[Salvarre Abbadon]
"-he's here, my Lord! The Demi-fiend is tearing through Castle Cainhurst as we speak- I'm being overwhelmed with communications from my men! Where are you, Lord Beelzebub!?"
Silence.
The other end of the communication is silent and cold for several long seconds, until Satan Beelzebub's voice comes through with vicious clarity.
"In Cainhurst, you say? Alone?"
I swallow down the nervousness in my system, taking a deep breath and doing my best to ignore the terror that burns through me with every distant clash of blades I hear.
"Yes, my Lord. Alistair Mammon has come to take Castle Cainhurst on his lonesome!"
Another pause. Another bead of sweat running down my neck.
"Oh, Demi-fiend... you shouldn't have." The Satan says, his voice quiet and mumbled, the giddiness in his tone abundantly obvious as he then addresses me a moment later.
"I'll be there shortly to handle the vermin myself then, since none of you seem to be capable of doing so. How long has it been since he arrived? How long did you make me wait to hear of this great news?"
The steel in his voice only worsens the panic tearing through my system, my words coming out shakey and uncertain as another distant explosion makes the castle shake.
"I-I only found out r-recently, Lord Beelzebub! Just a few m-minutes ago! It was... my soldiers believed it to be an, an a-ambush, but... we were mistaken. The Demi-fiend has breached the walls and is- he's working his way through the Castle as we s-speak."
Lord Beelzebub hums. He seems deeply pleased with this information.
"Good. Your new mission is simple, Salvarre. Very, very simple. Keep him there until I arrive. No matter what it takes."
I blink, confused, as I place a hand to my head, seeking comfort in this dire situation.
"Keep him there? What- forgive me for making such a pathetic request of your magnificence, Lord Beelzebub, but could you... could you please elaborate for me? How would I do that? What does-"
He doesn't even let me finish.
"It means: keep him there, you pathetic moron. I don't care how you do it, just as long as he is trapped. Set up a barrier around Cainhurst, block off his exit temporarily before I arrive. Once I reach the castle, he won't be capable of escaping. Do I need to start clapping out the syllables for you to understand me, wretch?"
The world feels as though it is closing in on me. The distant sound of explosions and violence only seems to be growing louder with each passing moment, the Castle shaking as though it were on stilts as that monster makes his slow approach.
"...my Lord, you- that would be suicide. He... setting up a barrier strong enough to contain a man like the Demi-fiend would leave us defenseless, you..."
A snort. The sound makes my jaw tense.
"And? If your miserable life is given in the name of slaying that vile rat, then you shall die with honour and dignity."
...
...no, I- I refuse to be treated like this. I won't let my life be wasted for his one sided-
"Your silence speaks volumes, Salvarre. Perhaps you're thinking of refusing my order. Allow me to make this decision simple for you, then. If that barrier is not in place by the time I arrive, you will be wishing the Demi-fiend had ended your pathetic existence, to spare you the misery of me doing it instead."
Every thought in my mind comes to a screeching halt, my body stiffening as the fear within me only seems to worsen.
"...my Lord, I- I have served you faithfully for decades. I have killed my brethren in your name since the beginning of this War, I... why are you doing this to me?"
Lord Beelzebub snorts again at my pleading. His indifference is far more terrifying than his anger ever was.
"Do not mistake yourself for someone worthy of my respect, or even of my mercy, Salvarre. You were born into power, but you were destined for mediocrity. Such a waste. The most valuable thing you can do for your Satan, for this War, is die for the cause."
The words don't form. Everything I could possibly say feels like ash on my tongue as I remain stuck in tremulous silence.
Lord Beelzebub takes my haunted silence as an invitation to continue.
"Consider it a service to your people, Salvarre. A service to Devils far and wide, to your family, to the Underworld itself. A vile creature like Alistair Mammon does not deserve to breathe the same air as you and I. Today, you will die, yes... but so too will the Demi-fiend. When I parade his cold corpse through the steets of Lucifaad for all to see, your sacrifice will be remembered."
...of course.
He's right. Lord Beelzebub is always right. How could I have been so blind? The Demi-fiend is a scourge on our people, a disaster yet to come. His existence is a plague in need of correction.
"If... if I am to die, then... I would happily give my life to slay such a vile creature as he, Lord Beelzebub."
