image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]
As the tents were packed and the men prepared to move out, Yarine approached me while I was crouched by the edge of the lake, observing its waters intently.
"It seems the waters of this lake have captured your interest," Yarine remarked, noting my keen eye.
"It's holy water, isn't it?" I inquired. "You mentioned that the demons do not attack this place because of the lake's sacred nature."
Yarine nodded, her devotion to her faith evident in her words. "This river was blessed by the Archangel Michael himself. During the first war, when the conflict between heaven and hell was ignited, Michael plunged his sword into this very lake, infusing the water with divine purity, in an attempt to defeat his adversary."
"His sword?" I echoed, intrigued. "Who was he battling that warranted such a powerful act?"
"According to the legends, he was engaged in a fierce battle against Ifrit, a formidable demon who ravaged the land with his unyielding flames," Yarine explained.
Based on legends huh... But this Ifrit, I do know of him, he has the strength of a 7th-tier demon if I were to rank him, his hubris prevents him from joining my ranks... Not that I even know where he is now... But with my growing powers, perhaps I'll be able to subjugate him if the chance arises.
"Why don't we simply retrieve the sword, then?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Yarine sighed, her expression filled with a mixture of regret and resignation. "The holy water within the lake prevents it. Ifrit, before his disappearance, cast a curse that causes the holy water to reject both angels and demons from entering its depths. While we humans can enter, it is extremely challenging to venture into the lake's depths as magic ceases to function within its confines."
But it's still water right... If we were to drain this lake, then perhaps retrieving the sword could be possible...
"Unfortunate," I mused, my gaze shifting towards the caravan that stood ready to depart. "Are your men prepared for the journey?"
"Yes, we are ready," Yarine confirmed. "As for our plans, we will be returning to the Church of Michael located to the east."
"So your expedition has come to an end?" I inquired.
Yarine nodded, a tinge of disappointment evident in her eyes. "Even if we wished to continue, we no longer possess the necessary supplies to sustain our journey."
"I understand," I replied, acknowledging the practicality of their decision. Together, we walked towards the group.
The guards welcomed us back, tending to the injured and ensuring their comfort within the caravan, which was pulled by sturdy mules. The tents were set up separately in another wagon, while their supplies were organized in a third.
With a brief speech, Yarine informed the group of their intended path forward, while I stood beside her, serving as her guardian devil.
The caravan began its movement, guided by two guards positioned at each of the rear's and another keeping watch from behind. Yarine and I led the way at the front, paving the path for the rest of the group.
image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]
Several hours passed in an eerie silence. The sense of unease lingered in the air, as if unseen eyes were watching our every move from the shadows. Demons skulked nearby, but their presence alone did not deter us. With my ability to subjugate demons, they recognized the futility of launching an attack, knowing that I could easily overpower them.
It was an aura I exuded, one of darkness and malevolence. Yarine had sensed it the moment I arrived, but she had let her guard down upon realizing that I was human. The demons, however, being cunning and intelligent creatures, understood the danger that lay within.
As we continued our journey in silence, I turned to Yarine, her amethyst eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope for our future path.
"You appear confident," I remarked.
Yarine's smile was filled with assurance and playfulness as she tilted her head towards me. "Well, that's because I have my trusted demon by my side. I'm certain that he will protect us and ensure no harm befalls us, especially after the deal we've struck."
"I would appreciate it if you stopped calling me that,"
Yarine chuckled, seemingly amused by my reaction. "Are you offended by it?"
"It's just strange to hear you call me that. Please, just stop."
Yarine playfully pondered my request, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Demon boy!"
I sighed, realizing that her jokes were not going to cease.
If this were hell, I would've torn her to shreds, healed her back with magic, just to do it again before feeding her to the maggots.
"Who would have thought an adventurer would charge such a high price for a mere protection job? That's a demon's price, sir!"
"A demon's price would involve a trade for your soul," I retorted.
"Speaking of which, demon boy, have you ever wondered why demons seek mortal souls?"
"Why they ask for them?"
"Yeah, I mean, all those storybooks question the morality of it, but what's the underlying goal behind it?"
"How would I possibly know the answer to that?"
"Well, you're a demon boy, right? You should have some insight."
