The members all sat down as Kharon's ring shone briefly. As it did, a few images appeared before Freya as she began reading them. Their gaze fell onto her speeding eyes. They moved at supersonic speeds as she dismissed the documents with her ring. Zack's eyes slightly widened as he asked, "How did you do that? I thought only the Architect had control over the table."
Freya briefly glanced at him as she replied, "I can't fully control the table. But I can dismiss things which are in close proximity to me. We can all do that. Furthermore, documents can be inserted into the table to make relaying information easier. Anyways, I must say those constructs are quite dangerous. They are unusable in prolonged battles. Unless you want to deal with the repercussions."
Looking around the table, Kharon said, "That is true. However, I plan on creating a few runic devices which can suppress the drawbacks of the Cursed Constructs. These devices will also serve as containers when the constructs are taken on missions. It would be foolish to hold the construct when you haven't reached your desired location."
Kharon sighed as he added, "But that isn't the focus of today's meeting. I have acquired my path's tier 3 ritual formula. So in the next few weeks or months I will begin making preparations for my ascension. Your help would be greatly appreciated."
Freya nodded as she said, "Of course. What exactly do you need to accomplish?"
"I need to make something which was formerly unknown or forgotten, known again to a whole city. So I plan on revealing the knowledge about the path of mysteries to Lunaris Haven. Though the information will surely spread to other cities... It will be our first true mission as an organisation. So I hope you are ready for it."
They all nodded simultaneously as Kharon smiled. Philip held up a few documents as he leaned over the table and placed them in the middle. As he did, the table turned white before absorbing the documents. A few seconds later, a giant screen appeared. The contents of the documents were revealed as the members began to read. As they did, Philip began his explanation.
"We plan on making the Architect a type of magician. He will perform in a small, rundown space in the Eclipsed Hollows. This will slowly draw an audience towards him. Once most of the Eclipsed Hollows is convinced, the knowledge will spread like wildfire. The Architect will then begin doing a few performances in public areas before quickly vanishing. We need to remain vigilant against the Association during this period."
Zack raised his hand as he said, "I agree with the plan, but do you have a specific location in mind? If you don't then I have a proposal. I have lived my whole life in the Eclipsed Hollows, so I know many different locations. There is an abandoned underground theatre. It was formerly used to host street fights where people could place bets. But it was quickly shut down because of cheating and preplanned fights."
"That would be perfect. I haven't been to the Eclipsed Hollows before for obvious reasons... But that fits perfectly into the plan. Do you know if anyone owns the building? It would be best to avoid any confrontations with locals."
Scratching his head, Zack slowly replied, "I think it is owned by an old man. I have no idea if he is still alive. After this meeting I can go check."
"You can take funds from the vault. This is a very important mission so don't worry about the cost. We have quite a few Aethermarks. But don't empty all the funds."
A cough escaped Zack's lips, poorly hiding the grin that tugged at the corners. As the other looked towards him, he said, "That was a bit funny. Don't any of you agree?"
An awkward stillness settled over the room until Freya finally spoke, shattering the silence.
"I can help attract people to the showcase. I think me and Zack are the best suited for the job. We know a few locals and are considered quite trustworthy. Philip can focus on the logistics of the mission. Acting like a critic to probe at the audience's mind."
Kharon slowly clapped as he said, "I think that is the brilliant plan Freya. Are we all in favour?"
Saying this, Kharon raised his hand. His gesture was followed as Freya raised her hand. Seeing this Zack and Philip quickly put up the arms.
"All in favour. Shall we begin our mission."
"Yes."
The members of the Null Order all stood up as they began to vanish. Kharon appeared in Zack's living room as he turned around. Behind him was Zack donning a new set of clothes. They briefly looked at each other as Kharon gave him a curt nod. In the next second, he vanished completely from sight.
"Are you still here boss? You should follow me to the location. If I find the man, then we can start cleaning the space. It shouldn't take too long. Freya is probably busy spreading the word."
"I am right behind you."
Zack walked towards the front door as he stepped out into the dark, cold corridor. He locked his door as he zoomed down the stairs. Appearing outside the desolate streets. In a flash, he was gone. He flew past the broken, decrepit buildings.
Running quietly by his side was Kharon. He gave no outward sign of his presence as he watched Zack zigzagging through the streets. In the next second, they stopped in front of a moderately large building. Its walls were dark grey with patches of white still being visible.
'I wonder what Lunaris Haven looked like before. Was the Eclipsed Hollow always a part of it, or did something happen that changed it? These buildings must have looked quite grand and maybe even majestic in the past. I will make sure they regain their former look... No. They will look even better. Why settle for the old when we have newer, more advanced things?'
Looking up at the building, Zack silently whispered, "I am going in now boss. Don't go too far. I have a strange feeling about this place. Someone is definitely inside."
'Can Zack use True Sight? Or is that just his intuition? Either it would be best to do what he suggested. I can't sense anything wrong. I wonder why.'
Zack slowly pushed the large, double doors open. A faint creaking sound was produced as Kharon used Veiling. The sound immediately stopped as he followed Zack inside. The interior of the building was surprisingly well maintained with a few intact pieces of furniture.
'This is quite strange. I was expecting cobwebs and a few rodents to be running around. Maybe the owner is trying to restore his property. That would make a lot of sense.'
As they went further in, the sound of distant footsteps caught Kharon's attention. Zack froze as he quickly found cover. Kharon stood in front of Zack as he took slow, steady steps towards the noise.
With each step, he felt his heart pound faster against his chest. The movement of a human silhouette holding a flickering light made Kharon on edge as beads of sweat rolled down his face. Heavy invisible chains made their way into his hands. They dragged against the cold, marble floor as he got closer. Someone suddenly leaped forward as Kharon wrapped them in his chains.
Kharon's bracelet began to emit a bright light as the person's face was illuminated. Before him was a very old man holding a walking cane and a lantern. The chains quickly vanished as Kharon slowly revealed himself.
"Don't be afraid sir... I am just a wielder. Don't panic, I mean you no harm."
Zack ran out of his hiding spot as he held the old man's hand. He looked nervously at him as he said, "Old man Larry! It's me Zack, see? I am so sorry for intruding. Me and my friend were just visiting this place to see if we could use it."
Old man Larry was a short, grey-haired man in what seemed to be his late 70's. His tanned, wrinkly skin resembled crumpled paper. It was quite thin and had a few burns. His milky brown eyes were squinted as he looked at Zack's apologetic expression.
"Zack! Is that you? You know how my eyesight is. Why didn't you come out and talk to me? I almost died of fright! And what is this about my building...? You want to take this place from me?! Do you know how much this costed me? I won't just hand it away for free!"
The old man rambled for a bit as he scolded Zack like a father reprimanding his child. Kharon chuckled at their interaction as he cut in.
"Sir, we don't expect you to give us this building for free. You can name your price and we will buy it. How does 2,500 Aethermarks sound?"
"Do you think I am stupid? Give me 10,000 Aethermarks and you can have it."
"Deal."
Kharon pulled out several Platinum Marks as he handed them to the old man. But as the old man looked at them, he fainted...