Argosax. A name that sent shivers down the spines of many in the know. A name a certain child knows quite well. For it inhabited his body as both spirit and boy looked for revenge on one man.
Dante.
The child's one-track mind craved revenge, for the last thing he remembered was a portal opening and a man leaving.
Then an earthquake leveled a part of the city, an abandoned part he was lost in and his parents were looking for him, but a part of it. Being the only survivor, a voice spoke in his mind.
Evil that left shivers in the child's mind, the voice asked, "Do you wish for revenge?"
The child didn't care if he sold his soul to the devil, he only cared about avenging his parents.
So, with the belief that Dante caused the portal that caused the earthquake, the child grew with vengeance in mind and growing in power daily. Soon, his arms contorted into demonic things, barely looking anything like they originally looked like, and a craving for demonic energy unlike anything else.
So, for years, he threw himself into fight after fight, sometimes losing and sometimes winning.
All of that has led up to this moment.
"Excuse me?" A kid asked two grown men and a teenager to their surprise.
None of them could sense his approach while Dante only had a bad premonition.
"Who the hell are you?!" Nero was the first one to ask, exhausted from his battle with his father but still willing to throw down. Even if the kid was young.
The kid had brown hair that was tied up in a ponytail, looking quite young yet tall and muscled despite that. Both his arms had black bandages on them and his eyes were a murky blue as he glared with an intensity at Dante.
"Do the words 'Argosax' and 'Vie de Marli' ring a bell?" The kid smiled as they could feel a power well up from within him.
Before any could react, Dante was already sent flying by a punch, "Your reaction is telling enough. Sorry," the kid smiled as if he was telling some good news, "but I'll have to kill you."
"Dante!" Nero exclaimed as he went for Blue Rose. Only to be stopped by Vergil.
"Do not interfere, this is something that must be resolved by Dante." Vergil said, "Just like how you interrupted us."
Nero stalled for a second, watching as the kid, younger than he was, leaped at the older Devil Hunter.
What happened next could only be called a one-sided beat down, the kid charged again and again, occasionally catching Dante off-guard but when there were deadlocks the kid would hiss at Dante and accuse him, each time Dante would refuse, saying that he didn't open the portal.
The kid would then jump back, being unable to say anything since he, like the Sparda family, was a warrior. And warriors spoke with actions.
A final confrontation happened as a hand grabbed Dante, as the arm glowed and both arms had their bandages ripped off by the power.
To their surprise, only Dante recognized the signature of Demonic Energy in the kid's body.
The Demonic energy of Argosax twisted the boy's body, reaching to the shoulder as demonic energy traveled through the system of veins starting from the kid's claw-like fingers and palm to the forearm where the red energy was deposited into a pool as red intermingled with orange and the red was overtaken as the Demonic Energy traveled further up to the shoulder where a larger pool rested before depositing the Demonic Energy into the soul, the veins reaching into the boy's human torso being there only for show.
In Dante's confusion, he almost missed the spectral being with a form similar to Argosax punching him with a force similar to Nero's incomplete Devil Trigger.
Dante knew he had to finish this quickly so he switched to his Royal Guard style and parried an attack, retaliating and knocking the kid out in a swift chain of moves.
Taking this as the end of the fight, Dante turns to Vergil, "Hey, little brother, think you can do me a favor?"
"That's odd," Vergil noted, walking forward, knowing what he wants to do while unsheathing Yamato, "usually, you'd take care of this as soon as you can."
"Yeah, well the kid's got a little bit too much anger in him to be able to listen when he wakes up, it'd be best to have him cool off for a bit before confronting him." Dante admits with a shrug.
Vergil nods, opening a portal only to hear, "Wait…"
To their surprise, an explosion of Demonic Energy appeared before it funneled into both Vergil and Dante, "I'm not gonna need it any time soon."
The kid passed out, the Sparda siblings both feeling grateful as Vergil solidified the location where he was sending the kid. Wanting to repay him for what he's done.
As he threw the kid in, something happened as the image changed for a second before it closed.
The remains of the Sparda family stared, confused at what happened before deciding to leave that for later.
Argosax was a perfect being, but even perfect beings felt frustration.
