Finally we’ve arrived. After 2 and a half weeks of jumping and running we arrive in Hasona. Far in the distance we can already see it large 20 meter high 10 meter thick white walls which decorate the landscape.

During the travels here we passed through 7 villages and 3 towns. All of them had assholes who wanted to steal but as we got closer to the capital they also got weaker since they are lower leveled.

One thing that surprised me was Rooks stamina. Though Kitsu can keep up with him Rook can go nearly twice the distance. This also meant that he had much more stamina than me. During the time when Kitsu got to tired he would jump on Rook and hold on while resting before returning to running himself until Rook tired and we had a break. Though I did not run its not easy to ride Rook. He is incredibly agile for his size and his powerful legs propel him to very fast speeds far beyond what you would think his size would actually allow. Also to hold onto him while he is jumping at those speeds is just as difficult. I sit around his bulky neck and have to bend my body forward to be able to handle the rapid high speed jumping.

At one point I thought I would fall off when Rook jumped higher than normal and stayed in the air longer.

Though I couldn’t look backwards to see his footprints since I needed to focus, I was certain that with each jump he would make very large prints that made large cracks in the ground from the impact of his legs.

On the final stretch before reaching the wall was the newbie plans where rabbits and fox lived. Rook stopped at the edge of the 1 km clearing and looked out at the plans with many weak foreigners randomly running after the rabbits.

Baal: Home sick?

Rook: Remembering. Master saved me from humans. Gave me second chance.

Kitsu: …

Rook normally didn’t get emotional or go into deep thought. The only time I ever saw him like this was when he was small and when he looked at his kinsmen being killed by the foreigners. When he was like this I couldn’t tell what he was feeling or thinking, he just looked out with an unusual blank expression which is uncommon for the normally emotion raging rabbit.

Kitsu: We should go. If you want we can walk calmly to the gates if you want to look at the plains.

Rook: No. Watching brings anger and lust to kill humans. Lets get into city.

With that he prepared himself and propelled himself forward once more and started clearing the distance.

Unlike the guards at Gilead and all the other villages and towns we passed. The guards here saw my companions only with interest as we landed in front of the city.

Guard 1: Halt! What business do you have here?

Baal: I am the High Priestess Stephanie's son. I came from the town of Galton to purchase seeds for plantations.

Guard 2: I know of no town called Galton? Also the High Priestesses children are only 3 this year. You look at least 18.

Baal: The town had no name until I went with the paladins for training. The dungeon known as Galton Castle was at the center but now it has become peaceful and the town gained a proper lord. Also sir it is a blessing of our goddess that I gained the ability to grow faster as I trained.

???: All of you let the boy pass.

The voice came from a large man easily 6 meters tall and looked like a bear from his size. He was the guard captain that is stationed at the south gates.

Guard 1: Captain are you sure?

Captain: Yes but you must show me something first boy.

Baal: And what is that?

Captain: We were informed by Bishop Slade of the church of light that you are the tamer of demon race animals. The two animals in front of us look normal though oversized they are not demon in nature.

Baal: If that is all.

I place my hand at the tip of Rooks drill horn. From the spot I touched the disguise begins to dispel and works its way down. The yellow color of the horn slowly turns black while the groves gain a dark red glow. When the color reached the base it spread out and turned his body the original dark ash grey color with red hue. His back regained the long vein like tattoos that magical creatures gain.

As for Kitsu he dispelled his own illusion and with a slight increase in size this 5 lush orange tails appeared.

Baal: Good enough?

Captain: Plenty. Don't put a disguise on them in town. The Churches companions attack anything with disguises.

Baal: And about them being demon race?

Captain: All the guards already know about these two but since you were hiding the fact they blocked you.

I bowed and they allowed us to enter. I was walking on my own to feet now as we walked in. The most immediate change I saw in town wasn’t any new buildings or change in peoples looks. It was the abnormal sight of many horned rabbits or unnaturally large fox standing next to many people. These were all normal ones the ones with the guards were different colors matching the magic affinity they gained.

Baal: Ah I think we made some strange changes in this town.

(yes this was caused by the virus effect of his curse)

We walked around and even though everyone had animals, it was clear to see that we no one had more than a horned rabbit. For hunters or butchers they have bihorns or a 2 tailed fox but none had such powerful creatures like mine.

We walked all the way to the church. I wanted to see them first thing because it was the only safe place to leave Rook and Kitsu.

