Hello everyone, here is the next chapter of Demon´s Power. This will introduce an OC my dear friend altajir95 came up and been working for a very long time. But without any further ado, lets dive onto this chapter, shall we?

Hiro Mashima is the one and only owner of Fairy Tail. I don't own a thing.

Beta Read by altajir95.

Key Words

"Talking"

"Thinking"

"Yelling!"

Magic

Chapter 3: The Two Demon Hunters.

On the road in the forest, a young woman was walking. As the trees of the forest surrounded her, she walked without a care in the world, as if nothing were to happen to her.

Which was soon to prove how wrong she was.

"Well, well, well, what does a beauty like you doing in a place like this?" A male voice said, as the woman stopped and turned to the owner of the voice.

There were three men, standing on a tall rock, with the one in the middle, the leader, who spoke.

He was tall, muscular, had brown eyes, brown hair in the form of a regent pompadour with sideburns, and a long, well-formed chin.

He wore black pants tied by a yellow sash, a pair of wooden geta sandals as he was bare feet, a long, black coat as his chest was exposed, who lower stomach and chest were exposed, completed with a white cape having a golden star on the back of it, as he carried a katana.

At his right side, was a young man, with blonde hair, long and styled in a braid-style ponytail going down his back, having a long, white sleeveless coat, white pants and white boots.

The man on the left wore a white tank top, blue pants, blue shoes, blue gloves and a blue star printed on his face, with his red hair being in the form of an afro.

"It's always sad to see such a lovely lady walk alone in such a dangerous place? Right, Rico and Rollo?" The man in the middle said.

"I couldn't agree with you less." Rico, the man with the afro said. "It's indeed bad luck to see such a wonderful lady travel alone in such dangerous woods." Rollo, the man with the ponytail, said on the left.

"Which begs the question, of why such a wonderful lady yourself stand alone in these woods?" The man with the pompadour said, pointing his sword to the woman.

The woman had short, black hair covering her ears and ending above her neck, pink eyes, and a well-formed figure, with thick thighs, wide hips and a large bust.

She wore a dark purple kimono with white flower designs, reaching her mid thighs, a pink obi around her waist, serving as her belt, her legs were covered by black stockings, reaching to her mid thighs, wooden geta sandals and a black haori on her shoulders like a cape.

"You seem to be kind fond of me. But sadly, I don't I will suit to be your type." The woman in the kimono said.

The man with the pompadour snickered in amusement at her response.

"Well, it seems you took the lesson of not talking to strangers from your mother quite well." The man with the pompadour said, as he pointed his thumb to himself.

"My name is Bandit Randy, and I am the leader of the infamous, most powerful group in Earthland, the Star Gang!" Randy said as he introduced himself.

"These here are my closest allies, Rollo and Rico! Surrender now, as you will be spared at least of your life! Because as of now, you will strip of everything! Money, clothing, dignity! Just surrender peacefully, and we may spare your life!" Randy said.

"Your Star Gang seems pretty small for so-called the world's strongest." The Woman in the kimono said.

"Oh, trust me, this is only the tip of the Star Gang´s power." Randy said, snapping his fingers.

Suddenly, a horde of men came out from the bushes and from the trees, all surrounding the lady in the kimono.

They all wore black pants, white boots and a black hoodie with a gold star on the front and back, having the hoods up to cover their faces.

All had a weapon like a sword, bat or a spear, all ready to attack her, all snickering, and having either a grin or a smirk on their faces.

"You better do as we tell you, so take off everything, even your clothes, as you will at least keep your life as you walk naked out of this forest. But you better leave naked in a hurry, because my men might gain a trail you." Randy said with a grin, as the men around the woman in the kimono snickered.

Two of them came towards her. "Why don't we have some fun here? If you do that here, then you don't have to worry about it later." The Star Gang member said.

"Yeah, so take it off, take it off. Feel no rush, because we have all night long..." The Other Star Gang member said, as he was to grab her shoulder, preparing to pull down her kimono.

But before he could pull the kimono down, she took something out of her kimono, and used to hit him in the face, breaking his nose and causing him to fall backwards, holding his bloody face in pain.

"AHH! MY FACE! YOU FUCKING BITCH!" The minion screamed, as the other minions took their weapons stance.

"It looks like you have some guts at least." Randy said, holding his hand up in the air, stopping the men in tracks.

The lady in the kimono´s sword, a katana with a round, black tsuba guard, its handle black with red decoration. Its single blade, was completely black. In her other hand, he held the sheath, compeletly red, as she used it hit one of the Star Gang members in the face.

"You seem pretty confident in taking me down, despite me being a woman." The woman in the kimono said.

"It's sad that you won't be able to tell the great tell of Randy the Great, and the Star Gang. Oh well, I can always meet new victims for us to spread the tales." Randy said, as he brought his hand down, which then the Star Gang members charged at her.

She remained stoic, as in the next second; she proceeded to attack!

All the Star Gang Members stood still, until then, blood came out of their neck, covering the sky with their blood.

The Star Gang members fell, she swung her blade, as the blood came off, as she then looked at Randy, Rollo and Rico.

