Mr. A stared at the sack containing Andrian. He knocked on the carriage wall and signaled to Kosper.
"Stop by the High Official's Residence," he said flatly.
Kosper nodded obediently. "Yes, Sir."
The residence was silent. Only the occasional sound of birds could be heard among the trees. When they arrived, Mr. A stared blankly at the large building, now covered in cobwebs and dust.
"Where is everyone?" he asked coldly.
Kosper lowered his head, his voice heavy.
"They… left. They joined Jack Ford's faction. I'm the only one left."
Mr. A let out a long sigh and opened the main door.
"The last time I was here… was 13 years ago," he muttered.
Of the original 30 members, 10 had died at the hands of intruders. The remaining 19 betrayed him. Now, only Kosper remained loyal.
"Take the noble to the underground prison," ordered Mr. A.
Kosper lit a candle and carried the sack down a narrow staircase. Below, there were four old prison cells. He opened Cell Two and dropped the sack containing Andrian onto the cold stone floor.
Mr. A entered his private chamber. He opened the drawer of an old desk and pulled out a worn piece of paper. On the back, written in black ink:
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Potion: "Blood of the Chaos Conqueror" Sequence 4
Ingredients:
1. 500ml of Pure Noble Blood
2. Essence of Shadow Demon Heart
3. Extract of Hellroot Plant
4. Powdered Bones of the Beast King
5. Tears of the Soul Sovereign
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Mr. A gave a chilling smile.
"Soon… Sequence 4."
Kosper knocked on the door. "Sir, we must leave now. The High Council is waiting."
Mr. A rose and boarded the carriage, while Kosper rode his horse.
The Grand Residence of K.M. was majestic and bustling. Mr. A looked around with a sarcastic mutter.
"Look at this… my home is silent, and this place is busy like a palace."
Kosper opened the carriage door. Guards ranging from Sequence 9 to 8 stood on duty.
A man with black-and-white hair and glasses greeted them.
"Long time no see, Dr. Gabriel," said Mr. A with a bow.
"Hurry, Azul. The High Council is waiting," Dr. Gabriel replied.
Inside, whispers could be heard.
"Is that Azul? Wasn't he just Sequence 9? Or maybe a nobody?"
The guards opened the main door. Kosper was told to wait outside.
Inside the luxurious chamber, the High Council members sat on elevated chairs. The atmosphere was tense.
"Azul! Do you realize we were attacked!? And you're late to this crucial meeting! You've been missing for 13 years!" barked a thin but muscular man with black hair and red eyes—Jack Ford.
Azul replied coldly, "I was handling something."
"Something? Gone for 13 years and you call that 'handling something'?"
Jack Ford turned to the side, toward a beautiful woman with long purple hair—Casidra.
"What punishment do you think he deserves?"
Casidra answered icily, "Even death wouldn't be enough."
Azul stared sharply. "Just became a council member, and already talking too much."
Casidra returned the glare with fury.
Jack Ford looked to his left.
"Levin, your thoughts?"
Levin—a man with a sorcerer's hat, dark blue eyes, and black hair—paused for a moment.
"Send him to the Nether prison. Ten years."
Jack Ford raised a small gavel.
"By this decree, Azul is sentenced to ten years in Nether Prison and demoted to subordinate rank."
Jack Ford grinned slyly.
Azul simply stood still, gazing at the three high-ranking officials before him.
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K.M = Kematiran Maledictum