WINTER, FEBRUARY 2020
RANAHEIM
THE NOBLE CITADEL
President Robert Dale had been massaging his temples for a while now, feeling the weight of stress from the news delivered by Dr. Johnson. “Arcane Laboratories 05 and 09 have been destroyed, along with all the researchers and staff, except for 09.”
Robert let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. “Impressive . . . doing it the same day. I never thought they would take such drastic measures.” He chuckled. “They aren’t as benign as they appear to be.”
Six months had passed since their pack was established, and he couldn’t help but reflect on the events that had unfolded during that time.
This pact serves as a testament that the undersigned party (Shadow Heroes) shall unwaveringly carry out President Robert Dale’s orders, regardless of the circumstances. Disobedience will result in the execution of the fellow Shadow Heroes by the signatories themselves.
On that day, Robert divulged the precise locations of the laboratories, in Mexico, the United States, and Russia.
“Why are you telling us this?” Keiro asked, confused.
“Hmm, just thought you should know. After all, you’re on my side now.”
“You forced us to sign that disgusting pact!” Grovan exclaimed.
Robert chuckled. “Well, I didn’t force you. You signed willingly.”
“You controlled us!”
“So, if I were to command you to kill each other, would you do it?”
The Veilbreakers exchanged glances, their expressions filled with uncertainty and anger as they turned their gaze toward Robert.
“What? Why are you giving me that glare? I never forced you to do anything. Should we put my supposed power to the test? Go ahead and try to harm each other,” he ordered, but nothing happened.
Rinporter interjected, “Maybe you didn’t actually activate your powers when you issued that command, which is why it had no effect on us.”
Cresson added his thoughts, “It’s quite concerning how the combination of Arcanian and conjurer DNA can be so dangerous. It’s impossible to discern whether they are using their superpowers or not, as their eyes never exhibit the usual glow seen in conjurers.”
“Tell me, who are you really?” Keiro inquired with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
“I doubt you would remember me, but perhaps if I mention a name, it might jog your memory,” Robert replied cryptically. “Alexander.”
“Bastard! How do you know that name?” Grovan erupted in anger, grabbing him by the collar.
He shrugged nonchalantly and calmly instructed him to release him, to which Grovan reluctantly complied. All eyes turned to Keiro, who had fallen into a trance-like state, staring down at the ground. Robert chuckled and called out to him, snapping him back to the present. “There is only one thing I ask of you: never betray me.”
Robert’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the blinking red light of a small, round device on his desk. He pressed the button and answered the call. “Yes, this is Princess Meda speaking.”
“Your Highness, I regret to inform you that Her Majesty, the Queen, has passed away. It is imperative that you return to Conjuria without delay.”
_________
THE NOBLE CITADEL
RESIDENTIAL WING
First Lady Bridget Dale anxiously chewed on her nails; her mind consumed with worry. She had been desperately trying to reach her husband, Robert, for the past day, but all her attempts had been in vain. Fortunately, none of the staff or government officials had noticed his absence yet.
With each passing minute, Bridget’s concern grew deeper, and her imagination began to conjure up terrifying scenarios. What if he has been abducted? Or even worse, what if something terrible happened to him? The mere thought sent shivers down her spine. Although their romantic relationship may not have been ideal, Bridget and Robert were still on good terms. The passionate love they once shared may have faded, but their mutual care and respect for each other remained. I need to speak with Brenda, she decided, and headed towards the vice president’s office.
Vice President Brenda Williams-Dale and Bridget shared a special bond as sisters. Both of them married Dales, but Brenda was already a widow. Her office, located in the same wing as the President’s, mirrored its structure, with the only difference being the presence of vibrant red roses adorning every corner of the room.
“Bridge, what brings you here?” Brenda inquired as soon as Bridget stepped through the door with a distressed expression. “What happened?”
