Chapter 4

Well, I can congratulate myself — on the second day in a new world for myself, I managed to become a hero.

To single-handedly destroy a small, but medium-sized dark guild, and also to do it in fact in ten minutes, while with a minimum of destruction and human casualties ... It is not surprising that even half an hour after the victory, I listened to a bunch of sincere thanks, which were accompanied by money and things (mine were burned).

At the moment, I was sitting on one of the surviving benches in my jeans, eating ice cream and watching the guards deal with the consequences of my exploits. That is, they interrogate prisoners. And judging by their testimony, they just decided to mess with the population. But I somehow knew with a sixth sense that their chief was not telling me something. I do not know what to call it, but it was as if something itched at the edge of consciousness. I'll have to talk to the head of the guard separately later — maybe I can help the investigation. These people who have gone should not get off with minimal deadlines.

However, while people were sorting out the rubble and helping the wounded, I had to wash off the blood first, and after taking a little help from a medic, finally got dressed. Now I had a well—deserved rest and recovery from injuries that still did not even allow me to stand on my feet normally - I immediately fell to the side. Moreover, it was already beginning to dawn — and if it weren't for the rubble instead of some streets, the city would have looked fabulous again.

Yes. Fabulous.

I still can't believe in the reality of what is happening. My new abilities and past life, a healthy body, a magical world and a battle with villains… Now I catch myself thinking that I don't want this to turn out to be just a comatose state. I don't want to go back to bed, where my only occupation will be lying down and reading already hated books. I've had enough.

Having fallen into my thoughts, I did not notice how a blue-haired beauty who helped extinguish fires landed next to me with a heavy sigh. Folding her umbrella, she placed it on her lap and leaned back, looking at the sky.

— Thank you for helping to save the residents. I couldn't be everywhere at the same time," I expressed my gratitude to her, because I knew that people would never refuse kind words.

Turning her head in my direction and opening her eyes, she smiled with a blush on her cheeks and answered:

— It's not worth it. This is my job, after all, — the sorceress said, clearly embarrassed.

Answering her with the same smile, which makes the lady blush even more, I notice how she squints at the ice cream box that stood in the ice cube I created. Having understood without words, I take out one of the treats and hold it out under a joyful look right into a small palm.

— Virgil, — I introduce myself to her with a slight nod of my head.

— Juvia Loksar. Nice to meet you, — she says with a gasp, which for some reason made me feel good.

Only our idyll was interrupted by about twenty people in white robes with a strange symbol on them. This crowd quickly surrounded the place of rest, after which one of them said:

— Mr. Virgil, please come with us. You are accused of belonging to a demonic family…

***

Yeah, somehow it all turned around abruptly.

I will not describe the views of people who saw how the Rune Knights (local law enforcement officers special from the Council) escorted me to a special building for interrogation. Fortunately, at least there is such a thing in almost every second city, especially if it is located next to one of the strongest guilds in Fiore. However, it was still painful to walk — most likely, this was due to the fact that they tried to treat me with light magic: my body was only getting worse, so the doctor, seeing the futility of his actions, simply supplied me with medicines. Maybe he's the one who snitched on me.

I entered the interrogation room under the custody of two knights and their chief, Captain Jin: a tall, but rather thin man in his forties with gray in his black hair, a tenacious gaze of green eyes, and a scar on his unshaven face.

Sitting down at the chairs, we found ourselves on opposite sides of the table. In general, this was the whole situation in the room, not counting the one-way mirror on the entire wall. I also felt that this place was trying to suppress my magic in some way. If I need to escape for some reason, the first thing I have to do is break down the wall - since Yamato was temporarily confiscated. Fortunately, it was felt in the next room — apparently, the evidence was being examined.

Taking out a pile of papers from his shoulder bag, a strange-looking pen and a black cube with ten-centimeter faces, the captain began the interrogation:

— So, let's get started.

