Chapter: 15
Note: to that one guy going crazy about the mc not being strong enough, as it's been stated multiple times. It's all about his demonic power control. Devils do NOT need magical circles, they are simply a temporary crutch.
Since Zeohyrion wasn't able to complete his magic tutoring he didn't get past that. But he does know how to progress his demonic power control which he's been doing with great success.
You'll see more examples of his true power.
To everyone else I hope you enjoy.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(The Soma Familia)
The gates of the Soma Familia manor loomed ahead, all dark and foreboding like they were trying to give me a bad feeling or something. Too bad for them, I was a devil. So I kinda liked it.
My demonic energy boost had me feeling confident. Lili was waiting for me back at the church. I didn't want her to come just in case they decided to try to get rid of me. I really wouldn't put it past them.
I didn't know if Soma knew about his Familia or not but I would keep my guard up. I just needed to get in, get her released from their Familia and avoid stabbing anyone in the process.
I strolled through the main entrance like I owned the place. The guards didn't stop me, which was nice.
Either they didn't recognize me, or they just didn't want to deal with someone clearly oozing charm and swagger. Who could blame them, really? I suddenly found a blade pointed towards me.
Ah, Nevermind. It seems I've encountered the Soma Familia captain.
He was a tall guy with a face that made him look like he'd sucked on a lemon for breakfast. He was blocking my path, arms crossed with a scowl firmly set on his face. His aura screamed, "I'm important, and you're in my way." Fun.
"Soma Familia grounds are off-limits unless you are here for business in which you need to sign in," he growled, stepping forward, clearly trying to assert some dominance.
Time for diplomacy.
Calm, relaxed Zephyrion.
"I'm afraid I haven't booked a… appointment but I'm here to speak to your God. I have business with him." I replied calmly, a friendly smile set on my face.
He laughed.
"I'm afraid my Lord Soma does not take visitors from outside. Even as a member, you would find it hard to speak to him. How about you scurry along now." He responded with a smirk.
I ignored the annoyance. I knew he was going to be a pain anyway.
"I'm afraid this is a bit of an important case. I'm willing to pay though. It's about Lili. I want her to be released from this Familia and allowed to join mine." I continued on.
Hopefully, a bribe would settle him down. Again, I didn't exactly want to burn the entire place down, that would be a stupid move and these idiots certainly weren't worth that. I also doubted Ganesha would allow me to continue walking the streets in that case.
He raised an eyebrow and I could see his annoying smirk get a bit larger.
"Oh? You're willing to pay? Fine. How much?" The man whose name I hadn't gotten questioned.
I wasn't naive and this guy wasn't hard to read at all. It was a good thing I had demonic contracts that I had gotten ready for my trip. They came in handy with a lot of situations.
It would also be good to have a place to experiment with it in a world I didn't necessarily have any attachments to. That was if I could actually travel worlds and I wasn't just crazily chasing after a one-time event.
I checked my pouch on hand and winced as if what I was going to offer was a lot. Didn't want him getting suspicious and thinking I was some high ranking Adventurer.
While some may think that brute forcing it that way was a better idea, I didn't. I would also get a minute demonic power increase. It was a win-win. Well, me being the one winning.
"How does 10,000 vali sound?" I offered with false hesitation.
He grinned.
"Sure, that'll do. Hand it over and I'll take you towards my Lord." He offered.
I smiled and nodded, proceeding to pull out one of my demonic contracts and handing it towards him with a pen.
"Would you mind signing this?" I asked, handing it to him with the kind of friendly expression that makes people think they're getting a great deal.
He squinted down at the contract, clearly suspicious, turning it over in his hands. "What is this?" he asked, brow furrowed.
"It's a contract," I replied, I kept my tone light and casual.
I gave him a friendly smile.
"It's a contract."
He looked at it closer. "I don't see any guild emblem."
I spread my hands in an exaggerated shrug.
"Of course not. It's just a little something for my Familia records, so my Goddess knows where the funds are going," I said, keeping a salesman's smile firmly planted on my face.
My voice was casual and reassuring. Totally not lying. Not at all.
I was blatantly lying, but signing a contract didn't require me to be truthful. It's why devils use to trick people into them of course. Oh, wait. I was technically breaking the laws set by my elder sibling.
"…"
Oh well.
He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged like he'd decided it didn't matter. No guild emblem meant it couldn't be official, right? Well, technically he was correct but he was also dealing with a Devil.
Poor little guy probably thought it was just a meaningless piece of paper.
Without a second thought, he grabbed the pen and signed his name in sloppy, careless letters, like he was rushing to finish. I watched on with hawk-like eyes.
I immediately retrieved the Demonic Contract after he signed it. I felt it connected in the back of my mind.
Without a care, I pulled out a pouch filled with about 11,000 Vali and tossed it over to him. The leather bag jingled as it sailed through the air, landing in his outstretched hand. He glanced inside it, counting it quickly.
It was my personal money and not the little bank I had set up for Hestia. Which was flowing with quite a bit of Vali. We easily made a lot more in the dungeon.
"So, would you mind showing me to Soma?" I asked.
