Ozeki couldn't help but accept this temporal endorsement of his heart and change he couldn't stop wanting. All devils moved within the rules of their hearts, which was a weird power called Devil's Advocate. Every devil had it different, making them diverse, depending on their Bloodline, family bonds or ties, and how they grew up. It was an ideal. Hope. Emotions. It could be anything, as it was coming from their hearts, acts, and desires. Some of that could be insane, making devils weird, while others could be instinctual, and some were even stranger than succubuses or who knew what else.

Ozeki followed his Advocate, even if his pride lost its shine and his position wasn't very stable. He lost his position in the First Legion because of blunders and lack of strength, but that didn't mean he was a sorry figure. He used to be an Extreme, who lost his edge. The ones who did so usually never recovered from such a blunder. Because of his heart, he wasn't great at following orders. That was an aspect of devils that everyone knew, so many were forced to work around it instead. Some saw it as an advantage.

Levandis was one of them and liked devils for their lethality and unkept hearts. She might even tame them with words if she wanted, but it wasn't great. Letting them live free was so much greater, so she endorsed this power that went through Will and heart, yet when it made many mistakes, focusing or trusting devils wasn't a great idea.

Upon his Pledge, Ozeki didn't change his mind. He still disliked how it all happened, and disliked this human. Alas, his heart was itching in newly found vigor caused by this cursed human. He ignited him, truly.

The exchange of words gave clarity as the mission was favorable and rewards would mend his position. Helper status moved everyone differently, but there was a problem. Razmund didn't hear his task. Ozeki didn't want to tell it out loud or reveal even a word of it back. He only promised it was a valid message, which turned the Hellscape weird, and some facts good.

Ozeki, like many others, doubted his Helper proclamations were truthful. So when Ozeki confirmed its validity, similarly to the fact that David got his Helper status as well, everyone accepted that this Encounter was real and it could do something good. Somewhat, it worked and it calmed some situations down and churred many others instead. Many detested Ozeki and Lost Brothers for being the ones who got this opportunity.

All the while Vermillion was laughing behind the scenes, both curiously and with little irritation.

For Ozeki, reasons and hopes altered his mind, and other reasons moved to his head and eyes instead. Reasons were impossible to find in most devils. Their actions often didn't match their words, or vice versa.

At least from the message that some voice gave him, he got his task set.

“Whatever,” Razmund dismissed his idea, gulping out a glass of wine as if nothing mattered, which was the wrong approach. His target was much further ahead, changed in a way he didn't like, and followed by folks he rather wouldn't bite.

It was disturbing, so he opted to wait, refrain from being too optimistic, and savage. Frankly, the cause for that was his berating stamina and the past few days. He decided to rest and build up momentum before reaching his target. It was more of an excuses and strategy, which Ozeki didn't take lightly.

The feast on the table wasn't part of any plan, but Ozeki's benevolence was. Razmund was the sole guest in his house, so he ate to his fill and increased his stamina. That was a bit strange for Ozeki, who took this human madman for someone more insane, considering their fight, history, and the information he knew thanks to his deep network.

Ozeki knew the overall situation of all Sides since they entered this temple. That was days ago. His information-gathering network ran deeper than Razmund even knew, so Ozeki discovered many curious ideas and figured this wasn't so simple. He also questioned his Lady's choices or the lack thereof

Even Lint would agree, albeit he was hiding behind the crimson veils, pretending to not exist. He wasn't allowed to do much in the presence of the Named Devils. He wasn't summoned to Levandis, and his integrity changed by rules and he was told to follow this messed up human.

Ozeki watched his calm acts with disdain. “Where are you to take your leave? Don't you have targets to beat? A duck to hunt? Why are you like this? I thought you would long make your move, and I've already provided you with everything that you wanted. Information? You've got it. Meals? Don't even begin there.”

“Sure. We all do like some rest, Ozeki. It is called calm before the storm. When the situation becomes more favorable, things might move better or worse like thunder. For now, getting ahead without any Hunt is clever. You said it, right? I don't think so. My foe isn't a complete idiot and it does exactly that. It took surprising forces against mine, but...”

“Which ones do you mean? My information gatherers took many ideas, but Lost Brothers are subject to some rumors and workings, while some are even confidential in Mindarch's Codex or purchases in the Network. Not even I can get that far. Then, don't even start on your opposition! That means it is sensitive. The overall picture is passable when we consider the owner, but that Prime Manager? The outer matters of Lost Brothers are something else. Their reputation in Helltrim City is still durable, but with their Helper status being public, it is as good as gone. I didn't find the specific what you wanted, but they want the change like me. Your little target found some sturdy Helpers, let me tell you that.”

“And you are?” Razmund raised a brow, glancing at him.

“I am much better!” Ozeki laughed, sounding like boulders crushing together and leaving all veils cluttering and dancing around the walls.“The founder is human, by the way, while others are... nothing wild, but some rumors state it otherwise. Especially that beast. Griffins are no small creatures, but that one grew out to be independent and strange. That is weird... followed by their whole group.” Ozeki seemed hesitant in his words in the end, sounding as if he was hiding something. He wasn't good at it, so he sounded suspicious instead.

