A gasp escaped from Tom and Roy as the invisible restraints binding them dissolved.

Tom collapsed to the ground, his legs weak. “Finally, I can move again! Roy, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Roy replied, shaken. “But I thought you were done for back there.”

Eric turned to them, pointing his blade at the old woman. “Gentlemen, kindly move back. You’re in the way.”

The two friends scrambled away without hesitation.

Eric's blade remained fixed on the old woman. “Now, tell me who you are and who summoned you to the human realm. Answer, and I’ll send you back painlessly.”

“Foolish human! You think I’ll tell you?” she spat angrily. “I’ll kill you!”

She dashed toward Eric, her sickle-like arm raised. With a sinister grin, she slashed downward, but Eric blocked her attack effortlessly with his blade. His mocking smile showed unwavering confidence.

With a swift motion, he pushed her back, sending her stumbling. Not giving her a chance to recover, he lunged forward and slashed her chest. Green ooze sprayed from the wound, and she let out a shriek of pain.

“Even your blood is disgusting. And here I thought nothing could surpass your ugly face,” Eric taunted.

“Wretched human! You dare—arghhhh!” she screeched, green ooze dripping from her chest.

“I don’t have time to play with you. Let’s end this.”

Raising his blade, Eric recited: “O Lord Almighty, I beseech Thee—grant me Thy strength to banish this wicked fiend that brings ruin upon the mortal realm. Lend me Thy sacred blade to smite this cursed being and cast it back to the abyss whence it came. Let it be unmade by Thy divine will! Heaven’s Sword!”

The blade radiated a divine glow as Eric dashed forward. The old woman’s eyes widened in fear as the luminous blade approached. She raised both her sickle-like arms to block the strike, but the blade pierced through them and plunged into her chest. Green ooze gushed from her mouth as she sputtered.

“Wh-who are you? How can a mere human wield sacred texts?” she gasped. “I... I was just summoned here... only to die by... a vermin... This is ridicu—”

Eric withdrew his blade, and her body collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Moments later, blue flames consumed her form, leaving nothing but dust.

He sighed in relief, turning to the two men who stood in stunned silence, their faces pale with shock and disbelief.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

As Eric approached them, they flinched. Their expressions betrayed their fear.

“W-we won’t tell anyone! Please, spare us!” Tom pleaded, dropping to his knees.

“Huh? Do I look like a villain to you?” Eric said with a smirk. “I’m not going to kill you. I’ll just tweak your memories a bit.”

He smiled widely, leaving the two men unsure whether to feel reassured or terrified.

...

One fine morning, Eric sat outside, enjoying the crisp morning air.

The street looks dead today. Probably because of what I heard last night—a murder. How peculiar for something like that to happen just as I’m visiting London. And this foul scent... it’s the same as the one from that entity I killed last night. This might be worth investigating.

Just then, a waiter approached him with a friendly smile. “Good morning, sir! Here’s your full English breakfast with your coffee. Eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“Good morning! This looks perfect, thank you.”

“Wonderful! Enjoy your meal and coffee, sir. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Will do. Thanks a lot!”

“Pleasure. Have a lovely day!”

As the waiter turned to leave, Eric stopped him. “Wait, may I ask—does the street always look this empty?”

“Ah, about that... It’s usually bustling with people, but because of the... recent event...” The waiter hesitated, his expression uneasy.

“I see. You may go.”

“Enjoy your meal, sir.”

Eric turned his gaze back to the street, his eyes filled with contemplation as various thoughts swirled in his mind. After a moment, he decided to push his worries aside and focus on enjoying his breakfast.

Hollowbrook Cemetery, London.

Eric stood before a grave that appeared weathered with age, its headstone marred by cracks likely eroded over time. His face reflected a sense of nostalgia as he gazed at the inscription:

Adam Macstein, 1896–1958. A loving father and a great family man. Your love and kindness will never be forgotten.

The inscription was faint, blurred by the passage of years, yet still discernible to those who cherished the memory of the deceased.

Grandpa, look at your grandson, all grown up. It's been so many years since you left us. Your departure felt so sudden to me, a child who didn’t yet understand when my parents told me you had gone to a faraway, better place. But as I grew older, I came to understand—we all leave eventually. Sooner or later, it’s inevitable. I’ve read your letter, and I promise to fulfill your dream. Don’t worry—that’s all I can promise you.

A voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

“Are you perhaps Adam’s grandson?”

Startled, Eric turned to see an older man standing behind him, his face etched with age.

“Yes, I am. Who are you?”

“Oh, of course—you look just like your grandfather when he was young. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Ferris… Ferris Acheron, a close friend of your grandfather. We shared many adventures in our youth and were very close. When I heard he had passed at 62, I was devastated. But, as is the way of life, no one can escape death.”

“I see. Are you here to visit his grave?”

“That, and my wife’s grave as well.” His expression softened into sorrow as he spoke.

“I’m sorry if I’ve said anything insensitive.”

“It’s quite alright. Oh, look at me, taking up your time. If you ever need anything, come to Atlantic Freight Company. As your grandfather’s friend, I’ll do my best to help.”

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Eric watched Ferris leave before turning his gaze back to the headstone, his expression unreadable.

“I’ll visit again, Grandpa. But for now, goodbye. Rest well.”

With that, Eric placed a bouquet of white lilies on the grave before walking away, leaving the cemetery behind.