In one second, they were confident enough as if they had the power to take over the world, and in the next, more terrified than they ever been in their life.

They were shaking, eyes bigger than saucers, sweating more than a hot day in July in the middle of a desert, and silent enough to be already dead.

"What's the matter? Is the strongest gang in the world scared of a mere woman?" The woman in the kimono taunted, as Rico, in a fit of rage, went to charged her with his giant club.

She stood still as a statue; she was instantly behind Rico, who stood still, until he was cut vertically in half, as his body halves fell, as his intestines came out on the ground.

Randy and Rico were more horrified than before, as she turned her cold eyes on them.

"Afraid? I expected better from you, Star Gang." The lady in the kimono said.

Rollo, responded as he charged towards her, as the Ice Magic is channeled in his hands.

"Then let's see you try dodge this! Ice-Make: Fans!" Rollo said, as he went to slash her with his fans, but with one quick slash, his head was cut off fell to the ground, his fans disintegrating.

"Dammit, to think that I'd lose my men to you." Randy said in frustration, taking out a pair of swords.

"But I can always make more men to obey me." Randy said. "That's pretty cold, even for something like you, Randy. However, I can expect nothing less from a worthless bandit like you." The woman in the kimono said, as Randy responded by charging at her.

"You be quiet! I'll teach you what happens when you take me for granted!" Randy said as he charged towards her.

She remained stoic, as her blade was covered in a purple smoke, appeared on the blade of her sword.

"I see that words cannot reach you, but swords do." The lady in the kimono said, as Randy had his sword raised in the air, and so did the Woman in the Kimono, before charging towards each other.

As they passed each other, their swords down, pointed at the ground. The Woman in the Kimono slowly put her sword back in its sheath, and with a click, blood came out of Randy´s chest.

Randy coughed up blood, as a slash, going from his left shoulder to his right hip, appeared on his chest, as he landed on his knees.

Randy used what life force he had left to turn to the Woman in the Kimono, who stood before him, her sword being inches from his neck.

"God... dammit... who the hell are you, bitch?" Randy said, coughing up blood.

"Me? I am simply a woman, as you say, and carry I name, which is the only honor men like you can have." She said, raising her sword.

"The name I go by is Nariko Sakamoto." Nariko said, impaling Randy on the neck, ending his life, as Randy then fall down the ground face down.

Nariko then took her katana back on its sheath, as she left the scene with the corpses of the Star Gang, going to her next destination.

Nariko took out a paper from her Obi belt, as she read it to herself.

"Let's see, according to this, the place I where my next target is located, should around here." Nariko said, as she kept her eyes on the road again.

"Larkspur Town." Nariko said, going to her next destination.

Larkspur Town, one of the many towns of the country in Fiore, a seemingly normal town.

Being a couple of weeks ago.

Markus walked in the streets Larkspur Town, looking around his surroundings.

The buildings were not in their best shape. With broken windows, cracked walls and corpses on the field, mangled and cut in pieces, blood laying on the ground.

There were also weapons around them, showing that they were fighting something earlier. Something that weren't normal.

Other than the corpses, there weren't in any people, meaning that either the town's people were dead, or were hiding.

As Markus continued to walk, he got into a scene you would see every day.

They were bats. Sure, you were to seen them in the night, unless they were big as calves, jet-black in color with red eyes, fanned wings, sharp fangs and a long, scorpion-like tails, that sure would be considered not normal.

Flying with their wings, they were demonic bats gave out a hissing sound, as they glared with their red eyes on Markus.

"It seems that this town seems to have an infestation problem..." Markus said, holding the grip of his sword, as the demonic bats all came flying towards him.

"...but for Hell Bats, Rank Six Demons, I know just the best tool for that." Markus said, as he took out his sword, with its white bandages released, showing its blue blade in the air, as it was set on blue flames.

The Hell Bats went to bit him with their fangs, but Markus was faster as he cut them all in half easily.

They were sent on flames as they disintegrated in the air, as another group of Hell Bats came charging at him.

He remained unfazed as one was cut more demons in half, before punching another Hell Bats, setting in on flames.

"Fire Devil´s Rage!" Markus said, as he took a deep breath and sent a stream of blue flames at the incoming swarm of Hell Bats coming at them.

They were all set on flames, as they disintegrated to ashes on the ground.

Markus stood still, seeing that the remaining Hell Bats were escaping. Behind him, was a barrel, as his eyes were shadowed, he suddenly spoke.

"You can come out now. The coast is clear." Markus said, as it seemed he spoke to no one. He sighed, as he then turned to the box, to then open the lid.

"Look, I said the coast is clear. I am not here to hurt you, okay?" Markus said, as in the barrel, was a girl.

She had short, brown hair with a red band in her hair, and blue eyes. She wore a white, short-sleeved dress, with a black apron, and a pair of black shoes.

She had her knees on her face, crying as she was frightened of the events that had happened.

"I don't blame you, being a little kid and all. You must have witnessed a really scary scene there." Markus said, scratching her head.

Behind him, were Hell Bats behind him, ready to attack him from behind. The little girl, noticed it, as she went on scream.

At the same time, she was about to scream, a woman in a purple kimono jumped from the roof, diving towards the scene occurring with the demon bat, the demon hunter in red and the Brown-Haired Girl.

