DEMON HUNT

Chapter 10: More light on the Iceberg massacre

Mario runs at top speed. He catches up with Mari, who is staring at Mark, confused.

Mario: What's going on here?

Mark drops the corpse, smiling, while slowly walking backwards, in an attempt to escape.

Mark: There's nothing to see here. Just a casual friendly person moving a corpse. I'm part of the city clean up crew (CCC) so, it's kind of my job.

Mari: You just called me a hunter. No CCC member would know that. Besides, there's no such thing as 'CCC'. You're coming with me.

Mark: Why do you assume I'm obliged to fulfill your request? The audacity. I'll teach you how to address a...

Before Mark could finish, a demon appears, standing between him and Mari. Mario watches from behind Mari.

Mari: Was wondering when you'd come out.

Mark: B, what are you...

B blocks Mark with his arms, gesturing for Mark to stop talking.

B: We can't afford to let them know your attribute. Take the body, and leave now.

Mark: I'm not going to run away from two kids, like a coward.

B looks at Mark.

B: Don't lose sight of the goal. The blue hair is especially strong. Taking him on right now, would prove detrimental to our mission.

B smiles at Mark, who gives a nod as he begins to run away.

Mario: What is the meaning of this? Why is a demon protecting a human? You're supposed to be feeding on him!

B: Hunters...always presuming to understand everything, when in fact, they know next to nothing.

Mari: If you're going to talk, then do it. I can wait.

Mario: Well, I can't.

B: I never thought I'd see a hunter ready to learn the mysteries hiding behind the conflict in our world. I am afraid I cannot tell you. I do hope you find the answers you seek in eternal rest.

Mario: Let me handle this guy. You're the faster one. Go after the human.

Mari: I can't leave you to fight him alone.

Mario: Tch! Are you gonna be a mum or are you gonna go?

Mari: Classic you. Using my trolls against me. Don't die on your first battle.

Mario: If I finish off here before you catch that guy, then you'll owe me a duel.

Mari: Sounds like a deal.

Mari zooms off, B attempts to follow him, but Mario intercepts him with a slash, which B dodges as he jumps back.

Mario: If I moved a rank up each time someone dodged my attack, I'd be a Captain by now.

B: You're handicapped and slow. I could easily just move past you.

Mario: Who're you calling slow?!

Mario charges at B, swinging in rapid succession, as B continues to dodge.

B: Impressive movement! I can tell you're just using regular techniques and skills, but you're actually making me enjoy this. Too bad I have to end this quickly.

B goes behind Mario and chops his shoulder, bringing Mario to his knees.

B: This ends now!

B places his hand on Mario's mask. The tunnel becomes darker than usual, making his blue eyes appear brighter than they used to.