Summer is the season when the flowers on the 28th floor burst into luminescent beauty. The sky, with its warped reality, displays a vivid blue sea seldom obscured by cottony clouds. The sun casts a brilliant light, too intense for prolonged gazes. The warm wind envelops the skin, inducing a humid sweat that beckons children to play near the gushing water. They bask in the sun, balanced by the cool moisture of the river

The members of the chronic backpain party set off on their own paths, each embarking on their own adventure, following traces laid out for them to fulfill the quest prescribed by the dungeon. Their mission: to hunt down a specific creature deemed dangerous by the dungeon—the outlaw king, Proust. Two of the members, Vinetra and Hans, remained behind in the city to guard their belongings. Despite having lived there for two months, Vinetra's professionalism led her to trust no one, not even in the supposedly friendly environment of Homorotabi. Though Vinetra harbored a one-sided dislike for Hans, it seemed they could get along if they chose to. In fact, the chronic backpain party was founded by these two, and their shared history remained a secret between them.

While Vinetra guarded their belongings out of a sense of responsibility, Hans had a different motive. Two young children whom Fielma had befriended persuaded him to join them in playing by the riverside, and the events unfolded so quickly that Vinetra and Yurn were also swept along, leaving the party's belongings unattended. Although this was a neglect of their responsibility, nobody seemed to mind at this point. In fact, the entire party would likely have been fine with it if they found out, as they had already let down their guard for the Homorotabi. It was only Vinetra's sense of duty that made her uneasy about any potential risks, including betrayal. Ultimately, Vinetra relented and joined the children in their play.

To an outsider, the children's play seemed more like a competition than a game. They raced to see who was the fastest swimmer, with the girl decisively claiming victory. They sprinted to finish a 200-meter race, and once again, the girl emerged triumphant. They competed to catch the most fish, and unsurprisingly, the girl emerged as the winner once more.

"Fwaha! You're too slow, Regulia!"

"I'm not competing with you, haah... give me a break"

Although it appeared that the boy wasn't exerting full effort to defeat her, he seemed content to simply enjoy the game. As he caught his breath, Fatima adopted a strong stance, crossing her arms.

"Do you even call yourself a man when you kept losing to a girl. You're petty"

"Nah, you're not something I could call a girl"

The simple words uttered by Regulia triggered a violent reaction from the girl. In his perception, she seemed to vanish from his field of view, and before he knew it, she was already behind him, using her arms to strangle the frail boy

"You'll pay for your impudence!" Fatime began tickling Regulia making him laugh out loud like a maniac. "I'm going to torture you. Rejoice as you are going to suffer by the hands of the Almighty General. The strongest Homorotabi"

"Bwahaha! Stop it, HAhAhAhA"

The innocent play of the little children filled Vinetra with nostalgia for the past. To her, the pure kids resembled angels. As an adventurer who had traveled the world, she had experienced a great deal of cruelty, and seeing the children made her believe that, at some point, things weren't all bad. Lost in thought, she nibbled on a fruit handed to her by the elder, while Hans expertly cut it for consumption. The three adults silently watched over the children with a gentle gaze, cherishing the moment.

"Such sweet little children" Vinetra muttered and the two adult nods, obviously agreeing.

When the two kids began running to the west, the elder immediately shouted as a warning... "Regulia! Fatima! Don't go too far away, you hear me!?"

"Yeah! We're not going anywhere near the forest"

It was a time when Ruifia's forest was not yet surrounded by a barrier, and the locals were not afraid of the Gwarfen. However, the forest was teeming with numerous creatures that would attack humanoids on sight, leaving Yurn deeply worried.

Despite the kids promising not to venture near it, the adults were still uneasy. They were unsatisfied that Hans willingly took off to guard them in case of any danger. Now, Yurn and Vinetra found themselves alone. Surprisingly, they realized that Hans had left without displaying any unusual behavior.

"Do you fancy little kids, Vinetra?"

"Yes, they are pure beings of such delight. I love seeing them play and smile. But Hans love kids more than I do. He actually runs an orphanage back on our home town and everyone love him"

"Ah... that boy huh... He is indeed a peculiar person"

Vinetra curled up, hugging her knees tightly as a bitter smile formed on her lips. "In fact, if it weren't for him, I might not be alive today."

