New Genisis begins

"You are not welcome here," Lupin snarled, his voice a thunderous rumble. "Take your Baron's offer and leave before we decide to offer you as a sacrifice to Selthar."

Aldwyn felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of the ancient deity. "I understand, I'll leave you alone," he said carefully.

The cult withdrew again and Aldwyn left the cathedral. Just as he reached the shelter road, he noticed something, „Shit, I'm so stupid... The carriage is gone and I didn't think about the way back... That's what happens when you have too many thoughts at once."

„Well, it's not too far. To be honest, my Assassin speed is much faster than the carriage. But I didn't want to use unnecessary energy to get here, just in case."

Aldwyn focused and cloaked himself completely in a shadow. He exhaled once before dashing towards Helgarde with supernatural speed.

The journey back to the city was a blur of motion, the wind rushing past him as he pushed his abilities to the limit. The cold air stung his cheeks and eyes, but he didn't dare to blink, maintaining his vigilance. The world around him was a tableau of gray and brown, the landscape whipping by in a silent dance of speed and stealth.

As Aldwyn neared the city gates, the smell of roasting meat and the distant clang of smithies' hammers grew stronger. He allowed himself to slow down, the shadows releasing their hold as he reentered the bustling world of Helgarde. The occasional shout or laughter echoed off the tall, damp buildings.

Entering the city, he found himself in the market district, the stalls already busy with traders setting up for the day. The vibrant colors of the goods contrasted starkly with the bleakness of the cathedral's ruins he had just left behind. He walked through the crowded streets, his thoughts racing.

„I should visit Enigma immediately and tell him the result."

Finally, he arrived at the entrance to New Genisis. The guards eyed him suspiciously, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.

Before they could say anything, the door opened and Enigma appeared with his black curly hair and his serious look.

"Glad you made it back alive," he said with a slightly sinister grin. "Did they agree to the alliance?"

Aldwyn met his gaze. "Not exactly. They're not fond of the Baron."

Enigma's smile never wavered. "Ah, I see. Well, there's nothing we can do about it, the Baron tried to sort it out properly, but so be it."

"As for you... You fulfilled the agreement, so the pact is settled. Here!" He tossed Aldwyn a coin purse. "For your effort, one hundred gold coins! Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

He slightly leaned forward and held his left hand in front of his chest before turning around and closing the door.

Aldwyn inspects the coin pouch before putting it in his bag. He turned and made his way to the Hall of the Sword.

....

Enigma's footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor as he approached the chamber of the Baron. The heavy oak door was adorned with intricate carvings of snarling beasts, their eyes seemingly following his every move. He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before pushing the door open.

The Baron sat on his throne, the crimson upholstery stained with what looked like ancient blood. His piercing crimson eyes looked up at Enigma as he entered.

"Well?" he asked, his voice a low growl that seemed to resonate through the very stones of the room.

"The Lycan Cult rejected your offer of alliance, my lord," Enigma replied, his voice as calm as the surface of a still pond. "They have a vendetta against your kind."

The Baron's eyes narrowed, the fire within them burning brighter. "Very well," he said through gritted teeth. "If they wish to remain in the shadows, so be it. But they will regret their decision when the time comes."

Before Enigma could say anything else, the Crimson Merchant appeared next to him. "My lord, I have troubling news."

The Baron's gaze shifted, his expression unchanging. "Speak."

He took a deep breath. "Lady Eilif and Lord Charles Brarnsaiph has decided to act against you, my lord. They suspect your true intentions and have gathered the city's guilds. They plan to attack your fortress tomorrow, under the guise of a united front against you."

The Baron's lip curled in a sneer. "Fools."

He turned to Enigma and his gaze was so overwhelming that even Enigma felt fear. "It begins earlier than expected, but that's fine, no problem."

"Enigma! Visit all relevant houses and guilds and make them an offer. Either they help us take over this city and serve under my authority or they die with these fools!"

Enigma nodded and vanished into the shadows as the Baron's eyes snapped back to the Crimson Merchant. "You take care of Lord Charles Brarnsaiph and his miserable house. Don't leave any of them behind!"

The Crimson Merchant bowed. "As you wish, my lord." He also disappeared into the shadows.

As the Baron was left alone, he muttered to himself. "That only leaves Lady Eilif and her house for me. The age of New Genisis begins here!"

....

When Aldwyn arrived at the Hall of the Sword, he noticed a certain bustle. As he looked around, Master Sewell called out to him. "Aldwyn! Quick, to my office!"

„Wow, I can't even take a break... Besides, what exactly is going on here?"

Master Sewell looked troubled as he closed the door behind them. "I've had reports of unrest in the city. House Phainslill and House Brarnsaiph are mobilizing their guards."

Before Aldwyn could even react, Master Sewell continued. "An important task lies ahead tomorrow. The elimination of the Baron! This mission has absolute priority and therefore every one of us is obliged to take part!"

„Wait what?! Seriously?" Aldwyn was obviously surprised.

Master Sewell continued. "You and I are already playing a part in this important mission today! The arrest of High Confessor Elian. He is considered to be an ally of the Baron and therefore it is essential that he is arrested before he becomes a problem."

Aldwyn's thoughts raced. "But he is a man of the Church, aren't we risking a religious war?"

Master Sewell's expression was grim. "The Church of the Silent Night is no longer just a religious institution. It has become a political weapon in the Baron's hands. We must act swiftly before he can consolidate his power further."

Aldwyn nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well."

„I hope everything goes smoothly, I have used some of my energy on the trip." Aldwyn hoped in his thoughts.

As Master Sewell and Aldwyn made their way to the main hall, Master Sewell stopped short. "Gustav, you take charge of the guild. Make the preparations until I'm back!"

Gustav nodded gravely, his expression mirroring the urgency of their mission. "I understand, I won't fail you," he said.

The streets of Helgarde were unusually quiet, the anticipation of the coming storm hanging heavily in the air. The moon cast eerie shadows on the cobblestones, the occasional flicker of torchlight playing across the buildings as they approached the Church of the Silent Night.

"The Church is heavily fortified," Aldwyn noted, eyeing the looming structure. "How do we get in?"

Master Sewell handed him a scroll. "This has the seal of the Cardinal. Use it to bypass the guards. We must do this swiftly and quietly."

The scroll was a forged document, but the artistry was flawless. It bore the crimson seal of the Cardinal, the head of the Church of the Silent Night, and an order for High Confessor Elian to be brought before the Cardinal for urgent matters of the faith. The mere sight of it would be enough to gain entry, at least temporarily.

„Who would expect that the honorable Master is capable of such methods" Aldwyn joked in his thoughts.

„I still wonder which god the church believes in... That could possibly give us an advantage, since it would narrow the choice of the pathways."