________________ >> 30 seconds >> _______________
—Fine, that's enough. Let's get back to your reconstruction of the facts –After the Detective stops laughing, she straightens up, as she had leaned forward slightly. She crosses her elegant, long legs wrapped in those loose formal pants and looks at me intently– What happened after you entered that Base?–
—I nod my head to continue with my narration– Using a special key that allows said Base to be opened anywhere, we entered it, which turned out to be an extremely gigantic place, located within a Pocket Plane the size of a large metropolis, probably the size of this country's Capital –An amused smile forms on my face– Though of course, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, as said Base, being the property not only of Officer Montenegro but of all the Sehwert in existence, has security methods to prevent those who are not Sehwert or are considered threats to the Base itself from entering.–
—And what happened?–
—Upon stepping beyond the threshold, automated systems with laser weapons were activated and appeared from various points, such as the walls and even the ceiling. At the same time, they placed a general restriction that affects any outsider, which prevented me from moving even a millimeter. Finally, the deployed weapons pointed at me–
—Did something happen to you? –The Detective looks me up and down for a few seconds, probably searching for some proof of my words–
—I shake my head– No. Fortunately, your Father managed to disconnect the defenses in time, just a few seconds before the weapons fired at me. Besides, he added me to the white list to prevent them from taking me as an enemy again if I ever return –An amused smile sketches across my face– And it's a good thing Officer Montenegro managed it, because, considering that I lost my powers yesterday, Filloni 29th, before waking up in that cell where your Father was, those weapons could have easily killed me.–
For now, I will hide the fact that her Father gave me his key, the one he normally used to open the door to the Sehwert Base. He didn't give it to me for myself, but for his daughter, in case she became a Sehwert, so she could use it and access this bastion of knowledge.
The reason why I'm hiding it from her is simple: I'm still not sure she will become a Sehwert. The Key can only be used by a Sehwert. It requires the Awakened Blood of one of them to be able to link it to their essence and also to the Base's system, so the system itself recognizes them and allows access. If the Detective were to use said key right now, absolutely nothing would happen, as her blood at this moment is ordinary, not Awakened, like that of humans who are Mehr-Wissen.
If the Detective happens to become a Sehwert, then I will tell her about the key and show her how it's used, both in the activation method and for entering.
—What happened after that? –She asks–
—Aren't you going to worry about me even for a moment? –I put on a sad expression, clearly fake– I was on the verge of death, you know?–
—But you're fine, right? You're here in one piece –She responds with a disdainful attitude, but rather than real, it's playful. Her eyes showed that kind of spark–
—How cruel, Detective~ –I increase the sadness on my face– Don't you worry even a little bit about me? What if in the future our children ask what their Mother was like with me when we first met? I couldn't tell them that she didn't worry one bit when I almost died. If I did, they might get angry with you, and I couldn't allow them to think poorly of their pretty mama–
—Pfft –Instantly, the Detective covers her mouth to stifle the laugh that was about to escape– All right, all right –She shakes her head, amused– I'm very glad you're safe. How lucky that nothing happened to you and that you can be here right now... happy? –She adds, rolling her eyes–
—Great, our kids will surely be happy about this. They'll even see you as their role model –I smile while clapping, the chains clinking slightly–
—Stop playing the clown and continue –She says, rolling her eyes again–
I nod my head, ready to continue with the next part. Not without first pausing for a moment to think about how our interactions had changed positively in less than an hour. An hour ago, if I had said something like that to the Detective, she surely would have furrowed her brow at me, heh, heh.
—After that, he took me to a waiting room, as he was going to look for the tools we were going to need to face any of Luciel's three minions. The Sehwert Base contains knowledge from the Old World, from Eras whose years are incomprehensible to humanity. There were not only objects, articles, and other things, but also books of all kinds, of every possible genre, from every existing year. I think I even saw some books dating back to the Chaos Era, 3 billion years ago, and there are probably books dating back much further, from the Creation Era, 4 billion years ago. So, I started reading as a way to distract myself while Officer Montenegro returned with what was necessary –I explain to a Detective who listens attentively– For example, I read a book about some Mehr-Wissen, such as the Folk Hunters, hunters of oral narratives created by the people; Grimm, hunters of magical or physical beasts; Geisterjäger, ghost hunters; and even about the Sehwert –It was a good read, truly– And I even found something very interesting –A soft smile sketches across my face– Something that made my day after they took my powers and tried to kill me–
—Oh, really? –The Detective raises an eyebrow with interest– What is it about?–
—I found a letter from my first true love, Lyra –My tone becomes like that of someone showing off a hard-won trophy– It dates from the Consolidation Era. It was written in the Year 124,000 of that Era, a thousand years before Irisviel decided to restart the human world–
—Your first true love? Did you not have one before? –She asks, with a slightly mocking tone–
—Well, I've had many relationships throughout my very vast life. Every planet I land on is a planet where I "score," heh heh –In an instant, the Detective looks at me again with that expression one would throw at a womanizer– But all of them have been purely physical relationships, Master-apprentice ones, or a combination of both. Never a real romantic relationship. –A sigh escapes my mouth– It wasn't until I met that woman upon arriving on this planet. And I'm not talking about my first true love, but another woman, one very important to this world and without whom it wouldn't exist today –The Detective opens her eyes slightly wide, connecting the dots– However, with her, while it's true it was my first serious relationship, it was also a toxic relationship. At first, everything was fine; it was great and she was someone extremely sweet. However, after discovering something regarding her work that prevented us from uniting completely at the risk of a cruel punishment, she began to treat me poorly. She became pathologically possessive; she considered herself a trophy that I should be proud to have obtained; her jealousy became harmful; she became extremely controlling, used emotional manipulation in an extreme way, and even used physical violence against me…–
My narration stops upon seeing the Detective. There she was, touching her chest—or rather, touching the part where her heart was—while her expression showed something akin to pain and sadness.
