《The Demon Lord Candidate》


 The birth of the devil jewel shards

    The demon jewel is a very powerful heirloom passed from ancestors of the royal Demon family of Hellvoid. It was embedded on the royal crown of the king, which made him the most powerful demon with almost inexhaustible mana, that could easily destroy the earth in a blink of an eye.


    But sadly there was no need for such destruction as the new demon lord was very kind-hearted. He ordered all demons to not to seek out war and lived peacefully for about 5000 years. Although it was a peaceful time, many other demons were against the king''s ideology. They sought revenge against the gods who had defeated the demons and slain the previous king.


    During the festival celebration for the Demon Lord''s pregnant Queen, the minister¡¯s and other officials ambushed and plotted an assassination. They hired a group of elite exorcist who eliminated the demon lord and the Queen, with the help of Holy Excalibur sword.


    The pregnant queen was stabbed on the gut, as she threw curses before she was mowed down to her death.


    The demon lord was stabbed with the thirty-four holy Excalibur sword. He wriggled in agony as he watched his beloved queen as she drew her last breath.


    The Demon Lord mopped as he laid on the ground on the pool of blood of his own blood as well as the queen. The other demons laughed heartily and spat on his face.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The mercenary were paid with their promised gold.


    The demon lord was very sad, not just for the death of his queen and the unborn offspring but also over his subjects.


    He was sad because hefailed to explain his ideology to his subjects. He wasn¡¯t angry, even tho he was almost in the brink of death and was made to watch his pregnant queen die.


    But before he could draw his last breath, he gathered all the strength in his right arm and uprooted the swords stabbed in his arm from the ground. The force was so intense that the other demons were blown away and scattered all around, They were clueless about what just happened.


    With his free right arm which was gravely wounded, he grabbed his crown and broke it with his grip alone. He grabbed the devil jewel gem and gathered all of his last mana as well as some power from the jewel itself and flung it to the mortal realm.


    The jewel went flying from the underworld to mortal realm¡¯s sky. It was then shattered into 100 pieces of shards and scattered throughout the earth.


    The demon lord died along with the last of the lineage of the Hellvoid family. The underworld had no king.


    Without the devil jewel, no one could become the next demon lord.


    The demons now, race to gather all the shards and become the next demon lord. The mortal realm is now also in chaos as the demons run wild throughout the human realm.


    Not any demon could use the shard, as the jewel has a will of his own.


    Hence the race to become the next demon lord begins.

 Chapter 1.1- The remains of my humanity

    The sun has almost set and it looked as if it wept tears of blood as it looked down to the earth. The evil spread out within humans were spreading like a disease. Anger, resentment, hatred, dispute, and cruelty were the basic traits of human nowadays.


    Samael was the living proof of the human''s thirst for power.


    He treads through the dry cold hilly cliffs of the Great Einherjar ranges, without any destination on his mind. His body was skinny and bruises all over, the clothes were also in tatters. He made a hood from a withered blanket to cover his face and suppress his identity. The toes on his feet were bloodied bruised and it left footprints on the dry rocky floor. He escaped about a week ago, and since haven¡¯t stopped to take even a single break, fleeing mindlessly.


    With a stick on his hand, he scaled the giant dry frozen hills. He carried a huge bloodstained sword on his back which he picked up after he defeated the brute gatekeeper of the prison.


    His eyes were dead, the lips were charred, hair a mess and ribs were visible through his skin.


    Although he looked like a walking dead and frail but inside he was still fighting and struggling. The red shard was embedded on his chest right in the center.


    This piece of shard was one of the other seven shards that military got his hands on. The strong mana readings were the reason why it piqued the interest of the military.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The nerves near his chest turned black where the shard was embedded.


    There was another green jewel artifact that was attached to the back of his neck.


    The enchanted soul stone somehow nullified the devil shard''s effects but not completely. It was placed where the spinal nerves and the brain nerves connected, which thankfully let Samael retain his control over his body. Sadly, the other test subjects weren¡¯t so lucky.


    Samael after a whole week¡¯s trail stopped for the first time and glanced towards the sunset. He stood on the edge of the cliff where the entire forest which covered the bottom foothills of the ranges of Einherjar were visible. Its a very beautiful scene, but Samael¡¯s dead eyes had already foreseen the ugly truth of this world. He looked coldly towards the scenery with his dead eyes.


    It was if as the sun were ashamed and helpless, could do nothing but flee after looking at Samael¡¯s pitiful condition. While Samael watched the sunset behind the mountains, the residents of the Einherjar hills came to greet the stranger.


    They drooled and growled, as they surround Samael by all the sides. They were skinny, hunger was the only thing that kept them driving.


    The pack of hungry wolves glared him as a morsel of meat.


    Samael turned towards the wolves and stared back. He didn¡¯t even flinch, even after being outnumbered by the savage beasts.


    The wolves kept a distance as they studied their prey.


    Samael reached out to the gigantic sword on his back and grabbed its hilt. A smile appeared on his face and his dead eyes rolled through the swarm of wolves.


    ¡°Do you know how a wolf meat tastes?¡±, Samael asks the wolves standing in front.


    The wolves growl and stared as they slowly cornered him.


    ¡°I shall find out, soon enough¡±

 Chapter 1.2 - The remains of my humanity

    The sun had set and darkness covered the horizon and slowly the stars appear in the sky. The moon along with stars lit up the sky. The great hills Einherjar were covered with mist and clouds. The cold hills of Einherjar were lifeless, not many living beings could sustain life on the barren hills. Although, the forest on the foothills were abundant with life.


    In the meantime, a little dim light came through a dark gloomy cave situated from one of the hillsides. The source of the light came from the campfire set by Samael.


    Two wolves whose fur was skinned out was placed on the fire to be cooked. Samael was busy munching the meat cooked beforehand. He had already gulped down about two of the wolf meats already.


    The wolf had barely any meat, almost 60% of the wolves part wasn¡¯t edible out of 35% were bones.


    He even cracked open the bones, to eat the bone marrow. It¡¯s a good source of nutrients and vitamins.


    He was eating like a beast, the ripping sound of the meat when torn with his teeth echoed throughout the cave. There were several other bone fragments scattered through the floor of the cave. Presumably, the leftovers are eaten by the wolves in the past. Some of them contained human skulls as well.


    It has been ages since Samael, eaten anything.


    He looked like a little squirrel eating a nut, but minus the cuteness.


    While eating, He peeked behind his back.


    To his surprise, an eye stared back at him from the shadows.


    He grabbed the sword¡¯s hilt behind his back and squeezed his body behind the enormous blade of the sword as he braced for impact.


    A gigantic paw twice as big as his head clashed straight with the sword''s blade.


    Samael came flying out of the cave and rolled on the rocky floors about 15 meters away from the cave before he came to a stop.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The impact was very intense that he was in a state of shock, as he tried to open his eyes. He then suddenly turned and vomited. The half cooked meat, as well as the sudden attack, was more than what his stomach could handle. For about first 15 seconds, he vomited to his fill before he got on his knees and glanced at the Cave.


    The paw impact was so strong that any human would be torn in half like a pudding. Thankfully, the huge sword on his back absorbed most of the impact.


    A giant creature stood on the opening mouth of the cave. The campfire behind him, cast a dark shadow which covered his entire body from the front. The eyes were visible as it refracted light, same as the eyes of the nocturnal animals at night. It was so tall that its head almost touched the cave roof.


    ¡°You dare to trespass my territory then eat my own kin in my own dwelling.¡±, said the beast angrily.


    Samael got on his feet as he wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his clothing. He didn¡¯t even have his guard up, he was acting as if got up from an afternoon nap. He shrugged off the dust from his clothes and pants, although they were nothing but torn rags.


    ¡°Is this how you treat your guest, you need to learn some manners or two.¡±, replied Samael in an antsy tone.


    The creature came out of the cave, the moonlight unmasked the creature who came out of the depth of its cave.


    Covered in white thick fur, sharp jaws, big paws with sharp claws. It was standing on his hind legs. Its eyes were locked on its prey as he growled in anger.


    ¡°Oh, you might be talking about the hungry mutts from before, I see. They were your kids indeed, both of you people certainly lack in the manner to treat your guest passing by.¡±, smiled Samael in a taunting manner. His smile and eyes were the same as of a lunatic.


    The werewolf was certainly in a bad temper. It widened it both claws as he ready for an attack.


    ¡°You are death is certain, human¡±, said the werewolf angrily as he glared at Samael fiercely.


    ¡°Well, you are being a bad dog, guess no one has trained you yet. Let me beat some manners inside you,¡± answered Samael with a smirk. He then reaches out to his sword on his back.


    But grabs nothing but the air.


    He realized that he doesn¡¯t have it on him. After looking around for a second, he saw the sword on the floor, a little further away from him on his left.


    Samael puzzlingly scratched his head and giggled,


    ¡°How about we share the remaining cooked meat, and put our petty fights behind. The food is still on fire, it might get burned!¡±, replies Samael with a friendly innocent smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s it! You are a dead man!¡±, exclaimed the werewolf.

 Chapter 1.3 - The remains of my humanity

    The werewolf advanced towards Samael as it scratched its claws on the huge boulder as it passed by.


    Although it walked slow and steadily, its eye fluttered in rage.


    Samael stood there and glared back, he had pumped up his fist for an all-out brawl.


    The Moon was at its peak, it was almost midnight. The long coat fur of the werewolf danced on the cold strong breeze of the hills.


    The werewolf stopped and stood right in front of Samael.


    At a closer look, he was more huge and intimidating, than Samael expected.


    Samael¡¯s head reached till werewolf¡¯s waist. He had to tilt his head up to make an eye contact. There was a worried expression on him as he clenched his fists tightly.


    The werewolf bent its head as it looks at the pitiable unarmed Samael who had resorted to his last choice of weapon by nature, fists.