The sneer in his voice as he responds is audible, but... I don't flinch this time. Why would I? He's right. I was weak, pathetic... I was afraid to give my life for my Satan.
I deserved to be spoken down to. I deserved to feel the scorn of his every spoken word.
"As you should. Get that barrier up soon, Salvarre. Cut off all communications into the castle. The Demi-fiend no doubt made this decision on his own, anyone with a speck of intelligence would never let him make such a tremendously stupid assault alone. His allies will be following soon, and they will be trying to get in contact with him."
A pause. In the time that Lord Beelzebub is silent, I relay his commands to the other Devils gathered in the room with me, their hands raised and Magic Circles drawn to slowly form a barrier shortly after.
"Don't let those wretched Satanihilus make contact. Isolate him from his allies, and given him the false hope that he can take the castle on his own. When his confidence is at it's peak... that is when I will strike. Your sacrifice will be remembered, Salvarre. Today, the Demi-fiend will die."
Another distant explosion, followed by the sound of screaming cutting through the Castle itself, a dying wail from someone I had no doubt shared a meal or a drink with, begging to be spared in their final moments.
I barely have a chance to mourn a dead comrade before the mocking words of a half-breed with far too much power follow shortly after the screaming stops.
Every word spoken from his vile, abhorrent mouth is a lash to my composure, a nail in my chest, my resolution burning brighter than ever before upon hearing them.
"Is this all you can offer me!? Ten long years of keeping this castle safe, and I'll have taken it within the afternoon! Someone, please, make this worth my effort!"
...Such a wicked man as this does not deserve to continue living amongst our people. Vermin is an apt description for you, Alistair Mammon. Extra Demon scum.
"Come on! This is an open invitation, to all those willing! Try and kill me, try to cleanse this 'vermin' from the world, try to put an end to my miserable life! Give it your best shot!"
Another distant scream. Another explosion. Another clashing of blades.
...You are a blight, Demi-fiend.
"By your command, Lord Beelzebub, the barrier will be raised shortly. The Demi-fiend will not live to see tomorrow." I say, the fire that burns within me bright and unyielding as I make one last request.
"When you kill him... make sure it hurts."
Lord Beelzebub grins, his breathing hurried and his words spoken through gritted teeth.
"Worry not, Salvarre. I already planned to."
I cut off the communication shortly after.
Lord Beelzebub's words are far more relieving than anything I had ever in my life known before today, making me smile brightly even as the sound of the half-breed's slaughter continues on endlessly.
With a deep sigh of relief, I take my place amongst the circle and join in with the creation of the barrier, Satan Beelzebub's words running through my mind and bringing with them an endless comfort.
Today, the Demi-fiend will die.
...and I will gladly give my life to see it done.
------------------------------------
[Diallos Belial]
The mobilisation of our forces for the Demi-fiend's rescue takes far longer than anyone would have liked. Several minutes pass before the first garrison is assembled.
Between the sudden nature of the demand, the widespread reluctance to engage in such a large scale battle, and the general fatigue of the Satanihilus... it's a miracle so many of the soldiers were even willing to go along with Lady Sitri's rescue mission to begin with, frankly.
There were a surprisingly large number that volunteered to join as soon as they had heard the Demi-fiend was in danger. Be it in part due to his medicinal talent, or the overall impact he's had on this war, Alistair seems to have garnered far more support from the people than even he realises.
The Lady Sitri herself has been... almost rabid since his disappearance. In all my time working under her, I've never seen her so frightened at the idea of losing someone. Beneath her breath, as she paced through the room, I could hear her muttering to herself endlessly.
"Not another one." She'd say, a hand raking through her hair, "Not now."
She only Teleported away just a minute ago with the garrison she had managed to gather, her warhammer formed and draped over her shoulder before I could even blink as she disappeared from my sight.
...knowing of her history, and the trauma that stemmed from losing those dear to her upon the dawn of this Civil War, I suppose I can understand where her fears come from. Although... I had distinctly recalled their relationship being uniquely antagonistic until recently, but... maybe I was wrong.
Maybe something changed. Maybe the pain she's going through is made all the worse knowing that, for the first time in many years, she had something. Something that she threw away, something that she could very well lose forever now before getting an opportunity to fix what she had broken.
