Chapter 223 : The notorious criminal organization
Jaegar's brows furrowed in curiosity, his gaze locked on Angelina.
She inquired, "What did he say to you?"
"He was silent the whole time, and the other man talked a lot."
Angelina's voice cut through the air with a gravity that demanded attention. "Jaegar, this Norimar isn't a normal being that we can take lightly. He is associated with a group called Bande de Serpente."
The room seemed to still as her words hung in the air, laden with an unspoken weight.
Jaegar's brow furrowed, and his curiosity piqued. He focused on Angelina, waiting for more details, the name "Bande de Serpente" echoing with an ominous ring.
The air hung heavy with unspoken mysteries as Jacqueline, the usually composed woman, couldn't hide her surprise. "What does that mob of criminals want my brother for?"
Angelina's head shook, a subtle gesture revealing her lack of answers.
Jaegar, sensing the gravity of the situation, broke the building tension with a direct question. "Now you are making an awful lot of expressions, can you tell me so I can know too?"
Jacqueline swiftly placed her hand on Jaegar's shoulder, a protective gesture laden with familial concern. "Jaegar, this is a matter that shouldn't be taken lightly. That group is nothing but a band of criminals from all over the world. It is said to be the most vicious and dangerous mob. And if they have set their eyes on you, then we need to do something about it."
Jacqueline's description of the Bande de Serpente brought an air of trepidation into the room. The name itself held an ancient, sinister resonance, known by only a select few who held the secrets of the upper echelons.
"The mob Jacqueline called it was actually the most feared group of criminals all together," Angelina added, her eyes conveying a mix of concern and caution.
The Bande de Serpente had announced its presence to the world centuries ago, and its malevolent influence continued to persist.
Legends and rumours surrounded the group like an impenetrable fog, each tale more mysterious than the last. Some spoke of a mere dozen members, shadowy figures orchestrating destruction, while others claimed the organization boasted thousands in its malevolent ranks.
The truth remained elusive, known only to a select few within the upper echelons of society—nobles, powerful beings, and those with the means to keep such secrets.
What was undeniable, however, was the Bande de Serpente's reputation for wreaking havoc wherever they tread.
Whispers suggested the group was a melting pot of diverse races, even including the enigmatic elves.
Once they set their sights on a target, the group was relentless, pursuing their objectives with a ruthless determination that sent shivers down the spines of those who knew of their existence.
As the weight of Jacqueline's revelation settled in, Jaegar's expression shifted from curiosity to a more serious contemplation.
Angelina, recognizing the urgency of the matter, found herself at a loss for answers. Sensing the atmosphere growing heavier, Jaegar sought understanding.
"Now you are making an awful lot of expressions, can you tell me so I can know too?"
Jacqueline, now assuming the role of a protective elder sister, responded with caution, "Jaegar, this is a matter that shouldn't be taken lightly. That group is nothing but a band of criminals from all over the world. It is said to be the most vicious and dangerous mob. And if they have set their eyes on you, then we need to do something about it."
In the hushed aftermath of Jacqueline's revelation about the dangerous Bande de Serpente, a pensive silence enveloped the room.
Angelina's mind, a labyrinth of concerns, grappled with the mysterious connection between Jaegar, Norimar, and the notorious criminal syndicate. The enigmatic motive behind their interest in Jaegar remained shrouded in uncertainty.
Breaking the contemplative silence, Angelina spoke with a motherly concern, her words carrying the weight of a protective shield. "Jaegar, I think you need to stay here, so I can protect you. Lately, you've been entangled in too many unwanted situations, and I can't help but worry. Vivianne always comes to me whenever something happens to you."
Jacqueline, echoing the sentiments of Angelina, nodded in agreement. "Yes, you should stop going to the academy."
The suggestion hung in the air, a proposition wrapped in the cocoon of safety. Angelina's eyes, a blend of love and apprehension, implored Jaegar to consider the gravity of the situation. The Bande de Serpente was not an adversary to be taken lightly, and the protective walls of family seemed to offer the safest refuge.