He tossed the bag of Vali's in his hand casually, titling his head with a taunting smirk. His eyes gleamed with a weird mix of arrogance and amusement.
"Nah, I don't think I will-" he was cut off.
He fell to the ground and let out a scream of pain. His body was spasming in pain.
So that does work. One of the nastiest contracts I had drafted. I wasn't totally sure if my little backlash addition would work. To think a contract he signed so carelessly had this effect.
It was a bit fascinating, but ultimately not good timing as the guards quickly rushed me. I hadn't moved a hand against him. So I technically had no fault.
The pain stopped and he panted.
"What the hell did you do?" He growled.
"Nothing much, but if you don't deliver on your promise that nasty little shock is going to be repeatedly coming back until you do. But, hey. If that's how you want to live." I replied casually, shrugging helplessly.
"Sir, shall we apprehend him?" One of the lower-ranked adventurers acting as guards asked.
I would rather not. I was technically trespassing and elevating this into a fight wasn't my intention.
Despite this, my smile didn't falter. Something he picked up on.
"No. Leave us and return to your posts." He ordered and they hesitantly obeyed. He turned towards me with a furious scowl. "I don't know what sort of magic you've inflicted on me, but remove it at once."
He stood up and dusted himself off.
"Take me to Soma and I'll happily do that. Is it really worth kicking up all this fuss over one girl?" I asked, giving him a disappointed look.
For me it was.
Lili was a good Porter who could actually keep us with our craziness. That was invaluable. She would also become loyal to the Familia too.
He sneered and went to raise a fist only to drop down onto the floor in pain. His body spasmed and his teeth gritted.
"Yikes, that looks painful. Would hate to be you." I idly commented. Something in me was enjoying this which was a tiny bit worrying.
My devil instincts had become a bit stronger after getting the seal weakened. I hadn't really specified the pain but considering he was a seasoned adventurer despite his thuggish demeanour. It must hurt like a bitch.
He got up again. Breathing heavily. He scoffed. "Fine, follow me." he spat, motioning for me to follow him deeper into the manor.
Even with his defiant demeanour, I could see that he was shaken. Which was understandable. He had no idea what I did to him, but it wouldn't take a genius to guess it had something to do with the contract.
Despite his idiotic behaviour he seemed somewhat competent.
I kept my hands tucked in my pockets, looking around as we walked. The place was a bit more upscale than I'd expected. Clean, cold stone walls lined with the occasional torch flickering weakly.
There wasn't much decoration, just a few alcoves with wine barrels and the odd door leading to who-knows-where. The smell of fermenting alcohol was easily noticeable in the air, subtle but constant, like the manor itself was a giant wine cellar.
That didn't come as much of a surprise considering what I knew about Soma himself…
We passed a few Familia members who nodded towards the Familia captain. They all looked pretty thuggish which was to be expected since they were all addicted to Soma's wine. Which essentially made them wine addicts.
He kept sending glances back my way warily, his hand on his sword. I wasn't worried. He was level two. Technically the same level as me but the gap between us was too wide. He was probably in the low-class according to my memories of the devils rankings.
We came upon a door and The captain knocked twice, then opened the door without waiting for a response.
Inside was a man that I assumed was Soma, he was seated behind a heavy oak desk, a glass of wine in his hand, looking about as lively as a statue.
He had long hair and his eyes half-lidded as he stared into the middle distance, like he was contemplating the mysteries of the universe or just really into the flavour of his drink.
"Lord Soma," The captain greeted.
I felt the demonic contract completion, a tiny amount of demonic energy added to my own. It was much lower than usual but I guess the contract had been pretty simple.
Soma didn't answer and the Soma Familia Captain whose name I hadn't bothered getting turned towards me. Motioning to say what I needed to say with a scowl.
"Soma. I've come to bargain." I started. "Liliruca Arde no longer wishes to be a part of your Familia and instead wants to join the Hestia Familia. I am sure we can come to some sort of agreement."
He slowly glanced at me, showing no care for what I had to say.
"You wish to take away a member of my Familia?" He questioned boredly. His eyes went back to the wine he was brewing.
"Yes." I replied.
"Talk about it with Zanis. He has been given responsibility over the matter. Now, if you would please leave." He answered uncaringly.
My fist clenched.
The newly named Zanis made a thoughtful gesture.
Hmm, no. I don't think it's in the best interest of the Soma Familia to release one of its… finest support members." He said, a growing smile on his face.
"Well. You heard him. Time to go." The Captain said smugly, putting his hand on my shoulder.
My face twitched and I elbowed him in the stomach. Hard enough he was forced to the ground with a wheeze. My chest started to rise with a familiar burning sensation.
I was going to need to find a way to control my wrath. While I didn't mind resorting to violence if it was needed most of the time and I did truly enjoy fighting, sometimes things couldn't just be solved with violence.
Like now, unless I went the God killer route. Which felt oddly tempting. I took a deep breath.
Soma still didn't care. Seeing him act so careless was annoying. Lili had been bullied into the Familia from my memory and treated like shit during her time in the Familia.
A blade of wind condensed and destroyed the wine brewery. The wine splashing on the floor and leaving a mess. Zanis stood up and attempted to punch me only to find himself rooted to the ground. His feet embedded in the floor.
