I wake up in the early morning, making my way down the stairs. I see Ergillaz waiting, he seems to be in deep thought.

“Well, what's going on? I decided to ask as I saw quite an unusual sight.

“A priest has arrived, apparently almost all the participants have been murdered.” He answers more annoyed at the inconvenience caused than the murders themselves.

“Is the priest investigating this matter?” I ask trying to get a layout of the situation.

“It would be a compliment to call it investigating. They're simply eager to save some face. It doesn't really matter in what way.”

“I guess I'm a prime suspect.”

“You were, but with my protection, the church will probably not investigate you. They are a weak bunch and are scared of making more enemies.” Ergillaz explains whilst looking unimpressed.

“So? Who did it?” I ask trying to get a complete picture of the situation.

Nobody knows, only yourself and that parasitical undead seem to be alive. I guess we can all make our own conclusions.” Ergillaz says, seemingly annoyed yet not truly bothered by the situation.

'Who killed them? If I had to guess, it would be that old man. But what does he have to gain from killing all his opponents? He seemed to like the fights, and you had to try to kill them there anyway, so why not in the arena?' Leaving those useless thoughts behind, I decided to thank Ergillaz.

“Thank you for taking care of this issue, Ergillaz. You've shown why you are one of the best arch devils in Lucille's Light.”

He seems confused by the sudden compliments of gratitude. I can't enjoy the sight of his confused face for long as Ergillaz quickly puts on his business smile. I've noticed throughout the years that he tends to give this smile when he's unsure how to respond. Leaving the slightly dazed Ergillaz behind, I make my way toward the dining room.

***

Drinking some “Demon's Rage” I'm slowly regaining all the normal functions a human... well demon should have. My delicious breakfast gets interrupted by an unexpected sight. Tharnomath approaches with a priest next to him. The reason is clear.

“I had received word that I would not be investigated.” I call out to the priest as I didn't expect Ergillaz to lie about that. It would just make him seem incompetent, and he would have nothing to gain.

“I've been sent to warn the protégée of the Talvit brothers about the situation.”

“I've heard the rumors, so unless you have a concrete conclusion about the situation, you can take your leave. “I say, not really worried about this warning.

“Some unnatural carnivorous insects have been found in the remains of a wendigo chimera, he was one of the few remaining participants left in the tournament.

“So that old man killed all the other participants except me?” I ask out loud not really at anyone in particular.

“I must ask, Was there any attempt on your life last night?”

“That question sounds an awful lot like an interrogation question.”

The priest doesn't answer, he seems rather terrified. Well, I guess that was to be expected. Tharnomath and I aren't exactly amused with the presence of this annoyance and that has made the room rather cold and suffocating.

'Perhaps I should try to be more considerate of this man. He looks like he's about to break.'

I sigh looking at the sorry sight before me.

“I was not attacked nor do I know anything about the other participants and their untimely demise.”

“Th... Your compliance will surely be appreciated by the first sight.” The priest says so fast that it's almost impossible to understand.

“Go on then.” I say not prepared to tolerate the annoyance any longer. He rapidly scurries out just like a dirty street cat running away from the neighbor's dog.

“What do you think, Tharnomath? Should I be worried?” I ask teasingly.

“You seem rather unbothered.”

“I was going to have to fight that thing one day. If it's sooner rather than later, then so be it.” I answer in a calm and collected tone.

“Your right, however, I would advise you to act with caution. There has been no attempt made on your life, so his goal was probably to fight you immediately, or he must have hoped for the church to reprimand you.”

“I doubt that an old demon wouldn't know how to hide his trace. Besides, it's well known that I fight under Ergillaz, so that would've ruined his plans anyway.”

“Do you have a plan?” Tharnomath asks in a colder tone than usual.

“No, I've no idea. The only thing I know is that he's quite resistant to slashing attacks. I have no idea what his weaknesses are or how spells entirely made of mana affect his body.”

“Yet, you're not worried about the possibility of dying? You don't have to fight this duel. The church is very likely to give you a god-given name anyway.”

“No, if he truly wants to battle me. Then let's fight, it will be more entertaining than him jumping me in some random alleyway.”

“Our plans are ruined if you die.”

“I won't.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I promised.”

“Like a blood contract promise?” Tharnomath asks confused which drops the room temperature even more.

“No, something even more serious.” I answer, trying to sound as grim as possible.

“What is it?”

“A pinky promise.”

“How do you create this bound of pinky?”

I'm trying to hold my laughter back whilst looking at Tharnomath's serious face, asking the meaning of a pinky promise.

“Hold out your little finger like this.” I demonstrate the cold-hearted and serious devil, who looks at me like an attentive student listening to an important lecture.

Tharnomath follows my instruction, I lock our little fingers together.

“I promise that I will win this battle.” I say, looking him straight in his 6 golden eyes.

An awkward silence emits from the room as Tharnomath doesn't answer.

“Where's the magic?” Tharnomath asks, getting more confused.

“There is none.”

“Then how is it more powerful than a blood contract?”

“Because we locked little fingers.”

Tharnomath realizes I've been spouting something absolutely nonsensical for devils, his aura is a reflection of that.

“Get out.”