Chapter 15
The Four Leaf Representatives

"Fuck...now we have to fight four more people?!" Raiden gritted his teeth, grabbing his hair."And we're all spent from fighting the whole night."

"Calm down." Mia told him sternly."Assess the situation. It's too early to be panicking."

"I'm not fucking panicking, okay?!" Raiden barked back."I know what I'm doing!"

"Why are they like, fighting?" The crimson-eyed girl pointed at the two teenagers arguing.

"Dunno." The man yawned."But looks like we came here just in time. So, how are we doing this?"

"I thought killing them was the idea." The beast-man chuckled, setting the girl down.

"Why, thank you Vetto. Seeing as though my kids aren't here, I can say that they're safe. I owe Litch a favor I guess. You go first, Rhya."

"With pleasure." Rhya smiled, using Light Magic to teleport in front of Yami."What a unique design. Not that it really matters, though."

'He can move at light speed too?!' Yami frowned, grabbing the hilt of his katana."Dark Magic: Dark Cloaked Lightless Slash!"

Yami's attack graced Rhya, albeit slightly on the shoulder."Tch. He moves fast."

"Man, he'll be a pain to deal with." Rhya landed back with his comrades."But this is just a flesh wound. Light Magic: Healing Light Particles." Just like with Litch, light particles began swirling around Rhya's wound."So, you wanna go next Diana?"

"How many times do I have to tell you it's "Baby", now?" The self-named Baby pouted, hands on her hips."New life new name. Ain't that right?"

Rhya sighed in defeat, raising his hands."Fine. My bad."

"I have no interest in fighting any of them, just so you know." Baby stated, her eyes glimmering in fascination."But that one..." Her eyes focused on Abel, who squirmed upon her gaze."I can't believe it...I'm so happy...so overjoyed I could just drop dead!" Her cheeks flushed as she cackled madly."Leave him alone. I will take him. No one can get their dirty paws on him!"

"Jeez, calm down." Rhya cringed at her behavior before turning serious."We'll take care of this together."

"That's right." Vetto snarled."These insects are going to pay dearly for hurting our comrades! I'll squash you like ants and rip you apart like I'm ripping the wings off a butterfly!"

"I hate those who hurt Litch," Fana said with a matter-of-fact tone.

"Dude, what's up with these guys?" Abel and Asta rose their swords for another fight."

"Allow me to introduce them." Litch earned their attention while he was suspended in the air, engulfed by healing flames."They are the four strongest in the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Well, three, since Baby is part of the Order of the First, but she will always be one of us. In fact, she's the leader."

"Wait, that's their leader?!" Mia gawked."So not only is the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun here but also the Order of the First?"

"Is she a Child of Sceva too?" Asta inquired, earning a scoff from the woman.

"Nah, that would be my devoted children. I don't partake in what they do. I just serve as their guide."

"Wait, but Litch is the leader, right?" Abel rubbed his chin."If so, then he's the strongest. Which means that if we took out Litch, we can take these guys out no problem, right?"

"You'd be right, except they surpass me in combat." Litch quickly shot the idea down."They are the Third Eye."

"What? How can that be?" Finral put on a forced smile to hide his fear."He's got to be bluffing."

"He is." Gauche sneered with disgust."He's probably trying to get in our heads."

"I wonder about that." Rhya covered his mouth, holding a yawn.

"Just as the name suggests, your kingdom takes the clover as its symbol. Within the clover's leaves are pleasant words that do not suit you. Namely: Faith, hope, and love. And with the four-leaf, you have luck. I've given them names that mean the opposite of those."

"I am the opposite of faith, Rhya, the Disloyal." Rhya introduced himself, yawning.

"I am the opposite of hope." Vetto savagely grinned, cracking his knuckles."Vetto the Despair."

"I am the opposite of luck." Baby gave a slight bow."Baby the Misfortunetate."

"And I am the opposite of love." Fana drawled."Fana the Hateful. I hate those who hurt Litch. Therefore, I will kill you."

"I'll admit those names sound gran and all but they aren't really telling us much about your strength." Yami exhaled some smoke.

"We'll just have to show and tell then." Rhya now had a sword exactly like Yami's."Though I'd prefer not to. Too much of a hassle."

"Wait, what?" Raiden's eyes widened."Where did that come from? He didn't have it a second ago."

Mia ignited her fists with Soul Energy Magic, creating her knuckledusters."First light, now dark magic. That could only mean-"

"Copy Magic: Dark Cloaked Lightless Slash!" Rhya did the same spell Yami did, interrupting them.

"So he has copy magic." Yami sent his own lightless slash."I hope you're ready to pay up royalties."

Behind Yami, Vetto was eager to get a swing at the Captain."Pay attention! Beast Magic: Bear Claw!"

"Shit!" Raiden rushed to Yami's side, ready to intercept Vetto as he was about to blindside him."Inferno Magic: Scorching Impaler!"

Vetto jumped back, avoiding the inferno spikes that came out of Raiden's body."Oho! So you shrimps can put up a fight after all, eh?!"

"If you're looking for a fistfight..." Mia appeared above him, winding her fist back."I'm your opponent! Soul Energy Magic: Divergent Fist!" Throwing her fist forward, she shot a shockwave of energy towards the beast-man, who leaped out of the way."Come on!"

