Chapter 21 : The Lord and The Shadow

Chapter 21: The Lord and The Shadow

The fading light of the descending sun cast long shadows through the museum's windows as Conrad turned to Nadeko, he asked with his curious blue eyes. "Tell me, Nadeko, what's your take on why we don't use firearms in modern warfare?"

Nadeko's attention was on some old armour of Alexander as she considered the question. "I would say it's due to combat efficiency. Traditional weapons—arrows, spears, swords especially—have proven far more reliable in large-scale conflicts." Her voice had the weight of her academic and practical knowledge.

"Interesting perspective," Conrad nodded, then lowered his voice. "Have you ever encountered any mention of S(c-3)-16?"

Maya, who had been studying a nearby vicinity, drifted closer. "S(c-3)-16?" Her eyes widened with interest. "Some sort of new weapon?"

Clara remained silent, but her attention never wavered from the conversation. She was wondering for a moment,

Was my brother always this smart and easy to converse with ?

Conrad's lips curved into a slight smile. "Not exactly. It's a theoretical element—one that Intellex researchers believe could revolutionize firearm functionality in our world."

"You're quite the weapons scholar, aren't you?" Nadeko's face softened into a rare smile—one Conrad had never witnessed before.

She's not my type, but I must say that guy is fortunate indeed.

Nadeko leaned closer, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Speaking of Intellex, there are rumours about their collaboration with Aurelius. My boyfriend Jared—his father sits on the parliament's inner council—says even he's been kept in the dark about certain meetings between their leader and the president."

"Is that so?" Conrad's eyes narrowed imperceptibly. Now that's fascinating.

After exploring more exhibits, the group found themselves at a restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the passing streets. The establishment's wooden sign had a feeling of authenticity and comfort.

"The prices here are quite reasonable," Nadeko mentioned as they approached the entrance, the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air.

Conrad patted his notably light coin purse. "Thank the heavens for that—we're not exactly swimming in Sili at the moment."

Nadeko's laughter burst forth without any prior notice. "By the gods! I've never met a man so refreshingly honest about his finances!"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Conrad shrugged, genuine confusion crossing his features. "It's simply the truth."

Maya, who had been watching their exchange with keen interest, gathered her courage. "Sir. Conrad—"

"Just Conrad, please."

A faint blush colored Maya's cheeks. She uttered his name with great difficulty "Conrad... Clara mentioned you're dating someone. Is that true?" Her heart fluttered anxiously, hoping against hope.

"Indeed," Conrad's face had a natural smile. "Xie Lianhua. Perhaps someday I'll have the pleasure of introducing her to you all."

Though the original Conrad initiated our relationship, having her as my partner feels nice. She at least has the beauty that I admire.

Nadeko nearly dropped her teacup. "Xie Lianhua? From the Science Department?" Her voice carried equal parts shock and admiration. "Conrad, you've managed to date one of the university's most sought-after beauties!" She leaned little close and continued in a low voice “But Conrad there are some rumour about her being dangerous”

"The rumors exaggerate," Conrad interjected smoothly. "She's remarkable. Beautiful and smart. I was surprised she accepted my proposal."

Their meal arrived in stages: steaming tea served in delicate porcelain cups at 2 Sili each, Sternfall pastries arranged on painted plates for 20 Sili, and carefully prepared lunch boxes at 10 Sili per person. Clara's fresh juice sparkled in the afternoon light. The total of 122 Sili seemed a reasonable price for the pleasant meal on the table.

As the afternoon drew to a close, they bid their farewell with genuine smiles on their faces.

"Don't forget about our library plans," Nadeko reminded Conrad, adjusting her bag.

Maya's voice was soft but clear. "Goodbye, Clara. Goodbye... Conrad." Her eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

"Thank you for including us," Clara's gratitude was sincere.

"Safe travels," Conrad offered them a warm smile as the sisters boarded their waiting carriage, the horses' hooves clicking against the now relatively less busy streets.

"Finally, some peace and quiet..." Clara breathed once they were alone.

"It was a good day," Conrad began walking.

Clara shot him a sidelong glance. "Hmph..."

"What?" Conrad's confusion was genuine.

"You seem to have quite the effect on ladies," Clara observed, moving ahead of him with practiced grace.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

Clara's voice took on a playfully stern tone. "Remember, any additions to our family require my approval, especially if it's your future wife. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Conrad's sarcasm was evident in his mock salute.

Their shared laughter echoed in the evening air.

Clara pressed closer to her brother's side. "Today was perfect, Conrad."

"That it was..." he agreed softly.

Whether in my former world or this one, family truly is life's greatest blessing.

Night fell like a curtain over the Valor residence. Conrad stood from his desk, having finished his daily diary entry. The silence that descended was absolute—Conrad’s heartbeat could be heard in the room. The gray stone walls seemed to absorb what little light remained, leaving only the periodical ticking of the clock to mark time's passage.

Conrad's eyes closed for a moment. When they opened, they had transformed—as deep and mysterious as ocean depths, carrying the weight of something beyond mortal understanding. They held the presence of an Essentia.

"Anira." Conrad called out.

Suddenly the darkness around him began to shift like a liquid shadow. From this ethereal darkness emerged a figure of breathtaking elegance as if she had been in slumber for eternity—Anira Veil. Her corset dress seemed to be made out of the very fabric of the night itself, with whispers of mist clinging to her form like a second skin. Dark gloves enhanced her graceful hands, while crimson eyes blood red starred with an intensity that could freeze the blood of any mortal being. She was Conrad's shadow, Mistress of mystery, the night, made flesh.

