Aether Nexus: Curse of Love & Hatred

In a cavernous chamber housed a laboratory, shrouded in shadows that seemed to cling to every corner. The air was heavy with the scent of rotting matter and chemicals, a tangible reminder of the experiments that took place within its confines. Red fluorescent lights beamed overhead, draping the entire room in a dark red hue.

Rows of stainless steel countertops lined the walls, cluttered with an array of scientific instruments and equipment. Glass beakers and test tubes stood in organized rows, their contents varying from clear liquids to some of unknown origin.

In the center of the laboratory stood a towering glass tube, its presence commanding attention like an ancient monolith. Wires and cables snaked along its surface, connecting it to a series of intricate control panels that lined the walls.

Matchi Tehew stood before the towering glass tube, his form silhouetted by the eerie green glow emanating from within. The liquid pulsed with an otherworldly rhythm, casting shifting shadows across the room.

Soon after, a figure shrouded in a billowing black cloak appeared behind him, their presence barely perceptible in the darkness.

With hands clasped behind his back, Tehew remained focused on the tube, his mind consumed by the implications of his experiments.

The figure, already kneeling on the cold floor, remained silent as Tehew sensed their presence. Without turning, he issued a command, his voice steady and authoritative. "Give your report."

The figure, their features obscured by the shadow of the hooded cloak, spoke in a detached tone. "All captains have been dispatched and are on active duty. The pair you wanted me to personally keep an eye on, Bacho and Munia in Sector 7, are showing no signs of suspicious behavior."

“And what of their objectives?”

“The girl and the intruder still have not been found, Director…”

Tehew released a wave of murderous intent for a split second, cracking some of the glass instruments in the room, before absorbing the information. His expression, however, stayed unreadable as he processed the implications of the report.

"Any recent developments?" Tehew inquired, his tone betraying a hint of annoyed anger.

“I do have one. Odin and Giso in Sector 5 have reported possible sightings of one of them… A Sin Incarnation… Apparently, there’s a mercenary going around by the name of Riochin Chroma, and rumor has it his left eye possesses an inverted pentagram. The symbol for the Sin of Wrath.”

Tehew nodded, a malicious smirk forming on his face. “Good… Now that’s something I like to hear. Anything else?”

“No, Director Tehew.”

"Very well," he declared, his voice resolute. "You may proceed back to regular duties. Make sure to keep an eye on our dispatched captains. Also, don’t forget your number one objective… Finding and killing No. 35… You two were a part of the same training camp, yes? I trust you won’t fail me—Puppeteer."

Raising his head, the Puppeteer revealed the marionette mask he wore. Meeting the unconcerned gaze of Tehew in the reflection of the tube, he bowed his head in acknowledgement. In an instant later, he disappeared like he first arrived.

Now left alone, the laboratory fell silent once more. As he placed his hand upon the smooth glass surface of the tube, the weight of Tehew’s ambitions seemed to intensify within his soul. His eyes fixated on the small embryo suspended within the pulsating green liquid. With a deep breath, Tehew closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of silent reflection. Until reopening them with an ominous crimson glint in his eyes. “My sweet Gluttony…”

Elsewhere, in Reaon, Alaric would shoot up on his bed in a cold sweat. He couldn’t even remember what dream he was having.

Getting up, revealing his red-striped pajamas, he walked towards the window. Taking in a deep breath and looking up at the full moon, he wondered out loud. “What the hell is this… Feeling? Why… It’s been days, yet I can’t shake this dread of impending danger…”

Turning around, Alaric focused on a jester mask on the wall. “Benny… I wonder, what would you do?”

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(Chapter 26) Onward to Briarwood Village! (FR this time)