Her expression, coupled with her grateful yet lonely voice, revealed a peculiar truth about Hans as a person. Despite his oddities, he seemed to surpass their initial expectations. Through Vinetra's words, it became evident that he was better than they had anticipated.

"Do you mean... You are an orphan?"

Vinetra slightly nods. "Hans might be a scum on character, but on our town, he is a hero who protected everyone. He is my hero"

Indeed, in the past, Vinetra grew up in a secluded village. With no memories of her real parents, she knew only that she had been left in the middle of the forest to be consumed by monsters until Hans discovered her and brought her to the orphanage. Under Hans's care, she found the joy she had longed for, even though she knew she wasn't his biological daughter. Eventually, Vinetra was adopted by a noble family due to her exceptional fighting abilities and became a contracted adventurer.

Nobles highly esteemed adventurers, considering it an honor to the country. They were thrilled when Vinetra became an Emerald Class adventurer, though they only treated her as a daughter because of her status. Hans, on the other hand, was different. He did great things without expecting anything in return, he was kind without needing to be prompted, he was simply a good person. Vinetra was grateful to her noble parents for pushing her to become an adventurer because it led to her reunion with her former guardian.

"So, that boy is your father."

"He's is still a scum though that I end up punching him all the time"

The elder paused for a moment, looking at Vinetra's longing gaze.

"Do you sometimes dream to have your own child?" he asked

"HA!? W-Wh-What are you talking about? W-Where not like that! He's a priest so he can't get married! And besides, he doesn't see me that way...."

Yurn frowned, rubbing his forehead as he pondered the complexity of Vinetra's situation. "What a complicated relationship," he remarked.

Indeed, Hans was not only a priest but also Vinetra's guardian, which made their relationship intricate. Considering Hans's age and devotion to his cause, any romantic notions Vinetra harbored were likely unrealistic. She was well aware of this fact.

Hans was a priest of the Serpentine cult. The term "cult" often carries negative connotations, but contrary to expectations, the Serpentine cult was far from malevolent. Like many major religions throughout history, it began as a small, tight-knit community focused on the quality of their beliefs rather than the quantity of their followers. The Serpentine cult was dedicated to the pursuit of divine truth and secretly supported the descendants of heroes behind closed doors. Despite being one of the smallest organizations, they were among the most influential. Within their ranks, Hans was regarded as exceptional. His abilities surpassed even those of the Eye of Fos, as he possessed the rare gift of direct interaction with the divine

...

Hans and the children were still some distance from the forest when they stumbled upon a playground, prompting them to engage in their silly games. While Hans may have been coerced into participating, it was evident that he was more than willing, as he readily complied with their requests, a simple tug on his sleeves and a glance of puppy eyes enough to convince him.

The children dove into the mud with abandon, rolling around as if they were pastries coated in chocolate. Fatima, in her mischief, fashioned a sticky mud ball and aimed it squarely at Hans's face, eliciting giggles. Not one to back down, Hans retaliated with a larger mud ball, aiming it at Fatima. However, she dodged, and the mud ball found an unintended target in Regulia's face. This sparked an all-out mud ball war among them.

Amidst the chaos, Hans failed to notice the impending danger until it was too late. "Kids! Get on my back, now!" when he finally noticed the danger, he shouted, but their reactions were that of children, slow and unaware. Before they could respond, Regulia was snatched up by a black-skinned humanoid, causing the mud ball in its hand to drop to the ground. Fatima managed to scramble onto Hans's back just in time.

"Hey, hey! What are these blue creatures... They look like candies," remarked the black-skinned creature with a mohawk dyed in orange. Hans's vision was immediately drawn to his hair, but what truly made his heart race were the horns protruding proudly from the demon's head, as if poised to pierce the sky. A demon.

Another demon stood beside him, much larger and more muscular than the first. In fact, the first demon appeared skinny, prompting Hans to wonder whether he was a threat or simply malnourished. The larger demon spoke, addressing the first as Arnadus, "Proust told us not to do anything reckless."

This second demon was named Retunda, tasked with correcting Arnadus's actions. Despite being lawless demons, they adhered to a new law imposed on them—the fear instilled through the name Proust.

