《Demonhunter Zecruix》 The demonhunter debut A man with a silver hair wearing a medium length, grey robe with two short swords strapped on each side of his waist was standing in front of an old house. The said house exterior was decayed and dilapidated; years of neglect left it with a rustic, mildewed charm. It was just a single storey house that was made with stones and woods. It had one single-knob door and two windows at the front in-between the door. ¡°So it¡¯s here.¡± The man looked at a piece of paper that was on his hand. What was written on that paper was the direction to this house. The man looked again at the house as he put the paper inside his robe, momentarily shut his eyes and started to walk towards the house. Reaching the door, the man tried to open the door but it jammed as he twisted it. Taking a step back, he then walk to the window on his left side and peeked in. There were broken furniture¡¯s and the floor looked decrepit and fragile. It was too dark on the ceiling so he couldn¡¯t see anything clearly. He involuntarily shuddered. He sighed as he recalled his ¡®graduation¡¯ day. -- Near the east mountainside of Sirelus Mountain, located a solitary, stone house amongst the trees and inside lived two men who had a relationship of master and apprentice. ¡°Zecruix, congratulation, you have learned all there is you need to know in this sacred duty.¡± Zecruix, was in the middle of rearranging the books on the bookshelf. He looked curiously at his black-haired master, Kravstor who was sitting solemnly on a chair that was near the fire place. ¡°Master¡­?¡± ¡°I believe it is time to pass the torch, just as every demonhunter of every generation, I acknowledged that you are now sufficient enough to succeed.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Zecruix, stopped rearranging and faced towards his master. ¡°Now, Zecruix, your belonging has already been packed and the road that every demonhunter had journeyed awaits you.¡± ¡°What! Why is it my belonging packed?!!¡± Zecruix was bewildered. He looked at where his master had pointed with his index finger at one of the corner of this room. His large bag pack looked fully packed. ¡°Master¡­ If I¡¯m not mistaken, I have two more years to go before I succeed you.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Master¡­?¡± Stolen novel; please report. The old Kravstor, who had reached the age of 48, suddenly got up from the chair with a speed unbecoming of his age, punched Zecruix in his stomach, grabbed and carried him with his right arm, went to the corner to grab zecruix¡¯s bag with his left. He kicked the door opened and the way outside wide open. He tossed Zecruix and his bag out and promptly shuts the door. This all happen in five seconds. Zecruix, who had his face and his body facing the ground for two seconds, was shocked. He recovered from the shock and quickly got up. He trotted furiously towards the door and banged it repeatedly. ¡°Master, damnit open the door!¡± ¡°LOVE, ZECRUIX, LOVE!! I¡¯m doing this for that. My missus is coming today, so we can¡¯t have a grown boy on the cusp of manhood staying here if she going to live here with me. Sure my master back then had given me ten years of training but ten years or eight years, there isn¡¯t much difference and also¡­¡± Kravstor sighed behind the door. ¡°Look Zecruix, it doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s too earlier or on time but at this point, you¡¯re ready. There is nothing else I can teach you. The only thing you need now is guts.¡± Kravstor cheerfully said it from the inside to Zecruix, who was cupping his left ear on the door, listening to Kravstor muffled voice. Zecruix made a dubious face as he took a step back. It was ridiculous. He banged the door with double the force than the first time he did. ¡°SERIOUSLY, YOU PUT THE SACRED DUTY BELOW A WOMAN!!?¡± -- After an hour, he got tired and partially accepted his fate. Slinging the bag on his right shoulder, he began walking and hiked down the Sirelus Mountain. Four hours afterward, he made his way to the village-Adinanum- which was located at the base of the mountain where they usually get their supplies. He went to the place of the highest authority, the village chief since he was quite familiar with him. The village chief gave him a warm welcome because they were acquaintance due to Zecruix and Kravstor interaction with the village. Seeing that he has no place to sleep and with a little denurs, the village chief offered him his first job as a demonhunter, which was to investigate an abandoned house on the outskirt of this village as compensation. Although he was reluctant at first, he eventually accepted it with a stoic appearance but inwardly, he was stirring with anxiety because if there is one main weakness about Zecruix, it was that he is naturally ¡®afraid¡¯ or to put it bluntly, he is a coward. Thus, here he was standing with unsteady legs that were shaking with controlled intensity in front of an abandoned house, the debut of the newest Demonhunter in Xylesia, Zecruix Valvren. With these two feets part 1 Two hour earlier ¡°So you started the long tenure of the demonhunter, Lil Zecruix?¡± Demonhunter as they are commonly known or their older and original name that are Rakhe-threc-zal in their native Ehridolon was a select few that carry the gift that only half-Ehridolon have, which is the Artus of Exorcising or Rakhe-threv. A bald, slightly overweight man, who had a smirk on his face, was diligently wiping the table that seems to be clean from a distance but that man was vigorously wiping a particular spot on the table. Zecruix who had known the man since he was young, knew of his over tendency for cleanliness. ¡°Forcibly! I had two more years of training and that man kicked me out because he wants to have a relationship! Is that even allowed for us?! I¡¯m going to go to the Demonhunter hall in Trusyonium and file a major misconduct report!¡± Zecruix was fuming verbally in his chair. ¡°Eh, I¡¯m just a simple village chief. Kravstor been here for about five years, you guys and us had a mutual relationship! We get a discount service while we provided supplies! Ah, since you¡¯re here, we been having a slight problem with an abandoned house. This sounds right down in your alley!¡± The smirking village chief, bending his back, was wiping the window while with eyes squinting, looking for dirt to clean. Zecruix frowned and after a moment of thought. He spoke- ¡°An abandoned house? Look, it¡¯s better if you round up some of the men in the village and march down to the house. I mean it might not be anything Rakhe-related like a stray bandit using it as a hideout or a bear finding a shelter.¡± ¡°Well that is the problem. When some boys who were playing near the abandoned house five days ago and reported that there were unnatural sounds coming from there, the men were reluctant to check and the bravest of us were observing the house for a whole day and nothing came from there except strange noises were echoing!¡± The Village chief got up from the window and looked at Zecruix, waiting for his reply. Zecruix sighed and with a bored expression, puts his right elbow on the armchair. ¡°Look, ¡®unnatural sounds¡¯ or ¡®strange noises¡¯ don¡¯t qualify for Demons¡­ Just tell your men to man up!¡± When Zecruix had said the latter, he cringed a bit for its hypocrisy. ¡°Ehh don¡¯t say that. How about this, whether it¡¯s non-related we¡¯ll gave out a reward for it, a free stay in my house and supplies of food! I mean, old man Kravstor probably didn¡¯t give you enough denurs to make it to your next village.¡± The village chief smirk was even more pronounced as he said that. Zecruix folded his arms as he shuts his eyes and made a conflicting expression. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. If it was just a broken piece of the house that was making the noises, then he already completed the job which is to investigate the house. He will simply get the reward. Even if some stray bandit or bandits were there, he could handle them and lastly, if it were a Rakhe or demon-corrupted, it was something that he needs to handle either way. After much thinking, he opened his eyes and nodded. ¡°Fine, if there¡¯s nothing, I¡¯ll still get the reward alright.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± The village chief, still maintaining a smirk, went to a small table on the corner, opens the underside drawer, and took a paper from there. On that small table, there was a pen on top of it. He took the pen and wrote something on the paper. After that, he walked towards Zecruix and gave the paper to him. ¡°Here is the direction of the house. Try to be back before noon!¡± -- He had been trying to figure a way to get inside the house without breaking the door down but it seems that there were no other choices. He walked and stood in front of the door and lifted up his leg and kicked the door down. The door swung open with ease. Looking closely, the interior of the house was dusty. Taking a deep breath before going in, he entered inside. Taking a few steps inside with the feeling of trepidation, Zecruix carefully looked at his surrounding and listened to any unusual sound. As far as he concerned, there were no ¡®unnatural sounds¡¯ or ¡®strange noises¡¯ when he had come here. Perhaps they had exaggerated the fact. The moment he thought of that, it happened. Not far in front of him and above him at the center of this house, something was growling unnaturally. ¡°GukGukGukGuk!¡± As he looks up at the creature that was hanging upside down, he deducted what manner of creature it was. ¡°A Demon-Corrupted¡­¡± Although he was standing firmly at his spot and had a nervous bravado of a smile on his face, he can¡¯t help but feel drops of sweat dripping on his back. With these two feets part 2 It was a gigantic bat¡­ that was the demon-corrupted creature that was hanging upside down on the ceiling of this house. Since it was still in the middle of the afternoon, it was soundly asleep while making that ¡®strange noises¡¯. For Zecruix, this was not the first time he saw demon-corrupted creatures but it was a first time he saw an aerial one. He roughly estimated that the bat was as large as donkey but aside from the size, it looked much like a regular bat. He sighed with relief after finding out that it was still asleep and thus he formulated a way to deal with it. Technically speaking, this is part of the job but anyone can actually do it since demon-corrupted are just animals that is touched by the influence of the demon. First, sneak attack on it with a melee weapon is hard and it may have hardened skin, so killing it in an instant might be impossible. Zecruix didn¡¯t have any skill in throwing projectile or any ranged weapon. Exorcising Artus only works on real Demon, not demon-corrupted. As he thought of a plan, he heard from the above, a harsh rustling. The bat was staring at him with reddish, glowing eyes. Zecruix eyes went wide. When did it wake up and what made it wake up?! Then he realized that it was his heartbeat. Ever since he came inside the house, his heartbeat had been erratic. Bats are known for their natural navigation system called echolocation. The fact was that it had picked up on his erratic heartbeat as it probably constantly sending out frequency waves even while it sleeps. It hearing was probably mutated. The bat with a screech had ¡®fallen¡¯ on the floor, to be precise; it landed on its feet. There it stood on its feet at almost the same height as Zecruix like a bipedal creature and it looked more like a human when it stands although much more hairy and grotesque. It snarled at Zecruix and with it wings, flew forward towards Zecruix. Zecruix, bewildered, hurriedly dodged to left side, avoiding the bat as it lunged it face forward as it tried to bite off Zecruix¡¯s head. Zecruix, quickly seized on the opportunity even though he was panicking, used Enhancement on his leg and dashed behind the bat. After getting behind, he unsheathed both of the short swords on each of his waist, as he use his hardened right arm on chokehold on the neck of the bat and with his left hand he tried to stab through the bat¡¯s head. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. It connected but as he thought, it had thick skin as the short sword only grazed the skin but nonetheless, he continued to stab repeatedly. Being held down, the bat frantically tried to get free from the chokehold as it tried to wiggle its way out. As time passed by, it was desperate as it couldn¡¯t shake the man that was holding it down, it then screamed a high-pitched cry. Zecruix lost the hardening on his arm as he was stunned by the cry, slackened the chokehold and the bat body slam backward, knocking Zecruix off. Zecruix quickly recovered and got up while holding his side with his left hand. They were both glaring at each other. They were both eyeing at each other for an opening. After a while, Zecruix made up his mind and made a gamble. Ever since, the battle started, Zecruix was shaking non-stop. It was something he could never get rid no matter how much he trained. He was a natural coward but that doesn¡¯t mean he can never be brave or became too fearful into inaction. It was just that, even though it was scary, he do it even if he wet himself. He unsteadily dropped the short sword on his left hand to the floor and slumped himself slightly, feigning a weakness. The bat, witnessing this, took the bait and flew forward, its mouth wide open, ready to bite. When it nearly reached at him, Zecruix, who was showing a weakened self, in an instant, gripped the sword with both of his hand, use enhancement on both of his arm and swung it in a wide arc, horizontally, aiming for its head. With the strength that is capable of cutting a tree with one swing, the swing connected and the head flew forward and above him with a force. Unfortunately, its body still was flying towards him and both of them crashed with Zecruix awkwardly stumbled backward with the body fell on top of him. Black blood flows down on him. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± He was holding his nose and his breath. As of now, he didn¡¯t feel like basking in his victory because aside from the blood, at some point in the fight¡­ he had unconsciously wet himself and he didn¡¯t felt it until now because he was shaking so much during the fight¡­ With these two feets part 3 After taking off his dirtied cloth and taking a light wash, Zecruix could still smell the foul stench of the bat¡¯s blood lingering on him. He realized it needed a really strong fragrance just to get rid of the smell. He sighed in frustration. On the bright side, he completed the job given to him by the village chief. After the adrenaline had died down, Zecruix slump his back against the wall near the entrance, outside of the house. Something had been bothering him. This demon-corrupted bat was not in its natural habitat. There were several of caves near the Sirelus Mountain but even the nearest are still far from here. How come it was here? After some times, his mind couldn¡¯t process properly as it was too tired to even think, the only thing that matters now is to bring the corpse to the village as evidence of completing the job. One hour later, Zecruix had dragged the corpse back to the village. Some windows and doors from the nearby houses opened up. They looked at the bat corpse with apprehension. He stopped directly at the village¡¯s centre. Everyone gathered, forming a circle around Zecruix. They all looked at the corpse with a astounded expression. Amongst the crowd, the village chief came out with the same smirking face. The only difference was that his eyes looked happy. ¡°Welcome back Zecruix! I¡¯m glad to know you did it!¡± The village chief warmly greeted Zecruix. Zecruix relaxed his stance and nodded. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a demon-corrupted bat. For some reason, it made that abandoned house its lair. I killed it.¡± ¡°That you did, well as promise and since it was demon-related I¡¯ll pitched denurs collected from the village.¡± Groaning fills the air made by the villagers. Just as the commotion about to go down, the sound of a horse neighing could be hear. Zecruix looked at where the sound was. There, was a single grey horse and riding on it was a woman who looked at her forties with a blond hair. She wore leather armour and a sword strapped on her right waist. She seems to have a perplexed expression on her face as she looks around. She then stopped at one of the villagers. After some exchange, the villager pointed at Zecruix. Slightly baffled, Zecruix distanced himself from the bat corpse as the villagers all came streamed in to inspect and gawk the demon-corrupted bat corpse. The woman trotted her horse towards him. ¡°Greeting, my name is Alvana, I¡¯m looking for Sir Kravstor. The person over there says that you¡¯re related to him?¡± ¡°¡­ Sort of¡­ How can I help you?¡± Zecruix had met with his source of his biggest issue. He felt very conflicted inside. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The woman flashed a refreshing smile. ¡°Can you help me lead to where he lived? I was actually lost for almost half a day looking for this village.¡± She laughed lightly at her own predicament. Zecruix, was in a sombre mood but for reason of his own, he couldn¡¯t refuse her. There was something he had to ask. ¡°¡­ Sure.¡± -- ¡°He kicked you out and told you to do his job?¡± ¡°Yes can you believe him?!!¡± ¡°Actually I could because that is his nature.¡± They were following a barely discernible path towards the mountain. Two individuals, one walking on foot and the other on a horse was moving side by side. ¡°How you and he are¡­ well¡­¡± ¡°Acquainted? First time we met was around twenty five years ago, I was a mercenary for hire and he was a roaming demonhunter. We worked with each other several times. Of course, I find his carefree and nonchalant nature to be annoying but those are his charms that grow on you with time.¡± She smiled faintly upon remembering the memories. ¡°We had that sort of relationship as well but you know how demonhunter are unable to commit so we had an on and off relationship due to the fact that we don¡¯t always work with each other and we rarely see each other too.¡± ¡°And then what happened?