It isn't my place to comment on matters like that, though. We all make our choices in life. Some are for the better.
...Some are not.
Moving on, these allies Alistair has do not make him infallible. Nor does his power make him invincible. His ego, his wretched ego, has led him to believe that this decision he has made is in any way beneficial to us.
I have half a mind to stab him myself the next time we speak for his actions today...
But I can't. At least, I can't entertain the thought. Part of me wonders if this irrational assault from the Demi-fiend was inspired by my words to him, about embracing the Devil lurking within his blood.
Kill the man... it seems you took my advice far too literally, Alistair. This is the most bizarre suicide attempt I've ever had the displeasure of bearing witness to. You've only made it worse by making it everyone else's problem, too.
...No matter.
Lady Sitri gave me a mission, and though I'd like to be there at her side on such an important battle as this... I know where my strengths lie. Or rather, I know where they don't. Without the Demi-fiend's power to keep me alive, I may very well prove to be a hindrance sooner than any help.
...there is something I can do, though. Something that I know will give him a much better chance at survival. Something Lady Sitri understands as well.
"Roygun Belphegor, hand of the Grand Justiciar, Lord Bael, at your service. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to, and for what reason are you speaking?"
I don't waste a single moment, having contacted the desk of Lord Bael in Lilith, in the hopes of reaching as many ears as possible. I can't afford to waste time, not when the stakes are so high.
Not when the risk is so great.
"This is Lord Diallos Belial, second in command to General Sitri of the Satanihilus. I need a message sent to every detachment of Satanihilus waiting in Lilith, to every soldier across the Underworld willing to draw their blade in the name of our cause, and most importantly to General Glasya-Labolas, as soon as possible. It is an urgent matter regarding the Demi-fiend's health."
A pause. For just a brief, singular fraction of a second, there is something akin to shock in the silence my words bring. Then, she hums, not wanting to interrupt me and waste any more precious time upon hearing the urgency in my voice.
From her end of the line, I can already hear several communication circles being drawn, my message soon to be repeated and rehearsed through every corner and street of Lilith, to every Devil under our banner.
It is exactly as I had hoped.
Part of me had been worried to send my message through the High Court, and the desk of Zekram Bael, given their unique history with the Demi-fiend, but... it seems the decision has paid off for now.
Petty grudges and bad blood simply do not matter in a situation like this. If even the Lord Bael and his hand can agree upon the severity of this situation and the necessity of this action, then it speaks volumes to the sheer absurdity of the Demi-fiend's value.
"You have the floor, Lord Belial. I've called for as many high ranking members of the Satanihilus as I could get a hold of."
Lady Belphegor's words cut me off from my spiralling thoughts, making it all the more apparent just how vital this transmission is to Alistair's survival. I can practically feel the ears of several hundred Devils listening in.
With one final deep breath, I begin.
"...I will not mince words. The Demi-fiend is in danger. He is attacking Castle Cainhurst as we speak, having used his power to breach the castle walls on his lonesome. We believe it to be a trap. His life is in peril, and to lose him is to lose an incredible asset for our cause. To all those willing and able, raise your swords and lend him your aid."
Another hum from Lady Belphegor on her end of the line. A bead of sweat rolls down my brow. This is, by far, the most important communication I've ever sent in my life. The weight of every spoken word from my lips crushes my shoulders as seconds pass.
"If you do not believe it necessary, then ignore this message and prioritise your own survival... however, if you know of the Demi-fiend's value, of his power, then heed my words. Losing him, losing his strength and utility, could very well mean losing this Civil War as a whole as well. If you are able, if you have the strength within you to fight... then please. Fight. If we play our cards right, we could save the Demi-fiend and take Castle Cainhurst as our own as well-"
A new voice cuts into the communication, a third party interrupting me... normally I would feel some semblance of discomfort at being spoken over, but as of now, I feel only an overwhelming sense of relief upon hearing the voice that speaks over mine.
General Glasya-Labolas. The Unbroken.
"-Your message is heard loud and clear, Lord Belial. Allow me to shoulder this burden for you, now." He says, a soft sigh escaping his lips a moment later as he now addresses the greater Satanihilus under his command.