It wanted to wait for its current host to grow and gain a larger control of his body before attacking but its host did so when he saw the opportunity.
Now, he's in a place where it feels out of place.
A familiar presence appears but disappears just as quickly before its host falls on a forest in a high area.
Argosax decides to connect with its host only to reel in disgust at what it felt.
It's his presence. As a Devil, Argosax despises Angels. Never understanding why humans see them as beautiful beings. But Devils hate God.
Yet this God…
God does not hate Devils. They are a necessary evil that saddens God that their existence is a necessity. But they can 'awaken'. Argosax is already a perfect being, so he needs not to 'awaken' but to awaken is to become imperfect. It is the reason why Fallen Angels exist.
The God from Argosax's world is like a caring but distant father, the God from this world is tripping balls on a mixture of cocaine, redbull, and heroin while staring at a painting he made, throwing a tantrum at the 'imperfections' and forcing his 'angels' to 'fix it' as his host would elaborately describe.
Except God is completely clear of any ailments, is very aware of his choices, and still does it anyway.
"Argosax." A voice said as a man towered over its host.
It was a devil, similar to Sparda, an awakened one. "Muramasa." Argosax spoke through its host's mouth.
"...It seems you may need assistance." The Devil swordsmith noted.
Muramasa was known as a Devil that made peerless swords at the cost of cursing the wielder. For Devils, this was a little problem, but to humans…
One day, Muramasa met the best human smith, Masamune and challenged him. There was a cursory look where both were equal in their craft.
For 10,000 nights, Muramasa toiled in madness, making the best sword he could, when they met once more, both tested their swords. They suspended their blades in a creek with the cutting edge facing against the current. Masamune looked on, impressed as the Juuchi Yosamu cut through everything that passed through it, from the fish to the air itself.
Highly impressed, Masamune lowered the Yawarakai-te into the stream. It cut through the leaves as well as the Juuchi Yosamu, but the fish slid off it as the air hissed as it gently went by the blade.
Muramasa laughed and mocked Masamune, nearly turning into his Demonic form while Masamune only seemed satisfied.
A monk came by and bowed deeply before explaining that both blades were fine blades. But Masamune's was superior.
Muramasa nearly flew into a rage at hearing that a sword forged by a Devil was inferior to a human's until Masamune raised his hand to calm him.
The monk explained that the Juuchi Yosamu cut all without regard. But the Yawaraki-te did not cut that which is innocent and undeserving.
This awoke something in Muramasa, a blade that's sharp and cuts by the wielder's wishes is common, but a sword that does not cut despite its sharp edge is unheard of.
Coincidentally, this is also the story of the birth of the first Devil-slaying sword.
But that story ended with Masamune slaying Muramasa and becoming a Devil Hunter.
In reality, Muramasa swallowed his pride and asked to be taught by the human. From there, Masamune agreed as both smiths learnt from each other.
But, humans do not live long lives like Devils do, and, with his last breath, asked for his friend to use his soul to make the best weapon.
Muramasa was still plagued with madness, and he did not feel like he could make a blade worthy of his friend's pure soul. So, he lived, looking to make a blade worthy of his friend's soul and one where madness forces him to lose his way.
He stared at Argosax's host and made a decision.
With a start, Argosax's host shot up at the unfamiliar area. A familiar style of housing with Japanese tatami mats.
The host looked around confused as to where he was before taking a deep breath.
"Did he really do it?" The host asked himself.
In his quest for revenge, the host trained, his body becoming a part of Argosax as his arms were twisted beyond recognition. Becoming Demonic as they became filters, allowing for any energy that it takes in to become Demonic Energy that can be used by the host or sent towards Argosax.
When he battled Dante, he stared at his eyes, what he saw caused his belief to falter. It was steadfast and ashamed, a stark contrast to Argosax's stories, where he was malicious and uncaring.
While the host was pondering on this, the sliding door opened, "Ah, you're awake."
Turning and preparing for a fight, the host relaxed when he didn't feel any hostility.
"My name is Sengo Muramasa, what is your name, young one?" The now-named Sengo introduces himself.
Sengo was tall and broad, with black hair and grey eyes as sharp as a sword with a bit of restrained madness while wearing a simple white shirt and blue jeans with scars across his arms and chest, along with what look like burn marks on his arms.
