Avernus immediately felt a sense of vertigo. The portal was opened way above the ground. He soon overcame his dizziness and landed on his feet. The sound of his impact resonated within the hallowed space of the earthpulse. Concentrated and focused, he began to scope the area and instantly realized the magnitude of the region. A sense of nostalgia hit the sorcerer. The floating rocky islands, levitating crystalline boulders that embellished earthpulse’s ether, ornaments to the hidden nirvana, were reminiscent of the first time he ventured into an earthpulse. A life he could no longer relate to.

But the air had hints of seclusion. Everything was dead and forgotten.

He violently shook his head to ward off the sensation. “I’m not here to weep and wail in solitude,” Avernus said to himself, unsurely.

He waited, concentrating his heart and mind to one hub; to see and to understand.

But nothing came to him. Nothing answered his sense of wonder and prodigy. Avernus didn’t want to force his way into the stream of knowledge. He was aware that a single wrong move in the ocean of erudition would cost him his spirit. The earthpulse didn’t show anything.

“I’m not picky. Show me anything.” He hopelessly appealed to the life veins.

He felt a humming in his ears. The area soon blacked out. Avernus calmly checked his surroundings. The area felt familiar; the pitch-black, round cell with high walls of stone.

“Velvet’s cell?! Did the earthpulse reject me?!” He thought to himself furiously.

But he heard the sound of crying. He looked towards his back. Someone was with him in the darkness, sitting way back and quietly mourning. The hatch door at the top opened with a harsh sound of metal. His eyes switched to the light that was coming out of the gap. Something suddenly fell.

Avernus took a defensive stance, staff in his left hand, his right leg leading his body, and his right arm extended towards the front, his half-clenched hand radiating with magic.

He soon identified the creature; A werewolf, plunging towards him. He arched his arm and slashed away at the incoming threat, “Wind Cutter!” His shout followed the pressurized wind arte. The elemental blade shot horizontally and, in an instant, reached its target.

His eyes widened in shock. The magic passed through its body.

Avernus sidestepped. The werewolf landed on the cold ground. It started to sniff the room. To his surprise, it totally ignored his presence. “It’s a vision…”. Avernus cautiously concentrated his attention on the daemon.

The hairy Lycan slowly moved towards the unknown individual. Panting and growling, its claws reflected a glimmer of light. The silhouette slowly stood up. A pair of yellow eyes emerged from the darkness. It revealed its own claw in return. The crimson hue coming from it instantly betrayed her identity, albeit much younger.

“Velvet?!” He breathy said to himself.

With a raucous howl, the daemon pounced at her. Velvet jumped in return, and they engaged in a gruesome fight. Her claw dug deep into the werewolf’s flesh, and her adversary’s fangs burrowed deep in her body. But she was relentless. Velvet tore the tissue. Bloodiedfur filled the air around them. Another strike pulled off more muscle and skin from the daemon’s bones. The howl turned to whimpers and whine. He moved closer to the scene. He froze in his place. Velvet’s face was painted with blood. The daemon’s meat was getting absorbed through her claw.

The werewolf was no more. She ate her fill to the last drop of blood. Velvet lowered her head, standing motionless. Avernus hands intuitively went towards her shoulders, trying to comfort her. His hands went through the projection. He quickly clenched his fists and looked away.

Suddenly, she screamed and ran to the wall, “Artorius!” Her ear-piercing scream punctured his spirit. He stared at the desperate girl, trying to climb up. Her claw jabbed the rocks. Her small hands were trying to grab the stones. She managed to scale to the middle. Then, the area above flashed and a sigil formed in mid-air. She hit the therion barrier and fell.

Avernus once again instinctively ran to catch her. He positioned himself and opened his arms, but her body went through them. Avernus quiescently stood, Looking miserably at his empty embrace. The sound of cracking bone followed by Velvet’s cries of pain pulled him out of his stagnancy. He looked down and saw her face wrinkled in pain, angry, and weeping at the same time. He quickly turned away. “It’s just… It’s just a memory… Hold your shit together….” He tried to comfort himself. Sweats began to drop from his forehead. A drizzling headache hit him hard. He closed his eyelids and pressured them to fend it off.

He turned to the other side, but he met with a new scene, forming out of a memory bubble that came raised from the ground. Another fight with another daemon. Avernus focused on her looks. Her hair wasn’t braided anymore. It was long and messy. The outfit was torn and shredded from the numerous fights she had in that pit. The front was barely holding itself by a button and a thread. He understood that more time had passed in this vision. No more cries, no more feelings were apparent in her face. Devoid of all but one emotion; hate. He turned to the other side. Another daemon, this time he was begging not to get eaten. Velvet stood there for a moment, then blood splashed all over the place, no mercy.

Avernus gasped and tried to conjure another portal, murmuring magic phrases and moving his arm circularly around the space in front of him. But it was to no avail. Avernus swallowed. He thought himself to be stronger, but he had lost control. Each scream, each scene of her misery had chipped away at his psyche. His staff fell to the ground, emanating a loud metallic sound that echoed in his sorrowful soul. He leaned against the wall and slowly slid down to the ground. Like a defeated man, he looked down, motionless in a dark corner of a long-forgotten place and time. How can a man bring himself to do this to his family? Nothing made sense anymore.

“Shepherds… people with powers to make a difference but without the judgment to make a right call.” He said to himself. He woefully looked at his hands. Avernus’s mind was lost; he was looking for some rational justification. But there were none, “I… I left my homeland, leaving normal folks to fend for themselves against the daemon horde in the name of a “better solution.” I lost Lucian to desperation. If I was stronger, if I could make harder decisions, if I could be a better man… much of this could be avoided….” He clenched his hands. The overwhelming sadness choked him like a lump in his throat.

In his mind, “The Chosen Ones” was nothing but incompetent pretenders. He loathed himself. Their sins ran deep. Avernus wanted to see, and now, he had to share her suffering. The experience was turning out to be the worst idea he ever had.

He pulled Velvet’s letter from his pocket. The only memento from her that held on to it. Those words that she could never tell him in person. He would read it each night to keep reminding himself of his goals. His assumptions began to fade away; he didn’t deserve any sympathy. She wouldn’t want a shepherd like Artorius in her life; they proved to be treacherous scoundrels.

Tia was right. For all his simple desires, he could not have them with her. The clock was ticking. Avernus thought that there was still hope. If he could not fix it himself, then definitely his protégé, Laphicet, was the one to help him.

The area switched to another stage. He sensed her presence. A slow glance at his side made Avernus realized that Velvet’s projection was now sitting beside him. She was sleeping. Her tousled hair was all around her body. He watched her cumulate enough focus to get out of that nightmare. Another sound broke his focus. A new daemon was tossed into the cell. Velvet raised her head and noticed her new meal. She took off and dashed towards it. Avernus shook his head and dropped his head.

But contrary to his expectations, no commotion was heard. No shrieks and whine came forth, no sound of blood gushing out. Avernus slowly raised his head and looked into the darkness. His veins suddenly filled with adrenaline. There were two yellow eyes, burning bright, staring at him. He started to breathe heavily. His senses were alarmed by the imminent danger.