He scowled and ripped his feet from the ground, charging me immediately as he released himself. Only to find a slab of earth to rise up and hit him hard in the stomach with a flick of my wrist.
"I'm afraid I can't accept that. One way or the other. How about you take some fucking responsibility instead of spending your time brewing your shitty wine." I annoyedly said.
"My 'shitty wine'?" He asked himself before looking at me "Do you plan to force me?" He asked boredly. A hint of annoyance on his face.
"Not if I don't have to. Don't make an illogical choice for a girl you barely care about." I warned him.
The itch in my chest intensified.
"How far are you willing to go I wonder." He mused.
"I won't foolishly attack you now, that would draw in adventurers to arrest me and when they fail they would simply bring in stronger ones to apprehend me. But I will challenge you to a war game and I will take EVERYTHING from you." My face twisted as my emotions got the better of me. "Force me to go to that length. Force me through that hassle and I'll have to make it worth my time."
I took a calming breath again.
Yep. I was definitely a Wrath Devil. Just like my elder sister. This had shown itself in many insistes such as the time I fought the Black Goliath. I really needed to try to control it.
I had definitely got better at it but the newly strengthened wrath instincts were making it hard.
"Such conviction. Fine. A war game would be inconvenient. Especially for my brewing. Successfully drink my perfected-wine without succumbing to it and I'll grant you your request." He offered lazily.
I paused. I had known he would potentially ask me this. Did I want to risk it? I had no doubt it would taste amazing. It was quite literally divine-made wine. Made by a God Of Wine.
Ah, who was I kidding. If Lili could do it I can. I wasn't a heavy wine connoisseur in either of my past lives so I didn't know what to expect. I was confident in my ability to not get addicted to it.
I gave him a confident smirk.
"Deal." I replied.
Soma stood up, walking over to a cabinet. All the while Zanis was still recovering on the floor behind me. He opened it up and brought out an expensive wine bottle, with golden embroidery.
The liquid inside was blue, which became more prominent as he poured it into a small glass. Filling it half away before corking the bottle. He sat down the bottle and looked at me. That bored look in his eyes lessened, replaced with intrigue.
I inspected it closely, I really wish I had been given some sort of appraisal magic when I was isekaied or doubled isekaied. It could technically be possible with my imagination magic but it wasn't exactly as easy as just imagining it.
It's why I couldn't just suddenly start imagining time stopping, besides the insane demonic energy cost which was amplified the more complex the demonic spell. It was also why I stuck with elemental spells for the most part, except a few tricky spells like the sound barrier and teleportation.
That was mostly from my devil tutelage and books I had read on them though, which gave me the understanding to make them function. Appraisal magic would need a whole system to be imagined into existence.
Something to look into when I wasn't just leaving the novice stage of demonic energy control.
I picked up the glass. I didn't need to put my nose close to the glass to smell it, my enhanced sense smelling the pleasant aroma. Soma was watching me carefully, a lot more focus in his eyes than he had to begin with.
Raising the glass I drank.
As expected it was delicious. Its texture was smooth and it tasted like sweet berries. I could definitely see why in this mediaeval world that this would be addictive.
The devil side of me hadn't been allowed to have alcohol due to having a certain two overprotective elder sisters. Those two had been the cause for much of my underdevelopment compared to my peers.
While my human side had to admit that this would cost a true fortune even in his world. I finished it and fought to keep my face straight. My tastebuds were exploding with flavour, but it wasn't enough to overwhelm me.
I definitely had a desire for more, but I could control it.
My eyes met Soma's intrigued ones.
"I've had better." I forced myself to say. The spite I felt from this whole situation helped with my defiance. Wrath was a pretty broad spectrum.
He observed me closely for a few seconds before smiling.
"I see, how amusing. I must admit I had expected you to beg or at least bargain for some more wine. That's how it mostly goes." Soma admitted.
I shrugged. "It was pretty decent I guess."
Hopefully this would mean Lili could leave. I didn't want to leave empty handed.
He stared at me again for a few seconds before nodding.
"It would seem that way wouldn't it? Fine. Bring the girl to me and I will release her to Hestia." Soma finally agreed.
I grinned.
"What?! Lord Soma please take time to consider." Zain suddenly spoke up.
I nearly tore his head off.
This guy had been pissing me off from the first time I had met him. It was bad enough he had forced Lili into his Familia and bullied her for years. Normally I wouldn't care but Lili was a friend and under my wing.
"He won my little bet, backing out now would be an insult to my status as a God." Soma replied dismissively. "Now, go and return with the girl."
I quickly found myself outside alone with a pissed-off Zain.
He glared at me.
"This won't be the end of this-"
I grabbed his ear, twisting it painfully.
It seems his recovery from my little attack had given him some confidence. You would think he would know how to put his head down in front of a superior enemy.
It was needless to say I was done with his shit.
I could put up with a lot for people who had good reasons or who I liked. This guy had neither privilege.
"This isn't going to be the end of what? Did I hit you too hard? To give such confidence." I scowled.
