Everyone was ready to move on. Except for Samukai, he was trying to do something about this wildfire which spread much faster than he imagined. Yet with no water it was no use.
- Leave that be- Phantom said.
- No, you know how much damage it can cause?
- Yes, that's why we are leaving this
Samurai didn't know what else he could get as an answer. Of course this demon would like to cause damage. Now not talking about anything, he followed the rest of the team.
Soon they were pretty far from the temple. They only hoped that future battles would not be so hard. Without that trap they would be screwed.
Also that turning them into soldiers. When will it start?
Demon on the other hand knew that he had to train them, but now he was thinking about this pharaoh. Could this really be just exhaustion? No one else saw him,so...
Believe me I am real, and you better fulfill your part of the contract
What!? Where did this voice come from? Just how? Maybe if he will ignore it, it will go away
No, I am not going away. You will not get rid of me so easily
Oh, he needs to remember to not talk to some weird pharaohs. Maybe lord Beelzebub will know what to do. But that's for later, now they have a mission.
- I think that I might train you now, but we need to find something for practice
- Something? Like what, a tree?
- I'm thinking more about a living target
- Don't tell me...
- Yes, humans
- Em, do we even know if we go the right way?
That was actually a problem. First, those crystals were weird and they can't be used all the time. This one found the fire, but could he find the rest? Second, they only knew that they were in the Vatican or somewhere close to it. If they would wander into the capital they would have probably got destroyed by some angels of higher rank.
- I'll check the map- warrior took out the map and started studying it
All three main lands were shown. The Holy Land of Vatican started on the lands of the Roma and went all high to the north. It also had the lands of Europe, old land that was home for many cultures. Samukai heard that people from his village called some of them Slavs. Yet the Vatican was no big kingdom. It was composed of many smaller kingdoms, like Great Cracow or Otto, empires like Roma and a really small town-country called Vatican. They were the second biggest land.
The biggest one was the Kohryu Empire. But it was the same as the Vatican. Made of smaller fractions. It had the land of Asia. North called Genbu, the south called Suzaku, the east called Seiryu and the west called Byakko. The capital city in the middle was called Smaller Kohryu.
Even though the Vatican and Kohryu were neighbors, they were ready to start a war with one another at each second. The reason for this war would probably be beliefs and their differences. The Vatican was monotheism kingdom, yet they were rather peaceful. Or so they said that about themselves. Kohryu on the other hand was polytheism. And they were a little more aggressive and had not tried to hide it at all.
He guessed that Phantom could start a war. He seemed to be the type of a person to set the world on fire without any reason.
The third and last was south-west land called Arabia. They were the most peaceful of all three. This land was mostly a trading point. They had many mines filled with gold and many other useful and wanted minerals and gems.
That giant island on the west was mostly inhabited by savages. Even though it was not so far away, no one really had reason to go there.
It was also said that there was a giant island made of ice on the far south, but no one has ever seen it, so it was still a legend.
- So if we go north we will go to Otto. Or I think so. If we will be in another village we need to ask for the way- warrior said pointing at the map.
- Any way we go we will finally find a town or a village, but the north sounds promising. After all this is a Vatican- demon started leading a way.
Their path was rather peaceful. Even though in forests lived many monsters and animals, all of them didn't dare to go close to the demon. A bear they met on the way quickly retreated leaving his prey on the ground.
- Heh, having you is actually good, you are a great repel from animals
- And another target ran away. So you will really need to train on the humans
- And you're still about this?
-Yes, I said that I will make soldiers out of you and I will. No matter how long it will take. Better question is, when will you make me stronger? My patience is limited you know
- Don't worry. Any chance I will have, I will do my part, fine?
- Yes
Team then continued to walk in silence. It seemed as if this forest would have never ended, but then Samukai spotted a tower rising above the trees.
From its look it could have been a border guards tower. This will only be confirmed when he will have a chance to take a closer look.
- I have a plan, but you all need to stay calm, especially you Phantom
- Why?
