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'Thoughts'

"Speech"

Time*

Noise*

(Location)

Arc 3 - Chapter 2: The Meeting

2nd Year

1st Week

2nd Day: 3 years and 356 days ago Part 2

(Continent: Solitas Kingdom: Altas: Schnee's Main Mansion: My Office Room)

Once General Ironwood and I finished with everything, including signing a few doc.u.ments before we bid our farewell to each other.

"When is this Arthur coming in?" I ask Radix.

"20 minutes from now." Radix answered.

"Alright, make sure to escort General Ironwood out and wait for Arthur to come and bring him to me." I order Radix, who bow to me before doing as I order.

Watching Radix walking out of the room, leaving me alone for almost half an hour to think.

'Hm. I'm almost done mastering the [Exploding Gale Fist] and just need to work on my critical thinking on how to react to things, even if I can react in microseconds. All the times in the world won't be enough if I can't find the solution to the problem of facing unknown enemies that possess powerful [Semblances].' I knew the solution to this problem of mine, with the answer being the [Imperial Spear Art]. Plus, I have already mastered the [Flame of the Sky] half a year ago.

So currently, I may only need maybe a few days to maybe a week before I master the [Exploding Gale Fist] if I solely work on the [Imperial Spear Art: 8th Form]. If, and that is a big if, I can manage to finish creating the working [Imperial Spear Art: 8th Form]. Then I should have [Exploding Gale Fist] master completely on the same level as Fon Schnee.

Knock* Knock*

"Come in." I said on reflex, then my brain caught up what's going on and figure my 20 minutes or so is up. Talk about thinking for too long. No wonder Radix kept on smacking the back of my head. I'm in my own little world too much for comfort and only due to my abnormal reflex trained over the years had helped me with one of my flaws.

Opening the door, came in a tall man with a slim build, well dressed and clean like General Ironwood, but the difference is that this man is a bit older and put me on guard for some reason. Like whenever I felt the presence of an a.s.sa.s.sin entering my range of detection.

"Arthur?" I ask the man before, who looks at me directly in the eyes before lowering his for some unknown reasons, causing me to narrow my eyes at him.

Radix closes the door behind Arthur and gracefully walks around the desk and stands behind me.

"Yes. Thank you for giving me your precious time to have this private talk." Arthur glance at Radix before looking back at me, then saw me doing nothing, causing him to feel a bit awkward.

I made a hand gesture for Arthur to sit in the chair just across from me, which he carefully sat down. Like he expected a trap or something. Very curious.

"So, what do you wish to talk about?" I ask Arthur, not once did I feel relaxed the moment this person walked into the room. But, I made sure my body didn't show any sign of being tense or ready to fight at any moment.

"Yes, I wish to ask if it is possible if you can meet my... employer. She wishes to speak with you, but can't come here herself." Arthur replied to my question.

"And this employer of yours. Why do I need to speak with her at all? Unless this some kind of business partners.h.i.+p, then she could at least speak to me face to face, even if it's through a [Scroll]." I said to Arthur while wondering why he pauses for a second to say the word: employer.

"Where she at. The use of [Scroll] isn't possible since the place she currently is out of the Cross Continental Transmit System's range. Making the [Scroll] almost pretty much useless." Arthur easily explained the reason why his employer couldn't just call in person herself. "As to why you need to speak to her. Well, she has something that would catch your interest. That's all I'm allowed to say, all I know it would be something you would find interesting."

"Interesting, huh?" I rub my chin, wondering if this is one of those traps I almost fall for many times if it wasn't for Radix, to help me while I was too much lost in thoughts to realize the hidden meaning behinds the words the people were using on me.

"Yes, that's what my employer said the moment she sent me to meet with you." Arthur replied.

"Alright, but what is stopping her from coming here in person? Couldn't she just leave you or someone else behind at wherever she is while she comes here?" I ask these two questions, watching for any signs of Arthur lying to me or hiding most of the truth, which so far, I have found him already doing so. Barely telling me the full picture, something I don't like at all.

"She is a busy person and needs to be where she is, because how important it is. Too important to leave someone else in her place do. Which is why she decided to send me here. Please, don't take this sign of her being rude or looking down at you. I'm being honest, with my employer doing something very important can't allow her presence to be too far away from." Arthur carefully explained.

"Hm." I hummed to myself, staring right into Arthur's eyes, who slowly started to feel uncomfortable for some reasons.

What Arthur didn't know was that I was using [Reduce Magic] to 'reduce' his mental state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

In a way, this is something I always used against people I may have some doubts about and hate. Plus, it makes the business topic easier on my side when the other side continues to make mistakes or just plain making stupid comments. Yeah, having [Reduce Magic] make many things a lot easier in life.

