9 Chapter 9- The Resistance

The four sat at a table and Ivan folded his hands and began to speak to Dubs and the girl.

"Where do I even start? There are probably many things you all would like to know. I suppose ill start with who we are."

Dubs decided that the best thing to do right now was to listen and gain information. Once he understood more about this world, he would be able to move from there.

Ivan addressed Dubs and told him "You probably have no idea about the empire, or the ruling order. To make it short- you've been locked up as a test subject for your entire life. Your father- Frederic Ruffield- was executed under accusations of being a traitor to the empire, and you were taken to the experimental labs to prevent information leaks, and to produce results for the magical knights."

Dubs understood this much. He nodded, and Ivan continued

"We are an underground resistance, made up of those who oppose the empire and their ruthless desire for magical power. Our goal is to one day undermine the nobility that rules the empire, and instill a system which will ensure that magical research does not allow for human experimentation."

Dubs began to think about this. "I don't think that these goals would benefit me, but they also wouldn't hinder me. The ones who captured me would most likely go to extreme lengths to dispose of me, since I know so much, and instilling a new system where the leaders aren't out for my head would be ideal. However, in the time that this new system comes about I should try to become the head of it, if possible. Before I do that, I must increase my power to beyond that of the leader of this resistance."

Dubs decided that the best thing for him to do right now was to gauge how powerful he was, and figure out how to become as strong as he could

Ivan continued his explanation. "The majority of people who are members of the resistance are former test subjects. Most subjects don't survive past a few days of experimentation, however those who did ended up becoming extremely adept with magic. Anyone who wears a leather jacket is a Capo of the resistance, and survived the procedures for over a month."

"The resistance uses much more stable methods of experimentation, and so we were able to save most of the people we have found, through our own research. Those who wear black jackets survived the experiments, but only because they were rescued very shortly after they were taken into the labs."

"Ah, so that's how the ranking system works here? So by surviving multiple experiments, it means that one has a greater aptitude with magic, and therefore is able to become stronger. If this is the case, then I should be in a good position." Dubs thought to himself

"The leader of the resistance is Mrs. Isabelle. She is the one in the white robe, and she is extremely adept in light magic, which includes restoration and stabilization. She is the person who allowed so many of us to survive after being put under such extreme conditions. She will be treating both of you shortly to determine your conditions and stabilize them."

Dubs began to snack on a cob of corn. The flavored juices sizzled as he took a bite, and his eyes turned wide as he ate it. This was his first time eating- in his life. He knew that people consumed food, but in the labs they had filled his body with magical energy, which meant that he lacked the need for nutritional sustenance.

"Once you two have been stabilized, Isabelle will determine your current strength as magicians, and inform me, your mentor, as to what paths I should take you down with your training."

The girl had been blankly staring at Ivan the entire time, with a look of disbelief, yet she knew in her heart that what he was saying was true. She accepted that her father had sold her as a test subject for personal status and profit, and mustered the resolve to become stronger.

"I will join the resistance! And I will assist you in the establishment of a new order!" She exclaimed

"I'm glad you've finally come around to your senses." Ivan grinned. "Now, as far as you are concerned, I saved you on a whim without any prior information. Our goal in the previous mission was to get Dubs out of there, but we don't know your identity, aside from the fact that you are a former noble."

The girl sat up and proudly stated. "I am Lilith Orphus, former noble. I wish to join the resistance!"

Dubs was satisfied that the girl had overcome her fear and confusion so quickly. He felt that she would be able to move forward with great speed if she kept this resolve up.

"As for you Dubs, there is something I must tell you about your father. I was present at his trial, 14 years ago, as an undercover agent for the newly formed resistance. We had recently discovered the ongoing experiments of the empire, and when your father was sent to execution his possessions were kept in an evidence locker in the platoon I served in. Before I left my undercover mission a few years later, I managed to obtain this, in hopes that I could return it to you someday."

Ivan reached underneath his trench coat and pulled out a shining black dagger, intricately carved with a purple aura surrounding it. He laid it on the table in front of Dubs, and had a very serious look when he said to him

"This is all that is left of your family lineage. Treasure it, and learn to use it someday."

Dubs took the dagger and tied it to his side using the rope that he used for a belt. He felt a dark aura as he picked it up, as if the dagger was trying to consume him, however he felt a pulsing sensation a moment later as if the force had been driven back by something.

"Do any of you have any remaining questions about who we are, or our intentions for you?" Ivan asked

"Ah, one thing." Dubs inquired. "What were you saying earlier about starting our lives as mercenaries? What did you mean by that?"

"Ah! How could I have forgotten." Ivan exclaimed. "In order to preserve our organization, the resistance has passed its members off as mercenaries- people who take on jobs to clean up the surroundings of the entrances to the surface. We are, however, much more than that. We intend to one day become powerful enough to survive on the surface, however the methods we use to achieve this will be much more humane than those of the empire."

A flash of memories sparked in Dubs mind, as if something had triggered with those words. He saw his fathers memories in his mind, including his upbringing on the surface, and his betrayal of the surface guild. He then saw his execution, and the judges decision.

The faces of the nobles were clearly presented, and Dubs was aware of each and every one of their thoughts and intentions. He heard them whispering to themselves.

"Its about time we take out the garbage within the empire. If the surfacers were allowed to take root who knows what would happen to our research and statuses!"

Dubs felt a hint of anger, but it was nothing major. He had been mostly desensitized, so he didn't think too much about it. He did however, decide that getting rid of the nobles was certainly a top priority.

He stared at the dagger on his side. "Was it this that showed me all that?"

Dubs was confused, but quickly hid his confusion as if nothing had happened.

"I had better keep my knowledge of this secret from the resistance. It could prove troublesome if I let it leak that I now know more about the situation on the surface than they do." Dubs thought

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"If you have both finished eating, then we should head out. We shouldn't keep Mrs. Isabelle waiting.", Ivan suggested.

Lilith and Dubs agreed, and Clark was focused on the feast he had in front of his. He was devouring a piece of meat like a wild man, and waved to them and mumbled, his mouth half full, "Go on without me. Ill catch up with you later."

The three stood up and headed outside the dining hall, into yet another corridor, this one filled with lamps and paintings, and a velvet carpet laid out before them. Coming to the end of the hall they entered a room with a large marble door, with a lion crafted on each side. Opening the door, Ivan whispered.

"It's time to check your status. I'll be waiting for your results."

The two headed inside.