- You see that tower?- demon then nodded- this might be a border, so if we go there peacefully there shouldn't be any problems
- Wait, if there is a border, there should be guards, right?
- Yes, and why do you ask about this?
- Well, time to see if you are capable of becoming a soldier
Warrior could only mentally slap himself. It was clear that this demon will not give up on this idea. He won't change his mind... samurai then got one idea.
- I'm going to cast my shadow arts on you
- Oh not this shit again
- Don't worry, I will teach you about stealth, which can cause much bigger havoc than normally
- Bigger havoc you say...fine, do what you must
So Phantom can be manipulated with the promise of power and causing havoc. This knowledge might come in handy later.
- But first things first, teach something you know
- Fine, we will start with something not to hard, but I need to see your weapon
Demon then summoned his scythe and handed it over to the warrior. Samukai thought that the scythe, while not being the best weapon, could be used for slashes. That was until he saw the blade of it. He has never, ever seen a weapon with a blade as dull as this. He wondered if it would be possible to still slash with it or just turn it into some mace.
- I am not gonna comment about this blade, but it might make things harder- he returned the weapon to its owner.
- At first try normal slash- Samukai then took out his katana. Blueish energy was dancing around it. After a few seconds, a blue aura was around the blade. When Samukai took a swing, the blade released a weak hit wave of blue.
- Now your turn
Phantom tried doing the same. While the aura showed, during the swing it disappeared. He tried again and again but the effect was the same. His frustration was growing bigger with every swing.
- Eh, martial arts are the same as spells. You need to concentrate for it to work. Do you want a formula for this?
- I don't need this!- he then took another swing. While it wasn't perfect, the aura stayed longer.
The fifth and the last swing was the successful one.
- See?!See! I did this!- the demon now acted like an excited child.
-Great, now maybe we should go for the bashing skill- this blade was surrounded by red aura. Warrior took a vertical swing and a red hit wave was sent.
Demon tried the same. At first it dispelled. But the second time, a hit wave also came out.
- It looks like your scythe is better as a bashing weapon. Sadly I don't have as many of those skills as I have of slashes
Demon was too busy being proud of himself to even pretend to be listening to the samurai. He already dreamed about what he will do when he will master the martial arts and will combine them with spells. He might've become unstoppable.
- Noktum, can you come here for a moment?- Samukai called.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Magician did as he was ordered. He was curious about what samurai wanted from him.
- I've taught you something new, so you should teach him now
- Oh well, let's see what can I do
- So what spell am I going to practice?
- Abbadon
- Isn't it an eight tier spell?
- Yes, so what?
- I've only learned until fifth tier
- The sooner you will know the stronger spells the better
- Fine...?
Demon summoned abbadon. Red pentagram started spinning and gathering energy. Soon it released a red beam.
Magician tried the same. While he summoned the red pentagram and it was gathering energy, something wasn't right. It wasn't spinning. It glowed bright red and then exploded with all energy gathered. When the dust fell down, the warrior ran to the magician.
- Everything's fine?
- Yes, just some dust got in my eye
Demon took a long sigh. Teaching those two might be harder than he expected.
While the team was fooling around, the survivors of the black comet were getting closer to the village of St. Peter. Only ones who kept their lives were human troops. All of them equally panicked. But it was expected. This demon was not like the rest that were on this world. It came from another world. The Pope needed to hear about this as soon as possible.
Right now, they have been resting in this peaceful village. Captain Victor had now his wounds being checked. While they weren't all that worrying, some of his men were rather hurt badly. He thanked God that the demon summoned this beast of a spell later.
- Where is Father Simon?- he asked.
- He should be in church now. I can ask him to come here if it is needed- replied one of the medics.
- No, I will go out by myself. And you better take care of my men- Victor ordered.
The village was mostly composed of stone buildings. That was understandable, because nearly every village in Otto was made of stone. Good side of it was that those villages were much more durable. Yet it wasn't a big village. It was rather medium sized. In the heart of it was the church of Saint Mary Mother of God. It also had training halls for soldiers.