He reached for his sword only to receive a hard punch to his stomach. The force sent him back and nearly ripped his ear off as he was forced to stay in place.
As blood trickled down the side of his face his eyes widened.
"I didn't mean anything by it, I was just humiliated." He quickly replied.
I released him.
"That better be the case. I swear if I even see you come near my Familia I will kill you and everyone associated with you. I may have been willing to play lawfully to get Lili into my Familia but that's because any crime would be tracked back to me." I said.
"You are a single man compared to a Familia. Much more manageable." I finished.
I walked away.
Taking a deep breath I forced myself to relax.
Hopefully that would convince him to not go ahead with any stupid plans. Because I wasn't joking.
If he came after the people who belonged to me I would kill him.
-Scene Break-
I watched Hestia apply her Falna onto Lili's back with a self-satisfied grin. We had our Porter. We didn't need anyone else. I didn't really want our Familia to become big.
Bell had already been pushing it and Lili was a necessity to maximise our gains within the dungeon. She was also a girl so I didn't feel as predatory.
Lili got up, seemingly shocked she was finally out of the Soma Familia. Which didn't last long as she turned to me and quickly jumped into my arms. I laughed and patted her head.
Pallum Acquired.
I trusted Lili enough to take care of Bell. She was pretty smart, something I had learnt both from my time spent with her and what I knew of the original timeline.
"Thank you." She muttered.
"No problem, I couldn't have our Pallum being bullied by a bunch of thugs." I laughed.
Hestia put a hand on her hip.
"How did you do it anyway?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"With skill and diplomacy." I replied confidently.
She sent me a flat stare.
"Really." She said doubtfully.
I crossed my arms back at her.
"Yes. I merely boxed Soma in a battle of words until he challenged me to overcome his wine in exchange for Lili. Which as you can see was successful." I responded with false smugness.
I'll leave out the part where I knocked out the Soma Familia Captain and forced him into a contract that caused him excruciating bursts of pain if he didn't fulfil his end of the deal.
"Right…"
She definitely didn't believe me.
I spoke with Bell and Lili for a while, giving them instructions for my brief absence before Hestia pulled me for a private conversation.
"What's up?" I asked, wrapping my arms around her.
She took a deep breath and looked conflicted.
"Girls." Hestia replied.
I paused in confusion.
What…?
"I think this needs some elaboration."
"More specifically our relationship." She continued.
Ah. Ok. I think I was starting to understand.
"What about it?" I questioned.
She released herself from my embrace and paced around a bit nervously.
"Zephyrion, you are incredible and unique. I always find myself grateful for the fact that you found me." She sighed. "And it's for this reason I know you're going to draw in other women…"
I froze.
I hadn't really thought about it. I had been having lustful thoughts about other women but I was a Devil… it was also just the way I acted. It didn't help that I had sudden sexual desires which the previous Zephyrion didn't have.
I would be willing to suppress that for Hestia though. She was perhaps even compared to my old world, one of the most beautiful and kindest women I had met.
"Hestia-" I went to assure her only to get cut off as she kissed me deeply.
"Don't worry Zephyrion. I understand. It's why I'll let it happen."
I gawked.
She smirked sexily.
"As long as I'm your only wife. I will always be your first woman and the one that matters most above all others. Also if I don't like her she will have to go" Hestia rattled off, an obsessive gleam coming out in full force.
I regained my composure and smiled. I hadn't really come into the need to ask her of this and I would have made her my only woman had she asked but I appreciated it.
That wasn't to say I planned to go stick my dick into every hot woman. I was surprisingly picky when it came down to it.
I nodded.
"Ok, I agree to those terms." I leaned down. "My future wife."
She blushed furiously.
"Make sure to come back fast, I'll be waiting for you to pound me into a mess." Hestia whispered.
I very nearly delayed my trip right then and there.
-{Freya}-
Freya sipped on her expensive wine as she thought about the source of her new obsession.
Zephyrion Gremory.
The boy had shown that it wasn't his aura that was the only special thing about him. Those special eyes of his, coloured in a way that shouldn't be naturally possible.
Her thoughts went to the contracts he had handed out. She was glad she had snagged a few over the short period they were being handed out. It would have made her little test much harder if she only had one.
Getting Vander to use the contract hadn't been hard. He had possessed such a hate for the thug who had killed his brother along with his brother's wife.
It was a test.
Firstly she had wondered how he would get to the contractors house. Would he awkwardly run over and knock on the door to his house? Or was there more to the strange energy she could sense on the flyers.
He didn't disappoint.
In a flash of red light he had seemingly teleported there. She had been forced to stop herself from jumping him. He became more unique as she observed him more.
She just wanted to have him all to herself. Away from that hussy who had fallen in love with him.
Freya had one of her strongest Adventures follow him with a device she could use to watch him. She had been surprised and embarrassingly aroused when he had gone through with the deal. The prices had intrigued her too.
It had a lot of meaning and made his contracts a power in of itself. Being able to trade above worldly items was… a heavenly shaking revelation. Twenty five percent of Vanders total strength and stamina.
She had watched it happen.
Freya suddenly scowled as she remembered one of her supposedly strongest Familia member got caught. Though it had allowed her to watch him fight. It was still unacceptable.
