Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 1) [Version Discontinued]

21. Meridian Cleansing

Erebus opened his eyes and found himself lying under the bright red skies. There were hardly clouds in the sky and was greeted by the blaring sun and the subtle moon. His body felt weak and he knew that not only did the poison flare up, but he felt the backlash of using too much mana. The Purifying Executioner was a complicated and intricate rune that stripped part of your soul. It should never be used in the state he was in. But it was the only fitting way to end the life of a Phase Spider.

He focused on his breathing and tried to meditate while lying down, but his thoughts were interrupted by angry voices.

"He's in bad shape, we should go to the next town."

"The one back is closer. We may need to go south."

"But he seemed determined to follow them."

"But he didn't expect to use the Purifying Executioner." He was surprised to hear Comet's voice. Comet did mention he knew about  runes, and Erebus was pleased to hear that he knew of the Purifying Executioner.

"Tsk. You suddenly became unconditionally trusting of him after seeing that rune. All I saw was blood magic."

Comet shook his head. "M you should know that my entire Unit in Shadowbane are rune masters. We know that runes are not blood magic. You're referring to a dark and forbidden art. Every rune you have seen uses the world's energy to empower through the symbols. The Devils have corrupted this technique, but if someone uses it as it was intended, it's a pure form of magic.

"Besides, the Purifying Executioner is one of the most unadulterated runes known to all creatures from all Realms. Only a pure will and heart can create it, which means that Erebus' heart was true... especially when giving such a noble death to a Phase Spider."

As a Beastman, he would know a little about the great creatures in the Spirit Realm.

"And look how he guards the crystal core. Even after falling off of his horse and slipping into unconsciousness, he holds it to his chest and protects it." Nash said quietly.

The female Shadow Guard coughed a little. "His methods are a little extreme, but he was right. We cannot be complacent. Besides, can you think of any other way to save four people from 30 Devils? He saved us and protected us."

The male Shadow Guard was the one who was fighting back and couldn't trust Erebus. "No one knows why he came though."

Erebus let out a heavy breath, causing all of them to turn towards him. He sat up gingerly, one hand holding the crystal core to his chest, the other hand was holding him up unsteadily.

"How far out are we?" He asked with a raspy voice.

"We made it over 100 kilometers away from the campsite." Nash explained.

Erebus nodded. "No sign of Prince Leo?"

Comet shook his head. "We are still on his trail. We have found small traces of blood, however, none of it seems to be life threatening."

Erebus turned towards Skadi. "Any traces of the Devils herding?"

Skadi pawed the ground. [No. Suspicious.]

Erebus clicked his tongue. "I agree. Either they turned them in the direction they wanted them to go, have something else planned, or the Devils were called away. Either scenario is concerning."

The female Shadow Guard cocked her head and removed the hood she had been wearing. Her dark blue hair was revealed. It was cut short with one side shaved and tattooed. The scar that covered her eye stretched on the top of her head and sliced through her hairline. She narrowed her eyes a little. "Who are you?"