221 – Promise (2)
#4
If you know your enemy and know yourself, you can win the battle.
This is the principle of battle.
‘The devil.’
Then the existence I have to deal with from now on.
Asmodians.
Devil.
What are their characteristics?
During a long history, demons tended to be obsessed with one thing. Whether it’s overwhelming power. Whether it’s gold that shines and sparkles. Whether it’s a knowledge desire to know everything. Whether it’s the desire to dominate to put everything under me. Whether it’s supreme loyalty to a single monarch.
If the devil wants to fulfill his desire.
I don’t mind anything.
That’s why it’s cunning. To deceive others. He is cold-blooded without mercy, and that is why he is wicked.
There is no such thing as benevolence and righteousness to the demons.
Of course.
Because they are not human.
Because of that, it has been engaged in countless conflicts with humans for a long time.
Therefore, the devil is cunning and wicked.
At the same time, strong.
If you don’t have the strength to fight, you can never defeat the demons.
‘But.’
I had that power.
If you have the right power, you have to do the right thing. Responsibility follows. Therefore, those who abandon their due responsibility and run away will be punished accordingly.
My family was like that.
Idrate Cranil. My father, who was bestowed with the title of baron, chose a small responsibility instead of a big one. I chose to abandon the battlefield where people were rolling around like rubbish on the street and return to the place where the warmth of my family awaits to protect my family.
In return, the family collapsed, but my father said he never regrets the choice he made then.
I also do not regret my choice. To save Rubia from being kidnapped by demons, I burned my soul. I lost a lot, but in the end I was able to rescue Rubia. I was satisfied.
But Heaven was not satisfied.
I wanted to destroy more evil.
So I became an incarnation.
As an incarnation, I was given new responsibilities. To destroy all evil in this world. I was now faithfully following that responsibility.
Although I didn’t take it on because I wanted to, in the end, I was no different from my father in that I was responsible for the things I cherish.
If it’s something I really have to do, if I can, to protect my lovely family and friends.
I wouldn’t mind anything.
“Calm down, you bastard.”
“Yup.”
My head snapped down.
When she looked up, Elena was clicking her tongue.
“Did you hear what I said or not?”
“…… Sorry.”
“Is it okay to apologize? Do you want to say sorry even if you go in front of the demon tribe later? I didn’t see what ability I just used, so I want you to use it again? Yes?”
I touched the nape of her neck shyly.
“Hi go… How could I ask for cooperation from such an idiot? They say it’s the best place for talented people on the continent, but there are only idiots. Say it, say it. The golden generation is an asshole, then I was the diamond generation?”
“Oh, that. Let’s stop….”
“Choose it? Come on? You have to get hit one more time to come to your senses, right?”
“… ….”
You look like a damn old man.
I wondered if I could hear the voice of my heart like this, but fortunately it didn’t.
“Okay, I’ll say it again just once. Listen carefully.”
Elena was still in my room. It was to explain the outline of the operation without anyone noticing.
Her expression was dyed cautiously.
“He is a mind manipulation demon.”
I sighed a little.
Mind manipulation.
The ability to interfere with people’s psychology and soul.
“Among them, it swallows the emotions or sensations and desires you feel, and then returns them as they are. By amplifying it dozens or hundreds of times.”
“Amplification… ?”
“Simple story.”
Elena suddenly looked around.
“Let’s see… yes. Just to give you an example.”
I pretended to scratch my arm.
“Let’s say I am bitten by a mosquito.”
Helena’s eyebrows furrowed.
She immersed herself in acting.
“This place is fucking tickling. It’s very bittersweet. I don’t want to scratch. If you scratch moderately, you’ll be cool, and you won’t have to scratch for a while. In other words, the feeling of itching and the desire to scratch are relieved.”
Buck buck.
The slow scratching movements sped up.
“But if he interferes, this itchiness multiplies. It’s so itchy that no matter how much I scratch it, it never gets better.”
Wicked, evil.
The friction causes Elena’s forearms to turn red.
“An itchy thing is itchy, but I want to scratch it so much that I can’t stand it. Then the itchiness doesn’t go away at all, and I keep scratching my arm. Harder. Stronger. Whether it bleeds from scratching or peels the skin. No matter how painful and painful it is, I can’t stop. This is because the size of the desire he amplified is far greater than the size of the pain. And that desire… You know, but it can’t be resolved forever.”
Buck buck buck buck buck.
If Elena had scratched her arm with her fingernails standing up now, a thin stream of blood would have flowed from her forearm.
“Unless the arm is amputated, the itching won’t go away. Or pass out from losing too much blood. Until that happens, I’ll keep scratching my arms. Even though blood gushed out from the cracked skin. No matter how much I try to stop and hold on to it, it’s useless. I will scratch until I die.”
