The Wielder of Death Magic

An upward spiraling road cut into the naturally elevated hill, the trees were tall and frigid, most of which being pine-like. Sprinkle the tranquility of a remote location, a star-filled sky and glowing clouds per the moon’s effort, and one has the perfect scene for a love story or murder, both of which bore the same kind of effect. For starting over, a sports car of the newly formed manufacturer named Astra was handed over the moment he landed. The compact and low profile felt fast and nimble, the figure of a lady put on wheels. Refine, elegant, and a spark of feistiness. Dubbed Astra Montrial Sky-night edition, his particular model was worth in the millions of Exa. Quite a penny to spend on a means of transport. Regardless of the reason, the attendant who graciously welcomed them handed keys and an address.

The farther one goes, the more expensive it gets. So was the logic at Eldow’s high. Height and land meant prestige and fame. Despite what lady Courtney and Elvira said, starting over from scratch was but a figure of speech. A little trial of guts to see what the expression would be; as is common, he defiled their expectation, and rudely at that.

“A present from Phantom,” came a message, “-more than that, a present from your family,” a full-stop followed by smiley faces. The darkened atmosphere left much to be desired for he drove around with the moonlight as reference. Victorian-style gates beckoned the top, walls reminiscent of stereotypical vampiric-styled lair surrounded said structure.

‘-is this a bad joke?’ he stepped out of the car. The lens toggled and locked onto a blueish dot. Blinking at the object activated the mechanism, the gate opened inwards to a stone brick path. Not wanting to drive, a snap and éclair took over. The slow methodical walk onto the strange address revealed naught. Well-tended grass on either side, no gardens, only shadows, and outlines. A few meters later, a clap from éclair illuminated the grounds. Decorative street lamps stood at regular intervals. The driveway went on inside to spin around a fountain atop which stood the golden statue of a prominent figure. The first glance said it to be a woman, a closer inspection revealed a flat chest, straining for a better look, a bronze plate had, ‘-in remembrance of our founder, Staxius Haggard.’

“Seriously?” he paused with a jaded look, ‘-this has to be a joke,’ turned for another scan, ‘-it’s the improved version of the mansion in Rosespire. The garden’s been taken out, the architecture’s more in line with what’s considered modern.’ The car went around the fountain and stopped. There was space for another three vehicles. Per memory, he checked to the right and saw an outhouse, the garage. The door automatically opened, éclair took the lead, Draconis and Saniata slept peacefully in his grip. Igna followed with Vanesa, immediately after the entrance came a marble staircase that broadened at the first step, the hand-rests were made of dark wood. The more steps taken, the subtly tighter grew the stairs, to then stop and split. A gem-stuttered chandelier loomed above the carpeted stairs, the middle of said split held a painting by the notable artist; Julien De Carlme, a man of wealth and class.

Still shadowing éclair, the promenade led to the resting quarters at the right-wing of the manor. Here, a corridor stretched for what seems to be forever; in total, there were around eight bedrooms, two master bedrooms, and a lavishly made suite. Put to bed, éclair continued down said hall to an elevator. A press and they headed to the second floor. There laid the suite, master study, and office for private occasions. It also harbored a studio for photo shoots and music.

.....

Back down to the first floor, éclair dashed to the left-wing where laid the fun stuff. An indoor pool as well as one outside towards the back. A rest area, a private bar, the basement held a cellar filled with wine and whiskey. To top it off, the roof, two empty helipads. The building held more than just the basics of accommodation. A secluded part of the left wing also harbored a private server room, a command center equipped with Elon and Phantom’s innovation. “This is my office,” said éclair, “-information warfare is important nowadays.”

“Information warfare,” he watched in awe, “-the lens is going haywire by the data flow. It’s more like the mainframe to a sentient machine than a work area. I have to ask, when, who, and why was this manor built, what was the cost?”

“Construction began around the same time the Lerado tried to enter Odgawoan’s underworld. Lady Elvira was adamant about purchasing land at Eldow’s high, as a result, she owns the whole area, and I’m not being sarcastic. She’s the sole owner of Eldow’s high. Her foresight in business is frightening. The manor was constructed as a base for potential expansion into town. The rest of the story is known. I say not to worry about the what’s and why, consider it a gift, tis what the message read, did it not?”

“I get it,” the breathing settled, “-what about the price, how expensive is it?”

“I have no idea,” returned he coldly, “-the values priceless. By how it has evolved, she could put any price and still garner recognition. By a low estimate, the land alone, and I mean the hill on which we stand, would fetch in the millions. 70 million, maybe more. As for the manor, it cost a hefty 10 million to build, and this was back in the olden days where 10 Exa equaled 1 gold, now it’s around 100 Exa equals 1 gold.”

“Let’s talk about Eldow’s high, does she own the whole district?” the eyes narrowed.

“She does,” chuckled éclair, “-Phantom owns the whole lot. Price-wise, tis in the billions. I told you; it doesn’t matter, she invested and got a great turnover.”

“What of the buildings, what of the owners, have they bought the lands, or is she renting?”

“She’s given construction rights but owns the land. Not much the rich and famous can do, being here is a symbol of power and stature.”

