Chapter 13: Things went pretty much as I expected them, well, except…

Part 1

 

MC’s POV

 

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I felt fatigued from the continuous fights taking a toll on me. The Ki I could use was not able to alleviate all of it no matter how much I focused it on it.

 

"Now then..." Muttering softly to myself, I took a look around.

 

The door behind me had closed before I knew it so I didn't have to worry about those guys coming after me for a few minutes at least, however, I couldn't tell when someone would open it again so the best was to finish my business as fast as I could.

 

This room had a large number of computers (?), I didn't know if they could still be called that as they looked more advanced than anything I have seen before. It seemed that they didn't only focus on bizarre technology to make machines for experiments, but these things as well. That said, this type of technology was necessary for experiments so it might be the same thing in the end.

 

I began typing on the computer I had closed, I was not sure why the keyboard was the only thing that was 'normal' among the equipment here but if I continue to retort to everything I will never finish. Reading through all the information that appeared, it seemed that there was a need for a password to access any useful function. Straining my brain, I tried to remember the password I had seen before. I had forgotten it for a moment given my focus being on something else until now, but luckily I managed to recall it easily. I won’t deny that I was worried for a moment.

 

Ok. I am not an expert at handling this technology so this process took me a while. To begin with, I was only able to use this thing since I had seen other people (devils) doing it before.

 

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A few minutes later I made some progress.

 

The restrains were finally released, but I was not going to stop there. I had many things in mind when I came here. It would be a shame to just leave without trying them out.

 

Huh? This is...? The details about a barrier...? So it seems that it keeps people from finding this place. Unfortunately, it only shows the data about it, but I can't interfere with it from here.

 

Hmmmm... I think this will also prove useful. Nevertheless, I apparently had to personally go to Naberius' studio for this.

 

The lowest floor, those were three floors more to go then.

 

If that is the only way, then I will go.

 

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Finally done with everything I could think of, I was letting my body get used to the feeling of having my Ki back. Taking care of my wounds and fatigue from earlier was easily taken care of. No matter how much I hate to admit it, but my control at using Ki seemed to have improved greatly due to me handling the normally difficult to handle external Ki, not to mention my ability to heal my own wounds thanks to my improved resilience due to the continuous experiments done to me.

 

There was only one more thing to take care of, and that was to destroy this damned room so that they can't reverse any of the arrangements I made.

 

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3rd Person POV

 

It took way too long, but finally someone with a card that could open the closed door to the control room appeared.

 

Many guards had gathered already in the place, but not just anyone had the access card for this room since the master of this facility did not trust most of the people who worked here enough to entrust them with an access card.

 

The large groups of subordinates were anxiously waiting for that 'trusted' someone that could open the door so they could capture that little pest that kept breaking havoc everywhere.

 

The one who brought the key was a devil named Nil who was quite old among the subordinate of Naberius. He, who had worked for him since he was just a small devil, was his Butler and a member of his peerage.

 

Lamenting this situation Nil observed as the large groups of devils were taking a position to enter and apprehend that young youkai named Nora.

 

As he passed the card to one of the guards for them to open the door, Nil waited at a good distance away. He was pondering the poor fate of that child and many others under the hands of his master. Differently from Theodore, Nil was very fond of children and he tried to take care of them even though they were forced to go through those experiments. He also tried to learn their names to never forget them as they did not last too long here.

 

It was heartbreaking for him to have his master do those things, but he was already at the point of no return. Nil had become an accomplice by allowing Theodore to do these things. Even if he tried to take care of the needs of the children to lessen his guilt, he was not going to change the fact that he too was evil.

 

He had tried countless times to let the children escape but it has never been successful. At some point, he had just given up doing as he had failed so many times, although he was punished for that. Despite everything, he was allowed to live. Maybe his master just found him useful or it was just plain trouble to explain his disappearance.

 

Sighing exhausted, he turned his sight away from the door, unable to stand what was about to happen.

 

Yet, instead of the screams and yells of the child, what was heard was-

 

"What the-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

 

"Hey, y-gyahhhhhhh!"

 

"They are burning. Can anyone use water element spells? We need to put out the fire! The flames are..."

 

"What are you guys doing standing there? Move it!"

 

He heard the screams and yells of Theodore's subordinates.

 

Turning his sight to the door again, he could see a stunning sight where green wheel-like flames flying out of the door and struck the guards who were blocking the door.

 

It made him doubt his eyes for a moment. He even thought that someone was helping that child, but the reports said that only Nora was inside. Who would- No, if he had somehow removed his restraints then... he would be able to use his abilities again and recall what Nekomatas are capable of, it was not that strange.

 

However, there was one question, and that was ‘how’. No matter how he looked at it, Nora got too far with his escape. Was there truly not someone helping him?

 

Maybe... just maybe, he would-

 

"Nil-sama, please state your orders. We are facing an unexpected resistance."

 

Suddenly a voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and as reluctant as he was to do this, he was still Theodore's subordinate.

 

"Have everyone retreat from the door, stay away from his view."

 

But maybe if he could give a little help-

 

"Do not engage yet, assume a wait-and-see stand for the moment."

 

The question was, how?

 

 

Part 2

 

MC’s POV

 

Well, I certainly expected that there would be a lot of people coming my way but... wow.

 

As soon as the door opened I swung my arms to throw a couple of Kashas, striking them right in the face. From what I was able to observe, I think I got a couple of them but it felt way too easy. They are people who I was just struggling with, seeing them fall like that made me wonder how weak I usually am without my Ki. Well, I also revised my opinion of them, considering those guys to be a lot weaker than before.

 

The thing is that they quickly took their distance. Using Clairvoyance, I saw through the walls and observed an elder-looking devil neatly dressed as a butler. He seemed different from the others not only for his clothing but how everyone was listening to him. Which could be troublesome, I somehow have to take him down to avoid an organized mob trying to attack me.

 

At times like these, I wish I knew more Youjutsu spells. Throwing fireballs and icicles at them is not going to be exactly effective as they are probably going to defend as soon as they saw them. My favorite plant manipulation is useless as I got no seeds to work with. 'Creating' plants using the same method as you 'create' fire or ice is not that effective as using seeds, or so Kaa-san repeated told me. Something about having the downside of disappearing if the spell was broken.