Unlike the citizens animals the ones here were much more high class. Larger in size and power all the holy animals diligently trained under the watchful eye of the monster trainers who had become a big part of the churches functions now.

As we walked towards the large double doors that would have allowed Rook and Plum to enter side by side a group of 2 and 3 tailed fox as well as a squad of 10 bihorn rabbits blocked our way.

Fox Leader: halt demons you shall not pass.

From the tail white flames appeared. From the horns or the rabbits small orbs of light as well. We didn’t care and continued on and which caused them to fire at us causing a large cloud of dust.

As the dust settled what appeared in front of them was the three of us unscratched and with a wall of fire in front of us that was dieing out.

Kitsu: Tsk underlings should learn their place.

With Kitsu saying that he rushed forward at his impossible speed and was instantly in front of the group in two bounds.

With his tail he dexterously hit each and everyone of them in the face making them fly a good 10-15 meters and fall unconscious. Then he looked to the monster trainer.

Kitsu: Trainer make sure to teach them how to properly bow their heads to their superiors.

Trainer: Yes I’ve been trying but they don't have a powerful enough superior to teach them that lesson. Thanks for the help Kitsu and good to see you again.

Kitsu: Pleasure was all mine.

Kitsu gave a nod to the trainer and with us walking past him he turned and walked in with us. The funniest thing was seeing the faces of those foreigners who saw the church as a place to get a blessing. For a fee they got blessed.

The priests and paladin inside instantly recognized the two large animals and connecting the dots they linked me to the little boy they knew. We were quickly surrounded with people who new me.

I was happy to see some familiar faces and it was funny to see the faces of the foreigners who didn’t know who I was and how I was making so much commotion.

???: Silence! You are in a church!

The noise vanished in a moment with the powerful voice. Everyone looked and there standing in all his glory was an aged man but one that held himself with vigor and strength even though he was old. With a large hat constimary of the pope, Michel stood there looking down at us. Everyone bowed and dispersed though he kept looking towards me but instead of the stern face he had before he was now smiling like a grandfather at his grandson.

Michel: It is good to see you again. You have grown well, you look like you can fight Commander Raio and possibly win.

Baal: I feel honored you think that your grace.

Michel: I have asked you before. Call me uncle just like Lilian does.

I smiled towards him.

Baal: Ok uncle Michel.

Michel: good come we have much to catch up on. I was worried when I heard you and your sister as well as many of the paladins we sent didn’t return.

Baal: Yes but can it be in a more private place.

Michel: Yes of course. You two can you please wait outside. The insides are made for humans so it would be hard for such large companions to come inside.

The two bowed their heads at the old man and turned around and left. I was thinking of what kind of mischief those two would cause for all the other animals.

I followed Michel to his private quarters and then we began talking. Questions like what happened, how I grew so quickly, what was happening at the castle, how everyone was.

We talked for a few hours before he had to get his work done so I was allowed to go do as I please and was told I could stay the time I wanted here at the church.

The first thing I did was go to Sophie’s Tailor shop. She was hard at work when I entered.

Sophie: Hello young man. hmm you have a paladins armor. Hmmm where have I seen that specific set

Baal: You main a set for me last year. My mom is Steph.

Sophie: What?! That 2 year old was you. How? When? What happened to you?

Baal: Ah you remember the transformation ability mom told you about.

Sophie: Ya it was surprised such a young child had an ability like that.

Baal: Well the form changed after a while and the result caused my body to get larger. It’s a kind of blessing from the goddess.(Those in the church knew about me being a demon. No one else does though)

Sophie: Strange blessing, never heard of something like that before.

Baal: Its a blessing from the goddess herself.

Sophie: Well what ever. So what do you need.

Baal: New armor, my level is far too high for this armor now. I also need armor the fits more for a demon.

Sophie: Oho. If its like that then I will make a demon lord like armor.

I smiled

Baal: Do you have the imagination to do a Demon Prince like armor.

Sophie: It will be less lavish than the other one I had planned.

Baal: That would be fine. How much.

Sophie: Want leather or metal.

Baal: Plate armor with the inside having leather since its comfortable and chain in between the plate and leather. The look is up to you.

Sophia: Hm quite simple but thats fine. Hehehe this will be fun. Your level is what 250.

Baal: 430

She stared at me in surprise her eyes slightly bulging.

Sophia: That is some efficient training plan the paladin have.

Baal: It’s cause i’m living in a castle dungeon so simply getting around I need to be ready. I’m also trained.

Sophia: Hehehehehehe This will really be fun. The cost will be 2000g but if you have some materials then I can use that.

