Within an unsuspecting alleyway somewhere in the North-Land Royal Capital City…
A grunt escaped Dom's lips as he stepped forward, left hand pressed against his still-aching side. His narrowed eyes remained locked on his attackers, one of whom appeared to belong to the special Silva-descendant mages Ivan had mentioned.
"It's my first time seeing someone like me," Dom said, wiping the blood from his lips.
"Not exactly," Andre replied, moving to stand beside the woman.
Dom raised a brow, confused.
"My good friend Aera here…" Andre declared, gesturing at her, "… is a T-Mage just like me,"
"T-Mage?" Dom mumbled in confusion.
Aera gave Andre a cold side-stare. "We're not supposed to reveal our names to the target, either," She said.
Andre threw an arm over her shoulder. "Come on, babe. Lighten up," He said with a wink-- but Aera immediately pushed him away and stepped toward Dom, just as Lucy slid between them.
She extended her dark claws, the growing fur along her arms already partially bristling, while her silver, beastly eyes locked on Aera.
Unmoved, Aera released her mana--a swirling mist blending yellow and blue. The wave hit Dom and Lucy, their bodies stiffening instantly as their senses registered the sheer magnitude of her power.
This girl… Dom thought, a bead of sweat sliding down his temple.
Andre smirked, folding his arms as he noticed their shaken expressions. "I'm sure you can tell," He said, glancing at Aera. "She's an S-class mage. You can't beat her."
Dom frowned, recalling the difference between an S and an A-class mage.
Aera dropped into a low combat stance, her robotic heterochromatic eyes locked on Dom while Lucy instinctively took a defensive stance.
Meanwhile, Dom clicked his tongue, his body shivering as a cold sensation washed over him. The alley, once hot from the afternoon sun, now felt frigid, every breath sharp and biting-- a sensation completely different from Aera's
Instantly, a denser mana filled the air, making all four mages tremble.
Eerie footsteps echoed from the alley's entrance, announcing the presence of another mage.
"I was wondering why you were taking so long," A familiar voice said.
Dom grinned as recognition sparked, while Andre and Aera tensed as they turned, their gaze fixed on Roy, who approached calmly.
A white aura radiated from his body, creating ice beneath his feet that cracked with each step he took.
"I don't know who sent you…" Roy said, icy mist trailing his breath. He stopped at a distance, with a white glow in his eyes, while a wave of chilling wind rushed at them. "But since you attacked my subordinates, you must be prepared for the consequences."
Andre chuckled nervously. "The final boss is here already?" He asked, shivering at the cold.
Aera quietly assumed a defensive stance, her sharp eyes watching as ice crystals formed around Roy's right arm as he raised it.
But before he could act, a hand grabbed his shoulder from behind.
"And I'm sure you're prepared if you attack my subordinates," A new voice said.
The attackers' expressions softened with relief, while Dom and Lucy tensed at the arrival of this mysterious figure.
Roy turned calmly, eyes narrowing on the stranger— a tall, dark-skinned man with short black hair, wearing the same uniform as Andre and Aera. His mask was down, revealing a confident smile.
The stranger glanced at the two agents with an eerie glow in his eyes. "Don't mess this up, kids," He said.
Roy's eyes widened as he suddenly raised his other hand, his fingers already coated in icy mist, and both he and the stranger suddenly sank into the floor--vanishing without a trace as if the earth itself had swallowed them whole.
"The hell?" Dom grumbled, stunned at their greatest weapon so easily neutralized, just as Aera appeared beside him, the wind following her movement a second later as she slid to a stop.
She suddenly launched a kick toward his exposed side, only to stop mid-swing as Lucy intercepted with a slash of her claws.
"Run! I'll hold her back!" Lucy shouted, pushing Dom aside before lunging at Aera with rapid slashes that tore through everything they touched.
"No! I'm not leavi--" Dom cut himself off, narrowly dodging a sudden fire blast.