—Detective? –Seeing her in this state, I can't help but call for her attention– Is something wrong?–
—Eh? –Her previous expression vanishes completely, giving way to disorientation– Ah. For some reason, my heart felt heavy and a strange bitterness washed over me, but only for a few moments –She adds, making a gesture with her hand to indicate to me that everything is fine– Continue with what you were saying–
I nod my head. However, that doesn't take away the strangeness I felt seeing her this way. But well, let's move on; we've been here for about an hour and haven't made much progress, heh, heh.
—Well, as I was saying, I consider her my first true love because she taught me not only what love is, showing me the purest and most sincere love that could exist, but also to love myself, not to let others trample over me without my consent. Thanks to her, my future relationships, though physical, were better experienced, both on my part and by the other person –Another soft smile sketches across my face upon remembering Lyra– Besides, Lyra wasn't just another fleeting relationship like the ones I used to have; she was the longest non-divine relationship I've ever had. I met her during the Chaos Era, 1.58 billion years ago, and we separated, due to the whim of that other woman, 1.52 billion years ago, so our relationship lasted about 60 million years. Something that had never happened before with any woman, especially with someone who had nothing to do with the divine.–
—Hmm? –The Detective tilts her head to one side– Wait, you said "non-divine," right? How is it possible that you spent 60 million years together if this Lyra person was non-divine? What exactly was she then?–
—Nope. Lyra was a human. While it's true she was a Mehr-Wissen, a Folk Hunter, exactly, her main base was human –I respond– And the reason we lasted so long is because, when she turned 30, she decided to become immortal, not for me, as she knew she couldn't be with me forever, but to see more of this vast world and help those who wanted it–
—Become immortal? Is that even possible? I thought those were just stories or movie plots –Curiosity, the same kind I had previously suppressed, is reborn from its ashes–
—Yes. It is possible to become immortal. And not just immortal, but invulnerable too. And this is thanks to mastering any of the 5 Primordial Energies. Mana, which is the energy of classic magic; Aura, which uses the body's internal energy to reinforce it; Divine Power, which can only be used by humans and comes from either the Celestial Palace or other Gods; Spiritual Energy, which uses the soul itself as a power source to connect to the spiritual world; and finally Qi, an Energy that can only be used in Xian Territory and is like a fusion of the previous four. –Yes. A new lesson. It will serve her even if she doesn't become a Sehwert, as it's a way to be able to use any of these or even all of them, even if one doesn't have the necessary Energetic Mechanisms– If a person masters even one of the 5 Primordial Energies, it's not necessary to have all 5, they will have access to something known as the "Limit Break," which, as its name suggests, allows them to break the limit or ceiling of that corresponding Primordial Energy. It is a difficult and very painful process, but if the person passes it, then they will become a "Transcendent." In turn, they can choose to have whatever appearance they want, and they will also be granted immortality and invulnerability. Only beings stronger than this person will be able to harm them –Then, my gaze becomes like that of someone extremely proud– In my Lyra's case, she didn't just manage to break the limits of one; she broke the limits of all 5 that exist. And all this in 25,000 years. And furthermore, without the need for power-ups, shortcuts, or even my help. –Definitely an extremely capable woman. Though, of course, I did have to help her, but only in the matter of immortality and invulnerability, so she wouldn't die from the passage of time, heh, heh–
Upon hearing me, the Detective shows an expression of surprise. She is probably also surprised by what my girl was capable of doing.
