Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 5: Invisible Mask, Part 5
“So, Menez, how? Are you ready to be with me? Do you want mee—argh!”
Along with the moans coming out of Alstroemeria's mouth, his eyes widened noticing Menez was behind him. Menez who was in front of him became a blur, before then decaying and disappearing.
No way! When did he use illusions?!—Mouth Alstroemeria could not voice his screams because it was gripped so firmly by Menez.
“You made one fatal mistake, Alstroemeria,” Menez whispered right beside the elf's right ear. “When I sleep, my consciousness is in the Land of Dreams. When my consciousness was there longer than usual, I knew something must have happened to my body. I waited, constantly waiting until you unleashed that [Eternal Zero] mock magic.”
Alstroemeria was not given a chance to groan trying to comment, his body was violently thrown down to hit the pillar that supported the ceiling.
“You must be wondering, how can my illusion fool you all? How can you be trapped without realizing it?” Menez did not wait for Alstroemeria's response. “Simple only: I am the strongest in illusion. Perhaps, there is only one other person who can rivaliku—I can feel its existence in the vast Land of Dreams.”
Alstroemeria did not expect this to happen. He had relaxed his vigilance because he already felt safe. He should have kept a close watch. Menez is very dangerous. Compared to the extremely destructive Evillia, Menez can kill in dreams. He should treat it as he should.
However, Menez keeps a deep taste in me, I just have to satiate it more deeply.
“Me-Menez,” says Alstroemeria while trying to stand up. “You know what I said was all true; I am not lying at all. Hence, Menez, you—”
“I know it, Alstroemeria,” cut Menez. “You don't lie when you say you love me, you don't lie when you say you want me by your side. However, Alstroemeria,” pause Menez, stepped over to the elf. “You've made a big mistake. You've deceived me and everything. Therefore, just as you have locked me in a block of ice, I will put you in the prism of illusion— until everything is done. But you don't have to worry, I will still love you and later we will be together always.”
Alstroemeria's eyes spontaneously widened, his hands gradually moving to manifest various magic circles.
“I wouldn't do anything if I were you, Alstroemeria.” Menez's lips curled gently. “Can you guarantee that you are not in an illusion? Do you think we're talking face to face?”
Alstroemeria does not need to ask questions to get answers. The string of runes that formed his magic circle that split apart from each other then melted itself was enough to be the answer. If that wasn't enough, the fact that what's left of Menez in front of him is just the upper half of the body would have been more than enough.
“We are already in my illusory prism, in my territory in the Land of Dreams. You'll be here forever until I decide to release you. Even if I say prison, here you can make whatever you want. You can consider this a prison of paradise.” A gentle smile re-carved beautifully on Menez's lips. “Beautiful dreams, Alstroemeria, we will meet again soon.”
...—...
Menez opened his eyes with a flat expression, looking towards where Alstroemeria had previously stood. He stayed in that position for a while, before then moving his legs away.
“Do I have to catch Heckart, and then take him forcibly to Evrillia?” menez asked himself, but then he shook his head quickly. “It is better if I go straight back to Evrillia, then meet Brother Xavier. It would make them think that Alstroemeria would take me away.”
...—Nevada, Vermillion Empire—...
One and a half hours Xavier spent attending the Third and Eleventh Commander commander—kursi meeting empty. Apparently, the main topic of discussion was not the death of Nizivia or the betrayal of Lumeira, but the movement of the Knights Templar into the Forbidden Valley of Ed. Indeed, they discussed about Nizivia and Lumeira, but only at a glance ‒ further discussion about them will be done after there is a meeting call from Kanna/Emperor.
In the talks, they agreed to focus many forces in Hongariand Province, Matepola Province, and Emeralna Province (in positions facing directly towards the Forbidden Valley of Ed). It was unclear what the Knights Templar was aiming for. However, just in case they invade secretly— under the pretext that they are conspiring with the necromancer (which is obviously absurd)— is required to get ready. The Knights Templar did not accept any truth other than their version of truth.
Xavier was silent for a moment, his footsteps petrified. The idea of having Mary join Deus Chaperon suddenly flashed through his mind. Considering his talk first with Elmira, it would be a good idea. Mary could wear a mask like Monica and Catherine before. Not only did it give the necromancer a place, it also gave him protection from the Knights Templar's hunt.
“Xavier.”
—Xavier slightly jerked, reflexes turned back (he was in one of the hallways of the palace).
The impenetrability was spontaneously followed by distrust. Not without reason. The voice belonged to Kanna, and beside her was not only Meyrin, but Monica as well. For reasons he doesn't know, they look familiar. He remembered he had not introduced Monica to these two people. But seeing them together….
“Monica, how long have you been with them?”
“Kan!” monica was so excited. “As I said, Kanna, Xavier will worry! He's afraid that the past is depraved I'll expose you.”
Xavier couldn't help himself from glaring sharply. He doesn't know what Monica's been talking about with Kanna. However, knowing Monica, she must have said a no-no. Therefore, it is important that he ask how long they have met, so as to estimate how much they speak—based on their personality.
“Xavier,” said Kanna accompanied by a disappointed breath—yang immediately made Xavier frown. “I can't believe that when you were a kid you liked to peek. You promised Monica that you would marry her so she wouldn't complain to others about your depraved deeds.”
“Waa! Monica, you—”
“You want to blame Monica now?” cut Kanna with an inexhaustible look. “You really want to blame Monica?”
“It's okay, Kanna, Xavier is so he is. Always in denial, stubborn, never willing to admit his mistakes. In fact, he refused to admit that he often stalked me first, when clearly he was caught off guard during the action.”
“Really, Monica? Ah, I guess I should reevaluate my assessment of you.” Kanna nodded in disappointment. “Come, Monica, I'd better accompany you to important places in Nevada than you should go back to linger with Xavier.”
“You're absolutely right, Kanna; we don't know when Xavier will return to having his depraved thoughts. Come on, I can't wait to see those important places.”
“See you soon, Xavier,” Meyrin said with a friendly smile, then hurriedly followed the two women who had stepped past the word-strapped Xavier.
“Oh, Xavier, tomorrow after sunrise, make sure you come here. I've heard it all from Uncle Edward.”
With that message, Kanna and the two girls simply disappeared from the passageway, leaving Xavier alone who was still silent with his mouth slightly open.
“I'm sorry, Xavier.” Reinhart revealed herself from the end of the hallway, hands folded across the chest with an all-knowing and concerned expression. “When the two women we cheated on met each other, their cooperation to destroy us was so terrible. I've been in that position. Lessons for you from an experienced person like me, more skillful in word play. Your tongue is less flexible towards women, Xavier.”
“Huh?”
That's Xavier's response. Reinhart nodded her head in understanding, waved, and then passed. Xavier blinked twice, three times, four times. Dan—
“Huh?”
...«««End of Chapter 5»»»...