    The werewolf snickered, ¡°Are you going to punch me to death with your puny human limbs?¡±, his tone changes suddenly, ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh!¡±


    ¡°Tch¡±, was all Samael could say as he braced his guards with his arms, like a boxer.


    The Werewolf raised his right arm as he widened his claws to pounce.


    Samael stretched his fist behind and was ready to throw a punch. He was ready to take a werewolf on a one on one battle, with just his bare hands.


    Werewolves are one of the legendary beasts that the humans have feared and spread tales of their devastation. One of the most powerful demons from the underworld.


    Samael and the werewolf released their attacks at the same time, although the werewolf was faster then Samael.


    The werewolf had straightly aimed for Samael¡¯s head, whereas Samael punch was halfway to contact.


    The time suddenly stopped for everything except Samael¡¯s conscious.


    The moon, the clouds, the hills, a little sapling which was growing in the cracks a little away near the cave, a line of marching ants inside the cave, which was like almost a 20 meters away and even tho his actual eyesight was blocked by the werewolf were all visible perfectly.


    It was if Samael''s soul left its body and the world had come to a stop. After checking out his surrounding, he glanced at the werewolf. It didn¡¯t have actual facial muscles to express its feelings but somehow it looked as the werewolf was smiling and already been celebrating its victory. Then he saw his own body. It looked like a bunny fighting against a wolf.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The claws of the werewolf were mere inches away from contacting Samael¡¯s head. He then concentrated his focus as his conscious returned to his body.


    As he returned to his body, time slowly started before turning back to normal. During this slow interval of time, Samael could move normally in this mere 3 seconds whereas every other thing moved as slow as a snail.


    He dodged the werewolf¡¯s claw, it was instantaneously. The werewolf was astonished and his expression changed.


    Samael then closed in near the werewolf¡¯s face with his clenched fist ready to punch.


    But before punching Samael slowly opened his hand in front of the werewolf¡¯s eyes.


    He flung dirt and dustwhich he picked beforehand from the ground in the beasts eyes and quickly jumped back to safety, away from its arm reach.


    The werewolf scrubbed its eye in agony. He scrubbed via one hand as he swings the other arm to attack, blindly.


    Samael dodged the werewolf and dashed towards the sword.


    ¡°Where are you filthy human scum!!? Come to me so I could tear you into pieces!¡±, screamed the werewolf as he swung his claws hoping to kill Samael.


    But Samael paid no heed and went straight for the sword, like an athlete.


    The werewolf perceived the sounds of Samael¡¯s footsteps that was going further away from him.


    ¡°Where do you think you are running to-¡±, then he realized that Samael was actually heading for his sword.


    But it seemed too late, Samael leaped at the sword which laid on the dry frozen ground.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t¡±, scowled the werewolf, and it leaped with his full force towards Samael.


    Samael was just a few centimeters away from grabbing the hilt of the sword, suddenly the Werewolf came flying and crashed with his back against Samael¡¯s and pushed him even further away.


    Samael went ariel and smashed with the boulders before he laid on his face on the ground.


    The werewolf had leaped blindly on listening to the sound of Samael¡¯s footsteps hoping to collide into Samael just so he couldn¡¯t reach to his sword.


    Samael holds his head in pain as he squirmed in pain. The impact was quite powerful any ordinary person would be unconscious already.


    Few second passes and the werewolf¡¯s eyesight had already recovered. Samael got up slowly with the support of the boulder. He still felt a little dizzy but somehow got on his knees.


    The werewolf seemed agitated but this time he had his guard up. This clearly means that it had stopped taking Samael lightly.


    Samael was on his feet and didn¡¯t take much damage, but he sure was pissed. He bit his lip in anger as he misjudged the werewolf¡¯s reflex. He almost forgot to calculate the werewolf¡¯s hearing capabilities in the consideration or predict the werewolf intelligence, either.


    The werewolf saw this displeasure, which soothed its heart somehow.


    It put its right foot on the sword¡¯s blade,


    ¡°Nice try human, you were fast enough to evade my attack in a close combat. It¡¯s been 100 years since I had such fun.¡±, said the werewolf, as he snickered.


    Samael could do nothing but stand helplessly.


    The werewolf then looked up in the sky and gazed at the moon that lit brightly the night sky, along with the twinkling stars.


    It then again focused on Samael after he viewed the moon for second and two.


    It stretched its claws and glared at Samael with a more menacing and intense look.


    ¡°Alright, enough games. Time to show you my true powers. Sadly for you, tonight¡¯s a full moon.¡±, yelled out the werewolf.

 Chapter 1.4 - The remains of my humanity

    ¡°Alright, enough games. Time to show you my true powers. Sadly for you, tonight¡¯s a full moon.¡±, yelled the werewolf, ¡°Time to end your-¡±


    But before the werewolf could complete its sentence, Samael sprinted toward the werewolf and punched him right in the gut.


    The werewolf was astounded, His speed has increased.


    Samael¡¯s sprinting speed had increased his punches for about ten folds powerful than the normal. Although, the werewolf didn¡¯t even flinch.


    ¡°That didn¡¯t even tingle in the slightest,¡±, taunted the werewolf.


    Samael fist was intact with the werewolf¡¯s belly, suddenly his smile resurfaced. He opened his fists and grabbed hold of the wolf¡¯s fur, tightly. With the tight grip, he leaped over once again at the werewolf and tried to climb.


    This was happening so fast that the werewolf was dumbstruck. Samael once again changed his grip and this time he grabbed the werewolf right by his right ear. Now Samael was on top of the werewolf, and their eyes were just a inches apart from each other. He glared at the werewolf right in its eye, with his lunatic smile and dead eyes.


    With his dominant hand, he held a big rock, big as a human skull. He bashed the rock in its eye with full force, about three times before the werewolf caught him and tossed aside. He had held on the rock before he threw the punch.


    The werewolf bled from his left eye.


    ¡°MY EYE!!!!!!! What have you done!¡±, screamed the werewolf. It screamed in pain as it tried to stop the bleeding.


    Samael also had sustained injuries when the werewolf grabbed and tossed him aside, one of the claws managed to wound his abdomen.


    Despite the horrific pain, he yet again sprinted towards his sword. The werewolf was standing on atop the sword before, so Samael had to somehow have surprise attack and then reach the sword.


    Samael¡¯s surprise attack resulted in the werewolf losing its left eye. The werewolf moved away from the sword as it screamed in agony.


    ¡°You lousy human, you-¡±, the werewolf heard Samael sprinting footsteps and closing towards the sword.


    Samael quickly leaped at the sword to catch its handle, but instead this time the werewolf caught him right by his throat.


    The werewolf picked Samael up in the air, as he started to choke.


    ¡°YOU PUNY HUMAN SCUM! You took out my eye! Getting injured by the likes of you?!¡±, said the beast angrily.


    Samael wasn¡¯t able to breathe. The werewolf¡¯s grasp got even tighter and its thumb fingernail started to pierce his neck and blood started to ooze out. Even the blood from his injured abdomen started to drip through his toes.


    Samael had used all his last remaining ounce of energy to defeat the werewolf but was unsuccessful. He was on his last toes.


    Despite his bleak circumstances, he continued to smile. He was actually enjoying the werewolf¡¯s torment.


    Seeing him smile the werewolf was losing its temper. It was hoping to enjoy killing Samael, but somehow it was the other way around.


    ¡°Quick death might be much too easy, I shall rip out your chest and feast on your heart.¡±, said the angry werewolf.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    He loosened his choke hold and uplifted Samael.


    Then he tore out the clothing that covered his chest.


    But to his surprise-


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±, said the werewolf when he saw Samael¡¯s chest.


    Samael started to freak out as soon as the wolf saw his bare chest. He tried to kick the werewolf but his legs couldn¡¯t reach.


    The werewolf¡¯s mood changed drastically. It was delighted even though it was angry about losing its eye to a mere human, a second ago.


    ¡°Who would have thought that one of the devil jewel shards would come walking right at my doorsteps!¡±, rambled the werewolf to himself.


    A weird grin appeared on the werewolf as it glared at Samael.


    ¡°So this is how you were able to dodge and attack me, with the power from the shard! I somehow knew it, that you weren¡¯t an ordinary human.¡±, said the werewolf.


    Samael wasn¡¯t paying heed to werewolf¡¯s words as he was desperately trying to free him from the clutches of the werewolf, with his hands.


    The werewolf started to laugh, as it watched his pitiable condition as he struggled to free himself.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it! This is what I was talking about!¡±, said cheerfully the werewolf as he laughed.


    ¡°But how come a mere human like you, were able to use that shard in the first place?¡±, asked the werewolf as it laughed.


    After listening to this question, Samael remembered the horrid failed experiments back home. The moments when his comrade turned into a type of mindless beasts as well as when the exorcist cornered and terminated the remaining test subjects until he was the only one that survived. He was almost paralyzed by the mixed emotions as he reminisced his past.


    ¡°Thanks for the food¡±, thanked the werewolf and started to claw his way inside Samael¡¯s chest.


    Samael started to scream in agony, and blood started to burst out his chest. He started to bite the werewolf''s hands which held Samael, but the werewolf continued to slide his claws in his chest with its other hand.


    He then grabbed the werewolf¡¯s other arm and tied to stop him but werewolf¡¯s strength was on another league.


    His eyes started to roll upwards, and blood gushed from his mouth. Body started to go numb and pale.


    Is this it? Am I going to die now?


    Without avenging my comrades?


    Without punishing the apostles who murdered my little brother and sister, thought Samael as he shut close his eyes.


    The werewolf claws were now completely inside his chest.


    After seeing the lifeless body, the werewolf started to cut open the jewel from his chest.


    ¡°At last, the jewel shard is mine to keep!¡±, marveled the werewolf as it celebrated its victory.


    But suddenly Samael¡¯s lifeless body raised his right arm.


    ¡°How come you are still-¡±, asked the werewolf but then realized, he was missing an arm.


    The werewolf''s right hand fell down on the ground. Blood started to gush out from his arm.