 

Transforming into a cat is... Hmmm? Unless I become a super cat it won't work, but I will certainly become smaller. Moving through them would considerably reduce the possibility of an attack so having a smaller body would help.

 

They are just standing there so I can give it a try.

 

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After making sure for the last time that I destroyed everything, I walked closer to the door nervously. Taking out the last thing I had from my pouch, the last bottle of alcohol I thought of using but quickly dismissed that thought. It could come in handy later.

 

Using Touki and Senjutsu to reinforce my body, I found my body filled with a familiar surge of power. Concentrating a somewhat high quantity of Ki on my feet, I compressed it further.

 

Then I jumped outside the room and ignoring one side of the people surrounding the place, I gave them my back as I dashed to the other side. When there was enough distance, planting my right foot on the floor, I released the Ki in a burst like I had done that time before, impelling me even faster to the gathered devil guards.

 

"He is out! Attack!"

 

"Don't treat him lightly, he is dangerous. He even held his ground against team 5.”

 

Of course, they did not stay there just waiting for me to close in, a large number of magic circles appeared in the air were the proof that they were casting magic. I was observing that older devil from before and he did not seem to be giving them orders as they acted more according to the situation, since they seemed somewhat disorderly. What was that about?

 

"Hey, why are you attacking before the order came?"

 

"Shut it, Am I supposed to allow his escape because the orders came late? We will just take care of him and later we will deal with any other problem."

 

I had to jump to avoid the first attack that came at me from behind.

 

Bracing myself, I landed, just to twist my body to evade another one. They are way slower than the Senjutsu bullets Kaa-san sent my way when I trained with her so I could catch them with my vision.

 

Not wanting a one-sided attack, I used Youjutsu to throw icicles and fireball at them, mixed occasionally with one Kasha or two. I was not aiming at killing them, but just to stop their spells from raining on me non-stop.

 

At just a few steps, I created a great number of Kashas and threw them their way, and then I transformed into a cat and dived into their group.

 

Now I was not avoiding magic attacks. Instead, it was their feet that aimed to stomp me, but I somehow managed to stay safe before going through them.

 

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I transformed back into my nekomata form after moving away from them. Although I was more nimble as a cat, I could cover more ground with a form that I was more familiar with.

 

Perhaps I should consider learning to transform into something faster after learning more Youjutsu, there was surely some kind of spell for that.

 

Thinking back, my escape felt rather effortless compared to what I had in mind. Were they preparing some sort of trap?

 

Using my ability, I watched as they dispersed in smaller groups and started to give chase, everyone except that older devil who seemed to ponder for a moment before going straight to the elevator. Was he called out by Naberius? The guy in question was coming to this floor on another elevator so it did not seem to be that. I will think about that later. If Naberius was coming here then his studio should be vacant.

 

I would really like to go and have a little chat with that b*stard, but my priority should be preparing the escape route so I can take Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan away with me.

 

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Leaving the 37th floor was easier than getting into the damned floor. Although those guys dispersed to search for me, I had already covered enough distance to get to the stairs before they were able to block them.

 

The 38th floor appeared to be some sort of library as I can see many books and files stored there, as for the contents, I was not going to be stopping here to check. It will probably be a waste of time.

 

If I had that wonderful magic where you can store things though, I could just take everything this place has. That said, part of me is curious about what was done to me, which could be stored in one of those files.

 

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For some reason, there has not been anyone coming after me even after going to the 39th floor. From over here, I have to move to a particular place to get to Naberius' place.

 

This floor was an extension from the last floor since there seems to be books and files lined up everywhere.

 

Nevertheless, books are not the only thing surrounding me, I am not alone. With my Clairvoyance, I spotted someone waiting for me just where the stairs to go further are.

 

It was that guy... that butler.

 

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"I have been waiting for you. There is no need to be wary."

An aged and somewhat tired voice called out.

 

No, when someone tells you those exact words, you should be even warier. If he offers me candy, I will call the cops. Wait, if I could call them I would ask them to get me out of here.

 

Forcing that retort down my throat, I walked closer to the figure waiting for me. Grey short hair with grey eyes, he doesn't look to be taller than 1.80mts, dressed in a butler suit. That was the appearance of the man who stood in front of me. It truly took a lot of self-control to contain the urge to attack him and just go down to the studio of Naberius, but I am curious, why he is here alone instead of coming here with mobs of devils to deal with me?

 

"Well, I suppose that my words are not particularly trustworthy for you so I will just get to the point. I want to help you". The older devil muttered.

 

Wut?

 

Is this guy alright on the head?

 

Did he go senile?

 

Or is this a phrase like.... 'I want to help you... to meet your maker, hayyaaaaa!'

 

"I can tell from your expression that you doubt what I said, but I am serious. I want to help you escape, in exchange, when you leave, take the other kids with you. I won't ask you to keep them safe all the time, but just to take them out of here." The older devil explained.

 

Hmmmm... I am truly at a loss here.

 

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3rd Person POV

 

One look at Nora's face and it was easy to tell that he was not buying the words of Nil even after he repeated them.

 

Smiling bitterly, Nil pondered what should he do to show that it was not a lie or a trick.

 

"Follow me; you want to get to Theodore-sama's studio, right? Let us continue talking there, it is the place you want to go anyways". Nil said as he carelessly turned his back to Nora and started walking away.

 

Hesitation could be easily read in Nora's expressions. His face aside, his hands kept going from a tightly closed fist to relaxed and open palms.

 

It was not until Nil almost left Nora's line of sight that he moved to follow after him. It was as the older devil explained moments ago, he was going to that place after all, so Nora warily took a look at his surroundings using Clairvoyance as he walked. There were no hidden people, no ambush, nothing.

 

Everything seemed fine, and that is why it was quite unsettling for him.

 

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Despite his worries, nothing happened to Nora after he arrived at a spacious room where a desk was located just in the middle of it. Around it, there were shelves filled with all kinds of books and documents. Nil waited for Nora just in the middle of the room.