"Yes, my lord." Her voice carried centuries of devotion.

Even Xie's beauty, which matches my preferences perfectly, cannot quite compare to Anira's otherworldly perfection. She exists beyond mortal standards.

"Have you eaten today, Anira?" Conrad's question held genuine concern.

"Since becoming one with your shadow, my lord, sustenance is no longer a necessity—though I retain the ability to eat. Shall I prepare coffee for you?"

"We are going outside tonight. We can dine at one of the late-night establishments."

"Actually," Conrad's tone shifted, becoming more focused, "I want to increase my power rapidly. Your teleportation ability—could it take us somewhere I might gain real combat experience?"

"As you command, my lord."

"However," Anira's tone grew serious, "I must inform you of the limitations. Teleportation draws heavily on Brahman energy, with costs varying by distance and frequency. The entropy of Brahman itself introduces additional variables. I would recommend limiting yourself to two teleportations per day, my lord."

"A reasonable suggestion," Conrad acknowledged thoughtfully.

"Anira, regarding the firearm I saw in the museum today—Alexander Gustavo's creation. What do you know of it?"

"It is a gamma grade artifact, my lord. One of Alexander's final works."

"What?" The revelation hit Conrad like lightning, his mind racing to the implications.

Artifacts, according to Anira, could possess world-ending power. Wars had been fought over their possession. And yet, one sat seemingly in a mere public museum. Is this even making any sense?

"I understand your confusion, my lord," Anira continued, her crimson eyes knowing. "But artifacts vary greatly in their nature. Some announce their power openly, while others conceal it expertly. Brahman defies many of our theoretical understandings, as we've witnessed throughout practices. The firearm you speak of is what we call a locked artifact. These are artifacts which present themselves as mere historical pieces without any Brahman fluctuations"

"Locked?"

"Yes, my lord. Alexander secured it with a password. Without it, the artifact appears as nothing more than a common item of interest"

"Do you know the password, Anira?"

"I'm afraid not, my lord. That child kept it as his personal secret."

Conrad's mind whirled with possibilities. A weapon that aligns perfectly with my principles of surprise, uncertainty and caution. Currently at tier 0, acquiring such an artifact would significantly boost my capabilities.

"Anira, we're going to steal that artifact from the museum."

"As you wish, my lord." Her response was immediate, absolute.

"What's your maximum teleportation range?"

"Approximately 16 meters, my lord, though various factors can affect this."

"That's... somewhat limited..."

Anira's beautiful features clouded at her lord's apparent disappointment. Conrad, noting her reaction, quickly amended his statement.

"I mean to say, it's an extraordinary ability—perfect for combat. We'll simply need to strategize differently for longer distances."

"Mm." Anira's slight nod carried lingering traces of vulnerability.

She's far more sensitive than I initially realized. Each day reveals new facets of her personality. How delightfully amusing.

"My lord, there exists an infinite teleportation system within Arcane Veil, however..."

Conrad's interest peaked at 'infinite'—a concept that seemed to violate everything he'd learned about Brahman.

"However?"

"It's not traditional teleportation, but rather a coordinate-based physical transmission system. It identifies locations with Brahman fluctuation patterns similar to Arcane Veil's and establishes connections. But I must advise against its use for now, my lord. The risks are considerable."

Conrad nodded in agreement.

"I'll need to conceal my identity. What disguise options can you suggest, Anira?"

"I have several solutions, my lord. My Guardian Bond ability will mask your Brahman fluctuations and signature. As for physical disguise..." Anira gestured, and darkness formed into solid form before them.

Ability: Guardian Bond (Passive - Auto)

Your repertoire of abilities never ceases to amaze me, Anira.

In her hands materialized a high quality fabric of some otherworldly origins. The cloak combined deep black and matte black in perfect harmony, its length flowing like liquid shadow. Crimson accents provided striking contrast, while the overall design exuded both regality and command. The trim details which seemed to be made out of literal mist and practical arm straps elevated it from mere clothing to wearable art. Conrad was instantly captivated.

"This is incredible, Anira! Who crafted it?"

"I did, my lord." A slight blush graced her pale features.

"You continue to surpass all expectations, Anira. It's perfect."

"These gloves should complement it well, my lord." She presented a pair of sleek, fingerless gloves designed specifically for his martial arts-focused combat style.

After donning the cloak, Conrad pulled up the attached hood. "How do I appear?"

"You are always magnificent, my lord. One final touch..."

Before Conrad could question further, a mask of pure darkness appeared around his eyes. It shifted and swirled like captured shadows, as if one were peering into the abyss itself. Only his deep blue eyes remained visible, now seeming to glow with otherworldly power.

Conrad turned to regard his companion, and Anira froze, her heart skipping a beat. She bent her knees slightly in graceful curtsy, her beauty rivaling the night. With downcast eyes that somehow enhanced her allure, she spoke:

"I, Anira Veil, stand as my Lord's Shadow for as long as eternity persists."

"Let us begin, Anira." Conrad's voice had transformed, resonating with mystery and power.

Mist began to fill the chamber, thick enough to obscure but thin enough to be invisible to mortal eyes. Outside, moonlight illuminated the world with silver. The eternal night continued as a boy in a cloak and a girl with crimson eyes vanished, leaving only empty air and lingering whispers of power.

Ability: Mist Teleportation