Now he knew.
Her Zephyrion would be on alert.
A man entered the room. Interrupting her thoughts and causing her to raise an eyebrow.
"My lady, Zephyrion Gremory has been seen leaving Orario."
She twitched.
"Follow him." She quickly ordered.
-{Zephyrion}-
I walked into a clearing outside of the walls of Orario. A sword strapped to my side.
Now.
How to go about this? I was almost certain I had some kind of dojutsu type power. My eyes had glowed when I was transported and the actual colour of the weird portal had been the same multitude of colours as my eyes.
I wouldn't have planned so thoroughly had I not been confident.
I felt like an idiot as I clenched my eyes, straining them to try to use it. I looked like an idiot… only for something in me to pulse and the world around me to crack.
My last thoughts as I slipped into the strange place were along the lines of.
I expected that to be harder.
Chapter: 16
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(A New Dark LORD?)
A chaotic cyclone of colours spiralled around me in a strange vortex-like pattern and I took a moment to assume it had worked. I was pretty sure I was falling downwards, but it was hard to tell.
I had possessed a gut feeling my eyes would work again, an instinctive understanding of what my eyes were capable of. That's why I'd planned on testing it in the first place.
The potential behind this was staggering. This meant I could find a way home at some point and beyond that, travel to different worlds. Would I be able to learn different magics? Or even find a way to gain different types of energy?
Did this mean that I technically had Dojutsu? There was the question of how I had obtained this power and how part of me had been inserted into Zephyrion Gremory but dwelling on that now wouldn't do any good.
It was safe to say I had a lot of questions.
Excitement was the biggest emotion I felt at the moment along with apprehension. I didn't know where I was going. There wasn't exactly a choice to select from. I tried aiming my thoughts home.
While there were no doubt a lot of Gods and monsters that could easily kill me, my elder sister and Serafall happened to be among them. Along with that, I would be able to finally further my magical training.
I hesitated. However, my freedom would be restricted and my magical training stunted due to having many overprotective powerful older women who seemed intent on keeping me coddled.
The pressure behind my eyes felt at an all-time high and my eyes felt powerful as I fell into something I couldn't describe. I hadn't gotten a proper look at it before, since I had been so disoriented and downright confused.
Both my Human side and Devil side agreed that they had never seen anything like it. It was essentially a constant rainbow of colours rifting around me. It was something that wasn't meant to be possible and made my brain glitch a little bit.
The pressure on my eyes started dimming down and I felt my eyes turn lax. I looked down as a blast of cold air finally hit me and I saw the strange rainbow open up below me.
I fell into what could only be called a massive dark room.
I was able to manoeuvre myself in the air so I landed on both feet. A much better landing than I had on my first time around.
Instantly my eyes started scanning the surroundings.
The place I was in was strange… I didn't recognise it at all. Which either meant I wasn't in my home world or I had landed in my home world just in a strange location.
One thing I knew was that I wasn't in Danmachi anymore. Which brought me both happiness and unease. Happiness since it worked and unease because Hestia wasn't around.
This place is different to anything in Danmachi both in design and structure. It was too advanced in a way and strange. The floor was made of extremely polished dark wood, gleaming and almost reflective-like quality. While the walls are lined with dark, polished stone.
It seemed to be some sort of Atrium.
I scratched my head as I looked around the massive chamber. There was a large fountain with golden statues of a man, a woman, what looked to be a centaur, some sort of weird small creature and another small creature.
Overhead the ceiling was high up with a deep blackness that seemed to stretch endlessly, making the space feel larger and more intimidating. There were also massive archways going up to the ceiling.
It was a strange room. That didn't exactly make sense.
Kneeling, I tapped the floor out of curiosity. It was clean, unnaturally clean even. I could also somewhat make out my reflection on its polished surface.
Strangely enough, the next thing I noticed was what seemed to be multiple golden fireplaces along the walls and in between the massive archways. Their flames cast a soft glow around them.
Something was off with this place.
I started walking to an opening to another smaller corridor next to the strange fountain. It was the only way that could potentially have an exit from wherever I was.
Just as I was about to enter, three robed men rounded the corner behind me. They chatted casually, but their conversation halted the moment they spotted me. Each wore long, dark-blue robes, with a gleaming badge displayed prominently on their chests.
Their hands flicked out and all of them were carrying long pieces of wood.
"Identify yourself!" One of them called out.
Ah.
Shit.
From a glance, I could tell they were some sort of law enforcement. Definitely magical, I was assuming those pieces of stick were wands. Or something else of that sort.
I raised my hands lazily. My expression relaxed.
"I'm sure there's no need for wands, how about we talk this out," I questioned in a relaxed manner.
Getting into a magical fight with beings that could potentially wipe the floor with me wasn't the smartest of plays. It also wouldn't be a good idea to just start attacking someone.
They seemed to relax a bit at that. Still, they had their wands raised and they approached me with cautious, well-balanced steps. They were ready for a fight.
"Identify yourself and there will be no need for worry. If you are a worker of the ministry then we apologise for the misunderstanding. You know how times are at the moment." The one in the middle firmly said.
