The Demon Slayer

The new guy does not move. He just keeps staring at Licht who stands frozen behind me.

He suddenly moves and lunge at Licht whom I immediately pushed out of the way. I feel his blade cut my arm and I howl in pain.

That hurts!

No, other than being hurt, the pain is pulsing, like a constant reminder.

What is this guy's problem? Licht doesn't even look the least bit threatening!

"Mr. di Angelo! Please hold it!" I hear Hiiro-san shout and immediately come to our side. "The small demon… no… threat!"

Hmm? Why is Hiiro-san speaking in a strange way? Is he perhaps speaking in a different language?

[Affirmative.]

Ugh. Slayer. Please tell me before I actually ask about it.

Geez. SO? What language?

[Answer. English.]

Well, looks like Hiiro-san is not that good at it.

The newcomer just eye us one by one; first me, then Licht and lastly Hiiro-san.

What is he looking at?

"But… demon…that…"

The new guy is not good at English either. From the way he looks, he looks to be European. He looks Italian now that I think about it.

"We... uh…" Hiiro-san clicks his tongue. "I can't speak to the guy because he can't speak Japanese."

"I apologize for this language barrier, but my interpreter will be here soon." the newcomer in Italian.

So he is Italian.

And wow. He even has an interpreter.

But that's not really the point right now. I have a bone to pick with this guy.

"Hey you!" I shout in Italian as well. Well I have the <Language Arts> skill and April Nero was half-Italian who lived in Italy, so the language will not pose a problem to me.

Or any other language for that matter.

"Oh? You speak my language? You… why did you protect a demon?"

"Because he's my friend."

"Demons are meant to be executed or returned to hell. Demons have no business here in the mortal realm."

Seriously?

I want to shout at him. I want to lash out!

Demons are meant to be executed? They're meant to be returned to hell? They have no business in the mortal realm?

The nerve!

Where were these guys when demons and vampires are conflict for territories in Mt. Ilihan?

Where were they when a demon decimated most of the people I call family?

And Licht… Licht is not even a threat!

The nerve of this guy!

Not all demons are evil, but if it's his job to slay them, he can at least do it properly!

"Shut up." I growl in a low voice. I'm fully aware I'm glaring at him and I probably have this livid look in my eyes. "You do not get to say that."

"What are you-"

"I was getting my answers! 'We' were getting our answers! You ruined it! Why did you have to kill that bird demon?!"

"A demon that has caused damage has to be dealt with. Are you saying you're a demon sympathizer? For a child that is pathetic."

"I'd be careful if I were you. This kid can probably break a bone or two if he loses it." I hear Licht say and hold my uninjured arm.

I can already feel my wound closing but the pulsing there is still there.

"Stay away from this demon. Your kind doesn't have the right to speak to me much less look at me in the eye."

What is this guy's problem? Does he hate demons a lot?

Wait… Licht can speak Italian as well?

"You guys, calm down." Hiiro-san says and places himself between me and the newcomer. "Di Angelo-san, I know you can't understand me but please don't get riled up with these kids."

What's with the gestures Hiiro-san? He won't be able to understand you still.

"And you two, don't stir up trouble! I don't know what you just said to each other but it's not a good idea to anger this man." Hiiro-san warns us.

"But Hiiro-san!" I whine. "He killed the only clue I have to this Levton guy as well as the only hint we have on curing Licht!"

"Cure? Is Licht sick?"

Right… He doesn't know.

"Uhm… Not technically, but…" I glance at the smaller male and I see him shaking his head. "He'll tell you when he's ready."

"Seriously you two?"

"Hiiro-san, who is this guy anyway?"

I eye the tall male who's just standing on his spot, eyeing the surroundings.

"He's the specialist I told you about."

He's the specialist? He did not look like one!

Wait…

Now that I think about it…

"Hiiro-san, is this specialist from the Vatican?"

Hiiro-san looks at me with wide eyes.

That confirms it.

I have read a few books about the Church, or more specifically the Vatican. They have always been the leading figures in exorcisms and slaying demons, especially in the western religions.

"His name is Giovanni di Angelo. Also called the Demon Slayer."

Hey! Being the slayer is my identity! But wait, demon slayer? How many demons has this guy slain just to get that title?

<Appraisal>!

Name: Giovanni di Angelo

Age: 38

Level: 38

Title: [Paladin of the Vatican] [Demon Slayer]

Stats:

>Strength: 8604

>Intelligence: 1850

>Agility: 9706

>Stamina: 9760

>Defense: 9780

Skill List:

<Holy Light>

<Magic Eye>

<Sacred Swordsmanship>

<Dark Magic Negation>

<Enhancement>

<Build of Hercules>

Shit! His stats are in the thousands! And he's a paladin too! Isn't that like the highest position of warriors in the Vatican? He receives direct orders from the pope, the leader of Vatican, himself!

Just how did they manage to rope this guy into coming here as a specialist?

And his skills! They look totally bad ass!

Hold it April. Stop yourself from fanboying. You're just showing you're mental and physical ages are the same.

Ugh.

Minutes later, the interpreter finally shows up and Hiiro-san can start to explain. I would've done it myself but apparently, Mr. Paladin here doesn't listen to demons and demon-sympathizers.

Also he said this a few minutes ago: "You might look like a human child but there's something not human about you."

One can imagine chills run up my spine.

I'm brought back to reality when Hiiro-san and Mr. Paladin finish introducing each other. I should probably decide on what to call the Paladin other than Mr. Paladin.

"This is April Frost, one of the wards of Lady Sakura Tsuchimikiado of the Onmyouji Union." Hiiro-san introduces me in which the interpreter says to… Gio!

Yeah. Let's stick with Gio. Manners be thrown out the window.

"This brat… This demon sympathizer is a ward of the Maiden of the Stars?"

Dude, why do you sound upset?

Hmm… Maiden of the Stars… I've seen that in Sakura-nee's status when I took a peek at her stats. It's one of her titles.

Is she actually like some really famous person even in other countries?

"Yes Mr. di Angelo. And this here is Licht. He is under the protection of Lady Sakura as well."

I only hear Gio click his tongue. He probably realized he can't mess with Licht like he thought he could.

"He is also my tsukaima."

Wait back up!

Since when did Licht become Hiiro-san's familiar? How come I didn't know that?!

Now that I think about it, Licht marked Hiiro-san when they encountered each other in Tokyo and has latched into him ever since we saved him a few days ago. Maybe that's why?

Damn! Even I'm confused at my own theory.

But Licht is like some really powerful demon with over eighteen thousand HP! Can he even become a contracted familiar in the first place?

Oh look, the giant is sighing.

"If he is your familiar as well as under the protection of Lady Sakura, then I suppose this demon is off the hook. Now then, take me to Lady Sakura. I have things to discuss with her."

Hey! He's ignoring us! What are we? Chopped liver?