¡± Zecruix, curious, asked her without reservation. ¡°After years of working as mercenary, after a particular stint, I became a rich woman. So I settled down and got married with a man younger than me. After years of marriage, I realized. that man never did love me. He just wanted an easy life. He never wanted any children and always came back home late night. He must have thought I was desperate enough to marry anyone at my age back then. I tolerate it at first but¡­ He blatantly kissed another woman in front of my house three years ago and that broke the camel¡¯s back¡­ So I divorced him by the Right of Broken Vow.¡± ¡°¡­ Ouch. What did you pick?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a merciful person so I picked his hairs¡­ his whole hair including down below¡­ Got him shaved real clean.¡± Zecruix shuddered involuntarily. The Right of Broken Vow that they had spoken off is a custom of the Ebony Empire by invoking a duel for a divorce. Once invoked, the winner is given two things, first is that regardless of who wins, the divorce would proceed but if the invoke won, the loser would have to make an offering. In her case, his whole hair since the offering can¡¯t be one¡¯s life or something that can cripple but monetary or any materials. Afterward there was an awkward silence in the air and an hour later, they arrived at the stone house where Kravstor resides. With these two feets part 4 Standing at the door of the house, Zecruix knocked on the door. ¡°Wait, how did you two met again?¡± ¡°It was one year ago, he came to where I had lived. It was a coincidence, so we met up and chatted for old time sake. Just like that, old flames kindled.¡± The door opened with a swing, Kravstor appeared wearing an apron that which a house wife would have worn to welcome back a hardworking husband. All three of them stood staring at one another. ¡°Zecruix, what the hells are you doing here?¡± ¡°WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING- NO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WEARING?!!¡± Alvana beside Zecruix, burst out a laugh. ¡°Well never mind this get inside.¡± Kravstor chuckled and gestured them in. -- ¡°Well, thanks for helping her find this place Zecruix!¡± Kravstor thanked Zecruix with a hearty gratitude. All three of them were sitting in the living room. Only Zecruix had a sour expression, evidently unamused by his master¡¯s attic. Alvana who sat near Kravstor, looked at both of them with amusement. ¡°You two sure are polar opposite.¡± ¡°Yeah, Zecruix is prone to overthinking, makes a big deal out of everything and nervous wreck to boot with.¡± ¡°Master is careless, lazy and thinks too lightly on things sometimes.¡± They retorted each other with Zecruix glaring at Kravstor and Kravstor playfully smirked at him. Alvana looked even more amused. ¡°Still enough with this, Zecruix I thought you would already move out from here?¡± Kravstor with a slightly serious expression, inquired. Zecruix shut his eyes and sighed. ¡°It has to be a spur of moment right? Even if Miss Alvana is here, we can compromise! I¡¯ll like to have two more years before I go!¡± ¡°He¡¯s right in this, we can still let him live here. It wouldn¡¯t bother much.¡± As Zecruix protested, Alvana chimes in. Kravstor looks at both of them in turn and took a deep breath and exhaled. ¡°Look Zecruix, I¡¯ve told you, you¡¯re ready. Although part of this was from this selfish request but most it was true. There is nothing more I can teach you. You¡¯re a genius who had exceeded me when I was your age but you lack the worldly experience. To put it in a way, all the results of these eight years made you akin to a perfectly crafted sword but even with that, an untested sword is useless. An additional two years here is unneeded and unproductive for your growth. So you should use these two years to learn about the ways of the world, how to decide on your own and also to find a voice that will make you your own class of a demonhunter.¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.Kravstor spoked with a paternal tone as if he was truly proud of him. Zecruix couldn¡¯t hear any falsehood in his words. Zecruix frowned but he had conceded. Even though he had followed his master for a job, he never made his own decision in doing so. Perhaps it was time he learned what kind of a demonhunter he was by doing things his way. Alvana fondly looked at the exchange between the two and added her thought. ¡°Zecruix, I don¡¯t know much about you but it¡¯s true that you are young but you had been made well-prepared by Krav, I believed our short time is not enough but I do feel that you¡¯re a level-headed and rational person in my first impression.¡± Being encouraged by the two, he felt a little lighter and much calmer. He sighed. ¡°¡­ Alright, then I need the certificate of Legacy to confirmed my tenure.¡± ¡°It is in your bag already.¡± Zecruix pouted. His master is truly terrifying when it comes to preparing. ¡°Before you go, would you like to join us in dinner?¡± ¡°Eh, no way, it¡¯s our romantic night!!¡± ¡°¡­ No, I¡¯ll pass; I¡¯m heading directly to the village and join the village chief in dinner.¡± Kravstor protested Alvana suggestion and Zecruix not wanting to disturb anymore decided to leave immediately. ¡°See ya and come visit us when you can, Zecruix!¡± Zecruix, leaving, grunted as a respond to Kravstor cheerful farewell. -- Sitting with a sulking face, Zecruix was eating dinner with the family of the village chief. The rest of the family were in a good mood with the two children was happily eating their dinner and the mother watched them over with a loving smile. ¡°What¡¯s the matter Lil Zecruix? It¡¯s no good to be depression in the presence of fine food.¡± ¡°haa, don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯m just conflicted right now.¡± The smirking village chief tried to comfort the sighing Zecruix. ¡°You know, you¡¯re a smart boy Lil Zecruix, that¡¯s why Kravstor trusted in you to make your own initiative at this age of your.¡± ¡°I know that but still¡­¡± ¡°You can¡¯t help but be self-conscious about it. Don¡¯t worry in times, it fade away from your thought.¡± Zecruix looking a little bit lighter after the smirking village chief persistently comforts. So it was concluded. First of all, Zecruix¡¯s plan was to go to Trusyonium local Demonhunter association hall to officially announce Kravstor¡¯s retirement and his induction as the new western region Demonhunter. Along the way, as a secondary objective, he also would try to find a job to get a few notchs on his Demonhunting belt. Well for now, all he can do to stave off the doubtful thoughts was to plan and plan. A Useful Stranger Part 1 It was morning with the sun partially visible at the horizon. Zecruix had prepared everything and he was currently being sent off by the smirking village chief and his family after Zecruix had stayed with them overnight. His next destination was a town called Ghanur just west from here near the city of Trusyonium, The northern border City of The Ebony Empire and the gateway to Vermillean. It would take him almost a day to reach there. He heaved his bag, now heavier due to added supplies. The whole family was waving at the departing Zecruix and he responded by waving back. After some distance and the family was a blur in his vision, he stopped waving and face forward at the dirt road. The road ahead looked long and winding but this was a good start. -- Along the way, there weren¡¯t much people as he met only few travellers and peddling merchants. He only stopped to take a break for lunch when the sun was up high in the indicating it was Midday. After an hour after lunch, he stumbled upon a river that was following the road or the road was following the river. It was noon when he reached the town of Ghanur. The town looked relatively bigger than Adinanum and it had several large stone buildings and there was a notably large water mill at the right side of the town where the river was. Now that Zecruix had arrived, the first thing to do was to get a room in the inn and find any Rakhe-related rumour to find demonhunting jobs. It was important because Demonhunting was a calling only few were selected not by merit but by birth and he had been ingrained from young of the importance of the work with a serious lectures by his usually care-free master. Some Rakhe or demon, as they are known to many, can be harmed physically but they would only revive back after a period of time while others are made of pure magick and cannot be harm physically. Thus the only way to stop them was by Rakhe¡¯threv or Exorcising Artus. After entering inside the town, he saw a crowd of people walking on every direction all around him. Since it was noon, it was probably time for dinner. Zecruix received a few curious or dismissive stares from the crowd due to his silver hair. Most people would assume he was an Ehridolon but it was half true for Zecruix was only half-blood Ehridolon. The inn wasn¡¯t hard to find because the sign ¡®Ghanur Inn¡¯ could be seen from the entrance and it was quite close. In fact, He had been here a few times with his master but never stayed here, only to rest. After a minute or so, he had reached to the door of the inn. He opened the door and entered. Inside, it was crowded with patrons, who were siniging jaunty songs and merrily clamouring. He navigated his way to the counter in the revelries and safely made there without causing a commotion. There rows of stools and every one of them were occupied so Zecruix could only stand. Behind the counter stood a middle aged man with a blond hair wearing apron, talking with a patron nearby. Seeing he was the only man behind the counter, Zecruix assumed he was the innkeeper and coughed lightly to get his attention. The man looked at him. ¡°Can I help you young un?¡± ¡°Yes, is there anymore vacancy?¡± ¡°Lemme check on the log.¡± The innkeeper turned around. There were two books side by side and he took the one on the left side on the table of the other side. He turned back while looking at the book. ¡°¡­ Yes, we still have rooms! Can I interest you in one?¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Yes, how much is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s about 10 denurs with breakfast.¡± Zecruix took out and check his purse bag with his right hand. Inside there was about 180 denurs. At first, when he was kicked out, he had about 30 denurs. The added denurs was the reward from the job at Adinanum. ¡°¡­ Yes, I¡¯ll take it for one night.¡± ¡°Okay. Please write your detail here and I need you to show an identification certificate.¡± The innkeeper put the book down for Zecruix to write. Zecruix put the purse bag inside his robe and with his left hand, took out his certificate and gave it to the innkeeper. While the innkeeper turned around and wrote the detail of Zecruix¡¯s certificate in the other book, Zecruix fills in the book that he was given. After a while, both of them were done. The innkeeper gave back the certificate after Zecruix took out the denurs and paid for the room. ¡°Oh, before that, do you have anyone that sells information?¡± The innkeeper narrowed his eyes. ¡°Eh¡­ what do you want to do with that information? Cause if you¡¯re a spy from the Mountain tribes, yer pretty dumb to ask it openly.¡± ¡°Oh no, no, no. I¡¯m actually a¡­ Demonhunter¡­ have you heard of them?¡± Zecruix pulled the right sleeve of the robe and showed his right arm. Near the area elbow cap was a crest of three triangles intersecting with each other. Each of them, upon being lit, showed a colour of blue, red and grey. The innkeeper was taken back as he was surprised. ¡°Eh, really!? Every folk here know that crest!! Ha, of course I have. They¡¯re pretty famous around here. Say, you know Kravstor?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­ he was my master¡­ sadly.¡± As of now, Zecruix remembered that his master would always chat with someone on this inn on every visit. Zecruix was perplexed as he didn¡¯t remember this man at all. ¡°Really!!? How is he? I owed him you know!¡± At first, upon being inquired about information, he spoked with a cautious tone but when Zecruix showed the crest to him, he drop his guard and was now openly jovial. ¡°He¡­ retired¡­¡± ¡°Really?! I didn¡¯t know you guys can retire!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know that too¡­¡± Zecruix frowned hard. The innkeeper chuckled. ¡°Ah, never mind, you said you need information right? Well you came to the right place! I¡¯m got all the dirt and juices in this town.¡± The innkeeper gregariously stomped down both of his hands on the counter as he grinned at Zecruix. Well, he thought that at least he had completed both of his current objectives. A Useful Stranger part 2 ¡°Demon-related jobs? Huh, well, I can¡¯t say anything certain but there are quite a few things that might be that sort of jobs¡­¡± The innkeeper looked upward as he was rummaging his thought. Zecruix smiled tiredly at him. He took out five denurs out from the purse bag and held it out to the innkeeper. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I check again tomorrow with you. Here¡¯s a down payment for the information.¡± ¡°No need for that, I owe yer master a favour. Just come back tomorrow. I¡¯ll snoop around for any demon-related info around this village and by extension the region.¡± He smiled brightly at Zecruix and gave him a key. Zecruix sighed in relief. ¡°So your room is in the inner most of the hallway upstair on your right!¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± As he said that, he nodded. He then went up stair. -- It was time for dinner so he took out the slightly luxurious can of salted meat and handful of brown rice from the supplies. After finishing his meal, he washed himself, changed clothes and went to bed for sleep but Zecruix kept the oil lamp inside the room lit. It was one of many things that Zecruix was afraid of which was sleeping in the dark. Sleeping alone is fine but trying to sleep in the dark was a terrifying prospect for him ever since he was a child. That¡¯s why he always left the lamp or any source of lighting up throughout the night. Although, he couldn¡¯t sleep as he was still troubled. It was all too sudden. Was this how all of the demonhunters in the past had been through? There wasn¡¯t enough time for him to prepare both physically and mentally. He was losing sleep because he couldn¡¯t help but mull over this fact. After three hours of zoning out, staring at the ceiling, he finally felt the calling into the dream world. -- The first thing his eyes see was the blinding light. The sun rays coming from outside of the window had pierced his eyes. He groaned as his whole body was uncomfortably rigid. He got out from the bed and went straight to the door to the hallway. He went down stair and just like yesterday, it was full of patrons but the atmosphere was calm and light-hearted unlike yesterday. The innkeeper who was behind the counter saw Zecruix and hollered at him. ¡°Morning young un! You woke up pretty late.¡± ¡°Really, what time is it?¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.¡°Judging by the clock tower at the village square, it was nine o¡¯ clock last I check a while.¡± Zecruix sighed. His troubled mind had causes him the trouble of being late. He took an empty stool near the counter. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this quite unprofessional of me¡­¡± ¡°Ah don¡¯t mind it; in fact, I thought I was late because I asked too much!¡± The innkeeper guffawed. ¡°Huh, well thanks for doing this much for me, I¡¯ll have my breakfast by the way.¡± ¡°Sure thing, then while you eat, I¡¯ll tell you what I find after snooping around.¡± Zecruix nodded as the innkeeper walk a bit near the kitchen behind the counter. After a while, he came back with Zecruix¡¯s breakfast. He put in front of Zecruix. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± ¡°No problem!¡± Zecruix starts eating his breakfast. ¡°To start with, there are more rumours than actual information but I guess if connecting the dots, most of the rumour seems to be linked.¡± ¡°Linked?¡± ¡°Yeah, because this quite a large village, so people talk a lot and fabricates but it all leads to the same source.¡± Zecruix shrugged his shoulder to the explanation that the innkeeper gave. ¡°Okay, I gave you this. There¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s demon-related so¡­ ahem¡­ there¡¯s a particular rich merchant here that had a mysterious problem. You see, it¡¯s mysterious because most people here know he had some sort of problem but unsure of what it is and from there, speculations went rampant. I said it was demon-related because there were several rumours that when some villagers passed by his manor, they felt uneasy feeling like they were being probed. Some of them felt ominous presence looming inside.¡± Zecruix had finished his breakfast by the time the innkeeper finished his information. He was in deep thought and after a minute, he nodded. He got up from the seat. ¡°It¡¯s worth checking, by the way, can you give me the direction to the manor and is there anything else?¡± The innkeeper took a paper and a pen and wrote down the instruction to the manor. ¡°Uh, wait a minute and about the other information¡¯s¡­ well there¡¯s a farmer accusing another farmer that his pig is demon-corrupted and an old lady who lives on the outskirt complaining about bird-like cawing at the tree near her house¡­ That¡¯s all.¡± When Zecruix was told of the other two, he just smiled amusingly and took the note. A Useful Stranger part 3 The manor was relatively large and it was surrounded by five foot wall with an iron gate. Zecruix could see the second floor of the manor from outside. It was half an hour after he left the inn and reached here. True to the description, the air here felt ominous although after a minute of appraising the manor, it was fairly normal. Zecruix looked at his surrounding and noticed there were few people passing by. It was an isolated location of a sort. Now the question was how to get inside. ¡°Hey, what are you doing standing there?