Chapter 253 – Floor 49: Part 2

  Mathew leaned against the windowpane of the high-rise; the traffic and noise below created a faint hum that vibrated the glass slightly. Below him, the City sprawled out like a dying beast; its streets were slick with a rain that failed to wash away the filth.

  Neon signs buzzed and flickered; their dazzling colours cast reflections on the puddles of water pooling on the cracked and neglected asphalt. They proudly displayed advertising for bars, pornography and a multitude of other sins offered here.

  Garbage lined the sidewalks in black heaps, torn open by rats that scurried brazenly under the light of dim and dull streetlamps. The few people walking didn’t even pause to look at them. A distant scream cut through the noise, so loud that even Mathew could hear it from where he stood against the window.

  The scream was suddenly silenced, replaced by the crack of gunfire. When it faded, the City resumed its regular clatter.

  Mathew wondered why people remained here. Millions of citizens were just trying to survive rather than live and thrive like they did in his world. This wasn’t anything like his New York, and he refused to call it that, even in his own mind.

  Instead, it was just ‘the city.’

  ‘What had Mischievous Depravity done to this world?’ Mathew thought as he watched a pair of figures wearing dark clothes enter an alleyway. Only one emerged a few moments later with something clutched in their hands.

  Everything was wrong here. The days seemed darker, and the nights were horrific. It was like a darkness pervaded everything, and no one was to be trusted or believed. But there was also power in this world. He had seen it in several of the people he interacted with.

  The Aether within their bodies was real, and with it came a similar scale of powers and abilities as those offered by the Tower.

  Mathew was keenly aware of the power some of the people here possessed because he felt it inside him. The changes it had were remarkable and terrifying. He could barely recognize himself.

  He had changed in ways he could barely comprehend. The reflection he saw in the mirror didn’t belong to the man he used to be. He could find traces of his old face, hints of his identity, but at times, it seemed he was looking at a stranger.

  Mathew had been handsome before he entered the Tower, and the increases in his ‘Body’ attribute had enhanced his appearance, but the changes now were otherworldly. His face was flawless now, in an eerie way.

  His cheekbones were sharper and matched a jawline that was more defined. His skin was pale like polished marble, untouched by time or any imperfection.

  But it was his eyes that drew the most attention. They were a bright, unnatural blue that almost seemed to glow with an inner light. They were arresting and unnerving for those who were caught in his stare.

  Mathew’s physique had shifted and changed as well. He looked delicate but had a strength to his frame that was reminiscent of a predator waiting to strike. Every single movement he made was deliberate and precise, with a supernatural grace that could not be imitated.

  However, there were weaknesses in his chosen discipline. Just like all those other ones he had chosen before, the Aether-Blood Ascendant affected his mind.

  He was arrogant and prideful; his thoughts would often turn to his appearance or how others would look at him when he entered a room, and a thrill of delight would run through him. He looked down on those around him, even his ‘Elder’, who was responsible for his safety and welfare.

  That wasn’t the only change.

  Mathew found that he was terrified of fire; the sight of flames almost sent him into a panic to such a degree that he had nearly fled from someone on the street lighting a cigarette. Adelaide had told him that it was a weakness that everyone who consumed the Blood had, regardless of their lineage, and that even the eldest and strongest amongst them still felt the same fear.

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  It was something primordial, a remnant from a time long past that remained with them to this day.

  The soft click of heels against the floor broke Mathew from his thoughts. He didn’t turn as the door opened behind him. Adelaide’s presence filled the room before she even spoke, letting him instantly know it was her.

  The connection between them that of Elder and Scion was a bond that was only growing stronger as Mischievous Depravity’s corrupted blood flowed through his veins.

  “Taking in the view?” Adelaide asked in a low voice that was almost teasing.

  Mathew’s reflection in the window wavered as he exhaled slowly, his breath leaving a fog on the glass that lasted a brief moment before fading.

