A Tree of Eris's Hope (Circu Series #1)

Chapter 9

Archdemon

“Tell me the full details of what happened to your child so I know what to do. There’s a possibility that poison is not the cause of your child’s condition,” I said seriously while we were at the dining table.

If it were just poison, I’m sure Eury would have already handled it. But it’s possible that her child was cursed or possessed by a demon. Those are the only possible explanations.

Someone stronger, so strong that even Eury couldn’t remove the curse? Or possibly a stronger demon than her? But knowing Eury, she’s not weak.

That woman just hates to fight.

“P-Possibly, my child was not poisoned... But Eury said...” The old woman paused and fell silent for a moment. She looked up at me and suddenly became serious.

“Uh... Once, I saw my child talking to herself. I wondered how she was already awake, and I felt something strange about her, something different in her presence. I felt dark magic...”

Yeah, that’s definitely not poison. I drank some water after eating and stood up. “Where is your child, and who is watching her right now?”

They're in danger. That kid is possessed by a demon. That’s the reason why Eury needed my help. Probably that demon is stronger.

Marina became frantic, as if she could read my thoughts. The old woman suddenly stood up. “M-My son is at home, and my son is watching over her.”

“Eris, do you plan to go there now?” Marina asked when she saw that I was about to leave.

“Wait, I'm coming with you!” Eirene shouted, rushing to follow me.

I approached the old woman and placed my hand on her shoulder. “We need to leave now. Your son is in danger.” Her lips trembled, and her face turned as pale as if doused with cold water.

“M-My son? Not my son... Please help my son...” The fear was evident on her face.

“That's why we need to leave now. A demon is inside your child’s body. He will kill your son, I'm sure of it. Where is your son?”

“Our house is near Hiraya, on Domingo Street...”

I looked at Eirene and signaled that we were leaving. He nodded and followed me.

“We're leaving now,” I told the old woman.

I could see that Marina wanted to come along, but I stopped them. “Stay here. You won't be able to help there, and you might become targets.”

They had no choice but to bid us goodbye, their worry clearly visible.

“Be careful! And I hope you can save Grandma's child!” Lelebeth said. Eirene just waved, and we turned to leave.

It was dark as we left the forest, and I could see eyes watching us. The old woman clung to me, obviously frightened.

“Eirene, keep an eye on her,” I whispered to him, who was right behind me. I was uncomfortable with the old woman holding onto me, and thankfully, she let go when Eirene took hold of her.

“Are you cold? Don't worry, we'll save your child. Eris is here,” he reassured the old woman, draping his cloak over her.

“Thank you, dear...” she said weakly.

When we got out of the forest, España Town greeted us.

I cast a spell. “Salin.” It created a portal. Eirene was stunned, and the old woman was clearly amazed.

“You can use that too?! Why didn’t you tell me? Teach me that too!” Eirene exclaimed in disbelief, looking at me.

“Stupid! Just get in,” I said irritably.

“Why don’t you use this when we go to the fortress?” He asked before entering the portal.

“I only use it when I’m in a hurry.”

Once we were all inside the portal, it led to Hiraya. Eirene was helping the old woman.

“Eirene, hide your face; someone might recognize you,” I said as he removed his cloak. I took off mine and made him wear it.

It's risky; someone might recognize him here since we were just outside their university.

“Lead the way,” I told the old woman. She nodded, and we started walking toward Domingo Street.

“Don't you have a dorm?” I asked Eirene as we walked.

“Yeah, but I won’t be back inside until after the ranking competition.”

So once that happens, he won't be able to leave? I wasn’t expecting to be with him for long.