"MISTER! BEHIND YOU!" The girl screamed, as Markus already noticed went to cut it in half.

But before he could do it, The Hell Bats were already cut in half, as blue demon blood falling out of the halves of the demonic bat.

Markus was silent, while the brown-haired girl was in shock.

The woman, who cut the Hell Bat in half, had her black-bladed katana in her hand, as she stood up.

"What, not even a thank you? Even after saving your skin?" Nariko said, as Markus put his sword back on his back, signing.

"Not to be rude, but I had it under control miss." Markus said, turning to the Brown-haired Girl in the barrel.

"But thanks." Markus said, still having his back turned to her. Nariko smiled as went to the girl to the girl in the barrel.

"There, there. Don't be afraid. You´re safe now." Nariko said. "What's your name, little one?" Nariko asked. "V-Vera." Vera introduced herself.

"Alright, Vera. Come with us as we shall take your safety. Where are your parents?" Nariko asked, as Markus helped Vera to get out of the box, picking her up from it. "I... I don't know... we were suddenly walking in the streets like a normal day, and suddenly, there was a panic with the people of this town." Vera explained as she was put on the ground.

"But then, it showed they were chased by these scary bats, my parents grabbed me, and they started to run as well." Vera explained.

She began to follow Markus and Nariko, with them looking around for incoming enemies.

"But soon enough, I was separated from my parents through a stampede of panicking people. When they left, my parents were gone. So, I hid in the box over there, until you came. Which I forget to thank you for that. Thank you." Vera said.

"You're welcome." Markus said. "Where do you think the villagers went to?" Nariko said. "I don't know, but it should be easy to spot, having a place where its people should be taking shelter." Markus said.

"I see. By the way, what's your name? I don't we have introduced each other." Nariko said. "Markus Zyrdack, a Demon Hunter." Markus introduced himself. "Nariko Sakamoto, also a Demon Hunter. I heard rumors about you, Red Swordsman." Nariko said.

"Let's hope we become partners." Nariko said, as Markus remained silent.

Later, they found the shelter where the citizens were, being hidden in the trees.

Vera was reunited with her parents, who thanked Markus and Nariko for their job.

Markus and Nariko were watching Vera hugged and reunited with her parents. Around themselves, were several citizens who had bandages and tended by those around themselves.

They were currently talking to one in charge of the shelter, the former advisor to the Mayor, Helko, a middle-aged man with brown hair, brown eyes, a goatee, wearing a white shirt, a red tie that was loose, a pair of brown pants, shoes and a green jacket.

"I am glad you Demon Hunters could come here. I bet I have some explaining to do." Helko said, sitting down a box.

"Last night, the citizens were having its Yearly Festival, things were normal here in Larkspur Town, which were just a façade of what we were soon about to be shown." Helko said, as he began to explain.

"For you see, the Legal Guild residing here, Gnome Eye, suddenly came bursting out with many demons, including those Hell Bats you saw earlier." Helko explained.

"As there are more than them here?" Nariko said. "Exactly. It seems that one of the wizards had been killing his fellow wizards." Helko explained. "Were the guild wizards killed as well?" Nariko asked. "According from our source, yes." Helko explained.

"A man named Berkon seemed to lead these demonic bats, as he carried a staff with skull on the top, and a green, glowing knife in his other." Helko explained.

"These descriptions, they sound like..." Markus thought, while continuing to listen to Helko had to say.

"Do you know where this Berkon fellow is?" Nariko asked. "We do, sadly. Berkon went to the city hall, in the center of this town, where he killed our mayor Pedals. Afterwards, the citizens were forced to retreat." Helko said. "I see. So that's where we needed to go, right?" Nariko said as he got up. "And you´re not gonna stop us, right?" Markus said, as Helko sighed.

"As much I don't wanna sound heartless, I don't want to stop you. As things are currently, we have no choice here." Helko said.

"Knowing you Demon Hunters, who know their stuff, I, no, the entire town are now put in your trust. So don't try to fail us." Helko said.

"Don't worry, we won't." Markus said, as he and Nariko went to get up and leave the area.

"Before the end of this day, you will no longer have any demon problems. The best demon exterminators you ever seen here are here." Nariko said, as they left the shelter, citizens gathering around them, hoping that they could fix their people, with some of them even cheering them on, while some where more worried of what was to come.

"Please, don't fail this quest, Demon Hunters. I know the Zyrdack Clan doesn't fail their quests that easily, as they have a name to keep in check. As for the other girl, I don't know, but with him having her in the mission, he must trust her." Helko thought.

Later, Markus and Nariko were walking down the streets of Larkspur Town, in silence. Nariko were the one who broke the silence.

"So, been a Demon Hunter for a long time?" Nariko said. "For as long as I can remember. I have been trained to hunt demons since I was five years old. I went through a lot of training, really brutal, strict and harsh training." Markus said.

"Since you were five?" Nariko said. "Yeah, but that was when I first started training. I officially became a Demon Hunter when I was thirteen." Markus explained.

"Since thirteen you say? I began this business as when I was fifteen." Nariko said. "I see." Markus said.

