Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

“Mia,” Jinx muttered, taking hold of her trembling child, who broke down when entering her mother’s arms. Tears trailed her cheeks, staining her clothing, as her arms wrapped around Jinx, balling her eyes out.

It was rather heartwarming, at least it would be if they hadn’t tried to kill me, but then again, so many people try to kill me. I can honestly say that this is a form of greeting at this point.

Eyeing the mother and child, Lilith stepped close, resting her head against my shoulder. It was odd seeing her so compassionate. The Lilith I knew would have long since killed every one of them. Turning their bodies to flames. It seems the Little Bun is working its magic. But it was concerning. Just how much is this child going to affect my wife? This was the longest Lilith had been up in a while.

Feeling her warmth against my arm while Little Ty and Arkanos crawled over my body like squirrels, trying to find a spot to get comfortable. I cleared my throat, gathering the Mother and daughter’s attention. “I will be going, but I will be taking a few Bloodstone. Unless you wish to stop me.”

“Your pregnant,” Jinx muttered to Lilith, completely ignoring me. “W-Would you like to stay with us?”

“Your kidding, right?” I remarked, scrunching my brow. “I just tried to kill your daughter, and you want us to stay the night.”

“I was talking to her.” Jinx uttered sharply, “The invitation wasn’t extended to you.”

“She is my wife,”

“And?”

My expression dipped, for a moment, as I regained my composure. Lilith, however, only seemed to smile, ” I would love to, although I would like my comrades and husband to company me.”

“My lady, don’t,’ Freya urged in a whisper. ” We can’t just follow after these strangers.” 𝘣𝘦𝑑𝘯𝘰𝘷𝑒𝘭．𝑛𝘦𝘵

“Especially when we killed a squad of theirs,” Ren hastily added. “We cannot—”

“I say we go,” Avar said, walking towards Jinx and her daughter, “would you mind if we tagged along?”

“You aren’t scared?” Mia muttered.

A smile between arrogance and confidence seemed to slip over Avar’s serene expression, “Not in the least.”

Lilith wouldn’t have said yes if she didn’t have a reason. Am I missing something? Glancing at Cleo, who hadn’t said a word, my brow scrunched as I stared off in the direction she was staring at, then back to the lovely Jinx.

“I’d rather not go, but since Lilith wishes to go, I’ll keep my reservation against the idea so long as we accompany her,” I said, glancing at the dark looks of the other ninjas whose names I couldn’t be bothered to learn. Knowing they were communicating via soul whispers, I remained silent.

Patting little Ty’s head, I told her to go into the blood cave and gather a few Bloodstones. I had a feeling they would come in use. Stones that even the Myriad Gods wished for had to be precious. Not to mention these damn Bloodstones were able to cut my skin simply by falling. Not even star lords, and now Realm Lords should be able to break through my skin.

If they are as powerful as Jinx claims them to be, I think creating armor for me and Lilith will be my new goal.

Ty arched her head and nodded, hurrying off in a blink of an eye.

Taking out a golden talisman from her robes between her cleavage, Jinx glared at me and nodded. ” I will inform the elders to get permission.”

“You do, you lady,” I said, releasing a yawn, as I felt the little one gripped onto my life force like it had done about three times a day.

Hours later, Jinx arose, her expression a little dark, as she nodded, ” You are all welcomed…, and you said your name was Arsene Snow, right?”

I smiled. “Has my glory been so widespread?”

A faint hollow snort left her, ” Just follow me.”

…

…

…

Racing after Jinx and her merry band, Lilith fell asleep upon my back once more. However, I suspected she would not be asleep as long as before, although that was merely wishful thinking.

Unsure what to make of all that had transpired, I fixed my gaze upon Ezra, who followed silently as her brow was scrunching up the longer we followed.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“There are a few Disciples of the Holy Swords up ahead.” She said in a puzzled tone. “The base we attacked didn’t hold many of the major clan’s heads, like the patriarch, so it’s not odd we see a few, but I sense at least a hundred, with my slave crest upon their soul flame.”

It had been a year since we conquered that outpost, turning almost everyone there into shadow fell. But the change requires two to three years to convert fully. So I buried most of the Holy Sword members. With orders to follow once they awaken. I hope these damn ninjas didn’t find them.

“We are here,” Jinx shouted, coming to a stop as I narrowed my eyes, glancing around to the faint whisper of the Dao of illusions in my ear. Knowing something was blocking my eyesight, I waited beside Ezra while Zanris seemed lost in thought.

That was never a good sign. Zanris was never silent.

“Arsene, I think one of the chosen is here.” Cleo suddenly whispered to me, “I can sense it… Or one of the Master’s is here.”

“How many?” I uttered in haste when my eyes suddenly went wide as the barrier vanished, and at that moment, Richters aura came into contact with my senses.

So that’s why they asked who I was. And why Lilith wanted me to go here. Who the hell are these people? And why are they kidnapping people?

“No idea; I just know at least one is here,” she said. “What’s the plan?’

“No plan, for now. I have no idea what I’m up against. Let’s just take it easy for now.” Looking ahead at the village that reminded me of Japan, I couldn’t help but notice Ren’s amazement as he stepped forward past Jinx.

“Japan,” He muttered with heavy longing. “How?” He said, turning to Jinx with a serious look. “Are their other reincarnated individuals here?”