The team escaped to the Danann Highway. Avernus stopped and whipped his head, checking their trail for any sign of any exorcists pursuing them. In the meantime, Rokurou dropped Magilou onto the ground.

Magilou cupped her hands over her cheeks, squishing them in panic, "Oh, just my luck! It’s a catastrophe! That little traitor was right in front of me and you guys ran away!"

"That little malak was the one you're after?", Velvet asked.

Magilou gestured to her own chest dramatically, imitating a cry. "Oh yes! The Normin, Bienfu! The one who wounded this young maiden's wicked heart. A Normin full of hatefulness and deceiving cuteness." Magilou's eyes glowed as a sinister expression swept across her features. "Oh, the things I’ll be capable of once I capture him… I'll even force him to message me until his arms break… or maybe compliment me until he screams!”

Rokurou shook his head, turning to Velvet. "Should we go now?"

"Sure, unless Avernus wants to hear her nonsense for another five minutes.", Velvet replied, her face looking indifferent.

"Oh, come on! You're so rude!”, Magilou protested, running to Avernus’ side, “You have to take me with you!"

"Why? So you can whine till the end of time? Or constantly blabber about your fantasies about that Normin?”, Avernus shrugged her off, rejoining Velvet, “We rescued you and that's it. You can go and find him yourself."

"Wh-? That's just heartless! That's no way to treat a young maiden! No wonder you're still single.”

Avernus put his hand on his face and slowly brushed it downward in frustration, "If that's what it takes to shut that mouth of yours, then fine, you can come along. But no comments on what we do or else."

Magilou’s panic expression changed in an instant and she grinned in satisfaction, opening her arms in excitement, "It's a deal!"

Glaring at Avernus and still mad from his decision of allowing Magilou to accompany them, Velvet extended a demanding hand to him, "Give me the paper."

As she took the sheet and unfolded it hurriedly, her eyes skimming the words.

Second Task

~GALLES LAKE ROAD~

Search for the Missing Scholar

The group followed Velvet. However, Eizen's curiosity made him ask Velvet the same question that also boggled Avernus' mind, "How do you know that exorcist Eleanor?"

Avernus nodded at the same time, "Yeah, what's the deal with you two?"

Velvet stayed silent, eyes focused on the road. After a few moments, Rokurou filled them in instead, "When we were at Northgand, she had tears in her eyes when we first met. Velvet mocked her, calling her the “crybaby exorcist”."

"Why would a person like an exorcist even cry in public?", Avernus asked.

Velvet turned to Avernus, "Artorius' philosophy; “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few”. She seemed troubled by that. All I can say about her is that she’s naïve."

"Naïve or not, she is strong. The rank of praetor is given only to the people who can carry on with their will and determination unscathed.", Avernus said.

Velvet eyes narrowed in curiosity and Eizen continued, "He's saying that you shouldn’t underestimate her. She’s not the type to give up that easily."

"We’ll deal about it later. Velvet, what’s our next job?", Avernus asked.

"There’s a scholar missing on the road to Galles Lake.", Velvet replied coldly.

Laphicet glanced at Avernus in wonder as they shared the same concern, "That’s a rather strange request. If they know the place he vanished, why don't they just look for him there? Why ask us to do it?"

Rokurou acknowledged Laphicet's concern, "He's right. And what’s so illegal about a missing-person’s case? Shouldn’t this be left to the authorities?"

Velvet waved her hand dismissively, "Our job isn't to ask questions, so let's get the job done and move on."

Laphicet abruptly uttered, head turning around, "What’s that sound?!

"Hmm? What sound?", Avernus asked.

"The scary growling.", Laphicet said, gesturing over to the nearby cliff.

Rokurou ran towards the cliffside and stopped at the edge. "Look! There’s a noisy daemon down there. Do you think it might be one of those Code Red daemons you mentioned, Avernus?"

The group moved to his side and noticed the monster Rokurou mentioned; it was a large ape-looking daemon, wandering around the area below and carrying a large axe on his shoulder.

Avernus reached out to his satchel and took out his notebook. He checked one of its sections, humming to himself, "Yes, that would be the Orc Kong, and it is…”, Avernus raised his eyes, squinting at the daemon, “…troublesome."

Velvet uncaringly turned around, ignoring them completely as she walked away in indifference. "It doesn't matter to me. I don't want to waste my time fighting it since I don't need to."

"It’s not a waste of time, Velvet.”, Rokurou said, “Listen: there are not many exorcists capable enough to take something like this down."

Laphicet nodded, "I agree with Rokurou. I would say praetors and legates could probably take it on."