 

"Since you came here, you are probably after the barrier, right? Then you should start taking care of it at once. In that bookshelf, you will find a button; press it as I can't get close to it because of a certain spell cast on me that prevents me to do so." Nil uttered as he gestured to a particular shelf.

 

Staring at the place for a moment, and confirming every corner of the room, Nora moved to check the mentioned button, and after rummaging the shelf, he was able to find it. Hesitating, he took a book and used it to press the button in case there was a trick. In just a moment, there was a sound coming from behind him.

 

A panel had just popped out of the floor when he was not looking. It was a pretty strange sight, leaving Nora baffled.

 

"This panel controls the barrier, although you would need a certain item to make it work. Only one person (devil) carries that item, I don't need to explain further, do I?" Nil calmly said before Nora got closer to the panel.

 

Stopping in his track at those words-

 

"Damn it..." Nora cursed under his breath.

 

"Cursing is not something praiseworthy at your age, Nora". Nil commented as he heard him.

 

"Taking children and experimenting on them is not praiseworthy either. Answer me, why are you 'helping' me?" Nora inquired in a spiteful tone as he stared at Nil coldly.

 

It was a normal reaction since they were not precisely allies.

 

"You don't need to mind this old man too much. I just want to do something about a problem that I have not been able to do anything about until now. Your appearance here is precisely what I needed it." Nil replied.

 

Nora just raised an eyebrow at that answer that practically said nothing at all.

 

"However, I understand why you are wary of me. In that sense, I don't want you to trust me or change the way you think of me. I am not really a good person (devil) after all. Let's just say we will cooperate to get each what we want." Nil explained.

 

After staring coldly at Nil for a few seconds, Nora spoke.

 

"Why should I? As you said, I don't trust you. To be honest, I just feel the need to strike you down right here to avoid any possible trouble". Nora sarcastically questioned as he created a green wheel-like flame on his right hand.

 

Under the threat of the Youkai art called Kasha, Nil did not change his expression in the slightest.

 

"You might say that, but to take care of the barrier, you need me. Of course, you can just kill me and leave, but the barrier is not easy to be deactivated. Only a selected few can bring it down. In that regard, I am the only one that will actually cooperate with you to do so." Nil answered back.

 

An uncomfortable silence followed.

 

"Let's say that I actually believe your words, not as I do though. What do you get from all this? As far as I know, devils don't take well betrayal so there is no way that someone like Naberius would be forgiving you for this." Nora spoke with a frown on his face.

 

"I have tried doing this before but failed, and I am still here. Nevertheless, my answer to your question is that I have just never liked this kind of thing." Nil bitterly said.

 

"By the way, how do you know my name?" Nora suddenly asked, basically ignoring what was just said by Nil.

 

It was a clear change of subjects, but without minding it, Nil just pondered for a moment before saying.

 

"There is a child that joined my master's peerage not long ago. I am basically in charge of taking care of her and her sister, they-" Nil said but he had to stop.

 

"That is not what I asked." Nora interrupted using a rather harsh tone.

 

"Well, I just heard them talking about you." Nil explained while smiling bitterly at Nora's tone.

 

Nora remained with his right hand holding a Kasha for a moment before dispelling it.

 

"Why can't I just destroy that thing? Wouldn't it do the trick?" Nora questioned in an uncertain tone.

 

He walked to the panel and started inspecting it.

 

Nil just observed the spectacle of Nora hitting the panel lightly here and there.

 

"It is quite tough to do so. Theodore-sama considered that someone might try to do the same so he had it made from an incredibly tough material; it is a special kind of crystal that you can’t buy even if you have money, and even if you broke it, the device is set up in a way that would keep the barrier active unless it deactivated through it first." Nil explained after Nora gave the panel few a whacks here and there.

 

"I can see that..." Nora frowned as he rubbed his hands.

 

Gazing at every part of the room, Nora stopped to stare at a particular point.

 

"Do you believe me now?" Nil asked as he wondered what the young youkai was doing.

 

"Yeah, yeah, I just tested what you said. By the way, can you open that?" Nora pointed at the area behind the desk.

 

Walking closer to that spot, he knocked a bookshelf.

 

"How did-". Nil was interrupted by Nora again before he could finish talking.

 

"Can you do it? Can't you? As you have things that you are not telling me, I won't just explain every single thing to you." Nora scowled.

 

"That is fair enough. About what you asked, I indeed can." Nil walked beside Nora and took a book out of the bookshelf.

 

*Click*

 

Such a sound was heard, and a small part of the bookshelf opened.

 

"Such a cliché... Impressive, but still a cliché..." Nora muttered under his breath.

 

Focused on what was behind the bookshelf, Nil did not hear what Nora said. So he did not stop his actions and opened a safe box located there.

 

"Aren't you helping me too much? I understand if it is related to helping the children to escape as you asked, but this was a completely different matter." Nora curiously asked.

 

It was rather strange for Nora the attitude of Nil. He would've assumed that he was being kept here until the guards arrived and cornered him again if he had not been observing their movements using Clairvoyance.

 

"Talking about them, I recalled that there is something that belongs to those girls here. I don't know what you want, but this is something I will retrieve now that I have the opportunity." Nil explained as he took out a rather small box from the safe.

 

Opening to confirm the contents, he was about to keep the box in his pocket when-

 

"Wait, I want what you have there. I wanted to take that." Nora pointed to the small box with his finger.

 

Perplexed, Nil did not know what to say for a moment.

 

"But this is..." Nil muttered.

 

"I know who that belongs to, and that is why I want it. Well, after taking a look inside the safe, I would like a few goods stored there as well." Nora said as he moved the chair located at the desk to use it as a foothold to reach certain things from the safe box.

 

Stored inside, there were several Phoenix Tears vials.

 

"This is the one he took from me and the others are just the repayment for doing so. Indeed, it is fair..." Nora nodded as he took all the vials of Phoenix Tears and put them in his pouch.