    Samael had chopped off the werewolf right arm completely, which had held Samael in his clutches before.


    Although free from the werewolf right arm, he was still stuck in the air as the werewolf¡¯s other hand had pierced through his chest and kept him hanging


    Suddenly, Samael gave off an intense bloodlust as he glared at the werewolf.


    ¡°You are not human anym-¡±, a solid right kick landed right atthejaws of the werewolf.


    It then went flying and bounced on the rocky floor before crashing inside its cave.


    Samael then landed on his feet.


    The wounds suddenly started to heal itself. The cuts and bruises were all regenerating. Samaels arm and legs had changed color and shape. It wasn¡¯t the limbs of a human anymore. His eyes were bloodshot red and he started to act like a demon himself.

 Chapter 2.1 - The hunters close-in

    A squad consisting of four suspicious looking people who just entered the dense forest situated below the foothills of Einherjar.


    They were all dressed in long dark purple robes and hoodie that covered their face. They also had some mysterious insignia on their shoulder of the robes. Although, their physical appearance varied from each other.


    They were walking in an orderly manner, one after another through the jungle. It was already 2 o''clock in the night.


    The first person in the line formation was leading the way as he held a little old lamp, that lit the pathway in the dark jungle.


    The other three people followed his lead.


    The fourth or last person in the rear was fat and short, he also had a big mean looking axe behind his back which had pretty carvings as it shined under the moonlight.


    Whereas the person walking right in front of him was pretty tall and slim, he was third in line formation.


    The second person in the line looked a bit agitated and groaned every now then.


    They were walking in their casual speed but at a steady pace even in this dark and rough terrain.


    Until the leading guy¡¯s stomach started to growl.


    He halted and turned towards the rest of his squad mates.


    ¡°I am starving!! Let¡¯s make a camp, shall we?¡±, said the leading person.


    He pleaded with his other three squad members. At a closer look, he was wearing a pair of glasses.


    After hearing this plead, the person standing second in the line grabbed him by the collar,


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to waste to eat. For fuck sake, we are not here for stargazing! I don''t like to be associated with a bunch of creepy sorry ass such as you guys. If you dare to make a move on me, I shall rip out your FUCKING DICK and plant your BALLS in this big ass FOREST, for all I care!¡±, she screamed on top of her lungs.


    Actually, the vulgar speaking person was actually a female. She had plumpy chest underneath her robes, ready to bust out any second. Her hands looked frail and tender but her tight grip on the guy¡¯s collar said otherwise.


    ¡°Now! Now! If we just went empty stomach, then we would just end up getting killed. And for the love of god! Could you stop screaming, we are in the middle of a jungle, your ruckus might attract wild beasts!¡±, replied back the guy in the glasses sternly.


    To this, the girl simply ignored his words and folded her arms and looked the other way as she pouted in anger.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Suddenly the fat guy with the axe raised his arms,


    ¡°I agree with Mr. Gilbert! I am hungry as we-¡±, but before he could complete his phrase.


    The ground started to rumble, loud thumping sounds came through the interior of the forest.


    The four of them stopped their casual blabbering and were alert.


    The loud rumbling and thumping sound started to get louder, each passing second.


    They remained still in their position and kept standing still.


    Suddenly a huge tree trunk came flying down from the sky and landed just beside them. After they looked up in the sky, there were more such uprooted trees which were sent flying in the air.


    All of sudden, a loud trumpet sound also joined along with the noise of thumping and crashing.


    To their surprise, a full grown adult mammoth came to greet the strangers.


    It was so big in size that, the four of them looked like rats in front of the humongous beast.


    It was in rather a bad mood, as its sleep was disturbed. It came charging aggressively towards the noise from their commotion before. Despite its big size, it would easily speed up to 18 miles per hour. Because of their strength, size, and speed, they could trample and uproot the forest giant trees, with ease.


    It constantly swayed its trunk in anger which sent the trees flying across the forest and with its huge tusks, it cleared a pathway.


    The rumbling sound soon stopped once the mammoth saw this strange visitors. It rose its huge trunk, which clearly meant as a warning for the strangers to step away from its territory.


    ¡°See, what you have done, Julia! If you could have stayed quiet for another hour, we could have eaten something and already start scaling the hills!¡±, retorted the guy in glasses angrily.


    But Julia continues to look the other way and acted as if she couldn¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you try to ignore me! I am the leader for crying out loud, damn it! This is why I never wanted to be the squad captain, to begin with,¡± he complained and let out a huge sigh.


    But somehow, the fat little guy was awestruck seeing the giant beast. He was fascinated as his eyes gleamed brightly, and his mouth opened wide.


    Suddenly saliva started to drool from his mouth,


    ¡°MEAT!¡±, he shrieked.


    Suddenly the fat guy grabbed his axe and took a squatting posture, as he builds up strength in his knees.


    The guy in glasses questioned this strange behavior,


    ¡°Where are you goin-¡± asked the leader but the fat guy had already leaped away into the sky. His jump was so powerful that it created a strong gust of wind as he left, which also blew up the flames from the leader¡¯s lamp.


    ¡°WHY! Why is no one listening to what I SAY!?¡±, exclaimed the leader as he threw the little lamp on the ground in fits of anger.


    The fat guy had leaped towards the mammoth with his axe.


    In the response, the mammoth swung his giant trunk at the fat guy.


    But instead he chopped away the mammoth''s trunk, and blood started to gush out.


    The mammoth screamed in agony, but by then he was standing on top of the mammoth¡¯s head. Then with his axe alone, he dealt a finishing blow and the giant mammoth fell to the ground with a loud thud.


    All the wild animals were scared to death as they flee the area.


    The leader in the glasses again picked up his lamp, although the flame had ran out.


    ¡° Well at least our food is arranged for tonight, let''s make haste and set camp! Eat your fill, we gotta recover the shard before he could cross our borders.¡±, ordered their leader, even though his squad mates paid almost little to no attention to his blabbering.


    "I hate this, job!"

 Chapter 2.2 - The hunters close-in

    It was pitch dark and not even a shred of light existed in this room. No one can even tell which was up or down.


    In this mysterious dimension, Samael found himself floating within. His body seems numb as he floated mindlessly in the dark, gloomy empty space.


    Where am I? What is this place?


    Am I dead?


    Is this suppose to be hell?


    I never thought hell supposed to be such a lonely place.


    As Samael was deeply absorbed in his monologues, suddenly a voice echoed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are supposed to be a demon lord candidate!¡±, a female voice spoke with a bit disappointed tone.


    Samael¡¯s train of thought suddenly breaks, as he looked for the owner of this voice.


    From nowhere a mysterious girl appear and stood in front of Samael.


    She had a beautiful long red hair and wore a simple white maxi dress with frills at the end. Her eyes were green and she had tender arms, and soft pink lips.


    Her whole body was glowing, not brightly but dim enough that Samael could see his own body.


    ¡°Are you here to ferry me to the underworld? If so, not today! I still have some business to take care, before I die, so send me back this instant!¡± Ordered Samael.


    The girl ignored him and started to walk around Samael with her hands at her back, as she examined him carefully.


    ¡°You sure love to order around for a person who¡¯s about to die, any second.¡±, she commented.


    ¡°You look pretty for a ferryman who supposed to look ugly and scary as per the legends described, you to be.¡±, asked Samael.


    ¡°I am not the ferryman or the reaper, I am Cassandra.¡±, replied the girl.


    Samael¡¯s eye opened broad, ¡°Oh you are, The Cassandra! Sorry, but never heard of it, now could you just send me back?¡±


    ¡°I am one of the 100 oracles of the devil jewel, and this shard comes under my jurisdiction! You could say I am somewhat of a guardian of this shard.¡±, said the mysterious girl, Cassandra.


    After hearing her reply, Samael got furious all of sudden and charged in fury.


    ¡°YOU BITCH!! Because your evil shards my comrades died! My family killed! You Swiney bitch!¡±


    To this, Cassandra simply pointed her index finger at Samael.


    Suddenly the dimension changed back to before.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    The time had frozen, and everything looked colorless, Samael realized that she had triggered his time stopping ability, that he himself hasn¡¯t figured out, how to use it properly yet.


    Samael has the ability to stop time, and move around with his astral body. He can go anywhere as long as it''s not very far away from his physical body. One of the ability he got from the shard.


    He looked around and saw his physical body on the claws of the werewolf, as it had jabbed its claws inside Samael''s chest while it tried to reach the shard.


    Suddenly, a chain of emotions collided with Samael¡¯s memory. He had almost forgotten about his battle with the werewolf, the pain and agony started to pour in. He felt pain like never before, that he started screaming in pain.


    His spiritual astral body started to disintegrate slowly, as he screamed in agony like a maniac.


    The girl grabbed his spiritual astral body by the head with both her hands and looked him in his eye with a delighted look.


    ¡°Luckily, the jewel shard has other plans for you. So you can¡¯t die, right now! And this is where I come in, to sav-¡±


    ¡°SCREW YOUR BITCH ASS! MY brain, its¡­ it hurts!!!¡±, screamed Samael.


    The girl let out a sigh,


    ¡°This generation boys are just terrible and have no decency. Anyway, if it weren¡¯t for the shards will, I would have left you for the dead. So listen, open your mouth, now!¡±, commanded the girl.


    ¡°What you SAYING?!¡±, asked Samael even though the pain had not diminished at all.


    ¡°OPEN YOUR MOUTH!¡±, said the girl loudly.


    ¡°Say WHAaa-!¡± as Samael said this loud enough, Cassandra started to enter inside Samuel, through his mouth.


    Her body turned into a fog like a substance and it started to force its way through his throat.


    Samael started to lose consciousness as the mysterious fog entered his belly.


    As soon as the foggy substance entered completely inside Samuel, he returned inside his physical body and the time started to move again.


    But the first thing Samael did was, cut off the werewolf''s arm, that had grabbed him by the neck and free himself. Its arm fell to the ground.


