Stray

The girl smiled. Her laughter became louder and more enjoyable. The way she looked at Cahill was like a child looking at a holiday gift package.

“Of course!” she happily agreed loudly, “but you should know that you will die immediately. I am a reputable businessman. Half of the knowledge is used as a deposit and the rest will be taken after the contract. I can recover as you and of course, I can repair the irreversible damage to your mother. Even if she already has one foot in the coffin, I can revitalize her. I will see your king for you and help the world as you. ‘Hope’? What a cunning and greedy wish. I like you very much, human.”

She took off her shoes and jumped into bed barefoot. She stepped on the soft mattress and knelt down beside the young man. The demon moved its hand and the eyeball flew straight above Cahill’s chest, who was lying down.

“To be honest, this business is a little uneconomical,” she said softly, “but I’m very happy— so I’ll agree.”

Its eyeball went up and down but stopped just as it approached Cahill’s chest.

“Something’s in the way.” The girl curled her lips and grabbed the semi-melted amulet. The metal hissed and melted into a ball, completely losing its original appearance. She pulled the pendant off Cahill’s neck with a slight force. At the same time, the red eyeball stretched out countless squirming filaments of flesh, gradually burying into the young man’s body.

The girl with the braided hair got closer. She lowered her head and pressed her forehead against the young man’s forehead.

“Come, tell me,” she said in a tone like coaxing a baby to sleep. “What is the last regret in your life, Mr. Hope? Was it to becoming a healer and rushing onto the battlefield? Or being loyal to this cruel country? Or believing in a false god?”

The filaments of flesh moved faster. Nemo touched the back of his neck. He knew how severe the pain was, but Cahill was motionless. He just laid quietly, as if he had lost all ability except tears.