Chapter 23
The sound of chains filled the air, echoing all around her. Among the cacophony of screams and chaos, Mariel locked eyes with someone desperate for help, their violet gaze pleading. Mariel couldn’t identify the person or discern what they were searching for, but one thing was clear—she couldn’t escape. The confusion made her feel dizzy and unsure of whether she was dreaming or not. However, as she trashed around the bed, a soft hand touched her forehead, waking her up immediately.
“Is everything alright, Mariel?” Avnas asked softly, her face filled with genuine concern as she observed the young girl. Avnas had been keeping an eye on the window, glancing at the figures on the rooftops of the nearby houses. However, her attention was diverted when she heard Mariel tossing and turning in bed, possibly experiencing a nightmare or a vision. And by the way, Mariel was looking at her. Avnas was right about both things.
“Lady Avnas—!” Mariel attempted to speak, but her breathing was erratic. Her eyes darted anxiously, and Avnas couldn’t quite discern what she was witnessing, but it was evident that the vision hadn’t concluded yet. With little else to do, Avnas extended her hand to the princess, hoping that her mere presence would bring an end to the vision or provide the solace the young girl sought until tranquillity returned to her mind.
Mariel’s eyes soon softened as she stared back at Avnas. Her breathing calmed down, and soon, the princess’s body relaxed.
“Mariel, what did you see?” Avnas asked, and Mariel could not quite say.
“I need a piece of paper,” Mariel replied.
Soon after, Mariel grabbed a sheet of paper and, using the first thing she could find, she started sketching the image that was etched in her mind. Avnas glanced at the drawing with confusion, but as minutes passed, the sketch gradually became clearer—or as clear as it could be.
Mariel took a deep gulp as she completed the drawing. Passing it to Avnas, Mariel watched as the white-haired demon struggled to comprehend what she was seeing. The picture portrayed a peculiar figure, seemingly distressed, with pleading violet eyes. Avnas couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency emanating from the drawing. However, the figure was shrouded in a long, dark hood. There was no real way to see who that person mysterious person was.
“This person was reaching out for help,” Mariel whispered.
“Could it be that we will encounter this person soon?” Avnas asked, contemplating the extent of Mariel’s abilities. She was still attempting to decipher the workings of Mariel’s clairvoyance, and one of her speculations led her to believe that it revolved around individuals or occurrences that would impact the princess or those around her. This was her current theory, at least.
“I’m not sure,” Mariel replied uncertainly. “It could be someone I’ll meet in a few days, weeks, months, or even years. Alternatively, it might be someone who lived a long time ago.”
Avnas nodded, her mind still grappling with the intricacies of that unique ability. “Hopefully, it’s not something bad,” she reassured, hoping to ease the princess’s concerns. However, her attempt at offering comfort was met with a dismissive snort from the young girl.
“No, it is always bad.”
Both of them then heard the door opening and saw Lynas, Alex and Elian looking quite tense and on edge.
“Yeah, you were right. There are so many of them following us everywhere. They truly want us gone from the city,” Lynas said as Avnas sighed deeply.
Avnas wasn’t the only one who noticed how those spies, believed to be agents of the Cartel, were constantly following them. Initially, these cartel agents made an effort to be discreet and secretive in their surveillance. However, ever since they formed a contract with the buccaneer, these spies, or whoever they were, seemed more desperate. They were openly staring at them now, no longer hiding in the shadows of the city. Their eyes were filled with nothing but disdain, and their faces betrayed their anxiety. It was clear that they just wanted them to disappear.
And Avnas believed it was all her fault.
“I’ve never experienced such animosity in a city before. And to think, I assumed being an imperial noble would at least earn me a few playful remarks about my head being so far up that the light could not reach. This time is different,” Alex remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
“Well, I believe that having a demon with us certainly helps bring more hate to us,” Lynas added before looking at Avnas nervously. “Not that I think it is your fault!”
“I don’t think this is something funny,” Elian said with a clear frown on her face. “Master Avnas, it’s not only these cartel agents who are acting weird, but some group of people as well. I have noticed them staring at us, and you in particular.”
