Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 286 The Merger II

Altair hadn't been certain how long he'd watch the ensuing chaos spread across his eyes—long enough that when he caught himself, the Mana of Heaven and Earth had coalesced, reaching out from the Ethereal Realm into the physical. Seismic tremors came and went, growing more frequent, splintering the asphalt into intricate webs as buildings tumbled.

Those who saw to photograph the chaos rather than flee died, their screams reaching up towards his vantage on the thirtieth floor.

"What have you done?" A cold and sweet voice cut across the rim of his ear. Altair turned an eye to the female, unbothered by her beauty. He glanced at the stranger behind her, then offered her a seat that could fit only one more beside Atelia.

The man, standing tall like a sentinel, frowned, his silence dark with unspoken tension.

"Lady Morrigan," he said. "Please."

Morrigan lowered herself onto the chair, feeling a sense of discomfort as she noticed the girl with striking amethyst eyes gazing up at her intently. The girl's large, beady eyes seemed to peer into Morrigan's with an unspoken innocence that left her with a feeling of wanting to poke at her cheeks.

"Big Sis, do you want Ice cream?" Atelia asked, lifting her half-empty cup of multicolored ice cream.

"What flavor is it?"

Atelia beamed. "Birthday Cake"

Morrigan lifted an intrigued brow. "That's a flavor?"

"Of course. Or do you prefer something like mango or coconut?"

Altair was surprised by Morrigan's interaction with Atelia. He noticed that Morrigan's demeanor had softened considerably, which was quite unexpected given her usual cold self—not that he knew her much. Even her tone was markedly different.

"Would it be fine if I had a taste? I could just order one myself."

"And what if you don't like it?" Atelia said disapprovingly. Mama said that one should never waste food." She scooped out a small spoonful and offered it to Morrigan.

Morrigan elegantly swept her fingers through the unkempt locks of her hair, delicately tucking a stray strand behind her ear with a graceful movement of her hand. " Then, if you don't mind, " She accepted a spoonful, her cheeks blushing as she smiled. "Oh my! It's yummy!"

"Right!"

"Morrigan!" Salizar hissed, warning in his tone.

Morrigan sighed, unable to escape the pest at her heel. She gave Atelia an apologetic smile before shifting her attention to Altair. Her soft demeanor dissipated into a somberness, befitting her status.

Atelia sensed the change and grew silent. Explore more at empire

"What have you done to this world?"

"Without the permission of the Golden Crucible," Salazar added, arms folding off to the side.

Altair ignored Salazar, his attention on Morrigan. "I agreed on the fusion of Earth with Gaia. The Twelve Olympian Gods are sure to be present upon Earth in no time."

"Who gave you the right?" Salazar once again interrupted. Unaware of the disrespect that was displayed before the Emperor. He continued. "Earth had finally come beneath our control. And yet you dare—"

The crack widened with each passing moment as if the very fabric of reality was being rendered asunder. The sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying, leaving him in awe.

"The gods are surely powerful," he said, sensing the crack expanding space in a way that left him confused by how such a thing was possible, if not conceivable.

The mana projecting from the crack was surging, reaching incredible levels. Altair was sure there was little difference between a dungeon and Earth.

"Well..." He said, pulling his gaze away. "What did you want with me?"

"Nothing," Morrigan revealed. "We spent the night here. Salizar inquired about a drink, so we went there. Our meeting was a mere coincidence."

Altair arched a brow. "Why aren't you staying in the Sunset Palace? Surely, you were invited to stay."

"Salazar wanted a report. So I refused."

"And now?" Altair said calmly.

Morrigan gave him a confused look. "I don't understand. You want me within your Palace?"

"I'm not a savage," he laughed. "Have you eaten? I... oh, right. I guess I Killed everyone, eh?"

Raven sighed, giving him a look. "Master is a big dummy."

"That bastard was asking for it," Altair protested, though he had to admit he lost control for a brief second.

Atelia flashed her teeth. "Papa, Atelia can feel the world expanding. It makes Atelia's head spin."

"Huh? You can sense it? How much bigger?"

The Kitsune tilted her head, raising her palm, lifting all five fingers. "This much!"

'Ah! Cute!' Morrigan thought.

Altair flicked her on the nose. "Don't act all cute. You know your number, right?"

Atelia flickered, rending herself through space as if she'd pivoted off her feet, gripping her bruised nose. "Papa struck Atelia! "

The surprise that Atelia had given Altair was far beyond what he'd thought the Kitsune was capable of. Five years might have passed, but the measure in which she bent space seemed almost effortless.

"Atelia is going to tell Mama about you!"

"Oh really? " Altair smiled. "How about I give you all the ice cream? As much as you can find in this—-"

Atelia [blinked], Pushing herself through space, unable to keep herself still. She appeared in the kitchen, eager to claim what was now hers.

Altair and Morrigan sprang into a chorus of laughter as they looked at the shadow of the little girl scurrying through the kitchen like a mouse.