Rokurou paced to Velvet’s side, encouraging her to fight, "And those people are all your enemies, right? And I understand, the Abbey and their exorcists are strong and coordinated."

Velvet stroked her chin. His suggestion wasn’t illogical. "…And in order to close the gap between us and them, we need to fight strong adversaries like this daemon."

Eizen gave Velvet a nod, "That's what I would do. But… you're free to make your own decision. First of all, if we’re gonna fight that thing, we should determine how strong it is first. Fighting it blindly can lead to disastrous results and I don't want us to bite off more than we can chew."

Velvet agreed, "You're right. I'd rather not get myself killed because of some inadequate arrangements."

Rokurou smirked haughtily, assured the adequacy of his own strength, "You don't need to worry about getting hurt. If you decide to fight it, I'll keep you safe myself. I promise."

Velvet frowned, feeling insulted by Rokurou’s apparent pity for her, "I don't recall asking for any kind of protection."

Tia sneered inside Avernus’ mind as an echoing voice, “Velvet is proving to be a very difficult woman. It’ll be hard working with her.”

Avernus sighed silently and interrupted Velvet and Rokurou, "Then it’s settled; we’ll fight it."

Velvet shot a glare at Avernus. Her voice rang with annoyance as she turned her attention to him, "I still haven't decided yet."

"Rokurou and Eizen already said it; we need to fight and take it down. Aside from the rewards, you guys need to work on your combat skills, Break Soul techniques, and your artes."

“And you’re sure we need training?”, Velvet asked skeptically.

However, Avernus gave her a confident smile, "I can kill it myself, but you guys are in dire need of good practice and this is the perfect opportunity."

Rokurou looked at Eizen and exchanged glances, "Looks like we got our third contender! The competition is now in full effect, Eizen."

"You took those words right out of my mouth.”, Eizen added.

"Then let's go!"

With Avernus’ declaration, the group jumped and slid down the hill towards the Orc Kong. The large, black gorilla daemon, wielding an enormous axe on his shoulder, sensed their approach and stepped heavily at them.

Rokurou pulled out his twin sabers and stopped near the monster, eyes checking its unusual weapon in awe, "Look at the size of that ax!"

Velvet unsheathed her blade and circled around the daemon, "Watch out! This isn't gonna be an easy fight!"

Avernus whipped his hand, pointing to the different strategic positions around the area, "Everyone! Move up and surround him! Laphicet, stay back and provide support--”

Velvet suddenly disrupted his speech with a shout, “I don’t care!”, she howled, brows knotting. “Avernus, I want to get this over with, and I want it done now ! Stop fussing around and kill it!”

Velvet’s orders came out harsher than before. Avernus took a deep breath while Tia snickered, “Look at you, Avernus. You’ve fallen so low, like an obedient dog…”

Velvet stormed the daemon with her blade drawn, shining under the merciless sun, followed by Rokurou’s dash from the other side. Both of them pounced at the slow-moving daemon, forcing it into a defensive stance.

After landing the first set of blows on the monster’s guard, Velvet jumped back and called to Rokurou, "His skin is tough! I'll stagger it, you weaken it!"

Velvet leaped into the air and slammed her blade into the ground, "Slag Assault!"

A shockwave traveled through the ground toward the daemon. The arte battered the daemon and it lost control, it’s head spinning around aimlessly. At that time, Rokurou was already in the air and immediately brought down his blades on top of the monster, "Armor Crusher!".

The swords ate away at his flesh and it howled in pain as blood gushed out of its wounds.

Avernus saw an opening and brandished his staff, " Perfect, now it’s my turn!"

Velvet sensed someone jumped over her head. She raised her head slightly and saw Avernus soared above her like a hawk.

Dreamshadow lit up, scythe blades extending from the top. Avernus did a full spin and carved a vertical cut from the head to the bottom of the monster. "Dragon Twist!"

The bright slash sent the monster flying, slamming it against the rocks behind him, shattering the stone as the area quaked under their feet and pebbles and dust filled the area.

Suddenly, a large yellow bubble enlarged from the center of the smoke and rushed towards them.

"Guards up!", Avernus ordered, but it was too late as everyone except him and Laphicet were caught up with the blast and knocked down by the energy burst. Avernus turned to Laphicet.

"Divide Pain! Now!"

Laphicet nodded, "I'll help!"

The magic pulse emitted from Laphicet’s glowing body and covered the group in a protective aura. Velvet quickly scrambled to her feet and dashed at the monster hastily as the bandages on her left arm disappeared.