"...You heard the man. I don't need to waste my energy repeating his words. To those of you willing, this battle could very well be a turning point in the course of Underworld history. This moment, this conflict, will be spoken of for centuries yet to come. Your children will hear of this battle, and so too will their children. Do not let this moment be one of shame. Show the Loyalists, show the Satans themselves, that we will not abandon one of our own. That we are not afraid."
General Glasya-Labolas pauses.
Another deep sigh escapes his lips, but there's an... almost undeniable warmth that his presence brings in spite of the exhaustion in his every action.
It is as though his mere existence is a comfort to the soul, a shield against all that which ails me in this moment.
"I am not asking you to give your life for a man you may know nothing of. Nor am I asking you to give your life for a man that could change the lives of our people forevermore. The Demi-fiend is one of our own, and that is all that matters. No, my request to you all is far simpler than that."
Another sigh. Then, the sound of a Teleportation Circle being formed.
"I am asking you to stand behind me, and allow me to be your shield once more as we decide the fate of our people. Walk under my guard as we carve our own path, forge our own history. March onward towards the peaceful future we have spent so long dreaming of, and stand proud knowing that you have my protection against all that which seeks to harm you. Do not fight for me, Satanihilus. Nor for yourselves. Fight for the Underworld. For a brighter tomorrow."
As though the feeling itself were spurred on by his words, as though he were speaking directly to my heart and the soul that resides within me, a visceral sense of pride surges through my mind.
Confidence, determination, resolution, it all burns into my veins, to the degree that I can't stop myself from cheering loudly in response to the General's command.
I'm not the only one, either.
Across the Underworld, be they in covens or in cracks, in garrisons or in groups, or even on their lonesome... the Satanihilus lift their weapons to the sky, shout their affirmations from the soul, and come to one singular, shared conclusion:
The Demi-fiend will not die today.
We will not allow it.
------------------------------------
[Grayfia Lucifuge - Several Hours Prior]
The final day has arrived. I have six hours until supper to make my move, and then, the true ending to this scheme will be revealed.
For better, or for worse.
My time in the Phenex' home so far has been, put simply, banal. In spite of Blythe's surveillance, there wasn't a single hint of evidence pointing toward Rosalia's deception, nor has there been anything pointing to the potential truth of her words.
I have been stuck in limbo for far longer than I would like regarding this matter. Chasing my own tail, sustained with only the spoken words of a known manipulator, and searching every corner for evidence.
I need it, after all.
To prove the Phenex' plot, and to allow my Master a hand at compensation from their house once it is dealt with, I need physical evidence... something which, unfortunately, no great House would be so utterly stupid enough as to leave behind.
Through every room and every ledger, every notebook and every diary, there has not been a single written word about their plans for Master's demise. None of the servants have made idle chatter of the plot, and not a single member of the Phenex has discussed it between themselves in person for me to overhear either.
All that remains is one single room for me to explore. The master bedroom, the Lord and Lady Phenex' own quarters.
Rosalia mentioned that a ledger of all income and expenses under the Phenex name was kept in here, that I would find some rather incriminating payments of Sol being made in coherence with the plot.
With Blythe acting as my surveillance of the doors, and the rest of House Phenex busying themselves across the Underworld, I am free to explore this room for however few minutes I have to myself. Rosalia is at Lord Phenex' side, Lady Phenex is in Lilith on official business, and the rest of the house aren't nearly capable enough to notice my presence.
This is, put simply, my last chance.
Following that thought, I take one last deep breath through my nose, and abandon all fear within me. I can allow nothing but perfect clarity to exist within my mind now. I cannot make any mistakes. Not just for myself, but for my Master's wishes.
I will not disappoint him.
After one last brief glance across the halls, I lift my finger to rest against the keyhole leading into the master bedroom, a stream of ice forming against the digit that moulds itself to take the shape of the keyhole.
A single twist later and I'm inside the room, the ice-borne key I'd used disappearing soon after, leaving me in blissful silence as I shut the door softly behind myself.
Preliminary surveillance from Blythe showed no hidden voyeurs within the room waiting to catch me off guard upon entry. The defenses are incredibly archaic, downright negligible, but I would sooner chalk that up to the 'invincible' pride of the House Phenex than any tactical decision on their part.
That does not, however, mean that I will make the same mistake as them.
