NABC Chapter 666: Heavenly Demon (3)
Chapter 666: Heavenly Demon (3)
Chapter 666: Heavenly Demon (3)
The administrative wing of the Slatemark facility buzzed with nervous energy as I reviewed the files Deputy Commander Sereth had provided. Each document was more disturbing than the last—clinical reports detailing the creation and development of what they called “Project Genesis,” the Red Chalice Cult’s attempt to cultivate their own supreme-tier combatant.
“The other major cults each possess young talents of extraordinary potential,” I read aloud from one particular report, keeping my voice carefully neutral for Reika’s benefit.
Cordelia sat across from me in our temporary office, her purple Bishop robes arranged carefully as she maintained the illusion of reviewing regional intelligence reports. To anyone observing, we appeared to be conducting routine administrative work. In reality, we were piecing together the full scope of what this facility represented.
“Project Genesis was initiated to address this deficiency,” she read from another file, her voice tight with controlled anger. “Through careful genetic manipulation and essence integration, we have successfully created a being capable of matching any young talent produced by rival organizations.”
‘Their ace in the hole.’ It made sense from a strategic perspective—the magical world operated on a delicate balance of power, and having supreme-level combatants was essential for maintaining influence. But understanding the reasoning didn’t make the reality any less horrific.
“Matthias,” Reika said quietly, using my cover name even in private. “Look at this medical report.”
I leaned over to examine the document she’d highlighted. The clinical language couldn’t disguise the horrific details: surgical procedures performed on a developing child, essence integration processes that had a sixty percent fatality rate, psychological conditioning designed to ensure absolute obedience.
“Forty-seven previous attempts,” I murmured, noting the casualty statistics. “Subject Zero is the first to survive the complete enhancement process.”
Forty-seven children. The number hit me like a physical blow. This wasn’t just about one victim—it was about an entire program of systematic murder disguised as re
For several minutes, we sat in silence while she continued working on her puzzle. I could see her processing my words, trying to reconcile them with everything she’d been taught about herself. Finally, she spoke again.
“The Doctor says I’ll be ready for real missions soon. That I’ll get to leave this room and prove my worth to the Cult.” She placed another piece, completing a section that showed a butterfly’s wing. “But I don’t want to hurt people.”
The Doctor. Probably Cardinal Akasha, though the child wouldn’t know her real name. “What do you want to do instead?”
“I want to finish my puzzle,” she said simply. “And maybe… maybe see if the real butterflies are as pretty as the ones in the picture.”
I made a decision that would change everything. “What if I told you that might be possible?”
Her hands stilled completely. “You’re lying.”
“I never lie to children.”
“Everyone lies to children. They say it’s for our own good.”
Smart girl. She’d already learned one of the harsh truths about the adult world, even if she’d learned it in the worst possible way. “You’re right. Adults do lie to children sometimes. But I’m going to make you a promise right now, and I want you to remember it, okay?”
She nodded slowly.
“I promise that I will never lie to you, no matter how difficult the truth might be. And I promise that if there’s any way—any way at all—for you to see real butterflies and real gardens, I will find it.”
Tears began to form in her dark eyes, and for the first time since I’d met her, she looked like what she actually was—a frightened, lonely child who desperately wanted to believe that someone cared about her wellbeing.
“Why?” she whispered. “Why would you help me?”
“Because everyone deserves to see butterflies,” I said simply. “Even weapons. Especially weapons.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and returned to her puzzle with renewed focus. But I noticed that she kept glancing at me, as if trying to determine whether I could possibly be telling the truth.
‘Step one,’ I thought as I watched her work. ‘Establish trust.’
Now I just had to figure out how to keep the promise I’d just made.