"Take that! Devour!", Velvet slashed the demihuman with her therion claws and went into a blood frenzy, cutting and slashing the daemon left and right. The Orc Kong growled and raised his battle axe and brought it down in a heavy motion on top of Velvet. She raised a quick guard but the weapon slammed into her body, forcing her to step back from the fight.

Rokurou and Avernus switched their position with Velvet and maintained the momentum. Avernus recognized the hissing sounds of wind artes passing over his head.

"Air Thrust ! Wind Lance!" Eizen's artes paced to the monster and hammered against his tough skin, staggering the behemoth, giving Velvet enough time to step back and be thoughtfully healed by Laphicet.

The Shepherd and the swordsman surrounded the daemon. Avernus struck its stomach in a fluid swing, opening a nasty wound toward the top of the chest with his enchanted staff, inflicting cursed wounds. The daemon lost most of his balance and Rokurou exploited it, slashing away at the backside, digging his sabers deep.

The large battle axe started glowing. The daemon gripped it with his two hands and did a fast and heavy horizontal slash. Avernus docked and Rokurou flipped backward to avoid its attack.

Avernus’ glare clung to the monster’s weapon, " It’s all because of that damned battle axe! "

Now aware of the monster's power source, Avernus hurried to his feet and gestured to the monster. "Hit me if you can, you filthy pig!"

The monster growled and accepted his challenge, lifting up its battle axe and bringing it down instantly, slamming it on top of Avernus.

"Adamant Bind!"

Suddenly, the earth shook and dust filled the air. Everyone rushed closer to the scene. The air then cleared by a gust of wind and they squinted at the scene: The blade of the axe was stuck in the ground and Avernus held it tightly using Dreamshadow’s scythe blades. The daemon roared in anger as it tried to yank the axe out of the ground, but it was futile. Avernus’ magic was greater than its strength.

"Now! Finish it off!", Avernus yelled, teeth clenching.

Eizen flipped his coin in the air with a clink, "Ready to die?! Think you can dodge? Just try!"

Eizen scrambled toward the daemon and punched the gorilla in the jaw. He pounded its face one slam after another.

"Perfect Mayhem!"

He focused his strength into one final upward punch that tossed the daemon away, separating the monster from his axe. Eizen turned around and caught his coin as it came back. “Finish it!”

Velvet saw the opportunity and dashed like a frenzied wolf.

"I’m ending this! No Mercy!" Jumping in the air, Velvet released her foot blade and pierced the daemon’s stomach, "Wounds that won't heal! Carved into flesh!"

Velvet unsheathed her gauntlet blade and carved deep wounds into its torso left and right.

"Lethal Pain!"

She unleashed her theorian arm and clawed the daemon’s throat. Black blood erupted from its artery like a fountain and it fell to its back. The ground quacked under their feet as the monster’s lifeless body began to disintegrate into a dark mist.

Velvet sheathed her blade and whipped her arm victoriously, "Nothing can escape from my blade!"

Rokurou folded his arms, grinning, "And from the legs…"

Then there was Eizen who followed Rokurou’s example, "And from the arms…"

Magilou caught onto their intent, "And from the hair…"

Finally, Avernus noticed Magilou’s nod. But he was enamoured with something else. "And from the brea- I mean, the eyes , too!"

" Clink !"

Angered and furious, Velvet unsheathed her blade again, brandishing it threateningly. Immediately, their innocent smiles faded away and were replaced by looks of dread.

"It was a jest, Velvet! Relax!", Magilou pleaded.

"You're quite the fighter, Velvet. I'll be sure to stay on your good side." Avernus withdrew his weapon, grinning intently.

Velvet moaned in annoyance as she glared at Avernus over her side and sheathed her blade again. "I don't have a good side and if I did, you wouldn't be on it."

"Maybe you can't see it because your good side is your blind side," Avernus said with confidence.

Magilou gave Avernus a wicked smirk, "I see what you did there."

Avernus responded dismissive shrug.

Velvet ignored both of them and turned away. Avernus was beginning to punch at the walls Velvet put up around her psyche.

Rokurou sighed in relief and smiled in satisfaction. "Whew, that thing was pretty strong. I’d say it was worth our efforts."

Velvet's therion arm reverted back. "You and Avernus both wanted something good to train on."

Avernus shook his head, "It wasn't a selfish act, Velvet. Training is always necessary. Besides, you guys were all out of sync. Fighting powerful enemies will not only boost your experience, your knowledge of artes, and techniques but also increase our teamwork efficiency."

Rokurou nodded, "Avernus is right. We're not in it just for ourselves. If I get stronger, I’ll be more helpful in our battles. This counts toward the repayment of my debt."

Velvet crossed her arms and glared skeptically at them, "But you don't deny that part of it was for yourselves."