"Well well, it doesn't matter, is it? They are just kids after all. Let me play with them" Arnadus wrapped his arm around Retunda's shoulder, a gesture that Retunda didn't seem to appreciate. However, as he glanced at the frightened child before them, a desire stirred within him, a desire so intense it felt like diving into an endless abyss from which he knew he wouldn't emerge unscathed.

"Don't you dare harm that boy, or I'll-" Hans warned but immediately cut off by Arnadus.

"Oh what? You gonna suck my dick? Fine"

"GHAGGGGHH!!"

The demon forcefully bent Regulia's arm until it snapped, the bones protruding through his skin as blood gushed out like a torrent, staining the ground crimson.

"You sick bastard!" Hans's heart pounded with fury and desperation, but he knew that any action on his part might provoke the demons into killing the defenseless child. Yet, even without his intervention, the piercing scream escaping Regulia's lips was enough to goad the demons into committing the heinous act.

Hans's horror deepened as the demon callously urged Regulia to scream more, then forcefully placed his hands over the child's mouth, prying it open beyond its limits. Regulia's teeth deformed and fell from his mouth, his chin bones disjoining from his skull with a sickening crack. A sudden realization struck Hans as he watched in horror: the child was dead. Regulia's body went limp, blood spraying from his mouth as broken bones pierced his vessels.

For a moment, everything seemed to stop as Hans's heart skipped a beat, the world around him falling into a deafening silence. But then, with a surge of determination and rage, he regained his composure and cast a spell in retaliation.

"I call upon the name of-"

As Hans began his spell, he sensed the imminent threat of the demon's firearm. Reacting swiftly, he dodged to evade the bullet aimed at his skull. However, his concern extended beyond his own safety—he also needed to protect the young girl, Fatima.

With quick thinking and strategic prowess, Hans juggled his actions between defending himself and ensuring Fatima's safety. He moved with agility, using his body as a shield to intercept any potential harm directed towards her, all while devising a plan to confront the two demons effectively.

As Arnadus rushed towards him, discarding his gun and drawing a 50cm dagger from its sheath, Hans had no time to complete his spell. With Fatima pushed safely out of harm's way, Hans focused on evading the demon's relentless onslaught. However, Arnadus proved to be a skilled combatant, his movements precise and lethal.

Hans, though an Emerald Class adventurer and a priest, was not accustomed to direct combat. His expertise lay in facing more esoteric threats such as wraiths, necromancy, and curses. Swordfighting was not his forte, and his spellcasting required ample time for chanting, a luxury he did not have in this desperate situation.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Hans remained resolute, his mind racing for a solution as he defended himself and Fatima from Arnadus's deadly strikes.

With two demons to contend with and the added responsibility of protecting Fatima, Hans found himself in a dire predicament. As he struggled to devise a plan, Arnadus's dagger lashed out from below, catching him off guard. With no time to evade, Hans instinctively raised his hands to block the attack. The blade pierced through his flesh, its tip menacingly pointed at his throat. Despite Hans's efforts to push it away, the demon's strength was formidable, slowly driving the dagger closer to its deadly mark.

As Hans grappled with Arnadus's relentless assault, he suddenly felt the presence of the second demon looming behind him. Before he could react, the demon forcefully pushed his head downwards, driving him closer to the lethal blade. Despite Hans's attempts to resist, it became apparent that the demons were not exerting their full strength. They seemed to relish in his futile struggle, savoring the fear evident in his eyes as if it were entertainment.

With his options dwindling and desperation setting in, Hans mustered all his remaining strength to cast one final spell, hoping against hope that it would be enough to turn the tide in his favor.

Though Arnadus came up with a cruel way to stop it. "Open his mouth" he said.

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"NO!"

Retunda forcefully pried Hans's mouth open, abruptly halting his chant, while Arnadus seized his tongue tightly from within. The demons giggled in sadistic anticipation, imagining the agony of Hans's impending scream. Without warning, Arnadus viciously yanked Hans's tongue out of his mouth.

A wave of excruciating pain surged through Hans as his tongue was severed, blood gushing from the wound and dripping from his mouth, the tissue damage rendering him unable to speak or cast spells. It was a crippling blow, leaving him defenseless and unable to perform any form of magic, especially without the ability for chantless casting.