 

At that display, the calm expression on Nil's face broke a little as the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. However, after taking into consideration what the child will have to go through, he just silently accepted it.

 

Nil stared at the box in his hands for a moment before handing it to Nora.

 

"*sigh* Take it..." Nil sighed wearily.

 

Giving a side glance to Nil, Nora just extended his hand to grab it. With even more care than the valuable Phoenix Tears, he stored the whole box in the pouch as well, not before putting a few things inside the small box as well.

 

"Then, what is the plan after Naberius arrives? He should be coming here soon." Nora commented as he finished arranging all the vials in his pouch.

 

Nora just stared at the ceiling after saying that. His actions made Nil curious, but he did not ask about it.

 

"Before coming here, I heard that something occurred on the upper floors and they needed reinforcements, but I cut the connection of the spell they used to communicate that when I started to head this way, so he will probably be taking care of that. If he comes here, then he won't be coming alone considering the disturbance. The strongest devil in his peerage will probably be with him for protection so..." Nil explained.

 

"So it will be complicated since a fight would inevitably break out. That is what you are trying to say, well, it was not like I expected this to go smoothly. Can you tell me anything about the guy in question?" Nora inquired after understanding the meaning of Nil's words, although he had a somewhat satisfying grin the whole time.

 

Thinking that Nora was a strange kid, Nil started to think about what to tell him.

 

His actions this time will possibly spell his doom as what he is going to do is practically betrayal on a magnitude several times higher than before, so there was no need to hesitate in what to tell Nora as long he would be able to get away and help the other kids, or so Nil thought. Nonetheless, it was a slightly difficult topic as he had his doubts about how useful the information was going to be.

 

"Well... to begin with..." Nil began explaining.

 

 

Part 3

 

MC’s POV

 

Finished with his explanation, the devil Butler remained silent as I pondered for a moment. From what I understood, the enemy is someone at High-Class, and apparently he was the man (devil) that caught me.

 

Now my expression was fixed in a frown contrary from the earlier grin at the news of commotion going on upstairs.

 

This fight could be dangerous on many levels.

 

Putting aside the fact that the devil Butler described the guys as someone strong, actually being Naberius' Queen or so he said. I am worried about the possibility of the Butler striking my back at some point.

 

I had decided to not attack him after confirming his words regarding the panel since it was certainly very tough. The other thing he mentioned could be true as well. Although, I can't deny that I also hesitated at the mention of him taking care of Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan.

 

Their appearances were always neat and clean, and they were well fed. Those two always got snacks as well so if he was the one that was making their stay here more acceptable and comfortable for them; I find it hard to just strike him down.

 

*Sigh*

 

Regardless of my feelings about it, I do need his help for now so I won't think deeply about this. Still, I will have to exercise extreme caution.

 

Regarding his request, I can't promise anything, although my arrangements from before might be of use.

 

I turn my eyes to the ceiling and after activating my Clairvoyance I looked for Naberius. He seemed to be moving in the direction of the elevator with three other devils.

 

Along with Naberius, that would make four, well, five depending on this butler's thoughts.

 

His words sound rather touching at the mention of wanting to have the children escape. Nevertheless, it does not erase the fact that he did not stop it from happening. I don't think that if the devil's government was aware of Naberius' actions so far, he would remain unpunished. Too many crimes were committed by the guy so the butler had still allowed things to escalate to this point, and a certain floor of this facility would just make any sane person want to hang the guy.

 

I can only hope that neither Kuroka-chan nor Shirone-chan had seen that place.

 

The 18th floor, the disposal floor or so I am referring to it.

 

It still brings a chill down my spine just thinking about what I saw thereafter using Clairvoyance once, and as unsightly as it sounds, I had to throw up my lunch that day. Thankfully I was alone at that moment.

 

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Changing locations, it was a much better choice to fight on the 39th floor. It is much wider and it would give me more space to evade, although that would give them more space as well.

 

It is shame that I don't have my bow. I could use it to snipe them, or at least try. On that note, my bow was probably left behind in the woods where I helped Masaomi and Cleria.

 

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3rd Person POV

 

As Nora and Nil had discussed, they were going to wait for Naberius on another floor. The major problem was going to be taking down the people who would accompany him here, in particular, a tough individual made it difficult.

 

"Hey, how far are you exactly planning to go?" Nora suddenly asked the older man near him.

 

The person near Nora did not answer at once, instead he-

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"...What do you mean?" Nil replied with a question of his own.

 

"Don't play innocent. You are clearly aware of what I am talking about. As you had said before, we only need an item that Naberius carries. No more. Will you interfere if I..." Nora muttered in a serious tone.

 

It was going to be a big problem if the guy turned on him midway, although he was not sure if he will get an honest answer or if the answer was going to be enough to satisfy him, Nora still asked.

 

"I... won't stop you. Nonetheless, I would like it if you could leave handling Theodore-sama to me when the time comes. Is that alright with you?" Nil requested.

 

"Don't expect anything..." Nora replied curtly.

 

After his reply, he started to diligently gaze at the ceiling.

 

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"I won't fight together with you, each one on their respective fights; I believe that it will be the best arrangement". Nora suddenly uttered after turning his gaze from the ceiling to the elevator door somewhat a distance away from them.

 

Noticing his actions, Nil also turned to look in the same direction.

 

"I won't have any problem with that, but it could be dangerous for you. I saw you before using those Youkai techniques to attack from a certain distance; I believe that it would be better for you to-". Nil spoke.

 

Nil was trying to convince Nora to stay behind his back.

 

"It would be even more dangerous for me. Even if you tried to protect me, I doubt that you could hold the attacks from that many people (devils) back. I also won't entrust my safety to you." Nora replied while creating a small number of Kashas and making them hover around him.

 

It seemed useless to say anything else so Nil did not insist anymore.

 

The old Butler began chanting a spell, and after the magic circle of the spell enveloped him, a rather antique long sword along with a small shield appeared equipped on him. The long sword and the shield seemed to be weapons that expressed a well-balanced fighting style so it picked Nora's interest.

 

"You belonged to Naberius peerage, right? Are you a Rook or a Knight?" Nora inquired curiously, and even while doing that he kept creating more Kashas.

