The morning sun cast a gentle glow through the window of my little abandoned apartment, illuminating the room as I meticulously packed my belongings. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement tinged with trepidation as I prepared for the journey that would take me to Japan.
My backpack laid open on the bed, and I carefully packed the few clothes I had, trying to maintain a semblance of order amidst the chaos of my thoughts. I had received a message from Azazel a few days ago, instructing me to meet him in Kuoh. I folded a small map of Kuoh and slid it into a side pocket. I was really starting to feel like a tourist; might as well be. Alongside, a small notebook filled with Victor's handwritten notes. The notes, for the most part, contained a lot of information for the known supernatural creatures, categorized with their respective pantheons and mythologies. I quickly browsed through its pages and a small photo slipped out. It was a photo of Victor and me after a training session. I could tell, because of my face, filled with bruises.
As I held the photograph in my hand, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Maybe Victor should have learned to hold back against a kid, but that's training and all. With a sigh, I placed the photograph back into the notebook and closed it carefully. I hoisted the backpack onto my shoulders and took one last look around the apartment. I'll probably never come back to this apartment. I'm not complaining though. This place was a shithole. What more can you expect of an almost abandoned apartment complex? But I could admit the peace and quiet was nice.
As I walked out of the building, I realized something very important. Something so crucial that it made me feel like the biggest dum-dum on the planet. How the hell am I going to get to Japan?
"Nice going, Morgan," I muttered to myself, a self-deprecating sense of humor kicking in "You forgot the most basic things you have to prepare for a flight." With my phone in hand, I reluctantly began the unenthusiastic search for flights to Japan. The screen displayed a list of exorbitant prices and limited availability, the screen mocking me as I could only glare with narrowed eyes.
"Oh, fantastic," I grumbled to myself. I had saved some money from last month's hunts, but even then, it wasn't nearly enough for the plane ticket. With that in mind, I decided to call Azazel.
I dialed his number and waited, my frustration simmering as each ringtone passed. Finally, his smooth voice crackled through the phone.
"Yo, Morgan," Azazel greeted.
"Hey, Azazel," I replied, trying to keep my irritation in check. "I've got a bit of a problem here. The whole 'getting to Japan' thing is proving to be a bit of a challenge. Plane tickets aren't exactly cheap, you know."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost picture Azazel's amused smile. For some reason just imagining the man's smile irritated me more. "Ah, yes. I completely forgot about that. Ok, send me your current location"
With that. I sent him my location. I had a vague idea of what the man was planning. With a whisper and my hand pointing upwards I recited. "Campus Conclusus" And a small dome like barrier appeared over me. Its only effect is similar to an invisible barrier, meant to hide the user. After that, a magic circle appeared on the ground, and with a flash Azazel appeared.
I couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh. "You really have a flair for the dramatics, don't you, Azazel?"
He grinned. "But of course, Morgan. It's all part of the fun, isn't it?" He made a pause"...Yeah, the how of the trip completely flew over my mind. Sorry about that" Azazel said as he greeted me.
"It's fine, so how am I supposed to get to Japan?" I pondered with a raised brow.
Azazel's voice took on a melodic quality "That's easy, just step right next to me." Magic circles appeared beneath us glowed brighter, and I felt a sensation of weightlessness, as though we were being lifted from the ground. With a brilliant flash of light, the world around us disappeared. It was like being on a roller coaster, blindfolded, through the very fabric of reality itself. Damn, I feel like I'm gonna lose my lunch.
As the swirling vortex of magical energy dissipated, I stumbled a bit upon our arrival in the unfamiliar apartment. My senses slowly adjusted to the new surroundings, and I took in the modern décor and the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air. Azazel, ever graceful, landed on his feet, his expression one of satisfaction. "Welcome to my humble abode in Kuoh, Morgan."
I looked around, marveling at the difference between Azazel's place and the rundown apartment I had just left. "Humble, huh? This is quite the upgrade from my old place." He chuckled and gestured for me to take a seat on the sleek, leather sofa. "Well, I do appreciate the finer things in life. Now, about your stay in Kuoh..."
Before Azazel could continue, I interrupted, still feeling a bit disoriented from the magical journey. "Wait, Azazel. We… Just teleported, right?"
Azazel leaned back with a grin, crossing his legs casually. "Yes. My apartment is well-protected from prying eyes; and we just saved you the trouble of dealing with airport security and cramped airplane seats."