Ministry…
Where had I heard that term before?
"And what if I'm not a Ministry worker?" I questioned.
Their wand tips glowed and their aim straightened.
"Then you will be imprisoned for a span of up to a year for trespassing on Ministry grounds at a restricted time and location, considering you've tresspassed during war times. " He explained.
That just wasnt acceptable. I knew Hagrid had gotten some treatment like this but come on?!
"I hope for your sake that you are simply curious. Trespassing especially during the beginning of a wizarding war would be foolish unless you are with… them." The one on the left said with narrowed eyes.
Well, that's unfortunate.
"Would you believe me if i said i happened to accidentally teleport here?" I tried to reason.
Spells shot at me and i was forced to avoid.
They didnt let up so i merely smiled.
"Feel free to send me the cheques for your hospital bills." I apologised.
"What?" One of them questioned confusedly.
My hand swished and a shockwave of air erupted from me. Their eyes widened and in an instant spheres of magic were barely able to form in front of them just in time. Their reaction times are surprisingly quick.
The shockwave sent cracks through their magical barriers and they all gritted their teeth as they were pushed back.
"What the fuck is that? Wandless magic on that level?!" One of them called.
"Get your head in the game. Quagmire." The other shouted.
Their shields dissipated and red bolts of magic exploded out of their wands.
My hand waved and the water from the fountain rose, swirling chaotically to form a shield in front of me. The water froze and their magic was blocked by the wall of ice. Still, their magic was able to cause massive cracks to form the thick ice.
I took this time to bolt down my original path. Just in time as I heard a massive explosion erupt behind me and the shattering of my ice wall being destroyed.
I heard them give chase to me a few seconds after that.
My wings popped out and i flew up, only to be forced to ground myself as a massive explosion erupted above me.
"Stop!"
A bolt of blue came whizzing down towards me and I forced the earth in the corridor to close up. Another large explosion of flames erupted behind me, the earth I had just used to block up the corridor being destroyed along with half of the corridor.
Understandably, I didn't want to fight them since this was just a misunderstanding but I wasn't going through whatever bullshit processing route for landing in the wrong place by accident.
Wait a second.
Oh dear.
I think I knew where I had landed.
Oops.
I was glad I didn't let those bolts of magic hit me, who knew what effect they would have. I suddenly found myself in two more of the same clothed Aurors. Who both turned me to me in alarm. Wands in hand, ready to fight.
The other three came flying out of the corridors and I finally turned to face them.
I was going to be forced to fight my way out.
"Freeze!"
I was surrounded by five wizards.
"Watch out, he's capable of wandless magic." One of them hurriedly said to the other Aurors.
"By the order of the Ministry, surrender peacefully or we will be forced to use force."
I sighed.
My hand whipped out and I found bolts of red light already being sent my way, I avoided them narrowly even with my enhanced speed their spells were fast. Especially from such a short distance away.
Four earth spikes shot toward them, and each reacted differently. One spike was melted by a strange bolt of purple magic, while another froze in place mid-air. A third was sliced cleanly in half. The fourth was frozen solid.
A gust of harsh warm air swept through a moment later, driving them to take cover behind their shields. With a roar that came from the wind, I intensified the wind, conjuring a massive tornado that tore through the centre of the room.
Their shields morphed into protective domes, but the two closest to the vortex were dragged in with screams as their domes cracked and shattered under the pressure.
The other three sent multiple spells at the tornado over the space of ten seconds and I took this time to observe their magic. Right until they finally caused the tornado to destabilise and fizz out.
The two Aurors who had been sucked in fell to the ground with a sickening crack, their bodies unmoving.
One of the remaining Aurors sent a powerful jet of water at me, a furious expression on his face. The earth below me rose and intercepted it, but it didn't last long as it was cut in half by another a moment later.
Water formed in the air in front of me and I used it to intercept the multitude of spells sent my way. The different effects of each spell left me fascinated. It was both versatile and restrictive but I had my imagination magic to counter that. If I could learn the spell's functions…
I fired clusters of water back at them, forcing them to hide behind their shields. A dome of water forming and swirling around at an increased pace. A jet of water shooting out every time it performed a full rotation.
The output kept increasing and their shields continued glowing brighter.
One shield shattered and the Auror was able to neutralise two jets of water before he was hit, sending him skidding back on the ground unconscious.
I heard distant shouts and four Aurors appeared from around the corner, instantly shooting bolts of magic at me. One bolt got close and exploded on impact, sending my dome of water away.
This wasn't good.
I reformed the water and turned it into a massive shard of ice, sending it towards them with an annoyed frown. All of their wands glowed and they created a massive wall of earth.
The two Aurors in front of me tried to use my focus on them as a chance to strike at me but I quickly used wind to try to rip their wands out of their hands.
Which only succeeded in one of the two.
A bolt of air was sent his way and he was sent back into the wall with a crunch. A whip of water was formed, snapping at the second Auror who froze it in response. Only to be sent flying back to the rest of the Aurors with an abrupt wave of force exploding out of my hand.
A bright ball of light was created from them in an attempt to blind me I assume and I felt my skin prickle. In that time three more Aurors joined the fray.
