The Strongest Demon Lord in the Modern World - Chapter 42

Looking at the group as they got below his position, Aziel still couldn’t help but ponder more about what the true intentions of that man taking the younglings away could truly be.

Did he want to use them as hostages, or even as meat shields in case that government body -that are already at their previous location-, catches up to him before he had the chance to escape?

These… weapons, that these humans used, these guns and rifles could indeed cause some serious damage. True to his fears, Aziel could understand how serious of a threat these dark metallic pieces of modern warfare could cause to the average mortal.

‘They are truly weak… pathetic… having excess to all this unique energy, yet none of them I have met so far seemed to be able to control it. They are mere mortals, none walking the Path at all.’

Without access to Magic or being able to use [Aether] to enhance their bodies, these led pellets, or ‘Bullets’ as they called them could easily put an abrupt end to their already short lives.

Thus, if the man’s way of thinking was to use those three as an additional layer of protection, Aziel would have understood it. His reasoning, whilst rather cruel, would have been logical in his understanding.

However, if that were the case, why would he walk with his back and both of his sides remained unprotected? Why would he stand behind those three, a few steps of distance apart making even his front somewhat vulnerable to a sudden, surprise attack? Just what was this man’s aim? What was he doing?

Pondering, Aziel watched silently as the group slowly, but gradually walked away, crossing through the forest, closing towards the city through the natural cover, whilst keeping relatively silent.

As he thought, suddenly he recalled the memories of the so-called Vice Captain of this group of now-dead band of gang bangers. Surprisingly, contrary to what image they might have painted they were actually rather well organized.

Whilst they were just a local branch, barely more than your average disgruntled teens and orphaned street kids were swayed by the words of a few twisted figures such as the bandana-wearing brawny man. He was only referred to as the ‘Leader’, although he was known in the city’s criminal underworld as ‘Bowling Ball’. A nick that he hated with a passion and beat up anyone who dared to utter that humiliating moniker.

Whilst their currently nameless, small team was only a side branch sent out to this faraway, mostly calm section of the city. The main group, the ‘Outcasts’ were one of the leading groups, ‘organizations’ that ruled over the city.

Whilst they were far from being as much of a machine as the famed ‘Mafia’ from the history books, they were nevertheless grown up from being just a band of lousy kids wanting to make their voices heard.

No, they were now working as an organized family, having several branches that, like the one led by Bowling Ball, were sent to ‘protect’ the many sectors, districts of the city.

In any way, the Vice Captain, going by the ‘name’ as Little Bullettooth had recently come up to the boss to discuss a new business avenue he and his contacts have found out. He was also the guy that Aziel attacked first, for aiming his gun at the girl with the familiar presence.

Little Bullettooth first informed the Boss, that they learned of a new, mysterious group that appeared in town only recently. Whilst they were new, they seemed to have some serious pulling power not just locally but most likely state-wide as well.

Upon their arrival, they were granted a large, three-story warehouse in the harbor district, the Mayor’s office directly gave them ownership of the land, albeit the details of the transaction were still kept secret. Regardless of it though, whilst not much was known about the matter, it was still strange how easily and effortlessly they took over such an important and strategic piece of land.

The group itself retained its secretive nature, not initiating contact with any of the major parties both legal or from the city’s criminal underworld. They placed guards all around the premises, protecting whatever business they were doing hidden from the prying eyes.

At first, people thought of them as an overly cautious group of smugglers, or perhaps drug dealers, yet things just didn’t add up in either case.

Eventually, news began to spread that what they were dabbling in was much more sinister, much more vicious. It was way more cruel, twisted, and dark than anyone dared to think of.

They were indeed smugglers, traffickers, but not of the average kind. Their ‘products’ they shipped to many parts of the globe were something else entirely… The devils are sealed with humans. Both whole and their parts…

This piece of news shocked the city’s gangs and groups. They were baffled, confused at how could they strut into the city, and even go as far as making the Major’s office itself to provide them a place? How could such a vile group of demons be allowed inside and even worse… protected by the law?

Though not all of their questions were answered, some light was shed a few days later, when they finally made themselves known as the ‘New Faith for Humanity or NFH, a sort of new religious church have publicly opened up its gate and began doing sermons.

Figures donned in old, dark brown linen robes gave speeches, and preached for the citizenry. They looked like a group of monks, earning them a great deal of credibility, and authenticity.

Whilst they quickly soared higher and higher during daylight, they retained their mysterious and secretive nature during the night, not allowing any news to escape their premises. The scouts and spies that were sent to investigate never returned, their fate whilst not confirmed it was but clear to everyone involved…

The Vice Captain, after a great deal of effort and many attempts finally could make a deal with the group, which he immediately proposed to the boss. A new avenue, a potential path to glory, influence, and power. Though it carried a great deal of risk as if found out by the main group, they would most certainly be dealt with, the rewards would easily outweigh the risks. The chance to finally grow into a fully-fledged real group, earning a name, and hopefully… a new nickname, the Leader was soon convinced.

…

Recounting the memories of the Vice Captain, Aziel finally understood what was going on. The Leader, this ‘Bowling Ball’ wanted to use these three figures to make a deal with this group of monks. The reward earned from those three healthy young teenagers would most certainly give him a hefty sum, allowing him to somewhat recoup the losses and humiliation he had suffered.

Still, it still puzzled him why did the group even decide to come to the mountain, as it made no sense for such a group to march towards danger seemingly recklessly, he couldn’t get a clear answer even after going through the Vice Captain’s memories once again.

Fully finished with the memories, Aziel opened his eyes and looked towards the group slowly parting away from his spot once again. With a warm smile on his face, his figure flickered once again, vanishing from the top of the trees in the next moment.

—

“Move it you brats or I will slice you all up! Though they would pay more if you are alive, they wouldn’t throw you away even if you were carried it bags!” The leader, Bowling Ball hollered, shoving Jake forward. He was gripping the handle of his dagger so tightly that his hand was going pale from the lack of circulation already.

He was nervous, clearly agitated, darting his gaze to the back every couple of steps taken, listening to the noises. Ever since meeting that demon, that inexplicable monster his heart couldn’t calm down. As if a bad omen was hanging over his shoulders, he could not relax at all.

Adding to his growing unease, he had noticed how the trio had no longer looked frightened, but were all calm and strangely, smiling…

Unable to hold back anymore he grunted with annoyance, asking with a cold tone to the boy he just pushed away.

“What are you all so calm about anyways? Shouldn’t you be scared, knowing what awaits you all?”

“Why would we? We all-”

Before they could finish their words, suddenly a familiar figure appeared in front of them. A warm smile donning his expression, he looked at the three teens, taking a bit more time to linger over the girl before eventually looking over smugly at the now shivering, trembling man at the back.

His whole body was shaking, he couldn’t believe his eyes!

“Y-you! H-how did you…”

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This week’s goals we can strive to reach! Let those stones pile up! 🙂

Powerstone Goals:

100 Power Stones -> 1 Chapter,

200 Power Stones -> 2 Chapters,

300 Power Stones -> 3 Chapters,

Golden Ticket Goals:

50 Golden Tickets -> 1 Chapter,

100 Golden Tickets -> 2 Chapters,

150 Golden Tickets -> 3 Chapters.