"That's the spirit!" Vetto and Mia began clashing fists, each blow making the ground beneath them tremble."This is not good!"

Mia lost ground, unable to react in time to Vetto lunging at her. Fortunately, Yami pushed her out of the way and used his katana to blow the strike, only for it to break in half.

"Tremble in despair!" Vetto howled, causing the mages to regroup.

"Captain, your katana!" Abel watched in horror.

"God damn it! You bastard! Do you know how expensive this was?! And it was custom-made!" Yami barked, clenching what was left of his katana."I haven't even paid it off yet. Raiden, let me borrow one of your blades."

"No way!" Raiden hid his blades behind his back."These are very special to me! You're going to break them!"

"Now is not the time for-Oh, shit!" Yami quickly put up his black cacoon into action, protecting them from the ferocious flames Fana fired at them.

"Ok, fine!" Raiden reluctantly tossed Yami a blade."But be careful with it okay?!"

"Huh. Nice material. Quite heavy as well, which explains the power behind its strikes. But small compared to my katana." Yami examined the sword closely."You have good taste in weapons, kid. Still, to think they have Salamander, the fire spirit. This is one hysterical chick. She nearly burned us to a crisp."

"It's too bad I don't have mana to spare, otherwise I'd return the favor," Raiden grumbled, feeling frustrated of how powerless they were.

"Are you going to jump in, Baby?" Rhya glanced over his shoulder.

"Maybe. You seem to have this under control and all and I'd hate to interrupt." Baby responded, sitting on a rock and watching the fight."But maybe I will. I have to put something to the test."

Abel felt a chill running down his spine when he felt her eyes on him."G-guys...?"

"You three take on their Captain. I'll play with the kittens for a bit." Baby stood up, stretching before pulling her Grimoire out. It was dark grey, with nothing decorating it except a four-leaf Grimoire in the middle.

"No way! She has a four-leaf too!"

"Well, of course, I do." Baby smiled sweetly."I am representing the four-leaf, you know? And now, let's see if you guys are up to the challenge. Iron Creation Magic: Single-Hand Express!"

From her Grimoire, pieces of metal emerged and attached to her arm, forming a bigger arm functioning as a blade with the sharp metals at the end."Come. Don't be afraid. Our Lord will be more than happy to take you as sacrifices. That's right. With this..." She moved her metallic arm around."I will offer your blood and bring closer the day of total annihilation for mankind!"

"Yeah, fuck this!" Raiden gritted his teeth."Inferno Magic: Blazing Cuts!" Using his single blade, Raiden sent multiple slashes of inferno at his opponent. Baby moved at great speeds, avoiding the incoming attacks with relative ease. Despite the size of her arm, she wasn't hindered when it came to speed.

"Soul Energy Magic: Adjacent Shot!" Mia winded her fist back, causing the energy around it to swell before punching the air, sending a stronger shockwave to the gothic-theme girl.

"Iron Creation Magic: Scrap Wall!"

Metal began piling up in front of Baby, forming a metal wall that stopped the attack from reaching her."And now, Iron Magic: Attract!"

Suddenly, Mia felt her body being pulled forward before being swept off her feet."What's going on?!" Crashing against the iron wall, the girl groaned upon impact.

"Hello there." Baby was right in front of her, holding a sharp piece of metal to her neck."Die."

"NO, YOU DIE!"

Raiden jumped down below, aiming his sword at her head.

"Iron Magic: Repel!"

The Inferno Magic-user was launched flying away, crashing harshly against the ceiling before dropping down.

"Shit, this is bad!" Gauche quickly jumped into action."Mirror Magic: Reflect Refrain!"

Baby grabbed Mia, tossing her aside before raising her metallic arm, blocking the attack. However, the attack was powerful enough to break it apart.

"Alright!" Asta cheered, but little did he know it wasn't a good thing.

"Iron Magic: Repel!" This time, the broken pieces of metal were launched at Gauche.

"I got you!" Finral opened up a portal, trapping the attack inside and tossing it somewhere else."That was close! Just what type of magic is that?!"

"Thanks for the save." Gauche nodded at his senior."She's just toying with us. We have to figure out how her magic works. It's not simple metal manipulation."

"Yeah, you got that right." Raiden walked up to the pair, holding his arm."DIslocated shoulder. But should be fine. At least I'm only using one sword already.

"If this is the best you can do, I honestly don't get why Mary just didn't kill you all." Baby sighed, hands on her hips."What a disappointment."

"Yeah, well how is this?!" Asta ran to Baby with the Demon Slayer sword in hand.

"That sword..." Baby narrowed her eyes. Before Asta could reach her, the woman jumped back, getting some distance."Give me a minute, boy. I want to see something first before I kill you and take your swords."

"What is she planning now?" Mia pondered to herself.

Knives began flying around Baby as she cackled sinisterly. The knives began multiplying and surrounding her."Iron Magic: Dance of the Blade!" Swing her arm, the knives flew over to the group on command.

"I still haven't recuperated from using that spell earlier to block that light guy's attack..." Gauche bit his lower lip, clenching his fists."Finral, can you teleport all of them?!"

"There's way too many!" Finral pointed out.

