"W-who? Who are you?"

His voice trembled under the pressure of this man.

"Heh, no need for trash to know,"

I stood back a few feet as I watched the spectacle unfold. It was kinda ironic that he called them trash after popping out of a trash can himself, but maybe that was what he was going for? Maybe. I dunno man.

The newcomer took a couple steps forward before hopping on top of one of the footmen, stomping him underfoot and entrapping him in his malicious aura. The other's froze up as they watched their companion flail and shrivel into a husk, void of any vitality.

"ARRRGHGFG!"

It was quite a horrifying sight, seeing bodies just dry up like that. Is this the so called dark arts? I remeber countless descriptions of them during my time in service. Allegedly able to suck the life essence out of people, a forbidden art that break the laws of nature. No wonder they're outlawed.

The footmen, being rookies themselves were not up to handle such a high risk situation and crumbled under the pressure as they attempted to sell each other out, or stay stock still. Though, it did nothing to prevent the inevitable, as they're quickly cut down. Their screams dying out in this dark backstreet.

Sigh.

Even when I try to use diplomacy, this still happens. I might as well have just been aggressive at the start and save me the trouble.

Smacking their lips, the killer turns to me and said playfully, "You should've had some,"

I withheld my right to remain silent and seeing me make no visible reaction, he tacks on another comment.

"Heh, so you're a silent guy, eh?"

Well nah mate.

Honestly, what a weird fellow, he dresses like me and says innocuous phrases in a dark context. Judging solely from these factors only and none others, he must be a cultist.

"So? Who are you?" Their eyes turn sharp, as they scrutinise me. Training for my reaction.

Really now? So you're gonna land me in all this trouble, for legitimately no reason? Why even pretend like you knew me? Actually, better question, why were you hiding in a trash can?

No, don't answer that, it'll only bring more questions than answers.

Sigh, the world just refuses to leave me alone doesn't it? Nonetheless, fighting him will be tricky and since I've started using diplomacy, I might as well go all the way. There’s nothing worse than doing a job halfway!

"Jeffrey," I sigh.

"Hm, you're an interesting fella, you know that?"

I didn't know that in fact.

"You got anywhere to be?"

"No, the state hates me,”

"Is that right? Anyway, I dunno what, but you strike me as a trustworthy fellow," He leans against a wall, shooting a glance at Lazari, "So how 'bout this,"

"You willin' to join us or, as the realm has dubbed, the heretics?" He extends a hand. The words ringing bells in my mind.

"How about yesn't?"

I am sure that I ain't gonna join these guys, then I'll actually be a heretic. And if that happens…

Where would my moral high ground be? I would actually be the bad guy at that point, justifying their manhunt for me.

"We aren't the bad guys,"

I look at his eyes, and they're still like undisturbed water, no turbulence to be found in them at all. Now I can't tell whether he's lying or not.

"Sigh, how about I put it this way, the Kingdom hates us, so we can stand together and hate the Kingdom back. That way, the Kingdom won't be able to get you so easily,"

That was a rather childish way to put things into perspective. Does he think I'm an idiot?

Well, there's nothing wrong with going with the flow, additionally, the moral high ground is straight up worthless, so if I could get some allies, then I’m willing to. Though I can’t help but feel following this guy may be the wrong course of action.

Nonetheless, I assent with his proposal, after all despite his background, I'd still need help to find refuge from the Kingdom.

"Heh, nice, follow me,"

And as such, I follow this fellow through obscure pathways and hidden passages leaving behind the gentle light of the sun, as we make our way to an inconspicuous inn, far out of sight of the common populace. As we moved along, I noticed that he would frequently look behind them and check around corners as he made small talk with me, always making sure I was within arms distance. Despite his carefree attitude, he was actually pretty cautious.

What a sly bastard.

"Alright, we're here, I'll introduce you, then you can settle down,"

He whispers, knocking on the door in a quick rhythm. Soon after, I could hear locks being slid off the braced door as it was slowly opened. Swiftly entering the building I follow them in, making sure Lily and Lazari come in as well.

We entered into what can be considered a reception area as musky air greeted my nostrils. Immediately faced with a counter right at the front with hallways leading into what I would assume were inn rooms, along with a hallway to the left leading to a dining room presumably. Though I couldn't be sure not because of how dark it is in here, but due to how the hallways bend after a certain point.