    The werewolf was shocked to see Samael still breathing, let alone powerful enough to chop its arm cut clean.


    Samael¡¯s right hand was not of any human hand anymore. It had pointy claws with scales with dark black skin, which he used to chop the werewolf''s arm with ease.


    Samuel also gave off an intense bloodlust, that the werewolf seemed to noticed and was a little uneasy.


    Whereas, werewolf''s other left arm was practically inside Samael chest which kept him uplifted in mid-air. He literally looked like a Seekh kebab.


    The werewolf had seen this new changes,


    ¡°So you are not any human anym-¡±, but before he could complete his phrase Samael kicked him right in its jaws.


    The werewolf went flying crashing down in its cave.


    Samael was free from the werewolf¡¯s clutches, as he landed on his left feet, whereas the other right foot was a mess. The right kick was so powerful that his right leg bones were shattered.


    But in few seconds the legs started to heal, all the muscle tear started to heal the wounds. It looked as if the time itself was turned back as all the muscles and bones started to repair itself. His chest wounds and all other injuries also started to repair itself.


    ¡°This body is very weak and fragile, not reliable! Well, it''s better than nothing! Time to take this human body to a test ride! Time to hunt some puppies!¡±, said Samael as he swung his demon arm and stretched his body carefreely.


    His eyes were bloodshot red, and his voice also had the mixed vocals of Cassandra somehow.


    Because Cassandra was steering Samael¡¯s body, this time.

 Chapter 2.3 - The hunters close-in

    Samuel then bolted towards the cave, with his bloodshot red eyes opened wide with a lunatic smile. He was laughing for no apparent reason, at this point he was not any human but completely acting like a bloodthirsty beast.


    ¡°Time to hunt some poochies, Hahaha¡±, screamed Samuel as he leaped in the cave with excitement.


    But before he could even land his feet inside the cave, a big mean claw pounced tearing his face apart. Samuel went drifting across in the air and rolled on the cold rocky floors before stopping his face to the ground. He laid motionless, as his brains and eyes were clawed out and spilled on the ground.


    Samuel¡¯s blood was splattered around, the werewolf had clawed his face and neck with such a force, that Samuel was flung across meters away.


    ¡°Enough with the games, time to end this!¡±, growled the werewolf as he came out of the cave.


    This time it looked much bigger, furrier and angrier than before.


    The werewolf had completed his full transformation and was on his full power.


    It seemed more powerful than before even though he was missing an arm.


    The werewolf licked his claws, that had Samuel¡¯s blood stained on it.


    ¡°You taste awful!¡±, said the wolf.


    Samuel started giggling again and got up on his feet. His head was back in one piece like new.


    All of a sudden, the werewolf¡¯s mood changed. He had a smile for some reason and was excited.


    ¡°My name is Leiotal Des¡¯Aabra from the demon house of the werewolves. What is your name, human?¡±, asked the werewolf.


    But Samuel didn''t seem intrested in conversation as he dashed and leaped at the werewolf to attack.


    His speed has increased drastically than before, but the werewolf still blocked his punch.


    The punch was so powerful that Samuel¡¯s left arm bones were broken and came right out of his elbow and was visible.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The werewolf was surprised, yet again.


    Such speed and power, that his human vessel can¡¯t even keep up. The shard is powerful as the rumors stated.


    Samuel¡¯s left arm already started to repair itself, but he wasn''t done yet.


    Next, he leaped at the werewolf and punched him with an uppercut with his demon arm.


    The punch was so intense that the werewolf¡¯s teeth cracking could be heard before it went flying towards the sky.


    The werewolf went about 20 meters high before it smashed on the rocky walls of the hill, flipped about a couple of times. It then grabbed the rocky walls by its claws and stopped the momentum.


    Samuel left human arm was healed up by then and his demon arm was somehow intact.


    The werewolf then spits out his broken teeth and then charged at Samuel as he sprinted down the walls towards Samuel.


    In response, Samuel also started to climb up the walls and leaped at werewolf.


    Samuel dodged the werewolf¡¯s claw and attacked with his fist which was then blocked by the werewolf.


    They constantly exchanged blows of punches and claws in the mid-air. Their speed almost matched each other, as they blocked and dodged the each others attack. No one seemed to back down, nor anyone could land a clean hit. The werewolf constantly swung its claws as well as blocked Samuel''s punches, whereas Samuel dodged its claws by a hair strand, as he tried to land a punch on the werewolf.


    They seemed equally matched, and neither of them could score a hit.


    Just when they were about to touch the ground, the werewolf suddenly changed his attack tactics and suddenly grabbed Samuel by his demon arm, and pulled him closer as it opened its jaw wide, ready to take a bite of his head.


    Samuel instinctively sacrificed his left arm instead and saved his head from being a dog food.


    The werewolf took a nice bite of his left arm, with no mercy as it rips his arm apart. Samuel then balled up his leg and kicked him right on the werewolf in the face and got away from it.


    Although, Samuel got away from the werewolf but at the cost of his arm.


    The werewolf chewed Samuel¡¯s arm before gobbling down his tummy.


    ¡°Now we are matched evenly! How does it feel to lose your arm? Huh?", asked the werewolf as it grinned.


    Samuel stared at the werewolf confusingly, as he tilted his head back and forth.


    After a few seconds pass, a new arm grows out in the place of his old one. His arm was all wet and gooey covered with mucus, but it was a new arm.


    ¡°This is totally absurd!¡±, blabbered the werewolf to himself.

 Chapter 2.4 - The hunters close-in

    The werewolf was completely baffled after Samuel¡¯s arm regrew once again from start.


    He once again started to charge at the werewolf like a maniac.


    The werewolf stood his ground,


    ¡°This time I shall chomp that head of yours, let''s see if you could regrow that! Come here human!¡±, howled the werewolf angrily as he ready is only remaining arm to attack. That was ready to pounce off Samuel¡¯s head.


    But just when Samuel got close enough to hit the werewolf, he leaped back to a distance once again.


    He went little further away from the werewolf as he clutched his head. He looked like as if he was in pain.


    ¡°You think you could escape me! Come here human!¡±, said the werewolf angrily and started to follow Samuel.


    Just then,


    ¡°Get the hell out of me!!!!!¡±, he screamed as he clenched his head. His face turned red and he seemed in agony, struggling within.


    Samuel was trying to regain his control and free from the control of the jewel.


    The werewolf stopped at a distance, as it watched Samuel struggling within himself.


    Is he really reverting back to his human self, after all that happened? This is no ordinary human, he got guts, I give him that.


    His howling cries echoed throughout valley between the hills.


    After sometime Samuel stopped screaming. He panted heavily, trying to catch his breath. It seemed he was back to his senses, but something was still off. He was back to his human self, but his right arm was still demonic.


    Samuel was very exhausted, the demonic possession seemed to have taken a toll on his body. He was drenched with sweat and was on his knees, trying to get as much as rest he could. But he maintained an eye contact with the werewolf, despite being in so much pain.


    ¡°If you had continued to give in to your demonic power like before, then you might have a chance to defeat me! In this human form, you are nothing, just a puny rat in front of me. Ha!¡±, taunted the werewolf as a smirk resurfaced in its face.


    ¡°Hahaha! Puny rat!? The same worthless human that bashed out your right eyeball! In return, you haven¡¯t even scratched me, yet! Did you?!¡±, retorted back Samuel with a much more derogatory response, which sure did fan the flames of the werewolf¡¯s anger.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that jewel shard, I would already have eaten you flesh by flesh and throw your bones to vultures by now! Either way, that jewel shard would be mine, then I don¡¯t have to worry about my lost eye and the arm.¡±, responded the werewolf in its defense,


    ¡°Let¡¯s end this, once and for all! Show me, what you got human!¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Samuel just giggled to himself to the werewolf¡¯s response. While he sat on his knees, he examined his demonic right arm, that gave off some mysterious vibes. The demonic arm¡¯s transformation had just stopped just at his elbow down. Somehow Samuel stopped the demonic transformation in midway.


    He got up on his knees and stretched his arm. He was not still used to his demonic arm, as well as his left arm was newly regenerated arm, which was covered in slime.


    The werewolf patiently waited for him to complete his warm-up because this last battle would be the deciding match who shall be victorious, a full fledged demon or a part-demon part-human.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this!¡±, said, Samuel, as he started to approach the werewolf, started to pick up the pace, as he rushed at the demon.


    The werewolf also sprinted towards Samuel, he seemed furious but was still had this excited face. It seemed to enjoy the thrill of battle. Also if it were to be successful defeating Samuel, it would also get to keep the jewel shard for himself as a prize trophy.


    The werewolf galloped its way, with just three limbs. Eager to end Samuel¡¯s life.


    He will use his demonic arm to punch me, but this time I have a better idea than dodging! I shall end this in one swift attack.


    Just before they were close enough to hit each other, the werewolf gave an opening for Samuel and Samuel went for it. With his demonic arm, he balled his fist and went to attack the werewolf¡¯s gut.


    A grim smirk appeared on the werewolf¡¯s face,


    Yes! Come closer! This time I shall rea-


    But Samuel changed the direction of his punch in last second. Instead, he hit the ground, with all his might.


    The punch was powerful enough to create a huge impact that even the rocky floor left a crater.


    The werewolf also was pushed away a couple of steps away from his previous stance. The punch also flung bits of rubble at the werewolf¡¯s face. It covered its eye before it could go blind, once again. He had already lost its left eye and didn''t want to lose an another.


    ¡°Where do you think you are attacking, human? Are you so weak that you can¡¯t even aim?¡±, ridiculed the werewolf.


    But as soon as it uncovered its eye, he was baffled. Samuel disappeared from his eyesight. It then looked around just to find Samuel running towards its cave, where the first battle begins.


    The werewolf giggled, ¡°So after all big talk, you are planning to escape! As if I would let you! HA!¡±


    Samuel didn¡¯t stop but continued to run with his full speed.