"Mind I know your... employer's name?" I'm a little curious about who wanted to meet me and actually want me to go and meet them where they're at. Something I don't do at all; well, only for certain people. Other than those people, everyone else has to come to me, even then, it would be hard to due to how many people have made so many appointments to meet the Head of the Schnee family. That by the time they got an appointment, it would be months away or even a year.

Arthur didn't say anything and kept quiet for a few minutes, letting me know that whoever is his employer must be very powerful and dangerous, with the way Arthur is thinking so hard about if he should reveal her name or not.

"Her name is Salem." Arthur took the leap of faith and hope the two people before him don't actually know who his master really is. As sweats started to cover his entire body, drenching his suit with sweats, something that shouldn't have happened at all. Right now, he is starting to become afraid of these two, which shouldn't possible after joining his master's side.

"Salem?" I ask in confusion, then look at Radix, "Do we know any Salem?" I wanted to know if maybe Radix knows since she has been to multiple worlds before coming to Remnant.

Radix shook her head in silence instead of responding.

When I look back at Arthur, I could easily see that relief on his face no matter how best he tried to hide it. If it was before he met me and haven't been under the effect of [Reduce Magic]. I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. But now? I can.

I lean back on my chair and continue to look at Arthur, thinking if I should meet with this Salem now or wait for a while. But, I already have my answer and knew what action I should take place.

"I'll think about it. For now, why don't you take a rest in one of the guest rooms? I will give you my answer tomorrow in the morning." I said to Arthur, who looks like he wanted me to go meet with this Salem now, but with the way, I'm looking at him said otherwise.

Arthur stands up slowly and bowed lightly to me, "Thank you, for giving it some thoughts and for meeting with me. I'll wait for your answer in the morning." With that said, Radix leads Arthur to one of the countless guest rooms in the Schnee's Main Mansion.

As I watch the door closes, then narrow my eyes and think about who this Salem is. Also, if I should prepare anything to take with me in case I need to fight my way out from the enemy's base.

Something I hated and needed, hated because I knew it was a trap all along and needed because the experience I would gain to make an escape whenever I don't have Radix me. Sure, she always with me now, but what happens if she isn't in the future?

I will be dead or cripple before help arrived. If there any help coming to me. Glynda may try to get someone to call for help if she knew about it, but I highly doubt it since she in her new village and getting used to her new surrounding.

Sebastian and his little sister, Kali, wouldn't be much help either. Both are orphans and wouldn't have much help. If they did, then they wouldn't have applied to work for me. Well, Sebastian wouldn't.

I would like to place my trust on Brise, my little sister, but she still hates my guts at the moment. Still, haven't got her into a neutral talking period without her yelling at me.

I let out a tired sigh, 'The things I do for her. Really wish I could just tell her everything, but as they say. Ignorance is bliss. Better have her like that instead of ending up knowing the true danger of this world. Yeah, being a hypocrite when I seek the truth of everything. But, unlike Brise. She doesn't have these cursed eyes of mine as a burden.'

I heard someone knock on the door before I told them they can come in. Radix coming in and closing the door behind her before she walks up to my desk.

"So, who is Salem truly?" I ask Radix, since if she really didn't know, then she would have just said so instead of just shaking her head. Which is something I explained to Radix before in the past just in case someone is among us and I rather not have Radix spill out the information about things she knew, causing that someone to be high alert.

"Salem is someone that is considered as a G.o.ddess of Darkness. Someone who also possesses [Magic] like you master, while my previous master never got the chance to due to his old age. However, when he was already close to dying, he was still alive to see to this Salem use her [Magic] to act like a G.o.ddess before those without [Magic]. Anyway, this Salem at the time is like a G.o.ddess and along with another person, a male, who also have [Magic] act as a G.o.d before the people. But, I felt the male be incomplete somewhat. As if there are two beings in one body." Radix started to frown as she begins to remember about the male of the duo act like a G.o.ds of this world.

"And?" I ask for Radix to continue before she gets too deeply into her thoughts, then it is almost impossible for me to get her out of unlike myself.

"Right. From what I remember. Back then, [Dust] wasn't still been found just yet and the technology of today is still in the early phase. So, this Salem, if she the same as the one I know. Then, master. You must be very careful with this person. Who knows how long she has lived and could likely to be an immortal being who can live without dying from time itself. Because of this, I wouldn't know how much [Magic] she has studied and not to mention how this Salem don't possess the same [Magic] like you, master, but a [Magic] truly belong to this world. Anything is possible with [Magic] and the Mage themselves. But, for the [Magic] native in this world. It is hard to tell, rather if it stronger, weaker, or equal to the type of [Magic] you are learning." Radix explained in deep concern that if this Salem is the same as the person know and not another person named Salem, then this may be something dangerous that could cost her master's life.

