The Broken Halo

Chapter 1037 - 1036: An Inner Member

Simon had barely reached the next avenue when he saw Enigma coming toward him.

”There you are. I was just told you’d left the vault.”

Simon slowed down.

”Were you waiting for me too?”

”Not outside the entrance, if that’s what you’re asking.”

”That guard has more patience than both of us.”

Enigma glanced toward the building behind him.

”I still find it hard to believe they let you enter the Myriad Vault. I’ve only been inside once.”

Simon raised a brow.

”Really?”

”It was part of my reward for becoming the Fourth Abyss Lord.”

”Then it seems I joined at a good time.”

Enigma gave him a look.

”A good time?”

Simon smiled without answering.

They began walking together.

”How many treasures were you allowed to choose?” Enigma asked.

”Five.”

Enigma’s foot caught the edge of a paving stone and he nearly tripped.

He corrected his step immediately, then turned toward Simon.

”Five?”

Simon looked down at the stone.

”You should watch where you’re going.”

”Forget the ground. They allowed you to take five treasures from the Myriad Vault?”

”Yes.”

Enigma stared at him for a moment.

”I was only allowed one.”

Simon’s smile widened slightly as he looked at the envious expression on Enigma’s face.

”Most Daemons who receive permission to enter are allowed just one treasure and that’s after they perform something extraordinary for the Abyss,” Enigma continued. ”You just joined and walked out with five.”

”Perhaps I made a better impression.”

”You killed a Blessed and argued with his uncle.”

”Memorable, wasn’t it?”

Enigma opened his mouth, then shook his head.

”I’m beginning to regret asking.”

Simon laughed softly.

He didn’t offer to show Enigma what he had chosen, and Enigma didn’t ask. Instead, they followed the avenue away from the treasury.

A stream of molten fire descended beyond the rooftops. Its light passed across the pale paving before an overhead barrier caught it, dividing the flow into channels on either side of the street.

Simon watched one of the channels disappear beneath a stone arch.

”Grand Elder Night Widow said you would explain my duties and responsibilities.”

”Yes. Along with everything you’ll receive.”

Enigma looked at him again.

”Though apparently you’ve already received quite enough.”

”I wouldn’t go that far.”

”Of course you wouldn’t.”

He led Simon around a broad staircase built against the edge of an enormous scale.

”The council has admitted you as an Inner Member.”

Simon’s attention returned to him.

”Not an Outer Member?”

”After your performance against Joren, they decided you didn’t need to begin there.”

”That sounds reasonable.”

”To you, perhaps. Most newcomers have to establish themselves before they’re promoted. Being a Daemon doesn’t automatically make someone useful, trustworthy, or capable of completing the work expected of an Inner Member.”

”And I’m all three?”

”You’re certainly useful and capable.”

Simon glanced at him.

Enigma’s smile returned.

”The third remains to be seen.”

”I suppose two out of three is a good beginning.”

”It’s an unusually generous beginning. Try to appreciate that.”

They passed beneath an archway.

Several Daemons approaching from the opposite direction moved aside when they recognised Enigma.

”Fourth Lord.”

A Daemoness beside the speaker looked at Simon, then straightened.

”Blackmoon.”

Enigma continued speaking without turning toward them. He only waved his hand nonchalantly. Simon kept pace beside him.

Not everyone recognised him. A few people studied his face before looking toward their companions, while others seemed interested only because he was walking with Enigma.

But there were more familiar looks than there had been before the duel.

”Your robes, rulebook, map, and communication talisman have been delivered to your residence,” Enigma said. ”This is your identity token.”

A narrow piece of black metal appeared between his fingers.

Simon accepted it.

Silver lettering marked his name and membership rank on one side. Fine inscriptions covered the other.

”Register your demonic energy with it before using it. You’ll need it to enter the facilities, receive your resources, and take missions.”

Simon turned the token over.

”And the robes?”

”Ordinary clothing bearing The Abyss’s insignia. They’re not armour. Wear them when you’re formally representing us.”

That made them considerably less troublesome.

Simon put the token away.

”What facilities can I use?”