He wasn’t wrong in his assumption. Those eyes were staring at him. His hands gradually went for his staff that was fallen near his legs. The projection of Velvet quickly hurled the daemon’s body towards him.

He jolted to the side, and the Lycan’s corpse hit the wall with an enormous force. His survival instincts prevailed, and quickly, he conjured a portal. Jumping inside of it, he managed to pull himself out of the memory. The light enveloped the area, and his back forcefully hit the rocky ground. Avernus moaned in pain and used his staff to stand up. Croaked and out of breath, he checked his surroundings and noticed that he was back at the earthpulse point.

The floating Islands rumbled with activity. Something was approaching. Its domain soon overshadowed his senses. He checked behind him and saw a half-opened portal. Avernus scrambled towards it. His feet slammed and smashed the ground.

“Found you, the trespasser.” a disembodied voice resounded in the area,

He put his elbow in front of his face and dashed into the portal. “Innominat!” He resentfully said to himself. He immediately found himself in another region of the earthpulse. His head went side to side, checking for another exit opening in time and space. His body bolted at the next gate that was on another higher Island. He was hot on his trail.

“Ah…Um… Who were you again? The name ain’t working.” He mocked the Empyrean, trying to understand its position before he got ambushed by it.

“The bad boy Avernus. The one who thinks that he’s helping all yet knows nothing of his destiny, nothing of the reason for his existence. Fool, I embody ideals. The wing that spans overshadows. We will bring you to the light. We will cleanse all sins. You do not need to hide. Everywhere is my home.” Innominat monotonous voice echoed around the area.

Avernus smirked as he ran, gasping as he talked with the entity, “…it seems you know my name… and speaking like a little brat too! Well, touché. Artorius’s logic always escaped me. Why don’t you shed some light on what you want to do and tell the real daddy Shepherd?” Avernus derided the entity, panting as he moved between earthpulse junctions.

“Shepherd? Do you still live in a lie that you’re a good man trying to help people? Your flawed existence is the embodiment of pain and suffering in this world. You are poison, Avernus. Your life is not of merit and righteousness. You will drown in the eternal night, forgotten and wiped from history as you should be.” Innominat said to the sorcerer in his incorporeal voice.

Avernus passed through several batches of gateways. Still not finding the exit door, he desperately darted to the last one, “The future you and Artorius offering is not worth living, and I will not allow it. You’re nothing but a false idol. If murdering innocent people is equal to virtue, then count me as the devil!” He breathy declared to Innominat.

A blinding light enveloped enclosed him. He firmly landed in the real prison cell. He rolled controllably on the ground and quickly looked back as he got up with his weapon at the ready. The portal was gone. There was nothing but total silence in the lonely room. Avernus breathed a sigh of relief. He warped to the top and went back to join his friends. The inhale of fresh air loosened his tense spirit. It would get better If he joined his group. That was enough torture for a lifetime.

Back in the main entrance, the group was arguing about the fort’s defences. The back door opened, and Avernus entered the room. Velvet turned, and their eyes soon met one another. He didn’t see his face in the mirror, but Velvet’s surprise reaction and widened eyes made it clear. He was in a bad state; bags under his eyes, frazzled hair, and looking sickly and dirty. Avernus quickly looked away, hoping that she disregarded it as the side effects of his blood loss and the previous fight with the headless horseman.

At the same time, Eleanor entered the room. She slowly approached them, “There is something that I have been hiding until now. I’ve been acting undercover on a special mission for Lord Artorius.” She said it with a straight and honest face. Everyone began to gather around her, “I was to watch over the Malak Laphicet and bring him to Abbey headquarters. The mission was crucial. I was to do whatever it took. Even kill my fellow exorcists.” She explained assertively.

A sudden feel of cold sadness overshadowed Laphicet’s innocent mind. As he lowered his head, he sensed Avernus’s warm hand on his shoulder. Eleanor also noticed his return. It made the matter harder for her confession, but her serenity and well-meaning tone cast all doubts away. She bowed, “I’m sorry for deceiving you, Laphicet. At first, I was going to get you to lower your guard, then take you in. However, I no longer intend on following Abbey’s orders.” She firmly spoke.

“Are you turning your back on Artorius?” Velvet asked curiously.

“No, I still believe in the sincerity of Lord Artorius. That the world he wants will benefit all humankind, but I cannot overlook the methods that he has chosen to achieve that dream.” She looked at Kamoana and smiled for her, reinforcing her will. “I will help you protect the therions until I discover the answers I seek.” Her closed fist held on her chest, and her determined eyes brushed away all doubts that Avernus and Laphicet had of Eleanor. “I want to live a life that I don’t have to be ashamed of and to do that. I have to learn the truth for myself.” She declared resolutely.

Rokurou’s laugh broke the pragmatic sense of the situation, “It seems you live by your emotions after all.”

“Maybe you have found your own creed,” Eizen said, observantly.

Magilou did a dancing spin, “Welcome to our sinfulness world!” said to her in a semi-formal tone.

“A sinful but full of life and untamed emotions that you can burn till the end,” The sorcerer told Eleanor, resolutely but also amicably at the same time.

Their cordial expression put made Eleanor blush, “We’re not the same! To act in opposition to one’s feelings is to act opposed to reason!” she spoke to them in a ringing but timid voice.

“You never make anything easy….” Velvet said in a small tone.

Having been recovered from his sudden gloomy mood, Laphicet confidently looked at Eleanor, “Yeah, because she’s my vessel.”

The swordsman began to rub his chin, “I think our next target would be to find another therion, am I right?” He inquisitively asked.

“Not so fast,” Avernus told the group, looking at Eleanor. The next sentence that Avernus said made her more confused, not just t her but everyone in the room. “Eleanor… You passed your test.”

“A… test?!” Eleanor’s eyes widened, and her mouth remained half-opened. She wasn’t the only one with surprises. Velvet glanced at him, “A test? What’s he talking about? What’s he planning this time?” She unsurely said to herself.

Avernus's intention held on since the day he met the exorcist saying her vows to be Laphicet’s vessel. It was time to make a difference, to push the events forward. For Laphicet, for his friends, for his comrades, and more importantly, for Velvet.

But he needed their help if there had to be any hope for the future.

Tia saw him and went to his side, “I thought you went back to the ship to change your clothes,” she said in a scolding tone.

Avernus looked down and noticed his torn and bloodied vest, “Oh, I totally forget about it. It’s a shame. I’m going to miss it.” He remarked in a gloomy voice. “But I need to ask you something,” Avernus continued, appealing to her.

Tia narrowed her eyes and folded her arms, “Why do I get the feeling that you’re up to no good? Is it something to do with that “Test” you mentioned?” she skeptically inquired, but Tia already knew the answer, “Wait… do you want her to be your squire?”

Avernus grinned, “I think it’s going to be the best decision that I ever made,” he answered proudly. Tia’s face remained unchanged, but she spent more time glaring at him and not saying anything, “Then I need to say no more. Prepare Eleanor and Laphicet until I get back.”

Everyone’s gaze followed the sorcerer as he moved back to the docks. They soon shifted their attention back to Eleanor, giving her a chance to explain herself. Velvet was more anxious for her answer. She didn’t like surprises, at least on Avernus’s part. Eleanor shook her head, confused. “I… I have no idea! He… He didn’t say anything about a test before!”

