Chapter 1: 1 – An assignment

His blade slashed the enemy closest to him.

Delivered without hesitation, the cut torn the opposing body asunder.

Blood spilled through the wound, it flooded the surroundings and crystalized away.

And yet another enemy came forth, advancing madly against the red-clad warrior. Its form was darkened and covered in magma, its movements faster than the normal eye could perceive.

It too, was slashed apart by the blade that resembled a distorted cross, and its blood too, was mutated and used.

Even as it died, another two took its place. And as they too perished, more came.

More and more beasts came in a mad frenzy that colored that banquet of slaughter.

In that gruesome scene, he stood alone. Yet, his eyes did not translate any sense of dread or hesitation, they were filled only with trance-like determination, perceiving only the next step to be taken, the next move to kill his enemy.

The sky above was overcast, and whatever light managed to once shine through it now dimmed with the darkening dusk.

The scent carried by the faint seaside breeze told of the events transpiring.

Hacking away, the warrior’s white hair was tainted with darkened red, his eyes shone scarlet, and his mind threatened to shatter.

As if taken in a mad reverie, he continued his sacred plight.

Never stopping, he perceived only the enemy he meant to slash, creating a sea of blood and crystals.

---

His steps echoed through the great halls of the cathedral.

One after the other, they led him through the great red carpet, towards the altar that stood at the far end of the sacred building.

There, a single man stood.

He was old and balding, with a thick layer of fat around his belly. He donned religious robes that spoke of his importance in the clergy, and he exuded an air of importance and piousness.

Stopping just short of the steps to the altar, his head turned to the sacred man above.

“Alma, I see you’ve returned.” The deep and powerful voice of the man above called out to him, the priest slowly turning away from the altar, giving him his undivided attention.

The chapel was dark, the only illumination that came and lit up the place belonging to the hazy light that entered through the white stained-glass. The largest one standing right behind the priest, giving him a holy aura and casting him in shadows.

“Yes.” The answer was given with no commitment, confirmation being nothing more than an expected formality. “The demons by the docks have all been dealt with, and the Holy Assembly is dealing with the cleanup. Everything should be up and running again in one or two days.”

The priest smiled.

“A job well done, I see.” From the way he nodded as he said that, to the tone he used, one would surmise he was pleased, however, he followed it through with a sharp intake of breath, and never lost his smile. “Unfortunately, I fear, the problem has not been dealt with entirely.”

“What?” He arched his eyebrow, looking at the priest with mild surprise. “Has there been another outbreak so soon?”

He mused the information internally.

Dealing with two outbreaks wouldn’t be all too troublesome by itself. The real problem came from the underlying meaning. Happening so close to each other, it could mean a great many things moving forwards, none of them good.

“Nothing so simple, I fear.” The priest’s voice did not betray fear or anxiety, merely joy, as if conversing was something that brought him pleasure. “It appears that a devil was the cause of this latest outbreak. You must follow through with your duty as an exorcist of the church and exterminate it.”

Devil. The name given to a demon that surpasses all others. Beyond mere superior power, it was a thing that defied the natural order and human comprehension, and, most important of all, the distortion caused by its presence attracted and forced other demons into the world.

To leave one freely abound was to ask for a monstrous army to engulf everything that was.

“Something so troublesome prodding around Holy territory?” He huffed, grasping at the hilt of the sword at his back. “I’ll go kill it before victims begin to pile up.”

“As is expected of a man in your position.” The priest nodded, smiling. “However, you shan’t go alone in this exorcism.” Turning back to the altar, he looked above, to the darkness above and the light that came through the window. “You may come in now.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a white form descended from the shadow covered roof.

Her descent carried no hurry, a divine form that became illuminated by the light coming from outside.

With white robes that loosely fell around her body, and white hair carelessly flowing around her.

Two great white wings extended from her back, shining with grace.

She looked down on him with a graceful smile drawn across her features.

“Hello, Alma.” Her voice was soft and kind, as she stayed floating just above the altar. “It is always a pleasure to work with you.”

He looked above, to the floating form that came much too close to an actual angel.

“Azza.” A complicated expression detailed itself in his features as he turned back to the priest. “Is this really necessary?”

