Demon King

CH- 12: Bloodlust of a Healer!

 The trio instilled fear in the citizens of Hope, while Ravi bore the brunt of their menacing glares. He shrugged off their hostility, fully aware that his explanations would only fall on deaf ears.

No one in Cathel had a good day, let alone a decent life. Envy poisoned every interaction, with each person coveting what others possessed and resenting them for it. Ironically, even the trio, within the security of the walls and surrounded by the opulence of the affluent, voiced complaints about perceived injustices. Meanwhile, the majority struggled with basic needs, yearning for a single daily meal, and regarding two as a rare feast.

Ravi slid his hands into a pocket and gripped a handful of sand, a collection he had gathered after Uvrodon tossed him around like a rag doll. It wasn't comprised of the remnants of his fellow mages, but rather a random heap of sand he had amassed as a tribute to remember all of them by.

"From earth—to earth," he muttered, yearning for a reality where at least the semblance of equality could be found, where their journey might lead to a better life.

His eyes widened as he observed people in a jovial mood after their group had crossed. The disdain directed at them never seemed to reflect on their own circumstances or lifestyle. 'Was it because of the mist disappearing?' he wondered briefly. Yet soon disregarded the idea, knowing that the impending doom always returned sooner or later. Anyone who set foot in these accursed lands fervently cursed their lives more than anyone.

What has changed since then? Have they finally accepted their fate and laughed until doomsday, or could it be connected to the healer?

Many questions filled Ravi's mind as he trailed the trio, pushing aside thoughts of the previous incident. It might seem cruel, but fate continued to amplify their pain, and the people of Cathel had developed a tolerance for the impending events of a cruel destiny.

If not for one pathetic reason, they would have faced death for another. Perhaps in the days to come, even he could find the strength to smile in the face of death.

Uvrodon detested the mood filling these tear lands. He had endured one devastating blow after another, squandering money on those fools first, and having to grovel to the nobles before their arrival—some of whom he could snap like a twig might he add. Meanwhile, these worthless trash around him laughed, exacerbating his wounds with their happiness.

"The mist may be gone, but you still have me to worry about," Uvrodon growled, his expression darkening with a scowl.

"They have one proper house, yet none of them stay close to it," Claude remarked, pointing at a group as he chuckled.

"Is the rumor hiding in there?" Bart wondered aloud, his suspicions confirmed by their palpable fear.

"Guess so," hissed Uvrodon, a devious smile playing on his lips.

"No one is allowed—," a child yelled before being swiftly scooped up by an elder who covered her mouth, silencing her abruptly.

"Sh..." He warned the child.

"But Mother said not to enter until she said so," the child protested softly, her voice muffled by the elder's hand.

Uvrodon snickered at her. "I don't listen to my meals, child," he remarked coldly, shifting his gaze toward the open compound.

"Next time, at least build some walls if you want to stop us," Bart said, cracking his neck.

"Not that it will help," bellowed Claude with a confident tone.

"We'll leave him behind if you like," Uvrodon pointed at Ravi. "He just takes one's lifespan as payment."

The trio erupted into wild laughter, while Ravi clenched his fists as he averted his gaze, wishing the probing stares would relent. He only looked up when the trio's laughter was abruptly cut off, replaced by a child's snicker echoing in his ears.