With these words, the pen flew out of his hands and began scribbling on paper itself. Honestly, I was almost not surprised by this — I have not yet moved away from past impressions. But what was more striking was the slight trembling of his left hand. They seem to be afraid of me. And if their chief behaves like that, I'm afraid to imagine the reaction of ordinary employees.

— As you already know, my name is Captain Jin. Could you introduce yourself with your full name?

—Virgil, — I answer him and put my hands on the table, trying to show benevolence with my posture.

Out of the corner of my eye I notice a green glow from the cube. It looks like a lie detector.

— Very well, Mr. Virgil. I must tell you that this whole situation is connected with the fact that there was a very powerful surge of demonic energy in this city. Our squad was sent here, and thanks to scanning technology, it was established that you and your katana are the source of this power. What can you say about this.

I would worry in this situation, but there is no strength left for that either. Therefore, I will just answer a little vaguely — it's not that difficult.

— As you must already know, I am a citizen of another state that happened to be in your kingdom by coincidence…

The cube blinked green.

— ...and yes, I do have demon blood flowing in me.

Green light. After this phrase, the knights visibly tensed, and an almost imperceptible drop of sweat rolled down the captain's forehead. It makes no sense for me to lie about it — I'll just present the information from a different angle.

— That's just how I found out, there are some Dragon Slayers here. Well, I can make you a little happy — now there is also a Demon Killer. I cannot tell you all the circumstances, but I can assure you that I am not the cause of evil to you or civilians. I give my word.

"That's just, I'm also a murderer of a bunch of innocent people" — I notice this with sadness to myself, since my memory has not fully recovered, but what I have already seen was enough. Clipot Tree… How many have I ruined…

And again the cube turned green. After all, I just didn't lie, but arranged everything the way I was asked, just a little differently. At the end of my monologue, the captain nodded to me a little more relaxed, while the pen was writing readings.

— Good. Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Virgil. I think if you really are a Demon Killer, then the Council will turn a blind eye to your not-quite-human nature. So you can assume that the incident is over: you have not caused any destruction to the city, you have not harmed anyone — well, except the dark ones, of course. However, I have to ask — what are you planning next?

"To come back and find out what's wrong with my mother" — I clearly outlined my goal. She's the only one I have left from my past life. After all, I'm unlikely to be able to find Dante or Nero… Wait, I have a son?!

The captain, who saw my confusion and apparently misinterpreted it, said:

— Since you are a citizen of another state, I can suggest that you first visit the Crocus capital…

Having coped with the surging emotions, I raised my hand in a stopping gesture, asking him to be silent. Quietly inhaling and exhaling, I answer:

— I plan to return to my homeland, — seeing the fright in the man's eyes (apparently, there is trouble with demons here at all), I try to assure him, — But as soon as I sort out my affairs, I plan to settle here. I just don't know how to get back. Therefore, I plan to join the guild of wizards for now and use them to search for information about portal magic.

The cube lit up with a yellow light. How's that?

— Apparently, you are hiding something. But nothing — your current answer is more than enough, — the captain informed me, — Well, I am glad that someone has appeared in our kingdom who can effectively resist demons. And now, let's fill in some data. Age?

Smiling at the fact that everything ended well, I replied:

— Twenty—six.

The red light and Jin's surprised look that crossed mine.

— Um... fifty—five?

Red. Like, a person can't round his eyes like that? After quickly calculating something in my mind, I give it out with a sigh:

— Eighty—one.

Green. Clearing our throat and not asking for clarification of this event in any way, we continued negotiations.

***

I came out of the interrogation room only in the evening. Yamato was returned to me, and even my few belongings were restored. So now, in addition to clothes and documents, I had a check for two million precious ones in my pockets. When I saw the amount, my eyes popped out — I didn't expect this, I admit. However, it was explained to me that the destruction of the dark guild in its entirety can be regarded as an S-rank task, the minimum payment of which starts from one million. Well, it's a sin for me to complain — now I can settle down, and find someone who owns portal magic. Books... I'll leave this idea for now.

