Chapter 78

In the evening, an unknown face stopped Dane from moving forward. Dane asked, "What is it?"

The stranger said, "Lieutenant Gemma commands your presence. Follow me."

It was about time. Dane trailed behind the man, weaving through corridor after corridor, flights of stairs, into the inner sanctum, and an antechamber. The man opened the door and let Dane in.

The office was old-fashioned and decorated simply with a desk and a few chairs. The walls, however, were different. A dozen fearsome, revolting heads hung off the walls. Some even had a limb or two below their heads. 

The most impressive was a head made of pitch-black tendrils with jagged golden teeth hiding within. Lieutenant Gemma stood at his desk, looking at Dane with expecting eyes, his lips sealed. Ah, he knew of Dane's Flaw and his armor's enchantment.

Dane stepped into the range. "Lieutenant Gemma."

The lieutenant walked around the desk and looked at the head of tendrils. "A beauty, ain't she?" He picked a black, opaque bottle and two glasses. He handed Dane a glass. It smelled strong and sweet. 

"The closest thing to rum I could get Kido to make." He took a swallow. Dane followed his example. His throat burned. Spicy and sweet.

Gemma put a hand on his desk and leaned against it, turning his neck to the creature's head. "It was my sixth year here, and we were hunting in the Dark City when we came across her. She was three meters tall but moved too fast for anything her size. Three of my men died before I drove my dirk into its heart. Sorrowful day, that day, but it marked the first Fallen under my belt."

Dane questioned, "And which of these is your second?"

Gemma sipped at the rum. "None. It had no head, and the meat was too good to waste on a trophy."

He set the cup down.

"So…you are Heart's Bane."

"Yes, that would be me."

"I don't think anyone knew until Seishan told us. How do you know her?" His smile was amicable, but Dane knew better. The man was worried that the power dynamics would shift in Seishan's favor and wanted to know if anything could be done about it. Best nip that in the bud right away. 

"My family is a vassal of Clan Song."

Gemma nodded.

"Now, let's discuss what's important. You have been named a Pathfinder."

Dane smiled. "That is what I want."

"You came to the Bright Castle a week ago, so I can't be sure of your skill. I would not risk the lives of my hunters. I'm sure you understand my concern," Gemma said. "I will assign you to learn from another Pathfinder for the time being."

Dane wanted to roll his eyes but he held back. "There isn't a need. I am a Legacy, and my Ability makes pathfinding an easy thing. Hunting is even easier."

Gemma raised an eyebrow.

Dane transformed and began to levitate. He flew through the roof and came back down behind Gemma before he returned to normal.

The lieutenant scratched his neck. "Useful ability…but you will learn from another Pathfinder."

Dane frowned. 

Gemma put a hand up. "I do not mean it as an insult, Heart's Bane. Already, the number of losses we face is no laughing matter. I cannot take the risk. Rest assured, you will be in good hands."

Dane opened his mouth—the door swung open. The stranger from before stood with a handmaid at his side. Neither looked composed. 

Gemma's smile turned into a scowl as he heard what they had to say. Without a word, he strode out of the room. Dane followed him. The lieutenant entered the grand hall and sat on the steps leading to the throne. Dane wordlessly stood beside him, raising an eyebrow.

Gemma sighed. "Someone invoked the Right of Challenge."

Dane's heart skipped a beat. Would he get to watch one of Gunlaug's lieutenants exchange blows today? He looked around at the gathering crowd, and their sullen, gloom-stricken faces. Was every damned day in the castle so dreary?

He readjusted the sheath tied to his waist. When he looked up, Dane clenched the sword's hilt until it creaked. Walking into the hall was Changing Star Nephis, with Cassia and Sunless at her heels.

Dane watched as Gemma conversed with her. Unlike Junbei, agitated and full of hatred, Nephis betrayed nothing but composure, with not a speck of emotion on her face. The crowd would break into hushed whispers at every turn, and tensions were rising. Just what was she thinking?

As he was thinking, she said something…and the room fell silent. And then her eyes fell on him. Dane looked at Gemma, who seemed stunned. "What is it?" he asked.

Gemma's voice was quiet in Dane's mind. "She said that she's 'Changing Star of the Immortal Flame Clan.'"

…she was planning something.

Dane expected that news of her would spread like wildfire, and that name was going to be the center of it all. Was she trying to challenge the status quo via the Right of Challenge? Dane stroked his chin.

The next moment, a whirlwind of sparks materialized around her figure. Where once she wore a crude tunic held together by a piece of rope, now there was a menacing white and black armor. Dane squinted at the armor, finding it familiar. Ah yes, the stars on the breastplate were reminiscent of the headless statue outside the city wall.

Shit. This was too theatrical.

What was silence turned to loud chaos…and most of all, there was hope on the people's faces.

Gemma smiled and spoke.

Suddenly, all the joy drained from their face. However, some still held out.

Changing Star did not bother to address whatever was said…but she did make a show of turning her neck to look at Dane.

Gemma questioned Dane, "She seems to think you know her?"

Ah, the lieutenant must have criticized the truthfulness of Nephis's self-proclaimed identity. He searched Gemma's eyes. He found nothing. Credit where credit was due, the man didn't mind him being truthful.

Dane nodded and spoke in the harrowing tone his Wight attribute provided.

"I was a part of her batch at the Academy. She speaks truly. She is Changing Star of the Immortal Flame Clan."