Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"You crazy bastard!!" Grandmeir bellowed, clenching my collar as he hovered off the ground glaring at me at eye level. "You almost killed your teammates."

"Teammates?" I smirked in a rather amusing tone." Elder Grandmeir, as far as I know, I am not a Vanir yet. You made that abundantly clear when I requested some of the Tomes Silvia had. Claiming it was for—"

Sending me a vicious punch across my nose, blood gushed from my lips as he snorted, "You are far too intelligent for your own good, Arsene, but that indifference will be your undoing. We journeyed together to be part of the same clan. This was a test of not just power, but the comradery we share, and you, Arsene Snow, have failed."

Sneering in disgust, I rolled my eyes, "Really? Why don't you ask yourself why an Arte capable of decimating two Gates of Truth did not kill any of your precious lambs? Do not treat me as a child, Grandmeir! such ploys are all but obvious to me."

Pushing his hands away, many students began gathering. However, Grandmeir merely sneered, "Do you think I did not know they lived? That isn't the point Arsene, would you have still used such a technique even if you didn't have that much control?"

Fuck yeah, I would. Why should I give a shit about these people? Rolling my eyes towards Grandmeir, I chuckled, "It seems we are at an impasse; I do not regret my decisions, nor does it matter what you say, Grandmeir. The Vanirs will accept me anyway. Life is hard; stop babying these little insects and let them face reality. How is what I did any different from when those at the top battle against one another. Do you truly believe there is no collateral? Grow up!"

Turning around, I ignored the fuming Elder making my way towards the excited Silvia, trembling with glee, "It's been so long since I caught something on fire. Let's go do it again!"

Chuckling at the girl consumed in blood, I laughed in a dark demonic light, "we have quite a long journey upon us."

Leaving the girl who was shaking with excitement, I made my way towards the carriage. Sitting in the lotus position, I began replaying the battle. Looking at all my mistakes and actions, I could not help but be disappointed in my skills.

Had I been using the Chaos aspect, this battle would have been over rather quickly. While Order was important, training a technique from the beginning is an extreme risk. Shaking my head, I began pondering my own Artes.

Arcane Gale, Arcane Strike, Impact, Elemental Manipulation, now Blood Reign. All these were attacked base Artes. They were powerful, but they needed to grow, and the only way to do so is with Dao.

Opening my gaze, I arose as all eyes turned to me. Suddenly a massive amount of qi began overflowing my body as I turned to Grandmeir, " I shall return within a few hours."

"Huh, what are you—"

Vanishing, my gaze grew profound as I appeared along a rainbow-colored bridge. Capturing everything, my body began to fade once more as I arrived within a building surrounded by darkness I had not ever seen before. Glancing around at the unfamiliar scenery, I stared down at the massive yet complex rune pulsing with power.

"Arsene? what are you doing here?" Anya asked in a confused manner.

"I actually came to meet you. If I had a person who was branded with the teleportation rune will I be able to teleport to her using this method?" I asked in a hopeful manner.

"That's a stupid question. Of course, you will. What part of it connects to all of Midgard, don't you understand? It's like making a map; currently, there is only one person that is marked, but with each step, you take you are filling in the blanks."

"YOU FUCKING IDIOT!!!!" I yelled, "EZRA!!!!!!"

"watching as a flash appeared within my sight, I saw Ezra bewitching face scrunched in a scowl, "Didn't we just get rid of you? Why did you come back?"

"Start branding slaves you have absolute control over and send them to explore all of Midgard. This formation or whatever it is could change everything!" I exclaimed in a fit of deep resentment before pointing at that idiot or genius Anya, "Also, talk to this idiot. She needs to learn to explain things better.

Narrowing her eyes, Ezra shot a deep gaze towards Anya, who lowered her head, "But for now, just ready them. I need little Anya for a moment."

Grabbing the little vamp's arm, the teleportation rune flashed, consuming the both of us as we arrived in the very spot where I left off.

Pointing towards Silvia, I spoke, "Give it to her," I said as Anya didn't speak a word following my command.

Confused, Silvia suddenly clenched her shoulder, releasing a cry as she rolled up her sleeve. Touching the rune, a deep, powerful voice filled the void.

"WHO ARE YOU!!!!" Grandmeir roared in shock as his qi began consuming everyone. However, Anya and I didn't show any reaction as we observed the rune pulsing with power.

"Am I done?" She asked in a hollow tone.

Releasing a smile, I could see the fear in her eyes, "What happen to that little defiant attitude?"

Clenching her fist, the void began to quake as I nodded, "You may leave, Ezra will not kill you, but I honestly would not make the same mistake. It's one thing to annoy me. It's another to fuck with my plans. Do so again, and Ezra will not have the chance to kill you. I will have Lilith personally send you into the abyss.

Opening her eyes wide, Anya faded as her words echoed, "Forgive me!"

Sneering, I took a deep breath. Had she been my thrall, I would have killed her ego, destroying that blasted personally before creating it anew. I will need to speak to Ezra about this. I will not have something like this happen again. While some fault lies with me, I will root out any such problems.

"Arsene, answer me; what have you done to Silvia?" Grandmeir roared as his gaze began to radiate power. A deep killing intent began to consume the land as he drew closer. His step was still cautious as he eyed the area around, looking for Anya.

"Elder Grandmeir stop, Arsene has sworn to the heavens in front of Lord Torgier not to harm me." Silvia lied without skipping a beat, "I can assure you I am safe."

Not showing any expression, I turned to Silvia. "We will meet in six months. I originally wanted to travel, but I need to explore nature more. This is a big opportunity for me." I said as her face began to become downcast.

Smiling, I patted her head, "We will meet again, and I hope you are more powerful." I said as I turned around, leaving.

"Stop. Are you sure about this?" Grandmeir suddenly said to my surprise.

Sending the man a smirk, I spoke, "I am not leaving because of you. While I could learn much from you, I can learn even more from these lands and all of Midgard."

Releasing a deep smile, demonic wings around form my body as I sent him one last smile flying high up into the air. Getting a bird's eye view, I teleported the furthest reaches my eyes could take me.