—And where is she? –She asks after a few seconds–
—I sigh. A sad sigh– She is no longer in this world –I shake my head–
—Instantly, the white-haired girl opens her eyes in surprise– So she is... dead? –She asks cautiously–
—No. She is literally no longer in this world –My tone becomes amused again– According to the letter she left me, she had foreseen the fall of human civilization by Irisviel. That's why she decided to leave this world to explore other places and bring her help to other creatures, expanding her kindness and altruism. She even said she wanted to reach the home world of Alicia, my Mother, a planet called Alessia. She said she wanted to meet my Mother and congratulate her for having an amazing son –No, I'm not blowing my own horn. She really wrote that, heh, heh–
—Conceited –The Detective rolls her eyes–
—But that's what she wrote –My expression turns back into theatrical sadness–
—And how did she do that? –The young woman with scarlet eyes asks again– The part about leaving this planet–
—Remember I told you that in the Consolidation Era there were already space travels? Well, she boarded a commercial spaceship and set off to who-knows-where –Then, I place my hand on my chin, and once again I hear the clinking of the chains– Hmm. I wonder if that girl who used to chase her, Jeanne, went with her too. Hehe, it would have been great to see space-scissors, heh heh–
—Jeanne? Who is she? –The Detective asks. I thought I had muttered that under my breath–
—Ah, she's a Construct. A being they used to deceive me and steal a bit of my power after the Chaos Era ended, taking advantage of the fact that I had lost the woman I mentioned to you before. Later, she led humans to turn the Surnaturel into slaves, which eventually provoked a great war between both sides that ended with the separation of the Erden, the general earthly plane, into Aynu and Altern. A thousand years before this happened, she met Lyra, and seeing her inherent goodness, she began to follow her and change her previous vision. Finally, she fell in love with her, and Lyra accepted her on the condition that she change her perspective and be like her, kind and charitable, which she achieved. The last I knew of them was that they had started a relationship. So, Jeanne surely left with Lyra, since from that moment I stopped having records of her–
—Looking at the Detective, I notice she had raised an eyebrow again– You're not jealous of this?–
—Why? –Now I am the one with my head tilted–
—Your "first true love" started a new relationship, and with a woman–
—A light chuckle escapes my mouth. After that, I shake my head– No. I'm not jealous at all. First, because our relationship ended a long time ago. They were good times, yes, but that was in the past. Second, she also needs to be happy with someone who can offer her something I couldn't give her. If that woman can do it, then I'll be happy for that –Then, a malevolent smile forms on my face– And third, I will always be her unforgettable first love. Nothing and no one will ever be able to replace that, heh, heh–
—There it is. That's typical of you. You conceited man –The Detective also laughs lightly and shakes her head– You were doing so well–
I also laugh with her. I have to take every advantage I can to establish my character to the Detective, so she doesn't end up reproaching me later, and also to make her smile along the way, heh, heh.
—Anyway, we've strayed from the subject again –I say, returning my expression to neutrality– Let's move on to the continuation–
—Go ahead –The white-haired girl responds, settling back into a comfortable position–
—Once Officer Montenegro returned, he brought several weapons with him. A shotgun, an SMG, and an Assault Rifle–
In an instant, the Detective does something that completely surprises me. She opens her eyes wide, leans forward, stands up abruptly, and slams both hands on the metal table.
—A shotgun, an SMG, and a rifle? –She asks, surprise fully expressed on her face–
—I nod, also surprised by the suddenness of her reaction– Yes.
—Are they by any chance these?–
She then takes out her phone again, taps the screen several times, and extends it toward me. In the image, the three weapons mentioned before can indeed be seen. Not together, but she slides the images back and forth with her finger.
—Yes, those are the ones –My gaze falls upon the assault rifle, which has a casing made of alloys that give it a clean, almost surgical and futuristic look, with several energy lines glowing with a light sky-blue light along the barrel.– This one here is called the "ZeriX 'Consecrator' Pattern Handgun - Mark II," or simply Consecrator among friends. It is a weapon that features a special activator, a sort of internal mini-forge that materializes a bullet from oxygen itself at the exact instant before firing, and infuses it with a charge of pure, concentrated Divine Energy. Upon leaving the barrel, this bullet releases a charge of Divine Power designed to momentarily paralyze the key functions of all creatures whose power is the opposite of the Divine. In other words, it works on both demons and Surnaturel–
Looking at the Detective, as expected, she is wide-eyed and open-mouthed. However, after a few moments, she closes it and swipes to the next image.
