Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Chapter 31: Ring of Bael

A deep silence occurred as Marquess Wayee and Barron Dylan paled. Staring at my new prey, I grinned, my teeth shining in the afternoon light, "I will be seeing you later, little Barron."

Signaling me in the eye, Grey led me into an area occupied by the Snow Family. Stepping into a massive war tent, Grey stared coldly at me, "What happened out there."

My brow shot up in confusion, "What do you mean, " I asked, taking a seat, "where you all not watching what happened."

Shaking his head, Grey frowned, "We saw you cultivate, but then the virtual screen of you went black. We tried to send out our divine sense out, but we saw nothing. It was only when you were slaughtering like a madman did we witness everything. This happened a few times, greatly confusing us."

Gripping my chin, I frown before I clenched the demonic symbol on my arm. Grey eyed me for an extended period of time, "Arsène, What happened." his words soft.

"I can't say...I was warned, and honestly, I think I'm going to listen to what Yura said in regards to that. Sorry Uncle, but I can't show you what is there, but I can say it's from the ancestor."

Hearing me, he snorted, "...Fine...Tell me about the girl."

"Yura? Hmmm, she is a Soul Bender, smart, strong, and talented, but it's too early for her. Not to mention she holds far too many secrets. We can exploit her, but I would prefer not having to deal with her extra baggage."

A familiar smirk surfaced as grey-eyed me, "Oh, and here I thought that she might have been a future Snow. Your interaction on screen was so sweet and heartwarming. King Oswin almost busted a fuse."

My eyes grew wide in exacerbation, "What!?"

Chuckling, he flicked my head walking out the tent, "Your mother and father are here. It would seem they wish to speak with you...also clean yourself off its disgusting."

Rolling my eyes, I hopped into the bath within the tent before rushing out to find my parents. Mother and Father were both cuddlings, staring off into the distance together. A hint of anxiety could be seen within them as they turned towards me.

Smiling weakly, mother leaped into my arms, gripping me tightly, "Your back," She said lightly, kissing my cheek.

"Mom! I'm not a kid anymore," I groan, wiping the saliva from my cheek.

Mother giggled before staring at father, whose eyes were absolutely dark as grey's when he is serious. Pausing, I waited as a qi burst from his body, coving mother and me in a sphere stopping all sound and light from entering and exiting.

Mother looked around before placing a ring on my finger, "Tell no one about this, not Grey, your brother, nor your grandfather. In fact, do not tell us anything; this meeting never happened." She said in a cold voice.

"Wha..." covering my mouth, mother shook her head, "We do not speak of it, Arsène...just walk away."

Eying my parents, a memory from when I was young surfaced of their bloody bodies. Nodding, I slowly walked away; neither of us said anything as we separated, going in completely different directions.

Walking into my tent, I stared at the decrepit ring with a frown. It looked like it would turn to dust with the smallest touch, but there was a small attraction. Pushing the ring on my fingers, the demonic mark suddenly grew hot.

Like hot iron, my arm grew ablaze as flames burst forward, consuming me and the ring. Yet, what I thought would be hell gave me a comfortable warmth. Rust and decay fell from the ring as a marvelous radiance burst forward.

"Ring of Bael," I absentmindedly said aloud, as chill filled my fragmented soul.

"We meet again, Arsène. It would seem the strings of fate are bringing us closer together. How interesting to meet the same mortal twice in a row. " A familiar voice whispered deep into my ear.

"Bael, One of the Princes of Hell?" I asked only to be met with silence.

Watching the crimson flames begin to subside, a relief filled my mind as I tried removing the ring only to be met with failure. Cursing beneath my breath, I sighed in annoyance before flooding my dark qi into the ring.

Yet, like a never-ending black hole, my qi was absorbed, leaving me covered in sweat and exhaustion. Narrowing my gaze, I sighed before trying to recover my lost qi.

A bitter taste filled my mouth as I stared at the ring before leaving; the competition was nearly at its end. Hundreds of students could be seen pacing through the camp there faces covered in anxiety.

With the sun still high in the sky, a joyful Grimlor, surrounded by instructors, flew into the air. He gave a heartwarming smile, "Students of War, Congratulations on surviving the trials of Serein. While we suffered two deaths, it was by no means without a just cause. You the Students have become both Strong and Wiser!"

Portraying an elegant smile, I tried hiding my disgust at his condescending tone, cheering along with the other students. Smiles of Joy and tears could be seen as some children celebrated early.

Grimlor smiled, waving his arm as a massive screen emerged, "We have been monitoring, watching your every move to see your performance, and we must congratulate one student for ranking first.

"Genis Asterion, please step forward," Grimlor shouted as a massive cheer resounded. Seeing the second prince rising up, I sneered. Did they really expect me to believe that the second prince was able to kill more than Yura and I?

Grey gave me a stern stare, signaling that I was to expect this. Snorting I left, I was not interested in the prizes of second-place mainly because my family had everything they already offered.

I had already received the greatest gift from this trip. Looking back one more time at the prince that stood on the stage with a proud expression, a light snicker sounded as I returned to the train. With this challenge complete, I had no more reason to stay.

Finding a comfortable seat, I closed my eyes, falling into a deep sleep. Being awake all night battling like a crazed demon was quite exhausting, and I had not yet reached the stage where I could remain awake no matter what happened.

"Oh darkness, take me away into the land of dreams," I muttered aloud as my shoulder and finger pulsed, clouding my thoughts and body as a dear friend welcomed me with its embrace.

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