With a single flourish of my hand, several hundred needle-sized blades of ice form in the air around me. My fingers twitch at my hips, directing the flurry of blades toward every inch of the room, against corners and closets, dragging across the ceiling and floor, searching for any hidden dangers.
No familiars. No unwanted observers. Nor any automated defenses. Just as I had expected. With a small sigh of relief, I clench my fist and dismiss the storm of needles, letting them dissipate into motes of Mana as I finally step deeper into the room.
To say it's decadent would be an insult to the concept of modesty. There is nothing modest about this room, only the upper echelons of extravagance and far more gold than is necessary lining every surface to be seen throughout.
Cabinets, closets, furniture, even the bed itself. Everything seems to have hues of gold running through it all, some parts even simply adorned with pure gold and shining brightly for no apparent reason.
Across the far side wall, larger than even my person, is a mural of the Pheonix.
Not the House Crest, or their lineage, or even an ode to their splendor, but a large painting that depicts the mythical creature in their truest form. It's a shame that such a wonderful beast has gone extinct, I'd say.
No matter. The decor is not worthy of my time, or my appreciation. I have far more important things to be doing than appraising the Lord and Lady Phenex' taste.
It doesn't take long for me to reach the bedside cabinets, carefully opening each drawer and running through the contents ever so delicately. Not willing to leave any fingerprints, or any such evidence, I make sure to coat my hands in a thin layer of ice. The rigorous care I put into my hair is such that I don't need to worry about stray strands of it falling and incriminating me, either.
The first cabinet is bereft of anything worth my time, instead filled with various personal effects of the Lord Phenex. Pictures, missives, various deeds and agreements with hospitals across the Underworld.
There are signed and sealed documents within the drawer, as well. Ones that I can't access for fear of incriminating myself, giving away that I had been in here. I don't have nearly enough time to reseal any documents I tear into, either.
I'll just have to make do. The second drawer is much the same, this time filled with various things I refuse to name the nature of, pertaining to the Phenex' bedroom activities that I have no need to pry into. Just to be sure that there isn't anything hidden away though, I sift through the... objects, and breathe a small sigh of annoyance that my efforts were for nothing.
Now for the final set of-
Footsteps. A presence.
My body locks up for barely a half-second, ordering Blythe to hide as I do the same myself, taking refuge in the closest place I have access to; the Phenex' walk-in closet.
Knowing that my presence here alone is a sign of malicious intent to the Phenex, I use what scant illusory magic I have at my disposal to hide my presence, making my form invisible to a wandering eye should anyone search the closet.
My breathing slows dramatically, now taking the form of steady, shallow breaths. My pulse slows dramatically as I form a thin layer of ice around my body, my scent covered by the crystalline shield as well.
Then, finally, the door to opens.
"...strange. Father never leaves the door unlocked. Perhaps he forgot?"
The words are spoken softly, but hit me in the chest with all the force of Alduin's claws. I hadn't locked the door behind me. An amateur mistake, one that I want nothing more than to kick myself in the foot for, but one I have no choice to live with.
A consequence of the exhaustion borne from this whole affair, I tell myself.
"...um... hello? Is anyone in here? I saw a butterfly outside, and..."
Again, I have to resist the urge to kick myself. The woman currently searching through this bedroom for my presence, the one who already is suspicious of another person being here going off her words, just so happens to be the same young lady I was tasked with 'disposing of' by Rosalia.
Rellana Phenex.
The first-born daughter. Softly spoken, kind hearted, naive. All the qualities Lady Phenex would have raised her to abandon over the years, but... decades later, she is still the same woman it seems.
How lucky for me.
"Hellooo? Did I... was I wrong? Maybe Father really did forget to lock the door behind him. It wouldn't be the first time." She says, the words muttered beneath her breath yet perfectly audible to me.
...no sane Devil speaks aloud to themself so often. Nor to say such informative things while believing there to be an intruder within said room. She's giving away too much. Does she know I'm here already, and want to lull me into a feeling of safety?
"Oh well. It wouldn't hurt to check. Not like I get to be in here often, anyways!" She says, now sounding uniquely cheery as she skips through the room.
Damn.
My breathing slows further. The thin sheen of ice becomes a block of raw cold beneath my skin, my pulse almost glacial by this point. Her footsteps echo through the room, my ears picking up every minute shift and unsteady step she takes.
