Chapter 34 - Cult of Diablos's Prophecy

Miss Seraphine, now the sole conscious occupant of the carriage, looked at Anos with a mix of surprise and wariness. She adjusted her glasses, straightening her back, and met his gaze with a calm demeanor that betrayed none of her inner thoughts.

"Well played, Anos Voldigoad," she said, her voice steady despite the unexpected turn of events. "It seems you have your ways of discerning information beyond the ordinary."

Anos leaned back, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Indeed, 'Miss Seraphine'. I find it useful to ensure that those around me are not harboring hidden intentions or loyalties."

She nodded in understanding, a glint of respect in her eyes. "It's a prudent approach, especially in the world we navigate. But may I ask why the need for such caution with Mr. Lorian?"

Anos's gaze remained sharp. "I am aware that there's more to him than what's on the surface, human. Your little organization harbors numerous secrets, and I find it advantageous to stay one step ahead."

Miss Seraphine sighed, a subtle smile of contentment playing on her lips. "You've astutely identified our affiliations. Anos Voldigoad, your instincts are indeed keen. And together with your great power and arrogant demeanor, you are precisely the individual we've been seeking. As you mentioned, Mr. Lorian harbors his own share of secrets, but be reassured, they are in harmony with our objectives at the Academy"

Anos raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Secrets, you say?"

"He is a crucial asset for the Cult of Diablos, a powerful weapon" she disclosed, prompting a subtle shift in Anos's expression, a mix of surprise and calculation.

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Anos's lips. "So, the Cult of Diablos has its tendrils reaching even into the Royal Academy. How fascinating. Tell me, Miss Seraphine, what role do you play in this intricate dance? What are your goals, and how do they align with your organization's?"

Miss Seraphine, seemingly unfazed by Anos's lack of surprise, continued, "I am a high-ranking member of the Cult, Anos. My purpose is to ensure that the interests of the Cult are safeguarded, and our goals are advanced."

Anos's mind raced, connecting the dots in his head. "So, the Cult sent you to investigate me, to ascertain whether I am an ally or an obstacle."

Miss Seraphine nodded, her gaze steady. "Precisely. The Cult has been watching you, Anos Voldigoad, since the moment of your appearance. Your actions, alliances, and the power you possess—all are of great interest to us."

Anos chuckled, a low, melodious sound that echoed through the carriage. "Let me make one thing clear, Miss Seraphine. I am not a pawn in anyone's game."

Miss Seraphine's eyes glinted with a spark of challenge. "Nor are we mere pawns, Anos. The Cult of Diablos is a force that transcends the mundane. Our goals align with the preservation and resurgence of the Demon Diablos's legacy."

Anos leaned forward, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension. "The Demon Diablos's legacy, you say? A legacy? Or the Cult's 'interpretation' of it?"

Miss Seraphine ignored Anos's remark and met his gaze unwaveringly. "Anos Voldigoad. The power you hold is essential to our cause. But we need to be sure—you must prove your allegiance to the Cult of Diablos."

Anos's smirk widened. "Prove my allegiance?"

"Times have changed, Anos. The Cult seeks a leader who can guide us to the pinnacle of power once more. If you are truly the reincarnation of the Demon Diablos, as the prophecy foretells, then the Cult will stand by you. But if there is any doubt, any hesitation in your commitment, we must take measures to protect our interests."

'Interesting,' Anos mused, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. 'So, this human organization misunderstood my identity and desires my power, thinking it will serve their cause. Little do they know, the power they seek had always been running dormant in their veins. Diablos, a descendant of mine, and yet the Cult remains ignorant of the true nature of their bloodline. However…'

"A 'prophecy' you say?"

Not answering his question, Miss Seraphine continued, "The Cult believes that the resurgence of the Demon Diablos's power is paramount to achieving our goals. If you are truly the key to that resurgence, Anos Voldigoad, then the Cult will stand with you."

Anos chuckled, the sound carrying an undertone of amusement. "Stand with me, or stand on my shoulders? Your little cult seems to have forgotten the 'hierarchy of power'. But let's entertain this notion. What if I refuse to align with the Cult's objectives?"