"Then you may have an idea of what we are fighting. From what I know, Hell Bats are mindless low demons, who suck anything they come across, no matter the creature is." Nariko explained.

"They often attack in groups despite their size, like normal bats does. But these seemed to be in formation like soldiers on a battlefield. Like they were commanded by someone." Nariko said, as Markus looked at her.

"I encountered some Hell Bats earlier when I got in town, as I went to the roof to look after more demons. That's where I meet you." Nariko explained.

"Since coming here, you know this town was in peril?" Markus asked.

"Yes, I heard it an injured Larkspur Citizen who escaped for him to find help in a village not far from here, while he was in the Hospital Bed. As a Demon Hunter, I went to go there." Nariko explained.

"It must have been that guy I picked up from the last night. He said to that demon bats came to the town, wreaking havoc and chaos." Markus said.

"Well, isn't that quite a coincidence? Two Demon Hunters going together to take down demons?" Nariko said. "Who knows, we maybe even work together." Nariko said.

"We'll see about that; we have more things to worry about." Markus said. With them continuing to walk, there was something in the air, was a fly. Being blue in color, with white eyes, broadcasting what was in front of it, it sure wasn't your normal everyday fly.

Connected to a Lacrima crystal ball, held by Berkon, who was inside the town hall, which have been seen better days.

Berkon, was a man with brown hair, green eyes and had a beard on his face. He wore a pair of black pants, white boots, a blank t-shirt and a white, hooded coat with the hood up. In one hand, he carried a black, wooden staff with a black skull on the top.

"To think performance from last night would be known so quickly. I just did it last night." Berkon said, as he wandered through the corridors of the city halls. On the walls, were blood and claw scratches, its painting having marks, and the statues in pieces, and corpses were on the floor as Berkon walked through.

"Those fools from the Gnome Eye guild should have known better than to put their noses in my work. I only got in the guild for me to gain more information in the Magic I have researching, but thanks to that Nightmare guy, I have been able to complete the research I need for this." Berkon said, as he took out a green, curved knife from his coat, having an X-shaped guards and a green, wooden handle.

"Now, let's see have these Demon Hunters to show what they can do, shall we?" Berkon said with a sinister smile on his face.

Markus and Nariko were soon on the town square, and filled with no life at all, with the buildings and ground showing cracks, its windows shattered, blood stains everywhere and the ruined city hall before them.

"Well, here we are. With a place this big, I bet there should be what he had told us." Markus said. "And awfully quiet, too quiet." Nariko said, as the suddenly, something came from the windows, landing before Markus and Nariko.

"Better be careful what you wish for then. We got company." Markus said, as he held his great sword, while Nariko was holding her katana.

Before them, were a group of three, humanoid lizard, having green skin and claw claws. On their right forearms, they had circular shields, and on their left arm, a claw like weapon, as the one in the middle extended them in a threatening before him.

"Blades, Rank Five Demons. I never imagined I see them in a place like this." Markus said. "Meaning someone is summoning them." Nariko said. "When you are in the Demon Hunting business, you gotta expect things to come, aren't you?" Markus said, then more Blades appeared, filling the town square before the duo of Demon Hunters, as several Hell Bats were flying in the sky as well.

"Well, it seems it's a whole Blade party here. Plus some Hell Bats." Markus said.

"You can say that again, Mister Zyrdack." Berkon said, as he exited the building, watching the scene with the Blades surrounding Markus and Nariko.

"Because I want to show you so many great things." Berkon said. "You must be Berkon they told us about." Markus said.

"In the flesh." Berkon said. "And with my reputation spreading to fast, it's an honor to have Demon Hunters of the Zyrdack Clan come here." Berkon said.

"Well, you are one lucky fella, as I just happen to be in the area." Markus said, pointing his large sword at him. "And you are in luck to see something great here." Berkon said, snapping his fingers.

Out of the city hall, a pair of Lizard demons were carrying were three men in a black suits and ties, covered in injuries and blood, all tied up and their mouths gagged.

"Wow, holding hostages? We may have known each other for like less than a minute, but never did I know you were that kind of man, Berkon." Markus said.

"Trust me, I am not that predictable." Berkon said, taking out his green knife, holding it before one of them throat, making the man panic.

"These two fellows right here were the bodyguards of this town´s late Mayor, and will now work for me." Berkon said, and without any hesitation, slit his throat open!

Markus and Nariko took as step back as blood came out his throat, as the dying man in the suit fell down the ground.

Berkon wasted no time in killing the other men as well, slitting one at the throat, and slit the other one in his threat as well.

The blood of the two corpses spread in a puddle around Berkon. And in the next second, it began to bubble.

Slowly and slowly, creatures began to raise from the ground, taking the form of grotesque, zombie like creatures, having exposed, red flesh, their ribcages showing clearly, faces in the form of skulls, and a third arm going out from the middle of their back, as they crawled on the floor like spiders.

Both Markus and Nariko were silent at what they saw, as Berkon smirked.

"These are Nobodies, a demonic abomination from the Underworld, that are shunned even by other demons. They are ranked four in terms of power and danger level." Markus said. Berkon clapped his hands as a response.

