Chapter 16: Aftermath

"Demon? No, it appears to be a fiend. Your aura carries a power that could drive one to madness," Penny restrained the tumultuous thoughts in her mind, calmly observing the humanoid figure amidst the flames.

This was an incarnation of a demonic mirror image. Though intangible, the ability to wield such power indicated a being of extraordinary demonic pedigree.

"Madness? Madness itself is a potent force. You creatures tainted by order will never understand the profundity of the abyss's wisdom. Nevertheless, it matters not," the flames flickered, "I am grateful for providing me with fresh sustenance—though most are immature. Moreover, I am intrigued by your soul. Let us form a covenant."

"A covenant? The denizens of the entire multiverse are well aware of the abyss's reputation," Penny spoke while gesturing to a group of mercenaries. Their faces grew solemn, knowing that demons were often beyond mortal confrontation, even if it was just an illusion. Quietly, they began retreating towards the exit.

"In that case, I can only bid you a regretful farewell," the demon sighed.

"Hurry, retreat!" As the area around the flames began to glow intensely, and signs of spatial distortion appeared, Penny's expression changed. Urging her horse, she galloped towards the outskirts of the ruins.

"Enjoy yourselves," the flames returned to normalcy. From the adjacent space, two dark shadows emerged, prompting terrified cries from the mercenaries, "Demonhunt Spiders! I've seen them before! Run!"

This is one of the creations of the Demon Prince, its eight-legged footsteps echoing like the clash of gold and iron—indeed, it's not mere biological keratin, but abyssal metal catalyzed by demonic energy. It's a rare breed among abyssal creatures, known as a construct.

Its crystal-carved red eyes can unleash deadly beams. Two mercenaries, caught off guard, were seized by several sharp claws. With a flash of red light, they erupted into agonizing screams, consumed by flames.

Though the mercenaries were well-trained, they knew the power of these two monsters far exceeded imagination. They scattered in all directions, each for themselves. Penny, riding her summoned mount, swiftly fled the ruins. Suddenly, two beams streaked past, striking a withered tree, turning its trunk to stone. Penny broke into a cold sweat, sensing a metallic creature trailing behind.

Reciting a spell, he conjured a pool of greasy oil behind the hooves of his horse. Making a sharp turn, he heard a cacophony of metal crashing to the ground behind him. However, he felt no sense of relief. Casting a burning hand backward, flames ignited the dry leaves on the ground. As they fell onto the greasy surface, a pungent scent of burning filled the air. Fire and smoke enveloped a small area, but Penny didn't pause, continuing to ride furiously. Soon, the outskirts of the city came into view.

Whizz!

Two beams shot from the left, causing the steed beneath him to leap. Yet, another beam struck from behind, shattering the horse to pieces upon impact with the ground, amidst Hecor's sharp cry. In a flash, they descended onto a newly appeared steed, leaping into the city.

Penny breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for having prepared two horses.

The city, with its labyrinthine alleys and complex terrain, felt much safer. He decided to traverse the city and hasten to the Scarlet Robe Mage Academy. Only there would he have a chance to confront these two abyssal monsters.

Yet, a shadow loomed over his mind. While he had encountered monsters before, he hadn't expected to face such things so soon in his life. Summoning a creature of the tenth level of the Monster Compendium, compiled by scholars under Oma's command, even as a mere illusion, gave Penny a vague impression of the power of the infernal entity. In recent years, the mages of Sael had gradually abandoned their dangerous dealings with demons. Therefore, the appearance of a demon within Sael's borders was undoubtedly a serious matter.

"This matter must be reported to the Scarlet Robe Mage Guild," Penny decided firmly, weighing the urgency.

However, the clinking of metal hitting the ground behind him and the panicked cries of awakened citizens reminded Penny that the danger had not yet passed. Just ahead, a swaying figure appeared, resembling a drunkard. Upon hearing Penny's shout, "Run!" the figure looked up and chuckled. Penny immediately recognized him as the lone patron from the tavern on the first day. In that split second of realization, two blood-drenched demon-hunting spiders, with their four red eyes gleaming ominously, appeared behind him!

"Disaster!"

Swish!

Before Penny could discern what was happening, a brilliant light flashed over a distance of more than twenty meters. Only a vague metallic sound echoed, as countless metal fragments, stained with dark blood threads, soared into the sky. The two demon-hunting spiders instantly shattered into pieces. The cloaked patron leisurely strolled towards the opposite end of the alley.

After a moment of silence, the sound of footsteps disappeared at the end of the alley, while a lingering voice drifted on the wind, "Be careful on dark paths..."

Penny remained stunned for a while before finally heaving a long sigh of relief.

"He's formidable..." The girl in his arms breathed heavily, her heart, which had been leaping up and down all night, finally settling down.

"It's our good fortune. We almost met our end..." Penny wiped away a bead of sweat, expressing his gratitude.

It seemed that those novels weren't entirely deceptive. Occasionally, a wandering drunkard who was invited for a drink turned out to be a true master. Penny was now filled with admiration for his foresight.

However, the fact that two demon-hunting spiders were instantly killed raised questions about the strength level of this patron. Penny shivered, recalling how unaware he had been of this power while in the tavern. Doubts arose in his mind regarding his own perception.

It seemed that this patron wasn't omnipotent, nor always correct. For the first time since his birth into this world, Penny felt this way.

"I'm sorry for putting you in such danger," Hecor rested her head in the narrow embrace of the young man, speaking softly.

Penny Sean lowered his gaze to the girl, his mind in turmoil. The words "If anything happened to you, I'd be devastated" that had been on the tip of his tongue inexplicably transformed into, "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."

Perhaps he didn't want to spoil the mood between him and the girl. Tonight had already seen enough.

Penny gently caressed the girl's back, a task of comforting girls that he hadn't done in many years. Unexpectedly, this gesture made the girl burst into tears immediately. "I will... I will listen to you from now on, and I won't run around anymore," she sobbed.

The young man chuckled, "Have you ever heard what others say?"

"I..." The girl's lips moved, and she lowered her head, saying, "I've always listened to my mother."

"Haha, so you're still a good baby who listens to your mom," Penny laughed.

Hecor wasn't angry, just quietly nestled in Penny's embrace, closing her eyes. "...Penny, will you also often make me happy in the future and protect me recklessly like today?"

"Perhaps... I might," Penny hesitated for a moment.

"Perhaps?" The girl's expression was somewhat disappointed, with a hint of incredulity.

"I don't know what the future holds," Penny gazed into the night sky, sighing, for just now, another premonition had arisen in his heart.

It seemed related to tonight's events. He wouldn't stay in this city for much longer.

He really didn't want to confirm the truth of this premonition.

The girl remained in his embrace, strands of hair slipping through his fingers, seemingly flowing away with the passage of time.

"Penny, will you come with me to my mother's grave tomorrow?" After a long silence, Hecor lifted her head, seeming to earnestly implore.

"Sure," the young man nodded, inexplicably reminded of the solemn red-robed mage who seldom smiled.