Raiden and Asta rose their weapons, Mia readying her fists. The knives began surrounding them as the group blocked them or repelled them, only for the knives to go back to them and start all over. Some knives landed on their targets, cutting and slashing their bodies as they found themselves overwhelmed.

"Guys! I'm coming!" Abel rushed to their side, only to be intercepted by Baby.

"Finally, we are alone." Baby splayed her arms out."I can't believe I'm so lucky. You are everything I ever dreamed of!"

"What are you talking about?! I don't even know you-" Abel was quickly pinned against the wall, Baby pressing her arm against his neck.

The girl leaned forward, whispering in his ear."I will fool the mages. I will know their greatest fear." She pulled back, giving him a saccharine smile."I will know YOUR greatest fear. The true savior is calling for the people. The people are crying for the true savior. For the day they are gifted with death."

"You're crazy!" Abel tried pushing her back to no avail."Why are you telling me this?! Why are you obsessed with me?!"

The girl hummed to herself, her smile widening even more."We will be saved from this delusion we call reality. Humans...are not complex. I know everything that makes people humans. And so does the Savior."

"Abel!" Raiden screamed, doing his best to block all the knives that were flying around them. His left arm was bleeding and a few knives were stuck in his back."Everyone, get down! Now! Inferno Magic: God Hand!"

The knives were melted away once the giant hand of inferno engulfed them, finally ending the assault. Without wasting time, Raiden ran towards Baby, anger clear in his eyes.

"Hmmm. I guess our private time is over." Baby grabbed Abel, turning him to Raiden."Repel!"

Abel crashed against Raiden, causing both boys to fall on the floor.

"Guys!" Yami cried out in concern."Everyone okay over there?!"

"Ow..." Finral rubbed his face, noticing his cheek had been cut."We're alive!"

"For now." Baby chuckled, jumping back to Litch's side.

"So, what do you think?" Litch asked her, receiving a laugh in response.

"He's Bel alright. Who would have thought he'd be here."

'Great, she almost took them all down by herself.' Yami grimaced, blocking the attacks from the Third Eye with Raiden's sword.'Still, though, these three are no pushovers either.'

"Do you really have time to worry about your subordinates?' Rhya rhetorically asked as he and the others launched their spells at the same time."Because it seems you're also in trouble."

Raiden turned to Mia, desperation evident in his face. The blue-haired girl simply kept staring ahead, sweat covering her forehead. Before anyone did anything, three attacks came out of nowhere, blocking the blast that was about to hit Yami.

"Looks like you're having fun, Yami." Jack The Ripper, Captain of the Green Mantis, stuck his tongue out as he stood with Nozel and Charlotte."Let us join too."

"Aw, man. Another second or two and something would've awakened in me." Yami nonchalantly said, standing back up from the ground."How are you going to compensate for this, you lousy friends?"

"We're not friends." Nozel coldly replied."Besides, should you really be talking like that when you're looking worse than usual? Of course, I'd jumped in. I am the one who is going to execute you myself one day, foreigner."

"Yeah, I don't want to hear that from you with that ridiculous haircut you have."

Nozel froze in place, his left eye twitching."Why you..."

"Honestly, how pathetic can you be that you have to rely on us to save you?" Charlotte folded her arms under her chest."Even my subordinate was doing a better job than you at fighting these people."

"Captain Charlotte!" Mia waved her arm around joyfully."You came to rescue us!"

"I got concerned when you didn't come back to the base. To think this is where you were. Excellent job at holding the ford."

"We have nothing to worry about, guys. The Captains are here to save us." Mia sat on the floor, taking a deep breath.

"Talk about a good ti-" Raiden fell on one knee, alarming the others.

"Are you okay?!" Asta helped him up, wrapping his arm around his shoulder."What happened to you?!"

"I used God's Hand too many times consecutively...my mana reserves aren't looking too good right now," Raiden muttered, feeling his body without energy.

"Seems like this fight became even more of a hassle." Rhya observed, fighting the urge to just drop down and sleep."Still, maybe this will be more of a challenge."

"A three on three, eh? I like that." Vetto smirked at the challenge."Don't interfere this time, Baby."

"Wasn't going to. I said my piece already." Baby waved her hand dismissively.

"In that case, take care of Litch for us." Fana turned to her with her stoic expression. Baby simply mock saluted, going back to relaxing on the rock near Litch. With that, the battle between Captains and the Third Eye began.

"Man, now that things are evened up, this is quite a battle." Abel whistled, amazed."Captains are truly something else."

"Still, we should have informed them about the one they call Baby and her capabilities." Raiden narrowed his gaze, once the battles grew so intense they created smoke."Keep your eyes out for her. If she decides to randomly jump in again we'll be in trouble."

"Nah, she's staying put." Yami informed them."Abel and Asta should see it if they try to use ki. In fact, you can pretty much keep up with the whole fight. Hey Finral, let me ask you something."

While Finral and the Captain talked, the other newbies talked amongst themselves.

"I can sort of see it." Abel opened his eyes after meditating."They're everywhere. But yeah, I can feel Baby. She's over there still."

"I've been wondering why do they know you and Gauche." Raiden addressed the elephant in the room."I mean, Litch says he knows Gauche, but they are obsessed with you, Abel."

