Demon was now in the great chamber of Beelzebub. Just like his tower it was filled to brim with various books. Only a little bit of space in the middle wasn't occupied by anything. Phantom always somehow admired this chamber, especially its treasures. As for now he was having a really good look at the floor made of black lead.

Beelzebub's foot was placed on the demon's head, pinching him down to the floor. Spellcaster squirmed trying to free himself, yet it was to no avail. Lord of flies increased his force and heard a few cracks. Most of them coming from the floor, some from the demon.

- Foolish boy- he started- I told you that relying only on spells will get you nowhere- the prince of Hell struck his staff near the demon.

Demon tried to hit him with a fireball, but Beelzebub simply reflected it.

- Even now you are being stubborn. You are prideful, I give you that. But I can't say anything about your combat capabilities- prince lifted Phantom and looked him dead in the eyes- You will either take my training seriously or you will die like a fool you are- then he dropped the purple snake.

Demon had his head down, not wanting to meet his master's glance. He felt something hard hit him. A black blood streamed down his head, dripping on the floor.

- You see? If you learned anything other than offensive spells you could dodge or block this hit. Listen, I wanted to do this peacefully, but it seems like you want to do it the hard way, right?

Phantom shakes his head.

- Hmph, there are some leftovers of intelligence in that head of yours- Beelzebub then walked away form the demon, opening chamber's doors- Get yourself ready, we start in five minutes- prince then walked out of the room.

Phantasm was sitting alone in the chamber as scenery around him started to change. In a place where once was a ceiling was now a cluster of colors. Same was happening to the walls. After a while, the demon was drifting in this colorful void. Then something started coming from the void. He couldn't recognize anything else from many eyes staring at him. They seemed to be duplicating, vanishing and moving, but never looked away from him. A weird feeling overwhelmed him, it was almost like drowning. But he felt a touch. He was sure that many invisible hands were grabbing him, trying to bring him down, to the depths of the void.

When Phantom looked at his hands, they became colorful like the void. Then a familiar feeling of warmth has covered him.

- Lilith?- his voice barely came out like a whisper. Opening his eyes, demon saw a tree made of stone before him. He also felt something soft under him.

- Look who is finally awake- Samukai's voice got his attention. Warrior knelt beside the demon.

- For how long was I out?- Phantom asked. He saw Noktum using a healing spell. That explained the warmth that he felt. Then the softness must've been Fenfir's fur.

- Around two hours. Also that was the first and last time I got you on Fenfir. You are heavier than I expected

Demon noticed something in Samukai's hands. Samurai held four rabbits. Which wouldn't have been weird, expect the fact that those rabbits had quite big antlers.

- What are those?- he pointed at the dead animals.

- Rabbits...I guess? We didn't have those in Seiryu- warrior then handed one of them to Phantom. Then tossed another one to shadow. Last two were given to wolf.

- You sure they are edible?- Noktum asked, taking a closer look at the rabbit.

- Well, if it looks like a rabbit, hops around like a rabbit, then it better taste like one

Most of the team enjoyed their dinner. Expect Phantom who didn't even touch his portion, seemingly troubled by something.

- Why?

- Why what? Rabbits? There wasn't anything better around and I didn't thought that you are a picky eater

- Why have you decided to help me?- Phantom's voice was full of utter confusion. He just couldn't get why they potentially risked their lives. What if the angel awakened when they were dragging him? Beside one of the major rules of combat was to leave the injured alone. Especially those with great regeneration, since they would manage themselves. That's what they have always been taught.

- You are our leader after all and a part of our team. So that's just natural. I would say that you too would do that, but I think that first you would beat the living shit out of that angel

This answer made the demon lower his head, looking at the ground. He almost seemed bashful. Low grunts escaped from his mouth, but those didn't have any aggression behind them.

- I still don't understand

- I'm gonna be honest with you, there isn't much to understand. It's a simple human decency- demon's head turned to face a warrior.

- Human huh...So was I wrong?

- If you mean that about strength and staying away from humanity, then I am not sure how to answer that

- Yes, but to think that philosophy that lead me through my entire life could've been wrong- small smirk appeared on Phantom's face- It's almost embarrassing

- I wouldn't say it was wrong, but it was flawed

- Then, do I need to be human to be a good leader?

- Not necessary, just learn to act like a leader. Then you can be like one. I guess

- How can I be a leader?

- Once again with that question- Samukai scratched the back of his helmet- Before I answer that one, let me ask you something. Why do you want to be a good leader? Is it because I told you can be better than humans or do you truly want to change for one reason or another? I will help you no matter what you answer, I just want to know with what, or should I say with who I can work with

- I am not sure myself. I truly do not know

- That complicates stuff just a little. But maybe, just maybe you will soon find your answer. As for now, I might teach you the basics. Like the first rule, respect your teammates.

