Chapter 258 – Floor 51: Part 2

  In Mathew's opinion, the warehouse on the docks of New York City, where the Eclipsed were headquartered, appeared like a fortress of rebellion and defiance. It was nestled in the midst of poverty-stricken streets, and by day, it might look the same as any other abandoned structure in the city. However, at night, it transformed into something else.

  The building itself loomed like a shadow against the moonlit harbour. The rusted metal walls of the warehouse were tagged with elaborate graffiti that Mathew had seen numerous times on the drive over. Skulls and snakes seemed to be the most popular, although the Eclipsed also seemed to enjoy the symbol of anarchy, a bright red ‘A’ surrounded by a circle.

  As Mathew and Adelaide left the car and walked down the street toward the warehouse, he could hear distant music and laughter, followed occasionally by a yell or scream. The pavement was wet from recent rain, and the water reflected the flickering light from burning trashcans that lined the street.

  Several of the Eclipsed stood by the fires or on the street, and Mathew was immediately reminded of a movie he had watched once, before the Tower, where a man in a car drove through the apocalyptic wastes of Australia.

  They looked like urban warlords, dressed in punk rock gear and motorcycle leathers; each piece was adorned with faded patches that proudly declared their allegiance. Mathew couldn’t help but notice the sheer volume of spikes, chains and studded leather ornaments.

  It was an overwhelming display of defiance and attitude that transformed them from a ragtag collection of misfits and outcasts into something intimidating.

  Ordinarily, he would have found their outfits ridiculous, like something out of a movie or theatre production, but here, in the darkness with nothing but burning flames and the moon overhead to light their path, Mathew couldn’t help feeling wary.

  It didn’t help that the fires themselves sent a primal urge to flee or fight through him. A weakness of their lineage, Mathew could only assume that those Eclipsed that were gathering close to the flames were no ‘Blessed’ by the tainted blood provided by Mischievous Depravity.

  Mathew turned his attention to Adelaide, who was walking beside him, and was once again impressed by the Elder. She moved with a confidence so absolute that it was almost unsettling. It was as if the entire world belonged to her, and everyone else was only allowed to live here because she permitted it.

  Her boots struck the cracked pavement in a steady, deliberate rhythm. The sound rang out in the night, echoing against the buildings around them. The long, black coat that she wore flared behind her, catching in the air as she moved.

  It wasn’t just her appearance that drew every eye; although both Mathew and Adelaide possessed supernatural attractiveness, it was her Aura. She had an overpowering presence that demanded attention and submission in equal measure.

  If Mathew’s skill were Aura could influence a room, then Adelaide could stop a nation.

  Once again, Mathew was impressed by the usefulness of Clan Exaltis’ unique ability. Aura may lack offensive and defensive capabilities, but it was incredibly helpful in social situations.

  By the time the pair reached the doors of the warehouse, they had been opened, and several guards had stepped to the sides to allow them entry. The Eclipsed had been expecting someone from the Clan to pay them a visit after their scheme at Eden had been revealed. The fact that only Adelaide and Mathew had come meant there was little chance of violence.

  ‘Little chance doesn’t mean zero.’ Mathew thought as he carefully assessed the guards. Aside from weapons like broken pieces of metal pipes and baseball bats, he could see several handguns and a few shotguns in the mix.

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  The warehouse interior was cleaner than Mathew expected. High ceilings stretched above exposed steel beams, and strings of industrial lights cast a steady glow across the space. Voices mixed with the occasional sound of glasses, and Mathew even saw rows of computer server racks against a far wall, adding to the din.

  Dozens of people moved through the space, all with different clothing styles as diverse as the members of the Eclipsed themselves. Some were clad in patched motorcycle leathers, while many others wore more casual clothing like hoodies, jeans and sneakers. There were several suits that were as fine as the ones worn by Mathew and Adelaide.

  In the heart of the room was a single throne, an imposing structure of salvaged metal and wood that was both a symbol of power and a work of art. Seated on the throne was the Chieftain of this group of Eclipsed.