"Very good, Hunter Boy. As A Demon Hunter, I bet you must have heard of this Magic, Demon Sacrifice Magic. It's a Holder-Type Lost Magic that summons demons from the Underworld, using this Demon Summoning Knife, by sacrificing souls of humans. It was used in the Great Demon War centuries ago. Truly a Forbidden Magic." Berkon explained.

"And with this staff, I can control them with no problem." Berkon said, as the eyes of his skull staff glow red, as the Nobodies' eyes glow red too.

"I know that thing pretty well. In other words, when you sacrifice humans to summon them, you send them straight to the underworld, even if they are innocent." Markus said, eyes shadowed and voice serious.

"That's right. Human souls are sure nice payment to give me soldiers for me to control. If I had this Magic earlier, I would become the greatest dark wizard in the world." Berkon said.

"That man is just like him." Nariko thought, a certain man from her past appeared in her mind, laughing insanely, however, Nariko made sure not to lose her focus there.

Berkon then pointed his staff at Markus and Nariko.

"It's sad I have to kill you here. But before this day is over, I will use your head to display even the Zyrdack Clan could handle my almighty power." Berkon said then having his eyes on Nariko.

"As for her, I make sure to her fun with her, before I go spread the message of my supreme power." Berkon said.

"I'm sorry, but even if I am less famous than him, you really shouldn't underestimate me. I have met men far worse than you." Nariko said.

"Oh, don't worry. I shall make sure to be worse than them. After all, perhaps you can give me some advice on that." Berkon said.

"But how about you show me less words, more actions?" Berkon said. "Well, now you are talking my language." Markus said, and brought his large sword down the ground, holding it before him. "Don't expect me to show any respect to someone who sends souls to the Underworld, even if they are innocent!" Markus said. "Oh trust me; I'm not done yet." Berkon said, as he snapped his fingers as the Nobodies, Blades and Hell Bats came charging towards Markus and Nariko, who charged before hands.

"Don't forget that I am here too." Nariko said, as she jumped into the air and cut the Hell Bats in half in one swoop.

The halves of the demonic bats disintegrated before they reached the ground, as a Blade then came to charge towards them.

Nariko clashed her sword with the claws of the Blade, as Markus watched the scene with a smile.

"Well, it seems she got things under controls." Markus said, as a trio of Lizard demons came charging towards him, and with one swoop of his sword, cut them all in half with his sword coated with the blue flames.

Nariko, who was in the air as she jumped off the head of a Blade, saw Markus cutting down the three demonic lizards.

"That Magic... there's no doubt about it." Nariko thought, as she then landed on the ground, as the Blade she jumped its head from, came charging at him. It pulled back its claw to attack, but she was quicker as she proceeded to cut its right arm off!

The Blade screamed over the loss of its right arm, blood coming from the stop where it was. Nariko wasted no time in impaling it in its throat, killing it as it fell down and disintegrated on the ground.

Markus, who were fighting the Blades, saw the scene, having a smile on his face, but made sure not to lose his focus on the enemies before and around him.

"And it seems that I don't have to worry I will have to miss the fun here." Markus said, as more Blades came rushing him as he swung his sword, forcing the two Blades before him to block it with their shields, which his sword easily cut through, cutting them in half, and even cutting off their arms in the process.

As another Blade came to stab him from behind, but Markus quickly turned around with a fast spin, and punched it right in the face with his fist covered in blue flames.

He was turned around and raised sent a kick to abdomen burning with blue flames.

"Fire Devil´s Hoof!" Markus said, as he kicked the Blade in its chest, sending it flying away, setting in to flames as well.

It came crashing to a group of Blades, who dodged before they struck, as the Blade screamed in pain as it disintegrated on the ground.

A group of Hell Bats then proceeded to fire their lava-like spit on Markus, leaving trails of flames behind them.

Markus simply took a deep breath and unleashed a stream of flames at the incoming attack.

"Fire Devil´s Rage!" Markus said, the roar of blue flames easily overpowered the Hell Bats spits of burning lava spits, coming straight towards the Hell bats, disintegrating them to nothing.

Two of three Nobodies that Berkon had summoned were currently standing around Markus, dancing around him.

"Well, aren't you nasty ones? I bet the Underworld never had a thing like a beauty parlor there?" Markus said.

The two Nobodies went to charge towards Markus, as one swung its third arm at Markus, who blocked it with his sword, while the other tried to punch Markus from behind, but Markus jumped upwards, the sword still being held by the Nobodies arm.

Markus proceeds to swing, as his foot were on fire and then kicked the Nobody that tried to attack him, right in its face! The Nobody that held onto Markus´ sword held the sword as it spun in the air, and then was then smashed onto the other Nobody, finally letting go other the sword it held onto.

Markus proceeded to swing his sword, but they managed to dodge it by jumping away.

"I bet you aren't gonna be taken down that easily, that is something I know." Markus said, readying himself for battle.

At the same time, Nariko was fighting a Nobody, with some Hell Bats and Blades as well.

Nariko cut the incoming Hell Bats in half, and then decapitated the heads of the incoming Blades as well. Now with the Nobody left alone, it proceeded to charge towards Nariko.

