Lucius' eyes widened in astonishment, a flicker of disbelief flashing across his expression. For a moment, he said nothing. The room held its breath with him. Nai, seated beside him, glanced back and forth between Lucius and Margaret, confusion furrowing her brow.
"…Tell me, Lucius," Margaret began, her tone inquisitive yet gentle, "after your death, did your body continue to grow? Or has it remained unchanged?"
Lucius lowered his gaze, his fingers tightening into fists atop his knees. "…I don't know," he murmured. "I remember the fall of the Wall City… I sustained an injury—one that should have…" His voice faltered, swallowed by memory and silence.
Margaret's expression softened as she exhaled a quiet sigh. "The Wall City… So it has fallen," she whispered with regret.
Lucius raised his eyes to meet hers, the uncertainty gone, replaced with a steel-hard gaze. "Are there more cities out there?"
Margaret offered a single, solemn nod.
"Following the catastrophe decades past," she began, her voice taking on a distant, almost recital-like quality, "only seven cities remained—great bastions built to safeguard the remnants of humanity. Each one fortified, each one ruled. They shield the survivors from the horrors that prowl the world beyond… creatures we now call Hollows."
Lucius and Nai listened, their silence filled with growing tension. Margaret continued.
"Each city is governed by a singular authority—a protector, a ruler. This one, where you now sit, is known as the Moving City."
Lucius leaned forward slightly. "And who's the one pulling the strings here?"
"The President," Margaret answered, casting her gaze out the window toward the towering spire that pierced the fog. "He is seldom seen. Rarely speaks. The people are taught to revere him—for as long as he reigns, the City continues to move."
Lucius' lips curled into a grim line. "And what of the captives he hoards like livestock? Forced into servitude to keep his machine running?"
Margaret's eyes flicked back toward him. "I understand your concern. Those held within the Engine District are criminals—each bearing sins grave enough to warrant—"
"I just arrived with my friends," Lucius interjected, his tone sharp with barely restrained fury. "And now we're branded as slaves. My friends have been taken—gods know where—and we've no idea what those fuckers are doing to them."
A heavy stillness fell. Nai remained silent, her thoughts consumed by the memory of Yu Xuan and Harriet, her hands still around the untouched cup of tea.
Margaret, unshaken, sighed and lifted her own cup once more. She took a measured sip before setting it down with deliberate grace.
"I understand your anger, Lucius," she said, her voice now firm yet measured. "But this… this is not why I summoned you here."
Lucius exhaled slowly and lowered himself back into his seat, collecting his thoughts and temper in equal measure. Margaret, ever composed, continued with poise.
"Tell me, Lucius… have you encountered another like yourself—someone who shares your nature, beyond myself?"
Lifting his head, Lucius nodded, his expression tinged with reluctant amusement. "Yes… his name was Rukzam. A damned soloist. His ego outstrips even my pride." He scoffed lightly, the memory both irritating and amusing.
Margaret's eyes lit with sudden interest. "Do you know where he went? Did he say anything of importance before you parted?"
Lucius leaned back, folding his arms in thought. "He only said he wanted to face me again… that's all I remember." He shrugged with indifference.
"That is excellent news, Lucius!" Margaret exclaimed with quiet fervor. "Tell me—do you seek the Celestial Gods above?"
Lucius groaned softly, rubbing his temple. "Gods, you're asking a lot… Yes, I do. How did you know?"
A smile ghosted her lips as she rose from her chair and moved gracefully toward the bookshelf. "If we can gather all Seven Dead Corpses," she explained, her fingers trailing the spines of aged tomes, "we may finally uncover the truth behind their existence… and yours."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "So… the Seven Dead Corpses are real, then?"
"Yes," Margaret replied solemnly, pulling a leather-bound book from the shelf. Her expression darkened slightly. "But I must warn you—your trail has not gone unnoticed. You are being followed… one of Agnatos Amon's agents is already on your scent."
Lucius' demeanor shifted at once, his voice low. "You've met them too?"
Margaret nodded. "They are the hunters of the Seven. I do not yet know what they seek, nor what force compels them… but we may have more clarity once Liam returns."
Nai, who had remained quiet, now interjected with a thoughtful frown. "Who's spreading this information in the first place?"
Margaret's gaze dropped to the floor, her voice quiet but resolute. "I have fought in the shadows for years… If they have means to gather intelligence, then so must we."
Lucius and Nai exchanged glances, understanding silently passing between them. Then Lucius turned back to Margaret, his tone clear and unwavering.
"If we aid you in this quest… you must swear to help us find and free our friends."
To be continued -