Tia moved to their side, “You don’t need to worry about it. I’m here to make things go smoothly.” She assured them in her calm and serene voice, but that didn’t help with the situation.

Back at his cabin, Avernus slowly began to take off his pirate outfit, one piece at a time. He flooded his own mind with thoughts about his comrades,

“Velvet, Laphicet, Eleanor, Eizen, Rokurou, Magilou… All of them are always putting their lives at risk to live the lives of their choosing… regardless of what happened and what will happen….” He said to himself. Avernus opened the bandage and saw his blackened arm. The healing process was working but slowly. With a brief sigh, he opened the chest and took his vest out of it,

“My dream was to explore the world, to see its wonders, to discover the unknown… to live freely… not to kill and decimate.” The wind blew and entered the room through the opened window. His journal’s cover flipped. He glanced at the sketches he drew; the temples, the ruins, and the towns he visited. The pages turned as if he was reviewing a memory. There was another set; of Laphicet and Velvet. Avernus quickly turned to the mirror and buttoned up his vest. The wind stopped blowing. The papers turned to the last blank page.

“But if I have to be who I’m supposed to be…To give Velvet a second chance at life, to allow Laphicet to love and be loved, to find a way for both of them to live happily together,”

His heart beat faster, “to show and guide Eleanor the path to the truth, to have Rokurou, Magilou, Eizen and his band of rogues to live free from the tyranny of the Abbey….”

Avernus picked up his pendant and opened the lid. He smiled as soon as he saw Rosa’s portrait.

“…then I believe they’re connected to my dreams. In my heart, I just know that there’s a way to shine those dark in her eyes, Mother.”

Avernus put on his long white coat. He fastened the belt under his collar.

“…I will wield the title…. humans, malaks, daemons… it doesn’t matter, I will shoulder their destinies.”

His breath was controlled. He felt chills and goosebumps, like the first time he recanted his vows.

“There’s always a price for everything. Even so that it may not end well for me… But I can’t live in fear….”

He raised his arm, putting on the metallic gauntlets. The golden cross-shaped insignia shone brightly on his transparent armguard. Tia had managed to salvage some of the crystals that the harvester daemon “Blackout” used to store malevolence and fashioned them into his armour to boost his magic defence. The small locks clicked and sealed on his armour. Avernus took the feather earrings from a small box on the table. He put the earring into the top of his ear and fastened the cuffs.

“… I’m not Artorius, I will not dictate them how to live or how to die, but I will grant them a second chance.”

The second earring had been slid into the top. He wiggled it around to ensure its stableness. He took one last look in the mirror, holding his staff firmly in his hand, clenching it.

“The sins that I embraced before, I know I can’t wash them off, but I can prevent others from doing the same… If the world has to fear us to be saved… then so be it.”

Avernus walked out of his cabin, going steadily towards the entrance. The day had come to share the knowledge. To give the power to the individuals that were trustworthy and capable. Eleanor Hume had shown her competence and compassion several times. Her young heart was in the right place, and her conviction was firm and steady. There was just a matter of experience and guidance. Laphicet was one of a kind. A powerful Malak with untapped potential. He was the best candidate to carry on the legacy. After a long time, Avernus had hope.

The group was anxiously waiting for his return. The silence broke with the of the front door’s creak. The air rushed through as the tightly sealed door was opened. Tia and Eleanor were standing in the back of the room, with Laphicet standing in their midst. Eizen watched with great interest along with Rokurou massaging his own jawbone, thinking about all kinds of possibilities that the sorcerer was going to say to them.

Magilou and Velvet were a little closer to the scene, but none of them wanted to shorten the distance. Velvet’s golden eyes caught the Shepherd and followed him. To her wonder, Avernus paid no attention. His face was all serious. His focus was on something else, contrary to the past when his eyes would always find her first whenever they met. She was more intrigued than ever. Magilou was more fascinated with Velvet’s reaction. Something had changed in Avernus. There was doubt about that.

Avernus moved to the other side of Tia and looked at Eleanor. His glare sent shivers down her spine as if there was sudden and important event was coming up.

“Before we start, I’m going to tell you what you need to know about the role of a squire,” Avernus authoritatively said. Eleanor gripped her fists harder.

“You’ll be my assistant, sharing the strain of my actions to help me purify malevolence. In turn, you can have access to a number of my powers.” Avernus continued.

“But why me?” Eleanor asked unsurely.

“Because I’ve faith in your abilities to withstand the severity of holding back the malevolence, but know this; I’m an experienced Shepherd. Therefore, I still take the major blow from malevolence; you just need to get used to it. The only downside for you is that we share our life force. If should I perish, your life will forfeit as well.”

“Isn’t that a bit too much to ask?” Velvet loudly voiced her concern to him.

“Yes, but I believe in her. Besides, I would not ask her if she wasn’t up to the task.” Avernus replied assertively.

Velvet became agitated, “But what about Laphicet?! Have you become so arrogant that you’re willingly endangering his life too?!” Velvet said to him furiously.

Avernus slightly frowned, “He needs to learn and grow, Velvet. And I have trust in my own capabilities to protect them!” He replied stridently.

Velvet snorted. She judgmentally mocked him, “Hardly, last time a daemon was going to turn you into a shish kebab. If it wasn’t for me….”

Avernus immediately cut her sentence, “…Then I will have to count on your help too.”

Trapped by her own words, Velvet gasped and looked the other way.

Eizen folded his arms and slowly shook his head in uncertainty, “I haven’t heard such a thing. Why do you need extra help?”

Rokurou nodded, “Yeah, I’m with Velvet and Eizen on this one. Jeopardizing the lives of Eleanor and Laphicet in the hope of what? Purifying malevolence? I think it is too much.” He said informatively.

“Do not worry about that, everyone. I’m careful with the battles I choose from now on. And yes, I need the extra help.” said Avernus.

For Eleanor, this was too much information that he was throwing at her mind. But she wanted to make a difference. Seeing his relationship with Laphicet and Kamoana had left little to doubt his intentions or abilities.

Eleanor closed her eyes and exhaled, “I believe in you. No matter what kind of power you possess or what kind of power you give me, I will try my best to support you.” She responded adamantly.

Laphicet nodded at her, “Yeah! And I’m with Eleanor!”

“I’m ready.” Eleanor resolutely declared.

Avernus nodded at Tia, and she grabbed both of their hands, holding them.

“The wheel of life turns, a new bond bestowed by the spirits. The circle of destiny turns once more,” As Tia began the incantation, the area around them lit with blue flames. The azure glow enveloped all three of them. Laphicet felt an enormous concentration of mana. He checked his pact keeper and Avernus. His eyes darted around them. Bienfu jumped out of Magilou’s body. His eyes rounded, and his pupil shrank. Together with Eizen, they both watched the scene in awe and admiration. “Biennn… it’s like a….”

“…a pact!” Eizen shockingly said with a frowned face.

A rotating circle appeared above them and slowly descended, covering Avernus and Eleanor with ethereal glyphs of magic. Avernus opened his eyes and looked at Eleanor. Eleanor too opened her eye, feeling as the first time she made a pact with a malakhim. Avernus murmured to her, “Lawex Umuviv.”

