Chapter 765

Chapter 765: Safe and Controllable

Deep into the night, Matthias Shaw sat in a corner of a spacious room on SI:7’s second floor, fingers drumming nervously on the table. Jesse Seso watched silently beside him. After a long pause, Matthias spoke: "Though many suspect SI:7 dabbles in Black Magic, Jesse Seso, I’ve no desire to turn this place into a shadowy hive."

"I know what you mean—Felhounds, right? SI:7’s faced those monsters before. During the Lakeshire warlock hideout raid, one agent was devoured alive by such a beast. Now you expect me to work with them?"

"As court mage, I guarantee," Jesse said, "a Felhound won’t go berserk unless its master dies. Provided you cooperate with my chosen associates."

Matthias frowned. "They’d work with us? Warlocks? I understand your motives, Master Seso. Settling your parents in Stormwind, protecting loved ones—I’ve known others drawn to Black Magic for similar reasons. You’re no exception. But most warlocks bring ruin upon themselves and others. Most."

"My friends seek to use Black Magic lawfully," Jesse countered. "I aim to secure their exemption—to experiment harmlessly within Stormwind under SI:7’s oversight, or help you hunt Black Dragons. Isn’t that motive enough?"

"Perhaps." Matthias rubbed his temples. "But I must consult my grandmother."

"Lady Pasionia Shaw values your judgment now," Jesse observed.

Matthias shot him a how-did-you-know look.

"She opposed you taking me to the prisoners," Jesse explained, "yet yielded when you insisted. So I reckon you’re the heir she named before the King—hence her pushing decisions onto you."

"She told the King about an heir?" Matthias stiffened as Jesse nodded.

"Regardless who decides, I need to see these demon hounds first. Verify they’re ‘safe and controllable.’" His voice dripped sarcasm on the last phrase.

"I can show you now."

"Here? Tonight?"

"Right here."

"Doesn’t summoning require rituals?"

"Just open space."

"Follow me."

Matthias led Jesse to the tree-shaded backyard against Stormwind’s towering walls. Moonlight silvered the branches where visible, the scene deceptively peaceful—until Void energy tore through it.

Jesse tossed a Soul Shard onto the flagstones. The SI:7 agent eyed it like a live grenade.

As Jesse chanted, a rift ripped through the Twisting Nether. Matthias hugged himself, breath catching while staring at the tear.

When the Felhound tumbled out and scrambled upright, Jesse sensed Matthias nearly drawing steel against the Void-spawn.

This specimen matched Jesse’s previous smaller summon—likely Kallez’s contract prevented further size reduction.

The beast crouched, tentacles quivering toward its summoner. Before it reacted, Jesse completed the naming ritual.

"Meet Dazhalm IV." Jesse gestured toward the tense man.

"How obedient?" Matthias muttered.

Jesse commanded in Demonic: "Sit."

Dazhalm IV dropped instantly. Its oversized head lolled awkwardly, giving it a dimwitted look, but it obeyed.

The agent stayed silent. "Now let it examine the warlocks," Jesse suggested. "See if it detects the Wyrmkin’s magic signature."

Back in the cells, Jesse ordered the Felhound to probe prisoners with its feelers. When nearing the Wyrmkin, the dragon-man’s enraged roar shook the guards—yet the hound kept sniffing, unfazed.

Soon Dazhalm IV trotted to Jesse, who asked in Demonic: "Memorized the Wyrmkin’s traits?"

The Felhound responded with pleased grunts, but complications remained. Though skilled at concealment, the Wyrmkin’s current form offered detectable traits—yet couldn’t confirm if the hound could identify disguised dragonkin among humans.

"Got other Wyrmkin suspects?" Jesse asked.

"Batches in Goldshire and Lakeshire." Matthias understood. "I’ll have them transferred to Stormwind. We’ll see what this demon can do."

"Good. Meanwhile, can the hound stay here? Cage it magically—I can’t parade it through Stormwind, even at night. Too conspicuous."

"Agreed." Matthias told a guard: "Find this demon space."

As the guard nodded, Jesse ordered in Demonic: "Stay. No escaping. No attacking."

The Felhound rasped acknowledgment. Matthias eyed it. "Demonic, right? Commanding such terrors must feel powerful. If ordered to die… would it comply?"

"Guess why it’s Dazhalm IV," Jesse replied.

"Three died for you already?"

"I only recall three."

Matthias gave a knowing nod. "I’ll consider further cooperation. Though this feels like bargaining with demons."

"With the demon’s master," Jesse corrected.