It swung its large, third arm, which Nariko managed to dodge, as she then proceeded to slash with her sword at it, cutting off its third arm!

It roared in pain as blood came out of its missing arm, as Nariko smirked but then the Nobody pulled something out of its body.

It was mask, and it put on its face, which then caused it to inflate like a puffer fish, and then grow three times its size, as it was almost the size of an elephant, even regrowing its third arm that Nariko just cut off.

"Well, that sure complicated things." Nariko said but didn't lose her focus on the enemy.

"It's just what they said, Nobodies use some kind of mask to empower themselves when taken enough damage, increasing their size, strength and even speed." Markus thought, as he saw the scene with Nariko, but didn't lose his focus on the two Nobodies before him.

"I need to take at least one down before they put on mask on." Markus thought, as one came with its arm to grab his face, and slammed his head against the ground.

Nariko took noticed of it, and felt like she wanted to scream, but her inner instincts told her not to focus, as Markus, on the ground, was grinning.

Markus had not let go his sword, even when he his head was smashed on the ground, as then swung it and cut off the arm the Nobody held him with.

The Nobody screamed in pain, and before it could do anything, his flaming great sword was raised in the air, as Markus swung it down and cut the Nobody in half, as it then disintegrated.

Markus wasted no time turning to the other Nobody, who already put on its mask, making it transform, as it grew bigger and taller.

He wasn't fazed as the Nobody proceeded to slam its enlarged arm at him, who dodged it before he could do anything, as Markus proceed to swing his sword at it, but was smashed by its large arm and send to the air.

He was sent to the wall, which he landed on his feet. The enlarged Nobody came charging at Markus with his fist pulled back, ready to punch him.

But Markus managed as he jumped down the ground, as the Nobody´s fist struck the wall he stood on, shattering it to pieces.

Markus landed on the ground, with the Nobody he was fighting landed before him.

"Look, I have better things to worry about, and so do you." Markus said, as the Nobody came charging towards Markus, as he held his sword back. "So why don't I do you a favor and send you straight back to Hell?" Markus said, as he pulled back his sword, charged with blue flames as he then swung it towards the Blade.

"Fire Devil´s Blade: Hell Crescent!" Markus said, swinging his sword as the energy slash of blue fire went towards the Nobody. It tried to block it with its enlarged arm, and despite some resistance, it cut through the arm and went to cut it clean in half!

It fell to the ground disintegrating, with Markus smiling at his work, as more Blades and Hell Bats surrounded him, as his job was far from over.

Nariko, while fighting the Nobody before her, saw Markus´ display.

"I'm impressed. This man sure lives up to his name." Nariko thought, admiring Markus´ skills, but didn't lose the focus as she fought the Nobody before her.

It proceeded to slam its hand to the ground, as she cut it several times, giving it many scars and making it bleed, but it then smashed its hand at her, sending her away.

She landed on the ground, as then several Blades and Hell Bats ganged up onto her, much to Markus´ horror.

"Nariko!" He screamed, cutting down another Blade that stood in his way, as more Demons came piling upon Nariko, but in the next second, beneath the pile of demons began to glow purple.

"Abyss Devil´s Rage!" Nariko said, as she blasted the demons off her with a powerful blast of purple smoke from her mouth, sending them all in the air.

Markus was silent as what he saw, and so did Berkon, with Nariko standing on the ground, her sword still in her hand.

"As much as I hate to use that, it isn't fit for a lady like me, but in that situation, I had no choice." Nariko said.

"You... are a Devil Slayer like me?" Markus said. "Well, being a Demon Hunter, you should expect that." Nariko said. "Well, it's the first time on my Demon Hunter job to see a Devil Slayer other than me." Markus said.

"Well, I am glad to hear that, but sadly not for Berkon over there." Nariko said. As she turned to the Nobody charging towards her. "I usually intend introduce my Devil Slayer Magic in another way..." Nariko said, as the blade of her sword was covered in darkness, which took the form of purple smoke, as she then charged at the Nobody, as Nariko swung her sword, when it was about to punch her.

"...But through my blade. Abyss Devil´s Blade: Dark Light!" Nariko said, as a slash of purple energy was sent at the Nobody, cutting it cleanly in half vertically!

She turned around to see the disintegrating pieces of the Nobody fell to the ground.

"Had I known that they could be taking down like that, I had it used sooner. Then, they were my first time dealing with them." Nariko sighed.

"Well shit. You can some moves." Markus said, impressed what he saw. "Let's comment later and focus on our target. I bet he doesn't want us to make him keep waiting." Nariko said, as Berkon indeed didn't see through that.

"This sure complicates things. It seems I have to use that sooner than I thought." Berkon thought, as the Blade closest to him stood before him, as Berkon then stabbed it right in the chest!

Blood came out the demonic lizard, as the Blades and the Hell Bats began to twitch, all falling down the ground. Their skins melted off, showing showing their skeletons, and soon enough the skeletons then began to melt down too, turning into puddles, much to the confusion to Markus and Nariko.

The red puddles of flesh and blood then went towards where Berkon stood, as they went up the stairs, and began to form a pile of red goo before Berkon. It then began to grow and form into a sphere of flesh, big enough to be a house.