Her eyes widened, and the aura disappeared. Eleanor breathed heavily and looked at her hands, “I’m not feeling that much different.” She said uncertainly.

Suddenly, she heard a voice in her mind, “It is not immediate, but you and Laphicet will grow stronger as the time passes.” Avernus’s voice echoed. She looked at his lips, but they were sealed tight. Just a slight smile was present.

Eleanor became flustered, “It’s… it’s incredible! How’s is this….”

“One of the boons of being a squire is the ability to communicate telepathically through our bond. Although, it takes too much energy from me. We’ll have to save it for crucial moments, not for chatty thoughts. Besides, it would be rude to others.” Avernus described it.

Eleanor slowly walked closer, “You gave me a true name…why?” Eleanor quietly said to him curiously. Her cheeks blushed red.

Avernus nodded, “That’s right, I needed it to link our consciousness together properly and also a lot of things that are magic related to soothe our connection,” Avernus answered calmly.

She quickly shook her head. Her pigtails moved from side to side, “No! I meant… the meaning of my name.”

Avernus eyes widened, “Oh, well… That’s because it was your most apparent virtue that came to my mind,” he answered compassionately.

She crossed her arms behind her back, “…Thanks.” She said gratefully.

The excitement level in Laphicet reached new heights as he felt closer to the Shepherd. Avernus glanced at the sparkling Laphicet, “Ready to guide us to the next earthpulse point?”

“Yeah, I can sense them better if we’re near another Earthpulse point,” Laphicet said confidently.

A few meters away, Velvet and Magilou were watching the scene. Magilou looked at Velvet. The feel of envious was apparent in her defiant eyes.

“That’s a cute little family he got there! Avernus always has the best surprises up his sleeves!” Magilou provocatively said to Velvet.

She folded her arms and tensed up, hugging herself a little harder, “Hmph… is that supposed to mean something?” She said dispassionately.

Magilou maliciously smirked, her eyes flashed of wickedness, “He was out of your league, and now, he is out of your reach. I’ve got to say. This was unexpected on Avernus’s part. Leaving the big bad wolf villainess for a cutesy little exorcist.” Magilou farcically said.

Velvet closed her eyes and disregarded her inflammatory statement. She walked towards the group, gaining distance from the witch to avoid biting off her head. Eizen was talking to Avernus, “I hope that you know what you’re doing. For Laphicet’s sake, at least.” Eizen frankly told him.

Avernus confidently nodded. A brief look at his eyes would convince anyone, “Don’t worry, if anything unexpected has to happen, I can break the pact immediately. Believe me. It’s better for both of them,”

Rokurou began to scratch his head, “I’m sorry if I’m not fully on board, but if you’re certain, then I’m not going to push it.”

“Then will you take full responsibility for Laphicet’s safety?” Velvet asked Avernus harshly. Her golden eyes now burning brightly with emotions. He met her own with his piercing pale green eyes.

Avernus sighed in frustration, “For a hundred times, yes. I know what I’m doing, and besides, we’re in this together. I can always count on your help, right?”

Each one of them slowly turned their heads away, looking at different parts of the room and leaving him without a response.

Avernus narrowed his eyes, growling, “Then it is time that we learn to work together… properly.” He forcefully said. His unapproved glare was felt more admonishingly than before.

The team began to suspire at his words. Eleanor began to understand Avernus’s intention; to bring the group closer, to have people trust in each other. She looked at the boy and the sorcerer, “Laphicet… Avernus, I must offer you an apology.” She said appealingly.

Everyone began to stare at her,

“What for?” Laphicet asked.

Eleanor’s mood turned to a melancholy one, “For spying. I was plotting to take you back to the Abbey. I am truly sorry.” She said apologetically.

Laphicet slightly smiled, “It was your mission, wasn’t it? Somehow, I think I always knew.” said Laphicet.

Eleanor’s eyes widened, and she swallowed, “You… You knew?” she said with a shaking voice.

Avernus nodded at Eleanor, “We knew since Artorius contacted you using that communication arte.” He calmly said to her.

Laphicet rested his hand beneath his chin, “Yeah, because whenever you feel you’re doing something wrong, you start to sweat a lot. It seemed odd and suspicious.”

Eleanor sighed, “So, you all knew… ever since I’ve become a vessel for Laphicet.” Eleanor said disappointingly. “I failed in my role as a spy. It’s pathetic… shameful, really.”

Laphicet felt Avernus’s approval through their bond, “I think it says something good about you; someone who can’t lie well seems like a better person than someone who has an easy time of it. I think Avernus has the same idea.” Laphicet told her affirmatively.

Eleanor looked at Avernus and saw his endorsed expression, “That was the reason I decided to trust you with more powers and more responsibility. You proved to be a reliable guardian for Laphicet. That’s why you deserve his and my respect, Eleanor.” He told her admiringly.

Their appreciation sent a pleasant chill into her body, and she blushed, “Thank you both. I think you two are the better persons here, not me.” Laphicet and Avernus both smiled. Their collective positive mood gave her a lot more comfort and confidence, “I hope we can stay good friends.” Eleanor said to them joyfully and calmly.

Velvet watched their interaction. Unknowingly, she wanted to break up their cheerful moment, “Hey, that’s enough chitchat! Laphicet, can you do anything about the next therion?” she asked him harshly.

She met with the irritated gaze of Eleanor. But Laphicet stood firm, “I think I can try something new from that special cell above the earthpulse point.” He answered informatively.

The team headed to Velvet’s cell once again. Avernus groaned, but he followed them. To his surprise, Tia was silent, resting in his body away from all those ecstatic feelings. Avernus sensed that she demoted her connection to Laphicet and Eleanor. He knew that she felt her privacy was attacked, but she had to follow her pact keeper.

The room still felt murky and forlorn. Magilou sat on one of the blocks, keeping her role as spectator and the rest gathered around Laphicet. He brought out his compass and began to stare into the middle.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about earthpulse points. They’re where the flow of the earth’s natural forces is concentrated.”

Eizen folded his arms across his chest, “You’re right. Innominat uses those points to acquire malevolence and reawaken himself, and you seem to have a talent for detecting them. Once you’re close enough, you can even pinpoint their location.” He said, scholastically.

Laphicet’s eyes shone with more certainty, “Except I don’t have to be close at all. When we came here before, I felt another place. A place just like this.” He told them boldly.

Avernus smiled, and Eizen was surprised at Laphicet’s claim, “Are you saying you can use this earthpulse point as a conduit to find the others?”

Laphicet acknowledged Eizen, “I think so. Although, I don’t know how far it works, and I can’t say if a therion will be on the other end.”

Velvet looked at Avernus, “Is it one of the side effects of your new bond?” she inquired.

“No, my boy had the same ability and insight from before. It’s his own doing,” He said, prideful of Laphicet’s word.

Velvet whined in annoyance. Avernus was the last person she wanted to compete with, “My boy, heh.” She said to herself irritably.

Velvet took the hands-on-hips to pose, “It will give us something real to go on. Please, give it a try.” She said appealingly. Avernus gave Laphicet the signal to start by giving him a nod.