They were starting to work together which made it harder, considering I was using raw elemental magic. If I managed to escape this place I was going to try to learn this magic.
I was forced to dodge dozens of spells, the room lighting up from the different colours. All the Aurors fired spells at a quick rate, all unique and different in capability.
One of the spells was able to hit me among the hundreds that were shot, an explosion sent me skidding back which made some cheer while others smiled in victory even as they continued the magical assault.
I scowled.
That hurt. My body could feel burns from the impact of the explosion.
Both of my arms swiped out and I sent a massive inferno of deadly simmering hot fire roaring out from me. The dozen or so Aurors back away. The smirks turned into pale looks and the cheers going silent.
They all looked at the inferno in both fright and awe. I witnessed them send spells in an attempt to neutralise it.
Which was working albeit slowly, they spread out to try to weaken the demonic magic from all sides. The screams of Aurors who weren't strong enough ringing out and making me grimace.
Definitely not a good introduction to this world. I may have let my anger at being hit cloud my decision making capabilities but funnily enough I don't regret it.
I used this opportunity to run back down the destroyed hallway just as I saw yet more Aurors arriving.
I was only winning this due to pure power and not being restricted by spells. The amount of magic they possessed was either really good for humans or those wands were something that needed investing into.
A high-pitched scream-like alarm rang out.
"WARNING: The ministry is under attack, all Aurors report to the Atrium. All Ministry personnel vacate."
I sighed once more. This was a mess.
I came to a stop as I was met with two dozen Aurors who all paused in their tracks as they saw me.
Nope.
My fists clenched for a moment before I called forth a large amount of demonic energy and as quickly as I could just as they began firing spells, thrust my hands forward.
A massive swirling mass of flames erupted from my hands, swirling into a towering inferno that roared like a living beast.
I needed to start making an exit. I was using a lot of demonic energy, not enough to be of dire need yet but it was steadily getting there.
The wizards, to their credit, didn't falter. They immediately sprang into action, wands raised in unison as they shouted spells to counter the onslaught.
"Protego Maxima" a group of them bellowed, forming a large shield that shimmered with silver light, barely holding back the firestorm as it collided against their barrier.
Cracks appeared but they seemingly added more magical energy.
Another group took the opportunity to intervene.
"Aguamenti!", sending jets of water surging toward the swirling flames, steam hissing and billowing throughout the hall as water met fire.
The other group sent mass amounts of spells at me which I was forced to avoid, while the other majority of the Aurors dealt with the massive fire. The once strange Atrium was now set alight and riddled with shattered stone on the ground.
Three wind blades shot out and I focused them on one Auror, who was practically cut in half before I slammed my hand down and made a massive pillar of earth explode up.
The thick wall didn't last long and the entire room was destroyed by powerful spells splitting through the air.
Then? I promptly made myself scarce and fucked off back down the corridor.
I was faster, my enhanced devil physique giving me an advantage but the wizards weren't standard humans. Whether they were using magic to make themselves stronger I didn't know but they were only a few times slower than myself.
If I had to make a guess of it I would say they were each strong enough to match a level two adventurer in physique. Alone that wasn't a problem.
When you considered the massive number of them with their magic this battle wasn't easy. It also didn't help that their perception speed was even higher.
Probably from having to deal with the fast spells they could produce.
It was safe to say these wizards and witches weren't pushovers.
The ground under me turned into ice, forcing me to jump over and block a multitude of spells. I kicked my foot down and caused spikes of earth to erupt outwards by the dozens.
Which was able to take the Wizards who had just been about to give me a chance down the corridor off-guard. A lot of them were sent unconscious and some even killed.
I pressed my advantage.
Air surged upward at my command, sweeping through the cluster of Aurors, and with a swift flick of my hand, I disarmed three of them, their wands spiralling into the air before landing neatly in my grasp.
I pocketed them quickly. Without their wands, these wizards were practically defenceless. Save for their enhanced physical abilities.
But I wasn't in great shape either.
My demonic energy reserves had dipped below fifty per cent. Teleportation was out of the question since I had no fixed direction in mind, and my earlier attempts had proven that I lacked the power to even consider crossing between realities with a simple teleportation spell.
My arms swirled and I gathered ice along with air. Attempting to mix them together. I was forced to briefly stop to create a dome of demonic energy around me to block all the spells coming my way from the remaining wizards.
Gritting my teeth, I focused again.
My arms traced fluid arcs through the air as I summoned both ice and wind, trying to fuse them into a cohesive attack. The cold bit into the air around me, causing frost to creep along the floor.
A storm of cold shot out from me and was able to destabilise the rest of the Aurors who were forced to defend while the wandless Wizards attempted to run away.
Shouts came down from the corridors as the dozens of Aurors came piling through, I quickly directed part of the ice storm towards them and forced them back on defence.
All the wizards in the ice storm became silent and I realised they were all defeated. I made the rest of the ice storm go through the corridors from which the dozens of Aurors slowly advanced from.
I went to leave only for thumps in the ground to catch my attention as a massive golem came through the ice storm. The golem swung a massive hammer down and I avoided it.