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"
Yarine fell silent, her playful nature subsiding. It seemed she had struck a nerve, and I wasn't quite sure how to handle her.
One would be to just kill them all, but this was the perfect... and I mean, perrrfect opportunity to see how the holy order functioned.
"I apologize, okay?" Yarine spoke softly, breaking the silence. "I won't call you a demon anymore."
This wretch, who does she think she is, insulting a Demon God such as myself with her puny remarks!
Calm yourself... It's fine... She's just another fool, I shouldn't act irrationally...
"Repeating the same mistake is an act of a fool. Remember that," I advised, forgiving Yarine for her behavior.
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Yarine nodded in understanding. "You do have quite the temper, though," she commented. "I hope nothing bad has happened..."
"Nope, nothing at all,"
I decided it would be best to address the tension between us and find a way to move forward. Asking Yarine about her past seemed like a perfect opportunity, although there was a chance she might not share.
"Yarine, I'm curious about your journey to joining the Church of Michael. Can you tell me more about why you chose this specific church? Has Michael played a significant role in your life, or do you simply admire him?"
Yarine was taken aback by the sudden change in topic, but she appreciated my willingness to shift gears quickly. After a brief pause, she responded, "I suppose it's mainly connected to the idea of his judgment."
"His judgment?"
"I'm deeply sorry to hear about your parents. Please continue."
Yarine took a deep breath before continuing her story. "Back then, we were just humble farmers trying to make a living. The nobles saw an opportunity and exploited us, charging exorbitant prices for our supplies, leaving us with nothing as they deceived and tricked us."
As she spoke, I interjected, "It's your fault for being too trusting then."
Yarine nodded in agreement. "You're right. We were naive and trusting, and my father, in his innocence, agreed to their terms, unaware of the consequences. Gradually, the nobles stripped him of his lands and titles, leaving us homeless and destitute. My father tried to voice his grievances and reported the situation to the authorities, but when the nobles discovered his actions, they took matters to the extreme and killed him."
"They resorted to murder for their own greed?" I asked, incredulous.
Yarine responded, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "Yes, it may have initially seemed like a murder to cover their tracks, but it ran deeper than that. These nobles were despicable scum, preying on vulnerable farmers like us. This heinous scam was perpetrated on many, just like my family. Faced with a bleak future and feeling helpless, I turned to the church as a last resort. It was there that I found solace in my Lord, and through his righteous teachings, he entrusted me with the task of bringing justice to those vermin."
What....
So, she killed them personally?
Yarine looked ahead as we approached a mountainous terrain.
"We've made good progress if we've reached this point already..." she said, pointing at the hill in front of us. "Those may look like mountains, but it's actually a passage we can use. It's a bit steep, but not as steep as the surrounding mountains."
What's the matter with her?
I gazed at the hills, realizing that they did appear less steep compared to the other mountains.
"I'm still surprised we haven't been attacked by demons so far," Yarine remarked.
"Why does that surprise you?" I inquired.
"I mean, we've been relentlessly attacked by them, but ever since we joined forces with you, they haven't even approached."
"I'm sure they're watching us from the shadows, but they know the death they will face if they attempt to harm us."
Is she just going to stop talking about it like that... zzz... well fine, I can't insist her.
"Are you really as strong as you claim, though?" Yarine questioned.
Megh.... I still feel that it would be wrong to have them expect too much of me.
"Strong enough to get by," I replied.
Yarine shrugged, still seemingly skeptical. "So you claim..."
As we approached the mountainous regions, the caravan began its ascent along the steep slope. The mules strained to pull our weight, giving their best to make progress.
Suddenly, a series of coughs echoed from the back of the caravan.
Yarine, upon hearing his coughing, informed me that she would go tend to his wounds, and make sure he was alright, meanwhile, I was to take the lead of the caravan.
The caravan pressed on with me leading the way, but an eerie feeling started to creep over me. The presence of demons seemed to grow stronger, their malevolence palpable in the air surrounding us, still nothing compared to mine.
Damn it, I really hoped I wouldn't get in a fight here...
Summoning my latent demonic powers, I conjured a swirling portal in the air before me. The ethereal gateway shimmered with otherworldly energies as I reached into the depths of my dimensional vault. Amidst the swirling vortex, I retrieved the scythe that Mila had once gifted me, its dark and wicked form glinting with malevolent power.