    Then it struck the werewolf, why was Samuel running. It¡¯s expression suddenly changed all of sudden,


    ¡°You human, come here!¡±, screamed the werewolf as it started to tail Samuel as he galloped like a mad dog fueled by anger.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you reach your sword! Showing me your back was a bad move!¡±, howled the werewolf as it took a huge leap! Its jump was powerful enough that it went flying and ready to pounce Samuel. The werewolf was just a couple of meters away from the werewolf''s clutches. Samuel¡¯s wasn¡¯t able to outrun the werewolf and reach the sword in time.


    All of sudden, just before the werewolf could land its claws, Samuel ducked and grabbed the ground with his demonic arm and used its inhuman power to launch himself at the sword. He leaped and threw himself using his demonic arm alone, escaping the werewolf.


    Samuel went straight towards the sword but landed on his face down the ground before it could reach it. He somehow grabbed his sword and got up on his feet quickly. He was armed with his trusty rusty giant sword, that had helped him survive this long. This time he also had the demonic arm that might even increase his swords skill to another level. The odds have been shifted to Samuel¡¯s favor.


    ¡°Enough with the Bow-wow! Time to rip out your barking tongue apart! You shitty tail-wagger!¡±, said Samuel who seemed pretty angry.


    The werewolf was also furious and was on guard.


    Now with Samuel¡¯s demonic arm and the big huge sword, he could slice the werewolf''s ass in half with ease.

 Chapter 2.5 - The hunters close-in

    The tide had turned towards Samuel when he reunites with his trusty sword. He went through many ordeals to escape from the kingdom and this sword was the only thing that helped him to achieve it,  until now.


    Samuel picked up his sword with his demonic arm and swung in the air to practice. He wielded his sword with ease until now he had to use both his hands to simply lift the sword itself.


    The werewolf was getting angrier by every second, his plan to toy with the human for his entertainment has come to bite back his own arse.


    ¡°Just because you acquired that lump of rust, doesn¡¯t mean you could defeat me, could you? Don¡¯t make me laugh!!¡±, shrieked the werewolf.


    Samuel then stopped his sword practice and placed his sword on his shoulder. He then looked at the werewolf and responded with a taunting smirk.


    ¡°You shall pay for your insolence!¡±, howled the werewolf angrily, as it charged ferociously and pounced on Samuel.


    In response, Samuel flung is sword like a bat with full his might, that sent the werewolf flying as it crashed into rocky walls of the hill. Samuel hit the werewolf with the flat side of his sword. Things have taken a turn, now Samuel was toying with the werewolf, he could have used the edge of the sword and slice the werewolf in half but he didn¡¯t. He was testing is demonic arm¡¯s capabilities and the werewolf was a perfect test subject.


    The werewolf¡¯s head got stuck in the rocky wall whereas his rest of the body was hanging in the air. He looked like same as the small shrubs struggling to grow in the cliff side of the hills.


    Samuel did nothing but stood there watching the werewolf who struggled to free itself.


    The werewolf eventually freed himself, his head was bleeding and once again seemed to lose a tooth or two.


    ¡°You insolent brat! Why didn¡¯t you use the edge of your sword! Are you showing pity even after what I did to you? Or are you making a mockery out of me, Human?¡±, asked the beast angrily.


    Samuel looked up in the air thinking deeply as he scratched his chin.


    ¡°The latter.¡±, replied discreetly.


    ¡°You bastard!¡±, grumbled the werewolf.


    But this time he stayed his ground and didn¡¯t charge blindly unlike before.


    The werewolf went towards a pine tree that was the only some of the trees that had grown in the cold dry hilltop areas. With his full might, he cut off the trunk with his claws. The big tree fell to the ground with a thud. Samuel was confused with strange behavior.


    ¡°Oi! Oi! Why are you exerting your anger over that pitiable tree who can¡¯t even protect themselves? You are just delaying the inevitable, come here SO I could kill you the dog¡¯s death, you DESERVE!!¡±, said Samuel as he grinned, tauntingly.


    To this, the werewolf laughed,


    ¡°You think I am intimidated just because you have a piece of metal in your hand? Don¡¯t be absurd, you think, only you could have the upper hand just because you have your weapon!? Think twice!¡±, answered the werewolf, as he giggled.


    Samuel was a bit confused,


    ¡°I think you have finally lost it, ha? Anyway, come here so I could put an end to your meaningless blabbering, once and for all!¡±


    ¡°You are no human!¡±, said the werewolf.


    Samuel bit his lip.


    ¡°You are not a human, nor a demon! You are a joke! A being like you doesn¡¯t deserve to live. From your look, I could tell you were chased out by your own kind, right. Humans are despicable, just a walking morsel for us demons.¡±, said the werewolf.


    ¡°You won¡¯t say the same when I barbeque your ass after I slay you!¡±, replied back, Samuel.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The werewolf then picked the fallen pine tree by the trunk and swung it in the air and smashed it on the ground twice with all his might. The leaves as well pine cones broke apart and spread everywhere. Then he pointed the tree at the Samuel.


    ¡°You thought only you could have a weapon, human!¡±, said the werewolf as he grinned back.


    Samuel replied back by pointing his sword back at the werewolf.


    The werewolf ran and jumped in the air along with the tree using as a wooden sword but much bigger. He swung at Samuel with his full strength.


    "Die!!!", it howled.


    But during the middle of the swing, the tree trunk broke apart from the main trunk and fell off the cliff. The werewolf was shocked.


    Samuel then jumped in and slashed his sword, it''s as if Samuel knew what was coming beforehand. The werewolf was cut in half by the waist, his lower body and upper body were separated into two parts. Blood started to gush out and scatter around. The werewolf fell on the ground as he howled and screamed in pain.


    ¡°This is why dogs can¡¯t be humans! There is a difference between a lump of metal called sword and huge ass tree. Just because you had a bigger weapon doesn¡¯t mean you have the upper hand! This what separates the dogs from humans!¡±, replied Samuel.


    The demon¡¯s blood had splatter over Samuel¡¯s face. A demon¡¯s blood is black in color. It is said that because of their blood color, they have turned into evil, according to folklore. Samuel then grabbed the demons furry tail which was intact to his lower body. He started to wipe his blade clean with the beast¡¯s tail.


    ¡°Werewolf stew seems a bad idea, already my stomach is a mess, anyway.¡±, Samuel said to himself as wiped the blade.


    ¡°Eh..uh... You bastard!¡±, said the werewolf in agony.


    ¡°You are still alive! You are one tough mongrel, aren¡¯t you!?¡±, said Samuel amusingly.


    ¡°You human! Don¡¯t you¡­ Don¡¯t you dare to get killed¡­ by other demons or the humans or anyone else. You should rise on top.. and¡±, the werewolf coughs up blood as lay on the ground, ¡°become the ¡­. demon king yourself.¡±


    ¡°I have no clue what you are babbling, just die, already!¡±, replied Samuel.


    ¡°YOU BRAT! I won¡¯t be the last demon.. to come after the.. the shard! There would be¡­ many more demons hunting¡­ hunting for the shard, for it is¡­ it has chosen you¡­ for the candidate for demon throne! Do you¡­ get it! You could be... Be the next demon king!!!¡±, exclaimed the werewolf.


    Samuel stabbed him in the head with his sword, piercing the werewolf¡¯s skull.


    ¡°No thanks! Don¡¯t lump me with you pathetic demons.¡±, and then Samuel removes his sword and again starts to clean with the werewolf¡¯s tail, but then sword breaks by the hilt and fall on the ground.


    The werewolf was defeated and Samuel somehow survived for another day.


    ¡°Damn it! Even the sword¡¯s now broken, what should-¡± suddenly an excruciating pain hit Samuel right back on his neck.


    This pain! Why now all the time? Why did you activate now!


    The backlashes of the battle were just a part of the pain but the actual reason was that the enchanted soul orb placed behind his neck was now reacting to the shard¡¯s power. It was trying to purify Samuel¡¯s demonic arm which is quite a painful process.


    Samuel collapsed down the ground beside the corpse of the werewolf. The pain was so intense that Samuel¡¯s body went numb.


    I have no time to waste! Somehow I got a bad feeling, I have to get moving as soon as possible.


    <hr>


    It¡¯s 4am and the four exorcist¡¯s had reached the summit.


    The female exorcist, exclaimed, ¡°Four eyes! Check this out!¡±


    She examined the dead demon, as she sat on her knees to take a closer look. Then she lifted the werewolf''s upper body with its ear by pinching so she won¡¯t mess her hand up.


    The guy in glasses approached the scene immediately, followed by the other two comrades.


    ¡°Is this what I think it is!?¡±, said the guy in glasses then he lifted his spectacles, ¡°A slain carcass of a werewolf! This explains the missing people case of the village near the forest. And I guess for that we have to thank, test subject 07.¡±


    The fat dwarf noticed the broken sword, left below.


    He picks it up, ¡°I will avenge you, brother!¡±, as tears start to flow through his eyes.


    The other member¡¯s maintained silence, as they gave some time for the dwarf to mourn his brother. The gatekeeper not related by the blood, but he was like a big brother to the dwarf.  That sword actually belonged to the gatekeeper until he was killed by Samuel.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving! The fight with werewolf should have weakened him, severely. Pietra, over to you, this is where you come in.¡±, orders the four eyes.


    The tall and mysteriously quiet and gloomy person stepped forward. He stood silent for about a 5 seconds, then pointed a direction. He was their tracker.


    ¡°This is bad! He is heading towards another village, we have to hurry! Hope he hasn¡¯t lost control and turned to a demon, already! Let¡¯s get moving!¡±, ordered the exorcist in glasses.

 Chapter 3.1 - Cornered

    A little girl appears in front of Samuel and tries to wake him up.


    Samuel''s head¡¯s pretty dizzy and he can¡¯t see the girls face clearly. The whole scene seemed familiar but very giddy and wobbly.