Also, I didn't forget to leave a message about the dark guild: the knights took my remark seriously that their leader was hiding something. They even promised to request one interrogation specialist from the capital. So, now it's their concern - my conscience is clear.

There were practically no people on the street, but also blockages — people dealt with them quickly enough. It can be seen that the disassembly of magicians happens here quite often.

Inhaling fresh air and feeling the energy gushing out of my body, I was about to take off and run towards the City of Oaks, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed Juvia sleeping on a bench, who covered her body with an umbrella. Her condition could be guessed from the measured and slightly snuffling breathing. I wonder what she's left here?

As if she sensed my gaze, she stretched out in a relaxed manner, and, putting away her umbrella, got up and came to me.

— How did it go? — She asked with a calm expression on her face. Apparently, she finally moved away from the picture of my naked torso (although, not that I was against it).

— Surprisingly well. Registered, received an award. So it's time to go, — I answer her, and, bowing slightly, I turn around in the direction of the exit from the city, "It was nice to meet you, Miss Loksar. I hope more…

— Stop! — she shouted, which made me freeze like a statue.

Slowly turning around, I see that she is awkwardly shuffling her foot, again lowering her gaze to the floor, and again a confused expression is visible on her face because of her own act. I have to admit, it's cute, really. But still…

— Is something wrong?

— Yes... not… In general, — finally gathering her courage, she continued, — You want to join the Phantom Lord, right?

I raise my eyebrows in surprise.

— The guards told me, — answering my unspoken question, she began to roll up the sleeve of her coat, exposing her forearm.

On the delicate girl's skin was a purple symbol that looked like the Greek letter "zeta" with a circle and two spikes. Come on?!

— I belong to this guild. And I can help you with the introduction.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously and stared at her. No, I believe in the human kindness of the locals. But such questions are quite serious to offer help so easily. Maybe it's because of my strength?

- Why? — I'm asking the only question.

And I get an unexpected answer.

Shyly lowering her head, she replied:

— I... overheard part of the conversation. About the fact that you are a carrier of demonic blood from another country.

Reflexively I put my hand on the handle, which she notices out of the corner of her eye. Recoiling, Juvia throws up her hands in a defensive gesture.

— I won't tell anyone, I swear! Simply… you are alone, in the middle of an unknown country. Without friends, without relatives.

It seems that my face expressed all the sadness that I kept in myself. Seeing this, the girl clearly cheered up.

— I was exactly the same. I can't say that our situations are similar, but I can imagine how you feel. So let me help you, and... become your first friend in Fiore... here.

There was silence. She again buried her eyes in the stonework of the street, and I stared at her in a stupor.

A friend? I really don't know what to do. I've never had any friends— I just don't know what to do in such a situation. That in my past life, as a son of Sparda, and as a person, I had only relatives. Few, but very close. But she's right — my situation is deplorable, and to refuse any help is an extreme degree of stupidity.

And also, I felt the sincerity in her words. There was simply no hint of a second bottom or an ulterior motive in them. She really wanted to help me and become my friend. For some reason, my heart even ached.

Coming close to her, I put my hand on her shoulder, which makes Juvia shudder, and say:

— I agree.

Lifting her face and looking into my eyes, I see her dazzling smile.

— I'm glad. Truth.

Then a crazy thought came into my head. Smiling maliciously, which scared her a little, I say:

— Well, and now race to the City of Oaks. The latter pays for the winner's dinner.

And, patting her on the shoulder, I take an instant acceleration, which makes the girl with a stupid expression on her face just blow away with an air wave.

Grinning to myself, I break the sound barrier and rush to the city wall, jumping over it at full speed and flying into the forest road.

Yes, demonic power is also an awl in one place.

I like it more and more. And now I want to fool around a little — to recoup my childhood spent in bed.

Because now I can do it. And I won't let anyone take away my power.