Caster stood totally and completely alone.
Around him were the beauties and highest beings of the human race, Clan Valor. A few emissaries from Song and Night had come, but otherwise it was a showcase of their Saints and Masters.
It was a statement of power, one that Caster recognized as a bit desperate. Clan Song had not only acquired Seishan's "Blood Sisters", the surviving Handmaidens from the Forgotten Shore, but they had also secured Gehrman's alliance, which was decidedly more important.
Though much of his value had been shared with the other Great Clans, he was still a singularly powerful individual. Once he Transcended, it was likely only the Sovereigns themselves could make him kneel.
Clan Valor on the other hand had not received any such boon of strength, and they needed one desperately.
The "Firekeepers", that followed Song of The Fallen, the blind seer who had recently become a Master, were the other survivors of the Forgotten Shore. Each had the potential to become Ascended, and their numbers were greater than that of the Blood Sisters. But due to Caster's failure, they had remained independent, struggling with all their futile might to bring Changing Star, their true leader, back from the most forsaken part of the Dream Realm.
…but she had come back on her own.
Passing the 2nd Nightmare as a Sleeper.
It was absurd.
Caster's friendly mask slipped as simultaneously sighed and scowled.
A stark duo took the dance floor. Lady Nephis had taken the hands of her pitiful old scout and they now moved gracefully and divinely across the floor.
The mongrel, Sunless, knew how to dance apparently. He somehow moved with even more grace than Changing Star, who had surely been trained in such things since birth.
What can't he do? Caster thought bitterly. He remembered the first time they had met. The ratty little brat had just been plucked from the Outskirts. His mind had clearly been shattered after he somehow survived his First Nightmare. He bragged about getting a Divine Aspect and killing an Awakened Tyrant by moving his fingers a bit.
Then he had somehow survived 3 months in the Crimson Labyrinth with only Lady Nephis and the previously useless blind seer.
Of course, both he and everyone else credited his survival as a testament to Changing Star's strength.
But some doubt started to creep into his heart one night when he stumbled upon a drunken Sunless…and a dead body.
A human body.
Caster had almost laughed at the time. He had wanted to get rid of the eyesore that Lady Nephis kept around, but he never knew how to go about doing it. As it turned out, simply helping him hide the body and keeping the secret of his crime between them (while also isolating Nephis from him) was enough to make his mind shatter. And this time, there would be no recovery. He crept into the Dark City, never to return.
…but that wasn't what happened.
He came back with a chest of Soul Shards, his skills polished, and despite still being insane, an undeniably eerie Awakened.
During their journey together to the ends of the Forgotten Shore a thought started to creep its way into Caster's mind unbaited.
He's not weak.
It was contradictory, Caster was under no illusions that the Outskirt Rat was strong, but he had a knack for surviving things that would have killed the vast majority of Sleepers.
So Caster slowly grew wary of him.
Then the mongrel killed that Spire Messenger before he could, acquiring an Ascended Memory while Caster had none besides the gifted Charm.
When Gunlaug was killed by Changing Star and she collapsed, Caster moved in to kill her amidst the chaos but was tripped. At the time, he wasn't sure what it was. But in hindsight it was obviously the kunai weapon that Sunless favored during that time.
And then he had dawned an ancient mask that emanated a long forgotten power and headed him off before he could reach Changing Star at the Crimson Spire.
They had clashed, and Caster's assurance of his own power cracked. Despite being unable to keep up with him, the mongrel refused to die.
He blocked, parried, and dodged like he already knew what Caster was doing. Like they were performing a dance choreographed beforehand.
Caster's eyes lingered on the demure, but luxurious shoes the mongrel wore now. Their movement was just as mysterious…and terrifying as they had been that day.
"You've got murder in your eyes, I'd be careful if I were you," a light voice interrupted his thoughts.
Caster's eyes turned to see Seishan. Wearing a marvelous red dress and looking even more exotically stunning than usual.
The mask quickly went back up.
"Lady Seishan, it's an honor. It has been quite some time since we last spoke."
She hummed noncommittally in response.
Caster kept a warm smile on his face, unsure of how to treat his…boss-in-law?
It was a very odd situation he found himself in. Though he had technically been invited all on his own to this dance, the thought that it was simply because of Gehrman still gnawed at him.
"Gehrman won't be making an appearance?" Seishan asked with an even voice. Caster could not parse out any disappointment, excitement, or any particular feeling behind her words. But he secretly wondered if Seishan was looking forward to seeing him or dreading it.
"No. After speaking with Saint Cor about something he has gone into a bit of a frenzy. He's locked himself up in the Workshop Proper for three days straight…"
Caster trailed off and gave Seishan a side-eye. Though they were allies, he wasn't sure what exactly she was allowed to know. It was better to be on the secretive side just in case though, gods knew that Gehrman wouldn't.
The Princess of Song did not seem willing to push things, much to Caster's relief.