Like a child, Rellana has no idea what to do when faced with an opportunity like this. She darts between everything that stands out to her, flicking through the drawers and desks, stepping toward the bed and appraising the softness of it.
Every soft tap of her shoes against the polished floorboards feels like a knife to my stomach. I am not nearly confident enough in my illusion magic to be sure that I will walk away unscathed should she find me in the depths of her parents' closet.
Unfortunately, it seems I won't have a choice but to find out if that is the case, the soft footfall finally shifting to my direction, to the closet's doorway. She stands in front of it for a moment, mumbling another useless piece about her Mother's fashion sense, before placing both hands on the doors and-
"Ahem."
Rellana steps away as though burned, hurriedly sputtering an excuse about what she had been doing mere moments prior, as my saviour makes herself known.
...Rosalia.
Of course it was.
"Did Father not teach you better than to go around snooping, Rellana?"
Said woman continues sputtering for a moment, stepping further away from the closet and moving to meet Rosalia in the middle of the room, her younger sister leaving the door open behind her.
"Well- it was such a good opportunity, and- Father hasn't let us go inside for years, so really this is all- I mean, not to say I didn't invade his privacy, but-"
Another clearing of her throat, followed by an amused snort. Rosalia speaks to her sister with a tone that suggests her to be thoroughly unimpressed.
"...you realise Father keeps it locked for a reason, no? Whatever business he has, it certainly isn't our own. Had that been the case, maybe Mother would have allowed us to come in here and... spend some time with him for once."
Rellana sighs.
"I just... fine, I admit, I was snooping. An opportunity like this never rolls around often. It's been almost a decade since Father forgot to lock the door of their room."
Rosalia does something, something I can't exactly see for myself. Given the squawk of indignation Rellana makes in response to it, I would assume it to be a ruffling of her hair, or a pinching of the cheek. Typical... typical sibling behaviour.
"Don't be such a busybody in the future, then. If the door is unlocked, leave it. Don't take it as an invitation to snoop on our family. You are supposed to be the heiress of House Phenex, Rellana. The next in line. You should know better than this."
Rellana grumbles in annoyance upon hearing that, swatting Rosalia's hand away with an audible smack.
"I know, I know. Don't remind me, Rose. I already get enough of it from Mother, don't you start getting on my ass about it as well."
Rosalia snorts once again. She seems... uniquely friendly at the moment.
"Yes, Ma'am. Now, I've been wondering... how did you know the door was unlocked? Do you make a habit of testing it everyday, or did something draw your attention to it?"
Rellana hums. My stomach drops.
"Well, I saw this... weird little butterfly hanging on the doorframe, big and blue. I thought I was seeing things when it disappeared a few moments later, but it made me think someone had broken into their room, so I gave it a little looksie."
The ensuing silence is almost suffocating. After several long seconds, and with a grin audible in her voice, Rosalia responds.
"...a butterfly, hm? How curious."
Another pause. If I could see her face now, I would almost guarantee that she is smiling.
"I had seen the same thing myself a few days ago. Perhaps we should stop leaving the windows open for them to get in through. We have guests, after all."
The words are spoken to Rellana, but I can't shake the feeling that they were intended for me to hear, instead. That she is aware of my presence, and of Blythe's existence as my familiar. It is... not a comforting thought.
"...nah. I like it better here with the windows open. All the damn fire, all the heat, having some breeze makes it bearable."
Rosalia laughs, taking a few steps forward, before the both of them then begin walking towards the doorway.
"I'll make sure to remember that when the manor is overrun with butterflies and all manner of insects, then."
I don't catch whatever else they say.
Before either of them can say another word in my range, they walk past the doors and shut them both behind them, leaving me utterly alone and halfway to falling on one knee from relief as they disappear. This could change things, and not for the better, either.
I need to be on guard tonight.
More than that, though... I need to resume my exploration.
------------------------------------
[Alistair Mammon]
"Is that the best you can muster up? You came to kill me, didn't you!? Put some fucking effort into it, then!"
I bat aside the young Devil's clumsy swing with ease, stepping past his overextended arms and slamming my boot into his chest, the Doppelganger surging forward and skewering this unfortunate Devil through the neck before he even reaches the wall.