"Comrade Laffer, who you bring this time?"

A gruff voice resounded. He had a rather distinct accent. Is he from the empire?

Interesting.

Getting a proper look on him, he has the signature empire look, tall, bulky, white hair, and square jaw. Unsurprisingly, he wears a black hooded robe covering his other dark clothes.

Way to fall into the stereotypes.

The guy who brought me here, or Laffer, introduces me to the doorman, stating me as a comrade new to town.

"I'm the de facto rector of this post, people call me Lacer, how about yourself, comrade?" The doorman, or rather rector, as he announced greets me.

"People call me Jeff," I say, slightly mimicking his introduction.

Nodding his head, Lacer’s eye’s sharpen as he spots my demonic companion,

"Interesting lass you got, what monster is she?"

"Demon,"

Wait. Did I say that aloud? I think I did. I mean, Lacer just has that feel y'know? Where you just gotta answer.

His eyebrows furrow. In fact, his whole face shifts at that mention. Yup, I 100% did. Good play 10 seconds ago me. Good play. I'm prepared to bolt out the door, but the man, instead of going ballistic, his eyes light up.

"Heh, not bad, probably defective, but you better treat her well,”

He speaks, nudging his elbow against Laffer. Wow, defective, huh? What a way with words this cultist has, like damn, can you get any more chauvinistic than that? I can only assume that Lacer made such a deduction because of how hollow her eyes looked, which was usually a key factor concerning one's sense of self and personality, and that she's a demon.

"Alright, enough of that, Jeff, I tell you straight, but I do not trust you so do not do weird crap, do not eat bricks, do not do anything stupid, understand?" He waits for my agreement. The terms are odd, very odd. But I see no problem, promptly giving him a small nod.

"Good, all is good, other than that, you're free to do whatever, but do not get followed. That will be a pain in ass for everyone and I'll beat you if you do get followed," His gaze eases on me.

Okay…

“This is your probation period,”

Well, I don’t know what to say, but… Joining a cult was easier than I thought.

I'm allocated a room in the inn. The third room to the left to be precise.

Entering, the small room, it's fitted with a simple bed and desk. Not too shabby considering how suspicious everything here looks.

Closing the door behind me, I make sure to lock it. Though it probably wouldn't do much if someone tried to bust in, it's more so just for my peace of mind. The room is near pitch black, but no one here really needs that much light to see, plus even if someone did need light, the location of the place wasn't exactly where much sunlight would be found.

Sitting at the desk I bring out some more jerky because apparently, that's all I have. Where's the star smitten bread?!

Like, I virtually have nothing else of real value aside from some coins I looted.

Alright, time for a stroll! Now that I'm in a city, I can finally get some real food and acquire some bolts as well.

"What are we doing here?" Lazari asks.

"No clue, but I'm just gonna go for a walk,"

She seems to nod knowingly to my response. Though seriously, I have no clue as to what I'm doing here. Please don’t have any expectations, it'll hurt me more than it'll hurt you. I’ll not only let them down, but I’ll do worse.

Anyway, I don't quite trust these guys yet, so I bring everyone with me as we leave.

"Oh, leaving' so soon comrade?"

I tense up.

"Yes,"

"Oh, do not die then,"

Well… That was unexpected. I thought he'd be all suspicious of me or something. I have no idea how cults run, but I don't think they should be recruiting members all willy nilly.

Actually, that comes into question, what even was the threshold for that guy to invite me here?

All he said was, 'oh, you seem like a trustworthy guy,' like what did that even mean?

Is he judging me based on my clothing?

I mean, I guess I was very shady by all accounts, even being backed into a corner by the law enforcement. So considering the shared situation, in times of trouble, there was the potential of hooking me up as an ally.

I ponder, but then, it doesn't take long for me to find the most likely cause. I have a bloody demon trailing me. No sane man would keep a demon by their side.

On the 'must kill on sight' list, just after fallen races and heretics, devils, then demons. So any man willingly accommodating a demon must either be a cultist or just plain insane.

And by that logic, due to my lack of sanity and deranged bravado, it made me a trustworthy ally in whatever their insane cause may be.

Sigh, of course I get roped into this cultist crap after being framed as one.

Is this destiny playing a sick joke on me?

Oh wait! With half my foot out the door, I suddenly remember something. I should probably ask them for some new clothing for Lazari.