High School DxD: Duality - Apotheosis

Ch.3 || Mages Are Odd

The streets of the city were quiet, save for the soft sounds of footsteps as the group made their way toward the hidden location of the Golden Dawn Mage Association. The nighttime air carried a cool breeze, cutting through the oppressive weight of their recent revelations. Above, the city's lights flickered faintly, casting long shadows over their path.

Walking beside Sirius, Jeanne wore a contemplative expression. Glancing at him, she noticed the distant look in his eyes, the one that appeared whenever he was piecing together their mission. "You've been here before, right?" she asked, her voice breaking the stillness.

Nodding slightly, Sirius kept his gaze fixed ahead. "Once. Their main location is kept secret from most, even within supernatural circles. As they say, old habits die hard, especially for an organization that's been around as long as they have."

Raising an eyebrow, Dulio glanced over. "So, we're heading to a place that most people don't even know exists. How exactly do you plan on getting us in?"

A faint smile tugged at Sirius's lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I know a way. The Golden Dawn keeps to themselves, but they maintain ties to the magical underworld. We won't exactly be welcomed with open arms, but they'll listen."

Jeanne looked at him curiously. "How'd you end up there before? They're not the type to just let anyone inside."

Sirius didn't answer immediately, his eyes scanning the surrounding buildings, as if searching for something only he could see. "It was a long time ago. They're reclusive, but when they need information or resources, they reach out to the right people. My mother happened to be one of them, and I was brought along."

Though unsatisfied with his vague response, Jeanne chose not to press further. She glanced toward Dulio, who was surveying the area. "You think they'll help us?"

Shrugging, Dulio replied, "If they're smart, they will. We're dealing with something big, something that threatens all of us. Even the Golden Dawn can't ignore that."

Suddenly, Sirius stopped, causing Jeanne and Dulio to halt as well. They stood before a nondescript building—an ordinary structure nestled between towering modern offices. To an untrained eye, it was just another part of the city, easily overlooked.

"This is it," Sirius said quietly, stepping forward. His fingers traced the bricks, brushing against symbols etched so faintly they were almost invisible "They keep the wards strong, masking it from anyone who doesn't know what to look for."

Leaning in, Jeanne squinted at the wall. "This? You're sure?"

Without responding directly, Sirius pressed his hand against one of the symbols and murmured under his breath. A soft hum of energy filled the air, and the brick wall rippled before fading away, revealing a narrow passageway leading inside.

"I'm sure," he said.

Dulio gave a low whistle. "Well, that's one way to hide a base."

Sirius leads the way, stepping through the invisible barrier without hesitation. Jeanne and Dulio followed closely, their earlier banter replaced with quiet anticipation.

The hallway they entered was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old magic. Symbols and runes pulsed faintly along the walls, reacting to their presence. Jeanne's eyes widened with fascination. "So, the rumors were true. They really do keep everything hidden."

"They've had centuries to perfect it," Sirius replied. "This place is a remnant of their secret society days. Some traditions stick."

As they ventured deeper into the building, faint whispers echoed ahead. Footsteps approached, and soon a figure stepped out of the shadows—a tall man with sharp features and intelligent, gleaming eyes.