Chapter 112: Distraction

Chapter 112: Distraction

December 11th, 2089

Terras POV

It has been over a month since Vivian and I have come to an understanding regarding Pandemonium. Our partnership has been a simple one. She tells me where the identified affiliates of Pandemonium are, and then Irene, Rin, and I go eliminate the problem. The suspects turn themselves in and confess after a little magical manipulation, although occasionally we have to kill. There are sleeper agents who have been magically enthralled to follow Pandemoniums will, and those individuals have to be put down. It is a useful substitute for possession. No demons have been encountered on these raids as of yet.

Since the Council of Nine has taken over Vivians Pandemonium task force, they have expanded upon her bounty idea. Now any confirmed member of Pandemonium has a bounty on them, which has resulted in me making a lot of money this past month. Our association was also invaluable when Kira fought with a Pandemonium demon. Seconds after the emergency call was made and the words Pandemonium attack were uttered, the global security net (which the Council of Nine says doesnt exist) caught it and routed the relevant info to Vivian who then passed it on to me. The moment I broke past the isolation barrier, Susan ran. I figured as much would happen. Pandemonium has been doing nothing but these hit and runs since they were created. But now it has become so much harder for them to hide.

On a different note, I have been consistently harassed by the summoners who tried to summon me a while back. The summoning circle has appeared beneath me no less than 12 different times this past month. It has appeared regardless of whether its the public restroom (it was empty at the time), my house, or when I am in the middle of naughty time with the girls. I have had no luck in magically blocking it, I can only interrupt the summoning once it has occurred. Its like dealing with a persistent telemarketer who has your number.

My holophone started ringing, interrupting my thoughts. I looked at the message, which read: Dante spotted in New York. Currently holding everyone in the Empire State Building hostage. I immediately contacted Irene and Rin telepathically, before shapeshifting into Rin. Less than 2 minutes later, the three of us are soaring through the skies of New York City. Were invisible and headed to the top floor restaurant. Remember, do not engage Dante, hes on a completely different level than the rest. Ok! As long as theres someone else to fight, I dont fucking care. And with that said, we burst into the top floor ready for combat.

None of this is news to me. Now, demon lords are naturally much more special. We have very defined requirements to be created. There has to be a massive amount of mana congregating, along with the darkest and most potent negative emotions. And the only beings who can provide that are Heroes. My poker face couldnt help but slip at that revelation. I quickly recollected myself, but it was obvious that Dante noticed. Oh? You didnt know that your little demon familiar is actually a demon lord? I thought it was rather clear. Demon Lords and Heroes are inextricably linked because of this fact. The lowest lows can only occur when falling from the highest heights. The brightest lights create the darkest shadows and all that philosophical mumbo-jumbo.

I didnt respond for a moment, choosing instead to contact Rin. Rin? Yes, master? Did you know that youre a demon lord? Yes! Wasnt it obvious? Wow, I feel a little stupid. I never asked Rin what she was, I just assumed she was a demon. And across the table is the Demon Lord created from Jupon. Well, I guess he would be feeling some potent negative emotions as I killed him and the world he was trying to save. Fucking Project Redemption is still fucking with me. Ok, lets focus. Dante is freely giving away valuable information, I have to take advantage of this opportunity.

And about this world? I prompted him. Its simple really, this world is one-half of a whole. Long story short, a massive war occurred due to some big bruhaha surrounding an upstart who was getting way too big for his britches. The upstarts colleagues were forced to seal him, and the event split the world into two. One-half became a prison for the bad boy, the other half became this world. The prison world kept all the mana, this one slowly lost its own reserves. Magic users faded away, leaving only Remnants who are shadows of their legacy.

Thats rather vague. I said to him. I knew the other world and this one were related, but I didnt think that it broke apart in a war. Who is this imprisoned being? Mah, I cant give away everything on the first date. How else will I tempt you back next time? This is not a date. At that moment, I received a sudden SOS call from the defensive artifacts that Hikari and Veronica had. Son of a bitch. Dante must have seen it on my face that I realized that this entire incident was a planned distraction. Looks like someone has connected the dots! Thats my cue to leave! Until next time, darling! And with that he teleported away as the possessed hostages opened fire on me.

I conjured a shield of light to ward them off, but many of them had plasma cannons as well as laser rifles. For the first time in ages, I could feel a palpable strain on my barrier as it blocked the gun fire. Rin, Irene, are there any demons around? No, it was a damn feint! The only demon here seems to have been Dante. No meanies found! I dont have time for this! Veronica and Hikari are in danger!

The hostages have been remotely possessed by Dante, meaning that I cannot save them. Boss, the cameras are down. Irenes words were all the signal I needed. Come forth, beast of the sky, howl in defiance of your chains, and unleash your fury! A strong wind coalesced around me, manifesting into the shape of a snarling wolf. It started circling me, turning into a vicious twister that sucked all the assailants in. They were torn to shreds, littering the surroundings with blood and gore. Without further ado, I gathered Irene and Rin and teleported back home. Please let me get there in time.nove(l)bi(n.)com