"Huh, that's actually really cool. I never thought I'd teleport anywhere, honestly."
A smug smile appeared on his face. "I try my best. Now, let's get down to business. You're here in Kuoh for a reason, and it's not to admire my interior decorating skills."
I nodded, the weight of my mission settling back onto my shoulders. "Right, so how am I going to do this?"
"To be completely honest I'm not very sure"
"..."
Is he serious? I stared at Azazel, incredulous. "You're not sure? You brought me all the way across the planet, and you're not sure how I'm supposed to accomplish this?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wish I had a clear answer, Morgan. But as it stands, all we have are some loose threads. We know that Kuoh is a hotbed for supernatural activity, possibly due to its strong ley line. And the fact that the two little sisters of the current Satan's live here only adds. You could even add me at the equation"
I mulled over the information. "So, we need to gather information, right?"
"Exactly. Rumors among the locals, urban legends, crimes, etc. Will probably lead you to something." Azazel pulled out a small notebook and flipped through its pages. "I've noted a few places in Kuoh that have had a higher concentration of reports. There's a park near the town center where people have claimed to see strange creatures at night, and a few abandoned buildings on the outskirts with mysterious happenings. You can start your investigation there."
Azazel handed me the notebook with the locations marked. "Remember, Morgan, discretion is key. We don't want to attract too much attention, especially from the supernatural factions that might be involved."
I nodded seriously at him. If i'm going to be living here I should probably look for a job around here. To gain some cash and an undercover profession. Sounds like a solid Plan. I said my thanks and turned towards the exit door. Before I could leave, Azazel called out my name.
"Morgan, before you leave, I have a proposition for you." I only raised a brow at him, signaling him to continue. "How ´bout you join the Grigori? Azazel's proposition took me by surprise. Joining the Grigori was a significant commitment, and I hadn't expected such an offer. I furrowed my brow, considering the implications of joining an organization dedicated to dealing with supernatural threats.
"Why do you want me to join the Grigori, Azazel?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
He leaned against the wall, his expression serious. "Morgan, you have a unique set of skills and experience that would be invaluable to us. You've faced supernatural threats head-on, and you've trained extensively with Victor. We could use someone like you in the organization. Also I could help you in a more direct way."
I pondered Azazel's proposition for a moment. The idea of joining an organization with resources and a clear mission certainly had its appeal, but it also meant aligning with a biblical faction, and that raised a few doubts in my mind.
"But..." I began hesitantly, "joining the Grigori would mean I'd be part of a biblical faction, right?"
Azazel's expression stiffened slightly as he nodded. "Yes, you're correct."
Silence hung in the air as I grappled with my decision. I genuinely appreciated the offer, and the prospect of support and knowledge was enticing. However, I also felt the need to maintain my independence and neutrality for the time being.
"I appreciate the offer, Azazel. Truly, I do," I finally said, "but for now, I'd like to remain impartial."
I watched Azazel closely, searching for any sign of disappointment or frustration. His face remained stoic for a moment, making me nervous about my response. Then, a reassuring smile crept onto his lips.
"Don't sweat it, kid," he said with a reassuring tone, putting my worries to rest.
With that, I felt a sense of relief, knowing that I hadn't offended him with my decision about joining, but even then I still wanted to make my own proposition.
"How about we make a contract?" I suggested. "You have my favor, and I'll undertake more jobs for you, just as we agreed. Additionally, if you come across any supernatural happenings in town, give me a call. Does that sound fair?"
Azazel considered my proposal for a moment before nodding in agreement. "That sounds like a reasonable arrangement, Morgan. Consider it a deal. You have my word that I'll contact you if anything unusual comes up." His smile widened a little.
"Very well then, I´ll see you around. Bye, Azazel." And with that I closed the door and took my leave.
A few hours later, now in the city and lost without knowing what to do or where to go.
As I wandered the bustling streets of the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of aimlessness. The urban landscape of Kuoh was vast and unfamiliar, and I had no clear direction or purpose. I pulled out the notebook with the marked locations that Azazel had given me, but I still felt overwhelmed.
The city was a maze of towering buildings, neon lights, and a sea of people rushing about their daily lives. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, abandoned apartment I had left behind earlier in the day. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was here for a reason.