"There is something I have been wondering lately," Seishan moved to take a sip from what looked like very expensive wine. "Even with The New Workshop staying neutral indefinitely, Gehrman himself will inevitably join us. When that happens, what will you do? Go back to the clan that shunned you? Or follow your benefactor and achieve greater power?"
Caster blinked, taking an extra long time to process what she was saying. At first, he couldn't understand what she was asking.
…but then.
"Are you asking me to betray my family and join…Song?" Caster managed to keep a genial smile on his face, but inside he raged. Had he been away from the Legacy scene so long that people truly thought so little of him.
Seishan merely tilted her head and smiled.
"I don't mean to be rude…but you are not here because of the Han Li Clan. Your 'family' only ever used you as a tool, and they threw you out when they thought you had become dulled…I, on the other hand, see a potential Saint. Gehrman has said as much before. But after your little stunt, do you really think Valor will give you the resources to challenge the 3rd Nightmare?"
Caster's head started to pound. He had thought about this, of course. As much as Gehrman had helped him, supplied him with weapons and opprutunity…he wasn't like on his or Changing Star's level, he couldn't challenge a Nightmare alone.
But still, the whole reason he had taken Gehrman up on his offer was so he could eventually become a valued retainer of Valor. There would be no point in becoming a Saint if it wasn't for his Clan and his honor.
Honor? What use is honor for someone so weak?
Caster's pupils dilated as the thought stabbed the back of his mind.
"Please leave," he said in a quiet voice.
Seishan lingered for a moment, but eventually turned to go. But she left him with one last word.
"I will be challenging the 2nd Nightmare myself in a week. If Gehrman vouches for you and you are able to swear an oath…then you are more than welcome to join my cohort."
Caster remained completely still. But his mind reeled.
Ah, shouldn't I be doing the same? The mongrel is a Master now, how could I possibly let such indignity stand?
Though his view on the Outskirt Rats had become somewhat changed–he saw that they had their uses and a respectable amount of desperation–Caster could not abide Sunless.
That feeble child made him feel death.
And for that, a burning hatred that would not be extinguished roared inside him.
Caster flinched as he saw the pair of shadow and light abruptly leave the dance floor, in a rush. They went into the kitchen, and soon the chefs all vacated the area.
He felt his breathing become labored.
…
An hour later, Lady Nephis stood in front of the crowd, and Lady Morgan spoke with deep solemnity and joy.
The detestable shadow was nowhere to be found.
And with furrowed brows Morgan released the news that would shock the world.
Changing Star, last heir of the fallen Immortal Flame clan, would be adopted by Anvil of Valor, effectively becoming the second Princess of Valor.
Caster's heart had taken quite a beating tonight as the rollercoaster of intense emotions threatened to crack his recently untrained mask.
But this nearly sent him over the edge.
She's joining them? After they ordered her death? She knows about it, surely. So why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
The firekeepers and the newly Ascended seer would follow her, of course. And just like that the imbalance that Song held abruptly ended. If there was one person who might be able to match Gehrman in raw destructive ability it was Changing Star.
She had even more Awakened under her command, and they were without a doubt much more deadly than the promising children and ex mercenaries that Gehrman led. And since they weren't even under Song…it seemed that Valor had somehow turned the tables.
Why!?
…
"Why?" Caster asked.
In his delirium he had managed to pull Changing Star into a private room. It seemed she wanted a break from the rush of Masters and Saints greeting her, so it wasn't too difficult.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Nephis said, her voice neutral.
Caster's brow creased. She too held a mask, one more perfect than his, perhaps. But maybe it was because Caster was so good at crafting his own that he could tell that a hollow feeling was encompassing her.
"You know damn well, what I mean," Caster's voice cracked. Shame rose in him as his mind screamed at him to stop.
To his surprise, Changing Star let her mask drop as well. Suddenly, her voice was full of venom.
"You have the gall to ask such a thing? After what you tried to do on the Forgotten Shore?"
"You know why I did it though," Caster let out a shaky breath. "Why do this when you know who ordered me too?"
Nephis paused, her usually apathetic face slightly contorted in a rage…but oddly, it did not seem entirely focused on Caster.
"Why should I tell you? You aren't a Vassal anymore. So as far as I'm concerned, it would be quite out of line for me to say a word about my motivations to an outsider."
Her words cut his soul like a dirty, jagged knife. Caster's teeth ground against each other, pushing so hard he felt they may break.
So Caster, unraveling, tried his best to do the same to her.
"This isn't like you, Changing Star."
He had a subconscious realization that it was the first time he had not addressed her as "Lady". But he continued onward.
"Lashing out like this…did your filthy pet mongrel not approve of you decisi–"
Caster's back hit the wall.
He didn't even see her move. Her hand was around his throat. It burned, scorching his neck.
Then, with a voice that he had never heard, a voice that perhaps she had never used. She whispered in his ear with such visceral fierceness that it actually scared Caster.