"Maybe Baby has a crush on you." Mia wigged her eyebrows, causing the boy to cringe.

"No way! She's totally not my type! Plus, she seems a little older than me. But I'm not sure myself. They keep calling me Bel. But that's not my name."

"Maybe they're confusing you with your twin. What was his name again?"

"It's Cain. So no. They also seem to have an interest in Asta's Grimoire and swords."

"Right." Gauche nodded."I wonder just what is their endgame in all of this. What are they after? Huh, what are you guys doing?"

Yami was about to enter through one of Finral's portals, blade in hand and already cloaked with dark magic."What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going to surprise attack their leader. And no, you aren't coming with. You're all barely standing up as it is. Although. Mia, Raiden. I'm going to need you to do something as soon as I attack. Asta, get ready too."

Once he explained his plan, Yami stepped through the portal, appearing from the one above Litch's head."He's still weak from before. I'm not letting this chance go!"

"I knew you'd try that sooner or later." Litch quickly powered up, creating a ball of light in his hands"Farewell!"

"Now!" Raiden and Mia grabbed Asta on each side, using magic to reinforce their physical prowess to aid them to toss Asta as hard as they could towards Litch while he was distracted.'The Captain is using the strategy we used when we fought Troy earlier. With no magic, it's impossible to sense Asta!"

"Oh, no you don't!" Baby stood up, opening her Grimoire only to be intercepted by Abel.

"Yin Magic: Explosive Dance!" Abel hit the ground with Hellbreaker, creating an explosion of black energy that sent Baby stumbling a few yards away. And that was all the time they needed. Everyone watched in shock as Asta strikes Litch with all his strength before Yami delivered the finishing blow, sending him crashing towards the ground.

"Nice!" Mia cheered, pumping her fist in the air.

Raiden couldn't help but smile."Something only he can do, huh."

"Litch!" All Third Eye members screamed in concern for their boss.

"Tch. Well, that was an interesting maneuver." Baby admitted, scratching her cheek."You Magic Knights can be so crafty when you want to."

"You're not concerned for your friend?" Abel inquired, earning a groan mixed with a chuckle.

"I am. But I'm not going to start crying." Mia shrugged without care."Litch's fault for dropping his guard like that. And it's my fault too for dropping mine. Regardless, I am not entitled to do anything for revenge. I am not an official member after all. We're all just...old friends you could say. But I am no follower of Litch. The one thing I adore and follow is the Overlord."

"What is this Overlord you Order of the First people keep mentioning?" Abel demanded to know.

"You'll find out soon enough. Sooner than you think. The prophecy does not lie. In a year or so the world will come to an end after the Messiah descends and destroys humankind. It's what people desire the most."

"What the hell, Yami?!" Jack sneered, shooting Yami a glare."Your kid stole the victory from us! How are YOU going to compensate us for this?!"

"To think that commoner could do such a feat, and only because he had no magic," Nozel remarked, albeit keeping it to himself.

Raiden ran to Abel, grabbing him and carrying him over his shoulder."What are you doing?!"

"Something's going on with Litch!" He pointed out, and in fact, Litch's body was glowing even more.

"Oh. Well, we'll see each other eventually. When the time is right." Baby waved Abel goodbye, her crimson eyes staring into his soul."Seems like that kid did more than just hurt Litch. His Anti Magic broke the sealing magic on Litch. You guys seeing this?"

"We'd be blind not to!" Rhya snapped, dodging another attack from Charlotte.

"Why do you have those swords...the Demon Slayer and the Demon Dweller..." Litch's voice rose with every word."Those swords belong to the master!"

"The Master?" Nozel picked up on his wording.'I thought he was the leader. Does this mean there's someone even higher up than him?"

"I don't know why you keep saying they don't belong to me!" Asta rose his Grimoire."But they do! You have no idea how hard it was for me to even get a Grimoire! So stop making accusations you crazy bastard!

Suddenly, the cave began to violently shake."Give them back. Those are master's Grimoire and swords. A human like you shouldn't have them."

"What do we do now? This whole place is gonna cave in. Again!"

"Calm down, Finral. This is a perfect chance to break...no, leave our limits in the dust." Yami smirked, excited at the challenge."What do you guys say?!"

"Yeah!" Mia, Raiden, and Abel cheered along with Asta.

"Come on, Finral! We've been surviving the impossible tonight! Let's try our luck again!" Abel gave him a thumbs up.

"You guys are all crazy!"

"Vetto, Fana, now!" Rhya jumped back as they began casting a spell."Combo Spell: Trinity Sealing Magic!" Using their combined power, they were able to seal Litch's power again, stopping him from rampaging.

"That was a close one." Baby stated, picking up Veltos with her newly-formed metallic arm."So, are we ready to leave?"

"Sure. Let's head home for now and have more fun another day when Litch's feeling up to it." Rhya began using Valtos' magic, creating a black portal underneath all of his peers.

"We might have lost this time, but the next time we meet, you will feel utter despair!" Vetto promised."Rodents always fall prey to the carnivores."\

"And that will be the end of you," Fana concluded.

"You lucked out today, Bel. But you will come with me eventually. You are mine!" Baby's eyes seemed to glow in a deeper shade of red."The Eye of the Midnight Sun and the Order of the First will be watching you!"

