Vol. 5 Ch. 91

The dim cave echoed with the sound of water dripping from its ceiling, an occasional droplet breaking the silence.

Plop.

A pair of low-heeled boots splashed through a shallow puddle as their owner strode purposefully toward the cave’s depths.

The faint blue glow of enchanted torches lit the path ahead, guiding her until she stood before a grand throne.

She knelt, one knee pressed into the damp stone, her head bowed low as she spoke with reverence.

"Master Shadow, you summoned me back from St. Heath’s Academy so urgently. Is there a new task for me?"

The figure on the throne remained still for a moment, draped in a black robe. His leg was casually crossed, one hand propping up his chin while the other rested on the armrest, its fingers tapping rhythmically against the dark stone.

Though his posture was relaxed, the air around him was colder than the shadowed cave itself. It was oppressive enough to make Elizabeth, kneeling below, not dare to lift her gaze.

"Elizabeth," he began, his voice calm but edged with menace. "When I sent you to St. Heath’s Academy, I gave you two tasks."

"First, identify the right moment to initiate the Underworld Fire Plan.

Second, apply pressure on that rookie’s daughters to destabilize the Olay family."

His tone sharpened as he continued.

"Tell me, Elizabeth. Do you consider the second task complete?"

It was not a question meant for an answer, and the woman kneeling below him knew it.

Elizabeth’s lips turned pale, and cold sweat soaked through her undergarments as she struggled to breathe steadily.

"Master Shadow, I… I did my best," she replied, trying to mask her trembling.

"How unfortunate," Shadow remarked, his voice thick with disdain. "The Underworld Fire Plan has already begun. The sparks of conflict from Thys and Hefei have reached the rookie’s doorstep. And yet, Nor spends her days under Mevis’s watch, hesitant to act. She doesn’t even listen to my orders."

Before Elizabeth could interject, he added with a cold chuckle,

"What about the others?"

Elizabeth swallowed hard. Her face turned ashen as she recalled the many blunders over recent weeks.

"Moon… is manageable," she stammered. "But she’s constantly with that pink-haired girl—"

"And Aurora?"

Elizabeth hesitated, then sighed in defeat.

"I can’t win against her."

Her blunt admission drew a rare reaction from the figure on the throne. Shadow uncrossed his legs, leaning forward slightly with genuine intrigue.

"You mean to tell me that in over forty years of life, your intellect is outmatched by a five-year-old?"

"…Yes, Master. Please forgive me. That child is… exceptionally clever."

Shadow suppressed a laugh, waving a dismissive hand as he leaned back against the throne.

"Forget it. The Underworld Fire Plan has succeeded, proving my theories correct. The rest no longer matters."

Sensing a shift in tone, Elizabeth wasted no time in flattering him.

"As expected of you, Master. Konstantin’s rampage at St. Heath’s Academy caused ripples that still affect the Dragon Clan. And with our agents fanning the flames, the negative sentiment within the clan is ripe for exploitation."

Shadow’s lips curled into a faint smirk.

"Indeed. Carmos has secured his fame and influence within the Dragon Clan, but these creatures hold grudges for decades. It’s time they relived true fear."

"You’re unparalleled in your wisdom, Master," Elizabeth added quickly.

Shadow’s gaze darkened as he spoke again.

"You mentioned Mevis earlier. She didn’t return with you?"

"I left her stationed outside the stronghold, Master. Shall I summon her?"

"Bring her in."

"Yes, Master."

Elizabeth rose and exited the cave. Before long, she returned, followed by Mevis.

Mevis’s high ponytail swayed as she entered, her attire a mix of sleek black and practical combat wear. The outfit was sharp and authoritative, though the small bear patch stitched onto her jacket felt oddly out of place in the cold, oppressive cave.

She knelt beside Elizabeth, her posture much straighter, her composure unwavering.

"Mevis," Shadow’s voice broke the silence, low and commanding.

"Yes, Master."

"Do you remember why you pledged your loyalty to me?"

"Yes, Master," Mevis replied, her voice steady but tinged with a faint tremor. "You promised that if I served you, you’d grant me a black dragon scale to save my family."

At the mention of her family, her voice faltered briefly, a crack in her otherwise stoic demeanor.

Shadow, however, paid no heed to the nuance.

"That’s correct. I once thought you’d become one of my most capable lieutenants. But then I sent Elizabeth to support you, and yet you’ve… faltered."

His choice of words was deliberate. He didn’t accuse her outright but instead implied a loss of momentum.

Mevis understood the nuance but chose not to counter directly. Instead, she offered Elizabeth an opening to explain.

"Master, I did collaborate with Elizabeth," Mevis said calmly. "But her methods were often too extreme, risking exposure."

"Extreme?" Elizabeth snapped, defensive. "There were countless opportunities to act against those brats! If it weren’t for you, we’d have succeeded by now. The rookie would’ve lost his mind already!"

"And then? He’d kill us both before tracking down Master’s location and wiping out our entire operation," Mevis retorted evenly.

"Enough!" Shadow’s voice cut through their bickering, sharp and final.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly.

"Mevis, to abandon the pursuit of the ‘Ultimate Fear’ now would be foolish. We must remain in the shadows until the seal is broken. Everything since the empire’s involvement has been slipping beyond my grasp."

The tension between the two women was palpable, but Shadow pressed on.

"Now, Mevis. What of your other task? Have you uncovered anything about Noah’s soul?"

Drip.

Drip.

The cave grew eerily still as the question hung in the air. Elizabeth turned, watching Mevis with curiosity and doubt.

Mevis gazed into a small puddle at her feet. The water reflected her face—stern and composed—before shifting into a different visage.

Soft silver-black hair. Sapphire-blue eyes. A gaze unyielding in its determination.

A faint smile curved Mevis’s lips as she closed her eyes and replied softly.

"I’ve found no trace of Noah’s soul, Master."