BXBX NOVEL Chapter 203: The Lich Court
"I just wanted to greet you guys. I'll be on my way then," he said, a smile on his face as he continued his walk. However, before he left, he paused, his gaze softening as he added, "And if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
Ann's eyes filled with tears, and she gave Bradford's hand a tight squeeze. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "We've never had anything like this before. It means the world to us."
Bradford nodded in agreement, his usually stoic expression softening into a rare smile. "We won't forget this kindness, Nox."
Nox nodded, not one for long-winded speeches. "Just take care of each other. That's all that matters."
With that, he gave them a respectful nod and continued down the hallway, leaving the couple to their moment. As he walked away, he could still hear the quiet murmur of their voices, filled with excitement and gratitude. They were marveling over every little detail, from the intricate designs on the walls to the softness of the rugs beneath their feet.
It was a wholesome sight, and Nox couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing he had contributed to their happiness. In a world where strength and power ruled, it was moments like these that reminded him of what truly mattered—people, and the small joys that kept them going.
After several turns, he eventually found Eve on the balcony, staring absentmindedly into the distance. Nox silently approached her; he could sense that she had already detected his presence but acted oblivious.
"Master," he said, coming to stand close to her. Eve was 6 ft tall, towering over Nox... but Nox wasn't depressed. With Shadow Oblivion, it was only a matter of time before he became a six-footer as well.
In his past life, Nox would've never thought he would grow to become a six-footer, but in this world, even 7 ft was within reach.
"What do you want to talk about?" Eve asked, her gaze fixed on the night sky. Nox's expression changed slightly, as he noted that her voice wasn't as indifferent as usual.
"So many things actually... but mostly related to this," Nox said as he summoned the three glowing elemental crystals. He wasn't frightened that Eve would be blinded by greed and snatch the crystals away from him. He trusted her... though she seemed to love luxurious things, Eve didn't seem like someone who would steal from a kid.
"I was wondering if there is a way for me to trade one of these crystals?" Nox asked, with a hopeful gleam sparkling in his eyes.
"Yes." Eve turned towards Nox and stated. Her voice softened, an unfamiliar warmth slipping into her words, almost as if she were trying to sound... kinder. It was very awkward to hear.
A strange expression appeared on Nox's face as he voiced out, "Um, Master, I think there is something wrong with your tone?"
'This little bastard.' Eve's eyelid twitched as her ears burned in embarrassment. She had tried speaking to Nox in a softer and nicer tone, sharply contrasting her usual indifferent tone.
"It's possible," Eve repeated in her familiar voice, and Nox nodded in acknowledgment.
"Now that's more like it."
'This boy...' Eve was speechless.
"So, how?" Nox asked with a serious expression on his face.
"It's much easier than you thought," Eve claimed, returning her attention to the front. She found it weird staring into Nox's abyssal eyes that were slowly sucking her entire existence in. She then added, "All we have to do is go to an auction and trade it off... I know plenty of those places."
"Great." Nox smiled and asked eagerly, "Where is this auction?"
"Hmmm. It's very far, and they don't have definite locations," Eve claimed. "Though we'll have to pay an exorbitant amount to get a ticket to participate in the auction."
Nox nodded his head. "Figured... an auction that can easily swap elemental crystals should be owned by a powerful family."
"Yes, you're not wrong. It's indeed owned by one of the most powerful families in the entire human domain, the Vanderleigh family," Eve revealed. "They're not associated with any kingdom; they're what we call... wanderers."
After their short exchange, an oppressive silence reigned between the two for a while, each person deep in thought. At that moment, Nox's mind was suddenly invaded by a fleeting thought, and he turned to Eve.
"Master, by chance, have you heard about the Lich Court?" he asked. His master had proved to be very resourceful and knowledgeable; he was hoping she also knew about the organization that had made his teammates react like that.
Eve stiffened immediately at Nox's question. The calm façade she often maintained flickered, revealing a shadow of anxiety that briefly clouded her expression. "The Lich Court?" she eventually spoke in a voice that was barely audible. "Why do you want to know about them?"
Nox noticed the change in her demeanor. Her shoulders tensed, and her gaze shifted to the horizon. It was rare for Eve to show such vulnerability, and it sent a chill down Nox's spine. Something that could cause Eve to react like this was definitely frightening.
"I overheard some of the others talking about them," Nox answered after a while. "They seemed concerned."
Eve's eyes narrowed, her features hardening. "Concerned is an understatement," she said. "The Lich Court is not something you want to take lightly. They are powerful beings, beings like me; masters of dark magic, and they don't just play with the lives of mortals—they toy with them."
Nox felt a wave of unease wash over him at her words.
Eve paused, turned, leaned forward, and said, "I'd advise you to stop asking any further questions. It's dangerous to tread too close to their affairs. They have ears everywhere, and even the slightest hint of curiosity can draw unwanted attention."
"I understand, I'll forget about them," Nox nodded, but in his mind... 'Now I'm even more curious about them. I want to know everything about them!'
'Good, I don't know the reason for their sudden interest in you... but you must stay far away from them... no matter what, I won't let them use you for their delusional goals,' Eve's eyes flickered with determination as she looked at the horizon.
Later that day, Nox gathered his companions and brought out the elemental crystals. It was time to evolve his beasts.