"I see." I narrow my eyes, then close them as I start thinking about how I should do this. Should I enter the domain of a powerful Magus? No, not a Magus. Like Radix said just now. This Salem possesses a different type of [Magic] other than mine. So, whatever [Magic] I have learned so far under Radix's teaching. Could be my downfall if I apply them to this Salem as if she learning the same [Magic] as I am.

I should expect all the unexpected. Since who knows if my branch of [Magic] is stronger than this Salem's branch of [Magic].

Not to mention, that, unlike Salem. I only have a few years; h.e.l.l, less than a year added up together since I'm working on other things than my own [Reduce Magic] besides a few free time. Making [Magic] as my weak point right now.

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Something I really need to work on after finding out there are other [Magic] users out there in this world. Who knows if there another, like that male together with Salem. No info on that person and Radix doesn't know much about him other than him showing up acting like G.o.ds with [Magic] towards the people of this world that haven't even figure out how to unlock their [Aura] yet.

Where did he go off to? Because if Salem, mostly a guess, an immortal, then the male 'G.o.d' should also be an immortal as well. Somewhere around here or maybe with this Salem as well. Hiding in secret.

"Radix." I open my eyes and have my [Alpha Stigma] activate.

"Yes, master?" Radix asks me, as she straightens her back as she notices her master's [Alpha Stigma] activated.

"Send me into the [World Reconstruction]. I'm going to put in some spare time into training. Paperwork can wait after we return back from meeting with this Salem." I said to Radix, as I get off from my seat.

Oh, I could just put it off, but if Salem is the same Salem that Radix knows about in the past. Then, I will have to face her at one point in the future and by then, I don't know what kind of future it would be unless I meet this Salem in person either tomorrow, depending on where she is to at least a week at best before having to order Radix to make Sebastian and Kali stay where they are for a bit longer.

I don't know what the type of person she is. Better to see this Salem with my own eyes than just trust in anyone's words about her. I can trust Radix for now, but who knows how long she would stick with me and her information could likely become useless by then.

2 weeks later*

2nd Year

3rd Week

2nd Day: 3 years and 342 days ago

(Continent: Dragon Shape: Land of the Darkness: Evernight Castle)

It actually took 2 weeks to travel to where Salem's location is and on an Airs.h.i.+p at that.

On another note, I got Radix to notify both Sebastian and Kali that they will return to work by the time Radix and I return from our... business trip. Which maybe take a month or less from now.

During those 2 weeks. I pushed myself until I mastered the [Explosde Gale Fist], but at the cost of being bed rest for three days, where Radix continues to have to make excuses to Arthur on why I won't meet him at the time.

But, at the very least, I can react to almost everything around me in microseconds. But, I won't count on [Magic] much against Salem since I still have no idea what type of [Magic] she possesses. Therefore, I'm also starting to increase my control over the [Flames of the Sky], so I can use all of them whenever I fall into an unconscious state if Salem somehow knock me out cold, then the [Flame of the Sky] should protect me long enough for Radix to get me out of danger.

And so far, during those days I was bed rested. I have all but the [Sky Flame Glyph] mastered to able to preprogram a few ways while unconscious to act on their own.

Nevertheless, I would say I can at least escape this Salem person if the situation requires it. Plus, I have Radix with me to help me escape if things become extreme. No way am I relying completely on Radix to fight off Salem since my pride won't allow it and even relying on to help me escape is just stretching it already.

So once I have fully recovered. I meet up with Arthur, who was a bit too happy to speak good, great things, about Salem, to the point of wors.h.i.+pping her. Then again, I must have overdone it because I'm pretty sure Arthur wasn't even that loyal to the point of wors.h.i.+pping this Salem, but I could be wrong. Who knows.

Once more, [Reduce Magic] is bulls.h.i.+t. Because even now, I made Arthur reveal many things that he should have kept mouth shut about. But, I made it so that he would eager to speak on behalf of Salem instead of allowing me to figure what type of person Salem is for myself once I meet her in person.

As of right now, I'm kind of very wary of this Salem. Because I have seen numerous of Grimm nearby and the Nevermores didn't even attack this Airs.h.i.+p I was in, with Radix and Arthur.

I even provoked them by releasing a bit of my rage by bringing up unwanted memories of the past before using the [Rain Flame Glyph] to put myself back to serenity.

However, to my surprise, those Nevermores didn't even fly closer to the Airs.h.i.+p and just kept their distance away instead.

Currently, I'm paying attention to the surroundings around us and even checking what kind of materials the people used to build this castle. The castle is called the Evernight from what Arthur told me.

