Zetto sprinted and caught Tae just in time, holding her close against his chest. He thought of a spell that could stop such unstoppable force… but unfortunately, no such magic existed.
"Sorry… I'm hopeless. I failed," Tae said, her expression gloomy. At the same time, her face heated up with a blush.
"No, it's all my fault. We could have taken the safe route, and now because of me, they're in danger… I'm too weak", Zetto muttered, running toward the carriages. He threw every spell he could think of – at the carts and at the beast – still holding Tae in his arms. No, I can't give up.
As the dragon's head was about to crash into the first coach, unexpected help arrived.
Xarith appeared between the monster and the vehicle. He simply reached out his hand and touched the dragon's head. he demon king's hand didn't even quiver from the hit. Xarith held the beast in place. Frozen in the air, the dragon couldn't move. It began to shiver and whine in fear.
"To think a pest like you could still survive," he said with disgust. "Did you really think I'd let you ruin my chance at a better tomorrow? And as always, you've had more luck than sense," he added, clenching his fist.
The monster's body exploded in blood and flesh as Xarith crushed its skull. Its skeleton slammed into the hard, snow-covered ground with a deafening crash. Xarith smiled at Zetto.
A stronger wind, swirling with snow, made Zetto's cloak flutter.
"Ze-Zetto… c-could you put me down now?" Tae asked shyly.
"Ah, right, sorry," he said, gently lowering her legs. The tiger girl stared at the smiling demon, shock written all over her face.
"Finally, we meet, Messenger," Xarith said, laughing heartily.
"What's going on here?" Alice jumped down from the driver's seat and ran over… only to go pale. Even as a zombie, she looked paler than usual. "Xa-Xarith?" she stammered, teeth chattering. "W-what is he doing here?!"
"Who are you?" Zetto asked, unaware.
"Oh, you've probably heard my name, but this is the first time you're seeing me," he said, bowing low. "Xarith, Demon King, at your service."
"W-why did you help me?" Zetto asked, surprised. "You want to kill me yourself? I won't let you! I'll protect Varii and Tiriga as long as I c-"
"Oh, none of that, Messenger," Xarith cut in. "I know deep down you're grateful to me. And that's exactly what I plan to take advantage of. How about a little deal?"
"A deal?" Zetto couldn't get over his shock.
"That's a bad idea, Zetto!" Alice shouted from behind Xarith. The demon king glanced at her with anger. One look from Xarith and Alice let out a high-pitched gasp, cowering behind the carriage like a tiny mouse.
"Zetto, demons are tricky," Tae whispered to him. "You'd better refuse him… but he's far stronger than you. Even with all my faith in you, I don't think you could win against him, at least not yet. He crushed that dragon like it was some insignificant worm," she added fearfully. "If you're going to negotiate with him, be sure the pact has clear terms"
Tae's right. Damn it, I'm hopeless. And yet, I know that if I don't agree to his offer, things could end badly. After all, if it weren't for him, those I wanted to protect would have died because of my own stupidity and weakness, Zetto thought, gritting his teeth. His lips trembled on the edge of tears, but he pulled himself together at the last moment.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.
"What if I told you that you could save more of Varii and Tiriga? Save those whose lives have already been taken? On top of that, I could safely teleport you to the Northeastern Deserts and turn it into a paradise. Sounds unbelievable, right, young hero… or should I say, former hero? " Xarith grinned. His smile carried a question, testing Zetto. "In exchange," he said slowly, savoring the words, "you lend your strength to the demon army. Atoria's your enemy now, so this deal only benefits you, right?"
He has a point… but siding with demons would mean killing innocent people. Maybe I could outsmart him? I could help both the demons and Atoria at the same time, making sure no one dies needlessly by my hand.
That… actually makes sense.
"Deal," Zetto said, stepping toward Xarith.
"Huh?! Zetto! I didn't think you'd agree so quickly! Did you just forget what I told you? You didn't even negotiate with him!" Tae shouted, shocked.
Zetto looked at her with a faint, barely noticeable smile and a meaningful look. It calmed Tae and gave her the impression that Zetto had some plan in mind. Tae crossed her arms and tapped her foot in irritation, letting out a sigh.
He's going to have to explain everything tonight… when we're alone.
Only me and him… tonight…
Tae's face turned bright red.
What the hell am I thinking right now?!
Zetto extended his hand toward Xarith.
"I'll do anything for them. I'll do everything to give them a good, decent life. If you're really telling the truth, I promise I'll be the best soldier in your army."
Xarith laughed, then shook his hand with a solid grip.
"I see that fury in you, Zetto," he said quietly, almost under his breath. "The fire of anger burning inside you, like flames still alive beneath a layer of ice that can't melt. I can also see that you're trying to channel it in the righteous path. Don't fear me, nor our pact. In this world, nothing is as it seems. Demons aren't really demons."
"H-huh?" Zetto asked, surprised. He felt Xarith's grip burn the skin on his hand. Hissing in pain, Zetto pulled his hand away and looked at his palm. A symbol was etched there – a quadruple pentagram surrounded by intricate magical circles. His blood ran from the outlines of the mark.
"You won't be able to heal it, but don't worry. The bleeding will stop soon. This is your sacrifice for the ability I gave you – the same one I used to take down that dragon. You'll put it to better use. For me, it was just a cheap show, haha. Anyway, get ready for a quick trip. Oh, and one more thing: you'll have to explore the Northeastern Deserts on your own and choose where to settle. Once you do, call me, and I'll come."
Zetto didn't respond, staring thoughtfully at the floor. Tae approached him, taking his arm.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice warm and calming. "You did this for us. I know you'll find a way out of this, Zetto. Everything will be fine."
Just as she finished speaking, Xarith extended both hands forward.
Zetto, Tae, the Demon King, and the two caravans vanished in dark purple rays of light.