In that moment, Jaegar's connection with Angelina and Jacqueline transcended words. As he held Angelina's hand, the warmth of familial love enveloped him, and he spoke with a conviction that resonated in the air like an unwavering vow.
"You don't need to worry about me," Jaegar reassured them, his voice a soothing melody. "I can't always hide behind you, can I? I may be weak today, but I will grow stronger, and I will take care of myself. You don't have to worry too much about me. I will stay alive, no matter what."
His words, laden with determination, had a calming effect on the two women. Their gazes met Jaegar's, and they nodded in understanding.
Angelina, though reassured by Jaegar's resilience, couldn't shake off the maternal concern that lingered in her eyes. "You have to be really careful, do you understand, dear?"
Jaegar squeezed her hand affectionately, affirming his commitment. "Yes, of course."
Jacqueline, a silent observer in the background, added her own cautionary notes, patting his back gently. Despite the familial resemblance of their father, which she saw, she knew Jaegar carried a uniqueness that set him apart from their father, a quality she couldn't quite place.
The weight of their collective worry hung in the room, a testament to the depth of their love and the uncertainties that lay ahead.
Jaegar absorbed this revelation, the implications unfolding in his mind like the intricate layers of the magical maze.
After the intense discussion, the topic diverted to Jaegar's trials and what he had done in them. They talked for quite a while, and eventually, Jacqueline broke the silence, acknowledging the need for her departure.
"I need to leave," she declared, her tone indicating a sense of urgency. The room's atmosphere shifted as she prepared to take her leave, leaving behind a lingering tension that mirrored the uncertainty surrounding Jaegar's future.
As Jacqueline prepared to leave, she approached Jaegar with a sense of purpose. In her hands, she held a ring, its center adorned with a unique and ethereal stone that emitted a gentle glow.
This wasn't just an ordinary piece of jewelry; it was a means of communication, a way for Jaegar to reach out to her whenever needed.
She handed him the ring, explaining its significance. "This ring will allow us to stay connected. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot or need assistance, don't hesitate to use it," she advised, her eyes reflecting both concern and determination.
Jaegar, appreciative of the gesture, thanked her sincerely as he accepted the ring.
After Jacqueline's departure, he found himself alone in the hall, still seated on the sofa, surrounded by an air of contemplation.
Hearing more about those two and who they were affiliated with made him think about his encounter with them.
The weight of recent events pressed upon him, and he couldn't help but mull over the cryptic words spoken by those mysterious individuals in the maze.
Jaegar, deep in thought about the recent events, contemplated the mysterious motives of those who had confronted him in the maze. The notion that they might be interested in his power, particularly the primal chaos within him, lingered in his mind.
Determination sparked within him as he muttered to himself, "I need to get stronger, stronger than anybody." It was the only solution to all the things, he needed to be an absolute, and then only he could achieve his goals.
Feeling that he had fried his brain too much already, Jaegar rose from his seat, surveying the quiet house. He looked around the hall and in the kitchen too; Angelina wasn't present there.
Calling out for Angelina, he received no response. He began checking the various rooms, eventually making his way upstairs. He approached Angelina's bedroom door, finding it open.
He walked towards the door to see inside, and then Angelina unexpectedly emerged from the bath, her figure barely concealed by a towel. Jaegar's heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of Angelina's alluring silhouette. Even though she was in her middle ages, she wasn't the least bit old, her skin was flawless, and her enchanting face radiated a timeless beauty.
Jaegar couldn't help but feel captivated by her presence, his eyes lingering on her graceful movements. It was as if time had stood still in that moment, and he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her.
Caught off guard, Jaegar froze in place, his cheeks flushing red. Averting his gaze, he hastily turned away, stammering an apology. The unexpected encounter left him flustered, and he waited for her response, his mind racing with embarrassment.