Once more, his heart worked against him. Honesty was his keen point, which was the opposite for succubuses.

Razmund took his words for what he had expected. Lost Brothers was one of the hundreds of companies that was under the Helltrim Society, and its history wasn't very deep, but acts were. Razmund was never interested in them, so he never knew much about their members until very recently. They Pledged against his Side, so they were his enemies and shall perish.

Not only did he get their names, powers, and various interesting rumors or linear readings, but most of it went from Ozeki, whose reputation worked in his favor.

“Didn't find stable information?” Razmund said in a surprise. “You told me enough, so why bother with more? It is good to be lax sometimes. Battles, clashes, or Hunts are all about combat measures and strategies while knowing the surroundings is one way to go forward too, or so I've heard. Helpers are flexible and curious. They will take our status for something similar to how we do theirs. That means a change.” Razmund said, implying something that caused Ozeki to furrow his brows.

Unhappily growling, he wasn't liking when his work was underestimated. “Indeed, but enough is not enough. It is weird how some things are locked. Even some readings showed some limits... So much for my gatherers and worth. What a disappointment.”

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“Or the foe works right against that idea instead, interfering with the flow. Mindarch could do that too, acting as a hindrance that Levandis accepts or forces. Why? This Encounter is very sensitive, haven't I said that? Then, we have this place. She doesn't like me, right?” Razmund asked, taking another sip of wine.

Ozeki seemed to be surprised as he took his Lady's name to his mouth almost twice. His name was fine, but hers?

Was he tired of his living? “I don't question the course of Paths, not any Divides. Did you find your head on the ground? The people he took? That's why you are like this? Lazy and weak, like...” He hesitated next.

“Like what?”

“Like an idiot who waits for nothing. You fought like a maniac, and you are suddenly scared to go onward? You fought against Luno and won?! Call me a swine, but you eat and drink wine like a swine or a fucking loser. Let's be straight. You want something and this place and world aren't right. You are in my company, human. MINE!” Ozeki shouted, crashing his Intent and slamming the table with his powerful fist.

Bottles of wine dropped to the ground, reddening the already red carpets or the veils. Nothing got visibly stained, nor the shattered glass was important.

Razmund didn't like the loss of liquor. But instead of showing his emotions, he smiled instead. “80. 72. 65. 63.” He recited some numbers.

“Levels?” Ozeki said, clutching both fists. “There are six enemies if my heart serves me right. That's disappointing, but you know them because of my purchases and knowledge. They aren't everything.”

“No matter. These four are all the ones I am worried about, while the rest consist of my prey and from what I've gathered, some ghost?”

Ozeki stepped away from the table, flexing his arms and folding them to his chest. “Your prey... What about the former quartet?”

“All independent and acts in rather surprising styles, they are troublesome.”

“All?” Ozeki doubted that. “Lies. What is free here? What is it for you?” An unfamiliar sense of wonder appeared in his eyes, lowering his Intent.

Levels of this kind only meant so much. It wasn't everything when it came to hunting or battles. Everyone opposing them already Pledged and they didn't want to lose, but they sure could forfeit their choices because most people lived only once.

There were only so many independent high-level members of this temple. Each was quite lofty if they dared to meddle with this Encounter. Ozeki knew far too much about how this temple operated, and some Lost Brothers were nothing when one saw it all.

Independence and freedom meant various words in the Hellscape. Itrosh and Bagus were employees with relatively free acts, whereas Ulitum was further away from that idea because his status was tightly fitted into David's life, and he was a strange devil. Then, after some digging, Ozeki found that not many things about Ultium were public. Most took his Prime Manager status for employment, yet the truth was something else. Ozeki knew it was bullshit, but he couldn't talk much about it because of a knot in his heart and lack of information.

Not siding with any legion, military parts, or gangs, meant they had the prowess to work independently with Lavandis and her rules. That meant having no major affiliation, while their acts were still theirs and powerful enough to remain like that. A lot of companies were like that, but not many could actually afford to think like that.

Lost Brothers was good at being low-key and good at making tasks private. The only affiliations passable to mention were their work with Helltrim Society and various adventurer-related things, including tasks and missions set by Hell, Overlord, or even some God. And those were usually private matters that not many paid attention to.

Independent figures worked for themselves, giving their allegiance when needed, thus carrying a free form with different rules from those pledged into armies or gangs. That means limited freedom of two separate types since everyone had to take some eye to Levandis, but when one did it to some gang or affiliation, that meant yet another relation.

It was like having a job while the owner had yet another owner. Some could afford to go without them, while the clear winners were those working around them. David was someone like that. He worked primarily with the exchanges of tasks, privacy, and other things that would work for his purposes. In a sense, beings like Itrosh and Bagus were like mercenaries and adventurers living around with more freedom if their power and success were great. David employed them, gave them a reason, and they could leave anytime. It was kind of rare since they weren't related to anyone major.

