Shadow Slave: Eternal Madness

'Well, that should do it.' Raphael thought.

In the first place, Raphael didn't plan to reveal himself, but the circumstances forced his hand.

He needed something to make Cor accept his proposal, and what better tool than fear when proposing something?

Since the Clone of Mohg exuded a presence above that of a Saint, there was no way Cor would refuse. He had endured the Sovereigns' rule for far too long.

But this wasn't the main reason Raphael was confident that Cor would accept his proposal.

It was Cor's hope to save Antarctica and its people. With someone like Mohg, saving them wasn't impossible.

What Cor didn't know was that everything that happened was just a show. Summoning the Seven Saints had already pushed Raphael to his limits, as he could only summon them for no more than five minutes.

The other reason for revealing himself was the Sovereigns. If his prediction was correct, there were two possible scenarios:

First, the Sovereigns would stop trying to conquer the Tomb of Ariel. Second, with Raphael's revelation, their will to grow stronger would intensify, and they would send more troops—be it Saints or Masters.

He leaned towards the second scenario, which was exactly what he wanted to happen.

Raphael looked around the hall, which was now in chaos.

"Ah... Richard, can you put me down?" Audrey said.

Raphael turned his gaze to Audrey, who was still in his arms. He nodded and gently set her down.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing," Raphael replied, his voice calm and detached.

With everything that had unfolded, the ball was officially over, and everyone was being escorted to their PTVs.

Raphael watched Audrey for a moment before speaking.

"The driver will escort you to the Hall Manor. I have something to take care of."

Audrey nodded and stepped into the PTV without a word. As it drove away, Raphael pulled out his phone and sent a message to Nephis:

[Let Cassie meet me at the garden, alone.]

After sending the message, he pocketed his phone and began walking toward the garden.

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Sitting on a chair under the starlit sky, Raphael stared into the distance, his thoughts elsewhere. The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his reverie.

He turned his head to the right and saw a short young woman with long blonde hair cascading down her back. Her pale skin contrasted sharply with the half-silver mask covering her eyes.

It was none other than Cassie.

She approached the table and took a seat across from Raphael, a faint smile on her lips.

"Do you know how much I want to kill you right now?"

Raphael chuckled lightly at her words. "A lot, I think."

Cassie's smile quickly vanished, replaced by a glare of anger. She stood abruptly, slamming her hand against the table.

"Are you stupid?! Do you want to make the world your enemy?"

"Sit, woman. And don't you dare speak to me like that, or I'll cut out that tongue of yours," Raphael replied, his voice cold and emotionless.

Cassie froze, certain she had struck a nerve. Without another word, she sat back down, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

Raphael's gaze hardened as he spoke again.

"You don't have to worry. The Third Nightmare will happen, and just as you planned, you will create a weapon against Fate."

Cassie's eyes widened in shock. How could he know? Her plans were supposed to be secret, yet he spoke as though he had watched every step unfold.

"H-How do you know this?"

"It doesn't matter how I know," Raphael said bluntly. "Anyway, as promised, I'll give you the Echo. But before that, I want to ask you something."

"What?" Cassie asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

"Can you see me in your visions now?"

"Yes, I can," she replied hesitantly.

Raphael nodded, extending his hand toward her. Cassie hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his. A moment later, she heard the familiar voice of the Spell.

[You have received an Echo: Mimic.]

"Since I've given you the Echo, I'll take my leave."

"Wait."

Raphael sighed, his irritation evident. "What do you want?"

"Why couldn't I see you in my visions before?"

"Let me answer that with a question: What are your visions?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just answer the question," Raphael said firmly.

"The visions let me see the future and the past. It's as simple as that," Cassie said, though she avoided revealing the full extent of her ability.

"No," Raphael corrected. "Your ability lets you see the Fate of something. It's much different from what you just said."

Cassie remained silent, unwilling to admit the truth.

"Sigh... The reason you couldn't see me is because... I don't know."

Cassie's temper flared again. "What do you mean you don't know?!"

"What do you take me for? An omniscient being that knows all things?" Raphael shot back, his tone sharp.

Cassie stared at him, frustrated but unable to respond. She sighed in resignation.

Raphael stood, ready to leave. But before he walked away, he turned back to her and said:

"Let me give you some advice: Don't trust your ability."

As he spoke, darkness rose from his feet, and a man materialized beside him. The man placed a hand on Raphael's shoulder, and in an instant, they vanished into the darkness.

Cassie sat there, staring at the empty space where Raphael had stood, his words echoing in her mind.

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Saint Cor walked briskly toward his office, his thoughts racing.

'Was the man who met me truly the "Emperor of the Underworld"? But I'm certain he was only a Master... Why would someone like that thing obey a Master?'

A chill ran down Cor's spine.

'If what that man said is true... then humanity might not stand a chance.'

Reaching his office, Cor pushed the door open. Inside, a young man stood waiting for him. He had long black hair, pale skin, and a powerful physique. His black Chinese kimono was adorned with golden dragons on the shoulders.

Raphael met Cor's gaze and spoke.

"Have you decided?"

"You... What are you?" Cor asked cautiously.

"You should already know who I am. Don't waste my time—speak," Raphael replied impatiently.

Cor gritted his teeth. "I will accept the alliance on two conditions."

Seeing that Raphael remained silent, Cor continued.

"First, you will vow not to harm any human except your enemies. Second, the Underworld will assist in the Chains of Nightmares in Antarctica."

Raphael smiled faintly.

'How easy to manipulate you, Saint Cor.'

He nodded and said, "Sit. We'll have a long conversation."

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Since I have a free time I wrote a chapter, hope you liked it.

My finals end in monday, so I the upload schedule will return Tuesday maybe.