Victor now headed to the church. People on the way were asking what happened. Captain didn't want to raise a panic, and every time replied that some weak demons ambushed them, but the threat was already dealt with and thus there was no reason to panic.
People seemed to believe him. Some more, some less. He wanted to believe in this too, but he had known that this was something bigger than a normal threat. They might even need the warriors from the Vatican to deal with this demon.
Thinking about what to say to the priest, he came to the church. From the outside it was made of stone with a wooden roof. Old doors made of oak guarded its inside.
They've always opened with this unpleasant sound. That didn't change for fifteen years or so.
Inside the church was the same as any other church. Benches made of wood, altar in the far part. Over the altar was a cross with Lord and Savior on it. Yet father Simon was nowhere to be seen.
- Father Simon, there is something you need to hear!- Victor called.
Doors on the far left opened. From the backroom came an aged man. He was wearing priest robes, his hairs were black with some gray. Slight beard was on his face with wrinkles. His brown eyes showed a little worry.
- Victor, what are you doing there? Shouldn't you be resting right now?
- Don't worry about me father, my wounds are not so tragic
- You always say that... so what do you want?
- I will tell you in the backroom. I don't want this information to spread among civilians
- Is it that bad?
-Yes father, believe me
Priest and captain walked to the small room. Backroom was filled with many books. It also had a small table with two chairs.
- So what is this information? I've heard from people that you were attacked by demons? Is that right?
- It seems like rumors here spread faster than I remember
- A rumor was it?
- Yes, but the part about the demons, or should I say the demon, is true
- How could a single demon cause so many casualties?
- Father please swear that you will not take this as a lie
- Fine I swear, but why?
Victor came closer to the priest.
- This demon probably came from Hell
Simon's face suddenly paled.
- From Hell? Are you sure? Those demons haven't appeared for good three or four centuries. Victor, are you certain that it was from Hell?
- It itself said so. Of course it could be lying, but its strength wasn't. I saw how it obliterated Baszta with only one spell!
- But it can't be. Only way for demons from Hell to be in this world is to be summoned. Did you see someone who could be a summoner?
- I don't think so... wait! There was a samurai
- A samurai? Could it be that Kohryu started this? Such terrible act would have been expected from them
- Maybe, but I don't think that they would have been stupid enough to summon a demon
- So what are your plans?
- We should definitely inform the Vatican about this. I hope they will respond quickly. As for now please ask guardian of this village to keep an eye for surrounding for a while
- Yes, he should help us
- I will be going now, I need to see my men- captain said as he came out.
Father Simon also went out, but in a different direction. Priest headed to the small lake that was the water supply for the village. This lake was also a great place for rest under the shadows of the trees. It was on the east side of the village.
If he wanted to find the guardian, he would surely be there.
His instinct hasn't failed him. Near the lake was a tall and pretty bulky angel that looked like an armor made of gold with dark blue parts attached to it. His face was like a great helmet without the front, with three claw-like spikes. One on the left, on the right and last one in the middle. His gauntlets and boots seemed to have two layers of golden plates. Torso itself was made of three plates. On his back were wings, but not typically made of feathers. His wings were made of sharp golden chippings. On his right hip was a great sword with a platinum blade. Its golden handle was decorated with an emerald.
At first glance he would have seemed to be the type that would have still been in the wild, hunting and killing demons. Yet Alcadeias was really gentle and stayed in the villages to help them and their villagers.
As for now he was taking care of kids, telling them many stories.
- And the dragon was killed?- asked the young boy with a gleam in his eyes.
- Yes, the mighty warrior slayed the dragon and saved the kingdom
All of the kids cheered about hearing the happy ending. Angel wanted to tell another story, but then he saw a priest coming his way.
- Oh well, excuse me- he said with a gentle voice.
- Alcadeias there is something that I want to talk about
- Of course father Simon, I am all ears
- Can we do it a little further?- Simon asked, pointing the finger at the children.
They went a little further from the lake. While the angel didn't know what he was going to hear, the worry painted on the father's face was telling him that those aren't going to be good news.