The man nodded. “Hunting a devil, I’m afraid, is a task much too deadly. The clergy wishes not to lose a single exorcist, and as such, will not take the risk.”

He sighed. “Alright, then.” Turning back to the fake-angel once again, he properly acknowledged her. “Let’s end this as fast as we can.”

“It shall be a pleasure.” She smiled back.

It was a bother.

Exorcists worked alone.

Although it wasn’t a rule, it was a fact. A desire not to depend on another in the field. To rely solely on one’s drive and ability to assure the kill of the target. It was something born out of their own experiences, their own fear.

Some saw it as the reason most exorcists were so strong, driving them to train more and deal with everything alone. Others saw it as the reason why they died, and why they could never achieve true strength.

Regardless of reasoning and consequence, it was the way it was.

So, of course, he wished this partnership did not last long.

“You two are to track the devil and exterminate it before it brings about another outbreak of demons.” Seeing the two of them properly acknowledge each other, the priest once again relayed their orders. “The resources of the church are fully available for the two of you. Bring salvation to all.”

Both of them turned to the priest, ““The Holy Will be done.”” and performed the holy sign.

He nodded, smiling. “Do it as you see fit, and report when it is done.” With those words, he turned his back to the altar and left for the backroom.

Immediately, it was as if an invisible pressure was lifted from the room.

Away from his scrutinizing gaze, it was as if the two exorcists immediately sagged down.

Giving out bothered sighs, any and all grace they once exuded was lost.

“…” He turned his head to his momentary companion, taking note of her actions.

She smiled.

“What’s with the gloomy face? It’s not like the devil’s here, Alma.”

He sighed.

“Always cheerful, I see.” Although he crossed his arms and acted gloomy, a small part of him relished the interaction.

Exorcists never worked together, but that didn’t mean they were strangers to each other.

In fact, he was more than acquainted with this one.

“You’re an annoyance, Azza.” He smiled, “Don’t let that get us killed in the field.” And let out a playful tease.

She pouted. “It’s not like I am some hyperactive child. I just have the capacity to see life in a good light.” Letting go of the air in her cheeks, she smirked slightly. “… unlike you.”

He felt his eyebrows twitch in annoyance. “I am not gloomy, I am just normal.”

“Yes, sure.” Descending from her place high above, she touched the ground and held her hands behind her back.

Letting out a deep sight at the way she ‘agreed’ with him, he crossed his arms. “In any case, we better get moving soon. Is there anything a fake-angel like you might want before we leave?”

“Actually, there is.” She smiled kindly. “I’ve got to go somewhere before this next assignment. Want to come with me?”

It barely took him a second to understand what she meant. “I see, there, huh? It has been a while since I last visited, so I might go as well.”

He supposed it was only right for someone like her to visit that place before a hunt.

She smiled kindly, happy to have the company.

---

The sun was high, coloring the sky blue and the clouds white.

It illuminated the grass and trees into a vibrant green, and comfortably warmed the body on a day of chilly breeze.

The two of them walked without hurry through the stone pathway surrounded by the tiny garden.

It was as much a nostalgic area as it was an everyday scenery.

This little path too, was a part of the church.

Being a powerful organization, they held control over enormous plots of land and possessed huge political power.

A consequence of that was that the cathedral was not the only area that branch of the church occupied. Rather, its entire surroundings, a few city blocks, were also a part of it.

A huge chunk of land, completely shut off by walls. A green scenery where many other structures the clergy might use were located.

This was holy ground of the highest category. A separate reality in the middle of the city. Even though the bustle of cars and the tall skyscrapers could be heard and seen, none of their impurities reached it.

For them, though, this was home. As close to one as they would ever get, at least.

The home that led them to their duty. To be an exorcist of the church, to their Holy Quest of slaying demons, a scourge that appeared two hundred years prior, beasts that reached out to the world through events called outbreaks and destroyed everything that came into their sight.

The church took upon themselves the duty of exterminating them and saving the people from their cruelty. In face of their standing to this threat, their political power became much greater, but at the same time, its core of beliefs changed slowly but surely, until the organization of before seemed like a completely different religion.

“They will be very happy to see you, I’m sure of it.” The fake-angel said with a smile.

“I know.” A warm smile spread through his face. It was always a weird feeling when the people didn’t actually turn their heads away when he passed through, instead, running to him in happiness.

