The head priest returned to his office, his thoughts a mix of irritation and gladness. He kept thinking, "That dragon is becoming quite a nuisance. Hopefully, that kid can keep him under control. Regardless, it seems I've unintentionally stumbled upon a gold mine."
He called for one of his attendants, who rushed into the office. "Sir, you called?" the attendant asked.
The head priest quickly used his finger to draw symbols in the air, which manifested into a piece of paper and a quill that began to write down information about the portal and the world on the moon. The letter also requested a group known as the Star Line Knights to lead an expedition into the lunar realms.
The letter then floated in front of the attendant. The head priest instructed him to carry it to the king and to be swift while staying out of sight. The attendant nodded and replied, "Yes, sir."
The attendant swiftly unfurled a scroll, his fingers brushing against the glowing symbol at its center. In an instant, the ancient script surged and swirled, leaping from the parchment and igniting across his skin like flames. As he transformed into a transparent silhouette, he burst forth into the wind, racing towards the capital to deliver his urgent message to the king.
Suddenly, a man with striking white hair emerged from the shadows of the priest's office, his presence demanding immediate attention. He greeted the priest with a respectful bow, tipping his ornate hat with a flourish. Dressed in a Victorian trench coat adorned with gleaming golden medals and colorful ribbons, he exuded an air of distinction and authority. His tall top hat, decorated with a vibrant purple ribbon and a small, intricately designed clock, hinted at a fascination with time and precision. A small scar ran down the left side of his lip, adding a touch of rugged character to his otherwise elegant appearance, suggesting a past filled with untold stories.
"It's nice to see you again, old friend. It seems you've found something quite exciting. Would you mind letting little old me in on your secret?" the white haired man asked as he approached the priest's desk.
The head priest let out a weary sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose in a clear display of frustration. The white-haired man, however, appeared unfazed, a smirk dancing on his lips as he reveled in the priest's irritation.
"Patience is a virtue hex, you'll come to understand in due time," the head priest said, his tone laced with both annoyance and a hint of anger. "Soon enough, the king will make an announcement to the nobles, and I assure you, you'll be among the very first to hear it."
Hex responded with a playful tone, his voice taking on an increasingly childish edge with each word. "Aww, but I really want to hear it now! Can you tell me what you wrote? I promise I can keep a secret!" His words dripped with mischief, and his deliberately childish demeanor was meant to provoke the head priest.
The head priest, clearly weary of Hex's antics, waved him away with an exasperated sigh, commanding him to leave his office. In frustration, he launched two radiant balls of light toward Hex. With effortless agility, Hex dodged the first, catching the second ball mid-air. He twirled it in a playful circle, absorbing its shimmering energy, a smirk creeping onto his face as he reveled in the moment.
"Why are you so grumpy, my dear priest? Or should I call you Atticus?" Hex taunted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. The head priest, known for his stern demeanor and unwavering authority, hadn't heard anyone utter his real name in many years. The unexpected familiarity stoked the flames of his fury, causing an explosive reaction within him.
Suddenly, his body erupted in a dazzling display of golden flames, illuminating the dimly lit office with a fierce glow. A luxurious fur trench coat, crafted from shimmering golden energy, materialized around him, adding to his imposing presence.
As the radiant energy pulsed from his body, it radiated outward like shockwaves, obliterating everything in the office—the ancient books lining the shelves, the sacred artifacts adorning the walls, and the polished mahogany desk—all reduced to mere ash.
With a wicked grin, Hex leaped into a swirling black portal that had formed behind him. In an instant, he vanished, leaving nothing in his wake but the lingering echo of his sinister laughter, reverberating through the ruins of the head priest office.
Back in the dream world, Markus looked at Nova, sensing that something was wrong. He noticed how Nova acted when the head priest spoke. "Nova, what was that back there? Do you have some bad history with the priest? Because that seemed personal."
Nova's voice was filled with paranoia and suspicion. "He's hiding something. He obviously doesn't have your best interests at heart, so if you think he's a friend, you better think twice."
Markus considered the head priest's actions and felt he had no reason to distrust him. "Look, he's not that bad. He's just dedicated to the kingdom. Besides, even if he isn't on our side, you said it yourself he needs us."
Nova noticed that Markus was far too trusting. The truth was that the head priest needed him, not Markus. The only reason the priest kept Markus around was because they were bonded.
Nova sighed, "Let's skip this topic. We need to talk about your arc energy capacity and energy control; it's trash. I was barely able to use any of my abilities."
Markus's face fell into a look of annoyance as Nova emphasized that he needed a lot of training. he assured him that he would continue to train him in the dream world each night after his father's training sessions.
Although Markus appreciated the extra help, he realized that this week was going to be grueling though he hoped it would be worth it (it won't; it really won't). Markus awakened from the dream world and went downstairs when he heard his father return from the forest.