NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, ANTILLA — PIRIAH ISLAND
Vex Bates — the richest man alive. From his velvet chair, Vex lounged. Piriah's cityscape glittered below the window — steel, firelight, and the endless churn of industry. Tessels docked at the shore, as they unloaded chained half-Critten slaves. Vex looking down at the commotion a bright drew his expression.
He had a glass of wine in his hand, half-drained. A Newspaper report cut sharp angles across his grin as he read the headline aloud:
"FORMER CHAINED GENERAL OF THE SHURUR EMPIRE — THE BLACK PEARL — SENTENCED TO LIFE IN THE EQUITENTIARY. REFUSES TO NAME ACCOMPLICES."
A low chuckle crawled from his chest, guttural, like a predator's purr. "My poor friend… how unfortunate. I wonder what my dear son would think of this."
He swirled the wine lazily, then stood, stretching as if the news had only entertained him. His shadow stretched long across the glass wall as he tapped the window with a fingertip, watching the slaves dragged ashore.
"You think martyrdom buys redemption?" His voice was low as he fell deep in thought.
"Or… is it guilt?" His eyes narrowed, mocking. "Loyalty to STALE? No… not you."
He threw the paper on the floor.
"You've never been loyal to anything but your illusion of purpose."
The thought delighted him. His laughter broke free — sharp, uncontrolled, swelling until his whole frame shook with it. He threw his head back, wine sloshing over his knuckles.
"Hahahaha! Those Grelon Nobles truly have eyes!"
The laugh shattered when another voice cut across it. Cold. Young.
"I doubt they have eyes. Or else you'd have joined The Black Pearl."
Vex turned, grin lingered.
The boy stood rigid. Golden hair fell messy over his brow, the rest sweeping back in layered strands. His eyes — piercing blue, glacial and unflinching — locked on his father's.
Heian Bates. A mirror of Vex Bates, stripped of madness.
Vex's laugh slipped into a quiet hum. His gaze softened only when it turned toward the horizon.
"Son… you reject me," he said, voice low, even calm. "My dream is to see you strip away the chains of your slave morality. Becoming a free man. Chasing desires without guilt."
His eyes gleamed then — fever-bright, almost mad. "Morality cannot break the boundaries that you will be faced with on your journey."
Silence stretched, heavy between them.
Then Heian spoke. Soft. Steady. "I'll be joining Crew County."
Vex's grin widened, edged like a blade.
"How naïve. Dyson is ripe for the taking. Stay with me. Together, we'll flip the Acmes' fates upside down show me the benefits of a having a child with a Critten."
His tone hardened. "An expedition beyond Dyson is suicide. Monsters and unfathomable beasts roam the old worlds. I wouldn't be able to ensure your safety."
Heian's hands balled into fists at his side. His jaw clenched. "Shame gnaws at me every day knowing i share your blood." His voice tightening with conviction. "Your half-Critten project failed I hope we never meet again."
He paused, gaze steady as ice. "I have no strength to avenge my mother. But there is more to life than seeking revenge on someone as pitiful as you."
Vex only hummed, mockery curling at the corner of his mouth. He didn't answer.
Heian turned, the door hissing open at his command. He walked out without looking back. The door sealed behind him with a cold hiss.
Vex stood alone. His laughter — hollow now, but loud as ever — echoed through the fortress halls as Tessels wailed outside, and half-Critten slaves were herded into the night.
The 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's 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 inner sneer was sharp enough to wound.
"Wasn't I supposed to be meeting with Queen Fia?"
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 The Almighty's vessel is still recovering from His last expedition to Murk. I do not know how Fia managed to reach the Seven Stars and obtained a child."
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 Eastern Hemisphere hooligans finish 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. The Grelon Empire is too cowardly to handle their matters directly."
---
PORT RAVENOUS,GOURMAND CITY
The sunlight danced across a bustling port lined with gabled rooftops, timber-framed houses, and stone keeps. The salty tang of the sea drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of tar, fish, and woodsmoke.
Siah entered an inn near the docks.
"That bastard doesn't respect my time—how long have we been walking around in circles? He can't even decide which apples to buy," Siah mumbled inwardly as he gestured for the innkeeper to come.
"I want the best thing you can make. My brother will pay—he is just became a knight of the Pantheon."
The innkeeper nodded.
"Hahaha, he has to pay for taking me on his little adventure. Does he think I have nothing better to do with my time?"
Theal walked in approached the innkeeper, greeting her politely and handing her Equi.
Siah sneered at the sight. "Does he think I can't pay for my own meal? Arrogant bastard."
Theal pulled out a chair opposite Siah, placing his basket of fresh fruits on the table before sitting down.
Siah slumped in his chair, throwing his feet onto the table beside the fruit basket. "Why are we here? You could've bought your fresh fruits in the village market."
Siah's eyes narrowed, brimming with suspicion. "Are we celebrating your knighthood?" he chuckled, grabbing an apple from the basket.
The waitress stood nearby, balancing steaming plates, clearly waiting for Siah to remove his feet from the table. Siah acted oblivious.
Theal rose, took the food, and handed her five gold coins in gratitude. She left quickly.
Siah snorted coldly. "Ungrateful wench. I helped her get a hefty tip, and she ignores my kindness."
Theal picked up a steaming cup of tea, taking a steady sip and breathing in its aroma. "Father's health is declining, and working in the Ract Stone Mines will only worsen his condition."
Siah scoffed. "The old man wants to die toiling in the mines. Let him die in peace."
Theal put down his cup, staring at Siah intently. "Mr. Michael is offering you work."
Siah removed his feet from the table and rolled his eyes. "I don't remember requesting this kindness."