But that was the way children were, in the end.

At the end of the small stone path they took was a moderate building. Built as if a mini-replica of a church, it was as elegant as it was useful.

That was the orphanage of the church.

All exorcists were raised there from a very young age; growing up together being an undoubtful contributor to their friendliness despite their isolation.

The young kids in there too, would one day become exorcists like them.

Reaching the end of the stone path, the little stone orphanage at the back of the cathedral stood a few steps in front of them, casting a faint shadow.

As they reached out to take the final few steps, the door of the little stone building blew open.

“Azza!”

“It’s Azza!”

“She came to play with us!”

A few children came flooding out through the entrance, in their excitement some even forgetting to put on their shoes.

Smiles spreading from ear to ear were present in their faces as they rushed to the fake-angel that had come to visit.

“Well, I guess they saw us coming.” With a relaxed smile, she commented. After receiving a single snort as an answer, she once again threw her attention towards the rushing children. “Hey, you kids.” With a wave of her hand, she greeted all the small ones.

“Hey, hey, Azza, I learned to count to one hundred!” A little girl with twin tails, Adelphie, called old, trying to impress the big sister that came to visit.

“H-hey, as if that’s anything, I managed to climb a tree all by myself!” A little boy with a scraped face, Adelphos, called out, trying to take all the attention.

Soon enough, more and more children tried to boast about their achievements. The growing cacophony of voices made it sound each time more incomprehensible.

“That’s very good, everyone!” With a cute gesture and a kind expression, she controlled their attention entirely. “But, aren’t you forgetting to greet someone?” With that, she pointed to the red-wearing man.

Soon, they turned their heads, expecting to realize a simple clergyman had been waiting there.

Their expressions soon turned into even more happiness when they realized who was actually standing there.

“Hey, you brats.” With a wave, he greeted all the children.

“Alma!”

“It’s Alma!”

“Big bro came to play!”

And just like that, the attention from all the children turned to him, and he soon began to be swarmed with requests and questions.

“Hey, big bro, are you going to be around for long?”

“Hey, can I hold your sword?”

“Big bro, when will I be able to be all cool and fight like you?”

They came at him from all sides, relentlessly. Some even pulled on his red priestly-robes.

“Calm down, you brats.” With an awkward smile and behavior, he tried to maneuver around all that was being said. “I just came by quickly before my next assignment.”

“Aww…”

“No, fair! Why do you always go away quick!” The little girl, Adelphie, complained. “Azza is always around, so why can’t you?”

He scratched the back of his head, trying to think of an appropriate answer.

Why didn't he come very often? Well, he didn’t have an answer. As much as it ashamed him, coming around to the orphanage wasn’t in his routine, so he didn’t do it often.

“I mean, Azza also doesn’t stay much, she just happens to have the opportunity to come around more often.” He tried to deflect with that excuse, but—

“Nope, sorry Alma, but most of the time I stay the entire day over!” The fake-angel was quick to interject and correct him.

He felt his eye tick, that woman really didn’t make things easy for him.

“I guess…” he scratched behind his head. “Sorry, you guys.” Finally giving up with coming up with an excuse, he relented an apology. “I’ll try to come around more often.” He smiled awkwardly.

“Yay!”

“You promised, so you have to do it!”

“Will you teach me sword techniques?”

As the request streamed in more and more, he sighed contently.

“Hey, Alma, pick me up, pick me up!” The little boy, Adelphos, called out, shaking his hands in the air.

He sighed. “Fine, but remember, you asked.” With that, he extended his hand towards the small child, grabbing him by the back of his shirt.

With barely any effort at all, he pulled the child up with a single arm, all the way to the height of his head.

“Woooaaah!” The little Adelphos screamed as he was suddenly brought up to that height.

““Oooooooohh!”” The remaining children, however, were all too happy to just stand around and awe at the strength displayed by their big brother.

He smirked, satisfied with putting on a good show.

“Hahahahaha!” Soon enough the little boy too, began to laugh excitedly. “Let me mount your back! Let me mount your back!”

Sighing, he brought his arm up, lining the child just a little behind his back. And, with complete abandon, he let go—

“Woah—!” Suddenly taken by gravity, the little boy flayed his arms wildly, trying to grasp onto his big brother’s body, lest he falls the terrifying height of an adult.

