Snake leaned against the damp wall of the hidden laboratory, his arms folded loosely across his chest, the grin on his face casual as ever.
Across from him, hunched over a cluttered workbench, Othello scribbled furiously into a leather-bound notebook, his quill scratching across the pages.
The room smelled of herbs, metals, and something far fouler.
The thick, acrid stench of concoctions that should not exist.
Snake waited, eyes flicking over the shelves that brimmed with bottles of swirling liquids, powders, and more than a few jars holding things that twitched faintly in their fluid.
Finally, Othello raised his head, spectacles catching the dim lantern light, and smiled that crooked, unsettling smile of his.
"Well?" Othello’s voice cracked with eagerness. "Tell me about whatever new friend you made today."
"His name is Bruno." Snake chuckled, running a hand through his red hair. "And the potion worked like a charm."
"He transformed, just as you said he would. Eyes black as tar, horns sprouting, sanity gone. He was a monster in every sense of the word."
Othello’s grin widened, teeth flashing. "Excellent. And the aftermath?"
Snake’s smile faded just slightly, his tone measured. "That’s where it gets interesting."
"He didn’t last long. Someone interfered. A young man. He fought Bruno head-on."
That piqued Othello’s interest.
"I wasn’t close enough to catch all the details, but judging from how Bruno went down... I’d say this stranger has the power of at least a D-rank combatant."
For the first time, Othello paused, the quill freezing in midair.
His eyes narrowed behind the glasses. "A young man?" he repeated. "Describe him."
"Handsome," Snake said easily, tilting his head as he recalled the details. "Dark hair. Burning orange eyes."
"The kind who carries himself like he’s already won before the fight starts. Dangerous, but not cautious enough to stay hidden. I could smell the confidence on him."
Othello hummed, tapping the feathered end of his quill against the notebook. "Curious... Very curious."
"An anomaly at such a rank. But anomalies are to be expected when one stirs the abyss." He chuckled softly, more to himself than to Snake.
Snake tilted his head, watching him with faint amusement. "So? Should I keep an eye out for him? Or perhaps slit his throat if he pokes his nose too far?"
"Not yet," Othello replied, waving a hand dismissively. "If he is what you say, then he could prove... enlightening. Pressure tests are needed. Perhaps he will burn. Perhaps he will adapt. Either way, it gives us data."
He rose from his seat, his coat swishing around his thin frame, and stepped closer to Snake, lowering his voice.
"For now, continue the plan. The potions must flow through the gutters of the city. Criminals, thugs, mercenaries, let them drink, let them howl, let them die."
"Spread the word of their power, and more will come crawling to us. Desperation breeds obedience."
Snake’s grin widened. "That part’s easy. Every rat wants sharper claws."
"Good." Othello clasped Snake’s shoulder with a rare show of camaraderie, though his eyes were fever-bright. "But listen well."
"If this young man meddles too much, if he cuts into the spread of my work," His fingers dug in just slightly, "then you have my permission to destroy him. No hesitation. No witnesses."
Snake’s grin widened until it touched his ears. "Now that," he said, voice dripping with anticipation, "sounds like fun."
Othello’s laughter echoed through the lab, bouncing against the stone walls like the cackle of a mad god.
"Then go, Snake. Let the city drown in chaos. And let’s see who still breathes when the dust settles."
[][][][][]
Noah woke with the gray light of dawn spilling through the curtains.
His body was rested, though his mind was already on the next step.
He stretched, bones popping lightly, before dragging himself toward the bathroom.
The cold spray of the shower woke him fully, water cascading down his shoulders, rinsing away the residue of sleep.
As he washed, his thoughts began racing, falling into order.
Yesterday had shown him something important. Bruno’s transformation wasn’t random. It tied back to Snake.
That name was the only thread he had, and he intended to follow it until it unraveled the whole picture.
’Snake... you’re not invisible. No one moves through the underworld without leaving a trace.’
If he wanted to find Snake, he’d have to go deep into the capital’s shadows. To the gangs, smugglers, and black market dealers.
There, people would talk, even if he had to break them first.
Every city had its rot, and this one would be no different. Somewhere in the cracks, Snake’s trail would show itself.
But not today.
Today, he had obligations. Professor Cecilia was expecting him, along with Arlo and Damien.
They had personal instruction lessons scheduled, and even if he’d rather prowl the city, he couldn’t afford to draw suspicion by skipping. Not yet.
He twisted the tap, the water sputtering to a stop. Steam curled in the air as he stepped out, toweling himself briskly.
His reflection in the mirror stared back, his wet hair plastered to his forehead, eyes burning with focus.
The tail that had emerged during his ascension remained hidden beneath his skin, but he could feel it there, coiled like a weapon waiting for his command.
Dressing swiftly in the academy’s uniform, he fastened his satchel at his side.
His spatial ring sat heavily on his finger, as if reminding him it was there.
He adjusted his collar, straightened his jacket, and exhaled.
The day would begin like any other. With food.
Leaving his dorm, he strode across campus, the air still crisp with morning dew.
The cafeteria building came into view, warm light glowing behind its windows. Students filed in and out, their voices a dull murmur in the distance.
Noah pushed open the door and entered.
It was time to eat, to keep up appearances, and to prepare for the lessons that would help him achieve his goals.
He’d planned on a quiet breakfast, but life rarely goes in the direction one wants.