I'm The Devil - Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Eamon

A hundred years had passed since the celestial council began their relentless pursuit of Cain. The celestial council, composed of the descendants of the Watchers and humans, was dedicated to maintaining the balance between the mortal realm and the supernatural. With Cain’s rise to power and the creation of his vampire progeny, the council’s mission became even more urgent.

The council members, gifted with celestial energy and the wisdom of their forebears, were a formidable force. They could sense disturbances in the natural order and had the power to track supernatural entities across great distances. Despite their efforts, Cain proved to be an elusive adversary, always one step ahead, using his cunning and the abilities of his vampire progeny to evade capture.

As the years went by, the seven progeny discovered by Cain that they could create new vampires by feeding humans their blood and then killing them. This revelation came about through a series of experiments and accidental encounters with mortally wounded humans who had ingested vampire blood. When these humans rose from the dead with a thirst for blood and newfound powers, the progeny realized they had unlocked a dark and potent method of expanding their ranks.

#### The First Turning

It was Mabel who first uncovered the secret. During a night raid, she encountered a dying soldier who had been gravely injured. In a moment of curiosity and desperation, she fed him her blood before delivering the final blow. To her astonishment, the soldier rose hours later and transformed into a vampire. His strength and senses were heightened, and he was bound to Mabel by an unbreakable bond.

Excited by the discovery, Mabel shared her findings with the others. Each progeny began experimenting with the process, carefully selecting humans to turn. They chose those who were strong, cunning or possessed unique skills that could benefit their cause. Over time, their numbers grew, and the progeny became leaders of their vampire covens, each one a small army loyal to Cain’s dark vision.

### The Celestial Council’s Response

The celestial council was not blind to the growing threat. They sensed the proliferation of vampires and the increasing chaos in the mortal realm. Their pursuit of Cain and his progeny intensified as they tracked the disturbances caused by new vampire activity. The council employed all their resources, using their celestial powers to trace the bloodlines of the newly turned vampires back to their progenitors.

But it proved to be futile, it was as if something was stopping them from gaining information about Cain and his progenies.

Among Cain’s progeny, Mabel stood out as a unique figure. Although a vampire herself, her Hex of Eternity made her an invaluable ally. Over the century, she grew closer to Cain, their bond strengthened by mutual respect and a shared vision of dominance.

Mabel’s ability to manipulate time gave Cain a significant advantage. She could foresee the council’s movements, heal his progeny, and even slow time to give them the upper hand in battle. Her power made her both feared and revered among the vampire covens, and she became a central figure in Cain’s plans.

The Celestial Council, led by the imposing and wise Seraphina, descended upon the ancient city of Lorian another city founded by Arcane Builders to test their craftsmanship which turned out to be a very well-known city as they eventually settled down there. The city was renowned for its skilled craftsmen and arcane human builders, a group of artisans and engineers whose expertise in blending magic with technology was unmatched. Lorian, with its towering spires and intricate labyrinths, seemed a fitting place for a secretive and significant undertaking.

Seraphina, her aura radiant and commanding, led her fellow council members through the bustling streets. The citizens of Lorian, accustomed to the presence of magical beings, nonetheless paused to watch the celestial beings pass, their awe palpable. The Council radiated an ethereal light, their celestial energy a stark contrast to the earthy tones of the city.

At the heart of Lorian stood the Guildhall of the Arcane Builders, an architectural marvel in itself, adorned with symbols of ancient knowledge and runes that glowed with a soft, steady light. The Guildhall’s grand entrance, flanked by towering statues of past master builders, opened to reveal a spacious hall filled with the hum of activity and the scent of alchemical concoctions.

The head of the Arcane Builders, Master Eamon, awaited the Council in the central chamber. He was a tall, gaunt man with sharp features and eyes that gleamed with intellect and curiosity. Around him bustled his apprentices, each deeply engrossed in their tasks, yet stealing glances at the celestial visitors with undisguised fascination.

“Welcome, Seraphina, and honored members of the Celestial Council,” Eamon greeted, bowing deeply. “It is a privilege to host you in our Guildhall. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

Seraphina inclined her head in acknowledgment, her golden eyes scanning the room with a serene yet discerning gaze. “Thank you, Master Eamon. We appreciate your hospitality and the opportunity to collaborate with your esteemed team of builders.”

Eamon gestured to a large, round table in the center of the chamber, its surface etched with a detailed map of the known realms. “Please, join me at the table. We have much to discuss and little time to waste.”

The Council members, each embodying a distinct aspect of celestial power, took their seats around the table. Seraphina remained standing, her presence dominating the room. “Master Eamon, we seek your guild’s unparalleled expertise for a matter of great importance. The task we present is complex, requiring both your technical skill and your profound understanding of the arcane.”

Eamon nodded, his expression serious. “We are ready to assist, Seraphina. What is it you require of us?”

Seraphina’s eyes flickered with an intensity that betrayed the gravity of the situation. “We need a device, one that can harness and amplify celestial energy in ways never before attempted. The nature of its purpose must remain confidential, even to those who construct it.”

Eamon’s brows furrowed in thought. “A device of such magnitude and secrecy… I understand. Our team thrives on challenges that push the boundaries of possibility. We will undertake this task with the utmost diligence and discretion.”

One of the council members, a striking woman with silver hair and eyes like molten gold, leaned forward. “The components and specifications will be provided by us. However, we trust your expertise to innovate and adapt as necessary. This endeavor requires not just skill but also creativity.”

Eamon’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Indeed, Lady Lysandra, our creativity is our greatest asset. We will begin by assembling a dedicated team of our finest artisans and engineers. They will work closely with your representatives to ensure the device meets your exacting standards.”

Seraphina offered a rare, small smile. “Your confidence reassures us, Master Eamon. We have faith in your guild’s ability to bring this vision to fruition. Remember, time is of the essence. The longer this project takes, the greater the risk we face.”

Eamon bowed again. “We shall not disappoint you, Seraphina. The Guild of Arcane Builders is at your service.” he said before beckoning on Seraphina to come with him, “if I may ask, what is the purpose of this device, I highly doubt that you just want to harness celestial energy”

Eamon asked, he could have just built the artifact without asking since she wanted it to be confidential but if he wanted to give them the best then they should at least let him know.

Seraphina sighed and looked sideways to see if anyone was watching them but she found no one, so she turned back to Eamon, “We want you to create something that would allow us to travel between realms”

Eamon’s eyes widened in astonishment as the implications of Seraphina’s request sunk in. For years, he’d delved into theoretical physics and metaphysics, often encountering speculative discussions about parallel universes and alternate realms. However, he had never seriously entertained the notion that such places might exist.

“You mean… other realms? As in, actual different dimensions?” Eamon’s voice was a mix of excitement and incredulity. His mind raced with possibilities and the sheer magnitude of the endeavor she was proposing.

Seraphina nodded, her expression serious but hopeful. “Yes, Eamon. There are other realms—places beyond our world. But we are not going there for sightseeing, we want to venture into of those realms to acquire something in hopes that it will help stop Cain”

Eamon’s curiosity was piqued even further, his interest now mingling with a sense of urgency. “Cain?” he echoed. “Who is Cain, and what kind of threat does he pose?”

Seraphina’s face darkened, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. “Cain is a powerful vampire, a creature of the night and the very first one at that, he has been a threat for the past hundred years and we plan to put an end to him now”

Eamon felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The task had just escalated from an extraordinary scientific endeavor to a mission of critical importance. “What kind of artifact are we talking about? And how dangerous is this realm we’re venturing into?”

“That you don’t need to know”