"If you ever call him that again, I will kill you. If you ever make a move against him, I will kill you. You will die in an inferno of flames so hot that with each layer of skin burned off your bleeding muscles will cauterize, prolonging that pain. And then another layer will be stripped away. Then another. Until only your bones are left. And then, those too will burn to ash."
Caster's breathing was rapid and labored.
He didn't think it was possible for her to snap like this.
W-what the hell happened in her Nightmare!?
Dimly he knew that it wasn't just the Nightmare. She had been alone on the Forgotten Shore for over a year. Traveling in silence, surrounded only by Nightmare Creatures. How could she have not gone insane?
Then her hand unclenched, releasing him.
A warm light appeared and removed the brutal burn marks around his throat. Erasing any scars and evidence.
She took two steps back. And to his surprise, she seemed nearly as shaken as he felt.
He didn't just disagree. They got into a real fight. What did he say to rattle her this much?
Without even realizing it, Caster didn't even question why she was so affected by Sunless. It was obvious enough from that reaction though…whatever he was to her, was a lot more than a mere pet.
The memory of Gehrman teasing him during their trip to the Hollow Mountains, saying how they would be a "cute couple" invaded his mind.
…but would a couple even react like this when one left? Would anything other than a profoundly deep connection being strained or severed make the one and only Changing Star unravel like this.
Her head was turned downward, but suddenly the mask was back. Her breathing returned to normal and her neutral face returned.
She didn't say anything.
She just left.
Caster slid down the wall, his legs giving out from under him.
…
"She joined Valor?" Gehrman looked up from the gun he was working on. Something that hadn't happened in days.
"Adopted by Anvil. She was granted a rank that is only matched by Lady Morgan and Saint Madoc."
Caster watched as his hanging mouth returned to a neutral line. The madman had evidently taken some Blood earlier, as was his routine in order to increase his absurd power even further.
"Well, ain't that some shit," He whispered loosely and looked up to the ceiling.
"Seems she's changed quite a bit…my guess is she probably means to siphon their resources to increase her own power, and then attempt to reach Supremacy and destroy the Clan from the inside."
Caster's hollow mind suddenly flared at the mere thought of such an audacious plan.
"You…can't be serious,"
"She wants to kill them, you know. I can't imagine her being content to serve under a man who had a hand in killing her father."
His thoughts shut down at those words.
"...What?"
Gehrman's gaze returned downward and locked onto Caster's.
"Ah, you didn't know?" He paused and then frowned.
"Wait, was that supposed to be a secret? Shit, I hope she won't be pissed at me for that."
He blinked a few times and then stood up and walked toward Caster. Placing his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"Hey, you won't tell anyone else about this, and I won't either. Then we hopefully won't have an inferno thrown at us."
Caster gulped and his face contorted.
"You know, you really are really terrible at keeping your mouth shut," he said with barely suppressed anger.
"I'm aware. It's one of my few flaws…actually one of my many fla–"
"Can you just," Caster sighed and pinched his eyebrows. "Just shut up."
Gehrman frowned and made a tsk sound at him.
"You really need to respect your elders, brat. Others won't be as forgiving as I."
The young Awakened took a beat to compose himself. These past 24 hours had been the most ridiculous of his entire life. His thoughts were completely jumbled…but somehow there was still one thing that was abundantly clear to him.
"I need to challenge the 2nd Nightmare."
Gehrman looked at him with raised eyebrows. Surprised by the sudden change in topics.
"Well, you have been ready for a while. The Government has a list of seeds that are available, so it shouldn't be too hard to find one…as for your cohort, did you have anyone in mind? I'm sure the Government wouldn't mind you tagging along with one of their batches of promising Awakened."
Seishan's words came to him then. Indeed if he caved now Valor might allow him to join some Squires on their 2nd Nightmare. But after the events of the previous year it would be difficult to truly regain their favor unless he was already a powerful force.
But the thought of working with the Blood Sisters was daunting. The invitation might have been genuine, but he could also see that scheming Song Princess killing him within the Nightmare in a twisted plan to isolate Gehrman.
It was an odd thought, but one he couldn't shake. He knew how vile those of Clan Song could be. Even though they had won Gehrman over, Caster was raised with stories of the dreadful Queen of Worms and her vile progeny.
Joining a Government cohort was probably the best option. But chemistry and knowing your allies was absolutely necessary.
In that case, only one group remained.
"...How long would it take for some of the ex-mercinaries or fresh Awakened to try for the 2nd Nightmare?"
Gehrman's face was impassive, but then he broke out into a grin.
"Well if I spend a month beating the shit out of them, I think a handful might be ready relatively soon. Fully saturating their cores shouldn't be a problem. And getting them appropriate Memories shouldn't be an issue either…"
He paused, and his smile widened into something unsettling.
"And with this whole Antarctica thing, it would be nice to have a few extra Ascended Hunters…so give me a month."
"We are going to be training on a ship, but once we reach a fortified siege capital, there should be no shortage of seeds to challenge."