With that, the terrorist mages disappeared, finally ending the fight.

"Such an incredible amount of magic...and to think those three sealed it away so easily..." Charlotte jogged over to Mia, engulfing her in a hug."Are you alright?"

"Come on, Cap, you know me. Nothing can ever bring me down!" Mia flexed her bicep, wincing in pain."Ow..."

"Opponents loved by mana are definitely great to slice up." Jack licked his lips viciously.

"So...did we actually win?" Abel asked his Captain, earning a pat on the head that was a little too hard, causing him to drop on the ground.

"They ran away. So by default, we win."

"Fucking finally..." Raiden collapsed on the floor, ignoring how hard it was on his back."I hope no more enemies pop out again. One shit show after another in this shit..."

"Oh yeah, thanks for the sword." Yami tossed him his blade back, knocking the wind out of him when it landed on his stomach.

"Great!" Abel wrapped his arm around Finral."You heard that! We won!"

"That was a little too close for comfort, though." Finral sighed in relief."Once I charge up my magic, I'll take us all back home."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm starving." Yami rubbed his stomach. On cue, all the Black Bulls' stomach growled in unison, indicating that indeed, they were hungry.


Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, Baby made her way down a lonely, dark cave, lit up by candles. Once she fully entered, she found herself spectating the middle of a ritual. A person was strapped in the middle of the room, watching in absolute horror as he was suspended in the air and tied up to a wooden pole, unable to do anything to avoid the fire ever coming close to his feet. There was a pentagram drawn around him and various people wearing red robes and masks made of animal bones. Some of them had cows, horses, bulls, and boars.

There were also five people surrounding the pentagram, chanting something in an odd language. One of them was wearing a pig mask and noticed Baby coming in."Everyone. Our Mother has arrived."

The subjects began praising Baby, chanting a chorus and waving their arms up and down in benevolence.

"My children." Baby rose her hands, signaling them to continue their ritual. Baby walked up to the altar, taking a look at Troy."I see you're all better now. I'm happy."

"Thank you, Mother." Troy gave her a quick bow.

Baby stopped in front of her five children, taking a deep breath."We discovered some interesting things, didn't we?"

"That's right." Mary had a smile behind her mask."Seems like our friends in the Eye of the Midnight Sun were right on the money. That Raiden boy is quite interesting. There is something about him that makes him stand out to me. He could be the rival I've been looking for all along."

"You found your playmate, Mary?" A smaller figure with their hood up hiding their face inquired."Hooray for you! I knew you'd get one."

"Normally I would ask the importance of Mary finding someone to keep her entertained, but those mages are different." Troy chimed in, wincing upon moving his arms too much.."There is that kid with the Anti Magic."

"The one with the Swords and Grimoire Litch is looking for, right?" A man with his face obscured and a hat on his head asked, earning a nod from Baby.

"Oooh~! Outrageooous~!" The masked person in front of them gasped loudly, almost singing."A kid at that is nothing but a classic example of tragedy~!"

"He's not weak." Troy addressed the person."He's no ordinary boy, that's for sure. While he has no magic he has great physical strength. Thanks to him, I was defeated."

"But other than that is but a mere child swinging a big sword around." Mary noted, laughing."Though you could say that about all of them."

"That aside...when are we going to get more members for our ranks?" The man wearing a top hat inquired."Can't be the Seven Children of Sceva without seven children. We're missing two more people."

"All in due time, Hasama." Baby waved him off."Can't just get any of our foot soldiers to become a Child of Sceva, you know? We need quality. The perfect opportunity. For now, we have Mary, The First Child. Then we have Joseph, the Second Child." The smaller figure of the group waved his hand enthusiastically."Then we have you, Hasama. The third Child. Rosemi, our lovely singer, occupies the rank of Fourth Child. And finally, Troy, the Fifth Child. While the last two members are obvious choices regarding the ranking system, do not be foolish enough to believe your positions are set in stone. If the people that join us prove to be stronger than one of you, that person will lose their rank and go down in placement. So do not take this lightly and continue improving. You should be trying to become familiar with your Brand of the Beast that each of you possesses."

"I tried using mine." Troy earned her attention, his voice low and raspy."I maintained the transformation for a few seconds. It was my first time."

"It does take some time for your body to accept the Brand of the Beast. But once it becomes part of you, you will gain power beyond human comprehension. The tool that stands between heaven and hell. But for that, you must continue to consume human flesh to further increase your Human Essence. The more you eat, the stronger your bond with your Brand becomes."

"Back to speaking of new members." Hasama cleared his throat."I have an update regarding our little serial killer friend."

"Him again?" Mary sighed in exasperation, rubbing the edge of her nose."That guy seems to not get tired of going around killing people."

"The person who's been killing people in the shadows. The one that leaves little to no evidence." Baby said, great interest sparking inside of her."Do tell."

"My men have been trying to locate him and just when we thought we had him, he got two of my girls." Hasama snarled."The asshole is sneaky. He got them in the middle of the night after their shift was over."

"But I thought this killer only murder bandits?" Joseph tilted his head.

"Appearances can be deceiving~. He who hides in the darkness and kills for his own agenda is nothing more than a senseless person~!" Rosemi sang, causing Hasama to flinch due to how loud she was.