    ¡°Hello there! It''s time to wake up, or you will be late!¡±, says the girl. He can¡¯t seem to see the girls face clearly, she was very young about 8 years old. Her voice echoed and seem to fade away.


    ¡°Get up! I am hungry, could you cook me my breakfast already! Wake up, big brother!¡±, says the girl as she threw fits as the voice dims and fades.


    ¡°Lilith!¡± screams Samuel and he gets up and trying to grab her hand.


    All of sudden, his heads clear up and realizes that he was dreaming.


    Now he was holding a hand of a little girl, that he wasn¡¯t familiar with.


    The little girl blushes because of Samuel holding her hand all of sudden, she¡¯s also holding a wet cloth.


    This little girl was wearing a little green frock and uptied ponytails with bright red ribbons on her hash brown hair. Her eyes were also brown and she looked about 5 to 6 years old.


    ¡°Hey, who are you? Where is this place?¡±, questioned Samuel as he continues to hold the girl by the hand.


    The girl''s eyes suddenly started to gleam,


    ¡°My name is Rina Oswald, welcome to Old rock ore¡¯s pub!¡±, greets the little girl.


    Samuel then examines his surrounding, he was in an unusual old room. It looked like an attic of some old run-down house. The room was dusty and cobwebs had pillaged every nook and corner of the room. There was just a small window which lightened up the dark room, and the only source of light. There were also multiple boxes crowded in the room, as dust piled up on it. They seemed never been moved for a long time. In the corner of the room, was blanket laid on the wooden floor where Samuel found himself waking up.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like any pub to me!¡±, said Samuel, then he makes an intimidating face, ¡°Get me out of here! Your tricks won¡¯t work on me! Trying to be a defenseless little girl, thinking that I would go easy on you!¡±


    Suddenly the trap door opened on the floor and a man pops his head out,


    ¡°Oh glad you woke up! You have been out for hours, thought you were dead! Come down, I cooked some berry soup. It might rejuvenate your immune system anew, also there is my old set of clothes, I think it would fit you, perfectly!¡±, said the stranger, then he turns towards the girl, ¡°Rina come down help me, lay down the bowls and let big brother get dressed.¡±


    ¡°Okay, papa.¡±, replies the girl.


    Samuel let go of her hand, and she followed her father down attic. She even picked up the towel and a bowl of water along with her.


    He was puzzled as well. He had no idea how he ends up here.


    The last thing I remember was walking through the hills! Somehow I had a feeling to keep moving and the next thing is¡­


    Then he peers at the clothes lying beside him. A dull blue sweater with red and black striped muffler and a simple dull blue winter cap, also a pair of woolen pants. The clothes look pretty old and worn out, but it was warm. Samuel without any hesitation accepted their hospitality. It was better then nothing.


    He peeked down the trapdoor, all he saw was old wooden floor along with the nauseating smell of alcohol.


    Then his eye fell in a cane stick that was placed in the corner. Dust had collected on top, but it was still quite sturdy.


    Guess this will have to do, for now until I get a decent weapon.


    He picked the cane and went down the stairs through the trapdoor. When he landed down the stairs, he saw more boxes neatly placed all around. It had a label of some very popular wines. It looked like a storage room.


    ¡°Big brother, the soup is ready! Follow me!¡±, said the little girl.


    Samuel suddenly turned towards her in surprise.


    No! It can¡¯t be Lilith.


    *tch*


    Samuel lets out a sound of disappointment but still follows her, through the old passage.


    The room smelled of rum and beer along with the scent of decaying wood. The old shack was pretty old and damp.


    Samuel looked much better, before he had nothing but rags and bare naked. Now he looked like a normal hometown boy like an ordinary kid in his teens.


    They walked through the passage until, they reached the kitchen, where the bowls were laid on the dinner table.


    The kitchen was very old fashioned but neat and clean.


    There stood the girl¡¯s father, who sported a goatee without a mustache. He had a long brown hair that he uptied with a pony. He wore a olive green collarless T-shirt and wore a pink apron that had many stains, that marked that it has helped them keep tidy for a long time.


    The girl¡¯s father served the soup into their respective bowls. There were three bowls placed filled with hot juicy berry soup. It was a local appetizer that was made with the berries found in the hilly forest. The soup was quite thick and red color with many pieces of berries floated on top. It was a rich source of fiber and vitamin C, folate and potassium.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    After he served the soup in the bowls, the girl''s father greets them,


    ¡°Have a seat, you should savor it before it gets cold¡±, he then notice¡¯s Samuel¡¯s hand, ¡°What are you doing with my father¡¯s cane?¡±, questioned the man in bewilderment.


    The little girl just marched and grabbed her seat before everyone else, and held her spoon, ready to chow down.


    Samuel then glanced back at the cane he was holding,


    ¡°Oh, this fell down while climbing down the attic.¡±, replies Samuel tactfully, and places the cane on the corner in a standing position. Then he grabs his seat naturally as if he spoke out the truth.


    The girl¡¯s father also took a seat with everyone else, he then closes his eyes,


    ¡°I thank the Lord who has taken pity and shed his mercy over, us a humble peasant. Thanks for blessing us with food on the table! Now dig in!¡±, said the girl¡¯s father, but Samuel had already was gulping down the soup before they even started praying.


    The little girl was also surprised as Samuel started to drink directly through the bowl, without even using a spoon. He lifted the bowl to his face and drank straight through it.


    ¡°You sure seem quite hungry, but you have to be careful, the soup is hot!¡±, warned the girl¡¯s father.


    But it seemed that it didn¡¯t stop Samuel from finishing the bowl after he gulped down the soup down his throat, than he placed the bowl on the table,


    ¡°Seconds, please!!¡±, he requested.


    ¡°Your lips! it¡¯s swollen!¡±, exclaimed the girl¡¯s father.


    The girl¡¯s father refilled Samuel¡¯s bowl and they all had a hearty breakfast.


    Later, the girl, Rina helped her father to pick the soiled dishes as her father washed the dishes.


    Samuel had stuffed himself full as he sat on the chair as he leaned on the table while he glanced through the kitchen. The room seems quite old.


    ¡°I found you outside the town down the road, you were unconscious and without much clothes. It''s very dangerous running with so little clothes, it''s very cold out here.¡±, said Rina¡¯s father without turning his back, busy washing the utensils.


    ¡°My house is pretty old. The rooms are pretty tiny as most of the space was reserved for my pub bar. Although it is little-crowded living here, we were still happy. Serving ale and dinner for travellers passing by which was the source of our income. Although this is a little town, we were content. Until the people started going missing.¡±, said gloomily as Rina¡¯s father washed the last dish.


    Then he wiped his wet hands with the apron and approached a portrait of a woman, hanging on the wall.


    ¡°Everything went so well, until Erica¡¯s disappearance. Taken away by the spirits of the mountains!¡±, said Rina¡¯s father as he teared up while seeing the portrait.


    The girl then approached her father,


    ¡°Papa!? When will Mama come home? Rina has been a good girl. So could you tell mama, to come back?! Please, papa.¡±


    Her father got on his knees as he embraced her daughter.


    ¡°She will come home, soon enough!


    Samuel lost in thought,


    Disappeared, huh? Same as Lilith and Abigor!


    If only I could have protected them!


    If only I wasn¡¯t foolish enough to leave them behind, all alone.


    He then shut his eyes close,


    Hang on you guys! wherever you are, I will find you even if it means stepping back into this trash nation and charging into the palace itself!


    Even if it were meant to take upon a whole nation by myself!


    I won¡¯t back down, just you wait for now.


    ¡°Old man, you don¡¯t have to worry about this spirit from now. It¡¯s gone for good.¡±, said, Samuel.


    Rina¡¯s father was shocked, he got up from his knees,


    ¡°What.. what do you mean by that? You really, really mean it? Will Erica returning home? I have to tidy up the home before she returns. I have to change the bedsheets and.. and fix the roof as well. She gets worked up, if found out I was slacking around. Oh for her return, we should throw a big feast! A grand one! You too are invited, young man! We will celebrate-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better you forget her, she won¡¯t be coming back, anymore. But at least the people in the village are safe, for now.¡±, interrupted Samuel. He had seen piles of human skeletal remains in the werewolf¡¯s cave, and one of them might belong to girl¡¯s mother, Erica.


    ¡°What are you, saying? Don¡¯t joke around! We have lots of work to do, no time for jokes, haha!¡±, denied Rina¡¯s father as he tried to shrug away Samuel¡¯s comment as a joke.


    Samuel was annoyed and ticked off,


    ¡°I am not kidding around! Stop hoping, it¡¯s useless, I saw the skeletal remains and if she was spirited away as you say! Then it''s better to accept the reality and move on! This is pointless, you-¡±


    Rina¡¯s father grabbed Samuel by the collar,


    ¡°SHUT UP! Don¡¯t talk as if you know everything! You liar!¡±, retorted Rina¡¯s father angrily.


    Samuel got angrier and pissed.


    ¡°Why, you-¡±, then he saw the father¡¯s eyes. It was pale. His eyes were wide open in anger, but his pupils seemed distant. Even though he could see, he had closed his eyes from perceiving the reality. He was not ready to accept his reality and continue to cling on a false hope.


    Samuel wanted to punch her father and knock out his lights off. Give him a beating and implant the back reality that he was avoiding to see. His fist was throbbing, and he was ready to land a punch.


    ¡°Please stop this! Please, papa, don¡¯t hurt big brother!¡±, exclaimed the little girl as she burst into tears trying to break them apart.


    But he stopped. Samuel couldn¡¯t bring himself to punch her father. They had shown kindness and hospitality, to a stranger to that. He couldn¡¯t punch the girl¡¯s father in front of her. For some reason, the girl reminded of someone! Someone close to him in the past.


    The father had closed off his eyes from seeing the truth, for the sake of his daughter.


    He was weaving a cloth of lies just for the well being of his only daughter, his only remaining family.


