Disciple of Madness

Adrian's POV

I have taken a half-day today. Jeffrey approved of it as well knowing I had a night duty of guarding their materials in the Joint Carriage.

Currently I was sitting in one of the patio chairs at a corner table in Cum'nd Dine. Dressed in a convertible shirt and brown trousers, I looked every bit like those countless aspiring businessmen in this city.

But I was damn hungry. And the Eighth Seat was still nowhere to be seen. Glancing at the round shape thing which they called "clock" or something like that, I found it wasn't even midday.

The Eighth Seat wasn't late... it's just that my hunger made me come here early.

But oh how I did regret that as I was continuously tortured by the sights of such delicious food passing by me...and yet none entering my mouth.

'Let me just drag that girl to here from wherever she is right now.'

As if summoned by my internal curses, the front glass pane door opened as the sweet jingling of the tiny bells echoed throughout the space. Multiple eyes strayed towards the door. Some quickly looked away whereas the others kept on looking in awe and admiration.

For there she was in a dazzling red dress matching her red hairs which curled around the forehead and fell loosely behind her shoulders.

'Those wide, innocent eyes...they are still there huh..'

I felt a warmth shimmer deep in me at the sight of her. How long has it been since I last saw her...

How was she...Did she face any trouble while I was gone...Did she eat already...

So many emotions suddenly emerged within me, all of them almost making me stand up and rush to her.

But I didn't move. Didn't smile when she arrived at my table.

I just stared.

The chair rustled as she sat in it, adjusting and making herself comfortable.

Her green eyes found mine, then darted away. She took a deep breath as she softly asked, almost hesitant. "So you are alive huh? I guess that's good..."

"Hmm, it is."

She looked at me again as her eyes took in my form and asked again, the hesitation still evident in the slight shaking of her tone.

"How are you doing?" A smile appeared on her face as she bit her lips, waiting for my answer.

"I am living." I hated myself at that moment for not expressing myself more. She deserved it.

Her smile deserved it...

"Oh, that's good then."

There it was, the disappointment on her face. She tried to hold her smile. For me. Yet she wasn't able to stop it from crumbling.

I hated myself so much for that...

Her eyes suddenly snapped wide as if surprised she didn't notice it at first.

"Why are you still at lvl 8? It has been two years since that incident. And...who is that second presence I feel from your body...you are connected with someone with a soul node?"

Second presence? Did she detect ...?

'Ahh...I see.' I almost facepalmed myself for thinking about the impossible. Obviously she was talking of Evelyn.

And of course, she has to be present now...overseeing my meeting with her!

I replied to her, "Don't worry about that. It's just... someone unimportant. As for my low level, let's say something inconvenient came up haha."

[ Unimportant huh? This Eighth Seat is quite beautiful, right? ]

I ignored all the words she spoke. My focus completely on the girl across me.

Luna, the mighty Eighth Seat scrutinized my face, as if trying to decipher something she couldn't. She soon gave up at that and just nodded at me.

Almost on impulse I couldn't help but mutter out, "Tell me... how are you?"

Luna searched my eyes, her jaws clenched as she said through gritted teeth.

"Fine obviously. Why would not I be fine anyway?"

The situation turned a bit awkward. Just at that moment, a waiter suddenly appeared at our table.

His presence was a saviour as he took out orders and went away.

The awkwardness had now faded as if it never existed at all.

I swiftly followed with questions regarding her health and the current workings of the Seats. I didn't forget to try to figure out more of the current affairs of Zenim.

Our lunch arrived and soon we turned silent save for the occasional sounds of munching and the shuffling of the utensils.

As our lunch came to an end, Luna spoke up.

"So why did you call me?"

"I have some work for you." I spoke without looking up from the last amounts of food.

"And why me? There are others more capable than me." Her voice shook at the end.

I know her reason for asking me that. She just wanted to hear it from me, even if she knew it better than anyone else.

"You are the one person I have trusted the most...and I still do." Our eyes met.

Her eyes twinked for a moment, her expression turning smug.

"Isn't that obvious? Tell me more."

Making sure my plate was empty, I really looked up. At her.

Then composing myself I asked her, "I want you to destroy this city, can you do it?"

"What?!"

[ What?! ]

Two simultaneous, shrill noises barraged my ears.

They ringed for a moment as I grimaced.

Luna spoked in a hurried manner. "What the heck has happened to the strategist I had known for so long? I understand you probably have a reason but what you are suggesting is so reckless. Do you even understand how much attention it would bring towards our organization? We have never brought so much destruction at a single go."

[ How long does she know you? ]

Ignoring someone...again, I smiled at Luna.

A small, slightly melancholic smile. Then I slowly took one of her palm in mine and looking at Luna, I said.

"Look at me Luna. Do you think I am that stupid to do this without proper plans? I need it to happen, for my sake and for the sake of our organization. Will you help me, your dear friend in this?"

Crack

The cup on the table slightly cracked, its smooth surface now having marks on it.

Luna who was intently looking at our joined hands suddenly snapped out of her reverie.

"Eh? Why did this cup crack?"

My smile stretched more, my eyebrows twitching at the 'interruption'.

"Ignore it. It's just a ...natural phenomenon."

At my words the cup cracked more, loud and sharp.

Seeing no other option, I disentangled our palms. The cup immediately stopped shattering.

Luna had closed her eyes, looking as if contemplating my words.

Opening her eyes, she turned to me her face serious.

"Alright. I shall help you. Say how you want me to do it."

I sighed in relief as I soon started disclosing the plans I had been making for some time.

As time unraveled, Luna's eyes kept on widening.

"You are insane, a fucking lunatic. To level up yourself, you are even asking for sacrificing our foot soldiers...." She rambled on, lecturing and prodding me to be less inhumane.

Though she did end up agreeing to my requests.