After I received the enlightenment called “actually knowing my schedule.” We made our way back towards the estate. Ashmodai who was sent to check, when I had to fight returned rather quickly. Apparently, I'm scheduled to fight in 2 days' time. The opponent is unknown probably so nobody can do any funny business.
The night passes quickly as I decide to sleep early once more. I was already a bit tired from the Uzarai fight but after the confrontation with the wraith queen and the “I'm like the pope” priest I've become pretty exhausted. Thinking about my potential opponents, 2 unpleasant faces come to mind: The old man who used to be stronger than me, perhaps still is, and the wraith knight called Aeron who's under the command of the wraith queen.
“I wonder how I compare to these 2.” I say out loud to nobody in particular.
“Well, they might have better manners than you, but I believe that you've grown quite strong over these past few years.” The familiar voice of Cornelius answers.
“Since when are you there?” I ask startled by his sudden presence.
“Like 30 minutes.” He says looking at the silver watch on his left wrist.
I don't respond, trying to fall asleep.
“See, what did I say you're so bad-mannered. Sigh, don't worry I wi-.”
“Shut up or get out.” I say whilst showing killing intent.
“.....”
'I guess he chose to shut up.' I think to myself not hearing any more nonsense coming from his mouth.
I wake up early in the morning like usual, it's a strange habit I build up in the hospital and 15 years later in an unknown world, it hasn't left me yet. It's strange that the smallest insignificant things can even transcend lifetimes. Drinking some “Demon's Rage,” I watch the servants of the estate create the ritualistic runic eye aka television. The Talvit brothers went to the arena, just in case the wraith queen tries to do something fishy there. Sorzana joined them, it might be because she's also powerful enough to take care of herself, or it might be because Ergillaz went. The others stayed here, seeing that we were going to watch the duel anyway.
The servants finish making the “television” as the arena appears in the runic eye they created on this golden wall. Ashmodai has been playing cards with Cornelius or I guess it would be Cornelaius for him. Anyway, Cornelius has been getting absolutely destroyed and Ashmodai isn't even using any of his illusion tricks.
'He's still a gambling devil even without all the backhanded tricks.' I think to myself watching Cornelius's spirit get more and more broken throughout the game.
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Eli was studying with Idrilth, but it seems they finished as they make their way toward me. Eli sits down next to me and Idrilth sits next to Eli. We sit on this couch that's apparently made out of some demonic creature and just like everything else in this house is way too expensive.
Ashmodai and Cornelius finally finish their game, it should have finished like 12 rounds ago, but I'm pretty certain that Ashmodai decided to play around with him a bit. They both take a seat as they pull 2 wooden chairs with embroidered cushions on them.
Ashmodai takes about 10 minutes to sit down always saying things like “it doesn't feel right, maybe if I turn it this way.” I started sending death glares at the gambling devil that for some reason is picky with chairs. Even the servants have gotten so used to it that they don't even try to help him anymore as they just watch with a look of confusion and small hints of annoyance.
“Welcome everyone to the fourth round of the “Blood of Luciel” tournament. Now we will see true power and malice. Are you all, ready!?” The announcer's voice asks, it feels weird knowing it comes from a demonic tree.
The crowd burst into cheers as the 2 contestants enter. The first one is a fallen angel, not one that I'm familiar with, and I don't think one of the Talvit estate. He wields a steel arm sword and a bronze round shield. Appearance-wise he looks like all fallen angels I've seen so far: White hair, Black wings, and gray eyes. The only real difference between them all is the way they style their hair and their facial structure or things like that but in general, they seem to always share the same color pattern. He wears a toga which doesn't really provide any advantages, but I should probably not point that out, seeing that my shirt literally exposes my abdomen.
The second opponent is someone I'm familiar with. It's the old man who has some power with insects. He still looks the exact same as when I first encountered him. He looks old and creepy, wearing some ragged clothes exposing parts of his skin. His eyeless sockets and toothless mouth are home to insects, you can actually see them crawl and live in the holes of his body. The fallen angel looks disgusted by the sight and I can't really blame him for that.
“Brother, can I ask you something?” Eli asks in a timid voice that I'm not really used to anymore. She's grown quite a lot over these past years and seemed comfortable and confident living in Lucille's Light.
'I don't know if it's a good thing that she's comfortable in the demon city, but it's at least better than being scared for the rest of your life.' I think, wondering how Eli's personality will have been influenced.
“You know you can ask me anything you like, Eli.” I answer in a calm tone, seeing that she seems unsure to ask her question.
“You're going to win right? You promise you're not going to die right.?” She asks, slightly panicked as teardrops form in her eyes.
“Of course, I know that brother is strong, but when I saw that blade pierce your shoulder, and you screamed out in pain. I-I-I…” She struggles to continue speaking, I wanted to answer however she held her hand up, signaling me to keep quiet. Eli quickly composes herself, knowing that her tears won't change the outcome of the battle. Araam her spiritual companion and a small black-furred being now sits on her shoulder, showing her that it's always there for her.
“Just don't die okay?” The 13-year-old devil girl says to me whilst holding out her little finger.
“I promise you, sister, I won't die.” I reply as I hold out my own little finger, making a pinky promise with Eli. She relaxes a big smile appears on her face as soon as I called her sister.