Avernus brushed his hand over his forehead. However, Velvet was the real font of negativity. "You sound just like Eizen… Of course, part of it was for ourselves. There’s no denying that. True warriors constantly train themselves so they can improve."

Velvet’s glare didn’t shift for the better, "I just don't fully trust you yet ."

Rokurou raised a brow in confusion, "I don't get it. We Rangetsu warriors are renowned for our sense of duty."

At that moment, Laphicet interrupted them, "Oh, that you mention it, Rangetsu is a pretty unusual name, just like Avernus…"

"Our founding ancestor was a swordsman from way off in another continent who came to this land a long time ago.", Rokurou said.

"That explains your style of sword-fighting. They stand out from the usual techniques we see here.", said Velvet.

"When my ancestor moved into this new land, he had a hard time living here. After a few months, he was taken in by a noble family. Since then, the Rangetsu family have served their benefactors as bodyguards, body doubles, spies, assassins, and anything that they assign us to. That's why our creed exists."

"Your creed?", asked Velvet.

Rokurou straightened his chest, "Always return that which you've borrowed, even if you have to repay it with your life. But also because of this belief, four of my older brothers are dead."

Gloom waved behind Laphicet’s eyes. Violence and death in return for paying their debt? That was hard to digest for the mind of one so innocent.

Velvet finally came around and her face softened slightly, "Okay, I get it now. You’re following and acting upon your sense of honor."

Eizen kept his skeptical glance at Rokurou, "Well, we can count on him then. As long as he's on our side, though."

Rokurou tipped his head back in surprise. "Oh come on! That's not fair! I have been with Velvet even before you guys!"

Avernus was somewhat relieved that everyone forgot about the fact that Laphicet had also mentioned his name previously until one noisy meddlesome witch decided to follow that up, "That's settled. But what do we know about you, Hmm? Do you also follow a similar creed like Rokurou?"

Avernus maintained his composure, raising a brow at Magilou, "So a wicked witch is interested in honor and prestige? That's new."

Magilou waved a scolding hand, "Nonsense! Don't change the subject!"

"Yeah! I wanna know the meaning behind your name too! It seems interesting.", asked Laphicet.

Avernus couldn't ignore his innocent curiosity, "My full name is too long to pronounce. Just call me Avernus Diphda."

"What does Avernus mean anyway?", Rokurou asked, stroking his chin.

"It means ‘Hell’.", Eizen said.

Laphicet’s eyes widened, blinking faster than usual. “H-Hell?!”

Avernus was impressed with Eizen’s knowledge of the far continent’s language. "So the big bad pirate is also a well-versed scholar in the foreign tongue. I have to say, I'm impressed, Eizen."

Eizen smiled in confidence and cocked his head, "It’s nothing, really. I did travel all over the world in pursuit of knowledge and discovery."

Avernus sneered, "In your case, I assume it mostly involves robbing and stealing knowledge."

Rokurou stroked his chin, glancing inquisitively at Avernus, "So why ‘Hell’? Is that some kind of code word for a warrior rank or something?"

"It doesn't mean “Hell”. It’s the name of a famous and ancient volcano in the northern part of the continent. My people believed that mountain to be the door to our version of Hell. It was named ‘Avernus’ well before that. Sometimes, even outsiders mistake the volcano to be the gates of Hell."

Magilou moved to Laphicet's side and extended her arm towards the sky in a dramatic fashion, "Oh, that's so scary! An innocent man claims to be fighting against injustice while, inside, he is a monster that came out of the underworld to drag us all into Hell!"

Her speech sent shivers to Laphicet’s body.

"That's enough!”, Velvet said, “We've wasted enough time already. Let’s get moving."

As the team resumed their journey, Velvet slid closer to Avernus, whispering. "You owe me for that."

Avernus raised a brow as he glanced at Velvet sideways before she paced away.

After passing through some hills, They finally reached Galles Lake Road that was mentioned in the task paper. Out in the distance, there were a number of mercenaries guarding a mining point. They spotted the group and one of them raised his drawn sword.

"Why are there guards here?", Rokurou wondered.

Suddenly, malakhims began to emerge from the mercenaries' bodies, transforming into Python warriors; half humanoid, half snake. They hissed, conjuring sabers out of thin air.

Avernus pulled his staff and twirled it around, shifting into his battle stance, "They’re no ordinary mercenaries. Everyone! Attack!"

The team charged at the mercenaries and their malakhim head on, hands and bodies flaring up in magic.

On the other side of the mine, workers heard the sound of battle raging outside. The commotion forced them to stop their digging.