“I’ve noticed that too, Elian,” Avnas responded, her gaze shifting towards the window and the street beyond. Peering out, she noticed a group of individuals lingering suspiciously in the corner of the street. “We must be careful.”
“I doubt they’ll try to do anything to you,” Lynas added with a scoff.
“But the same could not be said about any of you,” Avnas replied. “That’s why I would like us to leave for the shipyard as soon as possible, find our dear friend’s ship, and wait there.”
As the group gazed at her, they understood Avnas’s concern. Yet, at the same time, they couldn’t help but wonder if it was exaggerated. Nonetheless, none of them possessed the ability to perceive what Avnas could or see the things she could see. Her passive skills, although dormant most of the time, granted her the ability to sense everything in her surroundings, even those miles away, including the tiniest and most minuscule organisms. Moreover, magic held an even more intricate level of detail for her.
Avnas could see and sense how the group standing outside was preparing for something.
You know they are going to do something to get you, don’t you? Albarien spoke in Avnas’s mind, and the white-haired demon simply scoffed loudly.
Of course, we can see it. Only a fool will think otherwise.
Alright, you don’t need to be so angry about it. I am worried about you. I cannot have you die on my watch.
Yes, we are truly blessed to have you on our side. Avnas shook her head before looking at the group again.
“The city is dangerous for us, and I would like to be far away from it.”
“Are you sure about it, master Avnas? It’s still one day left. Should we go and look for them?” Alex asked.
“I would like for us to stay here a bit longer. Whoever is out there won’t dare to attack us in a place under the adventurer’s guild control,” Elian added.
“We are not in Equidaeria. I don’t believe the same rules apply here,” Lynas said, bringing concern to Elian.
“Yes, the further we are from this city, the further we are from any potential danger. I don’t wish to cause the Cartel problems.”
Avnas took one final glance at the window, only to realise that the group had vanished. They were undoubtedly lurking somewhere, ready to attack. Avnas was certain of it.
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As they entered the tavern, Avnas and the others immediately sensed an unsettling silence that hung in the air. Despite the early hour, it was evident that there was an undeniable tension that permeated the place. Berth, the half-demon, looked at the group, and a sense of anxiousness appeared on his face. Avnas looked around and saw that the few people there were watching her with keen interest and even hostility.
“You’re very popular,” Lynas mumbled softly, earning a scoff from Avnas.
“Sure, I am,” Avnas whispered, carefully watching her surroundings. No one inside the tavern moved or said much to her. They simply stared at her.
You were in this city for a couple of days, and most people seem to be happy to ignore you most of the time. But now, they all despise you. Hate you. Fear you. Doesn’t that make you… sad?
Avnas really wanted to brush off Albarien’s comment, but as she stood outside the tavern, she couldn’t help but notice the numerous glares directed her way. It left her feeling puzzled, as she had never encountered such disdain from the people of Yecora before. Actually, Avnas believed that as long as she didn’t draw attention to herself, at the very least, people would ignore her. However, that situation has clearly changed now. She wondered why they had suddenly decided to sneer at her with such intense hate.
Maybe they had always stared at you in such a way, but you ignored it. Perhaps they always hated your presence in the city, but you didn’t notice.
What’s your point, then? We know they don’t like demons. Avnas asked Albarien in a very nasty tone of voice.
They don’t like you, but they are powerless to face you. However, that doesn’t mean that they’ll rush to help you if one decides to be stupid enough to attack you. This makes me wonder who was the demon responsible for causing such immense damage to the extent that their hatred has endured across generations.
Avnas’s gaze fixated on the crowd, their eyes brimming with nothing but disdain. This level of unbridled hatred was something she had never encountered before. While she was no stranger to the concept of hatred, it had always been directed towards someone else. Now, she found herself at the epicentre of it all, haunted by Albarien’s words echoing in her mind. She began to ask herself. Who could this demon be, the one responsible for inflicting so much pain upon the city? At that moment, Avnas’s thoughts turned to the demon she had captured some time ago. Perhaps that demon held the key to her unanswered questions.
But that could come later.
Avnas did her best to ignore the stares, but as the group continued to walk, the more tense everything began to feel.
