“For many reasons, actually. First and foremost, Julian is dead and his family has been waiting for long enough. Second, the Witch of Izakan is lurking nearby and I don’t want to be inadvertently implicated in her affairs. Third, the Nemia Academy is dangerous and I’m not one to linger in such a place for longer than necessary. Fourth, Melissa Crimson must be keeping a close eye on you, so there is a chance I might get discovered… if that hasn’t happened already, that is. Fifth, this haphazard amalgamation of spies, royal families, and hidden experts is never a good omen and I’m wont to avoid conflict. Lastly, I’ve received a call of distress from one of our kin.”

He paused for a bit, as if deliberating how to explain the last matter,

“We, parasites, have a conventional and basic way of communication, not unlike the one Jan had used in the mausoleum. When one parasite is in danger, they can send an emergency signal, but it isn’t definitive that someone will come and help. It depends on the location and situation.”

Nader took out a transparent orb and showed it to the parasite, “Unfortunately, I do not have a spare one. However, I’ll notify an acquaintance of mine to procure you one. He’s a black market broker in Ilexset. Visit him only when you’re leaving this archipelago.”

Once he was explaining, Nader, out of habit, proceeded to clean any dust or dirt that crept in his uniform then he meticulously tidied it up. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave, instead appearing patient as Arthur was looking down and thinking in total silence.

So far, it was difficult to verify the authenticity of everything that Nader had said. Nonetheless, it wasn’t easy to come up with so many thorough lies, nor was it that necessary. He seemed genuinely willing to help, and though that wasn’t enough to earn trust, it did give Arthur an opportunity to ask whatever he wanted.

“What can you tell me about the Circle of Damnation?”

Upon hearing this, Nader let out a rare gasp of surprise as his expression hardened momentarily.

While tapping his index on his knee, he took an unnecessarily deep breath and then answered,

“That was quite the unexpected question. Anyhow, the Circle of Damnation could be described as an organisation, a cult, or even a gathering of individuals that share similar ‘hobbies’. Relatively to the Unholy Blasphemers, for example, it doesn’t have a lot of members, but each one of them is strong or holds a high societal rank in a government of sorts. They are fairly secretive, mostly acting during the full moon, but it is hard to determine why.”

The youth stopped talking and scrutinized Arthur, as if trying to read through the dead-pan face of Khalil.

“Is this why you’re here? To learn more about them? Certainly, there are a couple of books in the Vault that hold crucial information about them. It isn’t anything concrete, but it’s definitely more than I can offer. However, I will still tell you what I know;

I’m not sure about the exact number of their members, but it shouldn’t exceed 15. This is based on the assumption that they don’t have the manpower to spread their influence or cause any meaningful chance. The less secretive of them is undoubtedly the Devil Doctor, who resides in the Desert of Peace and Commerce. Apparently, he’s infatuated with Black Magic and likes to conduct heinous rituals. There’s also the Condemned Magician presumably hiding in the North and the Blood Warlord somewhere between the Southern Marshes and the Archwood Ridge.”

“Jan told me there’s one of them staying here.”

“That’s a rumor. And even if there was, it must be one of the members I don’t know about. Technically, they aren’t an organisation, because there is no hierarchy or camaraderie. They are a bunch of lunatics that sometimes gather to trade stuff, conduct ancient rituals, and share information.”

Arthur nodded, though there was a frown on his face. Nader’s response didn’t coincide with Kirn’s, which made the matter all the more confusing.

“Is there a gargoyle among them?”

“A gargoyle?” Nader shook his head, “Gargoyles are servants… familiars. They are strong, but they do not have a will of their own and are generally enchanted statues given life via Black Magic. If what you're looking for is a gargoyle, then I suggest you look for its master. Gargoyles appear only during the full moon and they are very strong and capable of instantly teleporting back to their master’s side. It will be quasi-impossible to chase after them, track them, or kill them using conventional ways. Holy Magic is the go-to to kill them, otherwise they’ll just keep coming back. I’m sorry, but that’s all I know about the Circle of Damnation. Neither Jonathan nor Verno will know anything, by the way. As I had said, there are some records about them in the Vault. Do you have any other questions?”

“Only one. I’ve read that Mutant parasites eventually lose all rationality and become no different than beasts. Is that true?”

“It is true that Mutant Parasites are liable to lose their minds, but only if they’re not careful. Continuous possession of non-sentient beasts will lead to mental degradation and a severe decrease in one’s intelligence. It only happens to parasites who indulge themselves in monster or beast corpses and forgo humans or sentient races. That will lead to a dramatic increase in strength in exchange for permanent side-effects, such as the aforementioned ones. It used to happen a lot in the past, but- now- our race has become more careful. Speaking of which, unless you’re prepared, do not venture into the Western Continent.”

“Why?”

“One of our kin is there, an extremely powerful one. He has forsaken everyone, including us, and is rampaging and killing everyone in sight. He’s a genuine threat and, apparently, has found a way to possess us. I’m told his body has expanded to a 5th of the entire continent. The Emperor has yet to act, but the Aeternus Family and the Despot Collective have already begun preparation to exterminate him.”

After that, there was a long bout of silence that flowed between the two. Sensing that Arthur had no other questions and was too absent-minded, Nader cleared his throat and stood up.

First, he handed a small piece of paper to the parasite and said,

“This is the name of the broker and where you will find him. I will notify him beforehand so you won’t meet with any complications.”

Nader’s black pupils focused on the parasite as he extended his hand,

“It was an unexpected meeting, but I’m very glad we got to talk. I want you to mention one last thing to you; Be careful of Parmenas. The former Deacon is cunning and might very well be the unknown member of the Circle of Damnation.”

Arthur shook the youth’s hands as their gazes locked into each other, one was warm and friendly and one was mixed with suspicion, uncertainty, and a hint of gratefulness.

“I hope that we will meet again under happier circumstances and less tumultuous times. I will introduce you to more of your kin and perhaps we can have a party of some sort, hahahaha.”

“Only time will tell.” Solemnly responded Arthur as he pulled his hand back and put the small piece of paper in his pocket. Before the ‘student’ could depart, Arthur looked around then took out Julian’s body, and, as if prepared, Nader swiped his hand and stored it instantly.

Satisfied and happy, Nader politely bowed his head then walked away.

‘It’s a shame that he took the fake Alchemy Scripture with him, but at least I learnt a lot from our conversation. All in all, it proceeded better than I had anticipated. Furthermore, I have another incentive to sneak into the vault.’

When Nader disappeared from his view, Arthur returned to his room. He had a lot to think about and much to plan.

He had, more or less, achieved his objective, but there was one last step to take. Moreover, now that he had learnt about ‘Last Possession’, Arthur felt that he had to get the two corpses promised by the Principal. Of course, he wasn’t going to do his job and expect to be rewarded, especially not after talking to Nader.

Admittedly, Arthur didn’t agree with everything Nader had said, but it was indeed foolish to trust that Sonia would happily fulfil her end of the bargain when all the spies were removed.

Arthur had to secure the prizes by himself, while tricking Sonia and Melissa.

‘But the most important question of all; Who is the unknown member? Could it really be Parmenas?’

If it was indeed the former Deacon, then the Principal would have known about it and still accepted recruiting him.

Plus, the presence of records about the Circle of the Damnation was suspicious in and out of itself. It made Arthur speculate Sonia’s involvement with the Circle of Damnation and the possibility that she might actually be one of the members.