Chapter 74 - 74: Or Did he Really Succeed?

As the miasma slowly consumes Celesea, the once beautiful sanctuary transforms into a dreaded, forsaken place. The once abundant fields wither while sparkling water starts to dry up.

Everything is being contaminated by the poisonous miasma spreading out the land. Beasts and inhabitants alike are drove to insanity.

Meanwhile, lurking in the dark corners of Themis is an entity that observes these once formidable brothers. Meness and Noite are infamous during the Time of Change.

They have proven themselves during those times and done exemplar feats. They are one of Lady Emilia's trusted allies who brought many victories to their cause.

On the other hand, this person detested them the most and always wanted to exact his revenge. He is determined to drown everyone in despair and remorse.

For him, nothing more is more satisfying than witness them plot against each other. His eyes gleam in satisfaction as he looks at the young man sitting alone in the middle of the dimmed room.

Breaking these brothers' spirit and determination has been very difficult. They trust and always found strength with each other in whatever circ.u.mstances.

At present, he wants to continue to drown Meness in despair until he could completely control him. Now they are separated, he is convinced their bond has shattered, and he has won.

He disappeared in the shadows after confirming their separation. His scarlet eyes gleam in satisfaction as he witnesses their downfall.

Or did he really succeed?

Meanwhile, a shadow appeared beside Meness and leaned into him. He ensures no one eavesdrops as he discreetly shares his report.

Meness listens carefully as his face remains its stoic expression. There is a cryptic look on his eyes while he receives the information.

Not long, his subordinate has vanished as soon as his tasks were done. Meness rests his head on his palm as his lips curves upwards, bearing a satisfied smile.

He remains calm as he continues to contemplate the situation. Meness drowns in the silence of his lonely room.

Meanwhile, in the Celesean Mountain Pass, Noite and his men continue to take refuge and hid around these parts. A drizzle pours out from the sky while they gather inside a secluded cave.

Darkness still hasn't reached these parts but they can't stay for long. Soon, they need to move out and find a new place to stay.

Many of Noite's men were unfortunate and unable to survive the attack. It is already fortunate that the Divine Lord Foeni intervenes to save them from his brother's forces.

Noite is tasked with preparing meals and tends to their injuries. He concocts their medicines and makes sure they are recuperating well.

This is making some of his men uncomfortable. How can their Young Master serve them like this?

"Young Master, please let us help you..." one started.

"Please, let us serve you..."

Noite looked at them skeptically. He has allowed them to work those past few days, and he regretted it every single day.

After witnessing their capabilities, Noite retracts his decision to let them help out. These Shadows has no affinity to menial tasks like cooking and tending to anyone's injuries.

Why won't he?

These Shadow men are terrible cooks and can't even bandage an injury properly. He has given them a chance, and they failed miserably.

"I wanted to eat something decent. If one of you learned to create a decent meal, I wouldn't hesitate to entrust you with the task. For now, let me handle this." Noite replied.

They have been serving terrifying meals, and the poisonous stew was the last straw. He decided to take charge and let them accomplish something different.

He let them gather the ingredients, and he was in charge of sorting them out. He is also tending to the injured men, and he is quite busy himself.

He started to recall everything they tried to serve him. The mere memory brings horrifying terror to him.

"But Young Master..."

"This won't take too long. It's fairly easy. Stay outside and guard the entrance. I am confident my brother won't be able to track us here, but it is best not to be lenient." Noite ordered.

They can't do anything but follow his command while they all sigh and left. They understood why their Young Master wouldn't entrust them with these tasks.

After serving a deadly concoction, it is best not to let them prepare anything else than poison bombs. He doesn't understand how they can complicate a simple task like cooking.

Noite heaves a heavy sigh as they left. He thought they wouldn't leave him alone as he continues to insist on taking over with their meal preparation.

Noite started to miss his brother, Meness. Despite their disagreements and different points of view, he truly cared for him.

