The one retrieved from The Void

The way he said it—like an afterthought—made the reason clear. Vas knew it wasn't about enjoying his company. It was about what his presence would bring: money. His grandfather would, no doubt, fund the night out generously if Vas was involved. It was as simple as that.

Vas sat quietly for a moment, watching the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the trees. "Let me think about it," he finally said, though his decision had already been made. He had no intention of going.

Beck shrugged, clearly expecting the answer. He turned on his heel and walked away, the tension in his posture reflecting his annoyance. Vas exhaled, leaning back against the bench. The garden was beginning to darken, and the first stars flickered into view above him.

There was no real reason for him to join them. His mind was elsewhere—on his unfinished plans, on Madeline's operation, on the bizarre figure of the beggar who had vanished as quickly as he'd appeared. The whole thing was a distraction he didn't need.

But just as Vas settled into his thoughts again, another voice emerged from the shadows behind him.

"You should go."

Vas stiffened, turning around to find his grandfather standing at the edge of the garden, his figure lit faintly by the dim glow of the sky. The old man's sharp eyes gleamed with something unreadable, though his voice was steady and firm.

"You should go," he repeated, stepping forward into the waning light, his expression calm but knowing.

Vas stared at him, caught off guard by the unexpected suggestion. His grandfather rarely involved himself in Vas' personal life, and it wasn't like him to offer advice on something as trivial as a night out. There had to be a reason behind it.

"Why?" Vas asked, genuinely curious.

The old man's lips curved into a faint smile, and he crossed his arms, looking up at the darkening sky. "You've been carrying a heavy burden, Vastian," he said quietly. "Sometimes, the mind needs a break—however small. You might find some clarity in letting go. Even just for one night."

Vas turned the words over in his mind, watching the last vestiges of sunlight fade into twilight. His grandfather's words held weight, as they always did. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps a brief reprieve from the constant pressure could clear his thoughts and give him the perspective he needed.

After a moment, Vas nodded slowly. "Alright," he said, rising from the bench. "I'll go."

His grandfather smiled, satisfied, before turning and heading back toward the mansion. Vas watched him go, feeling a subtle shift in the atmosphere, like the tension that had been hanging over him was finally beginning to loosen.

As night fully settled over the garden, Vas took one last look at the stars above before heading inside to prepare. His mind was still racing with thoughts of unfinished business, but maybe, just for tonight, he'd allow himself to breathe.

Vas lingered for a moment after his grandfather left, watching the last rays of the sunset vanish behind the trees. He knew he had to get ready, but the thought of spending the evening with Beck and Aleara made his mood sour. The tension between them was ever-present, and tonight would likely be no different.

With a sigh, Vas headed inside to change. As he crossed the hallway, he heard familiar voices. Beck was leaning against the wall near the entrance, speaking in low tones to Aleara.

"I'll give him five minutes," Beck said with an edge of impatience, clearly discussing him.

Vas stepped forward, making his presence known. "I'll be ready in five," he stated coolly, cutting through their conversation.

Both Beck and Aleara turned to look at him. There was a brief pause—a beat of tension. Beck simply nodded, his face unreadable, but the air between them thickened with unspoken words. Aleara offered a small, curt nod, her expression distant, as if she wasn't entirely comfortable with his decision to join them either.

Vas didn't linger for any further exchanges. He headed upstairs to his room and changed into a simple yet sharp outfit: dark red slim-fit pants, an oversized black tank top, a long open fabric sweater, and a pair of black sneakers. Casual but well put together—just enough to fit in without making a statement. He didn't want the evening to be about him.

When he returned to the front door, Beck and Aleara were waiting. Beck had donned a long blue coat over his all-black outfit, contrasting with his white shoes. Aleara wore a sleek white dress with a purple jacket draped over her shoulders, her heels tapping softly against the floor. The two of them looked every bit the part of affluent socialites. It was as if the distance between them had become an unspoken barrier—Vas had always felt like the odd one out, and tonight would only remind him of that.

Without saying much, the three of them left the mansion. The awkwardness clung to them like a fog, threatening to hang over the entire night.

