Chapter 25
Standing in the middle of the clearing in the woods, Zeth pointed at the demon. “You stay here. Defend yourself from wild monsters if necessary, but don’t make a ruckus. And don’t fight humans; just hide from them.”
“And if the situation becomes such that I cannot hide any longer?” the demon asked. “Do I fight in that case?”
“No,” Zeth replied. “Dismiss yourself if you can’t hide. Ideally before you actually get found.”
Its expression soured. “Understood. I will also dismiss myself if you take too long to return. Staying in this realm for too long is extremely uncomfortable.”
“Fine. I’ll be back in a few hours at most. Don’t cause trouble.”
With that, he turned and walked away, feeling his chest lighten with each foot of distance he put between himself and that thing. He realized he’d been around the demon for long enough that he’d gotten slightly used to the fear aura, not even realizing how horrible it had been until he was away from it. It was like a cloud was lifted from his mind and body, finally allowing him to exist unimpeded.
He sighed. The fact that the demon couldn’t keep it from affecting him was unfortunate, sure, but he could live with it. Really, from an objective standpoint, that fear effect was amazing for him. He couldn’t possibly imagine a person fighting a demon head-on without tripping over themself and getting killed instantly, considering how much it’d affected him when he wasn’t in immediate danger. And if he was going to try to break these murderers out of prison to use as sacrifices, he’d need something to keep them obedient. A demon’s mind-altering aura seemed perfect for that.
For now, though, he needed to scout out the area and make sure everything was clear. Whether or not the demon could be stealthy enough to keep from being seen, it certainly wouldn’t be capable of keeping itself from being felt by everyone within a few dozen feet of it. They’d have to do this when night fell and the streets were clear, and they’d have to make sure they knew exactly what they were doing ahead of time. A single misstep would not only cost Zeth the mission, but also most likely his life. Getting found out while accompanying a demon—what further evidence would they need to instantly execute him? And if they decided Zeth was the Blood Mage they were looking for and took care of him, the real one would have free reign to do whatever they wanted without scrutiny.
He scowled as he walked. No way that would happen. He refused to meet his end before he was able to witness the beautiful sight that would be his enemies dying in agony.