>VWUUUUSSSHHH<

In moments, I arrived at my target location, watching the ruined landscape even more.

Fortunately, there were no bodies left behind, or else it would have been quite creepy. I wasn’t feeling very ecstatic about murdering hundreds of thousands of people, but I would do it again if given the same stakes.

‘Let’s just focus on the job and get out of here. Everyone must be waiting for me…’

************

I found the Miasma Chamber pretty easily. It was buried underground–as I suspected.

Usually, it would have been buried under piles of rubble, but thanks to the disintegrating effects of my device, the stuff was out in the open for me to see.

The Miasma Generator itself was within a large metal-like chamber.

It was as large as a mansion–or an extremely large hall–with lots of space within.

Of course, the metal used to make the walls, and even the gears that turned in all the sections of the building were materials thY were immune to the effects of Miasma–even Miasma of the highest quality.

I found some samples when I was with Karlia back then, and advised the Demons to use the metal to construct their chamber.

I was not privy to the location of the Generator or the chamber, though. This was because of security reasons, and I was also in agreement.

Who would have known that it would become such a pain in the ass now?

Looking at the gleaming dark metal that made up the surrounding area, I desired every single ounce.

‘I need this stuff too… for reasons.’ With a somewhat sly smile, I kept walking within the chamber.

Gears turned around me, and I observed various capacitors and structures actively playing their role in ensuring Miasma was dispersed efficiently.

They were all connected to the main Generator through pipes and wires, and their functions were just as important as the pumping machine itself.

The several auxiliary parts, and even the main Generator seemed to be in overdrive thanks to the current state of the Demon Realm.

‘The Miasma around has been cleared u

out, so the Generator is trying to restore the negative energy as quickly as possible. I see…’

It was a function I added at the last minute, considering unforeseen circumstances could arise where the Demon Realm had their Miasma thinned out.

‘Well, I better shut this thing down now.’ My thoughts trailed as I moved close to the main machine.

However–

>WHIIRRRrrrrrrrrrrr<

Before I reached it, the device shut down by itself.

‘No, this isn’t how it should shut down. This almost seems like… someone pulled the plug?’

Usually, the Miasma Generator would make a different sound when it powered down, and something akin to hissing would be heard–alongside vibration.

But, now, it just seemed like someone removed the power supply of the whole thing, causing it to forcefully stop working.

‘The turbines have stopped spinning, and everything has slowly halted. This can only be caused by–!’ My eyes bulged as the only possible scenario came to mind.

The Arcana responsible had been disconnected from the Generator’s Power supply!

‘T-that means–!!!’

>SHIIIIIIIIIII<

Before I could conclude my statement, I heard a lock suddenly open up, and then a hissing sound escaping from the Generator itself.

The door leading to its engine, where the Arcana was located–it was moving.

The very rigid door opened slowly, and I could see someone coming out of it.

It was just as I feared.

‘Someone else is here?!’

>CREAK<

And so, the silhouette of the culprit manifested.

His movements were slow, but all my senses were on high alert as he came out of the generator and closed the door at the same moment.

My eyes widened further as his appearance registered in my head. It was too familiar that I couldn’t forget it even if I wanted to.

‘He is…. how is this even…?’

The person in front of me was supposed to be dead. I knew that because I killed him, and I was sure the deed was complete.

‘How the hell are you still alive, Legris Damien?!’

“Oh? It’s Jared. You’re here already? Oof, I was really hoping I could get away before you arrived.” The man before me gave a silly smile as he raised his hand to show something locked in his fingertips.

“The Devil. You took it, after all.” I spoke, controlling myself as I tried to process the situation as calmly as possible.

“Yeah. Orders from the higher-ups. You know how it is.”

Everything was slowly making sense.

‘I was tricked! They wanted me to obliterate the Demons so they could get their hands on this Arcana!’

“It seems you’ve figured it out. As expected of you, Jared. You’ve grown, by the way. You’re looking like a man already.”

“Well, you haven’t changed at all. Though I expected you to look a little… dead?”

“Haha! Feisty! Well played. I knew this would surprise you.” He chuckled.

I wasn’t amused in the slightest, so I kept my deadpan expression–trying my hardest not to seem panicky as I looked for the best solution to the current situation.

“You know, I’m even more amazed that you don’t seem very surprised that I’m alive. I expected a better reaction.”

“Magic makes the impossible possible. There’s no need to be surprised when that is involved.” My response was sharp and cold, my eyes narrowing on the target.

“Well, fair point.”

After he said this, silence pervaded the area for a moment. As I put my brain to work, Legris simply smiled at me. I couldn’t see past his mask.

“I should get going now. I’ve already delayed long enough.” He finally spoke, heaving slightly as he began walking in my direction.

The dark-cloaked man walked past me, humming jovially as he walked. It was almost as if he was baiting me.

At this point, I had no choice but to respond.

“Do you really think I’ll let you leave?” I turned my head, glaring obviously at him.

Once I said this, Legris stopped in his tracks. He didn’t bother looking at me, though. The man simply spoke from where he stood.

“You know, I like you, Jared. You’re smart, powerful, and very unpredictable. That’s why I’ve been very accommodating to you…” His voice slowly began to carry a very dangerous vibe.

It made me shiver a little.

“… But, there’s a limit to everything.” At this point, he looked at me.

A dark smile was planted on his face, and all I could see was pure malevolence.

Unbelievable pressure came upon me, cussing perspiration to spread all over my skin.

However, this only lasted a moment. Legris once again assumed his cheerful persona and smiled.

“Don’t be a sore loser, Jared. I win this round.”

*****************

A

/N

Special Discount next month.

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Cheers!