"You're not going anywhere," Andre said, black smoke curling from his lips as he smirked.
Dom gritted his teeth and dashed toward him the second his feet touched the ground. His fist aimed at a punch, eyes narrowing--but Andre didn't defend, only smiled confidently.
Dom's senses suddenly detected movement behind him. He spun, backhand already swinging--but Aera vaulted over him with acrobatic agility. Their eyes met midair as she arced gracefully and landed behind him.
Dom twisted to defend just as Aera's kick slammed into the back of his knee, forcing him to stumble, before being promptly followed by a second kick that crashed into the back of his head.
Pain exploded through his skull, and his vision went black…
The darkness stretched endlessly, the world completely detached from perception… until a bright light pierced through.
Slowly, his eyes opened to a plain white ceiling. His vision was unfocused at first, lifeless… until memories rushed back.
He sat up suddenly, then looked around. He found himself alone in a room. The plain white boundaries were a stark contrast to the alleyway he last remembered. He also noticed that bars separated the room from the single exit.
As he placed his now bare feet on the cool floor, he winced at the lingering dull pain in the back of his head. "Damn." He grumbled before then realizing his casual clothes had been replaced with the same outfit as his attackers, a bodysuit-- except for the boots and tactical gear.
I hope it was a pretty girl at least, He thought, tugging on the tight fabric with a sharp snap against his skin.
Dom approached the black metal bars, tapping them curiously before attempting to pull them apart.
They didn't budge.
"Of course not," He muttered, then noticed the thin metallic bracelets on his wrists and collar around his neck. His eyes narrowed in recognition of the life-draining sensation within them. "Shit." He scoffed as they tried to pry them off, just as the exit slid open.
He looked up and immediately came face to face with a stranger who whistled at Dom's muscular frame. "Jesus. Did you come out of the womb loaded with protein or something? Damn," He said.
Dom raised a brow at him. "And you are?" He asked.
The man approached with a friendly grin. "Oh, I'm Noah William," He said, stopping beyond the bars. "I'm a test subject… just like you."
Dom's dim blue eyes appraised him: young, about 5'6", light-skinned, short curly brown hair, a small goatee, and the same tight suit.
Once Dom's gaze drifted downwards, he frowned. "Uh, how exactly do we guys…" He trailed, as he looked at his own crotch, unsure how to phrase it.
"Hide our boners?" Noah asked.
Dom nodded silently.
"You'll figure it out. Trust me," Noah chuckled, revealing a missing front tooth once he smiled.
Dom looked around, still taking in his stark prison. "Where are we?" He asked.
"One of the N-L's Mage Research Facilities," Noah replied, gesturing to their outfits and their environment. "As for the exact location… we're in the Under-city."
Dom raised a brow. "Under-city?"
"A mini underground city," Noah explained, gesturing casually. "Most factories and labs are down here. Usually restricted to authorized workers and their families. The other civilians, businesses, and royals stay Top-side."
Dom hummed, thinking back. "I think a trader mentioned something like that." He commented as his gaze drifted to a strange spherical device in the corner behind him.
Noah's dim red eyes studied him. "You're… surprisingly calm." He observed. "Most new subjects would be panicking right now."
"Well…" Dom grumbled as he sat on the ground, tugging at the tight fabric pressing uncomfortably against his groin. "Let's just say I've been through a lot over the past ten years. Though… getting kidnapped is a new one."
Noah stared at Dom, completely speechless, then smiled knowingly. "Wow. You're just like the reports say," He said, settling on the other side of the bars like Dom.
"Reports?" Dom asked, frowning.
"It's how they kept track of you," Noah answered, his smile widening. "Captain of S-L's New Sub-division 3-17… the troublesome Rebel Knight, Dominic. Is it strange that I want an autograph?"
Dom laughed despite the situation. "Never thought I'd meet a fan in a cell." He said, then his smile faded into seriousness. "How long have I been out?"