- Alcadeias there seem to be a problem with demon
- That's all father? Why do you tell me this? I think that a mere angel from the legion will be able to kill it. I mean, they are equal
- And that's the problem. This is not an earth demon
Alcadeias then froze. That complicated things much, much more.
- The legion that was given to Victor was destroyed with a single spell! And that's why we need the help from the Vatican and Heaven
- I understand. What is my order?
- Could you please watch this area? While I do not expect this demon to come here, I want for people in this village to be safe
- Then I shall do my duty
- Thank you so much. It's great having you around
In the meantime the demon and his team were getting closer to the border. Phantom decided that Noktum is not ready for spells of eight tier, and should for now stick to fifth and start sixth.
They all saw the guard tower. Giant building was able to hold many guards. That's why Samukai wanted to play it safe.
- I have a plan- he said- I'm going to see how the situation is out there and if there will be a problem, you all join. Did you all get that?
Everyone nodded.
The warrior now went to the border. When he was near the tower, a voice called to him.
- Hey you! Stop right there!- from the tower went off a guard armored in plate armor.
- What's wrong?- samurai asked.
- Just a standard procedure to check on everyone coming in and out
- Well there's nothing I have to hide
- Are you sure samurai? From what I know, you all can be plotting something against the Vatican
- If that was the case, then I wouldn't be going by a border passage. Just let me go, I'm clear!
- What's the noise out there- another voice joined. This one sounded older.
- Nothing captain, I'm just checking on this samurai
- A samurai?- owner of this voice joined the two.
- Can I just go?
- I'm sorry but we can't let anyone go to Otto. Or at least for now
- And that's why?
- Let's just say that we have a problem with savages. So for now just retreat to Kohryu
- Captain, are we going to check him or wha- this guard was hit by a fireball right in the chest before he could end his sentence.
- We are under attack!- the captain's voice rang.
Samukai could only mentally slap himself, while he was getting ready to battle.
- Noktum next time aim for the head. And use stronger spells- Phantom said.
- But those low tier spells are also effective
Ten armored guards came out to face the invaders. Two of them stayed close to the warrior and the rest went checking for the spellcasters. Samukai really didn't want to kill them, but if he will not do this, then Phantom will. And he is going to do this quickly with no collateral damage.
Samurai took his third katana. He then proceeded to stab one of the guards in the chest.
- Hey what are you doing?!- the second guard ended the same. Blood was pouring down from the wounds, staining the ground.
He was displeased with himself. He could only hope that this feeling would go away.
Oh, who was he kidding. It will never go away.
The rest of the guards were handled by the Noktum. Magician summoned a giant pillar made of fire and scorched two of the men.
Another one was taken out by a thunder ball.
Phantom took down three with a Hydra’s chain of flame.
Fenfir pretty much mauled the remaining two.
- Well I am kinda proud of you. Noktum, while your spells are weak, I see the potential to actually become a somehow strong magician. Fenfir handled those two pretty well. And Samukai... Samukai come here for a moment!
Warrior came closer to the demon.
- Is it only me or are you ashamed of killing those two?
- Kinda, I mean, they didn't do anything bad. Just their work
- I would've told you something, but I think that I will leave that for later. One thing I can say is that you must start taking even a little bit of pleasure from it. Otherwise it will not end well for you
Samukai stayed silent.
- On the other hand. I think that we should somehow name my, or our team
A name, but what would be good? Maybe this pharaoh would have told him. And there was still a problem with him. What he had on minds when he said to spread chaos. Wait, chaos, chaos... Demon had a spark of genius.
- Chaos!
- What?- everyone asked.
- A name for our team! Chaos!
- Its stupid. What does it even mean?
- Unless you have better ideas, we are staying with Chaos
- Fine, let it be Chaos
- See? You can't say that I am not a genius
If Samukai could, he would've rolled eyes.
- So what is the closest kingdom?
- It's Otto just right pass this tower
- So Chaos- every member of the team felt that they will have a long way to get comfortable with this name- let's storm the Otto- demon said this with a sick grin on his face.