The demon took the form of a large, round demon, with yellowish-green skin, had eight, large tentacles, with smaller tentacles beneath it, and single, a single, large red eye, appeared in the middle of the blob.

"It's a Cyclopus, a Rank 4 Demon!" Markus said. "It's the first time I see it other than a picture book." Nariko said. "Stunned, are you? Even if the same rank as the Nobodies, its size isn't the only thing that you should be worried about." Berkon said, as the eyes of his skull staff glowed again, causing then the large Octopus-like Demon to charge towards Markus and Nariko, walking with its tentacles.

It proceeded to slam its tentacles at them, with Markus dodging by rolling away, while Nariko jumped in the air, but was sent away by the impact, which shattered the ground in a crater.

Markus managed to land on his feet, as Nariko proceed to charge at it, with it swinging one of its large tentacles at her. Before it could strike her, Nariko swung her katana and cut off its right tentacle!

It shouted in pain as green blood fell to the ground, and through instinct, Nariko dodged it. The green blood hit the ground as it melted and bubbled upon impact.

Berkon was still smiling. "Didn't you listen? Size and brute strength aren't the only things it's superior in." Berkon said, as the Cyclopus regrow its right tentacle where it has been cut.

"For Demon Hunters, it seems you lack some knowledge in demonology." Berkon said.

"I know, I didn't have the dictionary like the Zyrdack when I trained, but if there is one thing I learned, its `Make not to be hit by demon blood, no whatever what color it is, at least at the first time.´" Nariko said and turned to Markus.

"What? I heard there are some demon bloods that can heal you." Nariko said, as the Cyclopus then slammed one of its tentacles at her, who dodged it before it could hit her.

"Well, unless they don't wanna taste your blood, take this one first." Markus said, as his sword was caught on flames again, but then the giant demon smashed his tentacle at him, pinning him to the ground!

"Markus!" Nariko said, as she charged to cut the tentacle of the demon, freeing him.

"Thanks." Markus said, as the Cyclopus regrows its tentacle again. The Cyclopus then sent its tentacles at Nariko, who cut all the tentacles off. From the stumps, more tentacles grew, ready to ensnare her.

But Markus managed to charge at the scene, cutting the tentacles that held Nariko, who jumped away, as the tentacles were set on flames, disintegrating.

"Don't expect any complaints like ´I could do this myself´, because now we are even, right?" Markus said, as Nariko remained silent.

They both could hear Berkon laughing, which Markus and Nariko turned to him.

"Do you understand the beauty of my fearsome power now? This is only the prologue of the story of the great Berkon, whose legend is gonna be heard across the world!" Berkon gloated.

Markus was silent for a bit, before he snickered. "You? You really think you can become the greatest, because you use other people´s strength than your own? You must be very retarded to think that." Markus said.

"Some people say that words are stronger than swords. And I spent years in researching into Magic, as this is the reward of my hard work." Berkon said.

"With lives on the way I presume?" Nariko said. "Well, what do you expect? When you are going for your dream, are you really gonna by such small and trivial matters as lives? Even if I didn't kill them, they were to die by age anyway. They should be honored to die by hands, instead of wasting their ignorant lives in dying by old age!" Berkon said.

"You really are low, even if you're not a demon." Markus said, he stood up, holding his sword before him.

"Nariko." Markus said, without turning to her. "I don't wanna be rude, but I will take care of this guy. Don't worry; we´ll split the reward when this is over." Markus said.

Nariko didn't have reason to complain. "Alright, but if anything come in your way, let me handle it, alright?" Nariko said. "Sounds good to me." Markus said, as then ran towards the Cyclopus loomed over him.

"Back then, you used Demon Sacrifice Magic to summon this demon, in exchange for the other demons you just summoned, right?" Markus asked.

"Of course, to summon a demon of this caliber requires more than just human souls. Sadly, I don't have any more demons working for me, other than this one. But it's worth it, once I am done with you two, I will make to rebuild my army, with you the two of you being the first of my new army. Just imagine what demons I can summon with from strong warriors like you!" Berkon said with arrogance in his voice.

"Don't worry, I will show you that I am worth a demon that could kick your ass anytime." Markus said, charging towards the Cyclopus, who sent its tentacles at him. Before the tentacles could ensnare Markus, Nariko came in the scene and cut them to pieces!

Markus wasted no time as he jumped into the air, as his sword was coated in blue flames. "Then let's see if this has the potential to makes the world's strongest, Berkon!" Markus said, as he then the flames on the sword began to spin, forming a drill around it as he charged towards the giant demon.

The Cyclopus tried sent its tentacles at Markus, but Nariko wasn't gonna let it do it.

"Not on my watch!" Nariko said, as she held back her sword, and then sent a slash of purple Darkness at the giant demon.

"Abyss Devil´s Blade: Dark Light!" Nariko said, as the slash of darkness struck the demons tentacles, slicign them clean off.

"Now that's how I want to introduce my attacks." Nariko said with a smile. Markus was not gonna let this opportunity go to waste.

"Thanks, Nariko! Fire Devil´s Blade: Hell Spiral!" Markus said, as he charged towards the Cyclopus, his sword spinning like a drill.