With Hans incapacitated and in agony, the two demons laughed mockingly at his suffering.

"Hyahaha! Try to cast your spell one more time" Arnadus look at the second demon, "What did Proust told us about the humans? Eh... Kill them on spot?"

Hans now understood the grim purpose behind the demons' arrival. It became clear to him that their intent was to kill the humans, and upon hearing the name Proust, he realized that the enemy had already located them before they could locate him.

"Oh, you want to squash his head? Well, wait. It's no fun if nobody else will saw his face, I want his death to be interesting"

Just then, something struck Arnadus's arm, but it was painless—a mere tickle, causing no damage. It was Fatima, wielding a stick like a sword in a futile attempt to harm the demon.

The demon sat to her height level, "Hi little kid, are you lost?"

"Don't you dare look down on me..." Fatima said with anger and tears burning into her squirting eyes. "Why did you kill Regulia...? Why?"

The demon's grin widened, relishing the despair evident in Fatima's expression. This fueled him to contemplate actions even more heinous than any he had committed before against young girls. The horrors of his imagination were reflected in his eyes, signaling a fate for Fatima that was too dreadful to comprehend. Though his thoughts remained veiled, the grim possibilities for Fatima's fate were chilling to contemplate.

"Y-You;re going to pay... I'm the... I'm the strongest... Homorotabi. I'm the..."

...

Vinetra and the elder finished all the food, secretly relishing the thought of seeing Hans's expression of despair when he discovered there were no fruits left for him to eat. However, as time passed, neither Hans nor the kids returned for lunch.

The heat intensified, leaving Vinetra feeling uneasy and stressed. Despite her trust in Hans, she couldn't shake off the worry. Perhaps Hans was simply showing the children something foolish, but even that wasn't reassuring, as it would make him a bad influence on them.

As lunchtime came and went with no sign of their return, Vinetra grew increasingly concerned. She knew that Hans was meticulous about mealtime, having been so when she was a child, ensuring both nutrition and punctuality with a carefully planned schedule.

With the children's mealtime approaching and still no sign of them, Vinetra couldn't help but fear the worst. She understood the importance of timely meals, especially for growing children, and knew that Hans would never neglect such a fundamental aspect of their care without good reason.

"Eh... Who are those people?"

Something felt undeniably amiss to Vinetra now, her unease deepening as she observed two unfamiliar strangers playing soccer approaching them. One was a burly man with something strapped to his back, while the other sported a peculiar mohawk hairstyle. They played and laughed, casually kicking the ball back and forth, until Yurn's gaze fell upon the unmistakable horns protruding from their heads...

"Those are demons... Oh no... no, no, no, no, no, no..."

Yurn approached the two strangers, murmuring to himself about them being demons. His muttering continued until tears welled up in his eyes, streaming down his face as he contorted it in an expression of profound despair, as if his anguish had materialized into a tangible form."No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!"

Arnadus kicked the ball towards Yurn, striking him in the stomach and causing him to fall onto his back. Despite the impact, Yurn quickly crawled to retrieve the ball, his voice cracking as he hugged it tightly to his chest., "W... What have you done!? What have you done? What have you... What have you done...?"

"Old man, you're making some silly faces." The demon laughed to his pathetic display, but the Old Yurn continue to cry with the bloody ball on his embrace.

"Fatima... no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Fatima... Oh no... Fatima... Fatima... no..."

"Old fart, don't be a douchebag. Come on, pass the ball!"

Old Yurn didn't comply to their request, rather he hurled scream of cries as he hugged the ball tighter, not letting it go.

And Vinetra can't remain oblivious anymore than that as she saw the ball is nothing else but Fatima's severed head. "YOU FUCKING BASTARDS! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" she snapped, her eyes darted to find where Hans is only to notice the sack on Retunda's back.

"Oh... Scary." Arnadus remarked. He look on Retunda and joked, "Women. BWAHAHAhA" they laughed while imitating a person sipping coffee.

Vinetra couldn't take it anymore that she pured all her strength and mana to her fist.

"Wait. Don't move," Arnadus commanded, holding up a hand to halt Vinetra's advance. "We know we have no chance if we fought you, so let's trade." He nodded at Retunda, who obediently placed a sack on the ground. As expected, it contained Hans, bloodied and bound, rendered incapacitated.

