Silence lingered in the air after Nadia’s statement as the trio came to terms with what it meant.
For Booker, it seemed like the calm everyday life he was used to was about to come to an end, and based on how it was moving, it would not end peacefully.
He could already smell the bloody clash approaching.
How many people would die before the situation would be diffused?... He couldn’t tell but what he knew was that he couldn’t stay any longer.
Unfortunately, his desire for revenge far outweighed his sense of self-preservation.
This was even more so since he had already lost everything and had no reason to keep on going.
No matter what, even if he died trying, Booker had already sworn to plunge his dagger into Finnick’s heart.
Absolutely nothing would stop him from doing so.
Meanwhile, Alex had a slight frown on his face as he wondered if he was being followed by trouble or something.
He had come to Krobridge expecting a calm place but what were the odds that the moment he arrived, the city would be heading for a disaster?
He pondered if ’Omen of Great Disasters’ would be an apt title to add to his name considering his track record so far.
Of course, considering everything that’s happened, Alex began to wonder if the accident that destroyed the train he was on was an accident, to begin with.
Wasn’t it too much of a coincidence that all these happened sequentially?
Alex was never one to believe in such convoluted coincidences.
Thinking back, he recalled the strange expression the suspected abyss monster had as it made eye contact with him.
Hadn’t it scrutinized him before attacking?
Back then, Alex could have sworn it felt as though the monster was specifically looking for him, and now considering all that happened, maybe that was the case.
But why?... Why was all this happening in the first place?
He found himself pulling up repeated blanks in a bid to answer the questions that plagued him.
As for Nadia, she chose not to think much about it for two reasons; if there truly was a higher power controlling things, she wouldn’t be able to do anything about it anyway and secondly, she was more focused on getting stronger as a Mystic than anything else.
There was a reason she was able to figure out Denial as an Ability while still being at her Origin.
Letting out a soft sigh, Alex inquired. "Any idea who this Monarch is anyway and his importance to the Vampire community?"
"No one knows at this point. Some speculate it might be a Monarch from the Eastern Highlands that made his way over to declare war on the Empire."
"Is that a possibility?"
"I have no idea." Booker truthfully replied before skillfully adding. "And even if it was, why now?... What’s so special that it had to happen now."
Alex pursed his lips. "I’d rather not take sides in a conflict that could very much spiral into a war based on its trajectory."
"Conflicts are an opportunity for growth, however." Nadia couldn’t help but add.
Alex nodded. "True but now isn’t the time for that, we have more important things to worry about."
"... Alright," Nadia replied, slightly disappointed.
Alex noticed her expression but chose not to address it as he turned back to Booker.
"Thank you for the information and money. Don’t worry, Finnick doesn’t deserve to be my subordinate so I will give you a chance to get rid of him."
Booker paused briefly before nodding slightly. "...I’ll take your word for it."
Satisfied with Booker’s answer, Alex rose to his feet as he remarked. "Now we just have to figure out how to get into the city and find one of the dukes controlling the airstrip."
"You are after the airstrip?" Booker raised a brow.
Alex nodded. "...Yeah, is there a problem?"
"Well, yes. The airstrip isn’t utilized by anyone unless they have the permission of the Dukes. If none of them approve, you can kiss your chances of using it goodbye."
"I’m aware, which was why I wasn’t okay with using illegal means to enter the city," Alex replied before falling into deep thought.
More than a minute passed before he glanced at Booker. "Tell me something, is there no time when outsiders are allowed into the city?"
"There are times. Primarily during festivals... speaking of which, a festival is coming up in a few days to mark the new month. Starting tomorrow, the university will go on break to allow their students to prepare."
"And during this period, everyone is allowed inside?"
Booker nodded. "Indeed. Going in and out of the city during that period isn’t as heavily regulated which is why most times security during that period is exceptionally high."
"You don’t think other people haven’t attempted using the festival as a means to enter the city, right?" Booker inquired with a slightly mocking tone hidden in his voice.
Alex raised a brow. "I didn’t say so. And in any case, I don’t plan to cause trouble."
"Hoh, so what do you plan to do?" With his interest piqued Booker waited for a response as he leaned forward with a palm resting on his chin.
"Quite simple actually if this festival is as you say it to be."
Alex didn’t say anymore as he glanced at Nadia before a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "How about taking journalism for a spin once again?"
Quickly catching his intentions, Nadia let out a sigh. "We’ll need a lot of equipment... maybe a disguise for each of us as well."
Meanwhile, Booker was left completely confused as his gaze alternated between the two of them.
Finally, after trying without fail to understand, he ultimately gave up, slumping into his chair with a tired expression.
As Alex and Nadia would start preparations on their plan to enter Krobridge, yet another meeting was happening elsewhere, or at least was about to as the dark underground hall where the Dukes held their gatherings was lit up once again.