Taking a seat across from Brenda, her voice trembled as she spoke rapidly, “The truth is, Robert hasn’t returned home for the past two nights. I . . . I don’t know what has happened to him. He always answers my calls and keeps me updated on his whereabouts. Something must have happened. He’s missing. Please, help me find him.”
“Okay, I will help. Just try to relax, all right?” Bridget nodded, finding solace in her reassurance. “For now, go back to your room and wait for my updates. I will do everything I can to find him.”
Bridget stood up from her seat solemnly and quietly exited the office. Brenda wasted no time and immediately reached out to Headmaster Kolzon Barphan, requesting his assistance in assembling a team of skilled individuals from the Shadow Heroes within the Hexagon Room.
30 MINUTES LATER
Brenda entered the room, a space shaped like a hexagon, exclusively used for important meetings involving the Valoures and Shadow Heroes. These meetings were called by the president or vice president during emergencies.
Among the twenty-three skilled Shadow Heroes, Kolzon carefully selected four individuals and one Valoure who possessed unique abilities that could potentially aid in locating President Dale.
First, there was Keiro, known for his remarkable agility and ability to swiftly navigate through the city. Then, there was Rinporter, a master of creating portals, capable of transporting themselves and others to different locations. Lyla, with her exceptional ability to detect lies, could uncover any deceitful intentions. Airo, gifted with the power of flight, could cover vast distances in search of any leads. Lastly, Valoure Grovan, equipped with advanced high-tech gadgets, possessed the skills to gather valuable information.
The meeting commenced, and Brenda relayed the information Bridget had shared with her earlier. As Kolzon posed further questions that Brenda couldn’t answer, she promptly summoned Bridget to join the discussion. When asked if there were any noticeable changes in President Dale’s behavior or if he had mentioned anything before his disappearance, Bridget responded that there was nothing out of the ordinary. Robert had been his usual caring and thoughtful self.
“How about the last place he was seen?” Kolzon inquired.
“I’m not sure,” Bridget replied, shaking her head. “The last place I saw him was . . . was in his office.”
“Unfortunately, there are no security cameras inside the Noble Citadel. However, there are surveillance cameras outside the building,” Brenda interjected. “Grovan, can you check the footage from those cameras?”
“Already done,” he responded, turning his laptop screen towards the Vice President and Headmaster Kolzon. “This is the footage from February twenty-first at 2 PM. President Dale left the building without his bodyguards. He drove to Ranace Airport. But the footage I have access to is limited. We need to go to the airport and investigate further.”
“You may go now,” Brenda instructed.
Rinporter swiftly created a portal to the airport. Upon arrival, the Shadow Heroes dispersed and diligently searched for any signs of the unusual. Meanwhile, Grovan, assisted by the Vice President’s brooch pin, approached the airport staff and requested access to the security footage files. The cooperative staff respected his request for privacy and left the room. Once alone, he opened the file dated February 21st and played the video. He fast-forwarded around to 2:30 PM, where Robert discreetly entered the airport and made his way towards a restricted entry door leading to the rooftop. Grovan waited for the footage to reveal his return, but even as he played the video at 2x speed and higher, there was no sign of him. Despite his efforts, the footage yielded no information. Where did he go? he wondered. Should I feel relieved about his disappearance, or should I be concerned?
The group returned to the Hexagon Room with no specific information to report regarding Robert’s whereabouts.
Kolzon expressed his disappointment. “If Alexander were still here, this would have been less challenging,” he said with a heavy sigh, glancing at Keiro. “It’s such a waste of talent. He had such valuable powers.”
Keiro lowered his head, feeling the weight of guilt in his stomach once again. He stood up abruptly and excused himself from the room.
Grovan cast a discreet glare at Kolzon before excusing himself from the room alongside Rinporter.
“The meeting hasn’t adjourned yet. Where are you going?” Brenda stated firmly.
“I apologize. We will remain seated,” Rinporter said politely, gesturing for Grovan to take his seat as well.
Continuing the meeting, Brenda emphasized the importance of everyone’s best efforts in locating the President and stressed the need to keep the situation confidential.