The name was picked because of this land. Where it's always night time and also it's just a new name, where the old name was either too long to say all the time when mentioning the castle's name and other reasons Arthur has no idea on.

"Alright, through here. We'll meet with Salem. Please show some respect to her and I hope you enjoy meeting her." Arthur smiled in my direction, where I can tell Arthur was hoping for some kind of reactions out of me and Radix, but was sadly disappointed when I still have my bored look and Radix's expressionless face.

Arthur pushes the door before giving us a gesture to go in first.

I narrowed my eyes slightly before walking in while already having a few [Flames of the Sky] ready to deploy and having my [Reduce Magic] as a backup just in case. Even using the [Alpha Stigma] as my trump card.

Upon entering the room. The first thing that caught my attention was the woman, who stares at me the moment I entered.

The woman's skin is a deathly pallor, covered with deep red and purple veins that run up her arms and face. The sclerae of her eyes are jet black and her irises glow red. She has a black diamond-shaped marking in the center of her forehead.

Salem wears a very long black robe with red designs resembling eyes. She also wears a ring resembling an insect on her right index finger. She has white hair formed into a bun with six offshoots from which ornaments are suspended.

"Welcome. Arthur. You may leave us." Salem greeted me before ordering Arthur to leave while not taking her eyes off me, but I can tell it right away that her eyes flicker to Radix for a split second and I caught it. So, Salem must have felt something off Radix or just find her interesting or something.

"Yes, your Grace." Arthur bow to Salem before walking out and close the door behind him. Leaving Radix and me with Salem alone in this big meeting room. I think it is a room for a meeting.

"Please sit." Salem said to both Radix and me, as we watch Salem sit in the single seat at the end of the table, where I finally notice the seats are part of the ground. Wondering if this Salem 'grow' these chairs. As I count seven 'chairs', with the one Salem sitting completely different the rest, with it being the same color as the table being dark purple and the edge being neon purple. While the other chairs look like made out of woods.

Radix messages me with her thoughts that nothing was done to the chairs. So they are completely safe to sit. That made things somewhat easier for me, because I can't really fight while sitting on a chair. Well, unless it's a rolling chair, but looking at these 'wooden chairs'. Yeah, it's going to be a bit tough for me. Also for my b.u.t.t.

Carefully, both Radix and I sit on Salem's left and nearest one instead of further ones.

Foolish on my part for being too close to Salem, but all great rewards come with great risks. So, if I want to get anything, I must risk it and overcome it, but only if I have enough strength to do so, otherwise I'm just throwing my life away like nothing.

Of course, I trust myself to have the strength to escape. As for fighting Salem, that is a big if; nevertheless, you will never know what will happen if you don't try.

I didn't say anything, as I wanted Salem to speak first.

And yet, Salem continues to stare at me in silence for a while now.

It is a good thing I always have multiple [Rain Flame Glyphs] all over my body ready to be activated at any sudden moment. Because if I didn't have them, I would be a nervous wreck right about now with the way Salem continues to stare at me.

However, that is only with the ones I have created beforehand and at this very moment. I'm too cautious that Salem would detect me using my [Aura] and would outright attack me. Something I don't want to happen if possible.

"Do you know someone goes by the name Ozma?" Salem decided to finally to speak and her first question.

I blink once, then twice and finally thrice when I wanted to make sure I heard right.

"I don't think so?" I stare at Salem with a confused look on my face, which Salem study for a couple of seconds before sighing quietly and relax a little.

"That's good. I wouldn't want to kill you off if you knew him." Salem said in a relaxed tone, causing me to tense up and realize I was close to being attacked just now.

'Note to self: Include anything related to reading for the enemy's movements.' I thought to myself, as it looks like I need to work on detecting skills.

"Ignoring the comment on killing me." I said with a touch of sarcasm, "What do you want from me?"

Instead of getting any response; Salem continues to stare at me, causing me to feel a bit annoyed.

However, I didn't allow this to bother me and wait for Salem to speak. But, if this keeps on going for who knows how long like this. I wonder how long I would use up all the [Rain Flame Glyphs] I placed overtimes, with how annoyed I'm getting.

"I desire... you to work for me." Salem pauses for a moment in the middle before revealing what she wanted from me.

Dramatic pause aside, "And why do you want me to work for you? Not to mention why do you think I would want to? If you know who I am, then I'm not short on money at all."

"Let's just say. I can offer you something that would worth more than simple... money. Priceless, even." Salem slowly replied.

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Current/Flashback Age:

Merlin Schnee: 21/17

Brise Schnee: 13/9

Glynda Goodwitch: 13/9

Sebastian Michaelis: 21/17

Kali Michaelis: 16/12

Jacob Ironwood: 25/21