 

"This old man is just a Rook, nothing particularly unusual. By the way, how many are you planning to make?" Nil answered back with a somewhat amazed expression as he pointed at the green flames that hovered around Nora.

 

There were already close to a dozen of those and as Nil recalled, one hit of one of those and it might kill a weaker devil if the attack lands in a bad spot. He had already confirmed the casualties report from the battle when they had Nora cornered; it seemed that those green flames were quite dangerous, however, he could be seeing things but he could swear that he had seen those flames with a bluish color before.

 

"As many as I can, well, I won't be able to create more. They are coming!" Nora warned as he got into position while observing the elevator.

 

Both of them were standing in a place where they could observe from a straight path when the elevator's door would open. It was decided by them earlier as they discussed the best arrangement for the future fight. Their standing spot was close to a great number of archives stored on the floor, in case they needed to take cover at some point.

 

Nil, hearing Nora's words took a deep breath. He was worried about the outcome of what was going to come. Even if he made up his mind, he was still going to raise his hand against someone whom he had served for a long time as it was a tradition in his family.

 

"Hey, don't go having second thoughts now. If you are thinking funny things then I will strike you down before I do so with Naberius." Nora spoke with a frown as he saw Nil's hesitation.

 

Smiling wryly at those threatening words coming from such a small child, Nil thought that he can't just go having doubts at this point.

 

"And here they are!" Nora exclaimed as he swung his arms forward, sending more than half of the Kashas around him flying straight at the elevator door, that by the time those were halfway through the distance, the door began opening.

 

It was a rather timed attack as just as the doors opened completely, the Kashas arrived. The only thing that the devils riding the elevator were able to see as the doors opened were numerous green flame-like wheels coming their way.

 

"Why!!! GyAhhhh!"

 

"This is n-Ahhhhh!"

 

From their position, Nil and Nora were just able to hear screams, as everything was engulfed in fire upon contact.

 

Just in case, Nora sent a couple of Kashas again in that direction. However, before they got close to the door, something came out flying from inside the elevator, colliding with the Kashas mid-air, and the result was an explosion.

 

Nora frowned and turned to Nil to give him a signal with his hands.

 

Understanding the simple meaning of the signs, Nil nodded before both of them retreated to a place where they were not seen from the elevator.

 

Since there wasn’t any noise coming from the elevator, Nil pondered for a moment. Thinking back, he tried to recall exactly how the screams sounded like. Basically replaying those screams in his mind, he concluded that neither of those voices belonged to his master or his fellow peerage member. The attack probably took care of the other devils that came with his master this time.

 

Nil was about to warn Nora before he heard him clicking his tongue and-

 

"No luck on taking out those two, well, at least they are alone now". Nora muttered softly as he gazed in the direction of the elevator.

 

Stopping on his track, Nil wondered if Nora was using some kind of spell or technique from the Youkais to observe what was happening. Nonetheless, he did not pry.

 

"I will try to separate them so you should-" Nil tried to say but he was interrupted.

 

"I will attract their attention better than you. That guy probably won't kill me as soon as he sees me. The experiments were not done yet so he will most likely try to capture me first." Nora explained with a bitter expression.

 

"Still, that does not guarantee that you will make it out unharmed. You should stay here while I do it." Nil said with a frown.

 

None of them wanted to accept the other party idea, Nil just wanted to help raise the chances of Nora getting out of this situation, but Nora didn't trust Nil for this task and thought that it would be better if someone like him did it as he was still an important test subject.

 

"You can't always expect to do everything by yourself..." Nil muttered with a shake of his head, he began walking forward without looking back.

 

"Hey, where are you going I said that-" Nora wanted to complain but he was interrupted.

 

"It is ok. I will just try to bring them closer, it is not like I will fight them by myself." Nil spoke as he kept walking.

 

...

...

...

 

 

As the fire got extinguished, Nil was able to look at the spectacle that occurred thanks to that attack. Two bodies were lying down on the floor, and many burning wounds covered them. They were not moving so their fates could be distinguished.

 

A little behind them, there was a magic circle that most likely worked as a shield. He was not sure since it was dispersed before he got close enough.

 

"Naberius-sama, there have not been more attacks. We should take this chance to leave." A voice was heard coming from the elevator; it was a familiar voice belonging to his master's Queen.

 

"I don't need you to tell me that, Chad. Let's quickly go to my studio, this place got messed up by that little b*astard, so many insects are running around, it would be a shame if they somehow came down here and messed the research data that I kept stored". A voice, which Nil could recognize as his master’s, said.

 

Nil could only lament the obsession that his master had with research, at some point he could not think about anything else other than that. Was it simply because he was not good at anything else that he turned like that?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Theodore’s POV

 

"Huh? I don't see the attacker. Can you see him?" Theodore asked as he glanced around his vicinity.

 

Trying to strain his eyes, not much was visible, so he was not able to see too far away.

 

"No, I can only see Nil-sama. I have never seen him using that kind of magic before; however, I believe that we should be careful as we can't rule out the possibility of him being responsible. Moreover, he has his sword and shields equipped." The devil accompanying Theodore replied.

 

"Nil? Oh, now that you mention it, that is indeed the case. He did not respond to my summons despite how much I tried to contact him with communication magic. I thought he was a goner but he seems to be doing just fine. Chad, disarm him first, I have many questions that I wish to ask him." Theodore ordered in a light tone.

 

While his tone was not harsh, Theodore was not exactly happy with Nil. There was a terrible mess upstairs and Nil was here wasting his time instead of joining the others and trying to fix it. It seemed that some discipline was going to be needed.

 

"As you wish..." The devil named Chad replied, before walking forward to apprehend Nil.

 

As there was some distance between the two, they did not meet immediately. However, Chad and Nil continued walking, reducing the distance.

 

Not staying too far away from Chad due to the danger since the attacker from before was not seen, Theodore walked behind his Queen.

 

It was a sudden attack, and something he did not expect so there were some casualties on his side. Well, they served their purpose as those two became a good meat shield, buying enough time for Chad to cast magic and protect both of them.

