I spread out a map in Schwann’s room with a table between us. The demon friend, for someone who had been away from human culture, was quite adept at brewing tea.

The map was filled with details of the city, and though there wasn’t any detail, it mentioned the places outside the city in each direction. Perhaps to help the farmers understand what lay where.

“This right here…” I pointed at the sixth canal. “There’s apparently an exit from the city here. The gates are under strict monitoring right now so it is impossible to escape from there, but it should be possible from here.”

Schwann nodded and then pointed at the corner.

“North of Blue, there’s a train line that goes outside of the Zirkonia Empire and toward the Pallin Kingdom at the Northmost part of the continent. I hear that place is the best location for outlaws.”

“Outlaws? Why?”

Pallin Kingdom was an unknown location for me. But since he mentioned North, it was likely a place that followed the Goddess Vespera. Not a single of the kingdoms was unallied right now since they were all planning to fight against the demons in a grand conquest.

Considering its location next to the Empire, it seemed to be a buffer state for the Empire. But other kingdoms had not joined hands with the Empire and the Ourania Theocracy which served the eldest of the Septet. Maybe it was a place they had left alone to spy on the other two grand alliances.

“The Pallin Kingdom shares borders with the Northern Wall,” said Schwann. “The monster horde from the north and the Forbidden Zone up there is very dangerous. It’s even scarier than the bleak demonic continent.”

I crossed my arms and nodded.

“They accept anyone who can fight?”

“That’s right. This would be the best spot for us.”

In the North, I might be able to train against the monsters and find something else considering it was a land not touched by many humans.

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“We should go here,” Schwann looked at me. “Unless you’re planning to raid more labyrinths.”

“I wish to. But the North is tempting as well.”

“Right. If you wish to travel to more labyrinths, then travel West. The kingdom of the elves, the dwarves, even the Academy, civilization is far richer in the West.”

“But people like us can’t sit with civilization, is it?”

Schwann nodded again. It was a sarcastic comment after all.

We discussed the escape plan, which had just become a bucket list of the things we would have liked to do instead. Schwann did most of the talking.

It made me remember the promises Rimi, Evans, and I would make after completing each quest at Shawn’s. I mentioned it too.

Seeing the largest waterfall that apparently attracted fairies at night. Or the beautiful port cities of the south. Evans wanted to eat some Kraken meat as well and travel to a different continent in the South.

“There should have been an academy for demons too.”

“Sounds like a good idea. You should go back and suggest it to the Crimson Horn tribe.”

Schwann lowered his head at my words.

“If only,” said he. Schwann reached into his pockets and pulled out a small flame. “This is what happened to the people of my tribe.”

I narrowed my gaze.

“What does that mean?”

“We, the Crimson Horn Tribe historically were an integral part of the Demon King’s army. It was thanks to this Living Flame that burned with a mind of its own.”

“A living flame…?”

“It is formed on the sacrifice of a hundred souls,” Schwann said. “It is an old story. Unfortunately, as time passed, the living flame and the sacrifice of people became too extreme. Our tribe lost its glory… it was foolish.”

I pursed my lips at his words.

“A tragedy struck us as other demons pushed us behind. The famines hit, our lands became barren, eventually only a murky, muddled drop remained in the vast ocean that once was the Crimson Horn Tribe…”

Schwann looked into my eyes.

“Now I am the only survivor. At least to my knowledge.” He raised the flame again. “The rest of my tribe is in this…”

Even though they were persecuted by the gods, the sufferings of demons were not much different from the sufferings I had heard so far. I wondered if their land had betrayed them like in Magen or if a natural disaster struck, but I didn’t want to ask and poke his memories.

“I wish to revive my tribe, Acheron.”

I nodded, still not used to the name.

“Only two souls remain… someday I might get the chance.”

A tribe of less than a hundred, then?

I put the cup down and nodded.

“I am on your side, Schwann. I’ll help you with this too.” The Septet that brought suffering to everyone, perhaps their injustice was the greatest towards the Demons.

I looked outside, it was already evening in just the time we spent talking. I had forgotten how great it was to have a companion. Hoping to lighten the mood, I stood up.

“Let’s head to the skewer shop next door. I am hungry.”