His hands fell around the red-wearing exorcist’s shoulder, and his other one grasping firmly to the fabric of the man’s clothes. With a firm expression, he hung his legs on his big brother’s back, and did his best to show his tree climbing skills.

“Oomf!” When he safely reached the red-covered shoulders, he finally looked out with a confident smile on his face. “Look at that, everyone, I’m on Alma’s shoulders!”

The response of the remaining children was varied. Some looked with envy, some tried to disguise it with indifference, and some looked at it with clear admiration.

“Hahahaha!” Pure and joyous laughter continued to come from the boy. “Higher, higher!” He kept slapping on his big brother’s head, trying to have as much fun as possible from the event.

The exorcist scowled. “I’m not a mount, you know.”

That did not stop the young kids from keeping on playing with him.

The fake-angel sighed. “You’re stealing my thunder, Alma.” She crossed her arms, shaking her head slowly. “Monopolizing the attention of the kids like that, how cruel.”

“…” He looked at her non-amusedly.

“And what about you kids, have you forgotten I existed?” She asked, begging for some of the attention.

‘I guess she really is the biggest child of them all.’ He noted on his head.

“It’s not that, Azza!” The little girl, Adelphie, said. “It’s just that you’re like… everyday lunch, and Alma’s like… Ice cream!”

“Gah!” The answer hit her like a hammer, and she could only stare dejectedly. “An everyday meal, huh…?” Her gaze was dead, and her voice was tearful. “What even is so good about Alma? He’s just a meanie.”

He smiled. “Well, I guess I’m just more likeable.”

She pouted. “Meanie.” Approaching him, she began delivering fake punches to his back. “It’s your fault all my hopes and dreams were ruined.”

“If you want to blame anyone, blame these children’s honesty.” He crossed his arms and turned away his face, refusing to acknowledge her.

“Meanie!”

The children could only look in awe at the exchange of the grown-ups.

“Where has that whole ‘capacity to see life in a good light’ gone?” He asked.

“You…!” She pouted even more.

“Oh my, Alma, Azza, is that you?” Interrupting the two’s banter, an older voice called out.

From the door to the orphanage building, an elder stood. She had the clothing of the clergy, and a soft and kind expression, topped off with small and light glasses.

You are reading story Consecrated Extermination at novel35.com

““Matriarch.”” The two of them said at the same time.

That was the woman that had practically raised them. The one who ran that little orphanage at the back of the church.

An ever kind woman who taught and disciplined them, guiding them on the correct path.

In other words, a kind mother.

“Oh my,” she smiled, the wrinkles on her face becoming more apparent with the motions. “it’s great to see you two still get along quite well.”

He sighed. “To my eternal headache.”

“He loves me.” The fake-angel gave the self-assure answer.

He sighed even deeper. “See? Just like that.”

The old lady brought her own hand up to cover a small giggle. “It certainly brings back memories.” She jolted, suddenly aware of something else. “Oh my, where are my manners? Why don’t you two get inside?”

Stepping away from the doorframe, she swiped her arm to the side, inviting them in.

They smiled back.

“Well, we’ve come all this way, so I guess we might as well.” He tried to give such a collected answer, but…

“I doubt it would be a visit without going inside.” The fake-angel crossed her arms and nodded feverously. “I’ll be taking my usual spot on the sofa.”

“Usual, huh…” He wondered, did she come here so often that she had managed to achieve such a thing?

Back when they were both children and living within those walls, something such as a set position on the sofa was unthinkable. Except for the matriarch, of course.

The matriarch sighed, somewhat exasperated. “Of course, Azza. It is reserved for you, after all.” She then turned to the children. “You too, let’s all come inside. And you, Adelphos, get down from Alma’s shoulders.” Her voice was a tad sterner than the one she used with the adults, but that was merely a necessity of raising children.

““Ooooohhh…”” The children collectively became despondent, all preferring to play outside, where the comfortable sun could bathe them in warmth.

“Do I have to?” The young boy asked despondent, lacking any wish to give up that height.

“Sorry, brat, but the matriarch’s orders are the matriarch’s orders.” Without waiting for a response, he once again raised his arm and plucked the young boy out of his shoulders.