It struck the demon right in the middle of its large, single eye, causing it to scream as he drilled through it, the green acid-like blood coming out. But it was burned by the flames before it could touch him, and prevent it to land on anywhere in the area, and in the next second, Markus went right through it!

Berkon was silent in shock at what he was seeing, and in the next second, Markus came out of the other side of the Cyclopus.

"I may not have been the brightest on the class, but one thing I remember, is often when demons have regeneration, always go for the head..." Markus said, turning to Berkon, who was both horrified and shocked at the same time.

"And when the enemy has a face like that, it's known for sure that you are the victor!" Markus said, the body of the Cyclopus fell down the ground with a thud, as its body disintegrated.

Markus then landed on the ground, standing before him Berkon.

"You said that you wasted all demonic minions for the summoning, right? Meaning that you are all alone now." Markus said, walking towards the frightened Berkon.

"S-stay away from me!" Berkon said, as he then began to run, but Markus was faster as he grabbed his neck and pinned him down. Berkon grinned, as he took his knife to stab him, but Markus was fast as he grabbed his wrist, squeezing hard enough to force him to let it go.

"Alright pal, you better do as we tell you, or you gonna have a fist on your way to the bars." Markus said, as Nariko was by his side.

"Damn him... Nightmare said with this knife, I could finally show the true potential I possessed!" Berkon said, getting Markus´ attention. "You know Nightmare?!" Markus said, grabbing his collar and bringing Berkon face closer to his face. "Y-yes! Yes I do!" Berkon said in fear and panic. "Tell where he is, and you can keep at least one limb when you´re behind bars." Markus said, putting Berkon through a tense situation.

"Dammit, I promised not to tell anyone about him, but with my life on the line, what other options do I have...?" Berkon thought in desperation. "Fine, I tell you! From what I heard, he said he was headed to..." Berkon said, as when he was about to speak, he suddenly stopped. "What is it? Tell me!" Markus said, as Berkon couldn't say a word, as if something was stuck in his throat.

His face began to turn purple, as his eyes turned bloodshot, and veins started to appear on his face. "Markus?!" Nariko said, as Markus let go of his throat, and Berkon´s face didn't change a bit, only turning to the worse. "I didn't do anything." Markus said, holding his hand in the air.

Berkon´s eyes began to bleed, as blood come out of his mouth, nose and years, as his eyes turned completely red from the blood, as his began to bleed and soon enough, began to inflate like a balloon.

"Oh shit..." Markus said, as he and Nariko jumped back, as Berkon grow bigger and bigger as his body was now completely round, which his arms, legs and head were like stomps on his round body. And then exploded in an explosion of blood and flesh, his insides and bones landing everywhere on the ground around him.

Markus shielded himself and Nariko from the blood with his sword, and then looked to see a spot of blood where Berkon was, with his guts and bones laying around him.

"Well, that's just frustrating." Markus said, as Nariko looked what just had happened. "I know it's obvious, but did he just explode?" Nariko said.

"Yeah, and whatever that was used, wasn't some ordinary Magic, or what could call Magic. Whoever did it, didn't want his identify revealed at any cost." Markus said, putting his sword back on his back.

"And whoever did, they did not hesitate to put lives on the line." Markus said with a stern and serious voice.

Later, Markus and Nariko were rewarded with their efforts with 10,000 Jewels and provisions like food, water and medicine. The village had money left in their savings, as Markus and Nariko didn't need to worry about the village needing money to rebuild the village. However, the village soon needed a new Mayor.

As Markus and Nariko left the village, with their new Jewels and Provisions.

"Well, that was one job over." Markus sighed, and turned to Nariko, walking beside. "What are you gonna do now, since we are gonna part ways for now?" Markus said. "I mean, we will probably meet again on the job, that's for sure." Markus said. "Well, I was thinking of this following you." Nariko said. "Since we are both Demon Hunters, it´d be great to fight together." Nariko said.

"Fine, you can follow. Just don't make sure not to get in my way." Markus said. "But seeing as you are fighting alone, I understand if... wait, you actually want to me to follow you?!" Nariko said in a surprised tone.

"Well, I fought alone because no one asked to follow me, and I don't blame them. But with what you did there, I am sure you could come in handy." Markus said. "You can trust me, I wont make tou regret your decision." Nariko said. "Trust me, I know when people take advantage of me or not." Markus said.

"Of course, we are gonna share to fifty to fifty." Nariko said. "Sure, that if not we get more members." Markus said, as they walked into the woods, new adventures waiting for them.

And now with this chapter done, I have now introduced this story´s main female protagonist, Nariko Sakamoto, the Abyss Devil Slayer who joins Markus on his journey, who I have a lot of plans for.

With Markus on his journey to fight demons, and find this mysterious Nightmare, we shall find out more soon enough.

In case you wonder, yes, the Hell Bats, Blades and Nobodies, were all based on the demons of the same names from the Devil May Cry Series. As for the Cyclopus, picture the Gargantos from Dr Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness. There will be Demons based on those of my own of course. So yeah, until then, please review, favorite and follow, and I shall update soon.