Noah crossed his legs, thinking. "About… two hours, I think."
Dom's eyes narrowed. "And… my friends?" He asked, concern tightening his voice.
Noah shrugged. "You were the only one the Scouts brought in."
Dom's frown deepened as the worst-case scenario ran through his mind.
Noah noticed and raised his hands. "Don't worry. Since you were their target, I'm sure they left your team alone once they got you." He said calmly.
Dom slowly nodded, relief escaping in a soft sigh. So… I'm still in the North. Which means… He folded his arms and clicked his tongue in frustration. "Guess they couldn't take no for an answer."
"At least they asked first." Noah scoffed as he leaned forward. "Usually, they just grab the mages they want and lock them up without warning." He gestured around the room. "And your cell is actually nicer than most."
Dom scanned the room again: a surprisingly comfortable bed, a single table and chair, a wardrobe, and a small closed-off room--probably a bathroom.
"It's pretty much a suite compared to ours. Guess you're the VIP subject." Noah added with a smirk.
Dom turned to him, tone still serious. "How many of you guys are there?"
"Uh…" Noah tapped the floor, thinking. "I'm not sure of the exact number… but I'd guess over fifty."
Dom frowned. Fifty? And they're all trapped like this? He thought as his gaze flicked over Noah's prisoner suit.
That's when he noticed something unusual.
Noah's right sleeve had been cut off, revealing a sleek metallic arm that almost camouflaged with his dark suit.
Noah caught Dom staring and touched the prosthetic. "Yeah… lost it a couple of years back during an experiment," He said with a reminiscent smile.
Dom stayed transfixed by the tech until Noah's words sank in. "Experiments?" He asked, curiosity and suspicion mingling.
Then he noticed something else. That, aside from the suit and the sole mana-suppressing cuff on his normal wrist, Noah had something he didn't.
He was suspiciously free.
"Hey… if you're a subject like me, then why aren't you in a cell?" Dom asked, narrowing his eyes.
Noah rubbed his metallic hand across his head and let out a sheepish laugh once he noticed Dom's skeptical stare. "That's actually--"
The sliding of the door cut him off.
Dom's eyes widened as two familiar figures stepped into the room.
Noah sighed heavily as he stood, letting the visitors enter. One of them immediately fixed his gaze on Noah.
"What are you doing here, young man?" Ivan asked, curiosity in every line of his face.
"Sorry, Doc," Noah replied with a sheepish smile. "I heard what happened and just decided to see for myself."
Ivan nodded, a hand stroking his beard. "Ah, yes. I understand you perfectly." He said as he turned to Dom with a faintly amused smile. "He is an interesting specimen, isn't he? Any competent scientist wouldn't resist examining him."
"Scientist?" Dom muttered, then turned his glare towards Noah. "You're working for this guy?"
Noah flinched, sensing the threat in Dom's tone.
Ivan placed a hand on Noah's shoulder. "Return to your duties, Noah. I need to discuss matters with our new… guest." He commanded.
Noah nodded and shot Dom one last longing look before quietly leaving.
Dom stared, lost for words, and once the door shut, Ivan stepped closer.
"You motherfucker," Dom spat, standing and reaching through the bars--though Ivan remained calm, as he stood just out of reach.
Frustrated, Dom yanked at the bars, straining to bend their immovable structure.
"Save your energy, Dominic," Ivan said calmly, his eyes lowered to the bracelets on Dom's wrists. "Those bracelets are unlike the outdated versions the South uses, but they're far more potent than any cuff you know. Then, there's also the collar…"
He tapped his neck. "…Normally, the cuffs would be enough, but for you… It'll serve as extra reassurance."
Dom released the bars and glared down at his collar. He grabbed it and tried to pry it off--but they remained unyielding to his effort. "Damn it," He scoffed before punching the bars in frustration.
The bars vibrated faintly, humming low, but his groan drowned it out as an agonizing pain shot through his knuckles. Further proof of his now weakened state.
