Chapter 80 - Mysterious Incident and Stray Devil

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It's been a while since my family and I had settled into our new home in Togakushi Village, Nagano.

Life had settled into a peaceful routine, and I really enjoyed the quiet, picturesque environment.

My days were filled with training and studies.

And on this peaceful days of early May, when we were enjoyed calming time of breakfast, we were surprised by something from the Japanese news program on TV.

The TV was showing a live report that was taken from the air possibly from helicopter or drone. And on the view was the ocean with few shipwrecks floating on the sea surface.

TV's subtitles displayed, "Mysterious Shipwreck of the Heavenly Aloha".

[The current status of any survivors is still unknown.]

I sipped my warm milk while watching the news with a bit frown from concerns while the news shows photos of the origin of the shipwrecks which was a luxury liner.

[Among the victims are more than 200 students and teachers of Ryoukuu High School who were on a school trip.]

The newscaster keep narrates the information and then the image changed to the list of confirmed passengers and crews from the cruise ship.

"Hmm.... That's.... unusual."

I said with concerned feelings.

"It's not something that happens everyday, isn't it?"

Kulshedra-san asked with a bit hesitant but curious tone because as someone who's originated from another world with different civilizations, laws, et cetera, she's still a bit not used with how the lives of human in general here where most of them not even knows about supernatural things.

"Yes. Especially with the advance of technology these days, a big accident like that should be very rarely happened.... And the cause was still unclear too."

Sakuya-san added while she serve a cup of coffee for Kulshedra-san.

".... Very suspicious."

Scathach-sama said shortly while enjoying her tea.

"Yes. I'm afraid.... It's not really an accident."

I responded to her words with a frown.

"You thought Supernaturals involved in it, Rey-sama?"

Sakuya-san asked and sit down after she's done serving our drinks.

"Hmm.... Maybe. I don't know."

I replied with unsure conclusion of yes or no.

Suddenly, my phone, an encrypted magical smartphone gifted by Devil King Ajuka Beelzebub himself, on the table buzzed with an incoming call.

I glanced at the screen, surprised to see Mephisto Pheles' name flashing.

I took my phone and answered the call.

"Hello, Mephisto-jiisama?"

I started with respectful but casual, curious tone.

"Indeed, Rey. I hope you've been well. How's life in Nagano?"

Mephisto-jiisama's responded with his voice was smooth and casual too.

"Quite good. It's peaceful here. Quite a change from the Underworld,"

I replied.

Mephisto-jiisama chuckled.

"Mahahaha.... I can imagine.... But I'm not calling you to ask about that. There's a matter that might requires your attention, Rey."

Mephisto-jiisama said with more serious tone at the latter sentences.

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"Oh? What is it?"

I asked Mephisto-jiisama through the phone.

"A Stray Devil has been causing trouble in the Chubu region recently. It's been lurking and terrorizing the area for some time now."

Mephisto-jiisama stated firmly.

"A Stray Devil? That's not good, isn't it?"

I said with a spark of interest.

Stray Devil is a term given to Devil who goes rogue.

Most of them usually were Reincarnated Devils. But they usually felt unsatisfied with their lives as Devil and because of that, they rebel against their [King] or Master and did some things which more than crossing the lines.

And if that happened, they'll usually become wanted like criminals, hunted, and eliminated from existence.

"It is. And considering its proximity to your territory, you as the Devil closest to the target locations should be the one who takes care of the problem. However, given your age, you're not obligated to do that.... It's just that, I thought this will be your first Devil's Job if you choose to accept it. But if you choose to not to, I'll dispatch another cleaner."

Mephisto-jiisama said with a bit hesitant and concerned tone.

I pondered for a moment.

The chance to hunt a Stray Devil was tempting, not just for the experience but for to protect my territory from the threat too. It's also for my pride as the territory lord too.

It's just that..... It means I have to kill and I honestly felt a bit hesitant and apprehensive about it.

"Can I ask what's the Stray Devil did?"

I asked hesitantly.

"...."

Mephisto-jiisama just keep silent.

But then he sighed.

"Hah~.... Murders. He kills some of his fellow Reincarnated Devils from their Peerages and almost killed his Master's only child too. He also murdered some young humans after he left the Underworld too."

Mephisto-jiisama stated with a resigned tone.

"I understand.... I'll take it."

I decided firmly.

I'm not a hero or ally of justice. But I don't know why I felt angry when I heard that the Stray Devil commit murders.

Maybe it's just because it reminded me of how my mother died. Maybe that's why.

"Are you sure? You know what it means by handling Stray Devil, right?"

Mephisto-jiisama asked with concerns.

"Yes.... Honestly, I felt apprehensive about it. But I just thought that I have to do it."

I replied with a calm, firm tone.

"...."

Mephisto-jiisama again became silent.

I'm sure he's worried and conflicted because it means I have to deprives other person's live.

But then he sighed deeply.

"Haahh~.... Okay then. I'll send the information after this. But remember, you have to be careful! Even though the Stray Devil is just some Low-class small fry, don't be careless!"

Mephisto-jiisama warned me strictly.

"I know."

I said shortly.

"And one more. This must be done discreetly. The common humans must not be aware of your actions. So, it will be better if you do it at late night. And call me to report after you're done with the mission. We'll deal with the rewards at that time.... That's all."

Mephisto-jiisama added and ended the conversation.

"Understood. I'll handle it with care."

I assures him and then Mephisto-jiisama ended the call.

And then not long after, I got some messages from Mephisto-jiisama about the data and information about the target.

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After I put my phone back on the table, I found Kulshedra-san and the two others looked at me with curiosity.

"What was that about?"

Kulshedra-san asked with his hand propped her chin.

"A job.... A Stray Devil is causing trouble in the neighboring city. Mephisto-jiisama asked me to take care of it."

I explained to her.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Rey-sama?"

Sakuya-san's asked with her expression shifted to concern.

".... Rey, you know that you have to kill, right?"

I nodded slightly even though I felt a bit gloomy too.

"I know the consequences.... But I felt that I need to experience a real fight.... And besides, it's close to my territory and we can't let it continue to terrorize the area."

".... Alright. It's good that you have the nerve and determination. I don't want to have a cowardly disciple."

Scathach-sama nodded slightly and said with a bit smirk.

Sakuya-san then sighed, a mixture of pride and worry in her eyes.

"Alright, Rey-sama. If you're determined, as your [Queen], I'll accompany you."

Sakuya-san said with a warm smile to me.

"Don't forget me too as your [Weapon], my Master. Kukuku...."

Kulshedra-san said with a playful chuckles to me.

"Yeah...."

I nodded to them firmly, determined to do my first Devil Job cleanly.

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