"Ah, um, it's… Gael, Gael Mendez." The now-named Gael and the host of Argosax introduces himself.
Sengo inspects the young boy, he has a broad back with an agile but strong build, with long brown hair that's in a ponytail and murky blue eyes that hide intelligence. He wore a kimono he let him borrow and had black bandages that hide the taint of Argosax from the outside, a second safety measure considering how malicious the God of this world is.
"Mendez-san then, please, call me Muramasa." Muramasa bows as the boy looks confused.
"Where…?" Gael mutters as he looks around.
"We're in Japan." Gael's eyes widen as he tries to get up but only flinches in pain.
"Please, relax. You are greatly exhausted." Muramasa tells Gael as he nods.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm being a bother." Gael apologizes as he tries to get himself comfortable.
"Admittedly, you are," Gael flinches at Muramasa's blunt honesty, "but, if I didn't at least try I'd be smearing the memory of an old friend."
Gael laid down as Muramasa bowed, "You are free to go anywhere in the estate but you are not allowed in the small shed from midday to late at night."
"Is there a reason for that?" Gael asks, already knowing that he's in the presence of a Devil.
"It's my forge, you are already injured and burn marks will only make it worse." Muramasa admitted to Gael's interest.
"Alright, I'll do that." Gael relented with little problem.
"Then, if you'll excuse me." Muramasa said, getting up and closing the sliding door behind him.
Gael could only relax as he closed his eyes.
…
…
Gael was now bored.
He decided to get up, lest his muscles become accustomed to the lack of activity.
Walking around the estate, I look around, taking in the simple decoration, a stark contrast to the Devils that I've hunted for training who took human form, usually having lavish mansions that span for miles.
The destruction that I wrought also tends to span for miles.
Shaking my head, I come across a simple setup of a living room with a TV on a stand in front of a small table with cushions. There was also a bookshelf filled with varying books.
One in particular catches my eye. Buddha.
He was never a buddhist or much of a religious man but Devils exist so maybe…
A shock ran through his body, a similar one as the one that racked his body when he went to fight Dante.
Picking up the book, Gael skimmed the beginning as he's not interested in becoming a buddhist monk or anything similar, as a quote caught his eye.
"Those who have failed to work towards the truth have missed the purpose of living."
Those words…
"Live, little brother…"
"Go! Live your life."
"I love you, mijo. Live."
Tears fell down as memories of his family returned as he asked himself whether it was actually Dante who caused the earthquake.
Dante was a part of it, but could he, would he do something like that?
He turned the page after finishing it as he read the next quote.
"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."
All, this time, I've been relying on Argosax to lead me, but was that the right choice?
Can I be angry?
Do I have any right?
Instinctively, my body moves as my mind reads.
Some went over his head, others I read with a passion, and one stood out.
"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
It was the last line of the book as I closed it. I stared at the closed book and sighed.
"Sorry Buddha, if you're expecting me then maybe in another life. I don't know if this is a sign, but I do know that I have a lot to do."
I don't want to do a lot, I want to be my own person and live my own life. If I die, I'll do it happily knowing that I lived a life that I can be proud of.
For now, I just have to do one thing.
"Muramasa, can you teach me how to use a sword?" I asked him as we were eating.
"Sure, but why?" Muramasa asked without missing a beat.
"Because I want to be my own person, find my own way to live and enjoy it." I say, looking him in the eye.
Little did Gael know, but his murky blue eyes began to clear up that day.
Parry, strike, kick, step back, dash.
Multiple movements were done as Gael sparred with Muramasa a week later in the dojo.
It was found that Gael was unpredictable and had something that most people of similar skills lacked. His footwork was stable.
As Gael blocked a strike, he was overpowered easily as he stumbled back and rolled under a right slash and aimed the wooden blade at Muramasa's neck.
Despite Muramasa holding back, Gael won.
For the first time, Gael felt accomplished and smiled brightly.
This continued as Gael regained his strength and became stronger by himself while being tutored by Muramasa.
Muramasa felt something he rarely did, pride for someone else. Seeing Gael, who was little more than a puppet when they first met, grow as a person and in strength gave him satisfaction.