—This one. Tell me what it is–
—I observe the SMG, with its short barrel and several ventilation grilles along the body of the weapon; its chassis is angular and functional, built with the lightweight but resistant compounds that ZWF usually employs– This one you see here is the "ZeriX 'Ignis' Plasma Converter - Model PC-5." Or Ignis if you don't want to say all that. It's not a large weapon, as it's designed for maneuverability in tight spaces. Do you see it doesn't have magazines? That's because it has a mechanism similar to the previous weapon. It takes atmospheric energy, or rather, Idan, which is the Pure Energy that later transforms into any of the 5 Primordial Energies, and converts it through its integrated generator into plasma bullets. Although it also has the capacity to convert them into common lead bullets. However, as you can see, it contains ventilation grilles. If used in sustained fire for more than 15 seconds, the internal temperature rises critically, forcing the wielder to let it rest for a few minutes to cool down before being able to fire safely again. The grilles help it stay in use for another 15 seconds. It's not a weapon you can get just anywhere, as it's only a prototype, one of the first Ignis to come out. And that's exactly why the plasma doesn't work correctly, so the only option left was normal bullets–
Finally, she slides to the last image. The shotgun.
—I look at the weapon. With its wide-bore barrel, designed to release projectiles of devastating power, finished with an imposing muzzle brake intended to mitigate considerable recoil; made of dark metals and bone-white reinforced polymers, with a robust fixed stock to handle the impact of those high-caliber shots– This one, Detective, is called the "ZeriX 'Seraphim's Call' Eradicator - Type A." You can simply call it Seraphim. It fires "Divine Power Bullets" of an expansive nature that not only penetrate the armor or skin of its targets but, once inside, expand violently, releasing and disseminating the concentrated Divine Power within like a holy shrapnel bomb. Furthermore, that grenade launcher can fire up to three grenades, small, but highly powerful–
This time, I can notice that the Detective's expression of surprise was even greater than the previous one. She looked at me as if I were, ironically, an otherworldly being.
—How is it that you know all this? –She asks with incredulity– I hold a high rank in the National Police, but even with that, I couldn't access the database of the Private Military Agency that keeps records of these types of weapons. I could only search for them by image, but it only showed that, images, not data–
—Well, it's normal; Lan showed them to me and let me test them –I sketch a smile–
—Lan? –Her incredulity increases– That Lan we're talking about?–
—In this country, the Central Republic, they know him as His Majesty, the Emperor. Quite ironic if we consider that this country has "Republic" in its name and is supposed to be democratic, yet they have an Emperor who makes the most important decisions. Considering the farce they perform every few years, where they supposedly change the Emperor for one of his "descendants" to hide his immortality, I assume it must be Lan XXVII, the twenty-seventh–
—What?! –A cry of surprise echoes through the white room–
—Anyway, there will be time to talk about that –I quickly change the subject, as we've strayed once again– These weapons, coming from ZeriX Military Factory, ZMF for short, or "zemf" in its pronunciation, are weapons that won't hit the common market, the human market, since they were created for those involved in the supernatural world. Used by Surnaturel as well as Mehr-Wissen, Kehrseite, who are humans who know about the supernatural world, or Enial Users, who are humans capable of using any of the 5 Primordial Energies. They use them either to combat other Surnaturel or to fight against irrational and erratic beasts known as Wesion. –Then, I look at her– Your Father, being a Sehwert, naturally had this type of equipment –And if the Detective ends up becoming one too, she'll naturally have to have these types of weapons. Only, it seems I'll have to call in one of the many favors that bastard Lan owes me to get her good equipment, and not the trash ZMF sometimes offers to rookies– And by the way, in case you were wondering, ZMF operates in both this plane, the Aynu, and the Surnaturel plane, the Altern. The catalog this company can show you depends entirely on the person. If you are someone common, it will offer you common weapons. If you have knowledge of the supernatural world, it will offer you weapons that can help you in this world–
Finally, the Detective sits back languidly in her seat and lets out a sigh of resignation.