“Aww…” He could only dismay as his feet were once again connected to the ground.

“What are you waiting for out there in the sun?" The fake-angel called out from the doorway, half her body covered in the cool shadows.

“Yes, yes, coming.” With a relaxed response, he entered the building.

Stepping inside, it was like re-entering a dream.

From the wooden tiles and furniture, to the stone decorations, it was as if everything took him back to those times when he was still a child.

Shaking his head, he freed himself from such thoughts; it wouldn’t do to be taken by them every time he visited the orphanage.

He closed the door behind him as he entered deeper into the building.

With calm and light steps, he made his way to a small wooden table in the communal room, sitting right in front of the matriarch.

“You really are…” Those were the first words that left his mouth when he saw how his companion was.

Sitting cross-legged in the middle of the sofa, that woman had her angel wings resting on the back of the seat. She looked the image of someone lazy and relaxed.

“Adaptable to any environment.” She erroneously completed the phrase for him.

Slowly, the kids trickled in and picked their own seats; most of them seemed content on just talking things over with Azza, giving him the time to converse with the matriarch.

Turning his head to her, he thought of something to say. “So, how have things been going around here?”

The old woman smiled, it was a tired but satisfied smile. “All’s been going as well as they could ever go. The children are able to always receive proper care, and are always so happy.”

“In other words, all’s the same from when I used to live here?” Relaxing himself in the chair, he was able to talk at a more leisure pace.

The old woman nodded. “Just like back then. It is tiring, but thankfully they’ve all been growing into great people.”

He leaned in on the table. “Are you sure you’re able to deal with all this, it still isn’t overbearing?”

The old woman laughed lightly onto her hand. “No, dear, I assure you, all’s fine.” She looked at the children, an impossibly kind smile on her face. “I could never run tired of seeing and caring for the children.”

He sighed. “That sounds like something you’d say.”

“Maybe because it is something she said.” Calling out from her place on the sofa, the fake-angel injected herself into the conversation.

Looking towards her, she was still in the same slack position from before. However, now there was a group of young girls, commanded by Adelphie, braiding her hair that reached all the way to the small of her back.

“You don’t say…” He said through his gritted teeth.

“Well, on the topic of you two,” the old lady once again intervened. “I must ask… Azza is someone I always see around here, but what about you, Alma, what is it that brought you here today?”

“Me?” He scratched the back of his head. “I received an assignment with Azza, and thought it would be nice to come visit before going through with it.”

The older woman visibly stiffened, worry coloring her features. “You two are receiving an assignment… together? Are you sure everything is…”

“Don’t worry about it,” he moved in to reassure her. “there’s nothing too dangerous going on. It’ll be an extermination a little rougher than normal, but nothing you should concern yourself about.”

The matriarch sighed. “Still, be careful, you two. It would be terrible if anything happened.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you. I’ll be there, so you know nothing bad can happen.” The fake-angel added.

He knew she was merely trying to calm the matriarch down, but he simply couldn’t let such a statement go by freely.

“If anything, wouldn’t that be a reason to worry even more?” He smirked.

“Hey, you…!”

A small laugh came from the old lady, and the two exorcists glanced at her.

“I’ll tell you this, you two never change.” She held a nostalgic smile, as if she was still seeing the young children she had raised, not the two adults that stood in front of her.

“How so, matriarch?”

“Yeah, how were they when they were our age?”

Suddenly paying attention to the conversation, the children chimed in.

“I don’t think there’s any need to comment about that…” He mentioned off-hand, trying to make it sound as unimportant as he could.

“Oh, don’t be like that, Alma.” The old lady’s voice was full of cheer. “The kids love to hear about their older siblings.”

“Uh-hu!”

“Yeah, we do!”

“Tell us, tell us!”

“Yeah, it will be great to remember!” Much to his chagrin, his white-haired companion joined in on the demands.

He sighed in defeat, and did his best to filter out the shameful retelling of some of his past.

“You see,” the old woman started, just as exited as the children. “when Alma was little, he would always go and stay by himself in the swing outside, always moody. But, little Azza would always go and drag him by the ear to play with the other children. He always tried to act tough, but anyone could see he was enjoying himself.”

