34 Advance Payment 5yr

Translator: AtlasStudiosEditor: AtlasStudios

In an underground basement without any windows, the burly Alger Wilson sat by a long table with various apparatuses and goatskin parchments on it.
In front of him was a half-consumed candle. The dim, yellowish flame's flickering made the shadows of the objects and table move like a mirage.
Alger's hair was disheveled like seaweed with a deep blue color that resembled black. He wore a robe with lightning patterns embroidered on it. He clasped his hands with his thumbs facing each other while he focused on a bottle of black liquid to the left of the candle.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Splash! Splash! Splash!
The sound of tempestuous winds or the crashing of the sea waves howled from inside the sealed bottle. And in spots where the black ink did not sink, a faint fog would swirl. It was as though it grew eyes and a mouth.
Alger cocked his head to glance at the clock hanging on the wall and watched the needle strike three.
He pressed down on his temple as his eyes turned dark. Fascinating colors surfaced from the various items on the table.
At that moment, he discovered a deep-red light appear like a tidal wave from nowhere, drowning him instantly!
…
Backlund, Empress Borough,