"We'll pick up the others before heading to the club," Beck said as they settled into the large vehicle. It was spacious, designed to accommodate up to ten people comfortably. Tonight, their usual driver was replaced by David—one of Gerald's men, assigned to keep an eye on them.

"How many people are coming?" Vas asked, a hint of disinterest in his voice.

"Victor, his sister, Lily from school, Amy, and two kids Mom insisted we bring. They're from one of her close friends," Aleara replied, sounding as if she'd already mentally checked out of the conversation.

Vas sighed inwardly. The car would be full, no doubt about that. Part of him was relieved that Lily would be joining them, though it also complicated things. No one knew the true nature of their relationship, so any real conversation would be impossible. He resigned himself to the fact that he would likely spend most of the evening on the sidelines, avoiding unnecessary interactions. Not that he minded all that much. Since the fight with the machine-man, he had been doing a lot of introspection—analyzing his shortcomings and figuring out ways to improve.

The most pressing issue had been his inefficient use of Anima during that battle. He recalled the technique he had come across in The Archivist's library—a method that emphasized controlled Anima pulses rather than large bursts. The typical usage of Anima burned through reserves too quickly, leaving him vulnerable. So, for the past week, Vas had focused on refining his control. He had been practicing sending subtle Anima pulses with every movement—whether he was walking, raising his arms, or even just flexing his fingers. It was slow progress, but it was becoming easier to sustain over time. The goal was to make it second nature, so he could maintain it without even thinking.

Along with this, he had also been working on his multitasking abilities. The fight had taught him the importance of mastering simultaneous control—using his chakrams while engaging in hand-to-hand combat. If he could improve his focus and coordination, he wouldn't be caught in such a disadvantage again. He envisioned a scenario where he could fight freely with his body while his chakrams operated as extensions of his will, attacking with precision and force.

The ride continued, the car moving smoothly through the twilight streets. Vas stared out of the window, thoughts swirling in his mind. Despite the chatter between Beck and Aleara, he remained quiet, lost in his own plans for improvement. A life-or-death situation had a way of crystallizing priorities, and Vas knew that the next time he faced an enemy of that caliber, he wouldn't let any of his potential go to waste.

As they continued their drive, the car pulled up to another stop. Victor and his sister Carmilla were the next to join the group.

Victor, ever the fashion-conscious one, stepped in wearing a sleek black outfit with striking red glasses, an accessory that had become something of a signature for him. His cool and confident demeanor was punctuated by the smirk that formed as he greeted everyone in the car. Right behind him was his sister, Carmilla. Unlike Victor, who was more subdued and mysterious, Carmilla radiated energy and warmth. She had a natural confidence about her that drew people in. Her outfit was vibrant, contrasting with her brother's dark attire—a colorful blouse with patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light, paired with fitted jeans and stylish boots. She gave Vas a playful wink as she slid into her seat, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement.

The car rolled forward to pick up Lily next. She entered with a subtle smile. Dressed in a more casual but stylish manner, Lily wore a simple yet elegant dress. The warm hues complemented her calm demeanor, and she greeted the group with a relaxed wave before taking her seat. Next came Amy, who followed behind Lily, almost as if using her as a shield. Amy, with her glasses and shy demeanor, was clearly more reserved. Her outfit was modest—a pastel sweater and skirt combo that matched her soft, quiet nature. She gave a small nod to the group, clutching a small book in her hands as she sat down, eyes darting around nervously before settling in her seat.

The final stop brought Kairo and Zola into the car. Kairo, slightly older than the rest of the group, stepped in first. His tall frame was accentuated by his broad shoulders, and he wore a casual yet sharp outfit—denim jeans paired with a button-down shirt that added to his mature aura. His calm, steady presence filled the car as he nodded to the others with a quiet confidence. Behind him was Zola, a striking figure with her hair styled in intricate braids, adorned with ornaments that caught the light with every movement. Her skin gleamed with a natural radiance, and her eyes were sharp yet playful. Her outfit was bold, consisting of a flowing dress with traditional patterns and elegant jewelry, perfectly matching her vibrant personality. Zola flashed a dazzling smile as she took her seat, her confidence apparent from the moment she stepped in.