Then suddenly, a large part of the mine broke and the bodies of mercenaries, along with their malakhim, were sent sailing through the air and sank into the nearby lake with a great splash.

Velvet pushed through the dust and smoke, whirling her head as she scanned the miners. "Is someone named Mendi here? We're looking for him."

One of the workers paced to her side, sighing in relief, "Thank goodness. I can finally go home."

Velvet glared at him from top to bottom, "So they were keeping you as a prisoner…"

Eizen checked the mining carts from up close and picked up a stone, "That’s vermillion ore. They made you mine all of this?"

"Yes… I have found a new method for refining it. That was the reason I was forced into mining more of it.", Mendi explained.

Avernus picked one of the ores, "Vermillion ore is a rare stone made out of concentrated nutrients. It’s poisonous, but it has a lot of medical uses…"

Laphicet nodded, "Correct, but there are different configurations. It also can be…"

"Highly addictive?", Avernus asked.

"Yep."

"Then what were you making? Medicine?", Velvet asked.

Mendi stroked his head, pursing his lips as he was unsure what to say, "Maybe… They forced us to make a substance called Nectar. But I told them about the addictiveness of the substance. They gave me no choice."

Velvet whipped her hand uncaringly and left the miners to the hole in the wall, "Whatever. Our task is done. You can go back to Loegres.", Velvet opened up the third paper.

Third Task

~Danann Highway~

Stop the Ambush

"It seems someone wants to ambush a Royal Medical Society caravan on the Danann Highway."

Avernus threw the ore back into the cart and walked past the miners as they stormed out, "Are you talking about the 'Good Samaritan People' who travel around the country healing the sick?"

"They're funded by donations given to them by the common folk. But I don't follow. Why would anyone attack them?" Rokurou asked.

Velvet folded back the paper. "I guess some people are just twisted that way."

"Don't ignore the fact that the Bloodwings want to defend them.”, Avernus said, “I have a feeling that there’s more to this than we think."

The group quickly traveled to the Danann Highway. As they reached their destination, they saw toppled wagons, crushed medical crates, and an unconscious caravan crew laying down beside some broken equipment. Among all of that mess, three men were searching among the wreckage. One of them turned toward Velvet and his face contorted in fury. "Hey! What do you want?! Get out of our way!"

Avernus tipped his head at Velvet, his eyes pinning the culprit in a deathly glare, "I guess these are our targets,"

As the ambushers sensed the danger, their skins were torn from their flesh and thick fur covered their bodies instead. The bone in their jaw grew out and they bared their fangs and claws.

"That. Is. Our. Food!"

Rokurou unsheathed his dual blades, grinning in anticipation. “Good! More daemons to kill!”

Rokurou dashed at the closest one, "Killing flash!"

His swords ate through the fur and corrupted flesh, tearing the first daemon up.

"When I'm this close, I won't miss!" He swiftly thrust his right sword inside the daemon’s guts and a black beam burst out of its back, hitting the second daemon square in its chest, killing it instantly. "Form 0: Sunder!"

The third one whimpered in fear and raced away toward the vast field behind him, running on all four. Avernus curled his fingers over something invisible in the air and yanked his arm, pulling a flaming spear out of nothingness. “I’ll end it...You can’t outrun a meteor…” He pulled back his arm and threw it like a champion.

They eyeballed the javelin as it sailed through the air and homed in on the fleeing daemon in a quick dive. The spear fell right through its neck and impaled it to the ground. Wailing in pain, the daemon’s arm dropped, hanging from its torso as the burning spear held its lifeless body.

Velvet marched at the second daemon that was still struggling to recover from Rokurou’s attack. She placed her boot over his neck, glaring indifferently at the wounded creature. “You’re hardly worth remembering.”

The daemon howled hoarsely before Velvet twisted her boot, snapping its neck and silencing it.

Tia’s mocking laugh echoed in Avernus’ mind. “ Brutal …”

Rokurou sheathed his short swords. "Daemons… So that's why they needed us to stop the ambush."

"Where are the doctors? And the crew?", asked Velvet.

Eizen checked the surroundings, finding no signs of them. "Looks like they ran off."

Avernus opened one of the crates and picked up a bottle. He tossed it at Velvet. "Looks like they were after these potions."

Velvet caught and checked the label. "Looks like medicine with the cathedral’s seal…"

"Hey, take a look!", Laphicet shouted. Avernus and Rokurou moved to his side. Laphicet held a red ribbon for them to see.

"It's a red scarf. Did that belong to the attackers?", Rokurou observed.

Laphicet nodded. "Yeah. All three of them were wearing these scarfs. Maybe they’re some kind of symbol…"

"They were just daemons. Barbaric ones who target innocent people.", Velvet said.