"I understand your frustration, but please refrain from harming yourself," Ivan said, his familiar sweet smile still in place. "You're our most precious subject."
Dom's face twisted, both with pain and disgust. "I thought you were reasonable…" He said as he straightened, shaking his aching hand. "… but fucking kidnapping me? What's that really the best option?"
"No. The best option was my offer that night," Ivan said, hand raised in a friendly gesture. "Which still stands, by the way."
Dom's middle finger shot up instinctively.
Ivan sighed, unfazed. "Then I have no choice but to proceed with second best," He commented.
"Oh yeah?" Dom lowered his hand, a smirk forming despite his situation. "Well, I don't think my team will be okay with me gone."
Ivan mirrored the cocky smirk. "Of course. Knowing them, I'm sure they wouldn't be." He said with an ominous tone in his voice.
The bars hummed as Dom suddenly grabbed them, dim blue eyes burning with suppressed mana and lethal intent. "If you touch them…" He said, his gaze pierced Ivan. "I'll fucking kill you."
Ivan chuckled, completely unbothered. "I have no intention of harming your friends, Dominic." He said, "They'll receive the free services in the Capital, as previously promised. Then tomorrow, our soldiers will personally escort them out of the kingdom."
He shrugged lightly. "And if they choose to resist, it'll be seen as trespassing and resisting authority, which will be punished according to our laws."
Dom's grip tightened. "Then what about--"
"The General?" Ivan asked, calm and confident.
Dom bit his lip, his glare sharpening.
"The Treaty." Ivan echoed, gesturing dismissively. "With that in place, he cannot set foot in N-L, nor can he act indirectly to save you, which includes any and all members of his Division. And as for the Council…well, they wouldn't mind either."
Ivan tapped his watch, the device projecting holographic documents, numbers, and photos floating in the air.
Dom's brows furrowed. "What the fuck is this?" He asked as he glanced at the floating papers.
"These are the details of the recent North-South Royal Family agreement," Ivan said, enlarging a document with Dom's photo and the two royal seals of both kingdoms stamped boldly on them.
Dom's hand trembled on the bars, his eyes widened in shock as he realized what those letters meant. "They fucking sold me out?" He growled.
Ivan shrugged. "I mean… I don't blame them. Within our territory, you lose the Monarch's protection and your allies while surrounding yourself with enemies. An ideal way to eliminate you."
Dom's gaze lowered, his body stiffened as he realized that the numerous reprimands for refusing the escort mission were a bluff… and he fell for it. He had already been trapped the moment he accepted the mission.
It was a checkmate from the start--made perfectly to isolate and eradicate him just like his ancestors.
Except… there was one thing that didn't add up.
"But you didn't." He said, looking up to meet Ivan's gaze with intense skepticism. "You're supposed to kill me, right? That was the deal… but I'm not dead."
Ivan's grin widened, once again impressed by Dom's instincts. "Of course not," He chuckled, folding his arms calmly as he stared at Dom. "We couldn't let such a rare opportunity pass us by. That would've been a waste. So we took matters into our own hands."
He rubbed his beard with an almost evil smile.
"The South loses its greatest headache, and the North gains its most valuable subject. It's a winning situation for everyone."
"Everyone except me." Dom scoffed.
Ivan shook his head with a frown. "That's why I offered our endless resources as compensation for you."
He gestured to the cell.
"Your room has the basics for now. But if you wish for anything else, we'll provide it in spades--after proper screening, of course." His smile returned. "Can't provide you with an opportunity to escape, after all."
Dom slammed his fist against the bars again, ignoring the pain shooting through his hand. "You can't keep me here forever." He threatened.
"Yes, I can." Ivan's once-friendly smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating smirk. "Once I find an opportunity to learn, I take it…I believe I've told you that before, didn't I?"
He leaned forward, just inches out of Dom's reach.
"You're not going anywhere."