Chapter 15: Disclosures

The car zipped through the streets, causing the streetlights to blur their outlines. The late hour made the streets appear empty, with only occasional passersby hurrying under the moonlight.

"Hey, Nephelia, what's the deal with this Morigerants group?"

The words emerged from his lips with a certain embarrassed tone, and Damien felt a slight warmth rise to his cheeks while scratched them with absentminded movements. Truth be told, he hadn't bothered to ask about the group before offering to accompany her.

Nephelia leaned back in her seat, resting her head on Damien's arm that was propped against the backrest. Her crimson eyes seemed to get lost in his gaze for a moment before she began to speak.

"About a hundred years ago, during what supernatural beings remember as the Golden Epoch, the Midnight Goddess awakened. She's also known as the Goddess of Judgment, and her power spread throughout the world."

"Legend has it that—after a few years— the Goddess herself sent one of her devoted Apostles to found an organization in her honor. Thus arose the Church of the Midnight Goddess came to be. And it was this Church that ordered the creation of a group specially dedicated to vigilance and maintaining order... whom we call the Morigerants."

Damien absentmindedly stroked his chin, a faint smile playing on his lips as he pondered. 'Midnight Goddess... An interesting name for someone who seeks order, considering the association with darkness. Well, I guess it also reflects her role as the Goddess of Judgment. But... do these gods really exist?'

"Where exactly is the Morigerants' headquarters?"

The city that stretched beyond the window was Celes City, a small archipelago of islands belonging to the United States. Although a small group of land emerged from the sea, the technology they had developed was not far from the large urban centers in the country.

Nephelia nodded slowly. "It's just a few blocks away... We'll be there soon."

Damien wasn't entirely sure of his role once they arrived. He had no desire to get entangled in the affairs of such a powerful and influential faction. The Morigerants were dedicated to maintaining balance and order, which meant he would likely face formidable adversaries who aimed to sow chaos if he joined them.

Besides, if he were to join their ranks, they would undoubtedly expect him to consume a Pathway Pill... and the consequences of that were far from pleasant.

So, why did he come along in the first place?

Well, curiosity had driven him more than anything else. Nephelia was a vampire, and it was odd to him that she would choose to fight on behalf of harmony.

She didn't strike him as the type of person who would willingly involve herself in such matters. However, her reasons must be especially important for her to agree to join this faction.

The mere thought of Nephelia potentially facing any kind of trouble stirred a protective instinct within Damien. He couldn't simply stand by and do nothing.

Even if he wasn't enthusiastic about getting tangled up in a second-rate version of the Justice League, he wouldn't hesitate to take action if she was in danger. Not when it came to someone he loved.

'Someone I love...huh?' he said to himself, and that fleeting thought surprised him. 'It's strange...we've only been together for a few hours, but after drinking her blood it's like I've known her forever.'

While Damien was deep in thought, Camille softly turned her hand from the steering wheel. They came to a stop in front of a dimly lit corner.

Damien stepped out of the car first and extended his hand to Nephelia. She smiled slightly, appreciating the gesture, and sweetly squeezed his hand as she stepped out of the vehicle.

Camille couldn't help but click her tongue, thinking, 'I want that kind of connection too!' But she couldn't ask that of Damien, could she? After all, he was her mistress's husband.

Unaware of maid's amorous crisis, Damien kept his focus straight ahead.

In front of them stood a small coffee shop, barely visible in the shadows of the street. The sign above the entrance read: "Manga Coffee".

Damien stared at it, his eyes filled with disbelief. Could the secret headquarters of the Morigerants be... a coffee... a manga coffee?

Before his conjectures could take shape, Nephelia tugged gently on his hand. "Come on."

Following her with slow steps, Nephelia pushed open the door and they both entered the premises.

Despite the late hour, Manga Coffee was still open, casting a yellowish glow from its lamps onto the tables and chairs. Shelves lined the walls, filled with manga volumes.

However, there were no customers in sight. Only a girl behind the long counter, sleeping peacefully on her folded arms. A trickle of drool escaped from her nose with each faint snore.

Damien couldn't help but wonder if this group was a legitimate and serious faction...

'Well, maybe Nephelia just wants to grab some coffee, after all...'

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