At some further vision, they were quite a pain in the ass to deal with, since countless significance was seen in affiliating with powerful organizations. The military was a great way to strengthen the status quo. There was no doubt about that.

Ozeki long ago knew what Razmund was up to. He heard about Murai's Helpers, and they even passed quite close by his territory before Razmund came to him.

“The one with Level 80,” Ozeki said. “Is that your worry? That devil? What that number is to you? It is something troublesome to you, am I right? Even if you are reaching Level 70 closely, wanting to clash against that sort of opponent is within your limits, but what if it isn't good or possible? Should you take it regardless? He isn't alone. Where is the rest of your Helpers, eh?”

Once more, Razmund glanced to the window and took a sip of wine. “Levels or power, killing and defeating are strange things. I felt it in the last Gate. I don't doubt myself, Ozeki. That is all I can tell you.”

“You shouldn't force yourself to fight an unfamiliar force of such a level. You barely went against me and that devil is odd.” Ozeki said, smiling in a better mood as he knew Razmund eyed a meal far bigger for his stomach. Of course, Ozeki was comfortable dealing with Level 80 any day, so he wasn't all that worried; he knew that Razmund was thinking broadly, thus acting less like he used to.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn't sure if Razmund acts were fitting. That was because some change occurred, but what kind of sense did it make Understanding the situation was one step to victory, and wasting an opportunity wasn't good.

Ozeki was pissed that Razmund was wasting time.

It was fair, even if it meant it was against this human who humiliated him.

“80, huh? Haven't cut such clowns down yet, that is for sure. You didn't want to be cut either, so that is fine by me. Helpers aren't my target anyway. I won't fight that devil.”

“What?” Ozeki raised his hands, wanting to slam the table again, but he feared he would shatter it. It would be the third table in recent years, so he rather stopped and reconsidered his choice. “You think I will? Battles between devils is a tough ordeal, let me tell you that.”

“You can't?” Razmund mocked him. “Chicken.”

Ozeki laughed as if he heard a joke. “Don't take that there. Unless you will provide me with good reason and additional benefits, I won't go near him.”

“Alright. I like such simplicity. How much we are talking about?”

“Law Artifact. Ranked at least in the upper-Level 70s.”

“70s? You think they grow on trees” Razmund raised his voice, almost getting to his feet, and knowing that some did grow on trees.

“Some of them do. If it's tough to bear with, lower ones will do. That should be manageable from where you come from. It won't be for me anyway. Got fools and family to cater to, while what kind you take out is not important as long as it is in good condition. Unlike yourself, I have to care for someone.” This time, Ozeki mocked him.

“Hmph!” Razmund sneered, calming down and looking for a bottle in one piece. “I will allow this because this is no blackmail, but a simple business. So be it. Deal.”

“Glad to hear that. What about the rest though? The remaining targets are diverse. I bet those aren't anything easy either if you are involved, but who knows that, right? In fact... there is something forgetful around them, you see.”

Razmund didn't trust this devil. He knew more than he let out, so speaking like this was unnecessary.

“It doesn't—”

“In fact, what about the opposite side of your Encounter? You never mentioned it even once. Odd. Let's talk about it right now!” Ozeki stopped his talk, got to a table, and sat beside Razmund. “Sensitive ones aside, this Anatidae that you are seeking already struck this temple's workings. It is troublesome, though it fought like a maniac in Gate 2 if one looks at it as I do. It is a bit tough, but that is your prey. Interesting how it was possible.” Ozeki said, smiling and sounding quite intrigued by the fact that another Anatidae came to this place.

Each occasion filled this place with worthy moments, tasks, and missions, giving hundreds of opportunities to many denizens, militaria, and hidden masters, or giving many Ends for free.

“You know quite a few things yourself, it seems,” Razmund said and sharpened his tone. “Whatever it is, it is my prey! We discussed it. Our choices and our Pledge. It is my Hunt.”

Ozeki kept his unbothered smile, knowing that his choice and actions didn't matter. He would do what he had to do. It was simple as long as Razmund was around.

But some things were weird because no masters were supposed to make their moves. Those with Laws did, followed by some undead and beasts. Those stupid ones went for Murai instead of going against established Razmund, whose reputation was well-known in this place.

Ozeki recalled a different perspective. It was about the next Gate. Some fools made their moves there, acting within Mindarch's tasks, missions, or punishments. Then, there was the matter of Islands of Greatness. A couple of beings went against Murai there, giving ideas, rumors, and some answers some weight. Most of it was hard to seek, as details were omitted, while a cloudy picture wasn't worth all that much.

And the fact that Murai killed almost all his foes was another thing. Those that returned were just a single person, if one didn't count the bystanders in the Last Island.

Long Zi, whom Murai defeated in 68th Island, was someone often visiting and living in Hellscape, but after getting his chance, he never came back.

Ozeki knew why. Defeated but still living, he was carrying his punishment in lower Gates. Not Gate 4. He would die there in a heartbeat because of the ongoing Hell Party, which might be interesting because Gate 5 wasn't a walk through Hellscape either.