OLD-WORLD EXTRA

Chapter 304: Notes Of Adam

Chapter 304: Notes Of Adam

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Aether returned to his body as those 'chains' snapped, and he straightened his back, standing up fully.

'It's a fate I can't escape, huh.'

The new pawn, Emir, nodded and sat on the throne that belonged to him.

A throne below a floating pawn.

A throne directly opposite a Paragon.

"Thank you for both this invitation and saving my life."

"You'd best believe it! If it weren't for him, you'd be naught but splattered mush on the walls of our meeting room."

Ms. Knight loudly commented, showcasing her snarky personality, yet Mr. Board rebuked her: "Fear not, Mr. Pawn. I commend your sincerity, a virtue seldom seen, especially not when compared to those who have come before you. Your ability activating within Mr. Player's Celestial Realm attests to your strength. However, be mindful, the realm is yet incomplete. Let not arrogance cloud your judgment."

A long sigh interrupted the flow of conversation as Mr. Rook lifted his head from the table. "Maaaaaaaaan... Pawns are always so talented, why don't they share some of that with me?" Ms. Queen chuckled.

"Don't feel bad, you're plenty talented yourself... And those types don't live long."

She paused for a moment, then turned her head towards Emir.

"Please, will you live longer than the rest?"

Emir smiled at her words while shaking his head.

'Live longer, huh... How ironic is it that I'm 'written...' created to die?'

He then looked back at her and said:

"I'll try my best."

"Aye, that ye will! I'm tired of-"

Before Ms. Knight could continue her seemingly usual and endless chatter, low-sounding jazz began to play in the background.

It was composed of just a saxophone, but that enough was beautiful to listen to.

"You've been introduced to the rest so now it's time we move on with the meeting... Know beforehand that I am a Player who enjoys a balanced game, exchange any and all with either me or the rest but keep the scale in tune."

These words held multiple meanings.

Firstly, they signaled the conclusion of greetings, officially beginning the meeting and heralding the commencement of the next phase-an exchange between members, characterized by fairness, devoid of any cheating, a perpetual harmony, always in tune.

This exchange even encompassed Mr. Player himself, indicating to Emir the likelihood of the item exchanged being the Script Of Creation, as the Primordial in his dream had alluded to this very exchange.

"Provide the Notes of Adam that you've found."

The atmosphere of those in the room shifted as everyone adopted a business-like demeanor.

Despite feeling confused, Emir mirrored the rest, refusing to show any signs of weakness, but amidst the façade, his mind offered a question:

'Notes of what now?'

One that a whispering Knight answered:

"They go by many names, so mayhaps ye know them as the Script Of Creation?"

'Ah...'

It all clicked, and his assumption was confirmed to be true.

'Hopefully Mr. Player will accept Silent's script then.'

Emir nodded, thanking the past him for preparing for this beforehand.

"I do, but why call it that?"

She stroked her chin for a moment and then said:

"It's common knowledge, so I'll tell ye for free. Listen well..."

Ms. Knight took a few glances around while speaking, noticing the others staring in their direction.

"Adam, aye, 'He' was once a Primordial. 'E held all the Scripts o' Creation afore 'His' demise at 'Their' hands."

'A primordial can die? 'He' was killed by 'Them?...' Is it the Myths?'

'Wait... so since 'He' is dead, we can say his name without anything happening, right? Or is it just because of this place?'

'Scripts relating to creation? Does that mean there are other scripts? Its literal opposite, maybe?'

'Does Eve exist as well? I've heard ancient religions mention both of them and some poison apple or something.'

His mind instantly came up with many questions as he heard her answer, but he couldn't voice them out. It wasn't the time, and if her grin was any indication, answers wouldn't come free. 'Guess I'll be going broke again, but hopefully they'll give a few freebies.'

With a scoff, Emir returned his attention to the table, watching as Mr. Board raised his hand.

"I'll go first."

He stated and presented a scroll on the table.

Paa~

A saxophone blew, and the scroll floated to Mr. Player's 'fog-covered' hand.

"Hm... Good."

Mr. Board's typically monotone face transformed into a wide, genuine smile.

"That's truly heartening, Mr. Player... I earnestly pray it has brought you even a mere inch

closer to reaching the end of your path."

Emir raised his brow at that proclamation.

'Seems like he's a fanatic. Great.'

The room stayed silent for a short while as it appeared that only Mr. Board had obtained a Script since their last meeting.

After realizing that, Emir presented his own scroll, placing it on the table, surprising all but

Mr. Player.

Mr. King slammed his hand down on the table, his gaze scanning those around him.

"How? Did we have a leak?!"

"Shut up, you idiot; all that money is rotting your brain."

Ms. Queen rebuked him, her gaze settling on Emir as she added:

"Who told you about us, dear?"

Before he could reply, Mr. Player tapped the table, silencing them at once.

The swirling purple 'fog' surrounding him coalesced around his face as his gaze fixed upon

Emir, hiding his power, yet the intensity of his eyes still seemed to cut through the haze with

a piercing gleam.

"Do you mind if I share this?"

'...What?'

It took a while, but eventually, Emir comprehended the fact that this Paragon before him

asked for permission.

'I guess god-like beings have manners towards even the most insignificant.'

He sighed while nodding.

"Please, go ahead, Mr. Player."

The 'fog' shifted up and down as he looked at the other members.

"Lady Of Time gave him a visit."

Emir's eyes subtly widened as he put two and two together.

'I really am fucked.'

He already knew that 'She' was the one who 'vouched' for him, so that wasn't what he was surprised about. A part of him simply didn't believe that he was a man worthy of a

Primordial's visit.

But after seeing how respectful Mr. Player, a Paragon was, he had to believe it, fully this time

around.

"Ah... So it IS 'Her...' No wonder."

Mr. Board commented while pushing up his glasses.

"Of course 'She' would visit a pawn, talented kids man..."

Mr. Rook groaned as he leaned too far back in his throne, nearly toppling over.

The rest ignored depression incarnate as they voiced out their surprise:

"Ye're both hella lucky and unlucky to be in her sights, me friend."

Ms. Knight tapped Emir's shoulder as if to encourage him to fight on.

A sad giggle escaped Ms. Queen as she looked down at the table and whispered:

"Looks like he won't be staying for long."

Mr. Bishop was the only one who showed his skepticism.

"But ya Mr. player, doesn't this raise an eyebrow? 'She' has no ties to our alliance, and 'She's'

no partner of ours by any means; all 'She' did was lend a hand in freezing the sand of your

Realm fifteen moons past."

'Lady of Time... Fifteen years ago? When I was born? ...So 'She' really planned it all, huh.'

Emir confirmed one of his assumptions once again, understanding that this Lady Of Time orchestrated everything just so he could join this meeting. Even the very question he asked 'Her...' or at least 'She' made it so that no matter what he said, this result would be inevitable.

'Damn.'

He shuddered. He couldn't help it.

This... all of it was way above his pay grade, in a realm so far he couldn't even fathom.

Yet, true to form, his composure swiftly settled back, as it often did.

Just as that happened, Mr. Player snapped his fingers, causing the room's 'tune' to shift.

This man, who seemed to enjoy listening to jazz, jazz of his own making, used that as a weapon. The world, no, the Realm seemed to have barricaded itself even further, creating a

'fog' and sound that allowed no eyes to peer in from the outside.

For a time at least.

And he did all of that to contain his next words.