Laphicet closed his eyes and slowly sank into the flow. All his senses were now focused on finding the earthpulses; the people around him were pushed into the background. His wavelengths used the compass as a vessel for identifying the lay lines. He began to feel them.

After a minute of swimming in the ripples of the earthen flow, he opened his eyes, “I sensed them; there are dozens of earthpulse points scattered around, but I felt a few big ones that stood out. From them.” He told the group enthusiastically.

Avernus’s eyes brimmed with interest, “That’s incredible so that you can detect their size too.” He applauded the little malak.

“Yeah, At least, I think I can. This Island is one of the big ones. There are two more like it somewhere to the east and the southeast, although they are inactive. I think those are the Warg Forest and the temple of Palamedes that Avernus sealed off.” Said Laphicet.

Velvet put her bent hand under her chin, “We’re more likely to find therions at the larger earthpulse points.” She presumed.

Avernus looked at the group and nodded, “We have three more therions to go. This is the best lead we had since we started this quest.” He boldly said and then looked at Laphicet, “We will follow your guidance on this matter, Laphicet.” He dauntlessly said to the little malak. Laphicet felt the trust and admiration of everyone and blushed. Rokurou grinned, “Avernus is right. You've done great work today, Laphicet.” He said to him adoringly.

Magilou slowly came down from the large stone block, “That’s for sure! Thank goodness you’re here. You’re a miracle. One of the wonders of the world, kiddo!” She cheeringly said to him.

The intense love and compassion that was headed towards him pushed his shyness to show itself, “It is… not that big of a deal, really.” Laphicet humbly said to them. His voice shook, and he uncontrollably moved from side to side, looking down on the ground. Avernus and Eleanor joined him.

“Let’s get back to the ship,” Avernus said.

Excited, Eleanor raised her arms, “Then let’s go therion hunting now we have a good lead!”

“Right, let’s start with the closest one and go from there. Which way is it, Laphicet?” asked Velvet.

Laphicet paused for a second, “The closest one… is to the west.”

Velvet slightly smiled for Laphicet. His positive vibes had contracted the daemoness as well, “Then lead the way.” she jubilantly said,

With her approval, the team began to get ready for their trip. However, the nice feeling Velvet had for a few seconds went away as she saw Avernus with Eleanor and Laphicet together, walking in front of them. Not long ago, the sorcerer’s place was beside her.

That night, Van Eltia left the Titania’s docks to the west. The trip was short, and in the morning, the ship reached its destination. Laphicet turned to the rest of them that was on the deck, “It’s here! This is the earthpulse point!” he shouted eagerly.

Magilou narrowed her eyes and looked dismissively around their surroundings, “Nothing but open water as far as my eyes can see. Is this earthpulse down below somewhere?” She asked indifferently.

Laphicet bit his lips and suddenly sank to his gloomy mood as he thought he had failed them.

Eizen removed his binoculars, “Of course, there would be a lot of earthpulse points in the deep sea. Most of this world is covered by ocean.” He annoyingly told Magilou.

Tia acknowledged Eizen’s statement, “They're more earthpulse points underwater than you can find on dry land. But it would be near impossible to contain a therion under the ocean, and I can’t sense a defensive shield around here.” She informed the group.

“It’s a bust then,” Velvet said abrasively.

Laphicet quickly got discouraged by the results and Velvet’s annoyed tone, “Sorry, everyone….” He said bleakly.

Rokurou suddenly spoke, “Wait a minute. We’ve seen a bug therion. You don’t think there could be a fish one as well?” He asked.

Tia gave Rokurou a serious glare, “Don’t be absurd. If there should be an aquatic therion, they need to contain it within a shield prison or swim away in this vast ocean. Although I can feel a lot of malevolence under the sea.” She told him brashly.

Eizen went to the other side and picked something up from a weapon racket, “But we need to try, and I think I have just the solution for this.” He raised his hand and showed the item that he was holding; a finishing rod.

The team stayed silent and remained indifferent. Eizen’s eyes narrowed at the lack of appreciation and the absence of an enthusiastic reaction from his team, “Don’t give me that look! I’ll have you know this is a superior fishing rod!” He held it with his two hands and cleared his throat, “This baby is nine feet long, made from a single piece of the finest bamboo, aged five years.” His eyes gawked at the body of the rod, like a lover enjoying the company of their sweetheart, “Its exquisitely wrapped handle feels like an extension of your own arm. And just look at that elegant black lacquer finish.” He described it passionately. Eizen slowly touched the bottom of the fishing rod, “It’s as perfect a fishing rod as there can be,”

Eizen looked at the group and saw their bewildered eyes. Eleanor was the first one to break the silence of the group, “Yeah… I’m sure it’s a lovely fishing pole, but we’re talking about a therion, not just some random fish.”

Velvet groaned and looked at Avernus as he shrugged her off, “All right, if no one else will, I’m going to veto this fishing idea.” She said coldly.

“Aw, c’ mon. I’m hungry. Even if all we catch is fish, at least we’ll have dinner.” Rokurou pleaded.

Magilou let out a drooling sound behind Velvet, “Mmm… I’d love to have me some koi or sockeye salmon!”

Velvet looked at Avernus one more time; he was holding a fishing pole, twirling it in the air,

“I’m not going to lie. I’m hungry too. Might as well do some fishing while we’re at it.” Avernus frankly said to them. Velvet shook her head, but she came around, “Whatever, give me one of those rods,” she indifferently told Eizen.

Velvet caught the pole as Eizen threw it at her. Her basic knowledge of “how to fish” was blurry,

“How do you attach the hook to the line?” She was holding the lure and struggling to find a place around the top, “Like this?” she said, unsurely.

Rokurou saw the scene and chuckled, “You don’t go fishing much, do you?”

Velvet glared with an annoying look, “It’s just been a while. I used to go fishing with my brother, sometimes.”

Laphicet was examining his new fishing pole from up close, “This is my first time!” he said, grippingly.

Velvet decided it was the best time to hang out with the little malak. But before she could tell him, Eleanor quickly moved to his side, “I’ll teach you how it’s done!” Eleanor said to him directly.

Velvet paused. Eleanor’s sudden meddling grabbed Laphicet’s attention away from her, “I didn’t know you could fish, Eleanor.” He said to her.

Eleanor nodded, “Yeah, when I was a little kid, old man Tenny from my village taught me. I caught a hundred fish over the years!” She proudly told him.

“Come here, Laphicet. If you want some first-hand imperial fishing lessons,” Avernus generously called to him. Velvet, Laphicet, and Eleanor looked back and watched him setting up his own fishing pole. Eizen was intrigued, “I didn’t know that you were an expert in fishing, prince of rogues.” Eizen said in a mocking tone.

Avernus narrowed his eyes at him, “Your snarky assumption is baseless, Eizen. I spent most of my youth outside the palace walls. The life of luxury was not for me. In most of my quests, I had to hunt and fish for my own food. Who do you think I’m? A good for nothing freeloader?” He frankly answered him.

