In a space of infernal orange-red, cloaked, masked figures gathered. They wore upside down demon-faced masks. They were the same group of people that had attacked the Academy, only there were now 10 figures instead of just 9 — The 10th was an unmasked, cloaked Eugene Vex.
"I now dub thy Number 10," the one known as Number 5 handed Eugene a similar mask to himself. "Welcome to the Insidious Circle of the Infernal Guild, Eugene Vex."
Eugene said nothing, even as he dawned the mask.
"Your missions were to end the livelihood of 3 targets, #5, #6 and #14 — I see you succeeded in bolstering our on-call forces with mildly capable students, but your missions — Why did you not succeed?" this was asked by #3.
"We performed the assault — There were complications. Our targets were more severely guarded than we anticipated," stated Number 6.
"Also, our insider interfered with the operation," Number 7 stated. "We assume they had their reasons aside from turning traitor as they still report in to us, so he hasn't gone AWOL."
"And there's more," began Number 5. "A son of Erebus showed up — A demigod."
A great pause of silence sounded.
"Truly?" the one known as #3 sounded interested, as #5 nodded. "Perhaps we can turn him into one of us... If we do, we'd have someone with beyond God-level potential."
"The Dark Lord would be pleased if we do so...," Number 2 commented, turning to a silent #1. "We could use such person in our numbers...?"
Turning to Eugene Vex, #1 asked, "What do you know about this son of Erebus, #10?"
Eugene Vex — or, 'Number 10,' ashe was now renamed — seemed to pause, to hesitate, as if a deer caught in headlights. Even through the mask's slits, one can see wide eyes narrowing into calculated slits. It didn't take a rocket scientist to guess that either #10 was surprised by the question asked or was not pleased by it, though it may have been some combination of both.
Either way, the pause only lasted briefly, before he got control of himself and answered, voice clear and devoid of emotion, cold and detached. "His name is Corven; he's 16 and his main ability seems to be cloning and shadow manipulation," Number 10 said, not sounding like he cared much. "Last I knew, he was at Demigod rank, Low, if I remember correctly. He's a first-year, no noble background."
"Interesting...," Number Five said, rubbing the chin of his mask. "During my attack, there were shadow monsters attacking my forces in cohorts with the Academy students. Do you believe he was responsible for this?"
'That was him?' this seemed to shock Eugene, however, briefly. He managed to control his widened eyes behind the mask and then thought to himself in realization. 'That was him! It had to be! He's a summoner as well as a shadow manipulator?'
"It is...possible that he has summoning powers...," Number 10 nodded along. "I am not certain his limit."
A great murmur passed through the gathered masked individuals present. It wasn't unease nor unrest — That implied a fear or wariness towards a boy, of only 15 years old, and, in the Infernal Guild, that was an unwelcome and unpopular mindset.
No, what passed through the murmur was a sense of interest. An amusement of ponderance. A possibility that, maybe, they'd have a primordial spawn in their ranks soon.
And, silent was he, behind it all, Number One was...
Until he wasn't. He spoke. "Number 5 and Number 10 will keep eyes and ears out for the boy, and, should an opportunity show itself, you will bring him unto me for conversion."
"Yes, Number One," bowed Number Five and Number Ten simultaneously
"Additionally, Number 5 will keep eyes on the one known as Duncan Hades. You may have failed his one today, but we both know that was more because you were toying with him than anything. Next time, carry out the mission assigned to you properly, or there shall be consequences," Number One said, surprising Number Five, who bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Six, your mission was to handle the one known as Celeste Luminaris. Her brother is our pawn — To properly get all of House Luminaris into our palms, we need his 'true' heir dead and gone. Do whatever you need to do to get it done, understand?"
"Yes, Number One," nodded Number 6 in a bow.
"The Sleeping Prince still draws breath, Number 7; fix it," said Number One. Number Seven, unknown, bowed in acknowledgement.
"The game is shifting. Old powers are stirring, and new ones are rising all around. That new upstart in a galaxy far, far away is gaining traction… More, perhaps, than we initially anticipated. He will be in our turf soon, and that warbringer will bring nothing but chaos, ruining our own plans if we are not careful. Perhaps we should reach out and offer our helping hand in conquest…? Who knows? This 'Eye of Chaos' group could play a pivotal role in what's to come either way."
Everyone heard this but no one believed it to be true. They chalked out this 'warbringer' to be just a kid thinking he can conquer the greater galaxies when all he's playing in is a sandbox of lesser worlds. They didn't believe he could be much of a threat nor much of an ally, not even Number One, who couldn't hide his amusement, allowing the others to laugh along with him.
"I want results. No more talking. No more taking it slow. No more playing with our food. If we wish for our Dark Lord to continue to favor us, we need to give him a reason."
"Aye," everyone responded.
"May the Way of the Infernal Flame burn bright —," the one known as Number One began.
"And its Hellish lights guide our path!" the others finished.
Then the infernal-orange space vanished, and so, too, did all its occupants.
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A/N: I know this one was short. I'll try to make sure there aren't anymore chapters that end up this short. If you have any views on the story so far, please leave them in the comments or just leave a review. All reviews and [reasonable] comments typically receive responses. They help me want to continue the story, so leaving one is very much appreciated.
Thanks XD!