Jumping up, I sent it back through the corridor with a powerful kick. By now, the ice storm was starting to die down as the Aurors dealt with it.
The golem quickly came back, swinging again. I scowl in fury. This was dragging out. Infusing my fist with fire, I punched it and sent fire burying it into its stone frame. Melting into and causing steam to pour out from the sheer heat.
The golem fell down. With me standing on its head covered in steam. The ice storm fizzled out and the Aurors poured in, looking up at me with fear and awe.
I sent a wave of fire at them as a quick distraction and jumped behind the golem's massive form. I punched down into the ground and made the floor split apart with the help of magic.
Jumping through, I heard the Wizards shout in alarm. I didn't wait, making sure to use the dense steam to temporarily cover my tracks.
I found myself on a lower floor, like I had predicted.
It was thankfully empty.
I didn't waste a second. I unleashed a blast of pure demonic energy, tearing through the walls. One way or another, I was getting out of here. Staying back there and continuing to fight hordes of trained wizards was going to get me killed.
My sheer raw power was high but they were still powerful in their own right. If I stayed I would be defeated. For now at least.
Jumping through the hole I'd made, I was met with yet another wall, which I promptly obliterated. It wasn't until I'd blasted through six walls that I finally caught sight of the outside world.
I saw dozens upon dozens of Aurors starting to pour out of the room I had jumped into. They all barely caught sight of me before flames exploded out of my feet and I used them to propel myself out.
Definitely not as smooth of a start as I had in Danmachi. This was going to make my introduction to this world much harder, at least I knew that I was relatively powerful in this world.
Considering I had taken on at least thirty-plus Aurors.
For now, I needed to find a place to lay low before I started looking into this world's magic.
-{Jacob Jenkins}-
Jacob Jenkins looked at the scene of the crime with a grim look. As the Head of the Auror Office, he was naturally the first person on the scene of the attack. A massive battle had occurred and if the whispers he had heard were correct, this was a serious problem.
A beaten-up Auror limped his way over.
"Auror Quagmire, reporting." He said respectfully.
"Status report?" Jacob questioned.
"Fifteen critically injured and eighteen injured." He reported grimly.
Jacob's hand clenched around his wand. An attack right in the middle of the Ministry. Especially with extra Aurors being on duty due to wartime preparations. This was a slap to the face.
Just what force had been mounted to achieve this?
The damage suggested at least thirty to forty wizards, such damage and those holes in the wall. They looked to be made from some sort of powerful fire spell. The sheer amount of destruction was staggering.
"And casualties on their side?" He questioned.
Quagmire shifted uncomfortably.
"None, sir."
Jacob's eyes widened in fury. He sharply turned towards Quagmire.
"None?! This isn't a time to joke Junior." He growled.
Quagmire looked at him gravely.
"I'm not joking sir." He meekly replied.
Jacob put a hand on his head, his face paling.
"Just how many attacked for such an overwhelming victory." He muttered.
Quagmire lowered his head, a fearful expression on his face.
"Tell me," Jacob questioned, a shiver running down his back.
He knew something was wrong. How couldn't he? Aurors were trained to deal with these kinds of events with a clear head.
Whatever had happened, it was enough to shake a professional Auror.
"Just one."
He froze.
Jacob quickly registered it.
"Was it him?" He questioned gravely, his face pale.
There was only one current person he knew capable of this.
The new and upcoming Dark Lord who had been amassing followers.
"No. It was someone else." Quagmire shivered.
"Tell me everything." He ordered seriously.
Quagmire nodded.
"We found a man wandering in a restricted area and followed standard protocols. At first, he seemed cooperative, but then he casually told us to 'send him a cheque for our hospital bills.' After that, he performed what may be the most powerful display of wandless magic since Merlin himself," Quagmire reported.
Jacob listened in silence, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"We assume he was under the effects of a Polyjuice potion. There's no way someone his age could have caused all this damage. He wiped through our ranks without a wand." Quagmire finished.
"You are saying he did all of this? He took down dozens of Auror teams by himself?" Jacob attempted to confirm.
Quagmire nodded, his face that of someone who had swallowed a lemon.
"He kept using massive magical attacks, this was all done by him. What would be trump cards for any talented wizards were casual attacks for him." He informed Jacob.
"Did you get any spell names? Perhaps we can track that to a certain pureblood family?" Jacob asked.
Quagmire shook his head.
"You think he's a pureblood?" He questioned.
"With that amount of magic? He would have to be or a half-blood at least." Jacob replied absentmindedly back.
"Did he have the mark?" He questioned.
Quagmire shook his head.
"I don't think so and he didn't use the spell like the rest of the Death Eaters are ordered to do," Quagmire answered.
"So he's not a part of his army, I'm not sure if that's good or not but it makes sense. Someone so powerful would settle to be ruled by someone who is equally or even a bit less powerful than himself." He muttered.
He turned back to Quagmire.
"Auror Quagmire, go report back to the rest of your regiment and make sure the word is spread," Jacob said gravely.
"Of what?" He questioned.
"A new Dark Lord has risen," Jacob responded grimly. His eyes were dark.
-{Zephyrion}-
I wonder if any shops are open? I'm kinda hungry.