Miss Seraphine's gaze hardened slightly. "If you prove unwilling to cooperate, Anos, the Cult's loyalty may turn into a threat. We would rather eliminate a potential obstacle than risk your power falling into the wrong hands."

Anos leaned back, his smile unfaltering. "Eliminate me? The 'Demon Diablos' reborn? The Cult may have grand ambitions, but their understanding of power is severely lacking. Tell them this, Miss Seraphine—I am not a pawn, and I will not be coerced into serving anyone's agenda. If the Cult wishes to dance with the 'Demon Diablos', they'll have to do so on my terms."

Miss Seraphine regarded him thoughtfully, her eyes searching his face for any signs of deception. "Anos, the Cult operates in the shadows, and our methods are not always direct. We will be watching, and assessing your every move. It would be wise to tread carefully, even for one as… powerful as you."

Anos chuckled again, his confidence undeterred. "I'm well aware of the 'shadows', Miss Seraphine. But let the Cult watch—I'll play your little game, but only until the moment it serves my interests."

As the carriage approached the grand entrance of the Royal Academy, the looming spires casting shadows over their arrival, Anos felt the weight of destiny on his shoulders. This secret human organization, the Cult of Diablos, unknowingly entwined with his bloodline, sought to manipulate his descendant. Little did they know, the ancestor himself had returned with a resolve that echoed through time—a resolve to shape his new destiny and rewrite the rules of power in an era audacious enough to exploit his descendants, disturbing the peace he had tirelessly established.

The air within the carriage grew charged with an unspoken understanding between Anos and Miss Seraphine as the wheels rolled to a stop. The imposing facade of the Royal Academy loomed ahead, a symbol of both knowledge and intrigue.

As the door swung open, revealing the bustling courtyard and the curious gazes of students and faculty, Anos stepped out first, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. Miss Seraphine followed suit, her composure unwavering despite the clandestine conversation that had just transpired.

The Academy's atmosphere, typically filled with the buzz of students and the pursuit of knowledge, seemed to shift subtly in response to their presence. Anos could immediately feel eyes upon him. The Cult's influence extended far, it seemed, even into the hallowed halls of the prestigious institution.

Miss Seraphine, by Anos's side, spoke in a low, measured tone, "Anos Voldigoad, our paths may intersect again sooner than you think. The Cult is patient, and we play the long game."

Anos turned to her, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Patience, Miss Seraphine, is a virtue. But it's not the only one."

With that cryptic response, Anos strode confidently towards the Academy's entrance, leaving the still-unconscious Mr. Lorian and the emotionless Miss Seraphine in his wake. Her face revealing no hint of the thoughts that stirred within her.

Inside the hallowed halls of the Academy, Anos's arrival did not escape notice. Whispers trailed in his wake as both students and faculty speculated on the mysterious newcomer, his reputation as a powerful and enigmatic figure already taking root. However, an unexpected twist disrupted the unfolding drama.

Anos stared in disbelief at his brother Cid, who casually strolled through the academy covered head to toe in blood, a shocking sight in broad daylight. Anos, his mouth twitching, couldn't help but inquire, "What happened?"

Cid's nonchalant response echoed through the tension-filled air, "Women," he said, continuing his leisurely walk towards the dorms.

Anos blinked, momentarily taken aback by Cid's matter-of-fact explanation. The onlookers, who had been eagerly awaiting Anos's response, now redirected their attention to the blood-drenched Cid, uncertainty and curiosity etched across their faces.

"Women?" Anos repeated, incredulous.

Cid nodded, unfazed. "Yep, women."

Anos sighed, realizing that his brother's antics were as unconventional as ever. He turned back to the crowd around them, offering a casual shrug as if to say, "This is just my brother being himself."

The whispers among the students grew louder, and some exchanged nervous glances. The faculty, too, began to murmur among themselves, undoubtedly contemplating how to address this unexpected disturbance.

Miss Seraphine, observing from a distance, raised an eyebrow at the peculiar sight.

