The Preying City

'She's like a completely different person right now.

No!

She is a completely different person.

Is it possession? Forget it. That's not the important thing. What I need to figure out is how she found out about me and Elias as well as this place. I still can't think of any clues that could have revealed my identity.'

The way Miss Mystique was acting was completely unlike her usual self. She was far too calm. Vincent wanted to confirm whether it was a case of possession or switched personality but the situation wouldn't allow for it. He had to deal with the owner for the man had already noticed the young man and woman not affected by his abilities.

Vincent wasn't equipped with any weapons. He wanted to check Elias's body for one but didn't. He was unsure whether the party possessing Miss Mystique knew of his grade. Either way, the situation had been set up so that he would be forced to reveal the cards up his sleeve.

Ridding his head of all unnecessary thoughts, he navigated through the chaotic crowd and moved to the VIP booth. The owner likewise exited the booth and waited for him in an empty spot.

Soon, the two were standing face to face. "What can I do for you?"

Vincent smiled to the owner's question and replied back. "Why don't you tell me about your Seventh Gate?"

The slight smile that had never left the owner's face disappeared at once. His brows furrowed and a serious look came over his face. "You shouldn't know that name. Where did you hear it from?"

"You need to but answer."

"I am afraid I can't do that. Looks like the only option for us is to resort to violence. What an unsightly situation we have found ourselves in." The owner took off his hat and placed it gently on a chair. He combed his hair back with his hands and looked straight at the young man. His blue eyes glowed red for a split second and a wave of energy seeped into Vincent's body.

Vincent's body started trembling uncontrollably. One wave of fear after another hit him and he fell to his knees unable to put up any resistance.

"What a disappointment. I thought you would have come prepared since you knew the name of our organization. But, it looks like you can't even shrug off the effects of a simple fear. Not that I mind it. Now let's hear where you learnt of the name." The owner walked closer and stopped right beside Vincent. "It's scary isn't it? I know the feeling. Don't worry, you tell me how you learnt of the name and I will stop the fear."

Missionaries of d.e.s.i.r.e were capable of freely manipulating a person's emotions. Fear was their most powerful weapon. Unless they were facing opponents with no life in them, few could overcome the fear they could afflict.

He had used this method dozens of times and he had yet to fail. Once under the effect of their fear, even the most courageous of men would be unable to stand their ground and keep their mouth shut. The young man in front of him was doing considerably well, at least he hadn't wet his pants.

Slight sounds came out of the genuflecting man but he was unable to make any meaning out of it.

'Tch... looks like he's too scared to even speak coherently.'

The owner reduced the intensity of fear by a little bit and crouched down. Bringing his ear closer to the young man's mouth, he asked once again. "Where did you learn of the name?"

He was sure he would receive an answer this time. The person in front of him was completely defenseless. A smile crept up his face when he thought about the reward he would receive when reporting this matter. Almost no one knew of the name 'Seventh gate'. If someone did, they were taken care of swiftly. The reward for cleaning up was also hefty and he couldn't help but feel lucky for running into this easy prey here.

The girl who was drinking nonchalantly was also a supernatural but he didn't need to worry about her. She was a grade one and he could clearly sense it. While the man in front of him was a grade two, it looked like he was very foolish. Approaching him without any weapon or preparation would be the last mistake he ever made.

The young man could finally make out syllables clearly. An answer would be coming soon. The smile on the owner's face grew wider but it was immediately forced away by the scream that escaped him.

He moved away and covered his left ear with his hand. A stinging sensation came from the point where he touched his ear. Bringing his palm in front of his face, he found it covered in red blood.

Shocked, he looked at the young man who was trembling helplessly just until a moment ago. What he saw wasn't a defenseless man but a cold pair of eyes staring back at him. Furthermore, the madman was actually chewing on his ear. He watched in horror as the young man swallowed it.

He was stricken with fear but he acted quickly. As a missionary of d.e.s.i.r.e he could also control his own emotions. He got rid of his fear using his ability and tried to influence the young man who was slowly getting up.

Nothing!

The young man got up without any difficulties. Fl.u.s.tered, the owner used his powers again. Still nothing. He used his powers again and again as he backed off. He had used his ability over a dozen times without anything to show in return. The young man closed the distance slowly and stopped right before him.

"How are you alright? I don't sense any artifact with you either. Why isn't my fear working on you?" The owner asked with a resigned look on his face. He had gotten too c.o.c.ky after seeing the man down on the ground that he didn't even fetch any weapon. He couldn't believe that he had made such a rookie mistake and cursed himself inwardly. Now the only option for him was to understand why his powers weren't working and work his way around it.

"Live six years in fear and your little tricks starts feeling like child's play." Vincent cornered his opponent against the wall and glanced back at Miss Mystique. She was still going through one glass of alcohol after another as she enjoyed the spectacle of dozens of men fighting like rabid dogs.

Having failed to discern the hidden party's true motive once again, he redirected his gaze back to the owner. A devilish smile unknowingly crept up his face and his eyes shone bright. Together, they made him look insane. "Now then, let's have you answer my questions."