"Don't harm us, and... we'll let him go," Arnadus pleaded, attempting to sway Vinetra. They anticipated her compliance, but as Vinetra appeared to consider their offer, she suddenly unleashed a devastating attack.

In a split second, Vinetra's demeanor shifted from contemplative to fierce determination. With a primal scream, she launched herself at the demons, her fist crackling with energy. "Go to hell, you bastard!" she roared, channeling all her power into the devastating blow.

"Kill him"

As Retunda followed the demon's command, he callously crushed Hans's head beneath his feet. Anticipating hesitation from Vinetra, he was taken aback when she displayed only increased resolve. Instead of hesitation, her eyes burned with intensified determination and a chilling killing intent.

Channeling all her power and anger into her right fist, Vinetra unleashed a devastating blow aimed squarely at Arnadus's face. The frail-looking demon was sent hurtling through the air in an instant, his body skimming across the ground with such force that it dug into the earth as he slid across the river.

Retunda's eyes widened in shock as he leaped away from Vinetra, taken aback by the immense strength displayed by the seemingly unassuming woman.

Vinetra is an Aero-attributed fighter, her mastery of wind magic amplifying the propulsion effect after her punches, resulting in even greater impacts. This enhancement not only increases the speed of her punches but also adds momentum, ultimately amplifying the force behind them. The sheer power of her punches is formidable, capable of easily dispatching a human opponent of her caliber. However, when faced with entities such as demons, the true extent of its effectiveness remains uncertain.

"That hurt, you know" Arnadus stood up, a small amount of blood dripping from his mouth.

"YOU DESERVE WORSE THAN THAT!"

The woman shouted defiantly as she launched another punch at the demon, but this time, he retaliated swiftly. Evading her first two punches effortlessly, he countered with a devastating blow to her chin. The impact rattled her brain, nearly causing her to lose consciousness. Yet, amidst the haze of pain, haunting images flashed through her mind—the terror-stricken face of the deceased child, Fatima, and the gruesome sight of brain fragments from Hans's skull. Determined not to succumb to darkness, she clenched her fist tightly, forcing herself to remain conscious.

Undeterred by her injuries, she unleashed another punch, but the demon easily sidestepped, mocking her with laughter. It became evident that the demon was even stronger than she had anticipated. Realizing that her current display alone wouldn't be enough to overcome him, she resolved to find another way—to become even stronger.

She channeled 60% of her mana, focusing it all into her fist, now pushing it to 80% and steadily rising. The sheer power radiating from her fist became palpable, a swirling aura of glowing wind tingling with intensity, seemingly scorching her hands with its heat. The surrounding wind grew turbulent, mirroring her escalating fury as she entered a berserk state.

Concerned for her well-being, Yurn intervened, warning her about the dangers of pushing her mana usage any further. "Vinetra! Control yourself! If you exceed your mana limit, you'll risk overloading!" Despite his non-human nature, Yurn had witnessed the consequences of adventurers pushing themselves beyond their limits. He knew all too well the toll it could take on a mortal body as fragile as a human's—mutations, explosions, implosions, flesh melting or hardening, burning or freezing to death—the potential for disaster was immense when one exceeded their body's capacity to handle the surging mana.

Despite the warnings, Vinetra persisted in pushing her limits, channeling more power than she could safely handle. Her fist connected with Arnadus's form relentlessly—once, twice, thrice—and within a mere three seconds, she unleashed over 72 consecutive blows that sent Arnadus reeling off his feet.

"Arnadus!" Retunda's cry rang out, though it was unnecessary; the demon swiftly regained his footing, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with a grim determination.

"That's insane bitch. You're strength is amazing"

There exists a stark contrast between the limitations of human adventurers and demons. While even the most skilled human warriors risk mana overloading and its dire consequences, demons are immune to such concerns. They can freely wield their mana without fear of repercussion, rendering humans comparatively weak in comparison. It's this inherent advantage that allows Arnadus to imbue himself with the full extent of his mana, bolstering his already formidable physique to its peak potential. Clenching his fist in readiness, he sneered at Vinetra's display of power.

"But if that's the extent of your power," he taunted, "then fuck off. You're nothing."