—You really are someone interesting –She smiles while looking at me with amusement– Let's skip the weapons found at the crime scene. With this, you're already telling me it was my Father and you who used them, and with the information you gave me, as well as their names, I don't need to know more. So, continue with your timeline. Later, I expect you to tell me more in depth about what you said regarding His Majesty the Emperor and ZMF–
—Upon catching the keywords, I make puppy eyes and gesture with my hands, touching my two index fingers together– Does that mean you're going to adopt me? Will I be able to have a home and a family? –I ask, with a theatrical, childish tone–
—Again, she sketches an amused and disdainful smile– It depends. If you make me feel more curious about you, I'd be willing to do it. But it will all depend on what you say. So, go ahead. Continue.–
—I shake my head, amused by her fake disdain. But I continue narrating. After all, one has to earn that adoption, right? heh, heh– Once we left the Sehwert Base, we first realized that night had already fallen. It was a new day, Filloni 30th, and it was near two in the morning. We both met on Filloni 29th, at seven in the evening. After that, we returned to the Officer's car, ready to face one of the Infernal Triad. However, we had no idea where to go. Luckily, Officer Montenegro received a radio alert that at the Lanel Recreational Center, located on the outskirts of the city, there were various reports of people who had seen something strange. The previous uniformed officers sent were not responding to the radio, so they decided to inform Officer Montenegro–
—Yes. I read it in the records –The Detective says after nodding her head– A suspect over two meters tall, black armor, carrying an axe, was causing destruction at the site. Additionally, all the calls mentioned that he had an ancient lamp where his head should be–
—I nod as well– Yes. That is Lumen, the Bearer of the Infernal Flame. It seems causing destruction was his way of getting our attention–
—What happened next?–
—We headed toward the place, of course –I respond. And then I prepare for the final part, and the worst part of this entire story– Upon arriving, we first equipped ourselves with the weapons. Officer Montenegro kept the shotgun and the SMG, and I took the combat rifle. After that, we entered the place, using the night itself as cover. Then, upon locating our target, we encountered a terrible scene. The two uniformed officers who had arrived earlier had been dragged toward one of the basketball courts and used by Lumen to create new lamps, with their own heads which he had severed... He had succeeded with the male officer, but we stopped him with our presence while he was in the process of doing the same to the female one–
Watching the Detective's face, I could guess that they had found the heads and bodies of the two officers, and probably one of those lamps and another that indicated the procedure was just being performed.
—Once Lumen saw us, the battle began. First, we fought on the basketball court, where we opened fire on him. However, being a Count-Rank Demon, who also possessed various physical and magical protections, as well as a powerful sword, different from the axe, which he only drew for confrontations that deserved it, and who launched powerful attacks capable of destroying the terrain, he was a tough nut to crack, even with the powerful weapons we both had. Additionally, the space became too small for us, so we led him to the soccer field, where most of the combat took place–
After that, I inhale and exhale, for the final part of this story—and the most painful part for me—had finally arrived.
—Sunlight did its job. When the first rays of the sun came out, because Lumen no longer had his respective protections, the light was able to penetrate his demonic body and shatter it slowly and painfully, ending with him dissolving into hundreds of thousands of black light particles, as if he were black dust. However… –I pause for a moment– Lumen didn't seem to want to go without taking someone with him, so, using his last strength, he conjured a shadow spear that extended from his back like a tail, toward me, toward my chest. His target, between the two of us, had been me. However, before the spear could do anything to me, Officer Montenegro…, no, Leon, placed himself in front of me and took the attack head-on, protecting me and saving my life…–
The room fills with silence as my last words come out. The painful memory of seeing Leon give his life for me will probably end up haunting me for some time. Due to my vast years, I am not very attached to almost anyone nor do I remember many, so my mind filters out those it considers unimportant. This is because my memory stores only a few of the vast number of people I have met throughout my entire existence, as storing everyone would end up overloading me too much. Only a select few have access to remain in my mind. And in Leon's case, he has more than earned it.
Unfortunately, when I store someone, I also store the moments I spend with that person, having a photographic memory, so what happened this morning will probably be the first thing I remember for a few days when I want to consult my files about him.
—Do you know what it feels like when you want to save someone who is about to die and you can't do it? –My voice breaks slightly– If I had my powers, I could have used them to heal him instantly, but I didn't have them –My fists clench– Those damn bastards blocked them, so I couldn't save that good man–
—I see… –After a few seconds of remaining in silence, the Detective finally speaks. However, her single word comes out brittle–
—The only thing I could do was watch him die in my arms –I say, ignoring the Detective for a moment. The pain in my chest increases a bit more as I remember the scene of me trying to heal him, while he stopped me and told me it wasn't worth it– I even tried to call an ambulance, but he stopped me. He shook his head, and with his last strength, he reminded me of the promise between us –I look at the Detective– To find his daughter, his precious treasure. To protect her from everything that comes after he was gone. To care for her as he did or even more than he did. And to teach her everything necessary so that she would become strong and could face everything that is on the other side of the veil…–
Once again, we both sink into silence. A heavy silence, loaded with the non-literal presence of Officer Leon Montenegro Solís. Even though he is no longer with us, his mere mention provokes emotions in both the Detective and me.