“ Barbaric?… Look who’s talking .”, Tia whispered.

Avernus folded the scarf and gave it back to Laphicet. "Whatever it was, we have finished all the tasks. Let's head back to the tavern-"

*Growl*

Everybody slowly turned to Laphicet. His cheeks burned like hot iron.

Rokurou patted his soft hair. "Haha, you really do like mabo curry, huh?"

Laphicet swallowed. "Do I?"

Avernus chuckled at his innocence. "Your stomach seems to like it."

"But wasn't it tasty? I mean, didn’t you like it?", Laphicet asked.

"I don't know. I’ve never tried it." Avernus turned to Velvet, tipping his head at her. “I think she did, though.”

Laphicet turned to Velvet. "You didn't think it was tasty, Velvet?"

"…Couldn't tell you.", she brushed him off and left for the main road.

Avernus’ gaze followed Velvet in worry but then Rokurou intervened. "She can't taste anything besides the blood. Food doesn't hold any flavor for her.”

"I see…", Avernus murmured and frowned, " Then my suspicions were true… Poor Velvet."

They resumed their trip and followed Velvet back to the capital. However, Laphicet was deeply lost in his thoughts.

His gloomy face attracted the attention of Rokurou, "What's going on, Laphicet?"

Laphicet glanced back at the swordsman, "Am I… being useful?"

“What do you mean?”

"I mean, you can cut down enemies, Eizen can beat them up, Velvet is strong and can devour any enemy, and Avernus knows all kinds of magic. But… I'm not good at fighting and I know I’m usually depressed…"

"When in combat, the offence isn't everything.”, Eizen said, “There is no meaning in killing your enemies if you die and don't live to tell the tale. In other words, your healing and protection artes are what let us continue fighting."

Velvet stopped and turned around, nodding slightly. "Eizen’s right. Compared to dead weight, like Magilou, I’d say you’ve been more than helpful."

"Only compared to Magilou?!", Laphicet complained.

"N-no, I didn't mean it like that.”, Velvet sighed, “I’m just saying that she never helped out at all."

Magilou raised her arms in protest, "That's absurd! I'm the one giving you all the spiritual energy to keep up! Surely this feat can't be ignored!"

Eizen rolled his eyes and shifted his attention back to Laphicet, ignoring the witch. "Listen, you've just been freed from your bond. You won’t grow overnight. Always train and improve your body and mind. Keep working at it and keep your spirit up. You'll get there before you even know it."

Still unsure, Laphicet noticed Avernus stepped beside him, extending his hand, "Laphicet, give me some of your paper sheets."

Laphicet obliged and handed him multiple sheets of guardian papers. Avernus released them in the air except for one. All of the sheets floated and twirled, forming a slow-moving circle above them.

"I have watched your concentration and connection to the spirits. I'm certain you can perform this arte easily."

The teaching sessions had started and Laphicet intuitively focused on Avernus’ instructions as he tipped his head at the boy.

"When you're fully in sync with the spirits, surround it with the papers. You can immobilize your enemies in an energy cage. Remember the mana chains though, you'll need the spirit energy built up for a later phase."

Laphicet focused and sent the already airborne papers to a column looking rock. Two chains appeared between the sheets and rotated around the stone. Avernus gave the last paper to Laphicet and slowly pointed out to the rock,

"Send it."

Laphicet slowly pushed the sheet of paper toward the rock. The cage flashed as the floating paper touched it. Then a blast of enormous light obliterated the rock.

Laphicet chuckled in triumph. "Thanks, Avernus! That was amazing!"

Avernus gave him a favorable nod. "When I was young, I used it alongside my more powerful offensive artes. I called it ‘Binding Order’."

"Binding Order…" Laphicet mumbled.

Velvet waved her hand and sighed as if she was getting tired and bored. "Are we done? Can we get back to the tavern now?"

"Yep! Your training session is over for now, Laphicet.”, Avernus said, “Time for some mabo curry to fill that empty stomach."

"Yeah! I can’t wait!" Beaming with joy, they both went back on the road, walking side by side. Unknown to everyone else, a certain someone was also hungry, although not for mabo curry… but for flesh and blood.

The group finally returned to the tavern as Tabatha was waiting for them.

"Welcome back! It was difficult, was it not? Would you like some mabo curry and a peach pie after a long day of hard work?"

Laphicet was anxiously waiting for his reward. But Velvet intervened, slamming her hand on the counter. "We did our part. Now honor our deal and give us the information we want."

