Chapter 4

Larkin and Zee found themselves gathered around a table with Tores, a guard, engaging in casual conversation. The topics were of little significance, but Zee's natural charm worked its magic once again, swiftly turning Tores into a friendly acquaintance.

Zee maintained most of the conversation, while Larkin's thoughts drifted toward Xain's return. Since their arrest, they had been confined to a Guard-owned residence, restricted from going outside. Larkin's mind wandered, pondering, *I wonder when Xain will be back.* He observed the visible guards patrolling around the house, aware that there were likely concealed guards as well.

The interior was a blend of functionality and comfort. The main room, where they often congregated, featured a simple wooden table and a few chairs. The walls were adorned with framed maps and commendations, hinting at the Guard's commitment to duty. The room was illuminated by soft electric lights hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow across the space.

Time had passed slowly, and despite it being less than a day since their confinement, Larkin's boredom was palpable. Conversations with Tores were engaging to an extent, and Zee's company was always lively, but Larkin's restlessness grew. *When the hell are you going to be finished, Xain?* he silently wondered, just as a knock resonated at the door.

Tores swiftly rose from his seat, announcing, "I'll get that," he said before heading to the door. He asked in a slightly formal tone, "Who is it?" The voice on the other side responded, "Your superior." Recognizing the voice, Tores swung the door open to reveal Malvin, his usual glare in place.

Tores saluted in acknowledgment, but Malvin disregarded the gesture, striding past him towards Zee and Larkin. "You two will be leaving the city shortly. Xain killed The Shadow Baron," he announced, his words sparking a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Zee was quick to react, her voice filled with incredulity, "Xain? There's no way he could have done that!" Larkin shared her sentiment. Despite knowing Xain for only a short while, he knew just by looking into his eyes, Xain couldn't kill.

Malvin clenched his jaw tightly as he spoke, "I don't want to believe it either, but Clare claims that Xain confessed to it himself," he admitted. Malvin's long history with Xain made this revelation hard to accept, yet when it came directly from Xain's own mouth, how could he deny it?

He handed them a parchment, saying, "Take a look at the report if you're skeptical," he added, extending a parchment towards them. "This Ethercom contains the details. You'll be leaving the city anyway, so whether you read it or not is inconsequential." he concluded, turning to address Tores about another matter.

Both of them scanned the parchment, their disbelief palpable. "This just seems so wrong," Zee blurted out, her voice tinged with disbelief. Larkin was at a loss, his mind swirling with uncertainty. If the contents were true, it would reshape their perception of Xain. What was certain, however, was that neither Zee nor Larkin could cast judgment on Xain, considering the many lives they had already taken themselves.

Amidst their absorption in the parchment's contents, Malvin and Tores were engaged in their own conversation. "You're certain about this, sir?" Tores inquired with a worried expression. Malvin's nod was firm. "The automaton was nothing but melted metal when they found it." Tores' concern deepened, and he sought guidance.

"Should I leave the premises then, sir?" Malvin shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "She's targeting those two, so your presence here is vital for their protection. Is that clear?" Tores snapped to attention and saluted crisply. "Absolutely, sir."

With a solemn nod, Malvin conveyed his departure. "I must report to the chief now. Remember, stay safe and keep others safe." He exited, leaving a weighty reminder in his wake. Tores silently echoed The Guard's creed, "Stay safe and keep others safe," realizing that if their Mage Hunter Unit fell, he'd have to uphold its mission more steadfastly than ever before.

**Back to Xain**

Xain's mind was still spinning from the barrage of information Ercale had shared, or perhaps it was the lingering discomfort from the head smack. Either way, he found himself grappling with the revelation. *So you're human?* Xain inquired, his confusion evident.

Ercale's response carried a tinge of annoyance. *Yes, I am. You don't have to be a demon to hold the title of Demon Lord,* he clarified. *Then why on Aetheria are you labeled as 'Demon Lords'?* Xain couldn't help but question, his skepticism shining through as he struggled to make sense of the term.

Ercale carried on with his explanation, shedding more light on the matter. *Though we may not all be demons, there's still a presence of demonic energy or mana within us,* the more Ercale spoke, the more questions swirled in Xain's mind. *So, is it something you're born with? Like genetics?* Xain questioned, seeking more insight.

Ercale swiftly answered, *No, becoming a Demon Lord is a choice, not something one is born into,* he stated. The moment the words registered, Xain found himself blurting out another query. *Wait, can I become one?* It was a question driven by curiosity rather than a genuine desire, but he couldn't help but ask.

Ercale remained quiet for a moment before responding, his words decisive. *You... can't. No way. Not possible. Never,* he emphatically dismissed the idea. Xain's confusion prompted him to inquire further. *Wait, what? Why not?* Xain pressed for an explanation. *It's quite simple. You completely lack magic, which is a prerequisite for becoming a Demon Lord,* Ercale clarified.

Xain didn't have any desire to become a Demon Lord, so he wasn't particularly bothered by the revelation. However, a new thought emerged in his mind. *So you had magic before becoming a Demon Lord?* he inquired.

Ercale's response was straightforward: *Yes.* Intrigued, Xain followed up with another question. *Then why did you become one? And how did you become one?* As he posed this question, he detected an unusual vulnerability in Ercale's voice. *I... I don't want to talk about that,* Ercale replied, his tone revealing a side of him that Xain hadn't encountered before.

The steamwagon came to a halt, and before Xain could utter another word, the guard commanded, "Get out," as he opened the wagon door. Xain complied and exited the vehicle. Another guard instructed, "Follow me," flanked by two guards behind him and one in front. Xain was led into The Guard station he had been in before, the familiar surroundings now echoing with a sense of uncertainty.

The security around him seemed to have intensified this time, with a greater presence of guards guiding him. He was led to an interrogation room, the atmosphere heavy with tension. "Get in," they ordered, and he complied, stepping into a room that bore some resemblance to the one he had been in previously. However, this time, "We meet again, Xain. Sit down," Edward greeted him, already seated himself.