Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 91: Ring of fire

Things weren't as hopeful over in the weapons room as Demitris was caught up in a ring of deadly flames. Lin kept watch, making it clear that his spirits will never be the same again. "Demitris, how does it feel knowing your entire squad will be lost before your eyes tomorrow?", asked the fiery man impolitely. "I know that won't happen!", yelled Demitris in response. He tried to break free, but the fire only burned his hand.

Lin laughed it off, "It's no use, there's no getting out of there. My partner, my associates, we have it all planned out. Even if you do manage to escape, you won't be able to do anything.". "I won't let you leave this room Lin, I'll break out of the fire and decay you!", shouted Demitris once more. "You? Decay me? As if you have the control. I've done my research and it's clear you'd either be unsuccessful or decay the whole mansion!", taunted Lin.

Demitris took his hand to remove his hood, "You've obviously seen the wrong side of me!", he remarked. Demitris placed his hands on the ground. His face was cool and calm, it was clear to Lin this auburn haired boy was deducing something. "So Lin, you want me to decay something? That right? How about this!", he declared confidently. The ground began to crack, but it was clearly controlled. "Getting better at working under pressure I see. I'm afraid your new skill won't last that long!", remarked Lin.

Demitris's power formed a medium sized hole in the floor, in which he jumped down. Below the weapons room were the tunnels under the mansion. Demitris tried to get his bearings swiftly, "I've never been here before, but I need to find a way out. Rou said they lead to the library, right? I have to run and warn everyone before Lin follows me!". There was going to be an inevitable and brutal chase, but Demitris was smiling, ready to show the real intruder to everyone.

Meanwhile, Aster finally found a private space to read the book about his clan. Did Edward write what was inside? He couldn't be sure as the author's name was seemingly ripped from the pages. The black haired boy took a deep breath and slowly read the writing. "July 1738, I discovered that there are other worlds parallel to this one. My magic knowledge is basic, but I have a feeling that if I keep gaining knowledge, I can communicate with these distant lands."

"Seems it took a while for the author to figure things out, I have to know their intentions!", thought Aster. He read another entry further in the book, "March 1741, I have made much progress in my magic skills, I have managed to create a one sided window into another world. I need to research this more! This could be my key to gaining power around here!"

Aster wasn't at all surprised, of course the author would search for power, particularly if they are indeed Edward. Aster skimmed through every entry until he found important information, eventually, he found what he was looking for. "January 1744, Seems this other world has beings just like us, a clan known as the Tiliac, or at least I think it's called that. Maybe I could send one of them to this world?"

"So this is where they considered it?", Aster continued to ponder to himself. "I'll turn to the end, I have to know why they sent me!". "May 1748, I've finally figured out how to create a portal on both sides, all I need to do is wait for someone to be banished. Through my extensive research over these last ten years, I know this is a brutal clan, much like our syndicate. A fugitive would be perfect since if it goes wrong, we can kill them on the spot. It's bound to happen in the next few days."

Aster closed the book and contemplated his life, the only reason he was here is because he spoke out back then. It was clear to him he was expendable from the start, and the study only confirmed this. Suddenly, he heard a voice next to him, "Hey kid, the bidding's over. Any reason you rushed out as soon as you won that groovy book you're holding?". Aster turned around to see Vox at his side. "Hey, turns out that book I saw a few days ago was sold at auction. I had to take this opportunity.", Aster elaborated.

"Ah, I see.", replied Vox. Aster waved to his superior as he headed out of the room to his dorm. The majority of the guests had left, but some members of other syndicates still remained for business opportunities. However, no one was expecting what was going to happen next. Demitris emerged from a hidden door in the floor, slightly charred and disgruntled. "Seems there is a tunnel that leads to the main hall...", he thought.

"So you lead me right to where I want to be.", said a voice from under the door. The syndicate members and remained guests immediately looked at the hooded boy, who was clearly injured. Demitris's breaths were uncontrollably heavy, "T-the intruder! He's already here!", he yelled out at the top of his lungs. As soon as Demitris stepped away from the door, Lin walked out with a stride in his step. Aster, Fleur and Demitris all looked at Rou. Things were about to get serious a day earlier than expected.