44 Chapter 43: Proposal (3)

[Third Person's Point of View]

As the night drew to a close, a feeling of camaraderie and warmth permeated the room. Everyone rose from their seats, stretching their legs and exchanging goodbyes.

"Blackwood-san," Kusakabe reached out his hand for a firm handshake and said with a small smile, "It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to our next gathering."

Nanami, ever the gentleman, gave a polite nod and replied. "Indeed, it was an enlightening evening. I hope to see you again soon, August."

Shoko, the laid-back doctor smiled warmly as she waved her hand and added, "Don't be a stranger, August. We're always here if you need anything."

With a wave of his hand and a promise to regularly keep in touch, August exited the restaurant. As he stepped out into the cool night air, he spotted Mei Mei leaning against a nearby lamppost, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlight.

"Leaving so soon, August?" she asked, a playful smile dancing at the corners of her lips.

August walked towards her confidently. "Only if you come with me, Mei-san," he replied, mirroring her playful tone.

Mei Mei arched an eyebrow, clearly entertained by his boldness. "And why should I do that?"

August leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Because I meant what I said earlier. I want to take you out on a date, Mei-san."

Mei Mei seemed taken aback for a moment, but then her surprise turned into amusement. "You're quite direct, aren't you?"

August simply shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Life's too short for hesitation, don't you think?"

Mei Mei laughed, clearly enjoying their playful banter. "Well, you certainly have a point there."

August took a step back and extended his hand towards her. "May I have your number, Mei-san? I promise our date will be worth it."

Mei Mei hesitated for a moment before finally placing her hand in his. "Alright, August. You've piqued my interest."

They exchanged numbers, their fingers brushing against each other as they did so. With a final wave and a promise to call soon, August turned to leave.

'This is something different about him...', The silver-haired woman observed August's departure as an unusual silver glint flashed in her lilac orbs.

Mei didn't consider her asexual; so like other members of her species, she was also interested in human relationships. It's just that nothing piqued her interest enough to warrant her pursuing someone.

'But he is just a kid tho,' She chucked softly as August turned around in the distance to wave at her.

She wasn't looking for romance, but there was something about August that piqued her curiosity, which is why she agreed to the "date" in the first place.

'I am curious to see how useful you can be, August Blackwood.'

____

The cold November air nipped at August's face as he exited the subway station, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo's nightlife still in full swing despite the late hour. He casually adjusted his coat around him as the chill seeped through the fabric but failed to make him shiver.

The streets were illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, casting long shadows that danced and flickered with every passing car.

He walked down the usual route towards his apartment building, the Valley Court, Aoyama. The building stood tall before him, offering a sense of security and cosiness amidst the chilly night air. He stepped inside and was greeted by the warmth that surrounded him as he entered the lobby.

Taking the elevator to the 23rd floor, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut. It was subtle, a whisper of a feeling that prickled at the back of his mind.

'Hmm? I see'

His eyes took on a cold glint as he walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing softly against the walls as he reached his apartment.

Unlocking the apartment door, he stepped inside to the familiar scent of his home welcoming him. August carefully removed and organized his shoes before making his way to the kitchen, intent on making himself a cup of Chamomile tea before he slept.

He grabbed the kettle and turned on the faucet, filling it with water before placing it onto the stovetop. While he waited for the water to heat up, he pulled out a tea bag of Chamomile, enjoying the warm, comforting scent of earthy herbs that filled his kitchen.

But just as he was about to pour the hot water into his cup, he suddenly paused.

It was too quiet, the usual hum of the city outside his window was absent. It was as if the world outside had ceased to exist, leaving him in a bubble of silence.

His narrowed eyes scanned the darkened living room as he turned around. "Come out, I know you're in there," his call echoed through the silence.

The apartment remained still and silent, with no response or movement coming from the shadows. August let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "What a headache," he muttered to himself, "Guess I'll have to handle this on my own."

With a snap of his fingers, the shadows shifted and revealed five figures across the room, as if a curtain had been pulled back. The sorcerers looked startled to be found so suddenly by their target, but quickly spread out in a way that blocked any chance of escape for August.

August chuckled coldly and snickered. "At least they sent five Grade One sorcerers and didn't underestimate me too much. But ironically, it's still not enough."

One of the intruders warned him in a serious tone. "Do not resist and come with us if you don't want to turn this into a full-blown battle; destroying and killing everything nearby."

But instead of fear or obedience, they received only confusion from their target, who tilted his head and asked them curiously. "What does that have to do with me? Why should I care?"

He then gazed at them with his cold amethyst eyes and inquired cryptically, "You don't look so well."

His gaze lingered on one particular sorcerer who met his eye with bloodshot eyes and a trickle of blood running down their nose.

The other sorcerers turned towards their leader and became stunned by what they saw. They immediately turned wary of their target and flared their cursed energy in response, ready to take action.

But August continued sadistically, gesturing towards that particular sorcerer. "It seems like someone has violently taken control of your barrier."

A cruel cackle escaped his lips, sending shivers down the spines of the sorcerers. His eyes, a dazzling amethyst, glowed with a wicked intensity as shadows in the room began to stir and writhe like something straight out of a horror film.

[Arcane Domain: Evernight's Realm of Eternal Nighmare]

The sorcerers had created a powerful barrier around his apartment, isolating him from the outside world. This barrier not only concealed their presence but also restricted anyone from entering or leaving without the caster's permission.

It was an advanced barrier cast by utilising the cursed technique of the group's leader.

But, with a single thought, August seized control of the barrier and projected his Arcane Domain through it.

The intruder's mind screamed with warning signals as their leader decided to matters into his own hands.

'What the hell did I walk into?!'

Clasping both of his hands together in a familiar seal, he looked at the insane figure of his target looking at them with amused eyes and a sadistic grin as he decided to engage his trump card.

[Domain Expansion: Tenkū no Yōsai]

But to his and his comrade's absolute shock, nothing happened. His domain failed to expand. 

"It's pointless" August scoffed as he watched the sorcerers futilely attempting to extend their domain, "You're all within my Arcane Domain now."

Eyes widened in shock as their faces paled and they looked at their target-no, their predator in absolute fear.

Every sorcerer worth their salt knew what an Arcane Domain was. 

 It was a variation of the Simple Domain but without the need for creating a physical barrier. Instead, It directly projected the user's Innate Technique into reality.

A lot similar to the fabled domain expansion, this technique was incredibly difficult to master and utilize effectively. But when executed flawlessly, it transformed the user's surroundings into an extension of their own power.

However, this is where it sets itself apart from a standard domain expansion. Rather than expanding its domain, it simply projects a fraction of it. While it may lack the sure-hit ability of the former method, the latter still provides the caster with an incredible buff within the projection, making it a powerful tactic for advanced sorcerers to use as a last resort.

Expanding one's domain was a general way to dispel Arcane Expansion, but not always. In some cases, a skilled practitioner could easily counteract it. August, with his ability to conjure up any type of spell, could project the perfect Arcane Expansion for any given situation, based on that spell.

"Shall we have some fun?" August's surroundings were shrouded in darkness as he approached his unmoving targets.

______

Grey, old eyes snapped open as the moon's dim light filtered through the narrow window, casting elongated shadows across the cold stone floor. An old man's gnarled fingers clenched the edge of the bed, and he pushed himself up while the rusty springs creaked in protest.

"Aurelius" he rasped, his voice echoing off the ancient walls as the name hung in the air.

*******************************

[Note- Tenkū no Yōsai means Fortress of Sky.]

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