  Vera Kael was lean and wiry, with a strength that came both from hard work and the benefits of the Blessings of her Lineage. Mathew could feel that this woman lacked the abilities that can be gained from a Clan Bloodline; whether this was deliberate or some quirk he didn’t know.

  Instead, Vera relied on the three physical abilities that were shared by all those who had been exposed to Aether-Blood. Unlike Mathew, who had just unlocked those traits, he could see that Vera had taken them to the extreme.

  Her face was all scars and sharp features, with one running from her forehead all the way down to her cheek, pulling her upper lip into a permanent snarl. Like many of the Eclipsed, she wore a leather jacket over a black shirt and ripped jeans, but Mathew’s eyes were drawn to the weapon resting across her lap.

  Mathew hadn’t seen anyone use a sword in this world, let alone one that was clearly magical. The blade was made of a dark grey metal, and he thought he could see faint traces of red lines across its surface when the light hit it just right. It was rather plain, lacking ornaments or decorations, with the hilt wrapped in old leather.

  But there was something about it that Mathew couldn’t define. It reminded him of the Wrathful Blade, in a way. There was a history of that weapon, and he was sure that there was a reason this woman kept it, even in the era of guns.

  “Chieftain Kael.” Adelaide said as the pair came to a stop in front of the throne, with Mathew, half a step behind the Elder. Adelaide made no attempt to bow or lower her head, and Mathew followed suit. He noticed that the Chieftain’s hand tightened on the grip of her sword slightly.

  “Elder Adelaide.” Vera responded, her voice rough and hard. The sounds of conversation in the warehouse ceased immediately, and all eyes were now on the confrontation. Mathew could feel the tension in the room, which was similar to the lull before a battle started.

  “The Eclipsed have crossed a line. Your attempt to extort money from Eden was reckless. I find it hard to believe that you would risk an altercation with Exaltis over such a pitiful amount. Have the Eclipsed fallen on hard times, Chieftain?” Adelaide said each word she spoke was deliberate and emphasized. When she slipped in the insult at the end, her red lips curled into a mocking smile.

  “Watch your words, Exaltis whore. Your betters are far away; they can’t protect you here.” Vera Kael responded, her expression hardening as her grip on her sword turned her knuckles white. Mathew expected violence to break out at any moment, when Adelaide responded.

  “The Grand Elders demand restitution. You made a clumsy, foolhardy effort to damage one of our businesses. It failed. Club Eden is ours, as it will always be. We will not allow mongrels like you to take it through force or by any other means.” Adelaide finished.

  The silence was deafening, and Mathew was positive that conflict was inevitable. If he didn’t know better, he would think that Adelaide had come here looking for a fight.

  ‘If that were true, why in the hell did she not bring more people than just the two of them?’ Mathew thought, his eyes flicking around the room for the first sign of trouble. To his surprise, Vera Kael controlled herself and let another insult pass without rising to violence.

  “Exaltis, all talk and no substance. We will settle this in the old way. Your champion against mine.” Chieftain Kael snapped her fingers, and a large man forced his way through the crowd.

  The Eclipsed Champion was a towering figure, standing well over six and a half feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscular frame. He wore a black leather jacket with spikes and metal studs along the edges.

  Everything about the man, from his appearance to his aggressive stance, spoke of his experience in combat. Mathew could feel the Aether within him and judged that the man had several Tiers in the Physical Essences but couldn’t make out specifics.

  “Very well, the Old Way.” Adelaide agreed, and Mathew saw that Vera Kael grinned slightly in anticipation at the response. Her scarred face made it more of a grimace, a twist of her lip that revealed her teeth.

  “If your champion survives, the Eclipsed will provide restitution and agree to stay away from Exaltis interests for…three years.” Vera Kael declared.

  “And when your champion dies, not only will Club Eden belong to us, but I’ll have your tongue.” Vera Kael threatened as she finally rose from her throne and pointed her sword at Adelaide.

  “Agreed.”

  Chapter 319 – Floor 100: Epilogue