As the year progressed, Muramasa saw a similarity to his friend in Gael, an insatiable curiosity, a love for everything and himself, and a patience that was long. But he also saw that he resembled a Devil somewhat. From his greed for power, his pride, and his lust as well.
He is no saint but he isn't a Devil.
Muramasa smiled fondly, spotting where he kept his friend's soul as, for the first time, his mind was clear.
So, with a smile, he began working, as the spirit of Masamune smiled in agreement to the Devil's idea.
Parry, strike, kick, jump back, duck, and sweep.
Strength, speed, unpredictability and technique met as Gael slashes forward, the reach increasing from his technique.
Gael released a breath, wiping his sweat away with his sleeve as he sighs, "Where's Muramasa-san?"
"Gael-san." Muramasa called Gael as he walked outside where he heard him call.
"Ah, Muramasa-san, what's wrong?" Gael asks as he follows the serious Devil.
"Gael, I'd like to give you a gift." Muramasa said as Gael followed towards the shed.
"You don't need to-."
"But I want to. Please." Murmasa interrupts as his voice causes me to pause.
"Fine." I relent as he opens the shed, I become blinded as I cover my eyes.
Once I lower them, weapons are shown. One is a katana with a white and gold handle and a beautiful guard of black. The sheath was a similar white and gold color. Another weapon was a European straight sword with a pure black blade and a guard that pointed inwards with a red metal as the leather grip rested snugly.
The last weapon was one that was a different design that I've ever seen. It was a naginata, it had a broad blade that was different from what I was used to. The blade was long with the flat having a hexagonal pattern on it as the blade rose up and curved back before returning and continuing the curve. Where it really became weird was the handle.
It was metallic and had something similar to a motorcycle grip.
"First, I'd like to offer you Yawarakai-te, Masamune's soul and one of my best works." With reference, Maramusa picked up the Yawarakai-te and presented it to Gael. "This sword can only be unsheathed against unjust opponents and those who have harmed the innocents."
I stared at it as I flubbed for words, Muramasa smirked, "Do not say anything, accept my gift."
I grabbed it, as I could feel the sword hum in amusement and satisfaction.
"Now, let me give you one more." Muramasa grabbed the naginata. "This is the Rogue Dragon. It has something I stumbled upon called the Exceed system. There is a flammable liquid that's released when the handle is pulled, you have to rev it up and you can choose to rev it up and heat up the blade or to release it in a large burst."
With wide eyes, I grab the naginata and test its weight.
Once I find nothing wrong, I grin, "Thank you, I- I don't know what to say."
"Don't because there is still a test you must pass." Muramasa says as he walks away, grabbing the black blade as something in me develops a bad feeling.
We wander outside as Muramasa mutters, "Prepare yourself."
And the Devil appeared in front of me.
The world devolved into chaos as a Devil appeared in the world. It resembled an eastern dragon with a European sword in its hand, a pure black blade and…
"It's rejecting Honkai energy!" A voice exclaimed the general consensus of the UN at the moment.
I stare in shock at the demon as an uncomfortable energy lines my body, "Prove your worth, Gael Mendez Muramasa!"
I shiver, not in fear or shock, in sadness and in excitement, "Damn it."
Tying the Yawarakai-te to my back, I heave the nagi, no, Rogue Dragon into the floor as I grin, "Then, let's go old man! I don't have all day!"
Revving up the exceed system from the Rogue Dragon, I feel the heat emanate as it heats up the blade to an incredible temperature as I grab it correctly and dash forward as Muramasa thrusts his sword forward, missing me entirely as a cut appears on his stomach before spinning and parrying an attack as I rev up the system and fly in a burst as I tilt it so I'm sideways as I spin and finish with a strong hit as it explodes in a burst of flames.
Leaping back, I evade attack after attack as Muramasa thrusts again, this time leaving an impact on the floor as I leap forward and rev up the system as the force sends me forward as I ready for an attack but he opens his mouth as my eyes widen at the Demonic Energy in his mouth as he releases a breath of fire that nearly burnt me.
It was only with a quick thought that the orange image of a winged man similar to Argosax's true form as it flaps its wings, blowing the flame back and giving me enough time to fly up once more as I glare at him and take a deep breath.