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THEIR EYES, THEY WISH FOR US TO DIE. THEY ARE OUR ENEMIES. KILL THEM. ERASE THEM.
Normally, I would ignore whatever that thing is saying. But you have to admit. That they truly look hostile to you.
Avnas shook her head upon hearing the voices in her head. Nonetheless, as they made their way towards the plaza, a bustling scene unfolded before them. A large board stood at the centre, surrounded by a diverse crowd of people, creatures, and other races.
“What’s happening over there?” Lynas muttered as the group started making their way in. However, when they reached the board, their eyes widened in shock as they saw Avnas’ face on a bounty. “Oh, crap.”
Avnas was stunned as she stared at the bounty, unsure of how to respond. “Five million gold,” she muttered, her eyes fixed on the staggering amount of money that had been placed on her head. Looking around, she could feel the intense gaze of everyone in the room upon her. It seemed like anyone armed with a weapon was focused solely on her. However, despite the piercing stares, not a single person made a move or lifted a finger. They merely continued to glare at her.
In all honesty, five million gold is not really that much. They are truly underselling you.
Ignoring Albarien’s comment, Avnas simply took Mariel’s hand and began to walk away. “Let’s go,” she said. Initially, the group encountered nothing but a multitude of stares as they ventured out of the city. However, their supposedly tranquil retreat was abruptly interrupted by the very same group that had been closely observing them for the past day. Their path of escape was now obstructed.
“Demon!” One of them yelled, and it earned Avnas’s only stare back.
Looking at them from her perspective, they didn’t appear to be dangerous, at least not to her. It was possible that they were experienced veterans, heroes, and adventurers who occasionally took on mercenary work. Avnas noticed that they were armed with magical weapons and wore enchanted armour, which piqued her curiosity. However, she also realised that she found herself in a predicament.
“T-they put a high bounty on your head,” the man said, with a haughty voice, although Avnas noticed the stutter at the beginning. “A lot of gold that could set one family for generations.”
“Stay behind me,” Avnas whispered to Mariel, who promptly took cover behind her. Avnas shielded her with her wings, then turned her gaze towards them. Their eyes glimmered with a toxic mix of hatred, fear, and greed, enough to ignite a fierce anger within her. However, she inhaled deeply, praying that they wouldn’t provoke her into a senseless conflict. “I have no desire to engage in combat with you. If it is gold that you want, I’ll give it to you.”
The group exchanged glances for a moment, and it seemed that a few of them might even be considering accepting her offer. However, their leader seemed focused on his own personal wealth or personal vendetta.
“You actually believe that we’re foolish enough to place our trust in the words of a repulsive demon?!” he shouted vehemently. “Your very existence is nothing short of an affront to every inhabitant of this city. You are nothing more than a vile, malevolent entity! All of your kind who bent over that king of yours! You all deserved to be exterminated!”
Avnas’s face contorted with a myriad of emotions: bemusement, anger, confusion, and humiliation. As she scanned her surroundings, she encountered that face once again on every single person around her. Those eyes, their expression filled with nothing but ill-will towards her. Avnas couldn’t comprehend it. She hadn’t done anything to these people, yet they despised her fervently. Would this be the universal reaction she would face in this world? Would her entire existence here be tainted by hatred and prejudice?
DON’T LOOK AT US! DON’T STARE AT US!
Avnas felt her lips twitch, and her tail started to shake vigorously. The insecurities and fears from her past life were gradually resurfacing, morphing into a deep and intense hatred.
“You should die and do us all a favour,” that man stated. “That’s the least you can do.”
I don’t hear the voice anymore. Are you going to kill them all, Avnas?
Avnas glared at the group, momentarily fixated on one thought. However, to her surprise, Elian, Alex, and Lynas appeared before her, standing strong against the group and anyone else who dared to pose a threat.
“I dare you to take one more step forward,” Elian threatened the group, unsheathing her sword. “I won’t stand by passively while you threaten my master, the person who saved my life, and my friend.”
The group stood in shock, their eyes fixed on Elian with a mixture of disbelief and astonishment. They couldn’t wrap their heads around the fact that a human girl would align herself with a demon, let alone consider it a friend. And they weren’t the only ones reacting this way; the onlookers witnessing the scene were equally taken aback by the unexpected spectacle.