  “If you can call it that.” He replied, his tone flat. He didn’t enjoy his time in this world and hated how it felt like a dark reflection of his home.

  Hearing Adelaide take a seat, Mathew turned away from the window and looked at the room around him. It was cold and modern, and its design was sharp and almost uncomfortable. The floor was polished concrete that reflected the white glow of the recessed lights overhead.

  All the furniture was of a similar design, low backed and made of black leather. One wall was dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows, their dark frames barely noticeable against the night sky outside. The entire place felt unlived in, like someone had pointed at a picture in a catalogue without caring for comfort or usability.

  Adelaide herself was dressed to perfection, her hair and makeup adding to her extraordinary features. Like Mathew himself, the blood that coursed through her veins had altered her appearance to the point where she almost looked inhumanly beautiful.

  The Elder was staring at him critically, running her bright green eyes across his face as if searching for something. She apparently found it quickly as her lips curled slightly into a small smile.

  “How do you feel?” She asked.

  “Better. I’m not dizzy anymore, and my thoughts are clearer. You were right when you told me I just needed time to adjust.” Mathew admitted, and the Elder’s smile grew larger.

  “You’ll come to find out that I am always correct, Mathew. Now, sit; there is something we need to discuss.” Adelaide said, gesturing for Mathew to take a seat across from her. When he had done so, she continued.

  “I was going to wait until the right time, but evidently, you have adapted quickly to the Lineage of your Blood. You have no doubt seen the change in your physical appearance, but there is more. As you know, you are part of Clan Exaltis, Those Most Apt to Rule.” Adelaide stated as she began her explanation.

  “Our Clan possesses the Blessings of Blood related to our lineage and Progenitor, Eryn. Our Lineage has a connection to five Essences, but our Clan is best exemplified by our Primary Essence, Aura.” Adelaide explained.

  “The Physical Essences: Velocity, Vigor and Resilience are self-explanatory, and you will easily come to know them in time. But the last two are special. They are ‘Command’ and ‘Aura.’ Our Clan members generally develop Aura naturally, but ‘Command’ requires more effort to develop.” Adelaide said before making a dismissing gesture with her hand.

  “You are still young, and none of this truly matters. What is important is that an Initiate cannot be formally introduced to the Clan without having some skill with one Essence. This can take weeks, months or, in rare cases, years.”

  “Or, for you, a single day. You truly are something special, Mathew. I knew it when I first laid eyes on you.” Adelaide finished, her smile growing even wider as if she had spotted a treasure. Now Mathew understood what she had been looking for when she entered the room and why she had smiled when she found it.

  “And I have one of these Essences?” Mathew asked, prodding her for more information.

  “Aura, yes. I can feel it radiating off of you right now. It is the Essence of leadership and nobility. That indefinable charisma that makes people want to follow you, to live and die in your presence. There are five ‘Tiers’ in our Clan records for the ‘Aura’ essence, and you have achieved the very first. ‘Magnus.’”

  “Latin for ‘Great.’” Mathew commented, his brows furrowing in a frown as he thought about the changes he felt inside of him. As he did so, the information simply came to him, like he was reading the notification from the Silver Wristband, without having the device on his wrist.

  Essence: Aura

  Tier 1 Ability: Magnus

  The first tier of the Essence ‘Aura’ Exclusive to the Aether-Blood Ascendant, this ability grants the user the ability to subtly command the attention and admiration of those around them. While not capable of evoking extreme fear and dread or profound admiration, you will exude an undeniable sense of presence that will leave a lasting impression on others.

  Those near you will find themselves looking upon you with a sense of respect or interest. Your very existence has become magnetic, making it difficult for others to ignore you, even in the most crowded of rooms.

  You will be the center of attention wherever you go.

  “With such a quick adaptation to our lineage, I’m positive that you are destined for greatness, Mathew. Go get changed, and when you’re ready, I’ll present you to the Clan leadership.”

  Chapter 315 – Floor 99: Part 2