Setting Rogue Dragon behind me, I prepare as I rev up the exceed system to the highest level as I release it in a continual burst.
The force causes me to spin as I unfurl Rogue Dragon as I spin and slide as I land on the floor and slide.
Multiple cuts appear on Muramasa as I fight the sadness welling up, at the thought of having to kill my father. The man who trained me, fed me, and showed me a different way to live.
"Again! I know you are not naive enough to believe that was all that was needed to defeat me!" Muramasa exclaimed as he took to the skies, I kept my eyes on him as he circled me.
Finally, he charged as I readied myself.
I flipped to the side as he came to close as I stabbed Rogue Dragon deeply into the ground as a spectral arm grabbed into the horn of Muramasa's true form as I used it as a way to keep my space as I forced Muramasa into the ground as I spun with the movement as I released the Rogue Dragon from the earth as I thrust into Muramasa's eye, causing him to roar and increase the pain in my heart as I'm sent to the sky, to slow to remove Rogue Dragon as he spins and hits me with his tail as I manage to block with Rogue Dragon as it forces me to the earth as I cough from how hard I hit the floor.
He charges a breath of fire as I grit my teeth and dash away from the area of impact as I jump on a platform of Demonic Energy and slash at his side before thrusting into his side and using it as purchase on Muramasa as he forces the blade down and cuts into Muramasa's side as he continues the spin and leaves a gash on his side as I fall to the floor.
Landing in a crouched position, I roll as the familiar form of Muramasa appears on my side hand raised and a swathe of blades looking to pierce me through all sides.
"I suggest you find a way out of it, quick." Muramasa warns me as I try to think of a way out of it. I can't just block one, I have to be gone entirely.
I have to gamble it all in this one move. I grin as inspiration hits me.
"Alright! Let's do it!"
The spectral swords came down as Demonic Energy ran through my limbs as time seemed to slow as I timed it, then I spun, taking the chance as all of them missed as I gambled with my life.
Grinning like the lunatic I am, I continue evading as something in me fills up, like a gauge as I wait for him to attack as he does.
I grab the offending arm in a simple move and throw it up before backfisting him into a wall.
My heart continues crying in pain as I continue hurting the man I'd call a second father figure in this world.
Instinctively, I kick up Rogue Dragon and redirect an attack as I use the staff to hit him across his face as I follow with a slash to his leg before leaning away from a slash as I slash against his side as I continue with a kick to his leg before thrusting with the shaft of Rogue Dragon to his back as the force sent him flying as he rolls on his back, Demonic Energy spent as he chuckles, "Well, seems like I'm at the end of the line. Becoming a Devil Arm for my son. Doesn't seem too bad."
I stare at the prideful look on Mura-no my father's face as I come to a decision, "Don't want it."
Muramasa freezes as my words process in his brain, "You dare-!"
"No, fuck you for making a son fight his father." I retorted before he could finish. "You took care of me, you showed me a new path damn it. I'm not killing the man that helped me regain my goddamn humanity!"
Muramasa lay there shocked at what I admitted, "If you didn't find me, I'd be lost. I wouldn't know anything I'd," I trail off as I attempt to hold back my tears, "My name is Gael Mendez Muramasa, it's a name I'll hold with goddamned pride, no matter what anyone says." I say as I manage to keep my voice steady despite the tears running down my face.
I turned around as I began walking away as I heard Muramasa mutter something, I turned, expecting words but instead there was a bright light as a sphere appeared in my hand.
It was a sword from Muramasa's origin. The blade was bure black and it was sheathed, a straight sword that had a pure red handle with a leather grip, the guard pointing inward similarly to a crown.
This is the sword of Muramasa. Cursed to only be sheathed once it has tasted blood and descends the wielder into madness.
The Yawarakai-te can only be wielded against those who are guilty while the Muramasa cares not for its target. It will cut anything its wielder wishes for it too.
One blesses with clarity and the other curses with madness.
Grinning wryly, I mutter, "Stupid old man."
I head back into the estate, looking for something to hide my weapons in only for Muramasa to disappear into my arm, "That's neat." I mutter.
Finally, I found a kate-bukuro to place the Yawarakai-te in. A simple blue color as I heave it over my shoulder. I also found a case for Rogue Dragon, along with a manual on how to take it apart and fix it.
