The Riddle Of Magic

Chapter 42: Coarse Words and a Gentle Ear

Leaving his darling demon belle was about the last thing Alastor wanted to do, but now that their relationship was in the open he knew he had to be more vigilant than ever.

Charging across the Umbral Sea, his mind danced between which option to take for the coming confrontation. He was the Radio Demon, one of the most feared creatures in Pentagram City. Anyone who messed with him was already voided, they just didn't know it. Violence on his part was expected, as much if not more so than from any other soul in this forsaken place, except perhaps from the demoness who was now his romantic partner in addition to his partner in business and magic.

A part of him warily wondered if such a drastic response would draw more attention than was needed. If somehow his target escaped, it would just lead to a retaliation - another Turf War, invited right to their front door.

Well... if that was the case then he needed to be particularly thorough, didn't he?

It was just another matter he needed to be cautious over, because if he let his guard down for a moment, he'd lose everything.

The target on his back had never vanished, it had just become too big a prize for most.

And now he had more to lose than he'd ever had, in either life, and when word spread that he was in more than just a practical business arrangement with the princess, that target would shine brighter than ever. It only made sense, the Princess of Hell was a beacon, calling for her people's attention. Demons were going to see her, and himself beside her, and there would inevitably be those who thought there might be an opening to gain an advantage against him.

The distant lights caught the Radio Demon's notice, a blackened rainbow shining out of the depths of infinity. How many Alastors had found their Charlies out there? Technically an infinite amount of them, living their lives. But still, there was also an infinite amount who hadn't, others who had a relationship with her and lost it. How had they failed? What did he need to watch out for?

The path, Alastor! his shadow warned.

The power of the Phase rune was to grant him a path through the darkness. The arcane energy was often bound in other runes, shaped into something like a Ward or Barrier, but with this particular spell, it was pulled thin as a ribbon trailing across the Umbral Sea. It may be fueled by his arcane energy, but it could still fail without him being tapped for all his strength. If he lost his focus, he ran the risk of the path fading from his sight, leaving him lost in the abyss.

Of course, Alastor had the benefit of a guide through the dark. His shadow wouldn't let him stray, and he quickly refocused with a quiet thanks to his umbral partner.

The Radio Demon knew exactly where he had to go, who he needed to punish. The bastard was working with Vox, and had indirectly threatened the Hotel more than once. He'd even been responsible for the havoc caused by the Blue Radio Demon.

Laurence, the Ink Overlord. A fellow magician, and therefore a unique threat compared to others who had challenged him before.

Alastor exited the Umbral Sea down the block from the Salome Building, running through a list of spells he could use against the elephant demon. He was justified in an ambush, the other demon had directly worked against him so retaliation was due course.

Then again, there was the likelihood of the other Overlord already being prepared for him, considering how late in the day it was. Vox likely had already reported what had happened to him, and the other demon was likely expecting him at this point.

He needed to be cautious, and not blindly rush into a trap.

Alastor approached the building slowly, minding the demons who were wandering out from that building as well as the surrounding offices. It looked to be the end of the business day, and he realized the timing may not be the best for a battle without additional fallout.