I decided to start familiarizing myself with the different points of interest marked in the notebook, starting with the park near the town center. It seemed like a relatively straightforward place to begin. Upon reaching the park, I found myself in the midst of a serene scene. Families strolled along winding paths, children gleefully played, and groups of teenagers chatted animatedly with their friends. The atmosphere exuded a tranquil and relaxed vibe. A sudden gust of wind swept through, further enhancing the overall feeling of calmness, and I couldn't help but find myself easing into the setting.
I decided to take a leisurely walk through the park, occasionally striking up casual conversations with locals in the hope of gathering information about any supernatural occurrences or strange events they might have witnessed. It was a quiet and unobtrusive way to begin my investigation, all while appreciating the serenity of the park on a beautiful day. After talking with some people I sat on a bench near the fountain at the center of the park.
A few hours passed, and as the day was reaching its end, the sky transformed into a mesmerizing canvas of orange hues. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city. My visit to the park had proven uneventful and mundane. Not that I don't appreciate it though.
As night began to shroud Kuoh, I couldn't help but feel the weight of fatigue settle upon me. It was as though the magical teleportation had left me with a sense of jet lag, even though it was an entirely different kind of travel fatigue. The prospect of continuing my investigation and visiting the various locations marked in the notebook loomed ahead, but I found myself yearning for some rest.
Chuckling to myself at the notion of teleportation-induced "jet lag," I decided it was best to recharge and tackle the mysteries of Kuoh Town with a clear mind. Additionally, the practical demands of life as a mortal also required attention—I had bills to pay, food to eat, and a roof to keep over my head.
I found a modestly priced hotel nearby and checked in without delay. The simple comfort of a clean room and a comfortable bed beckoned me, and I wasted no time in succumbing to the soothing embrace of sleep.
When I woke up, the room was bathed in soft, early morning light seeping through the curtains. I stretched and yawned, feeling more refreshed than I had in a while. The hotel's simple accommodations had provided a decent night's rest, and I was ready to face the supernatural mysteries of Kuoh City with renewed energy.
As I got out of bed and prepared for the day ahead, my thoughts turned to the tasks at hand. I needed to find a job, as quickly as possible. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I grabbed the notebook with the marked locations and made a mental checklist of what I needed to do. It was time to venture back into the city. I made my way to a local café in the area, craving that essential morning pick-me-up: a steaming cup of coffee. There's no better breakfast than a fresh cup of coffee.
When I opened the door, I was hit by the smell of different food types all looking very delicious and appetizing. From American to the local Japanese-type breakfast. But I was not that hungry. I sat at a small table for two and ordered a cup of coffee. When the cup arrived I took a sip and felt the bitter taste hit my tongue. Hmmm. It was good, if a bit tasteless. I know I could do better. After all, I used to prepare coffee every morning for myself and Victor when he was training me.
I paid for the cup and made my way back to the Town. As I kept walking I realized that Kuoh isn't that big of a place. I visited the plaza, which was, well, your everyday shopping mall with a local bookshop, a karaoke place and an arcade. From what I have been told, Karaoke was a very popular thing in Japan. Maybe someday I could go singing in a Karaoke, it could be fun.
There was also an aquarium, and man, I love aquariums. This place must go somewhere in the future. Near the aquarium was also the red light district filled with love hotels and clubs. I didn't go in, just observing from the outside. It struck me how often supernatural beings seemed to possess a certain otherworldly beauty. Perhaps it was a tactic to disarm potential opponents with their sheer allure? It was a mystery that intrigued me. Who knows? Well, I don't think I'm in the group of beautiful people. Depends on who you ask.
I also noticed a church up a hill. It looked old and abandoned, vines crept through the decaying walls, and nature seemed to be reclaiming the structure. A slight frown tugged at my lips as I looked upon it. The church had a history of conflict with the Venatores Clan, even though the clan's purge had occurred centuries ago. My bias against the faction aligned with the "big man up in heaven" was hard to ignore.
And last but certainly not least, was Kuoh Academy. The grounds of the academy are very big. And by very big, I mean massive. Curiosity got the better of me and started walking towards the entrance. The architecture of the building was European style, I noticed easily. The main building was a three story building, with large windows.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed here, but I'll keep going anyway. I noticed that some students were staring at me with somewhat confused stares and heard some giggling coming from the female students. I could feel them staring at my face. I had my suspicions they were staring at my scar. I could only grunt softly to myself and decided to ignore the students. I continued walking down the halls of the academy, and watching some of the classes in class. Maybe I could teach here? I needed a job after all. Perhaps an English teacher? My English is actually really good. Yeah, that doesn't sound bad at all.
