Chapter 16: Vanquish evil

After those tall pine trees, Kryos stands to fight the "ancient evil," as the imp put it, while Blood Claw holds on to himself because he is surrounded by snakes. The situation is far too depressing for this kingdom's royalty. Is it necessary for me to step in for a simple gorgon? It would not have come to this pitiful state if he had followed the instructions and become a "king."

In the midst of the fierce battle, an arrow grazed my face and passed through the pine tree. The soldier was alerted to "ancient evil" by blood drops on the gentle snow. I can't stand it any longer, can I? The snake approaches my location, 'hypnosis' as I conceal its unconscious body at my location.

"I'm not going to put up with that kind of crowding in my presence." Roaring, the gorgon hurls his spear at me, knocking over the pine tree in front of me in the process. Though it hasn't even come close to reaching me, it has prompted me to cast a defensive spell. 'Barrier' as my sudden mechanism, though much of my mana drain would be compared to 'mitis tenebrae' or 'Infernium ignis'; mental exhaustion and instilling fear from the previous strike have caused a significant disadvantage to my current state.

"You've arrived, little angel!" Come on, let us take him out." Kryos screamed from the top of his withering lung. His mana is weak, but he can still keep more than Blood Claw. The white cloak is nothing more than a wounded handkerchief, with blue blood dripping on his tattering 'royalty' clothes.

"That one, my dear 'nephew,' isn't an angel." Remember, all angels have vanished since the sealing?" Is this a family feud, the gorgon roars? That's why he was so close to the edge back then. The "ancient evil" glared at me as he dipped his green mana into the spear he was holding. "For a split second, this one blood seems familiar... Perhaps you were correct about this one."

Tighten the spear, aim the "ancient evil," and throw the massive weapon at me. This time, the spear has lost its previous might, and sluggish movement passes through me without the need to dodge.

"Is that all you have?" I was observing solely for the purpose of learning about that ancient era. Those "falsehoods" from the garden's library may or may not be true. They must be memories from the past, and his knowledge could be the key to understanding what happened on the other side.

"What I suspected is correct." The "ancient evil" laughs, and his voice can be heard echoing throughout the powder forest. Snow gradually accumulates, obstructing my escape; it's not like I'm going to run anytime soon.

"What are you on about?" For the time being, I will only provoke. Blood Claw has already fallen to his knees in search of a solution. Given how he surrendered himself to fate when we first met, this is an intriguing choice. The small snake demons try to sever Blood Claw's flesh, but Tanrruk's flesh isn't so easily dismantled. As long as his body is not destroyed, he can always slowly heal back.

"The ability to repel dark influences." You've drained the majority of my attack, confirming my theory about your existence." Oh, such a thing didn't exist at all. The moral-based theory is still about dark and light magic. I assumed demons knew the fundamentals of that. I guess not...

Though his weakening blow is very different, summarizing it as my "ability to ward off the dark influence" is incorrect. But in the mana atmosphere, the air is becoming colder by the second. So mana insufficient is the correct answer; he must be using his soul's core mana.

"Such a naive response from the so-called ancient." I quietly mock him. This time, Kryos has succumbed to exhaustion, but the incubus's body is more fragile than Tanrruk's. 'mitis caveam' is a spell that imprisons you. It is used to trap the victim in darkness in order to cause panic in the victim of the spell. Using it as a safe haven allowed Kryos and Blood Claw to heal and recover.

"What are you muttering about?" "Are you scared yet, angel?" Huffing and scoffing dilute the mana in the air. The "ancient demon" wishes to end this early, but for what reason? I can't think of one; he's already got the upper hand. My interference would make it impossible to conquer this kingdom. Unless there is something that needs to be hidden here.

"After all, I despise fighting with an unfair advantage." It would not be fair to judge someone based on their shallow actions and provocation. If he wanted to disarm me, he could simply thrust his spear into my body. Why would you waste time on provocation? I should better remove the distracting elements.

I'm not going to show my other form. The mana in the air is already low enough that using it would choke them all. Just go to sleep, then do everything else. To stay awake, I only need the "answer." I cast [lullaby], a song sung with a singer, on the demons. The sweet melody makes their hands unable to grasp those flimsy weapons.

"What kind of deception is this?" The snakes succumb to exhaustion one by one; there doesn't have to be the usual amount. Imp wings couldn't keep flapping around, so they fell asleep as well. "They're not to blame; give them back!" The "ancient evil" roars again, attempting but failing miserably to throw his spear. His willpower is admirable, which is why he was dubbed "ancient."

"Just a second, sir, "ancient evil." They're just sleeping, and I don't like having blood on my clothes." ‘Tenebrarum Terra’ The landscape is surrounded by darkness, which covers everything like a giant cocoon. With such a mana-rich environment, they should immediately activate their healing factor.

"...I'm speechless. I tried to kill you not long ago, and now you're healing us. "What does your action mean?" As he approaches, the "ancient evil" drops the spear. Looking down from above, he suspects every action I take in the hopes of uncovering an ulterior motive.

"I see you weren't trying to hurt me, but rather his majesty. "May I inquire as to why, sir?" The demon is perplexed as he looks at me. He pauses for a moment before scoffing.

"Bah, something like that isn't to your kind liking." I'd have to trust you for this moment because you're manifesting this unholy ground." The "ancient demon" closes his eyes in order to heal...but why manifest a pair of legs? Is it possible that I'm wasting a lot of mana? The headache...I see they're going to come after this.

" I see...a private one. I'm not going to bother you anymore. Then I'll just concentrate on healing." If he refuses to speak, I will not bother him any further. A retreat is also essential for us. He has to remember this in future negotiations, right?

"Do you mind if I ask you a question, angel?" The demon suddenly spurted. Is he finally making up his mind?

"Please ask away, sir." We'll be here for a long time if we want to heal all of the battle wounds." I must concentrate as well; if I lose my mind now, both Kryos and Bloodclaw will be in danger.

"I couldn't care less." My guys are strong enough to heal on their own. This unholy ground is just for show." The demon declares loudly that he is proud of his men's endurance. What an odd thing to be proud of. "Aside from the obvious why or who, what is your relationship with that "nephew" of mine?"

What kind of relationship? Is it the "little angel" phenomenon? I must admit that from other people's perspectives, that name may indicate a more intimate relationship, but it's just something we both agree on. My petit form's nickname is simple and efficient.

"A mere servant and master one. Nothing more to it" Without hesitation, I say.

"I can tell you there's more. Try not to hide from me!" The demon roars. What exactly is he, my uncle? When I was seen with Gabriel, not even Lamious made such remarks.

"Then I would ask you for the reason." "A simple favor from one another," I say this in the hope that he will abandon his ridiculous theories.

“Bahahaha. I am strikingly similar to him. While his son bears a resemblance to him, his trusted one does not." The demon laughs, and the rippling sound waves echo past the cocoon. "A formal introduction is required!"

"Stand before you, Andromalius, earl of thirty-six legions of demons, or so it was said. Under my watchful eye, no crime goes unpunished." What an earworm of an introduction. That name... is derived from Ars Goetia. I didn't bring a copy to capture this moment. My first fight will be with an Ars Goetia member, after which my questions will be answered!

"Then I am Mikhail, the third of twelve archangels of knowledge." "Knowledge is a vast ocean, and I am its ruler." That was humiliating. I'm hoping to wrap this up as soon as possible. I don't want to be chastised again on the second day.

The end

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