Suddenly, Nero heard the voice of the Oracle.

However, instead of the usual unfeeling monotone, there seemed to have been a slight hint of... disgust?

***

{Despair, Heretic... You have caught the eyes of Mephistopheles, the ancient Demon God. You have been branded with the Mark of Mephisto}.

{Rejoice, Heretic. You have acquired the Relic, Book of Mephistopheles}.

***

'Despair?!' Nero trembled in fear.

However, something else caught his attention immediately after.

He frowned.

'Could this mean that not all of the ancient Gryghori are dead?'

He had never heard of this being called Mephistopheles, but he coul only assume that it was an ancient god, even though the Oracle didn't quite call it just a god.

Instead, it was a Demon God.

Nero looked up at the Defiled Cherub that had now assumed itself original position.

'So it's master must be this Mephistopheles.'

He frowned,

'Oracle, who is this Mephistopheles?'

{Mephistopheles is a Demon God. Demon Gods are beings of ill wind whose corrupted nature was born from the minds of Humans. While they did exist in the heavens before their fall, the choice of attribution was left not just to the humans, but also to the heavenly beings. In the case of Mephistopheles, he is what is known as the Enchanting Demon of Bargains. He is a being born of humankind's acceptance of the laws of equivalent exchange— there is a price to be paid for everything}.

Nero grimaced, "What would a strange existence like that possibly want with me?"

{Mephistopheles is a wandering being. In the age of gods and demons, he chose not to align with any faction, resulting in his banishment from the Seven Hells. As such, he serves no king. To maintain his hold on the physical world, the Demon feeds on the souls he acquires through his deals...}

{Mephistopheles is a tempter. A seductress who hangs the desires and greed of men over their heads like a vial of acid dripping the baleful scourge onto their flesh until nothing is left. The Enchanting Demon of Bargains is after the Heretic's soul}.

Nero's expression worsened,

"What? Why? Why does he want my soul so bad?"

{The Heretic cannot access this—}

Nero let out a sigh then looked down at the mark on his hand.

It was strange. The edges of the inverted cross were jagged, the markings imprinted deep into his flesh.

He turned back to the Defiled Cherub. Whatever this signified, he absolutely wanted nothing to do with it.

Even the name, Demon God, sounded rather ominous and dangerous. Being involved with such an entity was bound to be terrible news.

And from what he had heard, any being that was entrenched in corruption was bound to insanity and madness.

Those elements were chaotic and destructive. Only bad things could come out o associating with them.

But then again, did he really have a choice.

Suddenly, the Defiled Cherub raised its head back to the sky.

The shawl of smoldering shadows that existed as its body parted from the sides to reveal two pitch black wings.

The feathers of the wings were so black, even the night sky seemed to have a brighter hue.

The trees of Malady's Garden swayed backwards as an incredible gust of wind smashed into them.

Nero grit his teeth as he was flung back.

Smashing into a tree, he did his best to hold on for dead life.

With a single flap, the Defiled Cherub shot into the air. Then it disappeared in a single burst of blinding light.

Falling to the ground, Nero let out a miserable groan.

Left alone in the darkness, he let out a defeated sigh.

Silence...

He sat with his back against the destroyed tree stump for what felt like an eternity.

Then he rose to his feet.

The sound of rustling swam into his ears.

Sucking in a deep breath, Nero rose to his feet and turned his gaze into the empty darkness.

With his eyes, he could see someone approaching from the damaged treeline.

His eyes narrowed. His grip on the handle of the Silver Blade tightened as he drew the blade.

However, before he could do anything, he noticed a few more figures approaching as well.

'Those bastards didn't leave?'

"Garrick, you have a habit of stumbling across the most interesting things on your missions..."

Fallow's hoarse voice came from the dark.

Nero's expression fell.

Soft light fell from the heavens to reveal the group of Fallow and Garrick glaring at him with cold expressions.

Garrick walked forward,

"Nero. Associating with evil beings like the Defiled Cherub is considered a sin, not just against the church, but also a sin against humanity itself. What do you think you are doing?"

Nero was silent at Garrick's words.

Fallow clicked his tongue and shook his head,

"Well, this is rather embarrassing. And we all saw it as well. You just received something from that evil creature. Please, do not resist. We will have to report this case to the church. Don't worry, the church will be able to help. Maybe this is a possession."

Nero huffed then turned to face Obed who stared at him blankly from the rear of the party,

"Obed..."

Obed looked away.

Nero sighed internally then turned to face Lucy who had a difficult expression on her face as well.

Her gaze towards him was accusing and filled with suspicion.

Johanna turned to her sister. Seeing the difficult expression on her face, a strange, sadistic smile appeared on her lips as she pointed her crossbow at Nero,

"Whatever it is, I think we'll find it out if we cut him open, won't we sis?"

Lucy threw her an ugly glare. Then she sighed and turned to face Nero,

"Don't look at me like that, kid. Don't fight it. I'm sure the church will give you a fair trial."

Nero snorted. 'Like hell I'm doing that.'

Forget a trial, he was sure that would definitely be happening. He had no idea what the rules of the Chruch looked like.

But what he was certain about, was that he wouldn't even be seeing Liedenstorm. At least not in one piece.

He turned to face Garrick who had a serious look on his face.

Garrick huffed,

"This is for your own good."

In response to that, Nero sneered,

He let go of the hilt of the Silver Blade.

Pulling Gungnir from its strap on his back, he gently caressed it.

"This is what you truly want, isn't it?"

A sneer appeared on his face as he pointed it squarely at Garrick,

"If you want it so bad, come get it, bastard!"

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