Another blade of Mana directed at my exposed back is blocked by the shield of Blood I'd long since formed minutes ago on my slow ascent.
I turn on the spot and fire two shots from Thorn into my latest attackers thighs just a moment later to immobilise them, one Sonido bridging the distance between us and leaving me free to lift her by the throat.
She grabs at my hands, fingers clutching my own tightly as she wriggles in my grasp. Not wanting to drag the moment out any longer, I place the blade of Caduceus against her throat, and finish the job.
I don't hesitate to then lean forward and drink greedily of the blood that spills out in droves from her wound, drinking deep to make the most of Blood Empowerment and Blood-Starved Beast.
Several long seconds of drinking the crimson liquid pass, my body filled with that same euphoric power as it had been beforehand. I toss aside her cold corpse just a moment later, wiping my mouth on my sleeve and flicking the Caduceus in the air to clean the blood from it.
"...pardon my rudeness. Now, I do believe we were in the middle of something."
The rest of the Loyalists in this room with me hadn't exactly been idle while I drank deep of their comrades blood, but their meager attacks did nothing of note anyways.
The Dread Mirror remained firm, my Doppelganger batting aside any who tried to stab me in the back while I fed myself. Now they stand in front of me, guarding the entrance to the tower with their lives. I would call it valiant, if I didn't know any better.
The eldest of the bunch, an ancient old Devil given the almost imperceptible wrinkles on his face, steps forward with a Magic Circle drawn on both hands, a snarl on his lips to match the offensive gesture.
Feloore Eligos
Level: 189
"We won't let you-"
I don't bother listening to the man's speech for any longer than I need to, lifting my hand and lazily casting a Freikugel that vaporises the old bat's body in the blink of an eye.
His allies balk at the sight, staring at the scorch marks across the place he once occupied with terror in their eyes. Good.
The more they fear me, the more powerful I become. Though I may hate it dearly, I need to... ham this up a bit.
"Was that the best you could offer me? I've traded blows with Ludwig the Accursed and walked away the winner! You think some worthless Ars Goetian with an uppity demeanour and a sub-standard Clan Trait is going to be enough to kill me?!"
Two of them, rough-edged men with a distinct hatred for me in their eyes, step forward and raise their blades. They aren't even afraid of me, funnily enough.
My efforts feel... uniquely wasted.
No matter.
Without wasting a moment, I lift my hand and gesture with it, a pair of Alduin's heads appearing from a Teleportation Circle just a moment later to swallow the Loyalists whole.
A Partial Summoning. Something I only learned I was capable of recently, a unique method to the Summoner's Ring that I had woefully underutilised. As Alduin chews on his latest meal, and vanishes back into the Circle, I dash forward and take care of the remaining two Loyalists in this room with two clean stabs through the chest.
I haven't cleaned out the Castle fully, yet. I've been going from top to bottom, starting from... wherever the hell I teleported to with Hunter's Mark, and making my way across the large structure from there.
What lies ahead, past this door, is the uppermost area of Castle Cainhurst. The peak, so to speak. I'll be able to get a proper view of the landscape from there, and assess the damage I've dealt so far.
I'd also wager it's where I'll find someone worthy of my attention. Everyone in this Castle so far has been on the weaker side. Still strong, sure, but... not nearly as powerful as I had been anticipating for.
Time to see if that'll change when I open-
A blade crashes into the wooden door, tearing it off the hinges a moment later.
I blink in surprise, watching with something akin to fascination as the perpetrator lifts his hand, calling his scythe back into the extended limb and flicking it to the side a moment later, the door exploding into several chunks of wood against a wall.
"Do not keep me waiting, Demi-fiend." The tall, gaunt man says, a gleaming in his eyes, as a circle of Devils all stand with arms raised and Magic Circles drawn throughout the room behind him.
What they're doing, I have no idea. Nor do I care. If they want to offer themselves up for me after I'm done with the scythe-man, I certainly won't be complaining.
With a wide grin, and a rapid beating in my heart, I step through the now open doorway and swap the Caduceus for the Rebellion, taking one glance at what should be the only truly powerful Devil left in this castle.
Logarius Agares
Level: 273
Finally. Someone who'll last longer than a few seconds in battle. I might just cry.