¡± As Zecruix was thinking, someone called him out from the behind. He turned around and there were three girls and one, blond-haired man standing. Three of them looked like guards from their leather attires and the weapons that they were carrying while the one girl, who looked in her early teen, was wearing a dress and a shawl on her shoulders. On her left hand, she was carrying a full basket filled with assorted vegetable and foods. She was hiding behind one of the women, a tall blond haired woman who tied her hair in a ponytail. In fact she was taller than Zecruix. All of them were staring with a wary expression at Zecruix. ¡°You¡¯re a robber? Come here to survey a way to break in is it?! Not if I kill you first!¡± The other girl, a blond haired too but shorter than Zecruix, with a furious expression tried to charge forward but she was pulled back by the taller woman. ¡°Just wait, Jellika. If you go and beat up someone who just happened to stand in front of the manor, our reputation will plummet.¡± ¡°Let me go, Volkara!¡± The struggling woman, Jellika tried to set herself free from the grip of the taller woman, Volkana. The man who standing with a bit distance from the three to the left, was quietly watching Zecruix. ¡°Now, if you really are just happened to be here standing then please move or if you have any business, you may state them to me.¡± Volkara stated coldly. Zecruix, as he was shaking a little bit, looked doubtful as whether he should lie his way out or tell them the truth. After a few seconds of thinking, he decided to tell the truth. He lifted up his right arm and pulled the sleeve. With that, the demonhunter crest that was on his arm was visible. The three guards narrowed their eyes with a discontent look while the girl who was still hiding and clinging behind Volkara, gasped audibly. ¡°There is nothing demonic about this manor¡­¡± Volkara said it in a low, threatening tone. Zecruix inwardly flinched but he managed to keep his shaking out of sight. He then pulled up the sleeve and put his arm down. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.¡°S-still, as a Demonhunter, I sensed an unnatural circulation of magick on this manor. It¡¯s my obligation to investigate and sooner or later, it¡¯s only a matter before somebody else would notice and employ my service about this place because there are rumours after all.¡± It was quite a veiled blackmail coming from Zecruix. Even he felt shocked of what he had just said. Volkara gave a sharp glare at Zecruix but after a few seconds, she loosened her expression and exhale visibly. She turned around slightly and lowered herself to whisper something to the girl who was clinging behind her. The teenage girl cupped her ear and after a few seconds, she hesitantly nodded. ¡°Fine, Demonhunter, We allow you to be inside but you will be under our supervision. Thus, you are not permitted any actions without our consent.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Zecruix, in order to make up for his blackmail, showed an apologetic expression and obediently bowed. ¡°Koschel, open the gate.¡± The man that was on the group who had been quiet the whole time, grunted and walked passed by Zecruix. He took out a key from his left pocket and unlocked the gate. It opened with creaky sound. All of them started walking passed Zecruix. Volkara stopped and gestured to Zecruix by tilting her head. ¡°Come on in. Let¡¯s not waste any more time.¡± -- The interior of the manor looked quite old but well-maintained and cleaned. There was only one stair up visible from the entrance of the manor and two entrances into the kitchen and what seems to be the living room. The rest of the space was filled with assortment of furniture¡¯s and paintings. Zecruix was looking around, using a Sense attuned in exorcising artus. The flow of the unnatural magick was even stronger here than outside. For someone like him, it was slightly suffocating. ¡°Follow me; I¡¯ll show you around the manor and tell me where this unnatural magick is. Jellika, bring the young lady to her room and Koschel, cook the breakfast.¡± Volkara issued orders like an army sergeant. The two other guards nodded and went to their task. After that, Volkara started walking. Zecruix doggedly followed behind. After they went upstairs, Volkara led him to left side of the hallway and then she stopped at the first room of that hallway to her right side. ¡°This is the master of the manor¡¯s room. He is currently busy, so we can¡¯t enter now.¡± Volkara warned Zecruix with a strict tone but for Zecruix, he felt the strongest presence of the unnatural magick was leading to this room. He founded the source, now all he need is a way to enter this room. A Useful Stranger part 4 ¡°Did you felt anything?¡± Both of them were standing near the stair after Volkara showed Zecruix all the room in the upper floor. Zecruix made a contemplative face as he hold the stair¡¯s railing. Volkara seemingly amused by it, joked to him as she suddenly smiled. ¡°You know, you have a childish when you try to look serious.¡± Hearing that, Zecruix pouted at her. ¡°Even that face!! You! Ahahaha¡­¡± She burst into an up roaring laugh. Zecruix pouted even harder. For some reasons, seeing her smiling face and hearing her laughter triggered something inside of him. It slightly reminded him of Kravstor. Zecruix smiled bitterly to her while clenching his free hand into a fist. After a few seconds, by the end of the laughter, she was hugging her waist with her arms crossed. She sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I was so stressed out the whole week and unexpectedly, the thought of giving a tour of the manor to a wandering demonhunter who suspected a demon here earlier in the morning had occurred to me when I looked at your indecisive look. That was humorous for a lot of reasons.¡± She smiled refreshingly at Zecruix. It wasn¡¯t like the amused smile previously but a smile of genuine honesty and delight. Zecruix felt much more vexed as of now because a feeling different from being annoyed wells up inside of him. In order for her to not see a subtle blush on his face, he turns away while looking down. Volkara tilted her head to the right side but instantly realized what he was doing. She earnestly nodded. ¡°So back to where the original point. Oh¡­ we haven¡¯t introduced each other. My name is Volkara Iscarion and you are?¡± ¡°¡­ Zecruix Valvren¡­ I think it may be a remnant of the unnatural magick, so I¡¯m done here.¡± He muttered such lie. If he told the truth, they might throw him out this instant and be severely berated. As of now, he wanted to keep this a secret from them. There were several ways to do it from the distance. ¡°I¡¯ll lead you back outside.¡± Zecruix, still keeping his head down, nodded back. After being led outside and a brief pleasantry, Zecruix stood outside thinking again. Now that he was known, getting in is now harder without a really good reason. After much thinking, the only option was to do an Area Cleansing. It would take two days at most but it would be enough. Although it won¡¯t banish the Rakhe but more or less made the manor into a ground that it can¡¯t stay in. Afterward, Zecruix would track it down and exorcise it. Now, the main issue right now is to find someone that would pay for his service. Usually, the owner of the manor would do that but in this case, judging by the unwelcoming reactions from the guards of the manor, it would be impossible. Perhaps all of them are under the influence of the Rakhe. If that is so, then perhaps after he exorcised it, he could ask for payment but it was certainly risky as people under the influence of Rakhe would sometimes have no memories of such occurrence and would sooner called him a fraud for demanding a payment on nothing. For that, he needed to find the official of this village and convince them. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.While still thinking, he turned around and started to walk back to the inn. Just as he did, there was a sound of footsteps on his left. He turned towards that direction. A man who looked at his twenties with a bald head and a moustache was smiling obsequiously at him. ¡°Ah, greeting there, I saw you from a far visiting this manor! You had business with them is it?¡± ¡°Sort of, how can I help you?¡± Zecruix took a wary stance against this man. The man, unfazed continued to ask. ¡°You see¡­¡± He looked slightly hesitated but after that he made an agitated expression as his face went pale. ¡°Milady that I served had some connection with the owner of that manor but we had an incident two weeks ago.¡± ¡°Incident?¡± ¡°Yes, you see, two weeks ago, something strange come upon the manor from what I heard!¡± Zecruix made a stern expression. ¡°By strange, what do you mean?¡± The man looked cautiously at the manor and then looked back at Zecruix. ¡°I¡¯m not comfortable talking it in here.¡± -- Both of them were sitting in a diner called Turil Foodhouse but only the man was eating a breakfast. The man looked much better after he ate the meal. The table where they sat was the furthest away from the entrance of the diner. Only the man had eaten so Zecruix spend his time drinking quietly while watching the man. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I haven¡¯t introduced myself. My name is Hervan Peter. As I said, I was the manservant for milady who was engaged with the owner of that manor but as you can see, we were chased out by the guards as soon as we arrived. Two maids working there had also been dismissed.¡± Zecruix was slightly perturbed for, as far as he saw, the guards were normal in a sense but it could have a fa?ade. ¡°Look, you said something ¡®strange¡¯ what was it?¡± The man had a troubled expression as if he had difficulty to describe it but nonetheless, he looked straight at Zecruix and just when he was about to answer, someone came to their table. Both of them looked at the person. It was a woman who also looked in her twenties with a long straight, blond hair. There were freckles on her face and sharp eyes. She wore a blue shirt and a green leather pant. ¡°I see you met with my manservant, Hervan.¡± ¡°M-Milady, what are you-¡° ¡°Shush, Hervan, if you intend to tell of the trouble I am having then I would like to include myself in this conversation.¡± The woman without hesitating, sat beside Zecruix and smiled brightly at him. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°My name is Vaneri Gertrude; I am the fianc¨¦e of the owner of that manor, Sir Farvath James.¡± A Useful Stranger Part 5 ¡°I am still the fianc¨¦e until two weeks ago, the uncouth guards denied us to even meet my fianc¨¦. Like my manservant had told you, a strange atmosphere had descended on that manor. I was so heartbroken by it, I secluded and recluse myself for days.¡± She put her right elbow on the table while she looked forlornly at the space in front her. Hervan nodded sadly in response. Zecruix sat while keeping a blank expression. The fact that these two were lamenting their problem to him, a stranger, made him feel suspicious. The woman then looked sideway at Zecruix with a determined expression. ¡°Anyway, I got over it in just three days ago, I felt that there was something wrong but I couldn¡¯t place what was it but I just know something was!¡± Her right arm was still on the table as she looked upward with a vexed expression. The manservant, Hervan, smiled timidly from the corner. As though they were waiting for a reaction, Zecruix still maintained a blank expression because he felt that these two were acting and if they were, it was really good in a sense. Vaneri sighed and looked at Zecruix with a bittersweet smile. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe but believe it or not, we need all the help we could get. We have some help from the local and we know you¡¯re not from here since this village is small enough for everyone to know everyone. The fact that you approached the manor on your own initiative means you¡¯re a mercenary or something related as such.¡± Vaneri took a piece of paper out of the right pocket of her pant and gave it to Zecruix. Zecruix took it and immediately discern it. It was an address to a place and the direction to get there. ¡°Come to this place if you want to hear more detail. Hervan and I will start our plan tonight, you should decide as soon as possible.¡± For some reason, Zecruix felt uneasy because the whole thing sounded shady but they were the only people he sees that are potential employer as of now. ¡°¡­Give me some time? The latest is by tonight right?¡± ¡°Yes but you better decide quickly because we might have all that we need by then.¡± Vaneri teased Zecruix who still sported a blank expression. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave to prepare and gather some more help for the rest of the day, Come Hervan.¡± Vaneri got up and with a smile, bowed towards Zecruix. Hervan did the same. Now Zecruix was alone as he sat at the table. He took some time to process all the information that he had received this morning. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. It was approaching midday when he had enough of thinking. He decided that if he still has insufficient information and means, he would pay a visit to the address. Shady or not, it was still a chance that he rather not miss and investigate. As of now, He felt hungry, so he ordered something to eat in the diner. As he waits for his order, he stares at the entrance looking at the customers of diner going in and out. It was then she had entered. They had just met this morning and now it was the second time. It was Volkara, in plain clothes. Upon seeing her again made Zecruix¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He felt heat as blood rushed on his face and instantly he averted his stare and tried to hide away. After a few seconds- ¡°excu-¡± ¡°YES!?¡± -He blurted out loudly. After he did that, he looked around him and noticed that everyone sitting nearby was looking at him. From the entrance, Volkara who were speaking to one of the waitresses was now looking at him too. Embarrassed, he quickly took the denurs out and proffered them to the waitress. The waitress, slightly perplexed, put his lunch on the table and took the denurs while saying ¡®thank you¡¯ and promptly left. He kept his eyes downward on the lunch and starts to eat it nervously. Inside, he prayed to whatever weapons or heroes that she wouldn¡¯t greet him after such blunder. A few seconds later¡­ ¡°Zecruix?¡± Volkara was beside him. Upon hearing that, he stopped eating and rigidly turned towards her. Volkara, in plain clothes and with her untied blond hair flows freely on her right shoulder, looked quite feminine. ¡°Greeting, what brings you here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my off-duty time, so I went here to finish my personal errand. What a coincidence meeting you here.¡± She looked at the empty seat on the table and gestured by tilting her head at the seat. ¡°May I sit there?¡± A Useful Stranger Part 6 ¡°So are you moving on to another place today?¡± ¡°No, I think I¡¯ll be staying for two or more days here, who know if something comes up here.¡± Zecruix had finished his lunch and he was chatting with Volkara who sat opposite towards him. Zecruix had calmed down a bit as of now but he still could really look straight into Volkara¡¯s eyes when they talk. ¡°Oh, if you are free, then would you like me to show you around?¡± Zecruix tilted his head to the right side upon hearing that. ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry but I have to asked, why? I mean we just met this morning, so why are you willing to guide a stranger you just met? Also, don¡¯t you have any plan after this?¡± Volkara chuckled lightly. ¡°Oh, maybe it¡¯s to compensate for laughing at you this morning but maybe it¡¯s because I wanted to? Lastly, not really, to be honest I don¡¯t really know what to do on my free time except practice. Is it no good?¡± ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t mind I suppose.¡± Zecruix figured he could subtly gather some information from her regarding the situation in the manor while she guides him. ¡°Well, what are we waiting here for? You finished your meal!¡± ¡°What about you? Have you eaten?¡± ¡°Before off-duty, I ate a hearty breakfast after you left~! I¡¯ll be fine till then, although I have to be back by noon!¡± She said it boastfully as though she was proud about it and seeing that reminded him of Kravstor and the innkeeper. Zecruix timidly nodded to her and both of them got up from the seat. -- ¡°Here is the weapon shrine for this town belonging to a line of famous warrior around this part.¡± They were at the outskirt of the village standing in front a small building that had a gated entrance. Inside the building was an adorned greataxe, placed in the centre of the pedestal. In the Ebony Empire, the closest thing to a religion is the reverence of weapons or Weapon Worship. It was recorded back then, that the first weapon to ever been worshiped was Heaven¡¯s Edict, a crude greatsword made of pure Ebony wielded by the founder of the aptly named Ebony Empire, Dionicus Nazareyar. Now the legendary greatsword was encased in an iron pedestal at the grand temple at the capital, Ebony Roma. A weapon can only be an object of worship after it was wielded by five generation of recognized warriors that had done great deed with the weapon and it has to be recognized by majority of Praetors, the ruling councils of the empire. To outsiders view, it was more of a tradition rather than a religion. ¡°That greataxe is the famous ¡®Man-Splitter¡¯, hardly creative name, a weapon famous for its usage in the war against the mountain tribes.¡± ¡°Amazing, you knew that just by looking at it!¡± Volkara muttered in amazement as Zecruix stares at the Greataxe with a blank expression as but there was a hint of interest alighted in his eyes. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°¡­ I passed by here a few times with my master before but we only stopped to rest here, so there was no time for sightseeing here but I read a book about Weapon Worship and there was an article about this Greataxe on that book.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Do you want to give your respect inside?¡± ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll pass. I¡¯ll think bowing in front of the shrine is enough. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m that pious and originally, I wasn¡¯t born in the Ebony Empire.