Enigma gestured toward a cluster of high-walled buildings farther along the avenue.

”Cultivation chambers, training halls, the body-tempering facilities, and the sections of our archives open to Inner Members.”

A dull impact came from behind one of the walls.

Pale lines flashed across its surface and disappeared.

”The training halls are protected with formations and arrays,” Enigma continued. ”You can practise techniques without worrying about damaging someone’s house. Some have adjustable pressure formations and targets that can withstand more than a few strikes.”

Simon looked toward the wall.

That would be useful.

He had several ideas he wanted to test once his affinities improved. Finding a suitable place for them would otherwise have been another task.

”The cultivation chambers gather and regulate demonic energy,” Enigma said. ”Some are arranged specifically for cultivating the heart. Others are suited to particular affinities.”

”Are there facilities for mental cultivation?”

”Yes. Chambers that apply controlled pressure to your sea of consciousness. They can help you strengthen your mental energy, improve its stability, and train your concentration.”

Simon’s interest grew.

”Controlled by whom?”

”You choose the level before beginning. There are attendants who can explain the formations. Don’t choose the strongest setting simply because you think the others are beneath you.”

Simon chuckled softly.

”Noted.”

They passed an open entrance where a broad-backed Daemon stood speaking to an attendant. Thick bands of metal lay stacked against the inner wall.

”The body-tempering halls use several formations like resistance and pressure formations,” Enigma said. ”There are also prepared medicinal baths. The ingredients depend on the treatment, so you’ll need to check what suits your body.”

”And all of this is free?”

”Your membership includes an allotment of time in the standard facilities. Specialised chambers, longer sessions, and expensive treatments cost more. Some require contributions, not just Hell Stones.”

Simon nodded.

The Abyss wouldn’t provide everything without limits. That would be difficult to sustain even with a treasury like the one he had just visited.

”What about the archives? Is that where the main collection of techniques is kept?”

”Yes.”

”I thought so. Some of the techniques in the Myriad Vault weren’t what I expected.”

”The vault preserves unusual and valuable records. That doesn’t mean every book inside it is the best method for someone to cultivate.”

Enigma glanced at him.

”You can examine the Inner Member catalogues through the archives. More restricted records require permission or sufficient contributions.”

Simon was glad he hadn’t spent all his selections on techniques.

He would see what was available after dealing with the treasures already in his ring.

They crossed a bridge spanning the groove between two scales.

Beyond the railing, the dark hide descended beneath the buildings. Lamps fixed along the bridge illuminated only the upper part of the gap.

Simon kept his perception close.

”How are resources distributed?” he asked.

”Every member receives a regular allowance of Hell Stones. The number and grade depend on their standing, achievements, and any special allocation approved for them.”

”And mine?”

”Five hundred high-grade Hell Stones every two weeks.”

Simon nodded.

”Alright.”

Enigma looked at him.

”Alright?”

”Was there something else I was supposed to say?”

”A standard Inner Member begins with a hundred high-grade stones. You’re receiving five times that.”

”Is that so?”

Enigma’s lips could not help but twitch.

”I don’t know if I should be angry or impressed by your lack of excitement.”

Simon considered the wealth inside his spatial ring.

Five hundred high-grade Hell Stones were worth taking. He certainly wouldn’t refuse them.

But compared with what he already possessed, the allowance wasn’t enough to occupy much of his attention.

He was still ridiculously rich.

Enigma watched his expression and let out a breath.

”I received the ordinary allowance when I became an Inner Member. Apparently, I should have complained.”

”You could still try.”

”And say what?”

”That Blackmoon is receiving better treatment than you did.”

”I’m sure that would make me sound very impressive.”

Simon smiled.

”They might give you something for making them laugh.”

Enigma shook his head.

”I’m beginning to regret bringing you here.”

Simon chuckled softly in response.

The avenue narrowed as they climbed another terrace.

The workshops and public halls fell behind them. Here, low walls separated the residences, and broad paths ran between enclosed courtyards. Some houses had balconies overlooking the lower streets. Others were built partly beneath the raised edge of the next scale.