Laphicet ran to his side. Avernus took his rod and explained it in detail, patiently and in great detail. First, he showed Laphicet the handle of the rod, “This is the grip section which you hold the rod and behind it is the thickest part of your rod.” He then pointed to the top, “This is the tip, the most flexible part.” He began to attach the reel and thread the line in slow movements, “Remember Laphicet; never overtighten the reel, it will crack your pole. Also, if you look at your rod from the back end, threading right will tighten it, and threading left will loosen it.” He patiently instructed the kid like a kind but serious tutor.

Tia gave him some lures in different colours. Avernus extended his arm and opened his hand, showing the lures to Laphicet, “Pick the right colour based off the weather; On sunny days, try using a silver lure. The silver will help reflect light and attract attention. On a cloudy day, however, use a gold lure because of its high reflective properties. It can give off light on even on a stormy day.” Avernus said to him in a silvery tone. The lesson ended as he knotted the lure to the hook. Avernus held the rod closer to Laphicet, offering him his fishing pole like a parent giving his child his first gift. He stood proudly.

“Wow, that’s incredible! Thanks!” Laphicet said gratefully.

Eleanor was stood there beside them, looking in admiration, “I could never have guessed you as an accomplished fisherman, Avernus!” She excitingly said to him.

“Ah, it's nothing. You’ll pick all kinds of skills when you’re travelling the world.” Avernus said proudly.

Eizen smirked, “I’ll give you plus one point on your pirate training.” He said in a bossy tone.

“Just one?! C’mon, I deserve a lot more Eizen!” He annoyingly told him.

Velvet was watching them. Rokurou and Magilou approached her from behind,

“Those three really get along. I have to say, making Eleanor a squire wasn’t a bad idea. Now they look like a family. Avernus is a good father, and Eleanor is more like a sister to Laphicet, not his vessel.” Rokurou honestly voiced his opinion.

Velvet frowned, still staring at the scene. The witch caught her jealousy. Magilou, grinning maliciously, moved closer to the millimetre of her ear, “Eleanor also got both of their numbers. Better watch out, Velvet, or she’ll snatch them both away.” She provocatively whispered in a sotto tone of voice.

Velvet was alarmed by Magilou’s inciting statement, but she was right.

“Arthur…. Avernus.” She softly but out of place called the sorcerer. But they had their heads deep in conversation.

“Hey… Laphicet…” Velvet called his name, but her low voice couldn’t reach the kid. Velvet suddenly remembered the times she went fishing with her brother.

“Laphi!” she uncontrollably yelled his brother’s name. Avernus, Eleanor, and Laphicet stopped their conversation. Laphicet’s eyes widened as he looked back at Velvet. Avernus looked at Laphicet and nodded. The malak then left their side and went to Velvet.

Eleanor turned to Avernus, “Laphicet holds you in very high regards. He sees you more than a teacher.” She told him admiringly.

“What do you mean?” Avernus asked.

“Haven’t you noticed? It’s all because of the quality time you keep spending with him. Your love is a no-brainer when it comes to Laphicet. Those are the traits that only a loving parent would show his kids.” Eleanor said, praising him. “I… I think I can see you with the kids. Lots of kids. You’ll make a good father.” She suddenly looked down and sensed a warm sensation moving through her face. Telling him made her emotions harder to control. Her cheeks crimsoned.

“Oh… Thanks, Eleanor. I’m not doing something special. Just looking after Laphicet. That’s it.” He said to her humbly.

On the other side of the ship, Laphicet moved towards Velvet, “Huh? You meant me?” he asked her, puzzled.

Velvet quickly snapped out of her feeling, “Oh! I just…” She paused and rubbed her forehead, “Be careful there. Wouldn’t want you falling into the water or anything.”

Laphicet slightly frowned, “I’m not a little kid, you know!” he said in an irritated and angry tone.

Velvet sighed, “It’s just that Laphi fell in once. A long time ago…” she said, appealingly.

Laphicet felt her sadness and backed down, “Laphi? You mean your younger brother?” he asked in a considerate tone.

Velvet swallowed, “That’s right. You reminded me of him, is all.”

“I see… is that all you wanted to say to me?” Laphicet firmly asked, waiting patiently.

“…Yeah, that’s it.” Velvet unsurely answered.

Laphicet closed his eyes, “Okay then. I’m going back to fishing with Avernus and Eleanor.” He told her in a skulking tone.

Laphicet left her side and returned to Avernus and Eleanor. Magilou giggled, “Mm-mm… People aren’t as easily swapped in and out as lures, are they?” she farcically told Velvet.

She looked back at Magilou with a threatening look, “Is that supposed to mean something?”

“It can mean anything and everything, especially for someone who wants to remain close to her friends,” Magilou said ludicrously.

Velvet clenched her fist, “Be more clear or else, Magilou.”

“Hah, listen, Velvet; some men are good at following instructions. Laphicet and Avernus both remind me of two very eager puppies. Most men do, actually. But this is a good thing. Men, like puppies, can be trained, especially when it comes to dealing with people they care about. You like dogs more than cats, am I right? You need to do more than just that. Think girl, think.” Magilou advised her. Her wide grin annoyed her.

Velvet went into a whirlwind of thoughts until suddenly, Benwick came to her side and took her fishing rod from her hands. He tested the lines, “Oh, Velvet! You got to get it a lot tighter than that. Here, let me take a look at it.” The pirate went to the other side, leaving her to collect her disordered thoughts.

Laphicet was watching Avernus closely as he instructed him on how to throw the line, his light hair shone under the sun, and the daylight reflected from his obsidian and glass-looking armour guards. The calm wind moved his feather earrings and his long coat around to some extent. “Avernus, have you ever went fishing with your dad?” Laphicet asked him plainly.

Avernus looked back at him, confused with his question, “No, my father was always busy with his royal duties and responsibilities… But I promised myself that if I ever had a kid, the first thing I would do was to bring him to the sea and teach him how to fish,” He then glanced at Laphicet’s innocent face and noticed that he was staring at him. Avernus finally understood at that moment that Laphicet’s facial expression mirrored his own. But the most prevalent of all, Laphicet was copying his behaviour. Eleanor was right.

As his thoughts caught him off guard, he heard Benwick snatching Velvet’s fishing rod. Avernus narrowed his eyes at the pirate and gently gave Laphicet his rod. He silently went towards Benwick and, with a quick move, grabbed Velvet’s fishing pole from his hands. Even he was busy with Laphicet’s and Eleanor’s training, he would never have left Velvet hanging.

“Hey! What are you doing?!” Benwick nearly shouted as he was stunned by his action.

Avernus gauntlet glowed, and he began to touch the reel and the thread, “Adding some improvement to the rod, Benwick. No need to get upset or anything.” He calmly said to the pirate.

He huffed at the sorcerer, “But I’m the better fisherman here, Avernus!” Benwick complained.

Avernus raised his brows as the enchantment was done. He gave the rod back to Benwick and looked him straight in the eye, “No one said that you weren’t.” he casually told him and returned to Laphicet and Eleanor’s side.

Benwick began to check-ups and downs of the rod to figure out what Avernus did to it. Velvet slowly walked to him, “Can I have my rod back?” she asked in a hasty tone.

Benwick nearly jumped, “Hey! Don’t rush me here. If I don’t get this squared away now, it’ll just cause you trouble later. Besides, Avernus did something to it, and I don’t know what.” He answered her.