I pull out lots of the plate armor and leather that the foreigners left behind.

Sophia: this solves many problems 750g since you seem to have a full set of plate armor. If you hand all this over I can have a trusty black smith remodel them while I make the leather part.

Baal: Take what you like.

With a wide grin she snatched three full sets of plate armor and two of chain. Then a few low leveled metal armor which I would guess is for the chain armor and put it all in a large bag. I hand her the 750g and leave towards the church after picking up what was left. I could feel eyes full of killing intent on my back and when I looked back the presence hid itself.

Baal: Wonder if its those guys that I escaped from or their friends.

I shrug and head to the church. As soon as I see the practice field I almost fall back laughing. In a large circle of the field all the lesser companions were laying knocked out while Kitsu and Rook were sparring with some worthy partners which were probably the higher up commanders partners.

My guess the underlings got cocky and were beaten for that and now the good ones were fighting. At the side the trainer was watching the intense high speed fight of the foxes and correcting mistakes from both of them. Rook and his opponent were having a slugfest above and underground which caused a bit of tremors.

On the sidelines the paladins were all cheering like this is a festival. As I walked up to the side a familiar face spotted me.

Raio: Oh young man you look familiar and you have our training gear.

Baal: It’s me Baal, I grew quick.

Raio: I did hear from a few paladins that returned. So demon ranking up affects their human forms. I wonder how strong you are now.

Baal: Want to find out.

I grinned and those nearby that heard the exchange looked towards us in anticipation.

Paladin 1: Hey guys its Baal. He’s back and he is big and from the looks of it he is strong.

Paladin 2: Is he going to fight.

Paladin 3: From the looks of it. Commander Raio looks to want it more then him.

Raio: Quiet you gossiping old ladies and get ready once they finish.

Baal: No need they are evenly matched. I’m sure those are your partners right commander.

Raio: Good eye.

Baal: Kitsu! Rook! Fights over.

With a simple command the two escape the confrontation and are outside of the ring leaving the two celestial beasts within. All four were breathing heavily with large grins on their faces.

Rook: Powerful enemy.

Kitsu: You are quite skilled.

Fox: As are you. Master was right when he said the young boy would raise powerful partners

Rabbit: *huff* Your equal. Great fighter.

They all leave and go to the side and start casting spells to heal themselves.

At the same time Raio and me walk into the ring. The space was the size of about 8 meters by 10. I felt it was small for a fight against someone like Raio but I noticed that all the paladin and animals stood much further back.

Baal: Well this is worrisome. A fight with you is making everyone move back I wonder who their more scared of.

I said joking.

Baal: So which weapon do you want me to use.

Raio: It’s up to you really.

Baal: Good.

I raise my hand and grab the large shaft of the scythe and pull it out. Raio in response pulls out his long sword. The sword shined really white unlike a normal steel sword so it was probably some other material.

Raio: I see you noticed the sword. Its made with mithril. It was forged by a dwarven blacksmith master. Every commander has a sword like this which we use when we go to battle powerful beings.

Baal: I’m honored I am seen as one.

As I look at the blade I see it begin to shine a faint blue. Raio holds his sword up with a grin. I grin back as I hold the scythe overhead with both hands to swing down. The blade starts turning blue but as soon as the blade is fully coated the mana turns pitch black like its sucking up the light.

Raio’s face turns serious as he sees me. We both hold that position for a moment before we both swing.

I had long mastered commander Hughs mana slash ability. As we cut the coat of mana makes the blade so sharp it cuts the very air that crosses it and pushes it forward with that edge. Raio’s cut is nearly invisible but mine is clear is day as I make the scythe cut the air in a diagonal direction making a big cut in the air which rushes forward impacting into the nearly invisible cut of the commander.

Just as the dust clears the sound of blades clashing was heard from the dust. A series of clashes was heard before the dust settled and what they saw was too shocking to describe.

Raio and I were locked at the center of the field. Around us deep gashes in the ground where the flying cuts ripped the ground apart. We seperated by jumping back but Raio was the one that ran forward fast as soon as he landed. With a heavy swing of his sword which I blocked with the shaft of the scythe I was thrown back.

As I was about to reach the wall of me I spread my wings and turned to face down before stopping and angling upwards before Raio reached me.

With the black wings and the scythe I was started to look like a grim reaper to the paladins who were in complete awe at the fight. I slowly descended and landed ready for another round.

Raio: You really have grown. Who would have thought that a little over a year ago you would match me. We should stop before someone gets hurt.