They dashed towards each other, their speed imperceptible to Old Yurn's eyes. As they closed in, their fists primed for impact, the air itself seemed to tremble with anticipation, emitting a piercing wail. Yet, consumed by her rage, Vinetra failed to notice Arnadus's deceptive maneuver—his other hand concealed a dagger, his fist and the overwhelming mana behind it serving as a mere distraction.

With a swift motion, the dagger plunged into Vinetra's cheek, piercing through to the other side of her face. As Arnadus withdrew the weapon, several of Vinetra's teeth were wrenched from her mouth, accompanied by a gush of blood. The demon jeered at her pitiful state, reveling in her suffering. "KYAHAHAHA! Who the fuck told you I'm into fist fight?"

The demon specialized in swordsmanship, proficient with firearms and occasionally resorting to bare-handed combat. A seasoned killer, Arnadus had claimed the lives of hundreds, whether innocent bystanders or fellow murderers. Despite his prowess, however, Arnadus paled in comparison to Retunda, who in turn was considered weaker than their formidable leader, Proust.

As Vinetra knelt, her body began to contort unnaturally. Her skin erupted in painful welts, blood seeping from numerous wounds. Tremors wracked her fingers, a chilling numbness enveloping her. The strain of excessive mana usage immobilized her, rendering half of her body unresponsive to her will. Internally, a searing agony churned within her, her insides boiling with relentless torment.

With a malicious grin, Arnadus towered over her, a silent proclamation of his superiority and her perceived weakness for all to witness.

And then somebody calmly spoke, turning Arnadus's smug face into visible paleness. "And what's going on here?"

"Boss!" Arnadus recoiled in shock, hastily composing himself and adopting a facade of calmness. Despite his efforts, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, a testament to his anxiety in the presence of the white-masked figure before him—Proust. Seven more of Proust's formidable foot soldiers loomed behind him, armed to the teeth with high-grade rifles.

In the demon world and its outskirts, rumors abound regarding the enigmatic figure behind the white mask—some dismiss these tales as mere hoaxes or myths, as none have ever laid eyes upon his true visage. According to the stories, he is depicted as a maniac, a psychopath infamous for his gruesome experiments on unsuspecting victims, purportedly using their entrails to concoct addicting drugs—a grisly detail evidenced by the spattered blood on his mask, said to have originated from one of his brutal killings in the past. Whispers claim he indulges in the macabre practice of consuming fetuses and embryos as snacks, and is known to frequent secret theaters exclusive to the wealthy elite of demons, where actors meet their demise both on and off stage in grotesque spectacles.

Despite the sensational nature of these tales, they have earned him various monikers, one of which is "Gwarfen Gwarf." While many doubt the veracity of his existence, the man before them—whether truly him or an imposter—leaves no doubt in Yurn's mind. He is convinced that the white-masked man standing before him is the one responsible for the deaths of his wife and children.

Facing the creature responsible for the deaths of his family, Old Yurn couldn't suppress the words that welled up within him. He harbored no fear of his own demise; his greatest dread lay in the prospect of further loss of life among those he cared for. With Fatima's death, there remained nothing left for him to shield from harm.

"Are you here to make us suffer again?" he asked. "How could you do this? Have you not found your empathy towards someone other than yourself?"

"Empathy? Such notions are nothing more than illusions," the demon declared with disdain. "A mental construct fabricated by the feeble-minded to evade confrontation and exist in a state of false comfort, all under the guise of putting their own feet into somebody else's shoes. We demons need no such thing as we embrace conflict, conflict is a tool that makes us stands superior than to all others."

He struggled to comprehend the demon's rationale, finding it incomprehensible. While demons undeniably possessed formidable strength, he couldn't fathom the concept of strength devoid of compassion or empathy. Yet, his musings were interrupted by a sobering realization. Why did it seem that the most vile creatures were often the most powerful, while the kind-hearted were frequently the weakest? This unsettling thought shook him to his core, challenging his perceptions. However, he quickly dismissed it.

"Arnadus!" Proust roared making the particular demon flinched in response. "Are you the one responsible for this unnecessary drama?"

"Yes... boss..." his tone weaker than when he was fighting Vinetra.