Velvet eyes widened when she heard the sorcerer’s name, “Did you say Avernus?! What did he do to it?” She anxiously asked.

Benwick shook his head, “I don’t know. He said something about “improvement,” probably using some of his magic on it.” He unsurely answered.

Velvet looked at Avernus, still busy with Laphicet and Eleanor, “So he didn’t forget about me… but those three look like they’re having fun.” she said to herself and slightly smiled, “You damn soft-hearted fool.”

Out of the blue, Velvet hears Eizen and Rokurou arguing, “Hey, Eizen, how about a competition? Let’s see who can catch the biggest fish.” Rokurou said to Eizen in a challenging tone.

Eizen frowned, “Don’t be ridiculous. Fishing is a solitary battle. It’s about meditation and self-control… But I suppose I can’t deny I really want to put this rod to the test.”

Rokurou chuckled, “Haha! Then it’s settled. We just need to convince Avernus to join us, and it would be the greatest fishing competition!”

Velvet walked closer to them, “Why do you need Avernus for the competition?” she inquired.

Eizen grinned, “We want to take him away from his household duties. It would be good for him to balance his dad's attitude.” Eizen answered in a mocking tone.

Velvet scowled and folded her arms, “Yeah, I agree. His behaviour is annoying right now. Playing a family man. Pfft… idiot.” She said in an envious tone.

“Hey! Avernus! Enough with playing the patriarch for your team and get back to the singles! We’ve got a fishing competition, and I swear, if you don’t join, I’ll send you back to Titania on a rowboat.” Eizen shouted.

Avernus and Eleanor turned their heads toward him. Avernus was looking irritated. He sighed and left Laphicet’s and Eleanor’s sides.

She abruptly heard Benwick calling out her name. She went back to him. The pirate presented her rod, “All set. Whatever Avernus did to the threads made them so strong that it could even catch a whale if you wanted to! The rest is up to you. Now get out there and fish up a big one!” He excitingly explained.

Velvet shook her head, feeling guilty for the things she said behind Avernus’s back. She was twice as annoyed now, “…Might as well give it a shot. It’s not like everyone else remembers what we’re here for.” She uncaringly told him.

The team dispersed around deck, each waiting patiently for prey to catch their lures. After a few minutes, Laphicet excitingly yelled, “Something’s pulling the line!”

Avernus ran back to his side, “Laphicet, lift the rod back up in the air to pull the fish toward you. But watch out for tension on the line.” He calmly instructed him.

“lowering rod, spinning my reel, lift to pull the fish closer… repeat. Got it!” Laphicet rehearsed Avernus’s lessons in a serious tone.

Eleanor crouched and levelled her head as the same as Laphicet, “Stay calm. Fishing isn’t about strength. It’s about timing.” She gently told him.

“Ready?... Now!” Eleanor shouted.

Laphicet quickly pulled the rod. Something came out of the water and crashed on the deck. Velvet looked at the remains and sighed. It was a broken chest with horn-looking ornaments inside it, “Well, what do you know? Neither a fish nor a therion.” She said, unimpressed and dispassionately.

Laphicet snuffled. Eleanor picked the horns up and presented it to the little malak, “It looks like it’d fit you, though, Laphicet. Why don’t you try it on?” she said in a hearty voice.

Magilou winked, “I agree! Maybe it’ll bring out his unique personality.”

Laphicet hesitated to wear it. Avernus watched him and suddenly snapped his fingers.

Poof!

Something appeared on his head. They looked at him and noticed two sets of three longhorns had appeared on each side of his head. “See? I have dragon horns too, Laphicet.” He proudly boasted to the little malak. Avernus then raised his hand and clenched them, “Bring out your inner dragon!” he humorously said.

Laphicet quickly picked the horns up and wore them. Magilou smirked, “Like father, like son, huh?” she whispered to herself.

Eleanor clapped for him, “See, what did I tell you? It looks great on you, Laphicet!” she enthusiastically said.

Laphicet blushed, “You… really think so?”

Magilou looked back and forth between Avernus and Laphicet, “Yeah! Just give it a few years for your hair to grow longer and add two more horns on each side, and you’ll have the same charm as Avernus.” She frankly said to him.

Velvet slowly turned to them and saw Laphicet and Avernus. She frowned, “What are you doing, Avernus? Take those off. You’re a grown man, not a child.” She harshly said to him.

Laphicet groaned and went back to pick up his rod. Avernus noticed his frustrated look, “Hey, don’t take it seriously, Laphicet. Velvet is… always like that.” He said comfortingly.

Laphicet looked back at him, “We must catch the therion. Maybe then Velvet will finally see me for who I’m.” he said to him in a serious tone.

Avernus smile and nodded, “Then we will continue our efforts to catch the cursed beast!” He humorously declared, trying to cheer up Laphicet.

An hour had passed. Rokurou wiggled his rod, “Ugh… not a bite.” He turned to Avernus and shouted, “Hey! Anything on your end?”

“No… nothing,” Avernus answered in a disappointing tone.

Eizen narrowed his eyes at them, “Oh, quit your whining, you two….”

Eleanor suddenly cried, “Oh! I think I got something!” she pulled her rod, and another chest jumped out of the water. To their annoyance, it contained a rounded eyeglass with whirls painted on each side. Magilou also pulled her pole, and a new wooden chest darted onto the deck. She opened it and found a fake mustache. Avernus chuckled, “Those might look good on your sassy face, Magilou.” He teased her. The witch snorted, “Can’t beat those horns though,”

Velvet released her rod and moaned in irritation, “Not a single decent catch.”

Laphicet rested his pole near the railing and walked to each side, collecting the glass and the fake mustache from Magilou and Eleanor. Velvet turned and saw him wearing all three items. She narrowed her eyes, looking uninterested, “You look ridiculous. Take those off.” She abrasively said to him.

Laphicet suddenly squeezed his small fists and shouted, “Stop it! What do you know about Avernus and me, anyway?”

Laphicet’s tantrum made Velvet paused for a moment. She was stunned by his outburst, “I… I know those looks silly on you both...” she flatly told him.

Laphicet forcefully removed the accessories from his face, “All you know is your “Laphi” and “Arthur,” not me and Avernus!” He said in an accusatory tone of voice.

Those words stabbed her cold heart, piercing it to the core. She closed her eyes and stayed silent. She just couldn’t let them go. Avernus walked to Laphicet’s side and placed his hand on his shoulder, smiling and trying to comfort him.

All of a sudden, Velvet rod began to move, “Velvet, something is pulling your fishing pole!” Rokurou informed her.

Velvet darted to her rod and grabbed it before it could be dragged into the sea. She placed her left foot on the railing and pulled the rod forcefully.

“It’s a big one!” said Eizen.

Velvet gathered enough strength, gasping as she yanked it hard. Something large came out of the water and landed on the deck, splashing water all around them.

Avernus looked closely, “It is a… big… pot. Yeah.” He said in an airy tone. The team sighed, still no sign of a living creature. Laphicet walked to the pot and examined it from up-close. His eyes widened, “Something is inside it….”

The sorcerer noticed a living creature of some sort was coming out of the pot. “Tentacles! Laphicet, get back!” He suddenly yelled and grabbed Laphicet’s arm, pulling him away from the pot.

