As dawn breaks, the Elder walks out of the building, yet never truly leaving the shadows. He slowly watches Unit Four disappear from his sight.
A silent but noticeable presence appears behind the Elder.
"You summoned us, my lord."
"If you need anything or require assistance from the other Ghost Units within the Ghost Legion, use this token."
The Elder rubs his hands together like an ill prophet.
Yet there is something else in the Elder's eyes—excitement.
"Yes, my lord. We will not fail you."
The figure melts back into the shadows, leaving behind no trace that it was ever there.
On the other hand, the Elder stares into the distance, momentarily lost in his thoughts.
I have been here in this Fallen Realm for too long. It must be somewhere within the territory of one of the three great clans. One way or another, I will find whatever the master is looking for.
The Elder begins to turn back.
Yet, he pauses.
His eyes drift toward the direction Unit Four departed, and a sly grin appears across the Elder's old, wrinkled face.
Then he begins walking back toward the building.
He slowly makes his way to the same room where Sifir had been when deciding which mask to wear.
The Elder looks toward the side wall.
A knowing grin appears when he sees that only two masks remain.
With a wave of his hand, a blue screen appears before him, allowing him to review how Sifir had made his decision when choosing the black mask.
A husky voice booms out.
"My lord. Your calculations are always so flawless."
"Old friend, you know how to flatter an old geezer like me."
Both of them laugh.
Their laughter is enough to make the hair on a cultivator's neck stand on end.
"Very interesting, Old Friend. Fall Night is naturally cautious and has a tendency to pay attention to even the smallest details. However, Fall Night is very decisive when making his choices. I can make use of this."
The Elder pauses.
"Unfortunately, there are a few people who like to monitor my movements. Regardless of how hard I try to shake off this tail, it never wants to leave me alone."
The husky voice comes out once again.
"My lord, it is because your ability to create messes is truly masterful."
"Still, Old Friend, having a tail is nothing pleasurable. Let me continue watching how Fall Night picks."
"Hmm… Those three masks that I set up each have a different purpose, and Fall Night will never know what they are."
"Too bad his judgment was correct."
The Elder's grin widens.
"The red mask was a fire mask made from a Tier 4 Qulin, with blood so hot that it could melt steel with ease. Upon removing the mask, its blood would surely burn his soul slowly until he died."
The Elder chuckles.
"Truly a pity. I would have liked to see that happen when he discovered that the blood came from a Tier 4 beast."
"The green mask was highly venomous, made from the Queen of Golden-Eyed Vipers. The poison would have been released directly into his bloodstream upon removing the mask."
"Unlike the fire mask, which would burn him slowly, the poison would drive him crazy with bewildering dreams of death and chaos."
The Elder's eyes narrow with amusement.
"Yes, his screams could have been music to my ears. However, they would not have been nearly as satisfying as the red mask. That one would have caused pain to a far greater degree."
"The best choice was the black mask. I believe either one of our seniors or the master made this from a Tier 7 spirit beast."
The Elder looks at the mask.
"If I am correct, there were myths and rumors surrounding this spirit beast."
The husky voice replies silently.
"There were many rumors surrounding the black mask and the other masks. I don't think that one will ever see the light of day."
"Maybe."
The Elder places his wrinkled hand against his chin, slipping into deep contemplation.
"What I do know is that the black mask boasts an untraceable tracker."
His eyes gleam.
"Once a person touches the mask, its essence infuses itself into the host's body, never leaving regardless of their cultivation or skills."
"The mask will follow the host wherever they go. And any cultivator who knows the mask's qi frequency can locate it as well."
The Elder slowly disappears from the room like a breeze passing through on a fall day.
Only the husky voice remains.
"I really do hate it when my lord leaves without saying a word."
As the Elder is about to enter his personal chamber, he suddenly stops.
"Long time no see, Little Elder."
"Who?!"
"Yes, it is me."
The mysterious figure waves his hand back and forth, almost as if trying to flatter him.
"You have always been so annoying, ever since you joined the master ranks."
"Ha! Does that even matter? You heard what I told you before. We need at least one member of the Midnight Clan alive."
"Yes, I heard."
The Elder's expression darkens.
"I told that fool Jagged not to act recklessly."
"Not good enough."
The mysterious figure's voice becomes colder.
"If that member of the Midnight Clan dies under your watch, then we will need someone from the Night Clan."
A faint sneer appears on the mysterious figure's face.
"And the last time I checked, the Night Clan is far more hostile toward you than the Midnight Clan."
"We will see what happens when the mission is completed."
"Master said you better know what you are doing."
The Elder gives him a sideways glance.
"I didn't know you had this much time to chit-chat with me. I thought you were on a mission."
A faint smile appears.
"Unless I need to inform Master of your whereabouts."
"Funny, Little Elder. This little stop was part of my mission."
The mysterious figure turns away.
"Now, I will handle the affair that keeps me useful."
The mysterious figure disappears from the Elder's sight.
The Elder watches the empty space for a moment.
"He is really good with that avatar projection…"
A mischievous grin appears on his face.
"Next time, I need to send that avatar a special gift while it is out."