Chapter 175: Interlude - Maledict - Deus Ex Nihilo
Maledict exhaled loudly. It had been so long since he’d heard his original name, that he wondered for a moment who he should be to the boy crying over his dead friend.
But no... he was Maledict. He had a duty to demonkind. One that necessitated having contingencies, even for his own son... Hence the mercenary, Lucifer. Janice’s old lover had proved his usefulness... He would have to do something about the man’s lost arm.
"I’ve made up my mind, Son... Kir." The Duke of Heresy approached his son, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "You are coming home."
When no answer came, Maledict stepped lightly around his son.
Kir’s eyes were closed. In manasight, something was happening. Something to do with the trio of etched discs that had accumulated on his forehead...
He was unconscious.
Maledict reached, aiming to scrape one with his claw "What is-"
In a flash of mana-enhanced speed, Kir’s hand shot up and grabbed Maledict by the wrist, twisting until Maledict’s body was forced to follow. A moment later, Maledict found himself colliding back-first with a pillar as Kir began to stand, lowering his arm from the punch he’d delivered...
"How?" Maledict gasped. "The Forbidding..."
Kir’s stance was completely different. It was slightly slouchier, and the way he held himself was not like the young demon who’d walked into Maledict’s plans.
"Guess that means I ain’t your boy, pops." Kir said, his voice pattern changing.