He did his best to lessen the blush that came upon his cheeks.

Everyone had things they were ashamed of in their past, he didn’t understand why he had to have it thrown in his face so blatantly.

“Yeah, I remember very well!” The fake-angel chimed in. “No matter what he used to say, he was always looking forward to receiving a good old ear-pull.”

“Stop bragging about how forceful you were as a child.” He complained.

“Don’t dodge the subject.” She shot back with a smile.

He scowled back at her.

“In the end, even though that was a long time ago, you can all clearly see their behavior barely aged a single day.” The old lady joked.

He sighed. “You’re right. It really was a long time ago.” He said, trying to completely drop the subject, but then… a thought caught his mind. “Thinking about it, even back then, you were already pretty old. You sure have some years on this business, huh?”

Immediately, the temperature of the room fell.

Every single being in that place could only stare dumbfounded at the foolishness of the man.

Even he, who had been foolish enough to say such things, realized his own mistake. And, after a while, began to look with trepidation.

He could only look, as the old lady’s body, shaking with raw ire, shot out its hand and used it to snatch his cheek.

“You ungrateful son! I taught you better than to comment on a Lady’s age like that! Yet, you commit such acts within this place?!”

All the children winced, and even the fake-angel grimaced. All of them knew the pain brought by that cheek pinch. It was their worst nightmare, the fear that kept them all in line when it came to the Matriarch’s orders.

It was only unfortunate, however, that their foolish older brother failed to remember the pain.

“Ouch, ouch, ouch! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Begging for his life, he wished for nothing but for the cruel punishment to stop.

“Hmpf.” With a huff, she let go of his red cheek. “This better serve as a lesson, young man.”

“Yes, matriarch.” As he answered, completely submissive to the lady of the orphanage, the children, and the fake-angel, laughed at his expense.

He made sure to glare at them.

He was about to make a quip of his own, when—

“Well, it has been a lot of fun, but I should go and get myself ready.” Raising herself form the couch, she made a group of little girls disappointed when they saw they wouldn’t be braiding her hair anymore.

“Get yourself ready? Don’t tell me…” The answer came to his mind, but he simply couldn’t believe in his own thoughts. There was no way that would be the answer, right?

“Yeah, unlike you lot, I still have a room in the orphanage, so I keep my exorcist equipment in there.” Crossing her arms, she smiled smugly.

“I can’t believe this.” He shook his head. “I’ve heard the rumors, but to think you actually keep your equipment in the orphanage.”

She shrugged. “I spend a lot of time here, and besides, no one ever complained about it.”

“That’s a lie, Azza.” The matriarch interjected, slightly annoyed. “I’ve complained… many times.”

“Oh, you know you don’t actually mind.” She said with a sappy smile, but was only met with a disapproving frown. “Sheesh, I’ll tell you, you’re all so unfair.”

With those words, she disappeared into the corridor.

The matriarch sighed, tired of the woman’s antics.

“I hate to say this, but what actually surprises me more is that she still has a room in the orphanage.” He commented absentmindedly.

“She wasn’t meant to have one, but… she is always coming over, the children adore her, and we had a spare, so…” The old lady rubbed her temples, thinking back on the trouble that was making sure Azza’s room was the exact same from her childhood.

“That’s right, Azza’s always around, so she deserves a room!”

“Yeah, she even stays for sleepovers sometimes!”

“She’s awesome!”

Came the cries of the children, all too happy to stand by their favorite older sister.

He sighed, wondering just how troublesome that woman could be.

They all had assigned dormitories, so why did she feel the need to bother the orphanage so much?

It wasn’t long after that that the sound of her footsteps came through the darkened corridor, her form appearing in all its splendor.

Unlike before, she was fully donning her exorcist gear.

If the clothing of before was a robe that make her look like an angel, this was a white battle gear worn by an archangel.

Her wings flowed freely from her back, and in her hand, a golden scythe with the blade in the form of a wing.

“Ready already?” It had barely been five minutes since she left, he was honestly surprised at the speed she managed to change, especially considering how many parts her gear had.

“Yeah, quickly changing clothes is a skill I’m proud of, you know?” She smiled innocently.

He sighed. “The sort of things you pride yourself over.” He shook his head, unsure of what he should be feeling right now.

