THE DEMON's COMEBACK

TDC#22: UNEXPECTED ALLY

KLYDE'S POV

"Cyrus Park is dead," I announced.

I turned to see Rafael praying silently, probably for the deceased district leader.

"They were all single-handedly defeated by Demon, the Almighty Hyra." On the other side, Jigs seemed to be worshipping Demon. It was as if his fear had transformed into admiration, unlike when Demon had nearly caught him.

"He really admires Demon," I thought to myself.

"Do you have any news about Zack? Is he still alive, or should I pray for his soul too?" Rafael was about to light another candle when I interrupted. I didn't want him to assume Zack was dead.

"I can still track his coordinates everywhere, so I'm sure he's alive," I assured them. Their disappointed frowns and eye rolls followed. "Zack is undeniably stronger than all of you. The fact that he survived in that place is proof."

"He's just lucky," Jigs muttered under his breath.

"It's noon. Aren't you going to visit the VIP?"

"Oh, I'll go. Please bring us some fancy food."

They nodded and left.

I changed into fresh clothes and headed straight to where he was. As usual, he sat comfortably on the floor, sipping coffee. Today, I encountered a prisoner who seemed oddly relaxed despite being in enemy territory.

"Hi," I greeted him sincerely. I didn't enjoy coming back here, but I had no choice.

"Did you bring food? I'm hungry," he asked casually.

"The audacity," I thought to myself. "Can I kill you?" I released a murderous intent, expecting him to react with fear.

"Sure, if you can," he replied calmly, not even looking at me.

"This is what happens when you're around Demon for too long. Nothing scares you anymore," I muttered. "Tch, the food will be here in a few minutes," I said, feeling slightly irritated by his nonchalance.

He put his cup down and looked at me. "Nice try," he grinned annoyingly. He clearly enjoyed teasing me.

I pulled up a chair and sat in front of him. "Cyrus Park is dead," I informed him.

"Demon seems to be rushing everything," he remarked, not particularly concerned.

Soon, the food arrived and was placed in front of him. I watched as he ate, impressed by his table manners. He could escape this place effortlessly, yet he chose to remain.

"Aren't you wasting your time here instead of helping Demon?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Staying here is better than dying in battle. Half of life in this country is equivalent to my life," he explained cryptically. "When I die, Demon will wreak havoc. I can't die without her permission."

"Are you planning something while staying comfortable here?" I pressed further.

He nodded thoughtfully.

"What kind of woman is Demon?"

"Why do you ask? Planning to steal her from me?" His tone turned serious, a hint of menace in his voice.

"I just want to know. You've said she'll never like me because I'm not you, right?" I replied cautiously.

He fell silent for a few moments, then unexpectedly began to speak.