"Excuse me!" A voice called out from behind me, and my gut feeling told me that trouble might be approaching. I turned around to find a petite young woman dressed in the school uniform, her presence effortlessly commanding attention. She stood at an average height, her black bob-cut hairstyle framing her face, with longer bangs that added to her distinct look. Her expression was stoic, and the only hint of emotion I could discern was the slight frown of her brows over her pinkish-purple eyes framed with glasses.
By her side, a taller girl was standing with her. The girl also wore glasses, her eyes of a yellow-brown color, and also had the very same stoic expression. Maybe sisters? Could be. But by far the biggest difference between them had to be the chest size. Duly noted.
But there was something off with these girls. Like a little voice telling me the truth beneath these girls. Devils I noticed. These two girls are devils. I only noticed because they were standing right in front of me. If I had to guess the petite one was one of the Satan's little sisters Azazel told me about, she wore an aristocrat like face and her mannerism added up. I may be reading too much into this but it's just a hunch.
I greeted her quickly, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible. "Yeah? What can I do to help you?"
The student did not seem amused, at all. "These are school hours, visits are not permitted at this time of the day, so if you excuse me I will ask you to leave."
I continued to maintain a nonchalant demeanor as I replied to her. "I see. My apologies, I was actually wondering if the school is currently hiring English teachers. I happen to be quite proficient in English."
I hoped that this change in the conversation might divert her attention from my earlier visit and provide me with a legitimate reason to be on the school grounds during school hours.
The girl stared directly into my eyes, looking for something in them. "Well, as a matter of fact, we are currently looking for an English teacher. As the last one was fired. But you would need to prove your abilities Mr..?"
I hesitated for a split second, realizing that revealing my full name might not be the best idea if my gut feeling about these girls being devils was correct. I quickly composed myself and provided a partially truthful answer. "Morgan. Morgan Ve-" I stopped abruptly, avoiding the mention of the Venatores name that could potentially expose my past. "Morgan Venedetti," I said, extending my hand for a handshake. Hah, nailed it.
She accepted my handshake firmly. "My name is Souna Shitori, and I'm the student council president," she introduced herself, and then gestured to the girl beside her. "This is Tsubaki Shinra, vice-president and my right-hand."
Tsubaki Shinra bowed politely in greeting. "Greetings," she said with a nod. And I nodded back.
Souna Shitori nodded and provided me with the necessary information. "You can go talk to the director after school hours. He will evaluate your skills as an English teacher. In the meantime, feel free to walk around the campus, but please do not interrupt any ongoing classes."
I could sense that Souna was the one in charge here, and her authority was unmistakable. "Got it. Thank you, Miss Shitori," I replied with a slight but respectful bow. "Hopefully, we'll see each other again."
A fleeting smile graced her face, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. "I hope so, Mr. Venedetti."
I decided to make a small request. "Please call me Morgan if you're comfortable with it."
"Very well, Mr. Morgan. I'll see you around," she said before departing, accompanied by her right-hand, Tsubaki. They walked back just the way they came from.
I found a quiet bench in the courtyard of the campus and settled down, allowing myself a moment to take in the surroundings. The campus was vast and bustling with students going about their day and chatting with their friends.
I couldn't help but observe my surroundings with interest. It became apparent that the student population was dominated by females, outnumbering the male students by a significant margin. It struck me as a curious and perhaps significant aspect of Kuoh Academy. A lot of foreigners too, if I'm not mistaken. A group of girls in the athletics team running around. Clad in their athletic uniforms, they sprinted around the track with determination and skill.
"...HAREM!..." My head quickie turned toward the shout. There, three boys were posing for some reason unknown to me. And the center one with his arms raised in a victory manner. Did he just really shout out loud harem? My Japanese might not be very good, but I definitely know what that word means. Don't ask me why.
With an incredulous stare, I looked at the boy. A young man in the peak of adolescence, and his physique the embodiment of average. His short brown hair adorned with several wisps that partially veiled his brows. Two cascading locks of hair hung in parallel to the nape of his neck, and his eyes, of a rich brown color.
'Wow, I'm a little bit impressed' I thought to myself. As the boys continued their conversation, their voices grew quieter, and I couldn't make out the details of what they were discussing.
Then, walking in a hallway, appeared a boy that was basically the stereotype of a fairy tale prince. Blond short hair, adorning his head with soft steel grey eyes, giving him a sense of gentle sophistication. For further emphasis on the prince stereotype, he had a beauty mole on his cheek. I couldn't help but ponder if he added it with makeup.