The demonic energy remained dense, but the noise was noticeably reduced.

”Inner Members usually live on these residential terraces,” Enigma said. ”Most houses come with a cultivation room and enough space for private practice.”

”Most?”

”The size and quality differ. Better formations, better chambers, more privacy. Those residences normally go to members who’ve earned them.”

Simon glanced at him.

”Normally?”

Enigma pointed farther up the road.

”You’ve been given one of the best.”

”Then I’m glad I didn’t settle for being ordinary.”

”You haven’t even seen it.”

”You said it was one of the best. I’m just trusting your judgment.”

Enigma gave a short laugh.

”It has a private cultivation chamber, an enclosed practice courtyard, a study, and enough rooms for your companions. The privacy formations are better than those around the standard residences.”

That part pleased Simon more than the allowance.

He needed somewhere quiet to refine the elemental crystals, examine the cursed energy, and use Devour on the egg.

A place where he could work without someone interrupting every few minutes would save him considerable trouble.

”My first residence had a cultivation room barely large enough to stretch in,” Enigma said. ”You’re receiving this one before completing a single mission.”

”You sound jealous.”

”I’m not trying to hide it.”

Simon’s smile widened.

”Then you should visit when I’m settled. I’ll let you admire what your excellent judgment has achieved.”

”How generous.”

”I thought so.”

They passed a Daemoness standing beside her gate.

She stepped away from the path and bowed slightly toward Enigma. Her gaze settled on Simon a moment later, but neither of them stopped.

Simon looked toward the houses ahead.

”Where are Sonya and the others?”

”Waiting at your residence.”

”All four?”

”Sonya, Akaza, Virella, and Ammor. I had their belongings moved from the guest quarters.”

”Have they been causing trouble?”

”No. They’ve been rather quiet since I brought them over.”

Simon considered that but didn’t ask Enigma to guess why.

He would speak to them himself.

Enigma slowed as they approached a turning.

”Before you become too comfortable with the house and allowance, we should discuss what you’re expected to do.”

”I was wondering when you’d get to that.”

”You must take at least one approved mission every four weeks.”

Simon glanced at him.

”One?”

”At least one. You’re welcome to take more. The mission must be appropriate for your standing and abilities.”

”So I can’t spend an afternoon delivering a package and claim I’ve done enough?”

”If it’s a package only you can safely deliver, perhaps. If it’s something an ordinary courier could handle, no.”

Fair enough.

”What happens if a mission takes longer than four weeks?”

”An approved ongoing assignment covers that period. Nobody expects you to abandon it halfway through and return for another. Extended cultivation also needs to be registered in advance if it will interfere with your duties.”

”And if I simply don’t take a mission?”

”Your allowance can be withheld and access to certain facilities suspended. Repeated refusal can cost you your Inner Member status.”

Simon nodded.

He could accept that.

The Sovereign’s test was optional, but declining it wouldn’t remove the ordinary responsibilities that came with joining The Abyss.

He was also curious if he would need to be taking this mandatory missions if he became a disciple of the Abyss Sovereign.

”Keep restricted information to yourself,” Enigma continued. ”Follow the terms of any mission you accept. Report anything that could endanger The Abyss, and respond when an emergency summons is issued.”

”What about disputes between members?”

”Use the proper channels. There are places to challenge someone. The street isn’t one of them.”

”I’ve used an arena.”

”Yes. Everyone remembers.”

Simon laughed under his breath.

”The rulebook you’ll get explains the details,” Enigma said. ”Read it before deciding you’ve found something it doesn’t forbid.”

”You’ve become rather suspicious of me.”

”You’re not exactly the type that makes somebody to not be suspicious of.”

They turned onto a quieter path.

Ahead stood a two-storey residence enclosed by dark stone walls. Pale lines followed the corners of the building, joining beneath wide eaves. A balcony overlooked the lower terraces, while the upper curve of Veyra’s scale rose behind the roof.

Even from the path, Simon could feel the steady concentration of demonic energy within the grounds.

Enigma stopped before a pair of black gates.

”This one.”

Simon came to a halt beside him and looked up at his new residence.