The Extra's Rise

Chapter 663 - 663: Emma (3)

The Emma-construct's words hung in the air like a challenge, and I found myself staring into those amber eyes,

'How the hell does she know about Lucent Harmony?'

"Surprised?" The construct's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You really should give her more credit. She's someone far more powerful than your Master could dream of touching even in death."

She held out the dagger, handle first. "So by all means, use your Lucent Harmony. Create whatever barriers you think you need. The contract will still be legitimate enough to fool anyone who examines it, and you'll still gain access to everything you're after."

I took the blade, feeling its weight in my hand. The metal was warm to the touch, and I could sense the magical properties woven into its structure. This wasn't just ceremonial—it was a genuine artifact designed for supernatural contracts.

"Why are you making this so easy?"

"Because she loves you," the construct repeated, as if that explained everything. "And because she's confident that once you see what she's really accomplished, once you understand the scope of her vision, you'll choose to stay willingly."

The confidence in her voice was unsettling. Not arrogance—genuine certainty, as if the outcome had already been decided and we were just going through the motions.

I drew the blade across my palm, feeling the sharp bite of silver against skin. Blood welled up immediately, darker than it should have been, and I could feel the magical energies in the room responding to the offering.

The Emma-construct did the same, her blood a lighter shade that seemed to shimmer with its own inner light. When she pressed her palm against mine, the contact sent a jolt of power through both of us.

Now. I reached deep within myself, calling upon Lucent Harmony. The technique activated like a shield around my soul, creating barriers of perfect tranquility that would isolate any foreign influence. The vampiric miasma that tried to flow through our joined hands met those barriers and simply... slid away, unable to find purchase.

But I let just enough through to maintain the illusion. A thin thread of connection that would register to any examination while keeping my consciousness completely intact.

The construct's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, her perfect Emma facade cracked. "Remarkable," she breathed. "It's just like you to find a way to have your cake and eat it too."

The ritual concluded with a flash of crimson light, and I felt the contract settle into place. To anyone observing, I would now register as legitimately bound to the Red Chalice Cult. But thanks to Lucent Harmony, my will remained entirely my own.

"Congratulations," she said, releasing my hand and stepping back. "You're now officially under vampiric protection. Welcome to the Red Chalice Cult, Cardinal Arthur."

'Cardinal?' "That seems like a rather high starting rank."

"Alyssara doesn't believe in wasting time with formalities. You'll have access to classified intelligence, restricted facilities, and direct communication with the inner circle." Her smile turned mysterious. "Everything you need to accomplish your mission."

She moved back to the desk, settling into the chair one final time. As she did, I noticed that her form was beginning to look less solid, as if the construct was reaching the end of its duration.

"Before you go," she said, her voice taking on a distant quality, "Alyssara wanted me to give you a message. She says she'll see you in four years—she's going to finish her work beyond Earth, and then she'll be able to give you her full attention."

'Work beyond Earth'. The phrase sent a chill down my spine as I remembered the reports of entire civilizations being systematically eliminated. "What kind of work?"

But the construct was already fading, her features becoming translucent. "Goodbye, Arthur. Enjoy your new position. And remember—she's always watching."

The Emma-construct dissolved into motes of light that scattered like fallen stars, leaving me alone in the chamber with nothing but the lingering scent of jasmine and vanilla.

And the terrifying knowledge that Alyssara knew exactly what I was planning—and was helping me do it anyway.