"I heard people were going missing around the Forsaken Realm. Bandits. But also people from villages. Men, women, children, and the elderly. And no one has ever seen anything. Not even their remains. I would dare say he's as proficient of a killer as you are, Mary."

Mary scoffed at Troy."I'll be the judge of that. But they do sound intriguing. Someone with their skillsets could be what we're looking for."

Baby rubbed her chin in thought."True. Someone like them could help us further our agenda. We need as many sacrifices as we can to offer our Overlord. But we have to first find out who they are and their motive. There are still unknown factors that this beautiful kingdom of ours is hiding." She glanced at her First CHild, making Mary pull out from her robe a butcher knife. She made her way over to the man who was about to be burnt alive."And I intend to get to the "heart" of the matter."

With a violent thrust, Bloody Mary stabbed him in the chest, earning screams of agone that were muffled thanks to the cloth wrapped around his mouth. She twisted the knife, cutting bone and tendons along with muscle and hearing the sickening noises they were making as they were torn apart. Once she was satisfied with how deep the wound was, she stuck her whole hand in, causing the man to whimper one last time before his noises died down immediately. She took a few steps back, her mask and body covered with fresh blood. In her hands was the heart of the man, still beating. She held her price in her hands, throwing it to the devoted followers, causing them to fight for who would get the heart.

"Efficient as always." Baby noted, watching with a smile as the corpse began to catch fire."Another sacrifice well done."

"Thank you." Mary gave a quick bow."Doing that to humans is a lot simpler than doing it to animals, believe it or not. Changing subjects for a minute. What are we going to do about our plan?"

"We continue slow." Baby walked to the middle of them holding her hand out, revealing the number 6 marked on her palm."We provide support for Litch and his people while we wait for the perfect chance for our plan to begin. We already made huge progress. We're just missing another thing. After that, it's just a matter of time before the pieces fall into place. It's destiny."

The Children held their hands out, their marks present along with a necklace, holding a red stone.

"Now...let us begin our ceremony for today. Every day has death and every death has a day." Baby turned to her followers."Praise the Overlord! His almighty power will rain upon this planet and eradicate all traces of life!"

"The Overlord be eternal!"


"How long do you think he's going to sleep?"

Raiden's eye twitched in annoyance. The voices were loud, almost as if they were next to him.

"It's hard to say. Usually, the nightmares wake up him but it seems he was too worn out to have any."

"Asta woke up not too long ago. They were roughly about the same when we found you guys."

"It's not a race, Mimosa. You are doing plenty to help."

With a sigh, Raiden cracked his eyes open slightly, abruptly sitting up and causing someone to shriek.

"Look at this. Not two seconds out of bed and you're already scaring people. You haven't changed much. Still as unapproachable as always, Raiden."

"Son of a bitch." Raiden couldn't help but smile, turning to meet his life-long friend, Johan. Without another word, he got up from his bed and hugged the towering man, taking him by surprise.

"Glad you're doing okay too." Johan guffawed, patting him on the back."It's been a while since we've seen each other, hasn't it?"

"Ever since we went our separate ways that day."

"Aw, look at those two!" Mia giggled, happy to see their friendship."What a happy reunion. Seriously, I'm glad he woke up."

"He woke up?!" Abel entered the room, rushing to their side."Raiden!"

"What are you, Asta?" Raiden groaned, grabbing his head."Too loud. What happened?"

"Well, we were called a little too late. By the time my friends and iI here went for your aid, the battle was over. Ah, I forgot to introduce them. This lovely lady who's been healing you is Mimosa. Our senior over here is Klaus and the other rookie is Yuno."

"You've been healing me?" Raiden asked, a small smile gracing his features."Very much appreciated it. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mimosa."

"Oh, it was nothing. I had to help. Any friend of Asta is a friend of ours, after all." Mimosa accepted his handshake.

"But you said Yuno?" Raiden turned to the other raven-haired young man in the room."Yeah, I heard about you. You are Asta's...brother, essentially. Kind of like Johan and I."

"It's nice to meet you." Yuno nodded."I guess we are sort of like brothers. But really, we are rivals. We're both aspiring to become the Wizard King one day. But I have to say that it'll be me the one who does."

"Does this rivalry have no bounds?" Klaus sighed, folding his arms."I swear you and Asta are unbelievable.

"Anyway, I wanted to ask you something." Yuno addressed Raiden."You defeated Asta in combat. Is that true?"

"Yeah." Raiden answered without missing a beat."What, you want to avenge him or something? Restore his honor or whatever?"

"What?" Klaus cut Yuno off before he could speak."Did you defeat Asta in combat? You must be a highly-skilled mage then. Asta, despite not having any magic of his own, is no pushover whatsoever."

"Yeah but Raiden beat him like he was nothing," Abel spoke up, further flabbergasting the group. Raiden mentally facepalmed, not happy of getting the extra attention."Not only that but he fought Asta and Magna back to back while he was nearly asleep. He's a tough one."

"Oh, my. I never heard of this before." Mimosa covered her mouth."Poor Asta."

"He didn't get discouraged, though." Raiden tried to salvage the situation."In fact, I think he's more motivated to train. To fight me on equal grounds one day."