“You called that thing a master? I see! Now I understand. She’s bewitched you!” He yelled, signalling the group’s mage to take action. However, the mage girl in their group suddenly felt a scorching sensation in her hands, causing her to involuntarily release her staff. She hissed, glaring at Alex, who had a smug expression.
“Shh, dear, don’t do something stupid,” Alex stated with a smirk.
“The Cursed hands spell?” The mage girl hissed as she watched the strange symbols in her hands. “You’re a wizard!”
Alex waved his wand around proudly as Lynas had an arrow with the name of the leader of the group on its tip. “No one has bewitched no one,” Lynas declared loudly. “She won’t even want to have sex with me. Can you believe it? So you’re truly barking at the wrong tree, human.”
With a sneer on his face, the man directed his questioning towards Lynas, the half-elf. It was clear that he was making a desperate attempt to find potential allies for his deranged cause. Sadly, Lynas was not even contemplating such a plan. “Wouldn’t your people be ashamed of you? Even as a half-elf, shouldn’t you know better than to breathe the same air as a demon?” He asked her, which caused Lynas to scoff.
“That won’t work on me, human,” that’s all Lynas said.
Avnas was taken aback by the surprising fact that someone had the courage to stand up to her. It was an entirely unique feeling, one she had never experienced before. No one had ever gone out of their way to support or defend her. It was truly an amazing sensation to have friends and a sense of belonging. However, this newfound happiness also sparked a deep anger within her. One that arose from the overprotectiveness of her newfound friends.
“Boss, do you really think this is worth it?” one of the group whispered, their leader’s gaze filled with intense hatred towards Avnas. It was evident that his grudge against her kind ran deeper than just her having a bounty on her head.
“She’s here! A demon with a bounty! Let’s take her down. Not only will we get the gold, but it’ll also be one less of her kind in this world!”
Initially, the group followed their leader not only due to their long-standing association and friendship but also because, like everyone else, they harboured a deep-seated animosity towards demons. Nevertheless, it became evident that none of them truly comprehended the extent of his loathing towards Avnas’s ilk.
“I don’t know. She looks strong. They all look strong,” one of them whispered, and again it was stopped by the furious yell of their leader.
“Enough!” He yelled, holding his war hammer and looking at Avnas. “I’ll crush you! You filthy vermin! Your kind has no place in this world! You don’t have a place in this world!”
The group appeared visibly disturbed by their leader’s outburst of anger, as up until that moment, he had always been someone who carefully considered his actions. He was not the type of person who would easily lose control and succumb to rage. Yet, they were a team, and followed him regardless, but this time, they weren’t sure if the outcome was worth it.
“You’re wrong,” Mariel whispered as she stared at the group before her. "She has a place in this world!” The princess's soft voice was enough for Avnas to feel contempt for life.
She has a place in this world.
If you weren’t who you are now, I bet you would have been completely flustered by the princess’s comment.
Avnas couldn’t deny the truth in that statement. Still, for those humans, such words were alien-like. They could not grasp how anyone would think that at all.
“See! This demon has cast a spell on them, turning them into slaves! How is it possible that they would still fight for her despite all the harm she has caused?” he shouted, causing Avnas and her group to frown in response.
“What is he talking about?” Lynas whispered.
“I cannot say,” Alex replied.
“You think that after destroying New Altes, we humans would tolerate your kind?! How is it that no one in this city does something about it?! All of you stare and allow this thing here! Even after what one did twenty years ago!”
Avnas, at the very least, understood why they harboured such intense hatred towards her. It seemed that a demon had wreaked havoc upon this city two decades ago, leaving a deep and lasting scar on its heart and mind. However, as the man had pointed out, if they truly despised demons, why had they allowed her to enter the city? They could have easily made it clear that her kind was unwelcome there. This contradiction made her ponder. Perhaps, long ago, demons and humans had coexisted peacefully in this city, even to the extent of forming relationships and having children together. Therefore, this animosity towards demons appeared to be a more recent development.
“I am not that type of demon,” Avnas replied loudly enough for everyone around her to hear.