Theal took a long sip from his cup, forcing himself to put it back down, inhaling the tea's fragrance. "He insist."
Siah frowned, his gaze growing cold.
"Father's condition is strange," Theal spoke in a measured tone.
Siah chuckled, shaking his head. "Old men lose their minds all the time. What's so strange about that?"
"You do have a point," Theal nodded. "Father has always been deaf and mute—it would be surprising if he didn't suffer psychologically."
Siah chuckled lightly. "Did you bring me all the way here to mourn the old man's impending death?"
Theal paused mid-bite, looking deeply at Siah, a long sigh escaping him. "Do you think there is anyone in there?" His tone was unhurried.
Siah straightened in his chair, giving no response. Theal lifted his tea and blew on it.
"When that thing came to Gouging Village—"
Theal's teacup left from his fingers, shattering against the wall. Siah sat back down, waving his hand to dry the tea spillage.
Siah cleared his throat speaking gently.
"I will only give you this one chance to reflect on your words."
Theal removed the fruit basket from the table, unperturbed, and locked eyes with Siah.
"Many lost their relatives mysteriously. Some were later discovered at the top of Mournmound—mindless, savage beasts, acting on raw instinct. Cannibalism was one of the acts they took part in regularly on that mountain."
Siah listened closely, posture sharp as a blade.
"Similar acts did not just plague Gourmand and the Grelon Empire the entire eastern hemisphere couldn't escape it—they even happened in the western hemisphere, and the northern hemisphere didn't fare well either. Only the southern hemisphere was spared…"
Siah's expression grew tense, his blood-red eyes fierce. Theal's own crimson gaze grew calmer.
"I am aware of your recent actions."
Siah casually picked up a knife, twirling it between his fingers. "What are my recent actions?"
Theal glanced at the tea stained part of the wall, then placed both hands on the table. "Mr. Michael told me that you used a mysterious power to kill."
Siah's brows furrowed. "So what if I did?"
"There are only two outcomes—accept the his job offer, or you suffer a fate worse than death," Theal said, drawing a slow, steady breath, eyes fixed on the knife in Siah's hand.
Siah sneered, focusing on his meal without reply.
Theal pushed Siah's untouched plate of food towards him speaking in a solemn tone."Gourmand is very small city. House Gullet losses a mainline descendant, and you suddenly use mysterious abilities to kill."
Siah continued eating, ignoring him.
"The Red Bane was part of a very powerful organization with mysterious motives," Theal spoke softly revealing a slight hint of frustration.
Siah's excitement flared, almost betraying his composure—until Theal's next words snuffed it out. "She betrayed that organization."
Theal's eyes narrowed revealing discomfort. "The Red Bane held one of the highest positions in the organization. She was one of their four Molds of Stale. The position granted her a Code Black Totem wielding Extinction threat Abilities at the level of Status Nine and Status Ten Stillness. With the Code Black Totem she schemed and stole the other three Code Black Totems and committed atrocities across the four Hemisphere's."
Siah let out a shallow breath, a faint sigh of relief escaping him. "This means I am not the only one trying to free mother Stale must be after her for revenge and to recover their Code Black Totems, he thought, a spark of hope igniting in his chest."
Theal's stare sharp and unyielding. The weight of his gaze falling on Siah. "The Red Bane was a Status Eight Stillness with the bestowment of an evil spirit. Everything related to her doesn't deserve a second chance. It's a miracle that the Eidolon Pantheon pardoned us."
Siah's shoulders loosened slightly, tension easing. "Are you going to report me to the Eidolon Pantheon?"
Theal shook his head slowly. "Your fate is not in the hands of the Pantheon but in the hands of House Gullet and House Chagrin. Your act sparked an intense conflict that is about to erupt in the Gourmand and Rage region."
The words sank into Siah like lead. "Their discoveries seem to be limited… Which is why haven't I suffered a fate worse than death."
Theal gnawed at Siah's patience. "House Gullet used your act as an excuse to wage war on House Chagrin."
Siah drew in a deep breath his worry deepened into dread. "How much do you know about evil spirits and Stillness?"
Theal's voice deepened. "I know evil spirits reside in the Astral planes. Anyone below status eight will not be able to interact with them without specific sacrificial rituals, and Stillness is a trinity combat system."
"To obtain a Stillness combat system you need a bestowment from a spirit born in the stillness plane," Theal explained unhurried. "Stillness is stored in your consciousness. Your consciousness will produce Hue with a special property merging with your Stillness."
"The resulting effect creates unique techniques as you advance in Status they are called default abilities first of the combat system."
"A Gambit is most the powerful ability in the combat system," Theal went on, "its a technique you develop yourself, using your consciousness to manipulate how your Hue property affects your Stillness the result is your Gambit. It consumes fifty percent of your Hue, so it's not advised to use often in a fight."
Siah nodded, listening carefully.
"The last part of the trinity combat system is the trump card of all high-Status Stillness—the Complex Plane."
Theal sat up. "A complex plane can only be used by a Stillness who has broken the restraints of the physical plane: a Status seven of the Ethereal plane, a status eight of the Lower Astral plane, and a Status Nine of the Higher Astral plane."
Theal stood up. "It seems you aren't in the mood to eat. This is all i could dig up from the Blood Hounds library."
Siah gasped, unable to hide his reaction.
"So this work you got for me is to keep me away from the Pantheon."
Theal clasped his hands behind his back. "Mr. Michael is the one who made this demand you will have to meet with him for more details."
Siah only nodded, thoughts racing. Old man Michael is a black market dealer who knows what he is up to? I do not trust him.
Theal looked at Siah with a smile. "Mr. Michael is very resourceful he likely pieced everything together, and will use that information to control you."