"Sounds like Asta, alright." Klaus adjusted his glasses, feeling proud of the magicless mage."He wouldn't let a defeat crush his spirit."

Yuno cleared his throat, silencing his friends."I was going to say that I wasn't going to avenge Asta. If he lost, that's on him for not being ready for a new challenge. Also, Asta and honor? I think you and I know he doesn't care about things like that. No, I was going to suggest a fight. Not because I want to get back at you for Asta, but because I want to test my strength against the person who defeated my rival. If I want to become the Wizard King, I have to be ready to take on anyone. Including you."

"Oh." Raiden blinked, confused at his sudden determination."Okay then. Normally I would say no since I don't care about petty duels but sure. If you can give me a better fight than Asta then I'm all up for it."

Mimosa frowned, not liking t how Raiden was belittling Asta. Johan noticed this and immediately brought the conversation to a halt."Okay, we should get going and let the Black Bulls rest. Raiden, let's catch up sometime."

"Oh, right. I was going to invite you over to our base." Raiden punched his palm upon remembering."Someone in our squad makes really good food and she's all up for stuffing anyone with as much of it as possible. I'm sure she'll be happy to have a voracious eater such as yourself."

"Sweet! I'm looking forward to it, buddy." Johan walked up to Raiden's bed, punching him lightly on his left shoulder.

"Anytime," Raiden responded with a smirk, punching Johan on his shoulder.

"Oh, Abel? Cain sends his regards." Yuno said, prompting Abel to beam."Well, not really. He just said to get you out of trouble if we found you."

"Ah." He nodded, slightly disappointed that his brother didn't ask about him. He watched as the Golden Dawn left the room, allowing fresh faces to show up.

"Mia! Raiden!" Asta beamed, happy to see them."You're okay!"

"Look who's talking, shorty." Mia grabbed Asta in a headlock, messing with his hair."There you are, Noelle. See, I told you I was going to bring them all back in one piece."

"Yes." Noelle smiled warmly."Thank you, Mia. You got involved and helped my squadmates even though it wasn't your problem."

"Mia says that but she was getting her ass kicked all the same." Raiden pointed out, yelping when she sent him a death glare."By the way, how's the Sister?"

"All better." Asta stated, flexing his right arm."She's insanely strong. It'll take more than the Eye of the Midnight Sun and the Order of the First to take her down!"

"Wait, what? Order of the First?" Noelle parroted."What are you talking about?"

"There's a lot to explain but now's not the time, Noelle. I'm sure the Captain will make us write a report and we'll let you guys read it." Raiden yawned, laying back down on his bed."I'm going to stay here for a bit. I need to get some sleep."

"Try not to get nightmares this time. We're used to your screams but the people in this place are not." Noelle pointed out sternly, earning a scoff from Raiden.

"Well excuse me for interrupting your beauty sleep," Raden muttered under his breath. Noelle ignored this, huffing.

"Well, Noelle and I are going over to Rebecca's to have some lunch. You sure you don't wanna come with?"

"Meh." Raiden waved him off, turning his back on them as he covered himself with the blankets.

"I'll go! Rebecca's siblings are just so adorable!" Mia beamed, pushing Asta, Noelle, and Abel out of the room.

Raiden hummed to himself, smiling once he heard them leave."You guys..."


Somewhere in the Clover Kingdom, in the middle of an abandoned church, eight figures stood around, roaming around the church. The darkness of the place obscured any details about their bodies, but one thing they all shared in common was the halos hovering above their heads and azure-colored eyes in the shape of hexagram along with the pair of angelic-like wings each of them had.

"This place...I like it. There's something calming about abandoned buildings." One of the figures said. His most notable features were two large horns going out from his forehead."So, Apollyon. This information that you gave us..."

"It's all I've recorded while observing the fight between the Bllack Bulls and the Eye of the Midnight Sun." The being that was hiding in the cave said, the rose on his left shoulder making him more noticeable."As it stands, there is another group aiding said organization. They are called the Order of The First. They are related to the people I've been seeing around at night wearing red robes and animal skulls."

"Those weird people you've mentioned before?" The female with a long ponytail and chains wrapped around her wrists asked."The ones that have been doing those rituals."

"The very same. Though those I've encountered are mere minions. Based on my understanding, there is a rank of elite members. I believe they are called the Children of Sceva. As you might be familiar with the story, Sceva had seven children who pretended to be prophets in the name of the Lord. A fitting name for them, since they are searching to revive whatever being is they worship."

"Going by your information, they are rather vague and mysterious." The silhouettes glanced up, watching as another figure began descending from the ceiling. Unlike the rest of them, their legs were not human. Instead, they had spider legs and were hanging upside down from a cobweb."But knowing you, being the Scout Angel, you probably have some more insight on these...people."

"I located one of the Children of Sceva. He owns a nightclub of sorts." He elaborated, earning a snort from the smallest figure in the room.

"You mean a strip club." This one had two pigtails decorating her head and was visibly smaller compared to her peers."What? I'm just saying it how it is. By the way, where is Gomory?"

"Blunt as always, Enepsigos." The towering angel chuckled. He had the biggest armor in the room, easily towering over all of them. His most distinguishable feature was the two horns in his head. One going up to his head and the other one from his chain, both bending slightly."I take it she's busy. Besides, unlike us, she's in a whole other kingdom. If she disappears out of nowhere it will raise suspicion."