—Detective Montenegro –My voice becomes firm, as I sit upright and look at her, the Detective with silver-white hair and scarlet eyes who is about to turn 25. The chains that those other subjects placed on me, believing I was a demon, make themselves heard once more– It is very likely that you, after hearing all this, about ends of worlds caused by artificial intelligences, Chaos Incarnate, Surnaturel, me living billions of years, and generally something supernatural, still believe that these are just lies from a suspect who doesn't want to go to prison for having "murdered your Father," and who has invented this for that end. However, let me tell you something –My gaze makes contact with hers– All of this is real. All of this, both what I told you and fighting alongside your Father, seeing him die, and trying everything to save him despite my powers being blocked, I lived it in the flesh. And besides that, let me also tell you something –My expression becomes completely serious– I, Sariel, plan to fulfill the promise I made to your Father, Leon Montenegro Solís, about caring for you, protecting you, and teaching you about that other world that has been kept hidden from you. Even if you don't want it, even if you try to push me away, I'm sorry to tell you that you won't be able to, no matter how much you try. Not only because the punishment for breaking the contract is real and complete death, but also because of Leon. For him, for that man, for that Sehwert who was different from all the others I've met, I will fulfill the promise we both made.–
Detective Montenegro remains silent for a few moments, looking at my completely serious gaze, without a single trace of joking, disdain, or anything negative in it.
Even though she says nothing, I can see in her expression the struggle between two wills: the one that wants to believe it because she knows perfectly well that everything I said is not a lie, and the one that refuses to do so because of how fantastical all this might sound.
—I see –Finally, she sighs with resignation– But, you know, it's truly difficult to believe all this and accept it. While it may be true that everything you told me is real, as a Detective, as a woman of science who relies on real data and not just on fantastical narratives, I cannot simply say "I believe you" and accept all this –Her gaze, serious, focuses intently on mine– I lived 25 years believing this world was something ordinary, and then a man comes along who has supposedly lived billions of years, saying that my Father was murdered by a demon who carried a head in the shape of a lamp and who was killed by sunlight, but not before making a final attack, taking him down while protecting you, a being whose powers were 99.9% blocked by a poison, from that attack, it's hard to believe. Do you understand me?–
—A smile sketches across my face. It's not a mocking smile like the first time she refused to believe, but one of understanding– I understand perfectly –My eyes crinkle with amusement, the kind someone would have upon discovering something in another person but refusing to say it– However, I suppose if you came to see me, and you no longer have the same attitude as when you sent me to this police station, I must assume it wasn't just to hear me tell "fantasies" to entertain you, isn't that right?–
Instantly, I can see her body tremble slightly. It seems I've hit the nail on the head, and this intelligent woman has found something at Officer Montenegro's crime scene that is challenging the woman of science within her.
—It's… –A few seconds more, and she finally dares to speak– It might sound a bit ridiculous…–
—A small chuckle escapes my mouth– Detective, please. I've told you many things that would seem ridiculous to anyone else. Are you really going to say something like that?–
—Ugh –An adorable groan of "damn, he's right" escapes her red lips–
—Then, tell me about that "ridiculous" thing you found–
The Detective, after sighing, takes out her cell phone again, unlocks it, taps the screen several times, and after a few seconds, extends it toward me for me to see.
It's an image. But not a simple image. It's a weapon—or rather, a greatsword of massive proportions, forged in a matte black metal that seems to absorb the daylight, contrasting with electric violet runes that snake down the center of the blade, pulsing with a residual energy that I can almost feel through the glass. The guard is a beast of its own: a structure of twisted, sharp horns protecting a handle wrapped in dark leather, crowned by a pommel where a dark sapphire glows, while a halo of grayish smoke curls lazily around the steel. It is buried within some greenish bushes.
—This weapon is the one we found at the side of a basketball court, where the headless bodies of the officers that this Lumen person mangled were originally located. They didn't find it before, when I arrived at the crime scene, because it was hidden. Only when the sun illuminated it did someone finally spot it, buried in those bushes you see there –She explains, while showing me several shots of the weapon from different angles–
Looking at the sword in the images, my previous smile vanishes. My lips return to a neutral position, and my expression shifts to one of seriousness.
—Detective –I look at her, at this woman who startles upon seeing my expression– Remember I told you that Lumen had a sword, in addition to the axe he had and used to cut the heads of those two officers clean off, and that it was thrown elsewhere while Officer Montenegro and I fought him? –As she nods, I proceed– That weapon you found and are showing me in the images is the very same one Lumen had–
Instantly, the Detective startles at my words. Lumen, unlike me, is a true demon. Everything he touches remains impregnated with his demonic essence, which is dangerous for most creatures—even the Surnaturel, who curiously are creations made by Chaos Incarnate (I suppose because they broke away from it upon becoming Conscious Corruptions).
—Can you identify it? –She asks nervously–
—I shake my head– Unfortunately, no. During the fall of the atomic bombs launched by the AI Irisviel 67,025 years ago, instead of trying to flee like everyone else, I just stood there and spread my arms to receive all those explosions; I was bored and wanted to feel what radiation felt like. Because of this, since I even deactivated some protections to feel the blasts even better, my mind was slightly affected. There are some things I don't remember right now.–
As expected, the Detective's gaze shows absolute incredulity at my words. What I'm saying is no joke. I really did that. At that time, I had lost taste and interest in many things, as I was carrying not only the loss of Lyra 1.52 billion years ago but also Astel after our reconciliation 1.5 billion years ago, as well as the severance of the connection as Fated Pairs between Astel and me, which left me emotionally dead; thus, I was looking for something that would make me feel something.
