfortunate that their rise was… limited."
Vex's sneer was sharp enough to wound.
"Wasn't I supposed to be meeting with Queen Fia? Why are you here?"
Charlotte tilted her head, her pale hair shifting like liquid light.
"Fia is with child. She could not make the trip."
Blood drained from Vex's face. His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Numen… is on Dyson?"
Charlotte exhaled, the sound like silk slipping across stone.
"No. I do not know how Fia managed to reach the Seven Stars."
Relief flickered briefly in Vex's eyes, though his jaw tightened again.
"So you are acting on your own. Do you even understand what war will mean for Dyson?"
Charlotte shook her head, serene as ever.
"It is difficult to tell."
His voice sharpened, low and dangerous.
"Dyson cannot endure such a war. When you are finished tearing our lifeline apart, where do you plan to live?"
Her brows furrowed faintly.
"Home."
Vex's shoulders eased, though his tone dripped scorn.
"It is suicide."
Charlotte's lips curved downward.
"Your son has abandoned you."
Vex's laughter rang through the chamber, sharp and humorless.
"Children rarely heed their parents' advice."
Charlotte sneered.
"Hand over the Karman line. This is the best I can do for you."
Vex chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming.
"What makes you think the Karman line is in my possession?"
Her composed face cracked, fury flaring across her features.
"Being Numen's wife has made you arrogant," Vex chuckled. "House Bates has endured since the Third Rishon. We have means far beyond your comprehension."
Charlotte rose gracefully, attendants taking her hands as support. Her tone lowered, her words carrying weight like iron.
"Crew County's days are numbered. Choose your allies wisely, Chained General Vex Bates."
She swept from the room.
Outside, her serene mask cracked. Her frown deepened, voice sharp.
"Instruct Chained General Asha Flowers to meet our guests at sea. Peace with the Grelon Empire is no longer possible."