From Ashes To Scales

“~Mmm….~”

“Finally waking up?”

After some time passed, it seems that Saphira regained her consciousness.

“Huh? What's…”

“Sorry. I took the liberty of restraining you for safe measure.”

Indeed, currently she was bound by the earth spell Twilight Roots. A spell that generates vines akin to tree roots and tightly wraps around the target. They then became as hard as steel. Very few people would have the physical strength to break free.

“Just… what in the world are you? You have such an intense aura. You're someone of high strength. 9th? No. You're one of the legendary tier. The 10th tier!!?”

“Hou? You can tell?”

“Yes. I was once a great demon and I’ve spent many years improving my eyes to gain the ability to perfectly assess someone's else's strength.”

Well, I guess it's to be expected given the stories around her. As an assassin it would make sense to be able to determine your opponents strength and plan your move accordingly. I really am intrigued with her because although she is a witch, she seems to have discovered a way to use it at melee range.

You often hear the term close range battle mage, but that's mostly in games like RPG’s. As of my knowledge, Magic Core users can't fight in close range. Even for me it was quite the challenge when I faced Leona. But I’ll put all this aside for now.

“Indeed I am of the 10th tier. You have quite the sharp gaze. But leaving that aside, are you feeling better now? You're not possessed anymore, after all.”

“This… I can't believe it. The voices in my head… are all gone. My nightmare is… finally over… *sniff*”

Tears started forming in her eyes. I don't blame her. Being possessed by a wraith for so many years would be enough to drive anyone insane. Yet somehow her mind managed to survive. She was actually pretty cute in this state.

“I… I don't know what to say… thank you. Oh brave and powerful mage… might I know thy name?”

“My name is Magnus. An ordinary mage. Pleased to meet you. And this besides me is Silkzesta.”

“Ordinary? You're… anything other than ordinary. You are the only one that saw through me. All this time I thought I was afflicted by a curse. Never did it cross my mind that it was in fact possession. You are… my hero!”

“That's all sweet, miss Calamity Witch, but this was all pure chance. After all, we received a quest to bring your head back.”

Come on, Silk-chan! Can't you read the mood a bit? The moment she said that, Saphira’s faint smile disappeared, but after a few seconds she forced herself to smile again.

“I see. It's to be expected… after all… there's no excuse for all the people I killed with no reason…”

She started trembling.

“There were… many times when I wished for death. So… I was always prepared for it. I… it is an honor to die by the hands of someone as great as yourself…

I only ask that you make it quick and…”

“For crying out loud! Do you even hear what's coming out of your mouth!?”

*BONK*

I landed a karate chop straight on her head.

“Ouch!! What the hell was that for?”

“Because you're an idiot. It's clear you don't wish to die. So why are you forsaking your life so easily?”

“An idiot!? You're calling me an idiot? Well, what else do you expect me to say? You said you had a mission.”

“She's right, Magnus. No head, no reward. But knowing you, you already have this planned out, don't you?”

A moment of silence fell. Honestly I was at a loss myself as I didn't actually come up with a solution. So… I had no choice but to give a half baked answer.

“Indeed. The quest was to bring back the head of the Calamity Witch. However nowhere was it stipulated that it has to be detached from the body.”

“Huh!?” (Silkzesta)

“Wait!? You can't possibly mean…? The forbidden ritual Another Death!!?” (Saphira)

“Precisely. It seems you get it.”

I actually have no clue what she's talking about so I’ll just fake ignorance.

“Another Death is a complex ritual that puts someone in a state similar to death. The heartbeat and breathing stops, but you are more like in a state of hibernation. And due to the complexity of the ritual, it's impossible to tell the difference between a real death and the induced one.

Such an ingenious solution!! But…”

“It requires cooperation on your end. Saphira, I’m not a monster. There are probably many things you want to do now that you have your own free will. And the path I want to walk might not align with your own goals.

So I won't force this on you. But… if my memory recalls, according to legends, you ended up in this condition because of the cruelty of the Demon God. You pledged your allegiance to the wrong person.

If you have nowhere to go, come with me. Serve under me and I will welcome you with open arms.”

It's quite known that Saphira was the Demon God's right hand man… err… I mean… woman. If I am to establish a country and rule it, someone like her is extremely valuable to me. Politics and laws are not my strong points. It's the same reason I want Rose with me.

I need people around me I can trust.

“I…”

“You don't have to answer now. How about putting it on hold for now? Allow me to complete my mission. You have my word that no harm will come to you.”

“...

Very well. You've freed me from my nightmare. My pride wouldn't allow me to just walk away on you. Even during Another Death I’ll still be aware of my surroundings so I will probably get a better picture of you.

That being said, I agree. I will cooperate with you for the time being, under the condition you will allow me to cast Another Death myself. I’m more at ease if I do it.”

“But of course.”

I don't know the ritual to begin with so this saves me the trouble. Everything is aligning right.

“Although, I am curious. I am a demon. All races fear and hate demons. So why would you want someone like me on your side?”

“Your race is irrelevant. Human, demon, unicorn, whatever. All I see in front of me is a beautiful girl in need of a helping hand.”

She immediately blushed. The contrast of red on her pink cheeks just accentuated her beauty.

“Since when did you become such a smooth talker, Magnus?” (Silk-chan)

“S-shut up already!”

“Fufu! I’ve never met a person like you. But, for the time being, I would like to consider you an ally.”

I snapped my fingers and released her from the vines. Then, I extended my hand and helped her get up.

“Although this is a bit late, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Saphira Vermilion, also known as the Calamity Witch. It's a pleasure working with you, Magnus.”

“Likewise.”

Now… how the hell am I going to make the church let me keep her body after they finish analyzing it!?