Walking out the estate, my instincts tell me that I'm being watched, I turn away manifesting the spectral torso of Argosax before glancing back. Only for a spectral stake to destroy the camera, leaving only the image of a man with a demon over it.
Ignorant to what the return of the Devil means.
Life is not so good.
This thought returns in my head as I spin Rogue Dragon around me, and cut off the legs of the Lesser Demons around me, the Empusas landing on their stomach as I stab Rogue Dragon into the back of one before revving up the exceed system as a burst of flames exit the naginata as I spin and catch the others and they're sent flying.
I duck a scorpion tail of my current target as the Devil, Scorpio, roars as it tries to catch me with its claws. Parrying the claws, I slash repeatedly at its front before flipping back as it roars in anger.
Lightning falls as it laces the Devil's skin as I click my tongue before unholstering a red and black pistol, Noroi, along with a white and blue bristol, Shinsei.
Payment for another job by the same guy. I'm getting something similar in this one too.
Pulling the trigger, a bullet of Demonic Energy flies out as it digs into the hard shell of Scorpio. More bullets follow as I refuse to ease up.
Scorpio roars as I decide to taunt it, stabbing Rogue Dragon into the ground, I lean on it as I yawn, "C'mon, this job has a time limit ya know?"
Scorpio roars as it charges forward, electric stinger at the ready as I jump off Rogue Dragon, revving it mid-air as flames burst out and I spin as I parry a stab before landing as I prepare for a thrust and stab into its head, stinger nearly skewering me as I duck.
The spectral image of Argosax appears as it grabs the tail before heaving it over them as he slams it into the ground where I pick up the slack and spin him around as I slam it into the ground once more with my own strength.
I start absorbing the Devil as it struggles to leave but it's too late as it's already in the process of being absorbed.
Mundane Devil Hunters gain Devil Arms from Devils. I gain Devil Arms and a new ability.
It managed to struggle away from my grip but it was too late as my body began to change.
From my tailbone, a tail emerged as it extended, seemingly more mechanical than natural as a stinger appeared at the end.
Grinning, I dash forward, stinger meeting stinger as I slashed at it with Rogue Dragon again and again, lacking the finesse I usually had and just slamming it into the Devil's head again and again.
Finally, it falls to the floor, exhausted as I take the opening, the spectral image of Argosax grabbing the scorpion and throwing it into the air, before grabbing the sheathed blade in my back, Yawarakai-te unsheathed as it slashed Scorpio in half.
Re-sheathing Yawarakai-te I extended my hand as a bright light appeared on it. It was a bladed chain, resembling that of Scorpion's but with lightning instead of flame.
Shrugging, Scorpio enters my body as my arms pulse as I glare at them, "Shut up, I didn't see you doing much."
Quickly, I re-bandage my arm as the oppressing aura returns over me quickly hiding my arms.
I sigh as I spot the tear in my denim jacket, "Damn it."
I'm currently wearing a white hoodie with a denim jacket over it and some steel toed boots and baggy grey jeans. The denim jacket had the design of three sets of wings, the top consisted of whitw angelic wings, the second had black wings and the third had the bat-like wings of a Devil.
Though now that my denim jacket is ripped I'll have to do something about it.
Sighing, I place both the Yawarakai-te and Rogue Dragon to hide them from the common populace and more elite individuals.
I flinch as I fall to my knees, "N-not again."
The cravings. They're back.
For the year that I was with Muramasa, he supplied me with an energy that would suffice, but now, that energy is gone and I'm running low.
So, I have a few choices. Either grit my teeth and try to fight through it until I find a demon to absorb its Demonic Energy and sate my cravings or absorb the energy in the air and transfer it into Demonic Energy.
I choose the first since the second would expose me.
Taking a second, I compose myself as I fight the cravings and push them to the back of my head.
Getting back on my feet, I stumble towards the building of my client.
Halfway there, I managed to straighten up as I began walking normally, ignoring the cravings despite them increasing tenfold as I entered the city of Nagazora.
Home to ME corporations and my client.
Ignoring the robots pointing guns at me, I stride inside, uncaring to anything other than the fact that something is bothering my cravings.
Said cravings originating from the fact that I'm connected to Argosax.