In a matter of seconds, a large octopus-looking daemon leaped out of the jar. Eleanor and Laphicet mouths stayed open. Avernus detected more octo daemons following the first one. The team readied their weapons and conjured their artes. The octo daemons' arms anchored themselves on the deck. Their circular and adhesive suckers let out a disgusting and squeezing sound as they moved around.

Velvet was disturbed, “I wished they’d stop making those noises!” she belligerently said.

Avernus looked at Laphicet, “Target their eyes! They’re at the top of their heads!”

The sorcerer sensed magic bolts were passing above his head. His eyes followed them as they drilled into one of the daemon’s heads. The top shell exploded, but it didn’t faze it. The daemon kept coming right at them. Eleanor twirled her spear and pointed her weapon at the closest octodaemon. She ran and jabbed it through the mouth. The blue blood poured out of it, but its tentacles grabbed her arms and legs. Eleanor's eyes widened. Her face was wrinkled. “Eww! It got me!” she screamed. Rokurou quickly dashed and raised both of his swords. With a deafening shout, his blades landed on the arms and sliced them clean.

The armless daemon rolled on the deck. Rokurou came to Eleanor and freed her of the sticky and amputated tentacles. A large bolt of electrical magic shot to the injured daemon, and it disappeared in a ball of blinding light. Eleanor turned back and saw Tia still in her firing pose. “Tentacles give me nightmares.” She said to her.

Avernus looked at Velvet and saw her fighting three other octo daemons. Strangely, there were more eager to target the girls instead of them. Velvet dodged their arms and stabbed the closest one in the middle, pulling it off the ground and holding it on top of her head. Its heavyweight forced it to slide back through her stabbed blade. The daemon was slowly sliced in half.

Suddenly, another daemon grabbed her legs from behind and then her left arm. Its tentacles attached themselves and began moving around her arm and legs. Avernus hesitated and swallowed. A series of unwanted and displaced thoughts crossed his mind. Velvet quickly unsheathed her foot blade and flipped her body. She landed on her right arm and performed a quick backspin. Her blades cut through the arms and sliced and diced the daemon. Its body part, along with blue liquids, splashed around her.

Another daemon charged her. Velvet transformed her demonic arm, ready to crush the creature. Abruptly, she heard a loud sound of galvanic energy and the daemon was enveloped in bright light. The squeezing sound turned to naught along with the animal. Avernus quickly jumped in front of Velvet, acting as if he was protecting her. She was annoyed,

“Go find your own fights, Avernus! I don’t need your help!” She furiously ordered him.

Avernus was sweating. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, “You… stay back. I’ll protect you against tent… I mean daemons!” He breathy said to her, which in turn piqued her interest.

“I don’t need protection! What the hell is wrong with you?” she said irritably.

Avernus swallowed once more, “I can’t! It’s just… I can’t get that image out of my head! I can’t let them touch you!”

“What kind of image are you talking about?!” she inquisitively asked.

“The tentacles… and you… they’re not a good combination.” he quietly said.

Velvet paused for a moment, but she was not stupid. Her eyes widened, then frowned and gritted her teeth, “You… You and your perverted dirty mind!”

“I can’t help it! Alright?! Just stay back and let me handle them!” He pleaded to Velvet.

Unexpectedly, a new set of growlings was heard coming out of the pot. Avernus narrowed his eyes and noticed a group of zombies was pouring out in great numbers. Then, the pot transformed into a large daemon with two disembodied half heads on each side and a rounded head in the middle. The malevolence was gushing out of it in large quantities. Its growl echoed through the area.

“An octopus army, a horde of the undead… what the hell is this damn thing?!” Velvet shouted.

Avernus began to sweat more, murmuring some phrases, “Octopuses, zombies, demonic pots with loads of malevolence… I’ve had enough of your bullshit….”

The air felt thick and heavy. A dark cloud began to form on top of their heads, blocking the sunlight. Eleanor and Laphicet felt a surge of energy moving in and out of their bonds with Avernus. Tia grinned, “Oh, here we go again…” she whispered to herself.

Their eyes widened as they looked up. The sky flashed as lightning bolts began to shot from the cloud. Avernus raised his staff. A gleam of electricity travelled vertically from the cloud and hit the Dreamshadow in an instant. They covered their eyes to avoid the blinding flare. The currents alternated around them. The crew felt mains hum along with a vibration that was induced by magnetic force. Velvet opened her eyes and saw Avernus’s staff along with his right arm were covered by blue and white lightning twirling around them.

The sorcerer pointed the Dreamshadow at the Pandora Pot, “Thunder… Break!” He shouted his arte, stridently.

The area flashed again. The thunderbolt travelled from daemon to daemon, electrocuting each one. The area was covered in white light, and then the zombies and octodaemons exploded with a squishy sound.

The sky cleared. The area reeked of burning meat. Nothing was left of the daemon horde except for traces of sticky and blue liquid on the deck and a normal pot, sitting silently.

Everyone turned to Avernus. He was crouching and gasping for air, “It's… over… isn’t it?” he asked in a wheezy voice.

Velvet turned to him, “Yeah, whatever you did, it made the pot behave itself.” She said.

Eizen quickly darted to the pot, “Wait, Velvet! Don’t eat it,” he pleaded.

Velvet frowned and folded her arms, “It’s a pot. I’m not going to eat it.”

Eleanor sighed, “I guess there weren’t any therions to be found here after all.” She disappointingly said.

Magilou placed her arms behind her head, looking uninterested, “Yeah, if there’d been any, you’d think Eizen’s reaper curse would have drawn them out somehow.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened, “Oh! So that’s why all we caught today were weird, useless things!”

Velvet gave Eizen a scolding glare, “Right, I forgot about the curse. So all this was Eizen’s fault, huh?”

Laphicet was beside Avernus. They both looked tired and disheartened, “My power didn’t end up helping us out at all….” He said in a brittle voice.

Velvet turned to Laphicet, “No… but I know, like Avernus, you’re not the type to give up after a little setback… isn’t that right, Phi?” She encouragingly said to him.

Avernus raised one of his brows. Laphicet looked up, “Huh? Phi?” he wondered.

Velvet looked the other way, “It’s your nickname. Not a whole lot of thought put into it, but…” she slowly turned her head back, “You’re you. You’re Phi.” She told him softly.

Laphicet’s face glimmered with hope and happiness. Magilou nodded, “I like it. It has personality. But…” She then turned to Avernus, “We need to know what you think of it.”

Avernus and Velvet stared at each other for a moment. The sorcerer smiled and nodded, “I approve. The thought that was behind is what matters the most, but I like the name too. It works well.” he honestly and appreciatively said.

Laphicet chuckled, “Thanks!”

Velvet slightly smiled, “Of course, if you still feel like giving up….”

Laphicet quickly shook his head, “No! I’m going to find us the next earthpulse point!” He said compassionately.

The sun was setting on the horizon. Velvet and Laphicet were staring into each other’s eyes and smiling at the same time. Each of them got what they wanted. Unknown to them, Avernus was watching them. He experienced the intense connection between the two.

He sensed his first true victory.