    Samuel held down his anger, in response was pushed out of their pub.


    ¡°Get out of my sight! Never ever return here, If I see your face again! I will kill you!¡±, screams the father angrily, and slam the door shut close.


    Samuel lays down on the ground, facing the sky. There were many people staring at him strangely but he never minded that.


    He watched the soaring sky as he thought back about his past,


    I said all those things to that man but I did the same.


    Whenever you guys asked the same thing about mom and dad, I also lied back then telling that they will be coming back anytime soon!


    I knew that they won¡¯t but I still couldn¡¯t bring myself to tell the truth.


    I am a horrible big brother, I know that!


    A stream of tears flow out of Samuel as he stared into the sky. People watched the strange boy lying down the dusty cold ground as wept watching the sky. But they didn¡¯t approach him.


    Samuel then wiped his tears, with his sleeve end of the Sweater.


    I shall set things right for once and all! For your''s sake, as well as for my comrades! I will find you guys, and make them pay!

 Chapter 3.2 - Cornered

    He got up and dusted his clothes. He found himself in the streets amidst market shops which were almost deserted. There were only about 2 or 3 shops, other were mostly abandoned stalls. There were quite a few people that were passing by. Most seemed quite poor as they dressed in shabby clothes, although there were some decent people with decent clothes. The road was made of dirt, and the whole town was actually situated on the hilly slopes of Northern Einherjar hills.


    Samuel went to the blacksmith which was one of the shops still functioning normally. His stall was tiny, many horseshoes and many other small metallic pieces of equipment were on display, like horse saddle parts, hinges and many useful tools like hammer, chisel, etc tools. The blacksmith seemed busy hammering his newest invention.


    ¡°What town is this?¡±, asked Samuel.


    Blacksmith glanced at the Samuel for only a second, and then continued with his work,


    ¡°This is the ghost town of Rauda. So I guess you are the unconscious boy, that Mr. Greg carried up here, huh? Quite a commotion, that was!¡±, said the blacksmith as he struck the hot iron.


    The blacksmith seemed quite an old veteran in his job. He looked old but he still was on top condition. His hair was turned grey and he had quite a furry beard but he was partial bald above. He had nice built up a biceps, that could take a ruffian or two, all by himself.


    Samuel''s face turned grim as he lowered his head with a glum look. He seemed to regret being rude back there.


    The blacksmith then asked,


    ¡°Are you some kind of a petty thief, kid? If so, you won¡¯t get a penny from my shop! I look old, but I am still in my prime health. Get moving before I..¡±


    ¡°No! I am not a thief!¡±,replied back, Samuel.


    The blacksmith looked at Samuel¡¯s face as he studied his facial expression, then he continued to hammer the hot iron.


    ¡°So why else were you kicked out by Mr. Greg then?¡±, asked the old blacksmith, as he continued to hit the hot piping iron with his hammer.


    The hot iron seemed to glisten as the hammer struck over it one by one. The metal clang echoed throughout the ghost town along with the ghostly wind that surrounded the whole town.


    Samuel fell in a deep thought.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    The Rauda was small town situated in the northern side of the Einherjar hills. The northern side had not much vegetation, unlike the southern part. This was due to the mines located on the northern side of the hills. The einherjar northern hills were abundant with iron ores. It was once a prosperous lively town, that was filled with many merchants that came to trade iron. Iron is an essential commodity, although it¡¯s not precious as gold or silver, it¡¯s more useful than silver or gold ever could be. Things went well and in the blink of an eye, Rauda town was founded.


    But now the mines have run out of ores, they are now abandoned. Also, mining has caused severe pollution. The loose dust after mining has polluted the air and the soil. Many people started to get breathing problems and vegetation also started to die. People still tried to maintain a normal life, until the werewolf started to abduct villagers. Still, somehow some people still live here. Some people are not giving up as they continue to make a living, in this godforsaken town, whereas some are too poor to afford a newer roof to live.


    ¡°Hey, old man! Could you tell me where I could find some wild berries?¡±, asked Samuel.


    The blacksmith was taken aback by Samuel¡¯s question as he stared Samuel in confusion. But after a few seconds, he still answered,


    ¡°Go down below this old road, you¡¯ll see a small stream, follow down until you find bushes of berries growing alongside.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± replied back Samuel.


    ¡°I am certainly am a good judge of character! I have made weapons for many people and I have seen a lot of people. You seemed to be a person with a good heart! I guess you are trying to make up with Mr. Greg with berries, which seems not a bad idea!¡±, says the blacksmith with a mild smile.


    ¡°How come did you know that!¡±,asked surprised Samuel.


    ¡°As I said I can judge people! These old eyes have seen a lot of things. Just a word of advice, there is wild boar¡¯s strolling near down the woods! I am sure you can make it up with Mr. Greg with that big of a hunt.¡±, said the blacksmith.


    ¡°Sounds like a great idea, butyou not suggestingpunching the boar to death, do you? I got no weapons on me!¡±, replied Samuel with a dismay.


    The blacksmith put down his hammer and undressed his hand gloves. Then he reaches out below his table, searching for something. Then he takes out a bow from his cabinet.


    ¡°Here!¡±, said the blacksmith as he hands him the bow and dozens of arrows along with it.


    ¡°Here is something, that might come in handy.¡±


    ¡°This would be more than just handy! Are you sure to lend a stranger your weapons for free! I might just run away with this bow for myself, you know?!¡±, said, Samuel, as he touched the bow with his hands, ready to take it.


    ¡°I know, you won¡¯t do that. Just get moving already.¡± said the old man as he shoves the bow to Samuel.


    Samuel accepted his courtesy,


    ¡°I will return it, later! Thanks, old man.¡±, thanked Samuel as he ran down the alley in a hurry. The alley connects down the main road where Samuel was headed to.


    A smile appears over blacksmith as he watches Samuel.


    He then continues back his work. But soon a bunch of weird people walks across the street wearing the exorcist uniform.


    The four of them stands right in front of the pub but soon, one of them knocks down the front door.

 Chapter 3.3 - Cornered

    ¡°Are you sure this is the right place?¡±, asked the exorcist in glasses, Gilbert Fluorescent.


    ¡°Hey! Pietra! You ain¡¯t fooling around unlike this guys, are you?¡±, Gilbert points at the other two exorcists, one arrogant girl, and the other a gluttony dwarf.


    The four exorcists now stood in front of the Rock ore''s pub on the dusty dirt road, thanks to Pietra''s tracker ability to sniff people out.


    He continued on,


    ¡°Think through the escaped prisoners perspective! Would you stop by a pub for a drink when the whole country is after your head? NO!! If he had pass through here, we might already see a couple of bodies and destruction by now! He already has converted into a demon but we did not see any casualties yet, did we?¡±


    Gilbert seemed angry which he should be, if not for their lousy teamwork. He glanced at his teammates, to get a reaction. But as always, Julia didn¡¯t even bat an eye as she yawned carelessly looking the other way.


    Whereas, the axe wielder dwarf, Bhalthrum scratched his head confusedly.


    He had no clue why they were being chewed out by Gilbert in the first place.


    Pietra also didn¡¯t react, but maybe the hoodie and the mouth-cover that covered his face hid his most of the face.


    The passerby stared at the weird band of the exorcist. It was very pretty rare to see a squad of an exorcist. Usually, an exorcist supposed to travel in pairs and only a few exceptions that travel alone.


    Julia lost her cool,


    ¡°Could you stop wasting any more of my time! Let¡¯s just capture him already, because if he escapes again coz of you shitting nonsense about teamwork! I swear I¡¯ll mince you into bits and feed it to Bhalthrum for all I care!¡± she then turned to the dwarf, ¡° Bhalthrum! If you just hurry up and clear a path!¡±, ordered Julia.


    Bhalthrum equipped his axe from his back in response.


    ¡°Hey Julia, you don¡¯t have the right to order around! This badge here see¡±, Gilbert shows them a badge which was small circular, metallic brooch laced with golden and black color. It also had a symbol of wizard staff on top of it.


    ¡°This is my badge that means according to 147th law of the Compendium book of exorcist I have the authority to place orders over my squad members and they have to follow whatever the circumstances may be.¡±, said Gilbert as he flaunted his badge with a prideful face.


    Julia snatches the badge, with speed and precision before Gilbert could even react.


    ¡°Alright, Bhalthrum! Now knock the door down by the authority of this shitty metallic crap! You can''t even wear this as a jewelry!¡±, ordered Julia.


    In an instant, Bhalthrum chops the thick wooden entrance that safeguarded the pub in half.


    Gilbert was in a complete daze.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go this extreme! You could have just knocked on the door, instead of actually knocking down the door! Also gimme back my badge this instant!¡±, shrieked Gilbert, "Please!", he added.


    The dwarf chopped down the door, so he entered first, followed by Julia, then Pietra and lastly Gilbert.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.They glanced around the gloomy pub, which was dusty. It seemed business was closed down for a long time.


    The dwarf eagerly approached the empty bar counter. He started to search between the shelves in the counter, looking for some food as always. Gilbert and Pietra were on guard as they searched for the test subject 07.


    Julia took a seat on the bar counter, she seemed the least worried,


    ¡°Hey, Bhalthrum! Pass me that vintage beer!¡±, ordered Julia as she flaunted the badge. Bhalthrum did as told. Julia then opened the cork and starts to gulp down the vintage beer directly from the bottle itself.


    ¡°Hey! Hey! You cannot simply trespass and drink from other peoples booze like that! And that badge is also not meant to order drinks around like that, Give it back!!¡±, said the agitated Gilbert.


    But Julia as usual ignored Gilbert as she relaxed back on the chair. She placed her feet on the table as she while she gulped down her bottle.


    Whereas Bhalthrum munched on the peanuts he found from the shelves, as for Pietra glanced around the pub curiously as he looked for the test subject¡¯s traces.