"Back to the matter at hand..." The Captain turned to his side, noticing the other female in the group talking for the first time. She had a long robe along with a hat on her head with a cross."What should we do about these people? They sound dangerous, and based on the rumors I've heard in the capital, the Eye of the Midnight Sun is the cream of the crop. The most logical and optimal solution would be to eliminate them and rid of them as soon as possible. Wouldn't you say, Captain?"

"If he does decide..to kill them...I can track down Hazama." Apollyon suggested."Then it would be a matter of...making him squeal...which I wouldn't mind doing."

"Nah, let them be for now." He chuckled upon earning a collective gasp from everyone in the room."Allow me to elaborate. We can have the Eye of the Midnight Sun and the Order of the First battle it out with the Clover Kingdom. Have them kill each other. Not only are they wasting their military power, but they are also drawing attention away from us. Give us room to breathe without people finding out about us."

"So, leave the Clover Kingdom residents to die in the crossfire of an imminent war between good and evil?" Enepsigos giggled."Like always, your plans are great, Captain."

"We'll let innocent civilians die?" The angel with the ponytail sounded displeased."We could prevent that from happening if we just do as Apollyon says. Spare those lunatics from further...cannibalizing on people and doing their weird rituals."

"But if we do that, we will draw attention to ourselves." Apollyon spoke up with a calm tone."Now that I think about it, if we do kill them, people will begin to question who did it. They'll be on higher alert than they already are. Which would make our mission impossible to accomplish. No. What must be done is a necessary sacrifice. For the salvation of humanity and the world, this is but a small price."

"Agreed. Do please understand him, Ariel. We have no reason to care about the people in this kingdom. They are merely means to an end and if they must die, so be it. Our objective is but one. Destroy any signs of devils in this kingdom while tracking down a devil with a human host. Once we do that, we can go back home and finally put an end to this everlasting war humankind finds itself in. It's decided. We'll let both groups kill each other off and gain any information we can. We'll keep them in surveillance, of course."

"Home..." Some of them muttered to themselves.

"How is it over there, by the way?" The giant of the group asked.

"Chloe reports nothing out of the ordinary." Apollyon answered immediately."It appears as though the kingdom is at peace and not plotting any war in the foreseeable future."

"Naturally, they can't go to war and risk losing without us, their weapons of war." The spider-like Angel giggled from above, hanging by a thread."They do know how to make someone feel flattered. But will Chloe be okay by herself? I trust our military, but having only one angel in service is risky. Besides, if THEY come back to attack again, the kingdom is finished."

"All the more reason why we should hurry up with our mission." That was all the Captain said about the matter. His gaze landed on the angel in the middle of the room. This one had two horns similar to his but smaller as well as two spikes going from his shoulders."You've been quiet, Raphael. What's on your mind?"

"When the darkest light and the brightest shadow unite, eternal darkness will return. When heaven and hell touch." Raphael looked at the ground."Those are the words one of the Children of Sceva said. They are awaiting the revival of the Lawless One. The true savior, as they call it. I've been pondering what or who could it be during this whole meeting. Of course, you knew that, Apollyon."

"I did. But I wanted you to say it. You are the Acting Captain of this operation after all."

"Yeah, about that." Enepsigos folded her arms under her chest."Why is he the Acting Captain? Is it because he is the Vanguard Angel? Because if so, that's extremely-"

"We've talked about this." The Captain rolled his eyes under his armor."His experience on the battlefield and his great mind for strategies make him the best choice. I chose him because I trust him with the responsibility. I can't always be giving orders in this mission, especially given my circumstances. So you will listen to him."

The small angel girl fidgeted in place, not wanting to argue further."Understood, sir."

"Still though...a savior? Blasphemous enough. There can only be one Messiah. And that Messiah is me." The Captain proclaimed."I'll have to write a report about this since I'm clueless as to who they are referring to. Apollyon, come by my location tomorrow morning and hand the report to the brass. Have them contact Metatron so we can get an understanding of the situation. If there is one thing I don't lie is in the dark. Information is key regarding war. You all know this. Anyway, continue doing what you've been doing. Apollyon will continue to visit you and report to me once he does. Investigate further and see if we can smoke out the devil with its host. The sooner we do, the sooner we can put an end to our nightmare and get what we desire the most. For the glory of mankind. For the glory of God."

Everyone put their left hand behind their backs, bringing forth their right and placing it horizontally across their chest with their thumbs bent."For the glory of mankind! For the glory of God!"

"My brave Saviors! I declare this meeting concluded!"


I can't believe I got the chapter out before Christmas. Maybe I can get another one before that, who knows. I hope you all enjoyed today's chapter and the two big groups that will be battling in this story finally making their debuts. The Saviors and the Order of the First. What does the OTF want and just what kind of diety do they prey for to bring the end of humanity? Why do the Saviors need a devil with a human host? Find out more as the story progresses.

On another note, the official story cover will have to wait a little bit. I'm currently in the middle of buying presents for a lot of people so I don't have much cash to spend. But it will come. That I can promise. If you want some idea of how it will look like, feel free to check out my other stories. The covers for those come from the same artist.