Tabatha switched her tone from a kind woman to a straight-up business connoisseur, face sobering up. "To the north of the Danann Highway, there is the Abbey's newest base of operations: the Empyrean’s Throne. Artorius will be there with Melchior and other high-ranking exorcists to lead the ceremony of the Empyrean Innominat's shrine relocation. It is a serious affair."

"Innominat… the Abbey's new god. We'll find our chance to strike.", Velvet said.

"Their security is tough around the temple. Even if you manage to deal with the guards, there is no getting through the barrier, which only gives access to authorised personnel. We know of a way to gain entry. However, I'm afraid…"

Velvet sighed, "It’ll cost us, right?"

Tabatha pulled out a paper from under the counter and left it on the counter, “Here’s the bill.”

~Assassinate High Priest Gideon of Midgand Cathedral~

Velvet quickly folded the paper before the rest could see the content. "Got it. Consider it done."

"Oh? Don't you want to know why we want Gideon, the high priest of the Midgand church, assassinated?"

"Assassination?! Velvet…?", Rokurou said, head whipping to Velvet.

Velvet calmly tipped her head to the side, "I imagine he’s the one responsible for the three missions you had us take care of. The red crates we burned at Port Zekson all had the seal of the Midgand church. The scholar we rescued was the one who discovered how to process vermillion ore. Then, the Nectar extracted from that red ore was in those packages the thugs were after. This highly addictive substance is distributed under the name of the church, which monopolizes its manufacture. While they make huge profits, the common folk, along with your people, suffer for it. Does that cover it?

Tabatha slowly clapped her hands together, "Bravo, you understood the connection." She glanced at Avernus and nodded in satisfaction.

"You were right about her, son. She knows a lot more than how to swing a sword."

Velvet turned to Avernus, watching his proud face as he stuck his chest out. “Velvet is… special.”

Tabatha smiled in agreement. "That’s true. You have earned my trust, young lady,"

"Don't misunderstand me. I will stop at nothing to kill Artorius.", Velvet said.

"I see. Then let me reintroduce myself properly. I'm Tabatha Baskerville, leader of Bloodwing Butterflies."

“I think Avernus already introduced me…”, Velvet read Avernus’ confirming glance before returning back to Tabatha. “Is there any more information we need to know about the high priest?"

"At midnight, the high priest prays at the royal villa. The tradition demands he’d be doing it alone. What better time to strike him down?"

"How do we get inside?"

Tabatha placed another long sheet of paper on the counter. "Carry this mark with you and your allies, and members of the Bloodwings will offer you their help."

Velvet picked up the signed paper. "We'll hold our end of the bargain. You worry about getting that key to the barrier."

"Guess we’re done for the night.”, Avernus said and turned to the group. “Everyone, go back to your rooms and get some rest. We’ll move out at midnight."

Laphicet snatched his bowl of mabo curry and, with the rest, went back to his room.

Avernus sighed and leaned against the counter, picking up a scotch bottle and pouring a shot. “Well, that was a long day…”

Tabatha brushed a washcloth over the counter. "You got the message?"

"Yes, but I’ve yet to go to the location."

"I know. You’ve got a rough road ahead of you. But this is a personal request…”

Avernus knocked back the shot. "I understand. But I can't leave them. Not now."

"Does it have something to do with killing the high priest?"

"Velvet’s not that heartless. I know too well that, with each life you take, you’ll lose some of your humanity with it. She has only a sliver left and I'm hanging on to it."

Tabatha resumed her cleaning, eyes staring into the counter, "I see…"

Avernus slammed the glass and went back to his room. As soon as he entered his chamber, Tia darted out of his body in a white orb and transformed into her humanoid figure. Without warning, she opened her silky top. Avernus quickly turned his eyes away from the scene.

"You were awfully quiet today.", said Avernus.

"I had nothing to say. You all seem to have had everything under control. I'm finished, so you can turn back now."

Avernus looked back and saw Tia in her new outfit; A long, white and gold coat with long-high heel boots and shorts. Her silky, light blond and pink hair loosened all over her shoulder. Avernus nodded in favor of her new clothes.

"That's better. Now all that remains is to introduce you to the group."

Tia raised a hand. "Not yet. I wanna take a stroll through the city first."

"Alright, then. Be careful not to get caught by the Abbey."

Tia smiled amusingly and flew through the window, disappearing into the dark night.

As Avernus was getting ready to write his observations, he heard Velvet and Laphicet arguing. He opened the door and sneaked near their room.

"…I said I'm fine!", Velvet suddenly yelled.

"Is there something wrong, Velvet?”, Avernus entered the room and asked.