¡± They both bowed deeply at the shrine and moved along. ¡°You¡¯re not from here?¡± ¡°I was¡­ adopted by my master from my family¡­ It wasn¡¯t because I was not wanted but it¡¯s more like I had the qualification for demonhunter which is quite rare, so they willingly gave me to him. I visited them a couple of times.¡± Zecruix words had a little hesitation and upon mentioning his family, he quivered momentarily. ¡°That¡¯s quite nice. Are you planning to visit them any time soon?¡± ¡°Probably within this year I suppose, although I have to write a letter of temporary exchange duty with the governing demonhunter over there.¡± -- Afterward, Volkara led him to the large watermill and several shops in the village. Everywhere they went; all sorts of people from all walks of life would greet Volkara in a friendly manner. She was quite popular in the village. Along the way, Zecruix had a hard time to ask her about the state in the manor because it was an inappropriate topic and there was never a right time to ask. After they had sight-seeing for two hours, they were walking back to the manor because it was nearing Volkara¡¯s work shift. ¡°That was time well-spent. What will you be doing for tomorrow?¡± ¡°I guess I¡¯m going to continue on scouting for rumours around this a part for the next two days. If nothing else, I¡¯ll guess I¡¯ll make way to the city of Trusyonium.¡± They reached at the entrance to the manor. Even now, the unnatural magick was quite present to Zecruix from where he stands. ¡°Okay then, if you need anything just comes here and I¡¯ll try to help in any way possible.¡± She sincerely offered. Zecruix was honestly moved by her. Even though they just met and he had a bad impression at first, she was by far the friendliest and kindest person he had met in his entire life. If it was an act, then she is the best actress as far as he concerned. There was also no ¡®strangeness¡¯ about her. Everything he felt so far was genuine. They parted as she waved her right hand to him and went inside after Zecruix waved back. Zecruix touched his face and realized that he had unconsciously smiled. Afterward, he sighed and realized he didn¡¯t even made any progress. With no other option, he would pay a visit to that address tonight. A Useful Stranger Part 7 Zecruix was sitting on the stool where he had his right elbow on the counter, facing the innkeeper. ¡°So anything conclusive yet, young un?¡± The innkeeper asked him while cleaning the mug. ¡°¡­ It is something but I haven¡¯t understands the whole situation yet. Sometimes unnatural magick circulation is just that, unnatural. I need more information. I¡¯ll be going to a place, rather shady but it¡¯s the only lead, so if I haven¡¯t come back after midnight, call for search party.¡± It came out much more dramatic than he imagined. The innkeeper smiled in amusement and nodded. ¡°Take care! Don¡¯t worry; this village is too small for crimes. I mean we all know who would likely to commit them. I¡¯m looking at you, Gorav!¡± A particular man, who was drinking merrily with a group, lifted his mug towards the innkeeper while shouting some native curse. Every patron here, upon seeing the lifted mug, lifted their own and cheered loudly. Zecruix could feel the same atmosphere as last night and he felt like he rather stayed inside there and watched or maybe even immersed himself in the merriment but he realized he was only felt that way because he was kind of blissful right now. Still, he has to fulfil his obligation and so he left the warmth and comfort of the inn. -- He looked at the note again. Thankfully, the moonlight was bright enough and his eyes were adjusted to the darkness around so the content was quite clear. He was getting close now but then he stopped and put the note back inside his robe. He unsheathed both of his short swords. (Too small for crimes? Then these fellows skulking in the shadow is just doing it for fun?) Even when it looked safe all around you, always be on alert especially when you¡¯re alone. That was what his master always reminded him on a daily basis back then. As he was walking on the seemingly solitary and small pathway in this underbrush that was leading outside of the village, he had heard rustlings and faint footsteps on the thicket on the right side earlier. He initially ignored it as it may have just been some small animals but it persisted for some times and Zecruix eventually saw some human-sized silhouettes slipping around him. Right now, he was warily watched his surrounding while readying his weapons, slightly shaking. It was then two shadows stepped out, one in front of him and the other behind him. Both of them had a piece of cloth wrapped around their face, concealing them. Their clothing was black tinged with greenish colour and both of them were wielding dagger on their right hand. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. In short, both of them looked just as bit of a stereotype bandit. After they fully appeared, both of them charged at Zecruix at the same time. Zecruix reacted by going forward, with both of his short swords stretched out on each side. The bandit in front stopped his charge and hopped back to evade as Zecruix swings the short sword on his left horizontally as he took a step forward also with his left foot. After he swung, without stopping, he lunge forth his short sword forward, squarely at the centre of the man. The first bandit seeing this, tried to side step to the right but it was too late as the short sword had sunk into his right shoulder. It was not deep enough to in capitated him but it was not shallow enough to move freely, so the first bandit staggered backward and fell on his left knee, holding his right shoulder with his left arm. The second bandit that charged from behind had just come close after Zecruix had dealt with the first bandit and just as he swings his dagger downward, Zecruix, with his short sword on his left arm, turned around and parried the second bandit. The bandit slightly staggered back but recovered quickly. He then swiped his dagger diagonally in a flash. Zecruix, slightly surprised, instinctively backed down. The second bandit continues with his assault as though he was slashing around wildly. Zecruix had to focus on defence while trying to search for an opening. The second bandit was quite skilful as he didn¡¯t overexert on every slash and maintained a constant distance, leaving no room for counterattack. The first bandit, whom Zecruix had wounded and keeping tab of, felt that his presence was disappearing. Sparing a glance, Zecruix saw that he had gotten up and then sprints into the darkness of the wood where he had appeared. The second bandit ceased his assault and jumped backward making a considerable distance between him and Zecruix. He then turned to his right and did the same thing as the first bandit. Silence descends as Zecruix stood dumbfounded. After a while, He exhaled audibly. His heart was still racing and he could feel the adrenaline pumping through his body. It took a minute for him to calm down. This was not his first combat with another human being but it was his first time alone. Back then when he had accompanied his master, he was a reassuring presence as unreliable as he was sometime were. This incident caused Zecruix to deepen his suspicion towards the pair that he met this morning. It was too much of a coincidence that he was attacked when he was nearing. Still, he would meet them and he will try to pry into their motive. Thus, he starts to walk. A Useful Stranger part 8 It was a wooden cabin with a door on its right and a closed window on the left. It looked ordinary enough except that it was quite a way from the village. Zecruix thought perhaps both of them were actually outsiders and the fianc¨¦e thing was actually false and they were scammers. Zecruix with a determined expression walked towards the door. Upon reaching the door, he immediately knocked several times. Sound of footsteps was approaching. The door opened and the face of Hervan reared out. ¡°Oh good evening, mister Zecruix was it?¡± ¡°Yes can I come in?¡± ¡°Of course come in, we also have several other guests tonight.¡± Hervan pulled the door further in and Zecruix entered. Inside, with several candles in the large room illuminating the place, the figure of a sitting Vaneri who was enjoying a cup of drink, a figure of a tall man with blond hair leaning on the wall opposite of Zecruix who looked quite familiar for some reason and a young man who looked at his late teen and wore an attire akin of a villager was sitting opposite of Vaneri and was staring at Zecruix warily. ¡°Ah, salutation, good for you to come tonight, we¡¯re having a meeting to introduce who is who. We¡¯re pleased that you have decided it as soon as possible.¡± Vaneri lifted her cup towards Zecruix with a smile with a hint of mischief. Hervan closed the door from behind and hurriedly went to get a chair on the corner. He then placed the chair between Vaneri and the boy. ¡°Pleased have a sit, Mister Zecruix.¡± Hervan gestured to Zecruix to sit at the chair that he had placed. ¡°We have one more person coming but if he still haven¡¯t show up after an hour, then we¡¯ll start this meeting.¡± Vaneri curtly announced and so everyone inside the room waited quietly. The atmosphere was awkward as the boy who was sitting next to Zecruix was glaring at him while Vaneri looked at the boy with an amused air. The man leaning against the wall was looking at the ground, so his face wasn¡¯t shown but there was a silent pressure exuding from him while Hervan was standing beside Vaneri, occasionally looking at a pocket clock. The first time Zecruix saw him took it out, he was filled with curiosity. It was also a perfect opportunity to break the ice and start the introduction early. After a few minutes, Zecruix mustered up enough courage to break the silence. ¡°Hervan, is that a pocket clock?¡± Zecruix inquired with a firm tone. ¡°Aye, this here is my family heirloom. My grandfather bought it back when it was first created. He was a bit weird but he was truly fascinated by the pocket clock. Mind you, the price for this back then could buy you a land but my grandfather insisted on it and used his entire lifesaving to buy this. Almost made grandmother left him.¡± Hervan stared at the pocket clock with a mixed of reverence and melancholy. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.¡°¡­ You can still make lots of Denurs by selling it right? You can live easily if you did.¡± The boy that was glaring at Zecruix shifts his sight at Hervan¡¯s pocket clock and asked him. ¡°Hervan is a traditional man. Selling it is tantamount to losing his family honour.¡± Vaneri answered the question instead of Hervan. The boy frowned. ¡°It¡¯s just a pocket clock¡­¡± The boy muttered as such. ¡°Well since we already converse this much, I think it¡¯s safe to say that the last person isn¡¯t showing up. Let¡¯s begin this meeting!¡± Vaneri got up and folded her arms while saying that. ¡°Firstly, my name is Vaneri Gertrude and this is my manservant Hervan Peter. I was formerly the fianc¨¦e of Sir Fathva but two weeks ago, he had become strange and so I seek help from all of you tonight! Vaneri theatrically implored with her arms. Vaneri then sat down again and gestured for the boy to introduce himself. The boy, slightly hesitating, finally got up after a few second. ¡°¡­ My name is Varius Gareth, I was born here. I¡¯m the son of an owner of an establishment in this town but I don¡¯t wish to be one and¡­ I¡¯m here to help a good friend of mine in that manor¡­ That is all.¡± The part where he said he was ¡®the son of an owner of an establishment¡¯ had Zecruix intrigued. If that was so, he was wandering if he was the son of the innkeeper where he stayed or completely unrelated. After the boy introduced himself, everyone was looking at the man who was leaning on the wall. After some times, the man remained unmoving so Vaneri coughed loudly. He still didn¡¯t move. Vaneri inhaled deeply and then- ¡°ROBBER!!¡± The man in just one second had galvanized into action by the shout as he went into a guarded stance and unsheathed his broad sword while looking around, fully alert. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­ how does one fall asleep like that..?¡± Vaneri put her right palm on her face while shaking her head. The man confusingly looked at his surrounding and noticed the false alarm. He awkwardly sheathed back his sword and composed himself. Afterward, he leaned back at the wall but with his face forward. ¡°Names Roschev, Mercenary¡­ pleasure to meet¡­ everyone¡­¡± He curtly introduced himself. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s begin.¡± Vaneri announced. A Useful Stranger part 9 ¡°Actually the last, crucial thing we need is a demonhunter. We already sent a letter to Master Kravstor today, the governing demonhunter for the western region of Trusyonium but it will be two days or more before we got a response so there might be a delay.¡± Vaneri sighed after saying that. Zecruix realized that his master had planned to kick him out much earlier than he had expected. Also, he realized that he was the current demonhunter now. Zecruix coughed and everyone in the room had their attention on him. ¡°On what basis do you think that a demonhunter is needed here?¡± ¡°Well, remember the ¡®strangeness¡¯ that we told you back then? We had checked it with this.¡± After Vaneri gestured to Hervan, he took out a small, oblong object from his right pocket. Zecruix recognized what it was. It was an item called Gelta Stone used to detect a Rakhe presence by their unnatural magick. It was the only way a non-demonhunter could detect demons. Upon using it, the object originally colourless- would turn fully black if it were to be exposed in a close vicinity to unnatural magick. In order for it be usable again, they would have to take a week for it to be colourless again. The Gelta Stone in Hervan¡¯s hand were pure black. Another thing that came in Zecruix¡¯s mind was how they got hold of such item. It was fairly expensive and only few villages have them but in a town, usually the mayor would have one while in cities, there is handful of the stones. Even though they have that, it would still be unclear as unnatural magick have many causes but still at least he had an opening to properly introduce himself. Zecruix got up and pulled his right sleeve. The Demonhunter Crest on his right arm shone for everyone see. Vaneri and Hervan gasped while Varius furrowed his eyebrows. Roschev slightly tilted his head to the right with a blank expression. ¡°Are you master Kravstor??! I heard he was older¡­ way older!¡± ¡°Yes, I remembered he came around my village ten years ago, he was a middle aged looking man.¡± Vaneri blurted out her surprise and Roschev nonchalantly mentioned his memory of the old demonhunter. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not master Kravstor, I¡¯m actually his apprentice. Master Kravstor had officially retired two days ago, so I had succeeded him and technically as of now, I¡¯m the governing demonhunter in the western region.¡± ¡°¡­ I was wandering why you were concealing that fact until now.¡± Varius voice out his question while glaring at Zecruix. Zecruix was slightly perplexed inside as he hadn¡¯t done anything to earn this boy enmity. Nevertheless- ¡°I had doubt. Imagined if someone appeared out of nowhere and asked you for help in something shady and also it didn¡¯t help that you guys were acting ambiguous while doing so. So before I commit, I have to ascertain whether this was a genuine case that is needed of me. I got my answer right now. Also, I was attacked not far from here.¡± Zecruix explained his intention and the recent incident. Everyone became roused by the last sentence. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Two armed person with daggers assault me on the way here. Thankfully, I defended myself and successfully wound one of them by stabbing him on the right shoulder and they both retreated.¡± ¡°So you assumed it was us who sent them?¡± Vaneri asked him straightforwardly. ¡°I thought of that.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.¡°¡­ It can¡¯t be help that you thought of that way but I assured you, we have no reason or even thugs to send against you. In fact, I think you were the only one that was attacked on your way here.¡± ¡°Robberies or assault like that are almost non-existent here. It could be outsider.¡± ¡°You¡¯re targeted.¡± Roschev and Varius nodded simultaneously while giving their thought. Zecruix paused and thought for a while. It was better to trust them in terms of the job rather uselessly doubting them. ¡°Well, since I said all that I had in mind, I think it¡¯s better to get straight to the business.¡± -- ¡°Our plan was to be conceived after Master Kravstor arrived but since you¡¯re here, we would like to hear what do you have in mind?¡± Everyone was gathering closer in a semi-circle. Vaneri forward such question to Zecruix. ¡°First, this morning, I was invited inside the manor because I told them of the unnatural magick lingering about and so, while touring inside, I found out that the owner room had the strongest presence.¡± Vaneri and Hervan knitted their eyebrows and had serious expression listening to Zecruix. The other two kept quiet, listening intently. ¡°There is a locational ritual in Exorcising artus called Area Cleansing which can dispel the unnatural magick and weaken the demon if there is one, so my plan is that in this ritual, it is needed to draw sigils on the ground on each of the four directions with the house as the centre.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± Vaneri¡¯s face changed into a slight grin, asked. ¡°One sigil required time, roughly around six hours for it to be stabilized, so I needed someone to guard them because during the period when they are stabilizing, a creature that can interact with magick can disrupt the stabilizing flow just by passing by through it.¡± Zecruix answered while looking at everyone. Although it made Zecruix uneasy because it felt like he was breaking the trust between him and Volkara for doing this under her nose but she might have fallen under the Rakhe¡¯s influence. A Rakhe¡¯s power is vary, so it is difficult to say whether she was under its influence or not but it¡¯s better to be safe and do what any demonhunter would have done. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s that simple?¡± ¡°Yes, although after the cleansing, the action we would take depends on the outcome.¡± Everyone nodded to show their understanding after Zecruix finished explaining. ¡°Any question?¡± ¡°¡­¡± A few seconds of silence had passed and everyone shakes their head from left to right as a response to Zecruix. ¡°I¡¯ll tell the one who had been absence about this plan, so I believe every detail is concluded for now. Well, this meeting is over, we¡¯ll all meet at Turil Foodhouse tomorrow early in the morning, Aye?¡± ¡°Yup.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Everyone got up and left. ¡°Oh, just a precaution¡­¡± Vaneri stopped the other three who were about to leave. A Useful Stranger Part 10 Vaneri had told them that they should go back together for safety measure. Well, Zecruix had that in mind. There was no reason not to since all of them were heading in the same direction. Walking in between Varius on the right and Roschev on the left, he felt much more secured. Roschev stopped and looked at ground below them. ¡°You were attacked here?¡± ¡°Huh, so it was true.¡± ¡°¡­ Why would I lie?¡± Roschev spotted the disturbed fauna trail on the ground, while Varius muttered to himself but Zecruix caught on his words. ¡°Two trails, if this were¡­ an hour ago¡­ they¡¯ll probably have¡­ been gone for long.¡± ¡°This was planned. Someone¡¯s out to get me.¡± Roschev, muttered a particularly long sentences, got up and looked at Zecruix who had made a conclusion. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± They both nodded to each other while Varius stared at them both. It was after a few minutes they were out of the woods and entered the town. ¡°Both of them are outsiders are they? I mean Vaneri and Hervan.¡± Zecruix said it absentmindedly. Roschev nodded. ¡°Yeah, they actually came around one two weeks ago, visited Farvath several times but then it got real messy just as they came or so I heard.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t sound like you¡¯re fond of them, so why help them?¡± ¡°¡­ I have my reason as to why I¡¯m helping; I don¡¯t really need to tell you right?¡± Varius offhandedly replied to Zecruix question with a sort of arrogant tone. It bothered Zecruix in a way but it was nothing that concerning. Although he was struggling back in the cabin and till now, he was trying to remember whether he had offended this young man when he had arrived here. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± Roschev spoke and they stopped at a certain building. Upon inspecting it further, he realized, it was an inn or perhaps a bar. Not like the one he stayed as it was quiet and peaceful. ¡°Varius¡¯s place.¡± Roschev gave a really short explanation to Zecruix. Varius coolly walked towards the inn. Roschev looked at Zecruix and flashed a rare smile. ¡°Wanna go in?¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Fraternize.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± It was a short exchange between the two that had ended in three second. Varius seeing them approaching towards him (actually towards the door), with a panic, tried to cover the entrance with a dismayed expression. ¡°W-what are you two doing?¡± ¡°Having a few drinks.¡± ¡°It¡¯s open right?¡± The lights coming out from the establishment were visible through the windows and muffled sound of conversations and laughing could be heard inside. ¡°W-well this not the place you guys can drink, go somewhere else!¡± ¡°Too much hassle, will settle here.¡± Roschev and Zecruix, passed him by and opened the door. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.They stopped in front of the entrance after they opened. Inside, Zecruix realized why it wasn¡¯t as lively as the inn he stayed. This was not an inn or bar but it was a diner and more than that, it was a family-oriented one. Kids enjoying their meal and some of them were running around haphazardly while their parents look on. This was definitely not a place where two grown men should hang out but Roschev shrugged and ignore it with a stride. Zecruix gasped slightly but he followed along anyway while Varius had a pronounced astonishment on his face. After a few seconds, Varius sighed and went inside. -- They were seated at an empty table between two rowdy families. Standing and waiting for their order were a sulking Varius. ¡°We¡¯ll just have grape juices and chicken pies¡­ That¡¯s closest thing we found that¡¯s adult-like.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Zecruix after perusing the menu decided to order for both him and Roschev after said he wouldn¡¯t mind anything. Varius confirmed his order with a dubious face and went to the kitchen. There was an awkward silence between the two after Varius had left. Zecruix was trying to speak first but it was Roschev who did. ¡°You like it?¡± ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°Your job or calling.¡± ¡°You mean Demonhunter? I had a choice but to refuse it made me feel irresponsible if I did. On the other hand, at least I had a path that was set for me.¡± ¡°The lucky few.¡± Zecruix cringed a little but he understood what he meant. In this world, most people have no certainty in their life and they have to struggle every day. Demonhunters are highly respectable in this part of Xylesia and those who became one are likely to have bright future awaiting them. Whether in terms of fame and fortune, they would have both of them considerably without a doubt. ¡°Do you hate me for that?¡± ¡°Nope, no reason to.¡± Roschev without hesitating, answered him. Seeing how they had broken the ice, he decided to ask him a question. ¡°You know, I wonder how you got yourself into this job.¡± ¡°Was meeting a relative here, just happened to meet those two, job sound simple enough.¡± In a usual short way of saying things, Roschev briefly explained. After that, they casually had small talks to each other. After a few minutes, Varius came with their orders. ¡°Varius, join us?¡± ¡°Huh, why should I?¡± Roschev invited him but Varius indirectly declined. ¡°Haa, just seat, this is a second meeting between those who accepted this job.¡± Zecruix, fed up with his bad manner, abrasively told him so. ¡°¡­ Fine but be quick, I promised my dad I would work late.¡± He sat down near Roschev, who was enjoying his meal. ¡°First, why do I get the feeling of hostility coming from you even though we just met and I hardly recalled that I did anything to you in the short moment that we met?¡± ¡°Yeah, hard not to notice¡­¡± Varius was gawking with bewilderment at his straightforward question while Roschev cut in with his comment. ¡°Come on, I¡¯m actually bothered by it. If we¡¯re gonna work together, let¡¯s resolve this issue.¡± Varius pouted and then¡­ Useful Strangers Part 1 ¡°Jellika? Yeah, I remember her but I never actually interacted with her.¡± Zecruix remembered his first impression. Spunky and wild, she was about to assault Zecruix when Volkara stopped her. ¡°What¡¯s this got to do with her?¡± ¡°¡­ You went inside right?¡± ¡°Yeah but a female guard named Volkara was the one guiding me around.¡± ¡°¡­ Really?¡± Varius with a doubtful expression was eyeing Zecruix sceptically. ¡°You like this Jellika?¡± Roschev while eating nonchalantly said it but the reaction Varius was showing was sudden. Hearing that, he immediately jolted and his face was reddening. ¡°W-What!!? I-i¡­¡± He stammered. ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s it¡­¡± It was such a childish reason but Zecruix finally knows the reason for his hostility. He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t laugh!¡± ¡°Sorry but I thought I did something terrible to you but come on, it¡¯s kind of hilarious in a way.¡± ¡°We¡¯re all man here¡­¡± Roschev with a slight smile comforted the red-faced Varius. ¡°Well, let me assure you, I have no interaction with her other than she tried to attack me but I will give you an advice, you¡¯re too possessive. I mean what is your relationship with her anyway?¡± Zecruix felt like some part of his master has rubbed off onto him as he felt like teasing the young Varius. ¡°We both kind of grew up with each other in this village. Back then, we were both loners. She was quite wild and violent and I was too socially¡­ inept. After some trials and errors, we became ¡®friends¡¯ of a sort because we often play with each other at that age. I eventually realized my feelings for her¡­ but¡­ it wasn¡¯t the same for her.¡± Varius was getting depressed the more he talked about it. Sensing this, Zecruix cleared his throat. Varius sharply glared at his interruption. ¡°Sorry but I think we need to get straight to the point here. Roschev and I can probably help you if you tell us what is your current relationship with her right now and how is your interaction with her of lately?¡± Roschev nodded in agreement. Varius made a worrying look but ¨C ¡°Right now, we¡¯re still friend¡­ maybe it had downgraded to acquaintance. I always go see her earlier morning in the market sometimes when she¡¯s accompanying that manor¡¯s owner younger sister. We exchange a few words and small talks but nothing progress to a personal level¡­ I¡¯m scared at this rate, I¡¯m gonna lose her¡­¡± He said the last sentence in a whimper. ¡°So you knew me from?¡± ¡°When I saw her with the rest of the bodyguards and the sister this morning, she was acting weird and edgy, so I tailed her from the shadow. It was then arriving at the manor, I saw you, a good looking guy gallantly standing there.¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Zecruix was amused at how much that sounded like praise and how much hostility he had gain just by standing around. Good-looking was the last thing that he thought of himself. ¡°Too possessive.¡± ¡°Yeah, you hated me just for existing.¡± He now knows the pleasure that his master had derive ever so sweetly. ¡°Shut up! I can¡¯t help it! Every male that approached her have ulterior motive!!¡± He yelled vehemently. After he did, the two families between them turned their heads towards their table. Varius shrunk his body in embarrassment. After things looked as they had settled down, Zecruix who had been thinking after his outburst finally looked at the calmed Varius. ¡°Okay, first, I never been into a relationship but I have observed couples, married and newly. I advise that you need to take a direct and straight-forward action because so far, you¡¯d been passive. She seems like the sort of ¡®action speaks louder than words¡¯ girl, so try to show your affection to her by sending flowers, give her foods and anything that is physical.¡± Roschev had finished his meal after Zecruix finished his advice and faced towards Varius. ¡°Been in a relationship once, it depends on how long you known the girl¡­ If you just met, it¡¯s easy to be in a relationship¡­ If you been a friend for long, it¡¯s harder¡­ In your case it¡¯s the latter. My advice, keep your adoration in moderation¡­ If too much, you might destroy what¡­ you currently have with her right now.¡± ¡°Yup.¡± Zecruix affirmed in agreement to Roschev¡¯s advice. Varius nodded with a serious expression. ¡°¡­ Thanks, you two.¡± He shyly muttered. ¡°No problem, anyway we¡¯ll advise you again after you this case is over. Speaking about the case, I wondered how you two met with Vaneri and Hervan?¡± ¡°Met those two while wandering around three days ago¡­ they said something about mercenary job¡­ I signed up since I could make something on the side.¡± ¡°I met those two after I had followed Jellika. They told me that there was some trouble going on the manor. Thinking about Jellika, I got worried, so I signed up immediately.¡± They both answered fully without hiding anything. Zecruix felt a little relieved because there was no tension between them. ¡°Was surprised it escalated into something big.¡± ¡°Yeah, demons¡­ I hope Jellika is alright¡­¡± After a while, they had small talks and conversation while enjoying the atmosphere. After an hour, they decided to call it a night and Zecruix and Roschev went back to their inn. He safely reached the inn and greeted the innkeeper, who was still bartending the ever rowdy patrons, still hanging and drinking to their content. He got up to his room and after washing himself and changing clothes, he lay down on the bed and he had no difficulty in falling asleep that night. Useful Strangers Part 2 ¡°Greeting and good morning, I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t come to the meeting last night. Something urgent had come on the last second. My name is Falvius Saturn, a trader living here.¡± A dishevelled, blond-haired man with an easy-going smile was standing in front of the table where Zecruix, Vaneri, Hervan and Varius had seated. He wore a simple burgundy shirt and a trouser of matching red colour. The entire yesterday group was in Turil Foodhouse. Zecruix had already eaten breakfast at the inn where he stayed before he came here, so he only ordered plain water. Varius was sitting beside him, eating breakfast. Opposite of them, were Vaneri and Hervan, also enjoying their breakfast. Only Roschev was late. After the man had made his greeting, Vaneri stopped her current action and got up from her seat. ¡°No worries Falvius, here, have a seat.¡± She gestured to him to sit where she had sat and she then took a seat next Zecruix. Hervan inconspicuously moved Vaneri¡¯s breakfast to where she was currently sitting. ¡°Falvius, this man is the demonhunter, Mister Zecruix. It seems that we can end this soon. Both of our woes would be resolve.¡± ¡°Ah good, hopefully everything will be resolve soon. I worry that this significant and serious problem would persist.¡± Falvius eyed Zecruix with a soothed expression but for Zecruix, ever since he saw this man smiled, he felt there was something lurking in it. It was a calculated and cold of a smile, one that assumed a defenceless and harmless animal but would bare it fangs once you fall into its trap. Zecruix instinctively decided to keep a distance from this man and only interact with him on a professional level. The man neatly took the seat where Vaneri had sat. The waitress came but the man didn¡¯t order. ¡°It¡¯s quite a blessing to have you here; it had been terrible ever since Fathva went mad. The business has gotten slow in this town since that man holds the only transporting company in this village. He neglected the business and brought the rest of us to a slope.¡± The man lamented heavily. ¡°You realized what the problem was on what day?¡± ¡°Just two days ago, we entrusted Vaneri, with a Gelta stone to check it for us.¡± ¡°I been to meaning to ask this, how did you get a hold of a Gelta stone? It¡¯s quite expensive, so I expected that it belong to the village chief here and he lend it to you people.¡± Zecruix leaned forward slightly while putting his arms to rest on the table. ¡°Three days ago, we were contacted by someone outside the village. We thought it was a demonhunter representative but they made no claim on such thing but they inform us that it might have been a demon-related problem. We were lent by them this Gelta stone and three men to assist us. They told us to wait for the demonhunter to arrive and so we did.¡± Flavius was talking as though he was recalling. Zecruix furrowed his eyebrows in doubt. ¡°Who were these people actually?¡± ¡°We do not know but they seem to know about the circumstances. As a merchant, we¡¯re quite pragmatic and sceptical when dealing with someone we never met but they lent us the Gelta stone making us promise to return it after the case was over and sent three men to assist us for free. There was a written contract after all.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Zecruix was deep in thought. Why and how did they know about the problem? Zecruix then was reminded that he was overthinking again. Help was given with no string attached, it was suspicious but it was not really his problem. The only thing he has to worry about was that something unexpected would happen during the exorcising. So he dismissed the thought of pursuing the matter and just nodded to Flavius. -- ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, met my relative in the market. We had breakfast together.¡± Roschev bowed slightly to everyone sitting on the table but Falvius had a slightly baffled expression staring at Roschev. ¡°Koschel?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Hearing that name, Zecruix remembered two days ago about his encounter the manor guards. It was brief but he remembered one of the guards were a man. It was also why Zecruix felt the feeling of familiarity when he saw Roschev that night. ¡°Roschev, by any chance this relative of your, did he goes by the name of Koschel?¡± ¡°¡­ Yeah. He is my twin brother.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It took a moment but Roschev had now noticed. ¡°Oh¡­ I see.¡± ¡°So you really didn¡¯t know what you brother does for work.¡± After explaining the detail, Roschev looked quite surprised knowing that his brother was working as a guard in the manor. Zecruix looked to his left side at Vaneri. ¡°You didn¡¯t really go into the detail with him? Even though he looks really similar¡­¡± ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t think it would matter that much. I mean the day we met him, we thought he was Koschel too but he had some minor differences, so we thought it was just a coincidence. He asked us for the job, so we told him that we needed him to standby for a while since we haven¡¯t started anything yet.¡± Zecruix shrugged after Vaneri had finished and turned his face again towards Roschev. ¡°I like to ask, you¡¯ve met with your brother several times right? Was there anything odd about him?¡± ¡°¡­ Nothing that I know of, he seems to be same just I like remembered.¡± What does that mean? There was nothing wrong with occupants on the manor except the owner? Perhaps it was truly just a remnant of unnatural magick. Still this makes things much easier for Zecruix. Just dispel the remnant with Cleansing and wait for the recovery of the owner. ¡°Well, I think we should begin. Are you all ready?¡± Everyone nodded at Zecruix. Falvius got up from his seat. ¡°Those three men earlier are waiting outside. Let¡¯s tell the three men that we are ready.