—However –My gaze becomes more serious than before– I can tell you something. And that is that this weapon is very likely very dangerous for anyone nearby. Demons themselves are not creations of Chaos Incarnate, but rather they are the incarnation of the malice of highly thinking beings, whether humans or Surnaturel. Even the latter are capable of becoming one if their soul is completely corrupted. Additionally, as a fact, all demons have their own essence created from how they were formed, which they are capable of infusing into everything they touch, and in turn, what they touch also has the capacity to corrupt others mentally, physically, or in most cases, both –I pause in my words– In Lumen's case, since his fetish was creating lamps from his victims' heads, his demonic essence would cause those near it to reveal what that person keeps hidden in their psyche, forcing such thoughts to become real. This is the mental case. For the physical case, it would cause, for example, their skin to become weak before any light source, like a vampire, or as he used to be with sunlight, or they could also suffer progressive stiffness in the neck and skull, as if their head were disappearing–
The Detective's face, upon listening to me and processing my words, shows clear horror. Immediately, she pulls her device away from me—but not so far that I cannot see what she is doing—goes to the call app, dials a number, and taps the green icon.
—Detective Salieri Montenegro Neiruk, Provisional General Commander of the Lanel Recreational Park crime scene, case code RC-CM,EM-PRL-300125. Put me through to the Commander-in-Chief of the case –Her words, once the call connects, come out fast but firm–
The Detective, out of nervousness, stands up from her seat, and while she waits, she begins to pace back and forth, without removing the phone from her ear.
—Commander Roger, this is Detective Salieri Montenegro Neiruk –She says after a few seconds, once the other side responds– Warn everyone near the sword found at the scene to stay away. Place restriction and warning tapes, and prevent anyone from approaching within 2 meters.–
—5 meters, Detective! –I shout to her, after hearing her give instructions to the other side. Normally the contamination effect of a demonic essence has that safety range–
—5 meters –She corrects quickly– No one, after placing the tapes, is to approach within 5 meters. Also, use Level 3 protective equipment when doing this–
A few seconds more, and the Detective finally hangs up the call and sighs with relief. After that, she walks back toward me and sits in her corresponding chair.
—Thank you for the warning –She tells me, her gaze one of gratitude and her body language one of relief– Whether it's fake or real, I cannot allow my people to be put in danger. Earlier I asked an officer to try and move it, but he couldn't. I just hope nothing happens to him–
—Ah, don't worry about that. That uniformed officer is likely fine –I tell her. Considering many Surnaturel were close to Officer Montenegro, surely that officer was one too. Although I said it also affects Surnaturel, the potency is much lower than with humans, and it only truly affects them if they use their bare hands– I assume he used gloves, right? –I ask her–
—The Detective nods her head– Naturally–
—In that case, there's nothing to fear –Yes. As long as a demonic essence doesn't fully touch the skin, everything will be fine. The capacity for affection would barely reach 10%. It's still there, but it's much more manageable. And surely there must be more Surnaturel there who can treat their comrade– And regarding what you told me, it's nothing, my beautiful lady –I respond to her with a flirtatious wink and a snap of my fingers–
—She smiles, rolls her eyes, and blushes slightly. It seems I haven't lost that womanizer touch, heh, heh– Even so, I need more information about this weapon. Even if the one who used it has died, it could still give us clues that voluntarily or involuntarily connect other people involved in the case of my Father's murder–
—I place my hand on my chin and begin to think of a solution for this. Although I'm not helpful at this moment, I can give an alternative– Ah! That's it! –After a few seconds, an idea comes to my mind– You could take the image to an antiquarian–
—An antiquarian? –The white-haired girl tilts her head–
—Yes. Most antiquarians are very fond of historical themes. This weapon doesn't look like something that could be easily forgotten. Surely, throughout history, someone else has used it, since Lumen died as a human 10,000 years ago and the current Era is 17,025 years old. Probably some of them have records linking them to this sword–
Now it's the Detective's turn to do the same as me. Her gaze wanders for a few moments as she thinks about whether or not to accept my alternative.
—Fine. I suppose you're right –She says after a few more seconds– I'll do it. I'll take these images to an antiquarian–
—Perfect –I nod my head with satisfaction. I'm glad she trusted me–
—However… –Then, my smile of satisfaction is erased when I see her avert her gaze, unable to look at me, as she blushes slightly. A blush different from the one caused by my flirting– I have no idea who to turn to… –Finally, after a few seconds, she speaks and looks back at me. This time her eyes show an embarrassment that makes my heart beat once more because of how adorable she looked– Can you… can you recommend one?... –She asks, while nervously rubbing and squeezing a strand of her hair–
After the shock of seeing her in that state that seemed so vulnerable, another expression of surprise and incredulity sketches across my face.
