Fein moved on to their backgrounds, the stories that shaped their existence. Azrael, the sage among them, was said to have witnessed the birth of the Abyss itself, his knowledge spanning eons. Lilith, once a powerful queen, had fallen from grace and found solace in the dark depths of the lower realm. Beelzebub's origins were shrouded in mystery, his past veiled by whispers and speculation. And Moloch, a former general of immense power, had chosen to align himself with the Ancients, using his skills to further their cause.
Strength was the next aspect Fein considered. Azrael's power lay in his mastery of ancient magic, wielding spells that could bend reality itself. Lilith possessed a seductive charm that ensnared minds and manipulated desires. Beelzebub was a force of chaos, capable of summoning devastating storms and unleashing destructive energies. Moloch, the warrior, was a master of combat, his every strike infused with raw power and precision.
Lastly, Fein pondered their authority in the lower abyss. The Ancients held immense influence, commanding respect and fear from demons far and wide. They were regarded as the pinnacle of power, their words carrying weight in the darkest corners of the realm. Their rule was not enforced by brute strength alone but by a cunning and strategic manipulation of lesser demons and factions.
Lost in his thoughts, Fein reached his abode. He stepped inside, the familiar scent of incense filling his nostrils. His mind buzzed with the newfound knowledge, and a fire ignited within him. The Four Ancients held the key to understanding the deeper machinations of the Abyss. Unfortunately, they reside in the upper abyss.
Just the middle realm is already untouchable and mysterious. The upper realm would be destined far from his current progress in the Abyss. It was estimated that he needs to higher authority to enter the middle and upper realm.
As Fein immersed himself in his thoughts, his mind shifted from the Four Ancients to the influential noble houses of the Abyss. The knowledge he sought extended beyond the enigmatic beings that ruled the lower realm. He needed to understand the intricate web of power and politics woven by the noble houses.
Recalling the bartender's information, Fein began to piece together the details. He delved into his memories, bringing forth the descriptions of each noble house.
The first house was House Vespertine, known for their mastery of dark magic and shadow magic. Fein imagined the members of this house with their sleek, midnight-colored robes, their eyes glimmering with an otherworldly luminescence. They were skilled assassins and spies, lurking in the shadows and orchestrating covert operations. Their authority stemmed from their ability to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and unravel the deepest secrets of the Abyss.
Next came House Solstice, a noble house renowned for their elemental control over fire and heat. Fein envisioned the members of this house with fiery hair and fierce expressions, their bodies radiating with an inner warmth. They were powerful pyromancers, capable of conjuring devastating flames and manipulating heat to their advantage. Their authority came from their ability to harness the destructive forces of fire and leave a trail of devastation in their wake.
House Seraphine, the house of light and purity, held a different kind of power. Fein imagined their ethereal presence, adorned in flowing white garments and glowing with an inner radiance. They were healers and protectors, their hands channeling divine energy to mend wounds and shield their allies. Their authority stemmed from their reputation as guardians of the weak and beacons of hope in the darkest of times.
House Umbraline, a house shrouded in mystery, held dominion over illusions and deception. Fein pictured the members of this house with their enigmatic smiles and eyes that seemed to hold countless secrets. They were skilled illusionists, capable of bending perception and manipulating minds. Their authority came from their ability to deceive and control, pulling the strings from behind the scenes and influencing the course of events without being detected.
Lastly, there was House Verdant, the house deeply connected to nature and the primal forces of the Abyss. The bartender describe them with garments woven from living vines and adorned with leaves and flowers. They were druids and shape-shifters, communing with the spirits of the land and wielding the power of growth and decay. Their authority stemmed from their ability to harness the wild forces of nature and command the creatures that roamed the Abyss.
As Fein absorbed the information, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and intrigue. The noble houses of the Abyss held immense power, each with their unique specialties and spheres of influence. It was a delicate balance of strength, alliances, and rivalries that shaped the fabric of the lower realm.
Fein's thoughts swirled with possibilities as he considered the implications of this knowledge. The Four Ancients and the noble houses were intricately connected, their interactions and power struggles forming the intricate tapestry of the Abyss. Determined to navigate this complex landscape, Fein resolved to delve deeper into the history, alliances, and rivalries of the noble houses.
'Fuck! Since the attackers in the gathering are shadows, isn't it possible that it was Family Vespertine!? Are they somehow connected to the attack?" Fein's eyes widened.
Fein's mind raced with frustration as he absorbed the bartender's revelation earlier. The knowledge he sought about the Middle Realm and Upper Realm was withheld by the noble houses, tightly guarded like precious treasures. It gnawed at him, leaving a bitter taste of disappointment in his mouth.
'Wow, that's it?' Fein's inner voice exclaimed with a tinge of irritation. 'All this effort, and I still can't access the information I need. It seems the noble houses hold more power than I anticipated.'
His brows furrowed, and his lips curled into a slight frown as he considered the implications. The secrecy surrounding the Middle Realm and Upper Realm meant that his understanding of the Abyss would remain incomplete. It was a frustrating realization for someone driven by knowledge and the desire to unravel the mysteries of the realms.
Fein's fingers tapped restlessly against the table, his body language reflecting his discontent. He leaned back, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns etched into the wooden surface. Thoughts whirled in his mind, seeking a solution to this newfound obstacle.
'The noble houses... They hold the key,' he mused, his voice soft in the recesses of his thoughts. 'If they control the flow of information, then they must be approached with caution and strategy. There must be a way to gain their trust and access the knowledge I seek.'
Then Fein couldn't help but think of Lea, Klea and Deden. A wide grin appeared that stretched across his face.
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