He doesn't want to break their relationship, but his brother has pushed him in the corner. How can he order his assassination?

"Brother, what do you want me to do?" he murmured.

He always suspected his brother is under an enchantment. His indifference and actions are foreign to him.

Though Meness was once an arrogant, unreasonable person, Noite believes his brother has long surpassed them and changed to someone admirable. He just can't figure out how and when these all started.

He clenches his hand as he got lost in his thoughts. Noite is convinced that his brother is not entirely at fault, and someone in the shadows is manipulating him.

He wonders how he could save his brother from the clutches of this unknown adversary. Despite his brother's actions, he is convinced Meness never wish him harm.

Meness always protected him and didn't want to worry him. He bears everything, and he is convinced this is no different.

'This is a misunderstanding… Right, brother…?' Noite thought.

He grits his teeth as he decided on this thought. Noite promises to save his older brother and trust. He means well when he drove him away.

Meanwhile, in Mystic Spirit, the Divine Lord summoned his Holy Guardians as they started to devise a plan. After his encounter with Noite, he is sure these hostile men shouldn't be underestimated.

On the other hand, Eu explains how they manage to enter Mystic Spirit Realm these past few weeks. Smuggling them through others' being is ingenious. They even managed to fool Eu's almost perfect spell.

It's not a secret that darkness inhibits on each others' hearts. It just that she didn't expect it is possible to smuggle the Shadows this way.

She can't help commend Noite's ability to find loopholes on her spells. Eu doesn't mind to be outsmarted from time to time as she thinks of something to counter them.

Facing him is indeed a great challenge to her abilities. She definitely wanted to converse with Noite and learn from him.

As of late, the Holy Guardian Lords have been busy with their territories. They tried to detect the breaches Noite has created, yet they remained elusive to them.

Noite is a genius on his own rights. His movements are always undetectable and challenging to trace until its all too late.

The Divine Lord Foeni understood their predicaments as he steals a glance from Eu. He knew she has already thought of a plan but wondering how he could inquire.

Even if there they are idle after their defeat, it doesn't mean they won't return to try again. They can't be too lenient while they deal with these treacherous entities.

"I am aware of the breaches, but I also face the same dilemma. I am not even sure how many of the Shadows still remain on our territory." Lord Foeni confessed.

"Why won't we seek the help of the Trents? They have better senses, and they can feel anyone, right?" Lord Tiger suggested.

The Trents are wood spirits situated at the Southern Forest in Inner Courts. They remained silent during the battle that took place there, but they also felt the impending threat.

They are also aware of Celesea's situation. They can feel the land sorrows and their agony while it slowly dies.

Still, Lord Foeni is unsure if they are willing to take part in the conquest to save their land. After all, they hate fighting or endangering themselves for whatever cause.

"If we manage to convince them, their abilities will be advantageous. They can spy without anyone detecting..." Lord Turtle chimed in as he continues, "Still, are they willing to risk their lives for these? They hide because they are fragile creatures."

Trents are pacifist, huge tree wood spirits who has the countenance of trees. The Southern Forest is their Village, and they have no intention to fight and get involved.

They just wanted to live peacefully without endangering themselves. They are wise watchers of time and not creatures who could fight.

"Who should go there to negotiate with them?" Freya asked.

Trents are moody and hate unnecessary meetings. In fact, they hated diplomats visiting them. Not to mention, all the Lords are currently occupied with different tasks.

"I'll take care of it." Eu said as she broke her silence.

Eu is confident she can convince them to help out. She can be very persuasive at times, after all.

Everyone was startled when she volunteered for the task. They are quite aware of how she handles things but decided to let her take on the responsibility.

Meanwhile, Gwyddien sweats heavily as he foresees her dragging him along to convince the Trents. He wants not to get involved, but he feels its inevitable.

"Are you sure?" Lord Foeni asked hesitantly.

He doesn't want her to take on the tasks. Still, he knew that no one else could do it than her.