Zetsumei

Chapter 64. The Sinner of Sloth

The dark energy in the demon land has become thicker than before. I would see large parts of the surroundings destroyed as if a battle took place there. But what's worse, while we were on our way back, we came across a demon that was on a rampage. Just what happened while I was gone?!

The demon was an oni that had red colored skin, large horns, and stand about 8 feet tall. He was carrying a huge axe on his shoulder and attacks everything in sight. We tried to calm him down but it was no use so we knocked him out. On his back was the mark of Zephiel and we all knew what it meant. This isn't good, if we don't seal Zephiel away soon, then this whole land will run on a rampage. I have to hurry home and somehow ask Soren to seal Zephiel away. After seeing the mark, Zero is no longer smiling. Instead, he cast his head down with a sadden expression.

Zelphi: (whispering) Zero..Its alright, Soren will fix this somehow. He'll seal the other side of you away and set you free.

Zero: (depress) I can only hope. (Is it possible? How are they going to seal the other side of me away? Is death the only option for me?..No, I mustn't, I promised Zelphi that I wouldn't.)

We then hurry back to my castle. Once we went inside, it was entirely empty as if someone had abandoned it. Layhel wasn't here to greet me as usual. It was strange, she always look forward to greeting me when I came back. Just then grandpa came down the stairs.

Luciano: Oh granddaughter, you're finally back!

Zelphi: Grandpa, where is every one?

Luciano: They are out trying to stop all the rampaging demons in our kingdom. We aren't the only ones with this problem, the other demon kingdoms are in the same condition.

Zelphi: (concerned) What could've happened...

Luciano: Granddaughter, if I have to guess, then I'd say this is Zephiel's doing.

Zelphi: !!

Luciano: All the problems started ever since the red moon. Unatural weather, unreasonable conflicts, wild rampages and mayhem. These are all the signs of Zephiel's awakening. He will most certainly rise to destroy the world again, the end is upon us.

Ryujin: Sir, is there anyway to stop this destruction?

Luciano: Yes..now that the signs are clear, the Kami has finally taken action. He will most certainly find Zephiel and seal him away. When that time comes, all of Eden will be in a alliance and we will lend him our strength.

Zero: (looks down).......

This is bad, the situation has turned for the worse. Now, the whole world knows about Zephiel. I have to hurry and ask Soren to fix this. Just like that, I turned and headed to the library where Soren usually is. Ugh..I really hate going there but this is an emergency.

Luciano: Hm? Granddaughter? Where are you going?

Zelphi: I going to find Soren, there's something I need to ask him.

Luciano: I hate to break it to you but that little tactician isn't here.

Zelphi: What? Did he also go to stop the rampaging demons?

Luciano: No..he went back to the Magic land in the south west.

Zelphi: But why?!!

Luciano: Well, about 3 days ago, the savants (note: savants are what they call humans with magical powers) came and took the little tactician away. It seems that the situation in their land is so dire that they need help from the branded ones.