 

"Theodore-sama..." Nil called in a strong tone.

 

Frowning a little in displeasure, Theodore thought of not saying anything but he spoke at the end.

 

"If you are trying to ask for a lighter punishment, then give up. Right now I am not in a good mood. I am very disappointed in you. Besides, there is a need to ask some questions, like for example, where were you when the attack from a moment ago happened? You don't have the appearance of someone who just came after taking care of a foe, which makes me wonder what exactly is going on". Theodore said in a questioning tone.

 

Glancing around he could not see traces of battle so it was not possible for Nil to appear coincidently after taking care of the attacker and be unharmed. That is, of course, after he ruled out the possibility of Nil being the attacker. He never had an affinity for fire, even his demonic power was on the low side.

 

"Sir, I am well aware of my failures on this occasion. However, I have a very good reason for that. Right now the entrance to your studio is closed, but there was an intruder just now. He is a very swift individual, and as you know I am lacking in the speed department so I have not been able to catch him. I implore you to please save the punishment for a later time after we catch him. Even as we speak, I believe that he must be nearby. If you could lend me some support, I should be able to take care of him." Nil explained in a regretful tone.

 

Not finding anything strange with the tone of voice or his expressions, Theodore thought that it seemed possible. Yet, it felt a little strange. Nevertheless, while Nil had been a little rebellious as he helped some of his test subjects escape, that habit disappeared after giving them a gruesome end in front of him.

 

"Hmmm, I will call more people, although they're not much to spare as they are taking care of the escapees. The little episode of letting subject 10032 run around causing troubles is bringing me too many headaches. You will come with me and Chad to my studio; I wish to confirm if the most important data is completely safe..." Theodore concluded.

 

No matter what, he had to check that none of the documents in his studio were damaged or missing. He had already left instructions to take care of the mess upstairs. There was no need to keep alive the worthless and rebellious test subjects as they are easy to replace.

 

"Thank you for your tolerance, I will lead the way then. Please, follow me." Nil said as he turned around and walked away.

 

Sharing a glance with Chad, he nodded; indicating him that he should follow after him, although it was only after Theodore signaled to him that Chad moved.

 

Observing his two servants walk one after another, Theodore thought that he should perhaps consider raising his number of peerage members again. It has been enough time since the last ones died in an experiment gone wrong, so he would not stand out if he looked for another one again.

 

He only wondered if he could get someone more useful than the last ones.

 

...

...

...

 

Moving through the archives around him, Theodore was considering getting someone to move this to another facility. It was beginning to be filled with too many things as many research projects were done here. Failures were the ones that filled the most space, nonetheless, it did not mean that this data was completely useless so getting rid of it was out of the question.

 

As he walked, Theodore stopped while frowning; suddenly there was a smell of something burning.

 

"Naberius-sama, there seems to be something being burned in that direction." Chad said as he pointed in a certain direction.

 

Moving his gaze to that direction, Theodore was able to see that there was a fire extending to the numerous data stored in the place.

 

"And what are you two doing? Go and take care of it ". Theodore ordered with an annoyed expression planted on his face.

 

He can't rely on the automatic system that would use water to put down the fire since all the systems are down. It was another thing that subject 10032 seemed to have messed up.

 

Sharing a glance, Nil and Chad moved. As Nil was further ahead, Chad was closer to the fire that was extending on one side so he took the lead. Nil began walking as well but came to a stop a few steps later.

 

Staring at Chad as he got farther from him, Nil turned to Theodore and spoke.

 

"Theodore-sama, Sir, can I ask you something?" Nil muttered in a very soft tone.

 

Frowning at that, Theodore was barely able to hear what his servant said.

 

"Speak louder; I barely understood your words just now. If you have nothing important to say then you shouldn't have stopped. So it better is". Theodore replied to his Rook's words.

 

"I think that I did a terrible job as a butler at some point. But I lacked the awareness of it until there was no way to fix it, no, I just did not want to accept the possible solutions at that time..." Nil said as he began getting closer to Theodore.

 

At those actions, Theodore slightly panicked. Turning his sight to his Queen, he had found that at some point the fire had extended and he had trouble taking care of it.

 

"Chad, come back here! Forget about putting down the fire". Theodore yelled.

 

He was expecting a positive reply right away but-

 

*Boooom*

 

The sound of an explosion came back as an answer.

 

"I let you go into the stray path without trying to correct you. Nonetheless, I think it is time I did something about it. It took me this long to gather my resolve". Nil said as he kept getting closer.

 

Now, it seemed clear to Theodore that he was being betrayed. He had slightly suspicious that Nil had done something stupid again, but he never thought that it was going to be something of this level.

 

Quickly creating a magic circle, Theodore raised his arm to cast the spell in front of him when he felt a terrible pain coming from his arm.

 

"AHHHH!!! B*stard!” Theodore backed away as he shrieked in pain.

 

Looking at his arm, there was a long and deep slash wound freshly made.

 

It came as a huge shock since he did not expect his Rook's speed to be that fast.

 

"How dare you! After all, I have done for you!!! And what is with that speed? You are supposed to have a Rook piece! Not a Knight piece!" Theodore complained as he once again tried to cast another spell but he was interrupted when another pain coming from his stomach made him flinch and then scream.

 

"AaaaaAAaaah!! Damn it! Damn it!" Theodore tried to desperately move some distance away to catch a breather, even as he threw insults.

 

Managing to get away from Nil, he heard him speak.

 

"It is not like there is a rule that states that if you have a certain piece means that your other abilities will disappear or that you cannot use them. Each piece only boosts a particular stat, you should be aware of that, evil pieces are not absolute". Nil explained as he was going to dash in Theodore's direction.

 

But before he did it-

 

*BAAAAM*

 

Such a sound was heard and it was followed by a figure that came crashing in the middle of the two devils.

 

Theodore could identify a small figure wobbly standing up.

 

"Don't mind me, don't mind me. Just keep having your fun; I will do my stuff over there." The voice belonging to that figure said before dashing in the direction he came.

