Impatient to find answers to his questions, he headed toward the entrance door.
When he tried to open it, two guards stepped in his way.
With a mocking tone, Opiter spoke first.
- Well then… trying to go out? Or perhaps to escape?
I demand an apology for your disrespect.
- You really think I'm going to apologize? Darfredon replied coldly.
- I would rather face you in a duel than beg for forgiveness.
Now, take me to Crassus. I have a matter to settle with him.
Agrippa smirked and crossed his arms.
- Opiter, it seems our friend is refusing our request.
He may be right—let's bring him to Crassus.
He will surely teach him a proper lesson.
The two men opened the door and escorted him forward.
As they entered the main hall of Crassus's domain, Darfredon observed the vast rooms and their lavish decorations. In one of them, guarded by several soldiers, a young girl with violet eyes caught his attention. She sat on the floor, spending her time with a doll clutched tightly in her arms.
He wondered who she was… and what she was doing in such a place.
It was the young Reaper.
She was playing with her stone doll, holding it close as if trying to comfort it.
His thoughts were interrupted when Opiter's hand slammed onto his shoulder, accompanied by an irritated voice.
- Darfredon, stop staring at Crassus's daughter and move.
Without replying, Darfredon followed Opiter toward the palace exit.
As the great doors opened, he saw Crassus standing motionless a few meters from a Roman fountain. Water flowed gently, blending with the soft murmur of birds perched in the trees. A floral scent drifted through the fresh air, carried by the breeze.
Noticing him, the guards approached slowly.
In a measured tone, Agrippa addressed Crassus.
- Without wishing to disturb you, Sir Crassus, your guest wishes to speak with you.
However, I must inform you that he showed us great disrespect…
and refuses to apologize, as you demanded after his fight against his brother.
Death rested his gaze on you for a brief moment… then shifted it to the three men before finally addressing Darfredon.
- Come closer. I was just thinking about you.
Then, turning to the guards, he added,
- You may leave. I wish to speak with him alone.
- But, Sir—
- There is no but. Leave us, Death cut in sharply, silencing Opiter at once.
- Yes, Sir Crassus, Opiter replied stiffly, clearly irritated—Agrippa no less so.
Death gestured for Darfredon to walk with him.
- Let's take a stroll. So… why did you wish to see me?
As they walked along the paths of the vast garden, Darfredon began to explain.
Gravel crunched beneath their footsteps, the path lined with dark flowerbeds tinged with bluish hues that seemed to absorb the light. Tall stone statues, half-veiled in mist, watched them in silence. The air carried a strange scent—a blend of damp earth and incense—and every breath of wind made the silvery leaves of the trees whisper softly.
- I've started having dreams… fragments of Sextus's past.
I still don't understand why I'm dreaming.
Normally, angels and demons don't sleep… and they certainly don't dream—especially not while living through another being.
Death nodded slightly, as though he already knew.
- I'm aware. Given the fusion of your soul with that of your vessel, it is only natural that you begin to develop certain human traits. You may experience flashes of memory… fragments from the final moments before your transmutation. It's even likely that Sextus's life memories will intertwine with your own—and resurface through your dreams.
- Angels and demons don't go through this kind of experience, Darfredon replied.
- So why would I be different?
Death allowed himself a faint, enigmatic smile.
- Because, in this story, our God chose to bend the rules—just enough to grant the reader an unforgettable introduction to his great villain.
- And that still doesn't explain why I'm having these dreams… especially the memories of my vessel.
- No need to try too hard to understand. In any case… this dream… ah, it couldn't have come at a better time. It will reveal where my other guests are hiding… in Osi.
That way, those brave men will finally be reunited with their wives and children.
…Of course, they'll have to fight me first to see them, but at least… the whole family will be together again.
Death then lifted his eyes toward the sky, staring at a point invisible even to you, the reader.
Then, with an almost insolent smile, he murmured.
- Even you, my Father… cannot hide such things from me.
Darfredon frowned, completely lost.
- What are you talking about now? There's only the two of us here. And I won't help you find anyone… and stop getting inside my head!
- I don't need to. I've already read what is going to happen… in my Father's writings.
Now, enough talking! A cart is waiting for us outside. We are leaving immediately for the place from your dream.
And yes… you will help me. Consider it an opportunity to teach that dear Sextus a proper lesson… for daring to interfere with you during your first fight against his little brother, Barnabé.
With those words, Death headed toward the rear entrance of his domain to return inside.
Darfredon followed him in silence—without agreeing, but without backing down either.
But before they crossed the threshold, they ran into Agrippa and Opiter, who were still waiting for Darfredon's apologies.
- Agrippa opened his mouth to speak, but Death, noticing them, cut him off sharply.
- What are you still doing here? I told you to leave.
- But, sir… this man owes us an apology. If he doesn't give it, what will the rest of the world think of someone who shows no respect for us… or for you?
Death gave a cold smile.
- I understand your reaction. But I believe my guest has already received the lesson he deserved during his last fight. As for your apologies… you will have to wait a little longer.
And if you insist too much on this matter, I may become far less respectful toward the two of you.
- Now, if you'll excuse me… I have a journey to undertake with my new champion.
Not entirely satisfied with that answer, Agrippa and Opiter left the area, resentment burning in their eyes. Both of them had already begun to consider taking justice into their own hands.
After their departure, Death and Darfredon returned to the room where Death's daughter was staying. Approaching one of his four guards, clad in black and bronze armor, he said.
- Marcus.
- What do you require, Sir Crassus?
- I want you to keep an eye on my daughter while I'm away. Don't worry—Alecto will be arriving soon. She'll help you watch over her.
- I will watch over her, Sir Crassus.
- That goes for the three of you as well.
- Yes, Sir Crassus! they replied in unison.
Confident in his men's loyalty, Death left the residence, closely followed by Darfredon. But before crossing the threshold, Death used one of his special abilities.
You feel as though time itself comes to a halt around you… as if the entire universe freezes.
Slowly, Death turns his head toward you, breaking the fourth wall.
His eyes lock onto yours, and you feel that power growing—again and again—from the very first chapter… until now.
Between the real world and the one you are reading, his lips curl into an almost grateful smile.
- Thank you… for giving me life.
In an instant, he teleports behind you. You feel his hand rest on your shoulder… and, in a whisper, he brings this chapter to an end.