¡± ¡°¡­ Why didn¡¯t they come inside?¡± ¡°They said something about disliking being in a crowded building.¡± And so they left the table. Useful Strangers Part 3 ¡°Greeting and good morning, my name is Garshor, this is Fhanja and Balcrit.¡± Three men, all blond-haired and wore leather armours were standing in front of the group. The rest of the group introduced themselves afterward and after they were done, Falvius stood in front them. ¡°You guys just follow the demonhunter orders, alright?¡± ¡°Affirmative.¡± After Falvius briefly informed them, he turned towards Vaneri, who was beside Zecruix. ¡°I¡¯ll leave these men to you for today. I apologized that I can¡¯t stay here but I have some business that needs to be attend. Thank you both of you and good luck!¡± He gave a short bow and walked away. Zecruix, took a few steps towards the three men. ¡°Each of you will be standing guard as a pair. Fhanja, you¡¯re with Roschev on the first sigil to the south. Varius, you¡¯re with Balcrit on the second sigil to the east. Vaneri, you¡¯re with Hervan on the third sigil to the north and Garshor, you¡¯re with me on the last sigil to the west. Any question?¡± Everyone shook their head. ¡°Good, let¡¯s be done with this quickly. I wrote down all the location that you guys should wait.¡± He took out several papers from inside his robe and handed them to each pair. Just as he had finished, He felt a hand that had grabbed his right shoulder. It was Roschev. ¡°Zecruix, you promised to buy me a refreshing drink last night.¡± ¡°Wha-¡° ¡°Let¡¯s get inside.¡± The slightly perplexed Zecruix was dragged into the diner by the brusque Roschev. After they went inside, they stopped at where it was between the counter and the exit. Zecruix clearly remember that he made no such promise. ¡°What was that about?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t notice?¡± ¡°Notice what?¡± ¡°One of them was slightly limping.¡± Zecruix made knitted his eyebrows as he frown. ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t notice anything that subtle.¡± ¡°When I reached here¡­ they were waiting outside right? One of them¡­ Fhanja or Balcrit¡­ He was breathing coarsely and was limping¡­ on his right side¡­ When we came out just now¡­ He was trying to hide it but¡­ I know how a wounded man looks like.¡± Roschev was looking at Zecruix with a dire expression. Now that he mentioned that, the night when he was attacked, He did stabbed one of the attacker on the right shoulder. If it¡¯s were true, then what are they up to? ¡°Alright, I get what you¡¯re saying. In that case, tell Varius to always keep an eye of the guy that his pairing with. I¡¯m not sure what their purpose is but I¡¯m changing the objective. Let¡¯s catch these guys red-handed. We¡¯ll start the real exorcism tomorrow.¡± Roschev nodded. As Zecruix tried to leave, Roschev stopped him again. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Buy a drink¡­ Everyone especially them¡­ heard what I said.¡± ¡°Tch, you¡¯re a sneaky asshole.¡± To that, Roschev made a mischievous smile. -- Zecruix was preparing the sigil for the south. He was kneeling on the ground while ¡®kneading¡¯ the sigil that was forming in front of him. The sigil was made by his magick and it took him minutes for it fully materialized. After it materialized, the only thing left was for it to stabilize as it hums. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.He got up and walked towards Roschev who was leaning on a wall while having a drink. The location for the south sigil was empty space between two houses, not far from the manor. ¡°Anything?¡± ¡°Tried talking but he talks less than me¡­ Been observing but his not the one¡­ I think it was the guy with Varius.¡± ¡°Okay. Keep an eye out and after the sigil stop humming, it¡¯s ready.¡± He nodded to Zecruix as Zecruix leave. -- The location for the east sigil was at the outskirt of a farmland. There were quite a few people working around them but nobody was paying any mind to three. After he finished with the east sigil, he got up from kneeling and saw that Varius and Balcrit were standing apart from each other in about one metre. He then called for both of them to come near him. As they did, Zecruix was staring at Balcrit intently from the corner of his eyes. As far as he can see, the man¡¯s gait was quite normal and he wasn¡¯t limping in any way. After both of them came near, Zecruix coughed lightly. ¡°Wait for about six hours for the sigil to be fully stabilized. If one of you has to move, at least one person stays to keep guard.¡± They both nodded. Just as both of them were walking back, Zecruix was following behind Varius. ¡°Eh why are you-¡­¡± ¡°Be more cautious, I don¡¯t trust that guy, so if he do something suspicious, stop him. Oh, wait for the sigil to stop humming, that¡¯s when it¡¯s ready.¡± ¡°wha-¡­¡± Without stopping, Zecruix quickened his pace and walk passed Varius without confirming Varius affirmation. -- ¡°I never have seen this type of artus before.¡± Vaneri watched with fascination at the sigil that was forming in the hands of the kneeling Zecruix. They were at the thicket of the forest that was surrounding Ghanur just behind the manor. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± Seeing the stabilizing sigil, Zecruix got up and addressed Vaneri. ¡°Guard the sigil for six hours. You know when it¡¯s ready when it stops humming.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way. Stay safe.¡± -- Zecruix saw Garshor was waiting for him in front of an abandoned house that was a few blocks away from the manor to the west. ¡°Are you ready? Let¡¯s get inside.¡± Zecruix addressed him and went inside with Garshor after he nodded. It was a single-room house and there were few furniture and windows. Garshor was standing near a window opposite of the entrance door. Zecruix went to the centre of the house and he did what he had done three times earlier. He kneels down and started to form the last sigil. He closed his eyes while ¡®kneading¡¯ the magick. Although he was showing his back to him, it doesn¡¯t mean that he couldn¡¯t sense what was happening behind him. Kravstor had drilled in him enough combat awareness to sense danger from all direction. He was also deliberately showing a vulnerable position in order to see how Garshor would take action if he takes any. After he was about to finish forming the sigil, it was then, he sensed it but it was not from the back. Instead it came from the front. He abruptly opened his eyes. The upper left side part of the door of the house was destroyed by a spinning projectile. From what Zecruix could instinctively deduct, it was a thrown short sword and it was heading towards his direction¡­ and it past by above him. Useful Strangers Part 4 He heard the sound of flesh being torn. Zecruix turned his face behind and saw it. All this time, he was sensing any vibration coming from behind. Even if Garshor had jumped, he could still feel it and he would still have enough time to defend himself but he didn¡¯t expect ¡®that¡¯. Just as he turned his face behind, the entrance door was shattered into pieces, seemingly being kicked. A blurring figure barged in as the shattered pieces of door was falling and went passed Zecruix. Zecruix saw who was the blurring figure and gaped. Volkara, gripping a claymore with both of her hand, was standing between Zecruix and Garshor. ¡°Such killing intent, I could sense it even when standing outside of this house.¡± Volkara swung her claymore at Garshor as she said that. The claymore was blocked by Garshor right ¡®arm¡¯ or rather an extension as a short sword or a spatha was embedded on that ¡®arm¡¯. ¡°You¡¯re a demon-corrupted human.¡± Zecruix muttered as he started to trembled. It was a black lump of meat rather than an arm. Attached to that lump of meat, was a tentacle that was currently blocking Volkara¡¯s claymore. Garshor looked coldly at Volkara and he sighed. With his left hand, he took an orb from his pocket and threw it on the ground. Volkara leapt back near Zecruix. When the orb hits the ground, a burst of smoke erupted and obscured Garshor. There was a sound of crashing inside the smoke. Volkara lifted the claymore to her left side as the claymore was tinged with red colour magick. She then swings it horizontally and a powerful gale was created by the swing. All of the smoke was blown away outside and the house was shaken. After the smoke was cleared, Garshor was nowhere in sight. He had escaped through the window behind him. ¡°Tch, he escaped.¡± Volkara quietly muttered but she didn¡¯t unsheathe her sword and she was gripping her left fist. ¡°Demonhunter, my lady would like to have a word with you.¡± Volkara coldly said as such and she turns towards the door outside without even glancing at Zecruix. Zecruix awkwardly got up and followed her. -- As they walk, they didn¡¯t even utter a single word at each other but Zecruix could feel the tranquil fury that Volkara was exuding. (Of course she¡¯s mad. I¡¯m doing things under her charge. Looking at her, she¡¯s not influenced or anything but she is definitely hiding something.) ¡°What was that?¡± She intoned a question without looking back at Zecruix. Zecruix, slightly surprised, composed himself and coughed lightly. ¡°That was a Cultist. Only they are willing and insane enough to allow themselves get corrupted by Rakhe or demon.¡± ¡°How do you kill them?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not Rakhe themselves. You can kill them normally just like anything else that bleeds.¡± Volkara sighed and took a deep breath. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. After a few minutes, they arrived at the entrance of the manor. Koschel and Jellika were standing there and in between them was the young girl that Zecruix had seen that day. Volkara stood in front of them with Zecruix on her left side. ¡°Milady, I brought you the Demonhunter.¡± The young girl nodded timidly. The young girl meekly gestured with her right hand to Zecruix to follow her. Zecruix nodded to her but before he did- ¡°Volkara, I know I have no right to ask of you for anything but can you check on the south near an empty lot between two house, the thickets on the north and the farm to the west. I performed rituals on those area and left pairs to guard them but there were also the accomplice of that cultist whom I thought was our allies, amongst those pairs. I worry for them who are currently with them.¡± Upon hearing his request, Volkara shut her eyes momentarily before opening them back. ¡°Alright, Koschel go to the south, Jellika at the east and I¡¯ll head to the north.¡± ¡°What?!! Volka, how can you just agree to that? Hell why are you letting him alone with the master and the lady? We don¡¯t trust him right?!!¡± Koschel nodded immediately to Volkara¡¯s order but Jellika had protested heavily to Volkara. ¡°He did what he thought was right and we¡¯re not exactly in the right too. I can say he is a good man despite what is happening right now.¡± Even though Volkara had said that, it was painfully obvious for Zecruix that he had disappointed her judging from her facial expression as she cast a side glance at him. ¡°Let¡¯s move out!¡± And the guard trio ran to their given direction. The young girl was already standing by the door and shyly beckoned Zecruix to get inside. -- It was quite a surreal scene for Zecruix. It was definitely out of his expectation. ¡°Sylelia, I think the weather is nice outside, let¡¯s take a walk.¡± ¡°Farvath, you can barely move. Close your eyes again and take a rest.¡± What lay in front of Zecruix was a man and a woman. The man was infirmed on the bed while the woman was comforting him by his left side as she sat on a chair. After the man closed his eyes and was snoring lightly, the woman got up and faced towards the young girl and Zecruix. Firstly, when Zecruix saw the woman, he realized the uniqueness of her appearance. She was tinging with black coloured magick and she had pale fair skin and black coloured hair and her pupils were grey. She was an otherworldly beauty. When she saw Zecruix, she had a grim expression and unsteadily got up. Zecruix knows what she was exactly. ¡°I¡¯d never seen a Rakhe that tried to look like a human before.¡± ¡°There¡¯s always a first time for everything, Rakhe-Threc-Zal.¡± The woman retorted Zecruix with a sharp tone. She then sighed and took a deep breath. ¡°Would you seal me now or would you like to deign to entertain a pleading from a demon?¡± The question she asked was mixed with calmness and nervousness. The Past of a Reawakened Demon Part 1 Inside a bedroom and also an office, two figures were bewildered with a sudden predicament. ¡°That is odd, I never heard of a vase conjuring a naked woman before?!¡± Farvath was thoroughly shocked that he fell from his chair when he was checking on the work documents. There was no sound or anything but in front of him, a figure had suddenly manifested in front of the broken vase. ¡°You can¡¯t stare at woman modesty, Big brother!!¡± A young girl, who was helping her brother, Farvath with the documents, also stared with wide eyes but she quickly regained her senses and with a swift action, she took the blanket from the bed and covered the woman as she kneeled beside her. The lady, covered in blanket, looked around with a blank expression as she tilted her head several times in wonder. She was not familiar with this surrounding but other than that, she realized that she had no memories whatsoever. ¡°Eh, Minara, it¡¯s not my fault that I had looked, she was suddenly there!¡± ¡°I know but big brother didn¡¯t turn away or covered his eyes after one second so piped down your perverseness!¡± ¡°Every man is a pervert but in terms of measurement, I¡¯m just like any average guy!¡± ¡°Why do I need to know that!? Heck, why are we arguing about this!¡± The brother and sister argued back and forth while the lady looked at the scene with curiosity. -- ¡°You have been staring at the outside a lot. You know, you only need to ask Minara or me if you need someone to accompany you, especially me. Please let it be me.¡± Farvath, while sorting out his documents on the table, playfully grinned at the lady who had been staring forlornly outside near the window. The lady smiled back at Farvath and as she was standing near the window, she turned and walked and sat towards a chair opposite of where Farvath was sitting. ¡°Sir Farvath, it does look like the weather outside seems nice to walk but if I have to choose, I choose Miss Minara.¡± ¡°Ugh, can you at least give an ambiguous answer instead¡­¡± The lady smile widened as Farvath comically slumped on his chair. It had been two months since she been here and these two months, Farvath had took her as a maid to the manor. She wasn¡¯t the only employee here but there were three guards and two other maids. Most of them were also baffled at her sudden existence in the manor. The siblings only ask her one question at the time she appeared: ¡®Who are you?¡¯ and she honestly answered them that she didn¡¯t know. It was strange that they took her in without any suspicion and interaction with them were always refreshing for her. And as the time passed, slowly she had regained memories about herself. Yet those memories had caused her to have an existential crisis. Rakhe or demon, that was what people called her. Her memories affirmed that she was one but she felt like it were dreams because she never imagined she was something so foul and violent. Even so, memories were returning back to her like a flow of a river, one by one. Deep inside, she was uneasy. Was she a mindless monster or a creature with a conscience? -- She had known why she was vexed. She had ¡®evolve¡¯ and thus gained enough intelligence to empathize and understand the concept of good and evil of which she was attracted to the former. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Upon recovering all the memories before she was sealed, she now know that back then, she was an existence of carnage and unreason. If Minara and Farvath knew what she truly was, they would be appalled of her. She would be thrown out of the manor. No, she didn¡¯t want that but she would be deceiving them if she continues like this. Once she longed to be outside because of her loss of memories but now she realized it doesn¡¯t matter now and all she wants right now was to stay in the house, in the paradise. She sat in the kitchen, staring at the preparation of meals. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sylelia?¡± ¡°N-nothing, I just thought we might change a little bit of the flavour by trying something new.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Big brother will like it even if it¡¯s manure if it¡¯s from you. He is quite smitten after all.¡± Sylelia felt warmth. This must have been what the human called a ¡®family¡¯. -- ¡°¡­¡­¡± Minara worryingly glanced at his brother from the side while his brother was showing a grim expression. They were sitting on Farvath bed and in front of them was a sitting Sylelia. Her face was down and she had a painful expression. She had told them about her, the real her. Six months had passed and her relationship with the siblings had bloomed to the point that she would unconsciously smiles every time she wakes up. Yet it was beginning to gnaw the inside of her as she recovered her memories. It was one month ago when she fully recovered her memories. At that point, she was given an ultimatum. How long would she deceive them? Sooner or later, they would find out by one way or another. So she after much pondering, she had decided. ¡°I will leave so that I will not cause any trouble to you two. I am thankfully for everything.¡± With a short farewell, Sylelia got up and left with a sombre face. She stopped. It wasn¡¯t because she herself did but there was a hand tugging her dress sleeve. With determined eyes, Farvath had extended his right arm to hold the sleeve. ¡°It¡¯s nothing worth leaving!! Demon?!! I never had seen one in my life. I read of them but the description never said a fair lady with gentle demeanour! I don¡¯t get it! What is so dangerous about you?!!¡± ¡°I¡¯d told you, that the current me right now is just a fa?ade. The innumerable years of my past existence are what I truly am.¡± She closed her eyes, trying to separated herself and tries to ignore the pain in her chest. She saw Minara got up from the bed and suddenly she hugged her from behind. The force that was holding her was even stronger. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­ Don¡¯t go, just stay.¡± With only those words, her resolve to leave crumbles. The Past of a Reawakened Demon Part 2 Two months after she had told them, things had brightened up in the manor. She felt lighter with the burden of her past alleviated. As far as she knows, she didn¡¯t have any hidden tendencies or urge to go berserk like those of her memories. Perhaps she had been wrong but even so, she kept herself in check just in case. Overall, the live that she lived with them was blissful so far until two months later, Farvath received a letter. The letter stated that he was engaged to daughter of his late father¡¯s business partner arranged by his father and the father of the daughter in the past. It stated that the daughter, who wrote the letter, will be visiting his manor in on the 25th Mya RX-375. The day he received the letter was on 23rd Mya. So it was two days from now on. Farvath was looking at the letter with mixed expression. ¡°I would have been happy if I knew this last year but I already have enough pretty flowers in this house.¡± He smiled refreshingly as he turned his face towards Sylelia. Sylelia smiled back. After the day she told them of what she was, Farvath would have her served him personally. The resulting favouritism caused her to be estranged by the other maids of the house. The only one she could called friend other than the siblings was the guard named Volkara. Farvath, in his mind, had already had an answer for the engagement but something else had also happened that day. -- ¡°Did you inform them to cancel the meeting again?¡± ¡°Yes I told the person named Hervan that Sir Farvath is still ailing with a sickness. Last night, I saw two of the maid was briefly questioned by Hervan while on their way back. I have the inkling that both of them would meet up with that man somewhere today.¡± ¡°¡­ Follow them and if they leak anything, tell them they are dismissed on the spot.¡± Volkara nodded to Minara stern instruction and went towards the stair. They were standing in front Farvath room as they converse. Minara sighed after Volkara had gone down. She then went inside the room. Sitting beside the bed was Sylelia with a worried look and lying on the bed was Farvath who was fever-induced but there was another problem. ¡°Sylelia~ your pretty face is wrinkled in worry.¡± Farvath smiled wanly at Sylelia but for Sylelia, she couldn¡¯t respond because she knows what was causing him like this. It was something like Lovesickness and it was her doing. Her power as a Rakhe was to exert fervent affection of every living being towards her. Once caught, they would give her their utmost devotion and relinquished all control to her. It wasn¡¯t intentional but something, somewhere and someone out there had forced her power to run wild and the only victim, Farvath who was near her when that happened, had succumbed. Right now, the only thing she could do was to maintain her power from running wild again and that mad her unable to move away from the room. For Farvath, there was a lethal consequence. Her power would literally drain him of his vitality until he expires. It was only a matter of time. Days passed by and finally Sylelia could sense a presence, It was faint but she was certain of it. It was an old enemy and probably her only salvation. -- ¡°When you came here, we both know that we can sense each other presence.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I assumed it was a remnant magick at best but this something entirely different as well.¡± It was quite strange for Zecruix because this is the first time he had a conversation with a Rakhe without fighting it. She showed little hostility and no adverse reaction to his Rakhe-Threc-Zal Soul. Zecruix walked a little bit close towards her. She solemnly closed her eyes. ¡°My favour is that you seal me once more. In doing that it would cease my power from killing him. Unless my power is contained, you will never be able to cleanse the effect of unnatural magick that defiled him.¡± She willingly submits to be sealed but a Sealing require a specific vessel for the Rakhe to be sealed in. ¡°¡­What was the previous vessel?¡± ¡°I believe it was a vase.¡± ¡°Any vase will do?¡± ¡°I am not sure.¡± Before Zecruix could ask more, Minara had walked in front him, blocking his sight with a determined expression as she puts a distance with her in between Sylelia and him. ¡°Please¡­ I beg of you¡­ Don¡¯t do it¡­¡± ¡°¡­ As a demon-¡° ¡°As a human being, I beg of you!! Don¡¯t do it!!¡± Zecruix flinched back at her sudden outburst. It became an even stranger situation for Zecruix when a human earnestly pleaded for a Rakhe. ¡°We¡¯ll do anything so just don¡¯t take her away from this world!¡± Standing with teary eyes, it was a very image of a stern lioness of Scepis defending her cubs. (They really loved her.) Zecruix felt burdened by the sudden outburst of emotion. He could have handled it if weren¡¯t directed to him only but this was too much for him. Do what any demonhunter would have done or¡­ What would Master Kravstor do? With his experience he could find a solution to this in an instant but even Zecruix would think that he would be stumped in this situation. ¡­¡­. Thinking was wasting precious time as of right now, there was another problem concerning of the Demon Cultists. ¡­¡­ Zecruix finally realized something. He looked up at Minara. ¡°There might be another way.¡± Both Sylelia and Minara were looking at him seriously. If it was what Zecruix had speculated, then there was a way to solve this with a satisfying result. The light that deceives Part 1 Roschev with a broad sword in his hand was facing against his assailant who before this was his partner in guarding the sigil. Earlier, he told the man that he wanted to take a quick nap and leaned his back against the wall. Of course, this childish trick of faking it shouldn¡¯t have worked but somehow, the man fall for it. He tried to stab the pretending roschev but roschev quickly unsheathed his broad sword and deflected the dagger. After exchanging few blows, they were at an impasse. It seems they were evenly matched in terms of fighting skill. Roschev let out a small sigh and tensed his body. With a step, he charged at the man, swinging his broad sword on his right hand horizontally. Fhanja switched the dagger on his right to his left hand and clashed the dagger with Roschev¡¯s broad sword. With his right, the hand suddenly became a blackened claw. He swings down that claw towards Roschev. Before the claw could reach him, Fhanja felt something hard hit him on the side. It was Roschev left knee. When Fhanja blocked the sword, Roschev lifted his left leg, used instant enhancement on the leg, greatly increasing the speed of the kneed. Fhanja was tossed to the side onto the ground. He could feel that his right rib was cracked. It was also the same for Roschev. The price of using instant put a strain on his left leg. ¡°Ouch.¡± -As he massaged his left thigh. Fwoosh! He dodged a flying dagger that was hurled at him. After he dodged it, a looming shadow was above him second after the dagger hurled. It was Fhanja. A feral expression was on his face, as his blackened claw was descending. Roschev had been fighting for years; he could count with his one hand on how many times he was attacked like this. The way that he had dealt with those attacks back then was- he used Instant on his right arm, adjusted his stance and elbowed Fhanja at his face. This all happened in a second and everything was on instinct. Fhanja was knocked out mid-air and fell. ¡°Ouch, ouch.¡± Pain was coursing through his right arm as he dropped his sword to the ground. He fell down on his right knee as he rubs his right arm. As he was nursing his pain, he heard footsteps. He had thought Fhanja was still conscious after being hit hard in the head but he was lying on the ground, unmoving, he looked at where the sound of the footsteps. There, was someone akin to seeing yourself in the mirror. ¡°Oh¡­ you beat him already.¡± -As Koschel stood looking at his pain-ridden twin. -- ¡°woah!¡± Varius was barely able to dodge the swinging dagger. ¡°What the hells are you doing?¡± Varius after gaining some distance from Balcrit. Balcrit looked at Varius with a cold glare. He attacked once more after he drew a single breath. Although Varius was trained in the basic of fighting as any children that were born in the Ebony Empire, he was by no mean a warrior and this was the first time he had been in real combat. Plus he had no weapon whatsoever with him to fight with, so the only thing he could do was to evade the attacks. Thankfully due to the warning from Zecruix, Varius was always in the state of wariness the entire time and he was able to dodge an attack from him after he momentarily turned his back. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Both of them were heaving heavily after Balcrit had launched a flurry of slashes. Balcrit looked quite worn down and sometimes he touched his right shoulder with his left as though it was in pain. As they fought, some of the farmers had noticed it. Some of them had ran towards the town while some heading towards them. ¡°Tch!¡± Balcrit seeing one of the farmers were nearing, shifted the dagger to his left. Suddenly his arm blackened and extended into something scythe-like. ¡°Oi, don¡¯t come near!!¡± Varius, shocked upon seeing that, shouted at the farmer that looked as though he was trying to intervene. Balcrit turned towards the farmer and ran menacingly. The ¡®scythe¡¯ swung diagonally. Surprised, the farmer barely evaded the ¡®scythe¡¯ and he reels back as he was slashed through his right shoulder. Varius gasped and tried to help the wounded farmer. Balcrit, as a follow up, switched the way he holds the dagger in a reverse grip and thrust it down at the downed farmer. Unbeknownst to both of them, there were rapid footsteps coming from behind Varius. Fwoosh~ Balcrit noticed it at the last minute and he jumped backward dodging a flying dagger. Varius stopped and looked him. ¡°Jellika!!?¡± ¡°Shut up, Varius, I¡¯ll deal with this guy. You go help that farmer!!¡± Varius was still stunned by her appearance but he shook it off and went to the farmer. Jellika with a short sword on her right, charged towards balcrit. She swings horizontally at Balcrit. He dodged it slightly by stepping back and leaning his upper body backward and counter-attack by thrusting the dagger at her. She side-stepped and leaned her body slightly, dodging the thrust. Balcrit, without breaking the momentum, swings his ¡®scythe¡¯ after he thrust. Jellika without being daunted had crouched and evaded the ¡®scythe¡¯. Balcrit committed too much force and he stumbled. She got up and slipped behind Balcrit, reversed grip her short sword and sunk it into his neck. Blood spewed out and smeared Jellika¡¯s hair. Varius looked on with horror as he tends to the farmer. ¡°Yo-you killed him!¡± ¡°Of course I did, it¡¯s a kill or be killed. Knocking him out seems to be too difficult.¡± Varius assisted the wounded farmer in getting up as he put the man¡¯s right arm around his shoulder. ¡°Bring him to the manor. I¡¯ll go the town to fetch a healer.¡± Jellika ran towards the town after telling that to Varius. -- Volkara who was on the way to where Hervan and Vaneri were had stopped in her track as she noticed another presence within the small clearing of the forest. ¡°Seriously, you should have turned tail and ran from here.¡± Volkara with her claymore stood with a battle stance against Garshor. ¡°By the way, where is my short sword?¡± Garshor, like a beast, ignored Volkara question and attacked. The tentacle on his right arm outstretched towards Volkara. The light that deceives Part 2 As the tentacle lashed out, she used the claymore to intercept it. The tentacle was soft but once it was fully stretched, it can be hard as steel. Volkara pushed it away with all her strength. Being pushed back, it immediately retracted. ¡°Tch!¡± Garshor sneered and once again he used the tentacle to attack. It was slightly different as he used harden on most of the tentacle surface. It taut and straightened like a pole as it swings sideway. The impact was different as Volkara who blocked it was clenching her teeth and she pushed back. The tentacle retracted once more. Volkara could see that he was trying to keep a distance between him and her and he was trying win by attrition. She could win if she could get close to him but it wouldn¡¯t have been that easy. Garshor attacked with the tentacle but it was faster than before. It seems that the tentacle had been imbued with lighten, decreasing its weight. She was parrying the fast tentacle attacks while enhancing her legs. After the Enhancement was done, she broke into a run while deflecting the flurry of attacks. Seeing her swiftly approaching him, Garshor retreated a few steps back. Even so, he was within the range of her slash. After she deflected an attack strongly, enough to fling it a few feet¡¯s away from her, She thrust the claymore, right towards Garshor. Garshor cursed and dodged it as he turned his body aside from his right shoulder. He then thrust his own dagger towards Volkara. Volkara reacted as she jumped backward. As she did that, the tentacle came from her left side. Fortunately it wasn¡¯t hardened or lightened so she didn¡¯t need to put more effort in blocking it. ¡°You¡¯re skilled enough to be in the Black Guards Legion, I find it odd for someone like you to be in this back water region.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not good in the whole order and discipline thing, so I actually passed on the offer to the legion and I learnt long ago that a battle is only as worthy as its cause. This ''back water'' region is where there''s enough battle that I find worth in.¡± Volkara renewed her stance and crouched slightly. ¡°Who goes there!!?¡± Before they could engage each other again, a shout came from behind Volkara. She only glanced for a second but Garshor took the opportunity as he swings the tentacle and used harden on it. Volkara reacted in time and blocked the tentacle but Garshor had turned around and made a run. She wanted to give a chase but gave it a second thought as she needs to attend to the person behind him. Amongst the long thickets, Hervan came out. ¡°You¡¯re...!¡± ¡°As I recalled your name is Hervan. Please call Miss Vaneri, there is something urgent going on right now. I¡¯ll lead you to the manor where Zecruix is waiting.¡± ¡°Zecruix?! What¡¯d happened?¡± Hervan was slightly wary as he narrowed his eyes looking at Volkara. Volkara sighed. ¡°Believe me or not, all I can say is that you two are in danger.¡± Hervan doubtful expression was gradually replaced concern. ¡°Please wait, I¡¯ll get milady.¡± After he went back from where he came, five minutes later, Hervan came out with Vaneri. Volkara hastily explained the entire situation to them and both of them reluctantly nodded. ¡°What about the sigil?¡± ¡°You mean that shiny symbol? I don¡¯t know. Zecruix didn¡¯t leave any instruction regarding that. I think it¡¯s better to prioritize your life first.¡± Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. And so they walk back to the manor. -- ¡°Hard?¡± ¡°Made my legs and right arm strained.¡± ¡°You won.¡± Koschel and Roschev were conversing with each other while carrying the unconscious Fhanja. Koschel was carrying at the base of Fhanja foots and Roschev was carrying Fhanja by the neck. Fhanja was tied on foots and wrists. They had approached the front of the manor. There stood Varius who awkwardly stood beside Jellika. ¡°Finally, you two are here? Is that guy¡­ Fhanja?¡± ¡°Yeah, unconscious.¡± Varius sighed in relief. Jellika was glaring at Varius as he did. Varius looked at her with his own glare. ¡°What, you¡¯re the one who killed him!¡± ¡°I told you it was a kill or be killed situation, like I have the luxury to knock him out!!¡± Both Roschev and Koschel tilted their heads in wonder as they saw the two bicker. Then Zecruix appeared behind them and he directed his eyes at the twin. ¡°He is alive right? Good, I have a plan.¡± -- He woke up. It was strange. The last thing he remembered was getting elbowed in the face. After that everything went dark. Yet he woke up in alley inside the town. He checked his right arm and it was still a human hand. He sighed in relief. He would have a hard time moving around if the transformation had remained. Still what had happened? How did he end up here? He shakes his head off and got up. More importantly, he has to go back to the base. Every part of the operation had failed. They had failed to kill the demonhunter that night. They had failed to frame the demonhunter by killing the accomplices. The only thing they could do was to procure the demon in the manor and hopeful kill the demonhunter after he leave the town but since their identity was blown off, even that is now impossible for them. The only thing left was to go back to the base and take off after some clean up. As he took off, little did he knew, that eyes were watching him. After fifteen minutes of running in the town to the outskirt, he arrived at a cottage. It was like where Vaneri and Hervan had lived but it was located opposite of them. It was provided by Falvius. He saw that the door was opened and a ruckus of a sound could be heard from the inside. He entered and found that Garshor was quickly scrambling all the objects and items that they had assemble when they arrived a few weeks ago. Garshor turned towards the door and frowned upon seeing Fhanja. ¡°Adept, let me assist-¡­¡± Before he could finish, he collapsed to the floor as he was bashed by a hurled rock. Garshor widened his eyes as he saw multiple figures stormed and surrounded him. ¡°The hunt ends here.¡± Zecruix with Volkara and Koschel on his left and Roschev and Jellika on his right, was standing opposite of Garshor. The light that deceives Part 3 Surrounded by five people, Garshor gnashed his teeth in desperation. He transformed his right arm again. ¡°Fight and you¡¯ll die now. Surrender and we¡¯ll give you a swift and painless death.