- Oh come one, don't give me that. I want something more challenging

- Like being strong?- Noktum asked.

- Ha! Already done that- demon said with pride.

- Now that's more like you. Now boy get up- Samukai called to Fenfir. Wolf slowly stood up, stretching and yawning. Both warrior and shadow hopped onto the hound. Fenfir then marched forward.

- Say Noktum- Phantom started- When have you learned a healing spell?

- Well those two hours were more than enough

- He truly is a genius- Samukai complimented the young magician- For real though, I expected you to be more angry about that fight- warrior turned to the demon.

- I don't have many reasons to be angry. After all, it seems like I've found a worthy rival. Besides, it was a draw. And I technically won, because I knocked him out first

- As expected from our leader- shadow said- But just what was that spell. It felt as if it was even above tenth tier

- I would say it was Superior tier, but it's just impossible. There is no way that a mere angel would be able to utilize such power- Phantom tried to come up with a logical explanation for that. Even if that angel possessed the power of Chaos, then how could he control it in such a way. Pharaoh will answer him that and he is going to make sure of it.

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- Does that matter? He used a strong spell, so what?- both Noktum and Phantom rambled about how the Superior tier was pretty much reserved for royalty like Beelzebub or Lucifer and no one other than that would even have access to such magic. It continued for a good few minutes. Samukai could only shake his head- Mages- he muttered.

- Noktum!- Phantom suddenly said with spark of genius in his eyes- You saw that spell

- Yes, and what's with that?- it took him second to realize what his master wanted from him- With all due respect, I decline any request about trying to use that spell. I really like my body and don't want to have it blown into pieces

- And who said that it will blow up? It may turn to ash for all we know

- It isn't really a better option - shadow said, making himself more comfortable on the wolf.

-Say samurai, do you have anything for me to learn?- Phantom asked.

- Magic or tips?

- Magic

- If you don't burn, flood or destroy another town we might end up in, I will check some stores for potential books or scrolls with bashing martial arts. How does that sound to you?

- Sounds good to me- the demon then finally started to eat his rabbit. For a good few minutes Chaos marched on in silence. Stone forest was closing to an end and it soon was replaced by hills. At the horizon were gigantic mountains. From one of the taller hills Samukai spotted something that looked like a town with a village nearby. But both were at least a day away.

Say Pharaoh, mind telling me why that angel used that spell

I also wonder about that. I don't remember teaching him anything about Chaos. But then again, when you are as old as me, you tend to forget stuff

Like giving me any useful thing?

Now now, I didn't forget that part. Soon you too will utilize Chaos to your gains

I hope so

- So, what do you want to do with that angel? It's weird that you didn't go to finish him- warrior's voice broke his conversation with Pharaoh.

- And why would I? This is finally someone worthy of being my rival. I will teach him a lesson next time we met

- Rival huh? You have only met him. How do you know that you will see him ever again?

- It was the same for others

- Others? You've only mentioned that Eligor guy

- If we call person who wants you dead a rival, then he is one of many

- How many are we speaking of?

- At least five

- And how many might be here on earth?

- Definitely one, not sure for others- Phantom then looked at the sky and noticed something black moving really fast in the direction of the town- Has someone else seen that?

- Yeah- warrior answered- I wonder what that was

- Well, I hope that it will come back soon or stay in that town. Seems to be interesting

- Say Samurai- shadow went a little closer to the samurai- Is it me or is the master more talkative than before?

- Now that you've mentioned that, you sure do talk more about yourself than before- Samukai faced the demon.

- Really? Haven't noticed. Okay, maybe I do talk more

- You also are more open about yourself. Which reminded me, when will we hear another story from your past?

- When you will deserve that- demon said, raising his finger.

- So in short, when you feel like doing so, right?

- You couldn't be more on point

Meanwhile in Hell, silence in Lucifer's tower was interrupted by the sound of hooves hitting the ground. Knight wearing crimson armor and his mount in armor of the same color stood in front of great steel doors.

- Wait here Percival- he commanded his fellow. Knight opened the doors and entered the throne room.

- My Lord, I have come back- he kneeled. After a while of not getting any answer he decided to once again inform Lucifer about his arrival. When he still didn't get an answer, he went to the royal library. It was a great chamber with thousands of thousands of various books and scrolls. Inside it was made of brownish crystals making for the walls and ceiling and black lead for the floor.

Lucifer stood in the further part of the chamber, his back to the knight. In his hands was some kind of a book. Right next to him stood Beelzebub.

