I am honored.
The three species of Deathangels are unusually shaped for cichlids being greatly laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins.
Naturally occurring angelfish are frequently brightly coloured, an adaptation that serves as a warning to potential predators. Deathangels are ambush predators and prey on small fish and macroinvertebrates. All members of the species form monogamous pairs. Eggs are generally laid on a submerged log or a flattened leaf. As is the case for other cichlids, brood care is highly developed.
The majority of Deathangel species are toxic and some are among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. In certain species, the internal organs, such as the liver, and sometimes the skin, contain special toxins and are highly poisonous to most animals when eaten. The venom of the deathangel is a slow-acting neurotoxin that usually takes several hours to take effect depending on the dosage but can be sped up with the addition of a trace of devil's eye.
This poison is well appreciated amongst alchemists and Udorian nobility alike for its virtually painless effect, hence it's usually well priced in accordance with its relative availability.
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Levi indifferently gazed into the eyes of Josh Hera.
He watched with an expressionless face as snot and tears flowed down the former duke's face.
He felt no disdain watching the man of once similar stature and influence as his father grovel at his feet, neither did he feel any accomplishment in breaking the mind of an already vanquished man.
"Please that's all. I swear on the seven gods that's everything I know, I am not hiding anything from you." Josh Hera pleaded, hugging the body of his daughter.
"Are you sure?" Levi asked in a dull tone. His left brow was crooked as he gazed down at Josh with an uncertain gaze.
Levi crouched and picked up a sheet of parchment paper from the ground. It was covered with a long list of names scribbled roughly by the former duke.
"The young transmigrator read through the list with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Ok," Levi replied with a reluctant nod as if struggling to accept the offering.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial, casually tossing it at the fallen duke.
Josh caught it with a flailing grasp, careful not to let the small porcelain bottle break.
He popped open the stopper and a faint sweet smell spread into the room.
Josh proceeded to pour a few drops down his daughter's throat, but mid-way through the process, he paused.
"W-what is this?" He asked. His voice croaked from disbelief.
Josh brought the vial closer to his nose and took a small sniff.
"Why does it smell sweet?" He asked. "Doesn't the antidote possess a bitter nauseating scent, why does this now smell sweet."
He looked up to Levi still looking at him with an expressionless gaze.
"It's not the antidote."
"It's not?"
"No. It's just more deathangel poison laced with juice from the devil's eye fruit, that is why it smells sweet." Levi replied. "Gilbert pleaded with me to send you off mercifully so don't worry it would be quick."
Josh was stunned.
"More poison. For me?" He croaked.
"Hmm." Levi nodded. He turned to look at the moonlit sky outside the window and smiled.
"Treasure it," Levi said turning back to face Josh. "You don't know how much your son sacrificed to make sure you got this, how much he sacrificed to maintain the illusion of hope, how much he sacrificed to make even himself believe there was a chance at redemption."
Levi chuckled walking towards the door.
"Although he was an impulsive dickhead I do respect the love and reverence he had for his family, for you in particular."
Josh turned to his son who was lying haphazardly on the floor. His eyes were wide open staring blankly at the ceilings. The former duke's eyes moistened slightly.
He turned back to Levi who was quickly approaching the exit and spoke.
"So the rumour about you having an interest in my daughter was false?" Josh asked dimly. "Even if it's just her could you have mercy, just this once?"
Levi paused and sighed softly.
He turned back to face Josh.
"No, that's not possible. Although miss Friya is quite the beauty, naive and gentle, she is still your daughter."
"Our enmity already exists. It's best to snuff out all embers of vengeance in its infancy, or don't you agree Josh?"
Josh's eyes dimmed further.
Levi could see the pain and rage in his trembling shoulders and discreetly grasped a dagger hidden in his clothes.
The servants as well stood alert ready to restrain the injured but still somewhat dangerous man at a moments notice.
But seconds later, amidst all the tension Josh calmed down.
He looked up at Levi and a small smile formed on his lips.
"You must be a demon, you know?" Josh said downing the vial of poison.
Levi's brow crooked at the scene.
"I have never met a man as ruthless, efficient and decisive as you are. You are probably not human, probably some infernal being from the depths of hell." Josh muttered wiping the corner of his lips. He leaned forward pressing his forehead against his daughter's.
The young lady's breathing grew fainter with each breath but unsurprisingly it wasn't laboured or pained. She appeared just like a sleeping maiden.
"Maybe you are right," Levi replied.
"Maybe I am not human."
"But I would rather watch the world burn by my flames than let any harm come to what I cherish."
Josh looked up surprised.
Then he smiled.
"Only if I sired a demon such as yourself, maybe I would have died happier. But sadly this world isn't unfortunate enough to be cursed by one more of your kind."
The former duke looked down towards his family, glancing one last time at each individual.
"But maybe it isn't all bad, at least I am certain that when you finally bring Udoris to its knees my household would be remembered as the first to fall by your hands."
"I am honoured., just make sure our deaths don't go in vain."
Levi chuckled.
"Don't worry I won't."
In a sign of respect, the young master stood quietly as he saw his first worthy opponent off into the afterlife.