 

It did not take too much effort for Theodore to identify that figure, be seeing it or just hearing that voice. He was familiar with it. Subject 10032, that hateful test subject was the cause of everything, he-

 

"Arghhhhh." Groaning from the pain, Theodore lost his balance as a new slash wound was left on his leg after Nil cut him with his sword.

 

Falling to the floor, he could only awkwardly crawl away.

 

*BOOOOOOM*

 

*BAMM*

 

*BOOOOM*

 

A series of explosions were heard before a familiar figure crashed near Theodore and Nil.

 

Standing up with some difficulty-

 

"I almost got it this time, don't mind me. Sorry for interrupting. Oh, hi there. How are you doing Naberius? Looking good huh? Well, see you". Subject 10032 muttered that in a happy tone before dashing again to the place where he came from.

 

"That annoying little...!!!" Theodore hatefully exclaimed as he glared viciously in the direction of that youkai, cursing his own situation internally.

 

"That look... Theodore-sama, it is that look that made me do this. You have gone too far. No, you had gone too far since long ago." Nil muttered in a sad tone.

 

"So, what? Are you suddenly some kind of hero of justice? Your hands are also dirty. You have done a lot of stuff like me as well, or you are going to say that I forced you?" Theodore lashed out at Nil while trying to desperately cover his bleeding wound.

 

Leaping in his direction, Nil swung his sword at Theodore again, an attack that he awkwardly evaded. He tried to use magic, but even before he was able to cast some magic he was attacked again so he delayed any try, and he saw how he was not attacked again.

 

Nil just remained silent at those words and Theodore smirked.

 

"You obeyed my orders. There were many opportunities where you could've just gone to the government and inform them of my actions, yet you did not so. You are such a hypocrite!" Theodore mocked.

 

Those words made Nil flinch, and he looked visibly shaken, but before Nil was able to reply-

 

*BOOOOM*

 

*BAAAAM*

 

Someone was sent flying in their direction again.

 

Lying down in the ground that figure took longer than the other times to stand up.

 

"*Cough**cough* A little help here would be nice or just change with me for a while. You are taking too long." Subject 10032 complained.

 

Nil just looked at Theodore one last time before he moved in the direction of Chad to face him, escaping from the situation he was in.

 

Thinking that it was his chance to get away and get into his studio to treat his wounds, Theodore tried to stand up.

 

"I knew that the butler would not be able to take care of you. This works for me. I feel that there is a need to repay you what you have been doing to me." Subject 10032 said in a light tone of voice, although his expression stated otherwise.

 

At those words that sounded like mockery to Theodore, he could not help to stop his escape. It was one thing to be looked down on by someone stronger than him, but this b*stard was just a Low-Class (High) as he recalled.

 

"Don't get cocky! You think that what happened before is something that will repeat itself? You had just caught me off guard at that-" Theodore angrily spoke, but his words were cut as he had to cover his face with his hands since a green flaming wheel was thrown at him.

 

Due to the wound on his leg, he was not able to make a better effort at evading or that is what he told himself since he did not want to accept that he was taken aback by the attack.

 

As the flaming wheel made contact with him, he felt his arms getting burned a little but it was less hot than he thought, and just as he was going to mock subject 10032 for his pathetic attack, he felt a terrible pain coming from his stomach.

 

Looking down he could see as the subject pushed his hand into his abdomen. The pain almost made him faint, but he held onto his consciousness by biting his lips and swung his arm at subject 10032 who avoided the attack by lightly stepping back, not before dragging part of the content of his stomach outside when he pulled his hand out.

 

Observing that hand, he could see that it looked different. A somewhat whitish aura formed an extension from his hand, making his fingers have a sharper form like claws. Is that a Youkai art?

 

"Killing you quickly would be a blessing for you since you are someone I can't forgive. Really, even the kindest person would pretty much spit on you after they heard what you have done in this place..." Subject 10032 muttered expressionlessly.

 

"Ha! Are you going to give a talk about what is right or wrong as well?" Theodore spitefully said as he tried to buy time for his Queen to come back to help him.

 

*BOOOOOOM*

 

He could hear explosions in the background so he seemed to be struggling, but Chad couldn't lose to his butler.

 

"What? No. You are nuts, even if I tried to explain to you how awful were the things you did, you wouldn't even give a damn. Besides, I am not here to do justice for others, I just wanted to leave this place, and to do that I had to do this. On the other hand, taking care of you is more a personal grudge about something you did, and what you might do if you are left alive." Subject 10032 commented as he glanced for a moment at the explosions’ location.

 

"Personal grudges? So it is plain revenge for what I did to you after all." Theodore said as he prepared to cast some magic only to stop when subject 10032 glared back at him.

 

He had created those flaming wheels and they hovered around him.

 

"Revenge...? Who knows? I don't desperately seek something like payback for what you did to me. I understand my position as just some weak youkai, my words probably wouldn't matter as I am now, and just escaping would've sufficed for me until I was in the position to actually do something." Subject 10032 explained with a somber expression.

 

"Then, why are you here now?" Theodore asked.

 

He was curious why this kid went this far.

 

"Oh, that? You, doing those things to her put me in one terrible mood. When she came crying, I knew that I could not stand waiting any longer to leave. Being indecisive caused that, if I only had the guts to take you down before… she wouldn't have gone through that." Subject 10032 replied in an icy tone.

 

Flinching slightly at the sheer animosity contained in those words, he found it creepy seeing a child giving that aura.

 

However, the words he had just said made him doubt his hearing abilities for a moment.

 

"For that..? You are saying that you are here... trying to kill me... FOR JUST THAT!!! FOR HER? YOU MEAN THAT STUPID YOUKAI? THAT DAMNED BISHOP? HA! YOU SAID I AM 'NUTS' BUT YOU ARE CLEARLY INSANE!" Theodore expressively yelled.

 

"Oi... Just shut up." Subject 10032 icily spoke as he threw the flaming wheels at Theodore.

 

Having already received that attack before, Theodore half covered his head with one arm, clearly underestimating the damage it could cause, a terrible mistake.