Anos took charge of the situation, deciding that some 'damage control' was in order. "Well, it seems my brother has a unique way of handling interpersonal matters. Rest assured everyone, this won't be a regular occurrence. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have matters to attend to within the Academy."

With that, Anos motioned for Cid to follow, and the two brothers continued their stroll through the courtyard, leaving behind a bewildered and slightly perturbed audience. Miss Seraphine lingered for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed the unexpected turn of events.

As the brothers disappeared from view, the Academy slowly returned to its usual hustle and bustle, with students cautiously resuming their activities and faculty members exchanging concerned glances.

Unbeknownst to Anos, a figure hidden in the shadows observed the entire scene with keen interest. A mysterious presence, not affiliated with the Cult of Diablos but equally intrigued by the unfolding events, decided to keep a watchful eye on the enigmatic brothers and the ripples they were creating within the seemingly tranquil walls of the Royal Academy.

Little did Anos know, the challenges and alliances awaiting him within the academy's halls were not limited to the Cult of Diablos. The threads of fate continued to weave a complex tapestry, with each step Anos took bringing him closer to the revelation of the truth—a truth intricately connected to the past, present, and future of the human realm he now found himself in.

As Anos and Cid navigated the corridors of the Royal Academy, the air buzzed with anticipation, and the shadows whispered secrets that had yet to be unveiled. The stage was set, and the players were in motion, each with their own agenda in the grand theater of magic, power, and destiny.

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"..."

"..."

Cid, noticing Anos's intense gaze, sighed and finally met his brother's eyes. "You're looking for answers, right?" he began, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and resignation. "It's about the mess with Princess Alexia. You know, that whole engagement thing you so graciously arranged for me…"

Anos nodded, recalling their earlier conversation. "Yes, I remember. But I didn't expect it to lead to this" he said, gesturing towards the blood stains.

Cid sighed heavily. "Alexia wasn't pleased with my attitude, to say the least. She confronted me about it, and things kinda escalated quickly. She's got a crazy temper, that one. Ended up slashing me with her damn sword in anger before storming off."

Anos raised an eyebrow, a mix of concern and amusement in his expression. "So, this is the result of your 'trash fiancé' strategy? I must say, it's more 'dramatic' than I anticipated."

Cid shrugged nonchalantly. "I might have pushed her buttons a bit too much. But, come on man, the whole engagement bullshit is absurd. I never signed up for this shit."

Anos, understanding his brother's dilemma, extended his hand, lightly touching Cid's shoulder. As he did so, he murmured a quiet incantation. The bloodstains on Cid's attire began to dissolve as if they were never there, and the slime fabric of his clothes seamlessly repaired itself, erasing any signs of the recent altercation. "Cid, while I see your point, perhaps there's a more... diplomatic way to handle this. We don't want to cause unnecessary conflict so early on, especially not with the royal family of this kingdom."

Cid nodded, a begrudging acceptance in his tone. "I guess you're right. I'll try to tone it down a bit. But I'm not making any promises."

Anos chuckled softly. "That's all I ask. Let's try to keep the bloodshed to a minimum, shall we?"

Cid's face reddened as his frustration boiled over. "Shut the fuck up, bro! It's not my fucking fault!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "I didn't start any damn bloodshed. It's all because of that crazy bitch, Princess Alexia!"

Anos couldn't contain himself and burst into laughter. Amid his chuckles, he managed to say, "Cid, you really need to watch your language."

Cid's expression softened slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he managed a half-smirk. "Yeah, I know. But you gotta admit, she's not exactly the most... sane princess out there."

Anos, still smiling, nodded in agreement. "True, but that's part of her charm, isn't it? However, your approach might need some refinement if you're to navigate these royal waters without causing a major diplomatic incident."

Cid rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of acceptance in his voice. "Fine, I'll play nice... for now. But I'm still not wearing any stupid royal outfits or attending any ridiculous balls."

Anos laughed again, clapping his interesting human brother on the back. "Deal. But remember, Cid, we're not here just for your engagement fiasco. There are bigger games at play, and we need to stay focused."