Philip nodded with a little smile as he left the room. Standing in utter silence, Kharon began to make his preparations as he entered his workshop. In the corner was a dark cupboard which seemed to repel everything else in the room. Objects moved away as even space tried to bend out of shape to avoid it. Kharon walked straight through as he drew a few complex runes onto the cupboard.
It slowly swung open as he smiled. Kharon stared at it for a few seconds before walking into it. As he did, the doors swung shut as a faint light was emitted from the ceiling. At the end of the enlarged space, was a podium of sorts. On it were different devices with unknown purposes.
'I spent so much time working on these with Philip. I hope they will be useful today. These two will definitely help me in case of an emergency. As for this one... I will have to wait and see.'
Kharon picked up several items as he carefully placed them into his bag. He began walking from the podium as the light began to dim. He placed both his hands onto the cold, slick surface of the doors as they parted ways. Kharon walked out as he remarked, "That is a very strange aesthetic choice. Maybe it should just swing open and shut... I will deal with that later."
Walking out of the dark, eerie workshop, Kharon closed it before walking away. A heavy feeling came over his heart as he gently felt his heartbeat. It was getting faster by the second as he took in a deep breath. But his heart continued to beat faster as he took something out of his bag. He contemplated his actions for a second before opening the cap of a glass bottle. He drank the strange elixir in one gulp before putting the bottle in his bag.
His heartbeat slowed down greatly as he looked down at his ring. The first crescent moon and dark circle began to emit a bright light as he felt himself being carried by an unseen force. In the next second, he was standing in Zack's living room as he quietly phased out of the apartment. Looking out for any passers-by Kharon began to vanish until his body was imperceivable. In less than a second, he arrived at the Eclipsed Hollow.
Walking past the dark, decrepit buildings, Kharon felt his blood boil. He looked at the weakened, frail people wearing rags for clothes and slowly clenched his fist.
'The Arcane Association... they claim to care for Lunaris Haven and its citizens. But they have no regard for those who are most vulnerable. Children born here don't have much of a future... Even though I try to donate as often as possible, it never amounts to much.'
Kharon clenched his fists even tighter as he felt his cold skin getting warmer. He quickened his pace as he looked at a small, broken shop and walked up to it. His body became corporeal once more as he raised his hand. With a firm, rhythmic tap, Kharon knocked the door. As he waited for a response, his mind began to slowly drift.
'The Null Order still has a long way to go. And there is more work to be done. But unlike the Association, we wouldn't pretend like we are perfect. Ensuring the future of all citizens, regardless of their status. That will be one of our main missions.'
Suddenly, a small opening in the door was revealed. A tall, bulky man looked through as he said in a menacing tone, "Who is this-" He looked at Kharon as his eyes widened. The opening quickly closed as the doors swung open. Kharon walked in slowly as the air seemed to turn colder. The bulky man looked at Kharon as he bowed on one knee.
"I am sorry for my insolence Hollow Scion. I didn't know it was you. Please forgive me."
Kharon looked at him indifferently as he answered, "I am not the Hollow Scion anymore. So there is no need to address me that way."
"Even so, you are still the Hollow King's nephew and your status isn't any lower than before. In fact, it has risen ever since you left the Hollow Syndicate. The Hollow King said you would probably come here to use the other entrance of Lunaris Haven. He was adamant on us still referring to you as the Hollow Scion."
Kharon covered his face as he ran his hand through his hair. He looked at the bulky man as he said, "If you want me to forgive you, then just take me to the entrance... exit. And be quick about it. I don't have much time to waste."
"Of course. Please follow me... sir."
The bulky man stood up as he walked through a broken door. Kharon followed as they seemingly reached a dead end. But the bulky man knelt on one knee as he opened a latch on the ground. A large door was revealed as he presented it to Kharon who eyed it suspiciously. Noticing this, the bulky man began to sweat profusely as he stuttered.
"D-d-don't w-worry sir. It's just the door to the underground market. You need to go there before you can leave Lunaris Haven. It isn't a trap either, you know I wouldn't do anything to harm you."
Kharon's eyes turned purple as he walked up to the man and whispered, "Let's hope not." He lightly tapped the bulky man's chest as he said, "I will be back as soon as possible." He pulled out a letter as he continued, "If I am not back within a week, then give this to the Hollow King. I will see you soon, Archer."
At the mention of his name, Archer beamed as he looked away shyly. Kharon smiled as he walked down the open hatch. As it slowly closed behind him, Kharon heard a faint whisper, "He- he knows my name...?!" He lightly chuckled as he continued down the long, spiralling stairs. After a few minutes, Kharon heard the sound of chatter and laughter as he quickened his pace. Reaching the bottom of the steps, a bright light momentarily blinded Kharon as he looked at the bustling Underground.
'So this is it. The Underground of Lunaris Haven. Who would have thought that it would look so bright and cheerful? I was expecting it to be more quiet and sinister with bounty hunters. Maybe even a few people fighting. But this also makes sense. Most of Lunaris Haven's wielders are illegal. The Arcane Association must surely know this. So why do they allow this place to exist...?'
Kharon stood slightly dazed as he watched people happily chatting. They all wore some type of armour and each person seemed to possess a concealed weapon. Feeling slightly out of place, Kharon reached into his bag and pulled out the Stalker's Cloth. As he began to walk, he felt someone place their hand on his shoulder as he froze.
'Someone can see me? But how did they do it? The Stalker's Cloth has concealment runes which make it almost equivalent to when it's in complete darkness. Only those who are tier 4 and above would even be able to notice my presence. And even then... Do I fight them or try and flee?'
"Hello there stranger. This must be your first time here right?"
Kharon looked up as he saw a figure who was as tall as him. He had light blonde hair, flawless skin and light brown eyes. His attire made it known that he worked on his body. As their eyes met, Kharon felt a sense of deja vu as he took a step back.
'Have I met this man before...? I feel like this has happened to me before... I feel so exposed in front of this guy. Who even is he?'
The figure stared unblinkingly at Kharon as he said, "Wearing a cloak is dissuaded here. Unless you want to go to the Shifting Vein. In case you don't know, it's just a much shadier place than the Underground."
Being unsure of what to do, Kharon nodded as he took off his cloak. The tall man smiled at him as he said, "You are quite handsome. Maybe I could show you around and we could have a bite?"
"That wouldn't be necessary. Thank you for the offer though."
Kharon smiled at the man as he started walking away. But as he did, the man held his hand as he asked, "Did I offend you? I am sorry for being so direct. I didn't even introduce myself. My name is Herc Sebastian. And what is your name?"
He moved closer to Kharon as he whispered, "I am quite powerful in these parts, you see. If you want anything from me, don't hesitate to ask. I will make your first day in the Underground quite memorable."
"I already said no. I am not interested in a relationship. Have a good day sir."
Kharon walked past him quickly as he made his way around the Underground. Herc eyed him menacingly from the side as he licked his lips. Oblivious to this, Kharon walked up to a few strangers, asking them some questions.
"Do you know where the exit to Lunaris Haven is located...? And can you tell me anything about a guy called Herc Sebastian?"
An armour-clad girl pointed towards a large gate as she said, "It's right there. You'd be wise to steer clear of Herc. He is nothing but a rich pervert."