Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Gently pulling my hood over my masked face. I slowly headed to the center of Sarem, blustering with people. As far as the eyes could see, I witness massive amounts of people gathered together making deals amongst one another. A rather bliss feeling could be felt in light of the recent murders a month ago.

"A bazaar?" I lightly said with a hint of disgust.

Ever since I began progressively cultivating my body, I have started to hate large gatherings of people. With my rise in strength, speed, and defense came a massive increase in my various senses, including smell.

I don't know how Lilith does it, but this is complete hell. Humans are so disgusting. They are all cultivators in their own right, but most of them smell like goat shit. Cultivation is supposed to remove your impurities, but this proved differently. These animals didn't shower or use any type of hygiene products.

Holding my breath, I leaped on top of a building gazing down with my cold eyes. From the information I gathered, the sorcerer's main base was here. Although no matter the torcher, no one ever gave me in a clear location. Quite admirable, but I think that was probably due to some sort of deal they made

Closing my eyes, I suddenly turned my head smiling at the man radiating a profound amount of qi that he made no efforts to hide. However, only people with qi could find and differentiate if a person had any qi.

"That's a trap. If this was their base, I would have decoys if anyone was trying to find it." I whispered, "Is there an underground facility?"

Taking a few minutes to look around from my high position, I suddenly turned to a well in the distance, butting a few things together. Shooting off the roof, I shot into the well like a black burr. Not sensing anyone aware of my movements, I beamed in joy. However, a large complex circle appeared as it wrapped around me. However, to my surprise, it suddenly vanished after my qi began to leak out due to its effects.

"Oh, smart but also foolish," I said as I landed without a sound or vibration, my eyes glimmering with darkness as I looked around.

"I would agree, but it does let us know that someone has entered our lair." A cold voice said, causing me to frown as I didn't even notice his aura. His qi was not yet a saint, but I still could not detect him.

Glancing at the brightly lit cavern filled with fire, I drew Dragonsbane from my back. Seeing my action, the man smirked, waving his arm as a sword of crimson light flew out from his entire arm. Feeling my skin being stabbed by its light, my eyes grew cold.

"Sword Qi?" I whispered with a cold tone. "No, but you are really close. How surprising, but I guess your not a human are you. A seed of sword of Qi is not something most humans can accomplish. If I had to guess, you are a half-elf or maybe something along those lines."

"Correct, my friend. The name is Merith of Scara." He lightly said as killing intent began to rise.

"You may call me nighthawk," I replied with a pause, "but only at night."

Suddenly a burst of pearly laughter echoed out as a bewitching woman stepped out. She had long fire-like hair that fell to her back—piercing ruby red eyes that held amusement, yet deep darkness beneath. With a slight touch to her lips, she eyed me up and down.

"Who are you boy, your vital qi is young, and your only a level two wizard." She lightly said, causing me to frown beneath my mask.

"Tsk, Roald really is useless," I muttered, hearing that Midgard had its own stages of cultivation. Pushing qi into my eyes, a light smirk filled my lips, "Are you not the same? Your cultivation is the same as mine, although your body cultivation is a little higher. Are you not a few years older?"

Covering her mouth, the young woman laughed, "True, how about a little exchange. I tell you mine, and you show us your face."

Snickering, I removed my mask, "The name is Arsene Snow." I lightly said as Merith grew pale as a sheet.

"You kill So'val." he suddenly yelled as killing intent began to spike.

Not bothering to gaze at the man, I studied the young woman whose mouth was wide open."Wow, are you sure your not a woman?"

"You want proof?" I curtly said as she abruptly nodded. Realizing her mistake, a light blush masked her expression as she hurriedly shook her head, "No... my name is Silvia Scara. Inner Disciple withing the Vanir Clan."

"Well, that's a name I am starting to hear more and more. You are part elf? You don't have the features, but your blood smells a little like him. Now that I think of it, you smell similar to Olivia. Are you a High Elf?"

Turning a little cold, Silvia nodded, "I am, but what are you. I could feel the battle intent radiating off of you. You are craving the rush of death, hmph, but you do not smell like a human, but from something straight out of Helheim."

"Helheim, huh? Well, you are a little close, but you are correct in some ways. But what is it you're after, even both of attack I can pretty much guaranty your death especially that half-blood there. He looks like a glass cannon. Aside from his little good looks, he seems like he would break at the slightest touch."

Bursting into laughter, both Silvia and Merith suddenly snorted, "arent you the same? Have you looked in a mirror lately?"

"Aye, I know, but It's hard being sexy. How you woman deal with it is beyond my comprehension. Although I'm not really complaining." I responded, placing Dragonsbane back where it belonged.

Snorting, Silvia suddenly grew silent as her entire demeanor changed, " I wish to employ you, Arsene Snow. "

"My lady, that's..."

"Enough, I wish for you to help me find an Everrave FLower."

Gazing at Silvia, I frown before sending a long glance at Merith. Killing them would be simple. Especially if I use Soulforce, but... something about this situation didn't make sense to me. The man with her was far too weak to defend Silvia, but she herself seemed too weak to be a part of the Vanir Clan inner sect. Not trying to look down on them, but the Vanirs have many gods.

Placing my mask back onto my face, my lips gently turned upwards as a demonic light filled my eyes. I needed to test the waters. Stretching out my palm, a dark aura began to fill the air as I grinned, "shall we shake on it?"

It wasn't as good as a contract, but the Art of Contracts works with verbal cues as well. Just the power is fractured. This type of verbal contract was very straightforward to trick people with, but it could also turn on its user quite easily.

Shivering, Silvia and Merith stepped back as I explained with a carefree expression, "I help you try to find this Everrave flower. In return, I receive Orion and his collection of circles. Deal or no deal?"

I didn't know who else was here, but this was a way of getting what I wanted. I didn't have to release this aura, but I needed whoever was out there to show its face.

Whooosh*

Appearing like a flash, an elderly man with long silver hair frowned, eying my palm with a piecing gleam, "It's a contract, my lady. It works by verbally stating the requirements. It's just I have never felt such a powerful one in my life. It's more powerful than a vow to the heavens. "

Good, this proves there is more going on with this lady. Hmm, it looks like this Everrave flower may be a trap. Snickering inwardly, I observed the red-headed minx.

Perspiration could be seen flowing from the young woman as I smile, watching as darkness slowly began to rise within her soul. It was subtle, but I knew she would agree. I had spent a few months studying soul gaze, and I found that it was a base type of Arte. Something used to build your own technique. It's useless at first, but the more you use it, the deeper your understanding of souls becomes. Allowing you to create your very own eye technique.

Taking a deep breath, Silvia hesitated for a moment before shaking my palm. Smiling as my emblem appeared in her soul, I beamed in joy, feeling a connection.

"Shall we begin our search?"