Velvet glanced uncaringly at him before dashing into her main room without answering him. Avernus noticed Laphicet’s worried face. "Laphicet, I want you to keep that door open. I'll be sitting here in the corridor. If anything comes up, just shout and I'll be there."

"Is she going to be alright?" Laphicet asked.

"I don't know… But don't forget about what I said."

Laphicet nodded and joined Velvet.

Later that night

"No… No! Shut up! To hell with you! I won't listen to any of your disgusting words!"

Avernus pounced from his seat and scrambled into Velvet’s room. He watched Velvet strangling Laphicet as the boy was choking to his death.

“Stop!”

Avernus’ shout pulled Velvet from her dream and released Laphicet as the boy stumbled to his back.

She glanced horrifyingly at Laphicet’s contorted face, "What?… Why?"

Avernus raced and picked up Laphicet, patting his chest, "Breath, kid. Breath!"

Laphicet coughed hard, struggling to raise his head at Velvet, "You… You were shouting… You were having a nightmare!"

Velvet’s brow knotted and she barked, "Don't get close to me like that! You know I'm a daemon, don't you?!"

"I'm… sorry!", Laphicet sobbed and quickly broke from Avernus’ embrace, dashing out of the room.

"I didn't mean to do that.", Velvet muttered, staring blankly into the door frame.

Avernus walked to her side as she leaned against the wall, gasping.

"I know what you need.”, Avernus whispered.

Velvet turned her head away from him, collecting her posture, "I'm okay. It's nothing. Just leave me be."

Suddenly, Avernus yanked her arm and firmly held it. Velvet tried to free herself, but it was futile.

She glared into his eyes. "What are you doing?! Let me go!"

Avernus gripped her arm firmly as she was powerless to do anything else.

"You could've freed yourself from a normal human like me. But you can't, and that’s not a good sign."

Out of stamina, Velvet abruptly stumbled into his embrace. "I'm so hungry…", she whispered pleadingly.

Avernus released her hand and hugged her gently. “I know…” He pulled himself away and took off his coat. Then, he opened his shirt. Velvet scowled in shock and confusion. “W-What the hell are you doing!?”

Avernus threw his shirt and strengthened his shoulders. His muscles shone under the moonlight. "This may not substitute a full meal, but it is going to be a temporary snack until we can find a daemon or malakhim for you to eat."

“No…”, Velvet shook her head slowly from left to right, stepping back.

"I'm not a good cook. You made me some pretty good meals. So now let me return the favor."

"No… No… I won’t do it!"

"I'm not asking you to eat me. Just have some of my blood. It will be enough to buy us some time.”

She frowned and dashed towards the door, but Avernus quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back to himself even closer. His body heat somehow tingled her dampened nerves on her skin.

"Listen to me, Velvet! In your condition, you’re powerless against exorcists and daemons! How can you hope to continue fighting?! Have you learned nothing?!”

For the first time, Velvet heard his harsh tone. Like a scolding teacher, reprimanding his student.

Avernus pulled her bandaged hand and placed it over his back.

"Small bite should do it." Avernus picked a clean cloth from his pocket and folded it, placing it between his teeth and biting it.

However, Velvet lowered her head, still resisting the temptation to harvest his blood. Her eyes disappeared beneath her silky hair. Avernus shook his head and muffled something unintelligible into the cloth in his mouth. The sigil on his wrist crept over his skin like a living tattoo, and slithered to his back. It rotated and scratched his skin above where Velvet’s therion arm was resting.

Blood trickled onto the bandages, and was absorbed instantly underneath them as the therion part of her slurped them all. Suddenly, Velvet tasted his blood and her eyes flared up, burning in a hot flame and breath escaped her lungs, gasping at its heavenly flavor. Her therion arm tore through the bandages and drilled its fangs into his flesh and skin.

Avernus stumbled forward into her embrace and clenched his teeth over the cloth in unbearable pain.

"Ngh!"

The taste of ‘Avernus’ was unbelievably… delicious . Velvet embraced him tentatively. She pushed and felt only tasty soft, tender flesh under her arm’s fangs. Velvet locked her legs over his waist and pressed her body against him with enough force to make them both fall. She was delirious with joy, in a blissful fantasy as she sated her hunger with a tasteful snack. Velvet went for his neck and dug her teeth into his vein in a sucking motion. It was just a reflex to a suppressed feeling. A song of triumph and satisfaction rose within her, and Velvet moaned in pleasure.

But, for Avernus… it was Death revisited. The void had yawned and was absorbing his soul in excruciating pain. It was the worst way to go and he was helpless to stop it. His consciousness flickered away like a fading candle as the darkness enfolded him into her infinite embrace.