Grasping the scythe firmly in my hand, I could feel its familiar weight and the surge of energy coursing through its wicked blade. It was a weapon forged in the depths of the underworld, designed to cleave through demonic flesh and sever the ties of the living.
If I were to fight seriously, I would easily destroy them all, but I can't blow my cover...
As expected, I sensed the presence of demons drawing near, their footfalls echoing in my heightened perception. With a swift motion, I signaled for the caravan to come to a halt, leaping onto the top of one of the wagons to assess the approaching threat.
To my dismay, the demons that emerged from the shadows were Impions, siMilar in appearance to the ones I had under my command. However, these were not allies but adversaries, their malevolence evident in their twisted forms and glowing red eyes.
The guards, well-trained and vigilant, took up defensive positions, raising their pikes in readiness. Yarine, confused by the sudden halt, emerged from the wagon and looked at me for an explanation. I pointed towards the rapidly approaching demons, a grave expression on my face.
Sensing the imminent danger, Yarine acted swiftly, beginning to chant a spell invoking the power of the heavens. Her words hung in the air, filled with hope and desperation. But as the incantation reached its climax, a profound silence fell upon us. Not a glimmer of divine energy descended from the heavens, for the darkened presence of the clouds blocked any form of heavenly intervention.
"Pray not to God, but rely on your personal strength," I muttered under my breath, my resolve firm as I leaped down from the wagon, landing on the right side of the rear. "I'll handle this side. You two, go assist Yarine and the others on the opposite side."
The guards acknowledged my command with a swift nod, swiftly making their way towards Yarine's position.
image [https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]
The approaching Impions, sensing my presence, halted their advance, their attention now fixed solely on me. A wicked grin spread across my face, a twisted delight coursing through me as I raised my scythe, ready to meet their onslaught head-on.
In a sudden burst of motion, I lunged forward, my scythe cleaving through the Impions with relentless precision. Before they could even react, my swift slash cut through their bodies, severing them in half and silencing their demonic forms.
Their lifeless forms crumpled to the ground, my sadistic joy feeding the darkness within me. The hunter had become the hunted, and I reveled in the satisfaction of dispatching these enemies that dared to threaten our caravan.
Having swiftly dispatched a few demons with my scythe, the remaining ones retreated in fear, scurrying towards the safety of the mountains.
Normally, I would have pursued them, reveling in the thrill of the chase, but this was a protection job, and my primary responsibility was to safeguard the others.
image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]
The Impions charged forward, their brute force overpowering the defenses of the guards. With their weight, they pushed through, clamping their jaws onto the unfortunate guards. Yet, the guards fought back valiantly, thrusting their pikes into the demons' skulls, severing their heads in a gruesome display.
Yarine, drawing her blade from her side, steeled herself for the impending combat. Though a slight tremor ran through her hands, she held her cross tightly around her neck, finding solace in its presence.
"Michael, I know you will always be with me, no matter what," she whispered, reaffirming her faith. Her gaze fixed upon the approaching horde of demons, she raised her hand, giving a resolute command to her guards to follow her lead. Her unwavering presence infused them with newfound courage as they pressed forward, cutting through the uncivilized ranks of the enemy.
With swift and precise slashes, Yarine tore through the demons, her faith fueling her righteous fury. Her unwavering belief in her cause irritated me, an observer from a distance. I watched as she mercilessly struck down my creations, even though they had gone rogue.
Well then, let's test the limits of her faith.
"Summon, eldritch reflection," I murmured under my breath, invoking my dark powers.
image [https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]
6th Tier Magic - Eldritch Reflection
Effects: Summons forth an eldritch horror, a monster of nightmares that takes the reflection of their target, this monster although not powerful in nature, has the ability to fight on par with its target, however, through the exchange of blows, the horror grows in strength, filling their target slowly with despair until they eventually break.
Requirements: Summoner of Darkness
Mana Cost: 0
Special Note: Summoner of Darkness is a special requirement that one can achieve only through Godhood; this allows the caster to tap into the powers of darkness.
image [https://i.imgur.com/Qj0qq7o.png]