"Now, I brought you all here because you've been chosen to become members of the White Lotus Guild." Ares said, his tone heavy as they stared up at him. He couldn't believe that this was actually happening. That Valerie had forced him to sign up students he hadn't even chosen into his Guild. It was a legacy from his father, and his father before him. And he vowed to never let anything disgraceful bring this Guild to ruin. But now, as he stood before these teenagers, he had a feeling it was all going down to the mud. It angered him. "For generations, since the beginning of the new age, this guild has always existed. And it has always been known for one thing: power. Which means, it's your responsibility as the newest members of the guild to not be weak, but to carry power. Power is everything for us. Without power, there won't be any White Lotuses. There won't be any reputation to spread....and that'd clearly disappoint me." A smile tugged itself on his lips. "...as members of the White Lotus Guild, we fight to the death. If any of you were to lose in a battle, whether its a sparing match or a right works threatening opponent, you'll have to answer to me. You'll have to answer to my blade.... because according to our guild rules, we are allowed to eliminate threats. Weakness. And if you prove to be that? Then there won't be any future for you. Not in this life or the next life."
Quinn gulped, trying to see what this meant for him. Could something like that really exist? What if the opponent was stronger than him, faster than him, and more skilled in magic compared to him? Would it be his fault if he lost?
Clearly not.
Through the corner of an eye, he could see them. Azra was trying to keep himself from falling apart. Emilia on the other hand, was clutching her hand as if holding back a silent prayer. The light phasing through the windows, melted into her golden skin tone, making her stand out like some sort of holy creature. The only thing that was missing were a pair of wings, and a halo. But when his attention went to Lilith, his insides tightened. She was standing, her hand resting on her hip, a smirk playing on her lips.
But there was something else that he saw.
Something that was standing behind her.
Its presence slowly crawled into his skin, rattling his bones and leaving him feeling like the very air was being sucked out of his lungs. It was tall, a figure that was dark, as if it had been dipped in ink. But its features, from as little as its bony fingers that were holding her shoulders for support, and its hind legs, that were shaped like those of some wild beast, ending in hooves. Its face, hard to see, had eyes like coals of fire. It was the exact same thing he had seen before, when Ares walked into the Great Hall for the first time.
'What is that?' he thought.
Just then, it slowly turned its head at the same time with Emilia, both staring at Quinn. He stumbled backwards a little, the moment it spread its lips into a terrifying grin, revealing a maw of sharp teeth.
He felt as if he was glued to the sport, unable to take his attention away from that monstrosity. But what was it?
'I wonder how you're able to see me...' its voice screeched into his head, sharp like a siren. It felt as if words were being dropped into his mind, one after the other. '....unless....unless you're one of them....' it grinned. '...are you the one I have been waiting for?'
It loosened its hands from Lilith's shoulders, and as gently as it could, it started approaching Quinn. Its mere steps made him feel as if the ground was shaking, making him fight for his own balance. He took a couple of steps backwards, feeling fear claw him. He whispered, "S-Stay away from me...."
'I'm afraid I can't do that...' it said, its grin growing into something blinding. It spread its mouth wide open just in time to reveal another set of teeth beneath the already intimidating ones. '...I just want to talk....'
"No." He whispered.
'If you say that, you make me angry...' it growled bitterly. '...and I hate people who make me angry....'
«[ System Alert: Danger]»
Quinn stared at the interface, unable to move his feet.
'I wonder how easily it'd be for me, to kill each and everyone of your little friends whilst you watch...' it said again, before exploding it laughter. Quinn couldn't quite understand why he was the only one who could see it, feel its heavy presence.
Quinn watched it move in a blur, like a streak of lightning that bolted towards him. But, he quickly dodged by rolling on the ground, attracting the attention of everyone.
"What do you think you're doing, Quinn?" Ares asked, growling bitterly.
Quinn couldn't bring himself to speak, to say anything as he watched it. He struggled to get back up on his feet, his eyes still glued to what stood before him. Its presence was the face of evil, the darkness emitting from it, so heavy, he thought he was going to choke. It grinned at him, staring into his widened eyes.
'....My pretty little friend....' it growled. '...I'm going to enjoy killing you.....'
Quinn thought it was going to attack him, but it didn't it. It's movements were a blur again, piercing through the air like a bolt of lightning. But where was it going?
The bolt collided with Emilia, and as quickly as it met with her, it was absorbed into her skin. Quinn gulped, fighting to get back up, an accusing finger pointing at Emilia. Words couldn't escape his lips — he could only stare, noticing how the faint ends of her hair turned dark, a black tail jutting out of her waist as it ended with a hooked tip.
The transformation was real, so real that everyone noticed it.
«[ New Quest: Defeat The Darkling]»