A pair of girls were jogging towards him. I couldn't exactly hear what they were talking about, but judging by her faces and shining eyes, I had a feeling they were asking him out. To further prove my point the boy bowed a little in an apologizing manner, by the look on the girls faces the boy most likely declined. Tough luck.
My attention shifted back to the group of boys, just a few meters from where "Prince Charming" had been. They seemed to be fuming, their frustration almost comically evident. Then, the one I had mentally dubbed "Pervy Baldy" checked his wristwatch and muttered something to his companions, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. His cohorts mirrored that grin, and a sense of unease settled over me. It was clear that these guys were up to no good, my gut told me to keep an eye on them.
Though they managed to get ahead of me as they walked, I never lost their trail. Eventually, I found them huddled together, their attention fixed on the back wall of a building. They were whispering heatedly, engaged in what appeared to be a bickering match in hushed voices.
Were… were they peeking the girls inside the building? The building in question was the Kendo dojo. I should stop these guys. I thought with a frown.
"Oi" I called out, a frown adoring my face. Immediately the guys stiffened and slowly turned around. Their eyes widened a bit by looking at my face. "What do you think you're doing?" I questioned them sternly.
One of the boys, a lanky teenager with disheveled hair and glasses, stammered out an answer, "W-We were just...um, having a chat, you know?"
I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow skeptically. My silence spoke more than a thousand words. "Oh really? Can I know what you were talking about?" I asked with a hint of amusement in my voice.
Pervy Baldy answered me, "Oh you know… Classes and stuff…"
To my surprise, the boy with brown hair stood up and proclaimed loudly, his voice filled with determination, "You dare to stand in our way of reaching the promised land!?" I arched an eyebrow at his impassioned declaration. His two companions, emboldened by his words, also rose to their feet and positioned themselves behind him, echoing his sentiment, "Yes! We shall uncover the secrets of the true beauty of the female body!"
I couldn't help but stand there in silence for a moment, thoroughly taken aback by the absurdity of their proclamations. It was clear that these boys were operating under some misguided sense of grandeur. However, instead of countering their argument with a barrage of rational points and school rules, I decided to take a different approach. I crossed my arms and allowed a smirk to form on my face.
Their expressions shifted from anticipation to confusion and irritation. "What's so funny!?" one of them demanded.
I chuckled softly. "Well, if you're trying to be stealthy, maybe you should watch the volume of your voices." As I finished my sentence, the doors to the Kendo dojo swung open with force, and a squad of girls equipped with shinai stormed out. Their glares intensified upon seeing the trio of boys.
Realizing their predicament, the boys attempted to make a run for it, but I stepped in, blocking their path. "Nono, you must face the consequences of your actions," I stated, my smirk still in place, as the girls from the Kendo club closed in, ready to deliver their own form of justice.
"Divine justice!" One of the girls shouted as she hit the brown hair boy. Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark. The grupo continued pummeling the group until they felt that they had had shinai was then pointed at my face, held by a girl with brown hair and bangs at the side of her face. Although her glare remained intense, I could detect a glimmer of caution in her eyes.
"Were you with them?" she asked me with a steeled voice.
I met the girl's questioning gaze with a steady, honest look. "No, I wasn't with them," I replied firmly. "I just happened to stumble upon these troublemakers while they were up to no good." The girl seemed to consider my words for a moment, her gaze still scrutinizing me.
"I promise" I said with my best disarming smile. Her stance relaxed a little and she lowered her shinai. Her fellow club members followed suit, their guard dropping as well. With a nod, she spoke again, this time in a more measured tone. "Well, thanks for intervening. We'll handle things from here." She turned her attention back to her clubmates and directed them to help the three boys get up and leave the premises.
"Sorry for the rough welcome," she said, her expression softening a bit. "I'm Murayama, the captain of the Kendo club."
I offered a small, friendly smile. "No need to apologize, Murayama. I'm Morgan Venedetti. I was just passing by and maybe lent a hand. Having said that, the girl bowed and returned to the dojo. That was quite the event, especially not what I have in mind. I was about to leave too but noticed from the corner of my eye the crimson color.
Turning around, I saw a voluptuous girl with breathtaking beauty, in the window of an old building. She had skin white as snow, piercing blue eyes, and most remarkable of all, a long, crimson, flowing hair. She just stared at me with nonchalant eyes, trying to unravel the secrets within.