"Finish what you have started. I don't want to see their pitiful faces ever again."

Arnadus's face lit up with anticipation, exhaling deeply as the tension drained from his body in an instant. "You heard the boss, boys! Let's rock and roll!"

Raising his hand, he assumed command of Proust's soldiers. "Ready... AIM!" Instantly, the old Homorotabi dashed towards Vinetra's side, determined to shield her from the impending onslaught of bullets. "Fuck 'em up!" Arnadus commanded, and the soldiers obeyed, pulling the trigger with lethal intent.

A relentless barrage of bullets rained down upon the elderly being, leaving him no time to scream or cry out in agony before succumbing to death. In his final moments, he passed without knowing if he had succeeded in shielding Vinetra, yet his soul found solace in the knowledge that he had given his all until the very end. As Vinetra realized she had been protected by the old man, regret washed over her for her inability to save him. If only she had been stronger, she might have intervened and perhaps spared not only the children but also Hans.

As the hail of bullets ceased, Vinetra lay still, feigning death despite her wounds. Arnadus approached cautiously to confirm their demise, prompting her to wait until the last possible moment. With careful precision, the demon ensured the elderly man's demise with two fatal shots to the head. He was dead.

As Arnadus kicked the lifeless body of the elder, Vinetra seized the opportunity to act. With swift determination, she pivoted and primed her fist for a strike. Though her blow didn't connect directly with Arnadus, the force of her attack propelled him backward, sending him reeling. Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, she sprinted away as fast as her legs could carry her. Surprisingly, the demons refrained from opening fire, leaving Vinetra to ponder their sudden restraint. However, the events that followed provided a chilling answer to her question.

"Hahaha... That chick is crazy" Arnadus laughed at the display of persistency. Then he heard the clacking of guns as they reload it with new bullets.

"Aim", Proust declared. At first, Arnadus thought they were targeting the human, but as he glanced around, he realized they were pointing their weapons directly at him.

"Boss... Wait. I'll chase her!" he begged but it fall into no one's ear.

"Fire"

Numerous bullets attempted to penetrate the demon, but he shielded himself by channeling his mana at full force. The metal projectiles ricocheted off his skin, a common defense for a demon of his stature. However, the pain was undeniable, and it filled him with a growing sense of terror. As the assailants reloaded their guns, it became apparent they were prepared to expend a considerable amount of ammunition on him. Despite his attempts to plead for mercy, the boss remained indifferent. Once again, they opened fire, and this time the bullets tore through his flesh, leaving behind bruised and battered tissue. With each successive volley, his agony intensified, culminating in the gruesome loss of his eyes and the tearing away of his flesh in bloody chunks. As his entrails were blasted from his body in a crimson spray, the demon succumbed to the excruciating torment inflicted upon him, meeting his demise in a brutal and painful manner.

Retunda gulped.

Vinetra had managed to escape, but Fatima and Old Yurn had tragically lost their lives, while Regulia's body was eventually recovered. Following these events, Proust and his gang boldly strode into the heart of the city, unimpeded by the guards who understood the dire consequences of challenging them.

The citizens couldn't hide their unease; they were all too aware of the malevolent reputation that preceded this particular demon. Even those who weren't Homorotabi felt a sense of foreboding in his presence. Despite the collective discomfort surrounding his presence, Proust lowered his head and began to speak

"Citizens! I'm glad to see you all are healthy," he spoke softly, his words carrying a chilling weight. "As you can see, humans have invaded your city. A worm... no... a disease, spreading their contagious, rotting ideas into your weak cortexes. Yours truly is here today to cure it, as the symptoms of their useless lives keep getting worse. I don't want you to be like them, so I will eliminate them before their cancerous brains become terminal and incurable."

Homorotabi maintained their friendly relationship with humans, much to the disdain of the demons. The demons felt betrayed by this association and decided to come down and make an example of them

"In fact, I have already rid the old fool and two little children of their miserable lives. Now, let us cooperate to hunt down those remaining cancerous cells and those already infected by it." It was a brief speech, but its impact on the homorotabi was significant—not because it was inspiring, but because it was laden with threats. They feared the demons' capabilities and felt powerless against them. As the demon concluded his speech, he lowered his head and bid his farewell. "I look forward to working with you."