Baal: I agree, if we want to fight all out you should visit me at Galton. I can guarantee I would win their.

Raio: Confidence is good, cockyness isn’t. Don’t let it get to your head. You were sent to Galton to learn that and it seems you did but as you grow so will you confidence and soon it will become overconfidence. This goes for all of you guys don't get cocky and you will live longer.

All Paladins: Yes Sir!!

Raio: Now then. Lets get something to eat its been an exciting day and I worked up a sweat.

He comes over and puts his arm around me and we walk towards the cafeteria laughing and chatting.

In the shadows just behind the last building before the training area there was a shadow hiding there. A foreigner assassin watching Baal since he arrived. He was a spy from the guild White Wing Hero’s Guild.

Assassin: Boss remember the beastmaster that those newbies spotted in Gilead.

Guildmaster: Ya and what of him.

Assassin: I found him. He seems have a lot of connections with the church of light.

Guildmaster: Will he be a thorn on our side?

Assassin: Yes sir. He is very high level and can evenly match the general commander Raio in single combat and his pets are also equal to the commanders.

Guildmaster: Get rid of him before we begin our plan in a week, do you know if he is a player.

Assassin: Yes sir he is. He is to open and a traveller its impossible for me to mistake him for an NPC.

Guildmaster: Then wait until 3 days remain so that he will not interfere now get going.

Assassin: Yes boss.

With the chat closed the assassin faded into the shadows not noticing he had been easily spotted by his target.

In the cafeteria I sat with all the commanders with Raio saying I deserve to since I matched him in a fight. It was a bit embarrassing when every paladin agreed and wouldn’t let me sit anywhere else.

The food was just as good as I remembered. It being better than the quick food the paladins made help me remember this food really quickly. They weren’t bad at best moderate but nothing like the experienced cooks that worked these kitchen.

Satisfied I followed the commander to the quarters I would stay. When I was finally alone with him I began…

Baal: Commander I need to tell you something.

Raio: Since you're calling me by title its serious lets get into your room first.

We walk into the simple room with the single bed and we sit down.

Baal: I want to ask. Is there something going on behind the scenes in the city?

Raio: You got that impression as well. We think their may be enemy spies in the city. We found a few guards to a few city armories a few weeks ago. No one was found and the weapons were all stolen.

Baal: Any idea?

Raio: Can I ask why you want to know?

Baal: I spotted an assassin following me. I think there may be someone that wants to try and cripple the church forces next.

Raio: From the sound of it...I have heard that there has been an increase in foreigner guilds gaining lordship of towns and growing exponentially.

Baal: Think one of them want to take the crown?

Raio: I wouldn’t doubt that, there are more than a handful of ambitious guilds that we know of that are striving for dominance but those are guilds he have under control and are always under constant watch. Even so its possible one was hiding it’s tracks and we don't know about.

Baal: What's the current mores influential guilds in the continent?

Raio: Hmm not counting the Merchants, Warrior and Mage Guilds it would have to be the Black Wing. The thing is they are stationed far in the north so we don't know if its them.

Baal: Are there any large number of members of a single guild in this city at this moment?

Raio: Of high level guild only those who have headquarters here and those members are the core members only. As for mid level guild there is one guild that has been growing in number. The White Wing Hero’s Guild.

Baal: Can I see the insignia?

Raio pulls out a paper and begins drawing. The drawing is a simple one a large kite shield in the back with a sword and staff crossing it and 3 pairs of wings hugging over the shield.

Baal: This was the coat of arms on the shield of those humans back in Gilead. I’ve seen this once. Some 40 men tried to stop me as I left a town on my way here. I was also continuously attacked during the night by thieves I believe to be from the same guild.

Raio: I wouldn’t be surprised. Beside someone stronger or with more influence than them the guild members of this guild will never act courteous like a real “Hero” they call themselves.

Baal: I think it would be best to begin preparing for the worst commander. I have this irritating feeling when I think about these guys.

Raio: I will have everyone secretly enter into alert mode and always be on guard.

I nod and he stand and shake my hand before leaving. I look at the picture of there insignia.

Baal: These guys are up to something. I’m sure its no good and I will make sure they don't succeed. But first to get rid of this little pest that is spying on me.

With a simple breath to snuff the candle, the room turned dark for all but my demon eyes which were glowing red before it vanished into the shadows. A few moments later the muffled screams of a man who lived in the shadows could barely be heard before he puffed away as grey smoke leaving nothing to tell.