“Azza’s gear is really cool, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it really is!”

“You guys…” He turned to look at the children, fawning over their elder sister’s gear.

“Hey, Alma.” The young boy, Adelphos, called out to him, an exited smile on his face. “When will I be able to be an exorcist and be all cool like you and Azza?”

For the second time that day, it was as if the temperature dropped.

Not for the children, but for the adults. Simply speaking, it was a certainty that all the children in that orphanage would become exorcists and bathe in the slaughter of demons. But, for the adults that looked over them, it was a reality better not looked at.

“Oh my…” The first one to answer was the matriarch, a tense expression of worry on her face.

He and Azza were no better. Complicated feelings swelled within their breasts as they sought the correct answer to give.

The fake-angel, however, was quick to regain her smile. “What are you talking about? You, an exorcist? Don’t make me laugh. Even after you get your qualification, you’ll never get work.” She shrugged. “That’s because as long as Alma and I are around, there’ll be no demon getting even close to you guys.”

An understanding smile came from the matriarch, and he himself wasn’t much different. For all she was… herself, he supposed he could count on her to say the right thing.

“No fair, I want to be cool and exterminate demons as well!” The young boy complained, stomping his feet down. “You’ll see, I’ll be so good, I’ll take you out of your jobs!”

“Are you really so sure about that?” He crouched down to the young boy’s height. “To become an exorcist, you must first get through the ritual. Do you even know what it is?”

“That… I…” The child was suddenly silenced, a troubled expression overcoming him. On the distance, a few of the other ones began snickering.

Maybe he was being unfair, in the first place, that child wasn’t even fit for knowing what it was. They weren’t particularly informed about when things would happen to them, but after a certain age, they would be swarmed with training and learning. That was why there were only young children inside, right now; all the others were too busy.

And… he was also lying about having to ‘get through the ritual’. No one was able to fail it. You go in, they perform it, you go out. It was how you got the powers to be an exorcist, when you were first assigned your gear. The moment Azza began growing her wings, the moment his eyes began turning red. But… it was better to instill a sense of fear and severity about it in the children, from as early as possible.

He himself couldn’t remember much from it. Just that it was cold, he was shackled, the chains running all the way to the walls, the priests whispering, the stone-floor…

Shaking his head, he rid himself of those thoughts. It was meaningless to try and delve into those memories; what’s done is done.

“That’s why, don’t even think about this stuff for now. Just worry about what kind of fun you’ll have the next day, and how you can help the other children at the orphanage.” He patted the young boy’s head. “As long as you don’t annoy the matriarch, of course.”

His last addition to the phrase made all the children fall down in laughter.

The young boy nodded, a disappointed yet understanding look on his face.

“Well, we should get going, then.” Saying so, he stood up and turned to the fake-angel. “Come on.”

She nodded. “Let’s go.”

Moving after him, the two of them were about to leave through the door, when—

“Alma, Azza.” The matriarch’s elderly voice called out to them. And as they turned, they were able to see the worried expression etched upon her face. “Please, be careful.”

Without missing a beat, they smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t worry it’ll all be fine as long as she doesn’t get in my way.”

“Don’t worry it’ll all be fine as long as he doesn’t get in my way.”

Realizing they had spoken at the same time, the exorcist turned to each other scowling.

Even so, it had the desired effect, as the Matriarch’s face became much more relaxed.

With a solemn nod, she spoke one last thing. “Why are you standing there all silent? Come, children, say your goodbyes.”

Realizing their mistake in courtesy, the children all rushed to get their hands waving on the air.

“Bye-bye!”

“Come again, big bro!”

“See you later!”

With their own smiles, they waved their own hands at the children as they departed.

“See you later, brats.”

“Bye, children.”

The sound of goodbyes slowly became fainter, their pace taking them away from the orphanage’s entrance.

“Hey, Alma?”

“What is it?”

“Let’s give it our best today as well.”

“…let’s.”

He surmised, in the end, that was one of the reasons she came by so often.

To remind herself, of what was truly precious, of the reason she fought.

To entrench themselves in slaughter, to kill monsters without rest. So that humanity could sleep soundly, so that those children could look ahead to bright futures.

That was the reason they fought. Their Holy Quest, their sacred plight.

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