“… ….”
I closed my mouth and was silent.
Immediately.
“What.”
Pair!
Elena slapped her forearm with her own hand.
“It’s roughly like this. His ability.”
It was a truly terrifying ability.
I, who had been sober, spilled my words.
“Perhaps the incident that took place in District 3…….”
“Of course it was him.”
Elena shakes her head in affirmation.
“It seems that becoming a singer was a dream. I hope that more viewers will hear their voices. I hope more people will pay attention… What kind of desire must it have been?”
If you want your voice to reach people far away, you have no choice but to raise your voice. I have no choice but to come up with something that is not even a song.
So the girl screamed. She strangled her, reproaching herself that she could only make a sound out of it. Eventually she fainted and was carried away.
“… What happened after that?”
I heard that he was transported to the temple.
“Purification… not even She woke up with no problems. And she got a statement. Based on that, she guessed her abilities. I even checked it myself to verify it, but it’s probably for sure. Of course, I don’t know what other abilities might be hidden. It’s better not to be vigilant at all.”
“Isn’t it dangerous to get caught once?”
“Dangerous. Quite. That’s why I told you to be careful.”
Elena, who was stroking her forearm, said.
“By the way, I don’t know what kind of desire it will touch. It may be simply a desire to be hungry, or a desire to sleep, or it may not be such a basic desire, but it may be a more detailed and specific desire. Because each person has different desires.”
“… Then, what about your senior?”
“What? … Me?”
Looks like Elena is going crazy.
I carefully predicted that that day would be the day that the long history of the Frontier would end.
“Even if you don’t know what to touch? Where was my only desire? … And I’m not sure about this.”
“…… ?”
“There is a high possibility that his ability will not work on us.”
“Yes?”
“Since it is a mental manipulation type, it may not work against opponents with strong mental power. I’m not just guessing… First of all, I have never been harmed by my abilities.”
Come to think of it, Elena was proceeding with the story on the premise that she had already encountered that demon.
“… Have you ever confronted that demon?”
“Uh. But missed it So I came to get you.”
Her expression went on forever, as if she didn’t like her self either.
“I’ve confirmed that the devil is in here. Then there’s only one thing left to do. Anyway, this is the end of the information I am going to tell you.”
“Wait a minute. How strong, by any chance….”
“The body’s power itself is not that strong. Ability is an issue. If he decides to cause chaos, the festival will end. I don’t know why it didn’t start a fuss right away, and I don’t know what it’s for… One thing is important. To deal with the situation so that the festival is not affected as much as possible.”
Certainly, if such an ability is scattered randomly, it is certain that not only bloodshed among students, but also the festival itself will turn into a mess.
I’ve already had an accident, but… There should be no more accidents. ‘Look! Our frontier is safe!’ Is a festival held under the de facto slogan, but how can we look at the frontier with kind eyes only after going through chaos by demons again?
Not to mention, the royal family guards have also joined in for the purpose of protection now. If the opinion that they are ineffective in supporting the imperial order begins to circulate, the emperor’s authority will be dared to be undermined.
‘… Something terrible will happen.’
It seemed like it should never be treated carelessly.
If the eradication fails, it won’t end with anyone having their heads cut off….
“Once you know, prepare to move.”
“Me, senior.”
“What else?”
“… You have to tell me what you look like.”
At my question, Elena shut her mouth.
“Black.”
“Yes?”
A very simple answer.
“It’s black.”
“…… Is that the end?”
Surprisingly, it seemed to be over.
Eight, said Elena.
“I don’t know because I haven’t seen the main body! … But I have one last thing to tell you.”
Suddenly.
Helena’s index finger was raised.
A low voice issued a warning.
“Watch out for shadows and darkness.”
Shadow.
And darkness.
“This is… ….”
Immediately after realizing something, I hardened my expression.
“…… Aren’t there two?”
“This fucking rom.”
… One more hit.
#5
─We will move separately. But you can’t go further than a certain distance. It is better to be at least a hundred meters away.
—That guy doesn’t show himself directly when there are a lot of people. I like to catch up when I’m left alone.
—So I will move as naturally as possible and lure him to a deserted place.
─It’s not just about using abilities. Do not attack directly. Still, if it’s you, you’ll be able to defend or counterattack. Do you have that bracelet too?
─And I think it’s very likely that it will go to you. So, if you happen to run into that demon, don’t worry and press this one. Not only me, but the imperial guards will also move to your location at once.
─Lastly…… This is an emergency situation.
“… ….”
I was lost in thought as I left the dormitory.
In my pocket, I touched the button Elena gave me. It’s a magic tool linked to the location tracking spell engraved on my student ID.