- Ah Eligor. It's great that you are back- Lucifer said, not turning to face the demon- You are just right in time

- My Lord, I have completed my mission. Ramiel has been vanquished for good

- Great, but you aren't done yet. For you see, we have a pest control- even thought Eligor couldn't see his lord's face, he was sure that Lucifer was smiling- Now come here

Eligor was shaking a little, but did as he was told. Beelzebub then handed him a scroll with various names. First he checked if his name wasn't anywhere on the list. For now, it wasn't.

- Your highness, I will make sure to punish all who dared to oppose you

- No- Lucifer raised his hand, signaling to Eligor to stop talking- You are not the one who will carry out this mission. You job is to handle it to Phantom

Eligor's grip on the scroll strengthened at hearing familiar name. He wanted to refuse. To say that he is perfect for that job. But the king's word is absolute.

- Of course my Lord- he then marched out of the room, going to Percival.

- Lucifer, do you think it is a good idea to give Phantasm another task?- Beelzebub asked after Eligor was long gone.

- Phantom is a big boy now, he will be able to handle simple task like that. But if he somehow fails, then he might forget about becoming a prince. And what have I said about questioning my ideas?

- Forgive me

- You truly are becoming softer with each day, I guess your age is catching up to you- after saying those words Lucifer returned to his chamber.

Eligor rode his mount to the giant teleport. No matter how many times he glanced at this, it always left him awe struck. To think such a great device was for all this time in Hell. Knight entered the stone circle and made his magic aura flow to them, activating the structure.

World around him started spinning and what once was a wasteland of Hell turned into scenery full of hills. It definitely was earth. Now he only needed to find Phantom, maybe bother him a little and return home. He felt some sort of aura coming from the north. It definitely belonged to a demon, but he was unable to tell who that was. The only way to check was to meet with said demon. After a while of galloping, Eligor noticed a big black wolf and three characters on it, slowly making their way up the nearest hill.

Phantom's head turned left and he saw a familiar figure at the horizon. A demon in red bulky armor with a long black cape was making his way to them. His mount wore armor in the same color as the rider, yet its peculiar features were noticeable. Especially its rear where the horse turned into a dragon. Now with only its scaly tail being unprotected by steel.

- Who's he?- Samukai asked.

- A major pain in the ass- demon replied nonchalantly.

- Well, well, well who do I see- Eligor said with fake excitement in his voice- And who are they? Don't tell me the samurai is your summoner

- My team. And no. Now, what are you doing here?

- A team? Hah, that's a good one!

- Answer my question, now

- Still as unpleasant as ever huh? But truly if what you tell is true, then I am surprised. I'd expected them to be long gone- those words seemed to set off the demon a little, as he bared his teeth.

- Please make yourself useful and check if there are any horse cocks nearby for you to suck

- Why you dog!- Eligor summoned his lance. But after a while he calmed himself down- Our gracious Lord has given you another task

- So what's that?

- Pest control

Phantom suddenly stiffened. Samukai and Noktum couldn't understand his reaction. It seemed to be a simple slaying job. Granted that pest didn't sound too promising for warrior. He could only hope for those pests to not be too oversized.

- How long's the list?- spellcaster asked, any hostility gone from his voice.

- Far from the longest we had, but there is still some job for you- Eligor tossed the scroll to Phantom- And you cannot come back to Hell unless you are done with everything, capiche?

- I know, I know

Eligor commanded his mount to turn away from them.

- Wonder how long you will keep that team of yours. Our Lord will probably be furious if you fuck that up again

- This time I won't fail

- As much as I'd like to believe that, we both know you- with that, the red knight vanished, leaving clouds of dust as his mount left.

Team waited for a while, until demon suddenly spoke:

- You know- he turned to the warrior- I think I found my reason to be a better leader. I'm going to show them all of them. This time it will be different- the last sentence seemed to be more for the demon himself rather than the samurai.

- Finally some first steps. So what's that pest control?

- Something not necessarily pleasant, but something that has to be done- he showed the scroll and what was written on it.

- Are those?- warrior glanced at the scroll- Demons?

- Yes

- Don't tell me that we wi...

- Yes we must kill them- Phantom cut into his sentence- I know it is not fun or easy but order is an order

- I get that, but what are the chances that they all are right here, right now?

- None. And that's one of the few reasons why pest control isn't my favorite task. Truth to be told, I'll be glad if we manage to get even one of them during our crystal hunting. Now how about we finally get to that village?- demon pointed at the few building that stood out from the hills, still so far away from them. In response he got nods from Chaos.

Phantom commanded Fenfir to march forward, while he himself was busy reading the list to make sure how many and who those targets were. Many of them were familiar to him, some he didn't even heard of. Yet two of the names made him stop reading.

- This is going to get really ugly- he let out a deep sigh and put the scroll away.