CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 118

The surroundings: rocky walls, floors, and ceiling.

"He doesn’t need to know that we sent his daughter to that hell. It’s all part of a bigger plan. She should be happy to be the link that will start a new war that will reduce demons to mere experimental subjects," thought Van Mither, who laughed shortly after.

"I wouldn’t be so happy. You haven’t heard the latest report from the Cudernics, and I think your plan was only partially successful," said a man with blond hair, green eyes, and pale skin, who was wearing a blue and white wizard’s robe.

"Crackling" of nature, what are you doing here? Van asked calmly.

"I was sent by the founders to participate in the next mission," said the Crackling named Hann Jegenz as he placed his feet on the iron table.

-Just don’t ruin the experimental subjects. Do whatever you want with the rest. -Van said, standing up, but as he approached the large door, roots sprouted from the ground and blocked his path.

-You haven’t heard me. According to the latest report, the organization we thought we had destroyed has resurfaced. -Hann said maliciously, then continued. -We can play hardball, like in the old days.

Van Mither remained silent, and shortly after, Hann made his roots disappear.

-I’ve fulfilled my duty to inform you." Goodbye. -said Hann, whose human image turned into a pile of roots that then disappeared.

"This wasn’t part of my plan. Could it be true? What unpleasant news. Damn evil believers," Vann thought to himself, but he tried to relax and then left the room he was in.

••••

In a study room with white walls, brown tiles with beautiful designs, a beautiful glass ceiling, and large windows.

-Cousin, I ask for your support in attacking those monsters. -Duke Venzariac requested of Emperor Richard.

Emperor Richard, with golden eyes, shiny brown hair, and fair skin, wore an elegant black shirt with gold trimmings and buttons. He sat in front of his elegant burgundy desk, looked at his cousin with compassion and pity, and then replied:

-You know I can’t make impulsive decisions.

"She’s my daughter, she’s my daughter, do you know what she must be going through?" he asked desperately.

"No, I don’t know, I’m not going to lie to you. But before being your cousin, I am an emperor, I cannot help you with this. You must wait and we will take action after gathering the council and the generals," said the Emperor sympathetically.

Duke Venzariac felt a bitter taste rising in his throat and exclaimed angrily:

-If it had been your...

But seeing the Emperor’s firm gaze, the Duke stopped, yet still felt alone and betrayed.

-Leave. For now, it is best that you calm down. -the Emperor ordered him.

The duke bowed, knowing that if he lost his head now, he would not be able to take revenge, and he did not want to die without avenging himself on the demons who had kidnapped, sold, and bought his daughter.

Meanwhile, as the duke walked heavily through the corridors inside the great imperial castle, he was approached by a maid with long black hair, black eyes behind glasses, pale skin, and an impassive expression.

"Inquisiderian sends his regards," said the maid, handing Duke Venzariac a letter before continuing on her way as if nothing had happened.

The duke stepped aside and read the letter sent by the group called Inquisiderian. Inside, there was only an address and a golden card with the image of a demon at the stake.

The duke stored the letter with the address and the card in a storage ring and then left the palace without even announcing his departure.

••••

Mart entered Director Persec’s study.

Persec’s presence was immediately felt.

Mart turned his attention to the golden eyes with red sclera that were staring at him.

-Director Persec. I respectfully greet you. -Mart expressed his respect for Persec, as deep down he already considered him a necessary ally.

-Student Mart Sevec, or believer of Alvat, how would you like me to address you? -Persec asked in a deep tone that was easy to interpret.

-Both, I cannot separate one identity from the other." Even so, I appreciate your time." Mart paused, Persec just kept looking at him silently, so Mart continued. -Miss Isirid told me that the executives did not approve the request to change the tests on Marrac Mountain.

The white snakes that formed Director Persec’s hair began to move, then he asked Mart:

-So what do you intend to do?

-It’s simple, allow me to accompany your granddaughter to Marrac Mountain, I will infiltrate the group using the mask of the faker. I’ll pretend to be an exchange demon who is your granddaughter’s fiancé. -Mart said.

Persec’s presence became intense, but Mart remained calm and continued:

-I will protect her at all costs. You must protect this Academy and the structure you have created.

-Are you asking me to put my granddaughter aside for this Academy?" Persec asked in a firm and somewhat threatening tone.

-Director, they want to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to destroy everything. That’s how humans are, manipulating those traitors of the demon race. I will protect your granddaughter. I can guarantee that she will return to your side.

-And if you don’t keep your promise? Are you willing to receive a binding curse that will give you a horrible end if you fail? No, I don’t think even that would be enough. -said Director Persec with a gaze as deep as an abyss.

-You needn’t worry. If your granddaughter doesn’t return, it’s impossible for me to return, because I will have died protecting her. I swear it on my demon heart. -Mart said, and the energy around him stirred and created a demonic mark on his demonic core.

The demonic mark was proof of an oath; if the oath was broken, the mark would destroy the demonic core on which it was found.

Director Persec looked thoughtful.