Of course, it is an inscription that is activated only in case of emergency, and is not normally activated to protect personal information. So, this was the button and pager that activated the inscription.
“Sure.”
While breathing in the early morning air.
I remembered Elena’s request.
—If a human running out of control because of that guy blocks your way, try to subdue him without harming him as much as possible. Absolutely no casualties. Never.
I don’t know how wide the demon’s active area is. They say that it has appeared in District 3 and also in District 1. It doesn’t seem like he’s ever shown himself in District 4.
‘Friends.’
There’s no way my friends won’t get hurt.
I wonder if I should stay here to protect them… There were professors, and most of all, these kids weren’t going to be taken lightly. It was better to believe that. Aren’t they the ones who survived by facing the Great Devil? Even if there were many twists and turns, the experience was never accumulated in vain.
“Whoa….”
He exhaled.
Now, it’s time for demon hunting.
I knew roughly what he looked like, and I knew roughly what his abilities were. In terms of strength, assuming I use my ability, I’m one step above. In case of emergency, this bracelet will protect me.
Then I won’t lose.
I can’t lose.
Definitely kill.
‘Come.’
Koo Woo-wook.
My fists tightened up.
‘Or I’ll go find it.’
Take one step forward.
Put the panoramic view of Epic Class into your eyes.
The second day of the festival is about to begin.
The surroundings were already bustling. There were several seniors preparing to operate the booth. There were also people who were waving and saying hello to me. I also waved my hand.
And then I lowered my hand and looked at the second building.
‘The kids.’
I’m sure he’s still sleeping.
It will take a long time to wake up.
‘… I should have told you that I couldn’t go.’
I couldn’t bear to say that we would enjoy tomorrow too. It’s better not to make promises you can’t keep.
I didn’t say the opposite. I’ll worry and ask what’s going on. It could instill some anxiety.
… If you can’t see me, nothing big will happen. Children want to enjoy the festival in their own way.
And by solving all the problems within today, tomorrow. As far as the last day of the festival.
Let’s play comfortably.
Yes.
Absolutely.
“…… Ezio?”
When heading to the tram stop.
The voice came from behind.
‘Of course….’
I knew who that person was.
I turned to say hello.
And then, we met.
“… You woke up early, Stella.”
Thin dresses and cardigans.
However, his feet were still wearing slippers.
“Going to the gym? This is a stop….”
The silver girl who approached her, dragging her slippers, tilted her head with pure doubt.
“Ah… I have somewhere to go People are coming here soon. I was going to leave quickly before that.”
“Yes… ? Where are you going?”
Stella’s mid-lengths were fluttering. The silvery white eyes captured my image closer.
I couldn’t bear to lie to those eyes.
“Just, where are you? The details are a secret.”
“…… Yes?”
Stella’s face becomes more puzzling when she is evasive.
What I’m going to do from now on, I couldn’t even get a glimpse of Stella’s future poem. Of course, I said I couldn’t see the fate related to me, but well. If it was destined to cause great chaos on the frontier, why didn’t I see it?
There was a possibility that it might have been because nothing happened. If so, that’s rather fortunate. It must mean that the case was well resolved.
“It’s a secret….”
Stella’s eyes narrowed.
“Hmm.”
At last, he smiles and smiles.
“Are you secretly going to meet a girl from another class?”
“… ….”
How fortunate it would be if that was the case.
“What is it? Why are you quiet No way, really?”
“It can’t be.”
Stella, her eyes wide in surprise, placed her hand over her mouth when the distant sound of an approaching tram reverberated. It was slowly time.
“Coming now. I’ll go at once. For the kids-“
“If you tell me not to go.”
Ughhh……
The weak vibration sound got louder and louder. The tram has entered the station.
It was windy, and it was a bit chilly.
Stella was still looking at me.
“Aren’t you going?”
“… ….”
A moment….
A lot of excuses floated around my mouth.
I looked to the side.
The tram slowly stopped.
I looked ahead again.
I shook my head.
“No.”
Without avoiding Stella’s gaze.
I showed my own determination.
“I have to go.”
The tram door slammed open.
If I didn’t get in quickly, I would have missed it.
It will be delayed that much.
“… I see.”
Stella with an unknown face continues her words.
“So, are you coming back?”
“Yes.”
That much….
“I promise.”
It was very easy to make an appointment.
“… Wouldn’t it be okay if I said we’d go together?”
“Yes.”
“Can’t I tell the kids to go find you?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
Stella smiled lightly as she adjusted her necklace.
“I’ll tell the kids well. Have a good trip, Ezio.”
“… Thanks.”
“Nothing.”
That was the end.
I turned around and quickly boarded the tram, never sitting in my seat and looking out the window.
So, what kind of expression did Stella make when she left me…… I couldn’t find out.