    All of a sudden the shop owner comes down in panic.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this!¡±, he screamed, armed with a broom in his hand.


    Just to find some weird people who broke into his pub and making themselves at home.


    ¡°Get out of my home! THIS INSTANT!¡±, he exclaimed in anger, as he threatened the intruders with a mere dusting broom.


    Gilbert raises his both arm,


    ¡°We are here just to ask some questions, please I apologize for my comrades'' rude behavior, so¡­¡±


    But before Gilbert could explain, Julia stood up and raised her right leg upwards that her knees almost touched her forehead. Then with all her power, she crushed the seat in front. The kick was so powerful that the stool crumbled in bits as well as she created a hole in the wooden floor itself.


    Gilbert was shocked as well,


    Now I even have to pay for the pub¡¯s repairs, yet again!


    The old man was terrified by Julia¡¯s monstrous strength. She then grabbed him by the neck and lifted up in the air. The old man was now having problems breathing as he struggled to free from her grasp.


    ¡°Where is test subject 07?¡±, she asked.


    ¡°Julia stop this! How could he even know about 07 in the first place!¡±, persuaded Gilbert as he tried to stop Julia, but her grip was still tight.


    The old man wriggled in pain,


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­. Kn-know! I don¡¯t * coughs*¡±, the old man gathered last of his ounce of strength to reply as he struggled to catch some air.


    Suddenly the owners daughter rushes to scene from the door,


    ¡°Please! Please don¡¯t hurt my papa!!¡±, Rina exclaimed as she grabbed Julia¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Leave my papa alone! Please¡±, she begs


    The dwarf continued to munch on the peanuts, whereas Pietra just stood by there watching.


    ¡°See! This is pointless! I said already, Pietra might have made some mistakes while tracking. He could have gone the other way! No prisoner would stop by for a drink on a tavern while the whole country is looking for him, will they?¡±, said Gilbert as he tried to persuade Julia.


    Julia got even more irritated, instead of calming down.


    ¡°SO THEN WHERE THE FUCK IS THAT LAB RAT! I haven¡¯t even had a bath for about a week! Chasing that ass of rat, nonstop! My clothes smell like some horse stable and this tension is leading to hair loss! Do you know how much more frustrating is to team up with jack ass faced people, instead of the other handsome exorcists¡±, shrieked Julia in anger.


    All of a sudden,


    ¡°Guys I caught this boar would you like to feast some- ¡°, exclaimed Samuel as he entered the pub in haste. He had caught a big boar almost the same size as himself on his hand as he lifted the boar by the tail.


    The fella exorcist and Samuel made an eye contact.


    It became quite, all of a sudden.

 Chapter 3.4 - Cornered

    Samuel hurried back to the rock¡¯s ore pub. He was pretty psyched for flaunting of his catch. He initially had planned to bring some wild berries as a token of an apology but instead, he was able to hunt down the boar. The boar happened to be munching on the berries when Samuel struck him down with his archery skill. He was actually trained to be a soldier and later infused with the jewel shard for increasing Abros military might.


    Samuel mindlessly entered the pub. He didn¡¯t notice the eerie door that was cut down.


    ¡°Guys I caught this boar would you like to feast some-¡±


    To his surprise, the band of exorcist was also present who were loitering inside the tavern. Even the exorcist was shocked to see Samuel who was all cherry and tugging a boar in his arm.


    They all stare at Samuel for some seconds. They were pretty much shocked, not expecting their own prey would just crawl to its predator''s jaws.


    Samuel then noticed, the broken down door and Rina¡¯s dad uplifted by a mysterious well-endowed woman and Rina whose trying to stop her. He also noticed the dwarf and Pietra. He was petrified, because of the color of the robes and the crest of the exorcist.


    ¡°- I see, you have few guests to entertain! Well, I have to take my leave now! Bye-bye!-¡±, bid farewell as Samuel slowly bowed to place the boar on the ground so he could escape.


    All the exorcist started to arm themselves in reflex.


    Gilbert reached out for his sword holstered on his hip; Pietra reached out for his daggers inside his coat pocket.


    Whereas Julia flung the owner she was holding by the neck across the bar counter.


    ¡°You nasty piece of shit!!!¡±, she howled in anger.


    Rina ran towards her father who took a fall on the other side of the bar counter.


    Samuel was about to throw aside the Boar, but before then Bhalthrum had already was just an arms reach. Samuel didn¡¯t even notice when or how did the dwarf even came so close.


    The dwarf then grabbed Samuel by his sweater as he tried to stop him from escaping. Whereas he reached out for the axe with the other hand that he carried on his back. Samuel noticed he was about to be butchered in half. The dwarf had an eerie smile but his eyes lit up. He was fueled by anger which clearly visible in his eyes. The dwarf after he grabbed the axe¡¯s hilt, with all his might he slashed a heavy blow at Samuel.


    The blow was so powerful that the door along with a side of the wall where Samuel stood was blown away. Blood splattered all over the place with lumps of meat and piece of guts and intestine flew across the surrounding area. The dwarf was drenched in blood. Now where Samuel stood a second ago was nothing but blood splashed and small pieces of flesh remained.


    This all happened so fast just in a split of a second, that even the other exorcists were wondering what just happened. Some of the blood also splashed on the exorcists as well as the owner and his daughter. They were petrified in fear. The owner and Rina went under the bar counter table for cover, as he tightly embraced his daughter.


    Debris of the blown away wall fell across the town. The people ran amok because of the loud commotion.


    Gilbert then took off his glasses and started to wipe with the edge of his robe. The blood had splashed on his lens as well.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.¡°Seriously! You should warn us beforehand in near future, Bhalthrum.¡±, said Gilbert.


    Whereas Julia wasn¡¯t pleased with Bhalthrum¡¯s action,


    ¡°You numbskull! You really had to blast him apart in pieces! I don¡¯t mind that, but you could let me had a decent cover, first! Now all my robes are drenched with that swine rat¡¯s blood!¡±, complained Julia in displeasure as she used her handkerchief and wiped the blood over her bosom.


    ¡°Man this is so gross! I would retire myself for a month¡¯s break spending time in the bathhouse!¡±


    Julia had a well-endowed breast which was also her womanly pride. Although it was prohibited to dress unmannerly, she still likes to open her top two shirt buttons just to flaunt her cleavage and entice men with her big breasts. Sadly, now the splashed blood had also entered through her cleavage gap which she tried to wipe it off.


    Bhalthrum had gone crazy, he danced with pieces of intestine he picked from the floor. The owner tried to take a peek from the counter below, just to notice his tavern was in shambles as well as the creepy exorcist all smeared with blood whereas one of them was dancing like a madman while he held an intestine. He again cowered under the counter table with his daughter.


    Gilbert wore back his glasses as soon as he cleaned,


    ¡°Now! Now! Before we could celebrate, we need to collect the jewel shard, that was our main objective, to begin with. As for the mess we created, we shall let the headquarters clean it up, later. We at least deserve that much break once in a while, right?¡±, said Gilbert with a narrow smile.


    Julia mood took just U-turn,,


    ¡°We deserve more than this! I at least need a two months paid-holiday! I hope there is a bath near this dump of a town.¡±, she said excitedly.


    Bhalthrum started to eat the raw intestine he was holding in his hand a second ago. Its custom were warriors feed on their enemy, so they could even devour their soul. A tribal ritual practiced in the natives.


    Gilbert than approached the counter table where the owner along with her daughter were hiding. He knocked on the table.


    ¡°Excuse me! You don¡¯t need to hide anymore, you are safe now!¡±


    The owner peeked out slowly, just to find Gilbert smiling on top of him.


    ¡°Like hell we are safe! I need safety from you guys. You tore apart my whole shack, you guys want to make me feel secure, then start by leaving my place! What the heck, is that guy eating¡­ is he.. is eating the guts from the boy before?¡±, asked the horrified owner as he saw Bhalthrum eat the flesh and guts that were lying around.


    Gilbert glanced at Bhalthrum like for a second and turned immediately to the owner,


    ¡°Oh, that! Don¡¯t mind him. He is a bit creepy, but still, he is a good guy. Whereas for the repair fees, please send your bill to the exorcism office, now we will take our leave.¡±


    The owner started to vomit after he saw Bhalthrum tore apart and munched down the piece of intestine like a hungry animal.


    Julia than approached the owner who was throwing up all his stomach out, after he viewed a horrid scene. Rina rubbed her fathers back to show her support.


    ¡°Hey there! Sorry for strangling you, before! Could you tell me where your bathroom is, I would like to take a shower. If you don¡¯t mind!¡±, asked Julia politely with her feminism charm with a cutesy pose, with her hands joined near her face as she winked one of her eyes while uplifted her breast.


    The owner then tried to get up as he wiped his mouth with his shirt sleeves. Then he looked Julia in the eyes as she tried to be cutesy and enthrall him in her charms.


    To her request, with a stern voice. The owner replied,


    ¡°EAT SHIT!¡±


    Julia continued to keep on the cutesy pose, as she was pretty shocked for a man to reject her request so harshly.


    ¡°Alright! You are so dead!!!!!¡±, said Julia calmly as she maintained her pose.


    Gilbert grabbed Julia from behind,


    ¡°Stop this Julia! You can¡¯t harm civilians or you want our long vacation to end before even it begins? Calm down!!¡±, urged Gilbert.


    ¡°I will kill this son of a bitch right now! You fucking scum of a human being trash!! I will kill you as well as your daughter!!! You pesky little shit!¡±, Julia screamed as she tried to free herself just to lash out on the owner.


    ¡°Lend me a hand, Pietra! Quit standing around!¡±, Gilbert called out to Pietra who was pretty much stood in a daze as he watched the sky.


    ¡°This is far from over.¡±, replied Pietra.


    Julia also stopped her petty some quarrel, Gilbert was also pretty surprised.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±, asked Gilbert.


    Pietra turned to them,


    ¡°Test subject 07 is still alive, and on the move, as we speak.¡±