 

This time's flames were clearly different from the last ones. They were hotter, they did not go off quickly, and in fact, they keep burning him after they crashed into him.

 

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." Theodore screamed as he could not hold back his screams this me.

 

Being burned from the upper half, Theodore was not able to see anything. He only felt several slashes on his unharmed leg, which he was using to lean on.

 

The wounds made him lose his balance so he just fell to the floor when he could not hold it anymore.

 

"AAHHH! WAIT! JUST WAIT! I WON'T TOUCH HER AGAIN, I WILL LET HER GO TOO! JUST LET ME GO!" Theodore begged as he got the chance when the flames died out enough.

 

"Oh? Really?" Subject 10032 asked in an expectant tone, his icy tone was no more, although Theodore was not able to see his still expressionless face.

 

"YES! I WILL. YOU JUST HAVE TO LET ME GO AND I WILL NEVER INVOLVE MYSELF WITH YOU TWO AGAIN." Theodore continued to beg, after hearing subject 10032's tone

 

He was by no means going to follow his words, but he was up against a kid, he had to lie to him so he would let his guard down. After getting into his studio he will use his stash of Phoenix Tears and heal his wounds, paying back all the things that b*stard did to him can wait until then.

 

"I see, then I suppose I can let you go... or not. You think I am stupid? You were not going to do what you said. When a scum like you starts talking nicely... there is clearly something wrong. Let me guess, you planned to go to your studio and use your secret stash of Phoenix Tears, right? How predictable. Really, it is just a waste of time hearing you speak. Just die, you sicko." Subject 10032 icily exclaimed again, and Theodore was now able to look at his expression that never changed from an expressionless mask.

 

For a moment, Theodore could not help but remember that this child was the one who planned to kill him before, and that look he gave him, was not just from animosity; subject 10032 was looking at him, just like he looked at his dead test subjects.

 

Now, it dawned onto him, he was just being played by that kid, no, that wicked child. Those were the eyes used to look at a dead man.

 

"Curse-" Theodore tried to curse one last time but his voice was cut as subject 10032 had come closer and with a hand that reminded him of a claw, punctured his chest, just where the heart is located.

 

Darkness instantly filled his vision. He wondered for a moment if he was already dead when he could think no more.

 

Part 4

 

Kuroka’s POV

 

How much time had gone by? Kuroka lost count of how many times she asked herself that.

 

At some point, the collar attached to her neck came off. The bothersome collar that would hurt her was no more, but she could not feel any relief as it probably meant that someone did something about it... Nora... he did say how he would take her sister and her out of here.

 

There were a couple of times where there were knocks on the door and a voice calling her was heard, it had happened multiple times.

 

How much time had gone by?

 

"Onee-sama..." A voice worriedly muttered beside Kuroka.

 

Shirone was by her own initiative leaning on Kuroka. She tried to stay as closer as she could to bring a little conform to her sister, expecting Kuroka to take the opportunity to hug her like she likes to do, but she seemed to be too distracted to do so.

 

Kuroka, of course, knew what Shirone was up to yet, she could not muster the energy to act like her usual self. The anxiousness was too much for her.

 

*Knock* *knock*

 

At the distinctive sound of a soft knocking, both Nekomatas tensed up. They had been very careful to follow Nora's instructions to stay in the room, and every time there was a sound, they tried to remain really silent to avoid being detected.

 

*Knock* *knock*

 

Holding each other's hands to calm themselves down, they waited for the sound to stop.

 

"HEY! NORA EXPRESS IS HERE! Hmmm, that is one phrase I always wanted to say." A voice yelled from outside their room.

 

Their mood instantly made a complete turn as they practically leaped from where they were seated. Jointly working, they managed to remove all the things they piled up to block the door to open.

 

As Kuroka first saw Nora, the wide smile that she had after finally hearing his voice was erased and it was replaced by an almost crying expression. Kuroka felt her heart ache as she observed him.

 

Hastily moving closer to him, she started to pat him all over to check if he was hurt, after all, he was covered in blood all over.

 

"Hey, hey, where are you touching? I won't be able to ever get married after that." Nora tried to joke to ease her worries.

 

She understood his intent but she did not stop until she made sure that he was not hurt, Shirone even cooperated with her by touching here and there.

 

"No, really, I am fine... This is... You know, 'This is not my blood'." Nora joked again.

 

"Nora-nya, be quiet-nya!" "Nora should stay quiet until we tell you to." Kuroka and Shirone respectively spoke.

 

"...Yes." Nora replied with a wry smile.

 

Only after making sure twice that he was fine did Kuroka stop.

 

"Finished? Alright, sorry for being sudden, but take this. Do never give this to anyone else, if someone tries to take this away from you... Just drop the names of the Gremory Clan or the Sitri Clan. Ask for either Sirzechs-san or maybe Grayfia-san, then when you meet them, show them this and tell them to lend you a hand, well, remember this just in case." Nora explained several things as he took a pouch he brought and gave it to Kuroka.

 

"Wait-nya! What-". Kuroka tried to ask but was interrupted.

 

As Nora looked up to see the ceiling, he seemed to be in a hurry.

 

"Let's go, our chance came, everything will be ok." Nora hastily said as he took Kuroka and Shirone's hands as he began to run.

 

...

...

...

 

Continuously running, they were stopped a couple of times, but Nora took care of any devil getting their way by throwing a green-colored Kasha that surprised Kuroka as she didn't know that Nora could use it too.

 

Some other times, they would find some test subjects that were easy to identify by the similar clothing they had as it resembled Nora's. At those times, Nora would hesitate for a moment but he would still lend a hand.

 

...

...

...

 

 

Getting closer to the exit of the facility, they found a different group of devils wearing a different uniform from the guards of the facility.

 

They stopped them and offered to take them out, although they separated Nora from her and Shirone.

 

Kuroka was about to resist but Nora just told her to calm down, and how they would reunite later, he also told her to not forget his earlier words.

 

Watching as he was taking away in a different direction from her, Kuroka felt at a loss but holding onto his words, she just took Shirone's hand and followed the directions of this new group of devils.

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