Regardless, very little bothers my cravings, much less incites it. The only things that do are anything that has a large amount of living energy, things including Demonic Energy, Divine Energy and the life energy of powerful humans.
Absorbing the Divine Energy in the atmosphere would give me away, there aren't any demons nearby, and I don't like doing the last choice.
The alarms hurt my ears, ignoring the fact that the pistols are the reason why they're blaring, I continue walking as they start aiming their guns at me, "Look, either I dismantle this entire bitch or you let me through Raiden!"
That was enough to flick the safeties off of a lot of guns, only for the alarm to die down and all the robots to lower their guns before returning to their positions.
"Mendez, as unsubtle as always." Raiden said through the intercom.
"Subtle is for people I'm afraid of." I admit, giving a slight dig at him as I walk towards his office.
"Should we find ourselves on different sides, that'll be your downfall." Raiden states with confidence.
"Bold of you to assume I can fall any further." I say, having one of the strongest Devils in my soul. That's pretty low.
There wasn't any response as I went up the elevator to his office.
There was a ring as it opened and I walked in. Sitting at a desk was a man, he wore a vest and gloves with blue hair with a smart look as I walked forward.
"One monster defeated, it won't bother anyone anymore." I say, carefully evading the fact that it's a Devil that I killed.
"Thank you for your service, Gael." Raiden said as he showed me a case as I rubbed my hands with anticipation.
"Ooh baby~, I can smell the danger coming off this puppy." I say as I stalk forward, ready to take it.
"As per our deal," Raiden opened the case, "a shotgun."
It looked like a classic, which is important in my opinion. It was a pump variation being a simple thing. Around it were pieces for a motorcycle as I grinned.
"I love it, thanks." I say as I inspect the shotgun before hiding it away in my jacket then inspecting the pieces.
"Have you given any thought into my deal?" Raiden asks, anticipation leaking into his voice.
"I have. But my answer stays the same." I say as I grab the case, "Sure, the pay would be good. But it's not my style to work for organizations permanently." I admit with a shrug.
"Yet, you can defeat monsters only some of the best Valkyries can match." Raiden notes as I shrug.
"Let's just say I work alone, mostly." I admit with a shrug as I walk away.
"Though I wouldn't disagree with a little company." I mutter to myself.
It's been a few weeks since I last saw the ME corporation CEO, and now that I have seen him once more, I really hope I don't have to see him again for a while.
"Why am I in a plane going towards America?" I ask Raiden as he chuckles.
"Simple, you're going on another extermination." Raiden answers my question from the other side of the call.
"Yes, but why in the States?" I ask, looking down at the ground next to the jumpmaster.
I have to jump off a plane.
Awesome but still somewhat bothersome, I see nothing but desert, "And Los Angeles especially?"
"You see, near that area is a casino, called Inferno. Valkyries have gone to investigate but none of them have left, much less unharmed." Raiden explains, "This casino happens to be full of anything one could want, wine, security, gambling, women. A veritable haven for anyone. Except people barely survive going in."
Sounds like the work of a Devil. And my arms pulse as if to prove me correct.
"So, I have to go in and make sure that all's right and kill anything that isn't supposed to be moving." I recount as Raiden hums in agreement. "Sounds simple enough."
"We're approaching the jump, finish the call!" The jumpmaster calls as I nod.
"Sorry, but we're approaching the destination." I apologize.
"That's fine, good luck." Raiden says as he hangs up the phone.
I pocket the phone and take a deep breath, "Let's do this."
"Jump!"
I run forward as I jump and the air hits my face, once I'm at the altitude, I pull the chord as I slowly fall.
Landing, I shake any dust off of myself and start my trek.
A/N: Fun fact, this oc was originally going to be used in a Azur Lane and DMC crossover but I decided against it in the end. This can be considered the Prologue arc where Gael will improve over time and become a Devil-slaying monster. I won't say that I know everything but I hope this is close enough to canon. Also, I hope you like what I've done with the exceed system. In my opinion, a poleaxe and weapons that have a certain weight at the end would be amazing for the exceed system.
Are Muramasa and Masamune gay? What does the return of the Devil mean? Will Gael loosen up in combat? Find out next time on the Devil's Gambit!