¡± Zecruix with a grim tone had given him an ultimatum. For Garshor it was no choices at all and so the only thing left was to struggle as much as he can. He maniacally laughed. The five persons shuddered as they looked at him thinking that he had lost his mind. Like a wild, cornered beast, He pounced at the nearest person which was Jellika. He swings his fist as the tentacle was hardened and became like an iron pole. Roschev jumped in front of Jellika and both of them stopped the tentacle. The tentacle tried to retract but Roschev with a hand mitten grabbed the middle of it and stopped it from retracting. After they did, Volkara and Koschel charged with their weapons held high. Even though his tentacle was constricted, he managed to move his arm and blocked Volkara¡¯s claymore. It made a sound like a dry skin cracked. But from Garshor¡¯s left side, Koschel drives his short sword into Garshor¡¯s neck and blood splattered. With that, Garshor¡¯s face went into a sudden shock with his eyes widened and his mouth opened. Volkara managed to turn her face away as the blood had splattered on to her. The tentacle gradually disintegrated like magick energy losing their form. Zecruix who didn¡¯t take any action, calmed himself and took a few steps towards Garshor. ¡°He is dead right?¡± Jellika with a wary expression cast a furtive look at the now dead Garshor. ¡°There¡¯s no way any man can survive this much blood loss unless he¡­¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s dead.¡± Zecruix confirmed this by unsheathing one of his short sword and swings it down at the base of Garshor¡¯s head. It violently splits the head opened. Everyone looked on with a shocked expression. ¡°Zecruix!!¡± ¡°During my time traveling with my master, I remembered one case where a man accompanying us had killed a cultist, just when he looked relief, he let his guard down but suddenly the ¡®dead body¡¯ moved and stabbed the man at the back. If I not mistaken¡­¡± At the split and messy base of Garshor¡¯s cranium, something was struggling to slither out. It fell on the floor. That something had a shape of an oversized skinless worm and by the look of it, it had been cut into half by Zecruix. It squirmed desperately on the floor. Seeing this, Zecruix ruthlessly crushed it under his foot. ¡°That was¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a demon-corrupted parasite. As I said, only Cultists are insane enough to willingly corrupt themselves by demon and the likes.¡± After the tension in the room had slowly lowered, everyone looked uneasily around their surroundings. There contraptions, books and baubles that seems out of place in the ordinary cabin. There was large bag on the table. ¡°Roschev and Jellika, tied the cultist at the door and keep a watch on him.¡± This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°Aye.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t order me around! You can only request!¡± Roschev nodded while Jellika made an annoyed reaction but still followed Zecruix¡¯s order. ¡°Volkara help me pack all these stuff with that bag on the table and Koschel clear the body.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Volkara went to the table and opened the bag while Koschel took out the short sword from the neck as he kneeled near the body. Zecruix went to where Volkara was and instructed her which items were necessary. After perusing most of the items, Zecruix finally had found what he was looking for. He picked it up and examined it. It was an oblong shaped stone of pure white that seems to shine its own light. It was named Vesla Stone, an Anti-Rakhe object that is in the same category as the Gelta Stone but instead of absorbing unnatural Magick, the Vesla Stone repels it. The fact that it was shining light meant that it was still activating. The stone could remain like this for a month and the radius of area affected were quite large. This was what probably caused Sylelia¡¯s power to run wild as its existence was continually repelled. With rough estimation, the cabin here isn¡¯t that far from the manor, the stone was quite effective. The way it was activated was by exposing it with physical contact with an unnatural Magick substance. For the cultist, it was quite easy for them. The only way for it to forcibly seal the light was by pouring a constant stream of natural Magick. Zecruix did as such and was in concentration as he streams. After a minute, the stone¡¯s light gradually disappeared. Volkara had already put all the necessary items into the bag and Koschel had draped the dead Garshor with a fabric he had found. ¡°Koschel, can you go to the local enforcement and report this? Bring the town guards here as soon as possible.¡± He nodded and went out. ¡°So we¡¯re?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the manor.¡± They came out and stopped in front of Jellika and Roschev. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I need you both to stay here until Koschel brings the town guards here.¡± ¡°Aye.¡± ¡°Volkara, why are you letting this man order us around?!¡± Roschev lean towards the wall of the cabin beside the tied up Fhanja while Jellika looked unhappily at Zecruix. ¡°Hey Volka-ra¡­ o-okay, got it¡­¡± Volkara smiled faintly towards Jellika. The smile alone was intimidating enough to make Jellika stuttered as she tried to protest again. ¡°Let¡¯s go Volkara.¡± ¡°Aye, Zecruix.¡± And so they both walked back to the Manor. The light that deceives Part 4 ¡°What will you do?¡± ¡°¡­ This is something beyond me in all honesty. I never been or even read on a situation like this¡­ What do you think I should do?¡± As they were both walking side by side, Volkara asked Zecruix the question. Zecruix had a perplexed expression in responds as he was truly troubled by the situation. Zecruix had told her about Sylelia and her true form as they were walking. Volkara was visibly perturbed but she nonetheless had thought Rooting out the Cultist was easier than the whole Non-hostile Rakhe and the sympathetic humans. ¡°I¡­ had known Sylelia for this few months. I never suspected anything amiss about her but I do know that she is a kind and gentle person after knowing her all that months. If you think about it, humans are much scarier than the demons because they are fully aware of the evil they will commit or committed. I think whatever outcome you decide, it should be something that will not burden yourself for your entire life.¡± Zecruix pondered heavily on her soft-spoken words. It was true than humans are capable of much more despicable evil because of how calculated, how spiteful and how complex the evil could be. The methods, the reasons- Even if the reasons were for the greater good- it could have been warped and twisted. Rakhe or demons on the other hand committed evil for it was in their very nature as far as the demonhunters were concern. But here, he is presented with a Rakhe completely contradictory to what he had been taught. It was sentient enough to feel and show emotions and understood the consequence of her power and willing to self-sacrifice herself the sake of other. It was almost something of a good-natured Samaritan would do. Perhaps¡­ He had made up his mind. With that, he steadied his pace and a clear expression was on his face. Seeing this, Volkara smiled in relief. After sometimes, they finally arrived at the manor. Hervan who was waiting in front of the gate saw them and waved. Zecruix had told him to keep watch if they were other cultists that would come out. Fortunately there was none. ¡°How did it go?¡± ¡°We¡­ neutralized the threat for now so I can do the cleansing in peace. Please, I have to hurry to attend to the victim.¡± ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll inform Miss Vaneri.¡± Hervan nodded and went inside. Both Zecruix and Volkara looked at each other. ¡°I¡¯ll stand guard here.¡± Zecruix nodded firmly at Volkara. He went inside. -- Any living soul of this world does not contain or produce Magick but like a respiration system, they ¡®breath¡¯ in and out of the surrounding Magick. But if the soul had been corrupted by a Rakhe, the whole process would have deviated as the soul could only take and exert only unnatural magick that is not of the world but from the Rakhe. But a soul was not supposed to be that way and the longer they were corrupted, the longer the unnatural magick would cause them to expire. After the Vesla Stone was deactivated, Sylelia had fully contained her power but still kept enough for Farvath for if he was deprived of unnatural magick, it would be like as he would be suffocating for air. Zecruix was currently restoring his soul from the corruption. Only the Ehridolon and to some extent, the demonhunters can do such a thing as their innate power had the basis to manipulate the soul of any living being. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. To change back a corrupted soul, it would take hours of undivided concentration. It was already midnight after three hours of tending Farvath. His soul had completely turned back into normal and Zecruix breathe easy after it was finished. Both Minara and Sylelia were still awake as they had been overlooking the process from beginning till the end had also stopped tensing their body as they both breathed out in relief. Farvath was sleeping peacefully with ease breathing as he lain on the bed. ¡°He¡¯ll be fine tomorrow.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­ and about what I requested¡­¡± Zecruix sighed as Sylelia uneasily brought up the matter of sealing her. ¡°¡­There¡¯s another way for that too.¡± -- Zecruix went and nullified the previous Cleansing on the east side where it was the nearest. If one of the sigil was deactivated, then the rest would nullified in time. After he did that, he went around the manor and performed an area sealing. Sealing has the same method like cleansing by using sigils but different type of sigils. In a way, it was a finishing move for demonhunter to defeat a demon/rakhe. As an area sealing, it also functions as to contain unnatural magick at a limited space or prevent outside force to detect the unnatural magick inside a sealed space. ¡°So you decided this?¡± ¡°¡­ I feel that personally, I don¡¯t have the right to stripped people of their happiness. If I really sealed her, then I have to live with the conscious of the sibling¡¯s grievance towards me.¡± He got up after finishing the last sigil. Volkara was beside him. ¡°Even though she had insistently asked for her to be sealed.¡± ¡°Like I care, even though she did, deep down inside she must have been relief.¡± He faced towards Volkara who was smiling faintly. ¡°What would you do if she¡­ loses control of herself?¡± ¡°¡­ I made the decision so I¡¯ll be responsible. If she did lose control, then I will personally come here and seal her.¡± With that, Volkara smiled brightly at the confident and firm answer that Zecruix had given. The purpose of making an area sealing around the house was to prevent outside forces-particularly the cultists- from being able to detect Sylelia. The official story that Zecruix will make was that he sealed the demon but in truth, Zecruix offered this to Sylelia. The only downside was that Sylelia can never leave the manor premise but she didn¡¯t seem to be deterred by that and agreed. ¡°Will you leave tomorrow?¡± ¡°Nope, someone has to pay me for this job. I¡¯m meeting with Miss Vaneri tomorrow just like we had talked just before she left today.¡± ¡°I see¡­ then come here too. I¡¯m sure the master will be more than glad to pay his share.¡± ¡°I will then.¡± Zecruix gave a slight smile and turned around and walked towards the town. The First Epilogue ¡°200 Denurs is it enough?¡± ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°Really?!! I don¡¯t think that would be enough. You should demand for more you know!¡± Sitting at one of the tables in Turil¡¯s Foodhouse, Zecruix was facing with Vaneri and Hervan, who sat opposite towards him. They were currently negotiating the reward for the job. The negotiating part was actually over as of now and Hervan took out 200 denurs from the bag he was carrying and handed it to Zecruix. Zecruix took it and nodded his thanks. ¡°200 denurs is fine. Someone else is also paying for me too. By the way, why are you asking me to charge you more?¡± ¡°Because I thought the reward doesn¡¯t commensurate with the job¡­ who is it that will also pay for you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the Farvath household apparently.¡± Vaneri cheerful mood was dampened upon hearing that and she bit her lip. Hervan put on a weary smile too. ¡°Haaa, even though I knew what the answer was I¡¯m still gonna go visit them for a formal answer. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s foolish, Zecruix?¡± He heard of the answer when Sylelia was retelling her story. ¡°¡­ Not really. The resolve you have is that you wanted to hear it in person. I can¡¯t say that it is foolish¡­¡± Vaneri smiled faintly at Zecruix and she got up from the seat along with Hervan. ¡°We¡¯ll be visiting the manor. Since you wanted to get paid by them too, would you follow us?¡± ¡°Nope, I¡¯ll be visiting them later. I¡¯m meeting up with Roschev and Varius at Varius¡¯s place after this. Did you pay them already?¡± ¡°I did. It was last night when they accompanying us back to the cabin.¡± ¡°I see. Well farewell, Miss Vaneri.¡± ¡°You should say ¡®Goodbye¡¯ not ¡®farewell¡¯. Farewell is like saying we will never see each other again! Me and Hervan came from the town of Keshkanium just north of this town about two days of travel, so if we needed a demonhunter service, we¡¯ll be meeting again you know?¡± Vaneri admonished Zecruix while pouting childishly. Zecruix chuckled in return. ¡°Is that so? Then this is Goodbye, Miss Vaneri.¡± ¡°We wish you well until we meet again.¡± Both of them bowed towards Zecruix and left, leaving Zecruix standing on the spot. -- ¡°Hey there, take a seat.¡± A seated Roschev invited Zecruix. Zecruix approached a table where Roschev and Varius were sitting. Varius restaurant doesn¡¯t open at morning so only the three of them were in the dining area. ¡°You got paid already?¡± ¡°Yeah just now, anyway- so how¡¯s the progression?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Zecruix asked Varius with a faint smile as he leaned closer to Varius. Roschev too leaned closer to him. ¡°What are you guys getting close about?! Don¡¯t we have other things to talk about?!¡± ¡°Heh, you know we cared about that because we gave a solid advice each and we wanted to know how it works out.¡± ¡°Solid advice.¡± ¡°¡­ We had better interaction¡­ sort of.¡± Surrendering to the pressures emitted by the two, Varius relented. ¡°In details.¡± Varius sighed as Roschev demanded for him to explain more. ¡°¡­ Yesterday, she asked for me to send breakfast cooked here and this morning, we talked or rather argued about the content of the breakfast¡­ It¡¯s an improvement in a way.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Well, you can¡¯t expect things to happen in a short time.¡± After that, the table went silent again. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.¡°Well, let¡¯s cheer for job well done.¡± ¡°Aye.¡± ¡°Huh, I didn¡¯t do much though.¡± -- After merrily spend some times with both of the men, Zecruix made his went to the manor. Standing in front of the gate was Volkara who seems to be waiting for him. ¡°Good morning, you look much better the first time you came here.¡± ¡°Have to look professional, one of sensible things my master had told me once.¡± ¡°Well come inside.¡± Both were smiling since they had greeted, Volkara led Zecruix inside. She led him up stair and into the owner¡¯s room. The sight that greeted him was the bedridden but conscious Farvath, the peckish and annoyed Minara and the gentle-looking Sylelia who was sitting beside each other and on the left side of the bed. ¡°Uwah, I didn¡¯t realized how young you were!¡± ¡°Big brother, he¡¯s the one who saved you, show some respect, you ingrate!¡± ¡°Oh my bad, I¡¯m truly grateful that you saved me from my love-obsession and reduced it to only love-struck!¡± Farvath, from his bed, bowed down in an exaggerated manner. After he did that, Minara jumped from her seat and chopped down on her brother¡¯s neck. ¡°¡­Eh?¡± Zecruix stood dumbfounded, looking at the scene in front of him. ¡°They¡¯re always like this.¡± Volkara sighed beside him. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing to a fragile big brother who is currently infirmed on his bed?!¡± ¡°Shut up!! You were so near to death and you have time to be acting so casual?!¡± With that, Minara eyes went teary. Farvath, caught off-guard by that, reeled back in confusion. Minara, losing to her emotion, went onto the bed and hugged his still confused brother. Sylelia got up from the chair and sat at the bed beside Minara and she was stroking her back as to comfort her. ¡°Well¡­ thank you¡­ a lot¡­ Zecruix was it?¡± Farvath said them with a careful tone filled with gratefulness as he also broke into the tears. For Zecruix, there was the feeling inside telling him that to him personally, this was the result that he was looking for. Both Zecruix and Volkara looked with heart-warming gazes at from the side. -- The initial amount of denurs that Farvath had insisted was too much for Zecruix so they lowered it almost the same as what Vaneri had gave. Still, Farvath decided to hold a party for him and so Zecruix accepted on a condition that he could bring two persons which were Roschev and Varius along. On that night, it was quite extravagant amount for them to indulged especially the alcohol, so they drunk themselves with much delight. The next morning, in his room where he stayed, Zecruix opened his eyes groggily as he lie on his bed. The hangover he had as of now was discouraging him to get up but he managed after a while. He went down stair to get something to cure his hangover but along the way he stopped in shocked. ¡°V-volkara?!¡± Sitting across the counter chatting with the bartender was Volkara. Both of them looked bewildered upon seeing Zecruix and after they erupted into a burst of laugh. ¡°Eh?¡± Was there something odd about him? He had thought. It was then he realized that the cloth he was wearing felt different. It was smooth and silky. He looked down. Black and white with frills but the most notable was the dress. It came to him¡­ He was wearing a maid outfit. ¡°¡­¡­¡±