As I turned to leave, my attention was drawn to something out of the corner of my eye—a vivid crimson color. Curious, I turned around and was met with a voluptuous girl with breathtaking beauty, in the window of an old building. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes a piercing blue, and her most striking feature was her long, flowing crimson hair. She regarded me with nonchalant eyes, as if she were trying to discern the secrets hidden within me.
Intrigued and captivated by her presence, I stared back dumbfoundedly. Her piercing gaze held mine for a moment, and then, as quickly as she had appeared, she stepped back into the darkness of the room, leaving me with a sense of mystery.
"Shit, the interview!" I cursed as I went back towards the main building, straight to the headmasters office.
The interview had gone surprisingly well, and I left the headmaster's office with a sense of hope that I might secure the English teaching job. They assured me they would give me a call if I got the position, but for the time being, I would have to wait for their decision. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in a mesmerizing deep orange hue, I found myself standing still, just taking in the beauty of the sunset. Have you ever just stopped to watch a sunset? When will be the next time you see a sunset like the one? Or just simply a sunset. I pondered to myself as I gazed towards the horizon and took a deep breath.
Nightfall was fast approaching, and with it, the moonlit world would come alive. I knew it was time to check out the warehouse marked in Azazel's notebook. My gaze hardened as I continued to walk towards the hotel. I needed to retrieve my combat clothes and my whip; A hunt is about to begin.
Rias POV
I have never seen that man before. Supposedly, he arrived this morning at the academy asking for a teaching job, as an English teacher. But I think there might be more to him. The way he carried himself around and his hardened eyes, spoke something of the man in question. It might be the fact that he simply had a scary face, and looked intimidating, for the time being, I don't have a way to know.
Tonight, we had a mission to fulfill. News had reached me that a Lamia, a dangerous creature, was hiding within my territory, preying upon innocent humans. As heir the the Gremory household, it was my duty to protect the safety of our territory, and I would not tolerate any monsters lurking within it.
Gathering my trusted peerage, I delivered the news of our mission.
"Today, we have a job to do," I began solemnly. "Word has it that a Lamia is lurking around, killing humans."
Akeno, standing beside me, crackled with electricity, her power evident in the sparks dancing between her fingers. "Oh my, it seems that somebody isn't playing nice," she remarked with a sly grin.
Beside her, the short, petite, white-haired girl gave a soft grunt of agreement. And standing like a noble knight was Kiba, ready for the task at hand.
"Of course president, let's vanquish this monster." I only gave a smile of appreciation. These people are my peerage. My family. We stepped together and with a mental command a magic circle appeared beneath our feet; In a flash of light the world around us disappeared.
When we stepped out of the circle we were face to face with a haunted building. Abandoned and in a state of decay. "Lets go" I said to my peerage and we started walking towards the entrance doors. Just as we were about to enter the building my rook, Koneko, stopped and sniffed the air. Widening her eyes she just spoke. "Holy energy. It smells of holy energy in the building." With a nod addressed my peerage.
"Be careful everyone, fallen angels or exorcists may be in the building." Akeno´s eyes narrowed and an evil shine appeared in her eyes. As we approached the open area, the lifeless body of the Lamia lay before us, its corpse revealing startling details upon closer examination.
The Lamia's skin bore burn marks in several places, still radiating heat, and large, slash-like wounds marred its body. Koneko, with her heightened senses, detected something unusual in the air.
"The wounds and burning marks are emanating holy energy, President," she reported, her voice tinged with concern.
Akeno, her expression growing more serious, called out to me. "Rias, these are whip wounds." I turned swiftly to face her, taken aback by the revelation. A whip?
That's an odd choice for a weapon; And of course she would know how the marks of a whip would look like being the super sadist she is, but in this case, taken to the extreme.
"What do we do, president?" My knight asked me to be ready for anything.
"We'll leave," I said. "Let's report this job as successful and report it. I then turned to address my peerage.
"But we'll also have a new mission: search for any possible stray exorcists in the area and gather information about any related rumors," I instructed. They all nodded in understanding. However, the image of those whip wounds still lingered in my mind, troubling me deeply. Holy energy and whip wounds... it felt like I had read about something like this before, but I couldn't quite place it.
For now, we had to remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye on the events unfolding in my territory. And there was the matter of scouting my pawn, a decision that weighed heavily on my mind as well.