—Eh?! –I startle, causing the chains to shake forcefully– Aren't you supposed to be a Detective? How is it that you don't know a single antiquarian? It doesn't even have to be one. It could be a historian or a history buff. Have you not collaborated with any of these throughout your career?–
—She then sighs with resignation– Yes. I have. But all of them I've interacted with have been exclusively from Centralia, the Capital. And well… we aren't in Centralia. We are in the south, here in Melbury…–
—Realizing this, I smack my forehead with my palm– Ah. Right. How stupid of me –I say to myself as it clicks. I had heard from the others that she joined the National Police when she turned 18, and for this reason she had to move from here, Melbury, to the Capital; so, in other words, she never practiced her career in this place and didn't even develop contacts, even though she was born in this city–
Now I am the one who sighs with resignation, as I am in the same boat as her. While it's true that I've visited this country, it's usually also in the Capital, Centralia, so all the people I know who could be of use are there. Here in Melbury, which only appeared on my radar as just another city, I have no one who can help.
The worst part of all is that, because I left my phone on the other side of the world before my powers were blocked by that poison Lumen injected into me two days ago, I won't be able to count on that alternative either, as I have all my contacts there who would gladly help me in a matter of seconds.
—Hmm –Once more I submerge myself in my thoughts, trying to find a new solution for this– Wait… –Then, after a minute, a memory comes to mind– That's it! Her!–
Before being arrested and sent here, someone intervened for me so that I would be sent to this place—to this station where only Surnaturel work and where Officer Montenegro used to work and command—instead of some other ordinary station. A woman, a uniformed officer with straight blonde hair, five-foot-nine (2 inches taller than the Detective), with fair skin, blue-green eyes, and a good body—athletic, but without the muscle mass characteristic of that body type, and with an hourglass figure. However, her appearance wasn't the important part, but what she kept secret. She was a Surnaturel. The class I have no idea, because due to the blockage of my powers, I lost the ability to see their true form without waiting for them to reveal it to me, but I could see the color of her soul—cream—which all Surnaturel possess, as this did remain in my Divine Eyes.
—Her? –The Detective asks–
—Yes. Do you remember the blonde-haired agent who intervened for me so that I would be sent to this station, commanded by your Father? –It's impossible for the Detective not to remember her. It was literally thanks to her that I'm not somewhere else–
—After a few moments of recollection, her expression brightens and she nods her head– Yes. I remember her. But what does she have to do with this?–
—Well, Detective, she has something hidden inside her. And surely, thanks to that "something," it's very likely she knows an antiquarian. And not just an ordinary one, but a very exceptional one, who can probably give you all the answers you need–
If I remember correctly, that woman smelled a bit like a cat. I don't mean it in a derogatory way, but as a characteristic. Her general scent indicated that she doesn't specifically belong to the cat race, but she knows someone feline. Normally, if Surnaturel spend a lot of time with another, that type of scent sticks to them. And in the Altern, cats are extremely curious—to the point where some live centered around that very curiosity, accumulating all kinds of knowledge as a way of life.
—Do you remember her name? Do you have her contact info or something? She could be the key –I say hurriedly–
—The Detective shakes her head– I never asked for her name. And I don't have her contact info either –Then, seeing my disappointment, she raises her hand to stop it– But I can look for her out there. If you can wait an hour, I can bring her here–
—My expression brightens instantly, and I nod several times with enthusiasm– Yes. Yes. Yes. Bring her right now.–
Finally, the Detective stands up from her seat again, smiles, and nods her head.
—Fine. If you say she can help me, then I'll bring her –Her words are like ambrosia to me– But you'll have to wait for me here in this place, in this interrogation room.–
—Eh? Just like this? –I raise my arms to point at myself, to point at a Sariel bound by heavy chains and thick shackles on his wrists and ankles, in this chair bolted to the floor–
—A giggle escapes her red lips– Yes. It's just that you look very funny like that, all tied up, all chained. Besides, I don't want to bother the others to have them moving you back and forth. They have more problems to solve right now due to all the public stir being created out there–
—Bummer –I let myself slump onto the table in disappointment– Fine. Whatever. In the meantime, I'll take the chance to catch some shut-eye while you're gone–
—Heh, heh –Her 3-centimeter heels click again as I hear a new giggle that fades along with her presence– In that case, I won't let anyone else bother you. Sweet drea~ms–
—Just go already –I mutter while pouting– Bad Detective–