“You’re all the same in my eyes!” The leader spat.
Avnas now realises that whatever that demon did two decades ago has affected this man since then. Does she feel bad for him? No, she doesn’t. The only thing that she cared about was him not hurting her dear friends.
You may not like this, but I believe that not killing him will be better for you in the long run. Albarien said, and Avnas wondered why.
Why?
In the future, if you want the whole world to support you, it’s important not to act like a demon. Otherwise, you won’t be able to gain their trust and cooperation.
We are a demon, Albarien. Their hatred will not wash away, only because of an impending doom.
You’re such a negative person. But do as you see fit. I cannot control your actions.
Avnas initially wanted to dismiss Albarien’s statements as nonsense but then realised that she was actually correct. In the future, it will be crucial for Avnas to gather as many allies as possible. This means that resorting to killing people indiscriminately would hinder her ability to achieve this goal.
Avnas slowly walked forward and stared at the man with her golden eyes. “Stand aside. I don’t want to hurt you,” she warned loudly.
However, those words fell on deaf ears as the man simply let his anger take over. He started murmuring incantations to enhance his abilities, causing his armour and war hammer to gleam with a brilliant shimmer. Avnas sighed deeply.
“Master Avnas, please allow me,” Elian whispered as her blue eyes pierced the man’s head.
“No, I won’t let you dirty your hands for me,” Avnas said firmly before quietly instructing Mariel to stay behind Alex and Lynas. Without hesitation, she positioned herself in front of the furious man, who seized the opportunity to launch an attack.
The war hammer struck Avnas’s head, but her head didn’t meet the same fate as this man's previous enemies. Surprisingly, it seemed to hit something incredibly hard, causing it to bounce back. The man stood there, dumbfounded, before he again began to attack again.
“[Barbarian Thunder]”
“[Hammer of Death]”
“[Grand Thunder Slash]”
Avnas remained unfazed as all the attacks directed at her seemed to bounce off effortlessly. Standing motionless, she observed the colossal war hammer’s futile attempts to harm her. Onlookers stood frozen, their expressions a mix of astonishment and disbelief as they witnessed this remarkable spectacle.
“Uh, and we were getting all worried,” Lynas scoffed playfully. "She's like a sponge or something."
“I think the war hammer will break before it does anything,” Alex added, amused by the sight.
“Master, isn’t it bothering you?” Elian asked with concern in her voice.
“No, I did tell all of you that I’m fine. It’s all of you I’m worried about,” Avnas replied as the war hammer struck her face, only to bounce off. It appeared that she didn’t even notice it.
“W-what?!” the man yelled, frustrated. “How can you stand still, unharmed?!”
Avnas glanced at him, reminiscing about the demons she had encountered before. They possessed intriguing abilities, unlike this human, who seemed to lack any means to harm her.
“Because I am powerful,” Avnas said before casting [Paralysis] silently. Soon, the man dropped to the floor, stone cold but alive.
“Boss?!” The members of the group rushed towards their fallen leader, unsure of what happened.
“He is alive,” Avnas told them. “Just wait a few hours. He’ll be fine.”
Avnas then looked around and saw a lot of people watching her, a lot of stares with mixed reactions.
“I am not your enemy unless you wish me to be. If anyone in this city has an issue with me, I challenge you to step forward,” Avnas declared, facing the crowd. However, not a single person dared to make a move. After that, she took Mariel’s hand and began to walk away. The people stood aside, letting Avnas and her group move.
Perched atop a building, a young girl gazed down at the street from the rooftop. “Is she the woman we have to handle? Seriously, boss, what kind of job have we got ourselves into?” The girl groaned before jumping away.
However, in the midst of the large gathering of people on the street, a young girl concealed herself beneath a long black cloak and watched intently as Avnas walked away.
“Jia, we found her,” she whispered.
“Are you sure she is going to help us, princess?” Jia, another cloaked figure, whispered.
“Yes, that is exactly what the prophecy foretold. She is what my family has been waiting for!”
The princess’s violet eyes fixed their gaze on Avnas as she walked away, and then a smile graced the young girl’s face. “Avnas, the Alabastrine. She will be the one to preserve my family’s legacy.”