“I know,” he settled in a mediocre chair, “-the manor and car. I don’t even, how rich can a company get...”

“Oh, there’s more black money than one could ever imagine. No matter, the economy of a province is partly the cash brought from illegal activities.”

“Well,” he stood, “-I ought to get some rest. Tomorrow’s a start to a new life. Have Mrs. Go join us for an audience early in the morning. While you’re at it, figure out the best way to make money quickly. A good cover to gain the people’s trust. We’re no longer in Hidros, the politics here are most troubling. The Anti-Narco Unit, keep tabs on them.”

“Pardon my saying,” interrupted éclair, “-will you not use the money Lady Elvira has provided?”

“We’ll use it when necessary. Best use dirty money for dirty deeds. Also, if this was planned to be an expansion for the business, is there an alchemic lab I might make use of?”

“Most definitely,” grinned éclair, “-tis in the basement.”

“Good, then we should be golden. I’ll make the produce instead of ordering from the Dark-Guild,” a sharp turn headed for the door, “-after all, I’m the creator of both God’s Ale and Angel’s dust,” the leather shoes faded in the distance. The butler pulled close to the desk and worked.

‘Starting over,’ the head shook, doors to the lavish suite opened, ‘-it should be easy. The real problem comes from the current situation here, an alliance with the other familias might be fruitful. My goal is to make whoever killed Aceline suffer, no matter who I have to kill, I’ll avenge her death. Perhaps I should start by conquering Odgawoan. Scaica is a neutral area, no conglomerates or gangs have the right to claim for the owners are the Imperial family. I wonder if his imperial majesty remembers my visit, the boy who fell head-over-heels for Eira. The days are about to get exciting,’ he leaped into bed, ‘-I adore manipulating people and destroying tight bonds. Not to be smug, my specialty is in getting what I want,’ the fist clenched, ‘-I’m ready.’

The next day arrived at a fast pace. The curtains parted to allow the sun’s gentle glow. The hue caught his face, ‘-morning already?’ he sat upright, the mouth felt parched, ‘-I need blood,’ he thought licking the lips. ‘The view,’ crossed his mind, ‘-I better take a look.’ The feet slid into comfy slippers, ‘-how’s the outside,’ head-to-head with the door, just before he reached for the handle, it parted by the presence alone, ‘-freaky,’ he figured and stepped on the warmly colored wooden floor. A direct view towards the southeast, the heart of town, the cityscape of dreams and passion. The buildings went on and on. A true birds-eye view of the city. The large property didn’t’ allow for much of a view to the neighbors, forest and nature kept the location pretty hidden. ‘The jarring walls villainesque resemblance is a bad joke, I swear.’

The first floor’s corridor felt quiet, a peep into the children’s room showed sleeping angels. Their innocent faces sent a shiver, ‘-egh, how unnatural,’ the doors quietly shut. As was the mansion in Rosespire, the kitchen and dining hall were on the ground floor and at the same spot. Breakfast was mysteriously ready, not asking questions, he settled at the kitchen counter and ate. News reflected onto the phone’s hologram. éclair was nowhere to be found.

At around 8:50, the gates opened to a robust-looking car, the latter wrapped around the fountain and stopped. éclair arrived in company of Mrs. Go, the current head of the weak Unda Familia. Once inside, he made for the left to a quaint little seating area.

“Might I ask why I’ve been called so early in the morning?” her attitude remained strong.

“Lady Go, my master wishes to discuss a few things,” said he courteously.

“And who is this master, I care not. Ever since that day, Unda’s lost everything, we’re but shells living a life of constant hassle,” she crossed her legs and breathed a defiant ‘humph’.

“A life of constant hassle?” said a monotonous voice, the floor cried, footsteps echoed to her distant attitude, “-is that supposed to be a joke?” said Igna holding a smug half-smile. The designer suit spoke of his prestige, “-Lady Go,” confidently sat opposing her, “-it’s been quite a while since we’ve spoken.”

“It’s you,” she snarled, “-how dare you show your face to me again. Wasn’t it enough taking my daughter, killing my husband, and ruining my life, what else do you want?”

“Information,” he smirked, “-the poor Unda familia has no influence nor reach. How the mighty have fallen. I heard the business was recently bought out by a significant party.”

“Yes,” her browed knitted, her mouth tightened, a subtle flush whelmed her heavy makeup, “-Elon’s dynasty.”

“What lovely news. Lady Go, here’s an exciting offer. Relate everything you know about the current leaderships in town, I’ll grant thee freedom in exchange.”

“How very generous,” she gnarled, the eyes rolled, “-what brought on the idea that I’ll work with you?”

“Excuse me,” he leaned, “-you don’t understand,” the expression deepened, “-there’s no choice in the matter. You’ll take what I’m offering, no questions asked. Is that clear?”

“F-fine,” she averted his gaze, “-there are four familias ruling from the shadows,” thus, she kept on speaking till the clock displayed 10:00.

“Is that all?” returned Igna.

“Yes,” she gulped, “-can I be freed now?, I promise to be silent,” their eyes met, ‘-once I’m out, you’ll regret it.’

“Yes,” grinned Igna, *BANG,* her head exploded, *Blood-Arts: Bloody Mary,* ‘-I hate liars.’