Because of all their exorcisms, Diavolo and Klein were now the subject of many rumors about their exploits. They were even a source of fascination, captivating even the residents of Alexandria who had never seen them before... And apparently, their exploits had also reached Sky City Academy...

Jezabel Of Sun, the proud and arrogant princess of the Sol clan, found herself in a deadlock that set her nerves on edge.

As a seventh-circle mage specialized in extreme temperatures, she usually tolerated no weakness within her ranks.

However, the recent expeditions into the unstable zones of the Tenebris continent had exposed her subordinates to demonic mana emanations that gave free rein to demonic possession. In the rigid structure of Sky City academy, the standard procedure required the immediate intervention of the Holy Cathedral to handle these cases of corruption.

Yet, Jézabel openly despised the methods employed by the servants of the Seraphs. When a priest used his arcane magic to attempt to extract the darkness, the process often proved as destructive as the evil itself. If the demonic affinity was too powerful or too deeply rooted in the victim’s heart, the priest would declare himself powerless.

In this specific case, the paladin escorting her, faithful to the dogma of purification by iron, would proceed with the summary execution of the corrupted person to avoid any complications.

Jezabel categorically refused to see her faction weakened by the loss of talented mages under the pretext of religious incompetence. She had heard rumors circulating in the underworld about a duo of mercenaries operating off the Church’s radar.

This group apparently possessed unconventional techniques allowing them to exorcise hosts without breaking them, a precious alternative for a leader who cared about preserving her military resources. It was precisely for this reason that she had sent her fastest messenger in search of the two mysterious individuals.

Meanwhile, far from the luxury of the Dawn manors, the air in the Broken Mug tavern was saturated with the smell of cheap beer and tobacco.

The loud voices of drunk customers mingled with the clinking of coins on the sticky wooden tables. Diavolo Star Giovanna was sitting in the darkest corner of the establishment, one leg casually folded on his seat.

At his side, Kaiser remained motionless. Under the identity of Klein, Kaiser sat with a cynical and nonchalant air, a cigarette in his mouth.

From his height of one meter ninety, he dominated the small round table, his broad shoulders highlighting an athletic build of a seasoned warrior. His long silver hair fell elegantly around his face, while his cold blue eyes scanned the room with an intensity that left nothing to chance.

He wore a long white coat with complex embroidery on the lapels, a fitted black top with silver patterns, white pants held by a wide black leather belt with double buckles, covered in silver chains that connected his coat to his belt. He also wore a black leather glove on his left hand. A katana was attached to his back.

Suddenly, the tavern door opened with a crash, letting in a gust of fresh air and a breathless silhouette. A young messenger, his clothes covered in dust and his face marked by fatigue, frantically scanned the room before directing his gaze toward the dark corner where the duo stood.

He advanced toward them with hesitation, intimidated by the pressure emanating from these two men.

" Are you the ones called Klein and Diavolo ? " he asked, his voice trembling slightly under the effort of his run.

Diavolo set down his mug. He turned toward the young man, his golden eye shining with amused curiosity. He let out a singular laugh.

" Nyo-hoo... Who is asking, my little guy ? " he replied while proudly displaying his golden smile.

The messenger straightened up, trying to regain his composure despite the unease that was invading him.

" My master, the young mistress of the Sol clan, wishes to see you with the utmost urgency. She has a matter of the highest importance to discuss with you. "

Diavolo stopped moving and turned his head toward Kaiser, his expression changing to adopt a mischievous conniving look.

" What do you think, baby boy ? "

" I say you should stop calling me that... Anyway, what exactly does she want from us ? " asked Kaiser in a deep voice devoid of any warmth.

The messenger shook his head, avoiding meeting Klein’s cold gaze.

" I do not know, my lord. She only specified that your skills were required for a task that no one else in this kingdom could accomplish without shedding unnecessary blood. "

Kaiser let a short silence settle while he took a sip of his beer. Then, he abruptly slammed his mug on the table, a sharp sound that made the messenger jump and caused a few glances in the tavern to turn away.

" Fine... " Kaiser stood up. " And if we go see what she has for us, fucking cowboy ?"

Diavolo stood up as well, gathering his few belongings.

" Does she pay well at least ? " asked Diavolo, his tone changing to become more direct, the lure of profit being one of his main drives. " I do not move my carcass for thanks or copper coins. "

" Obviously ! Who do you think you are dealing with ? " replied the messenger, seeming stung, a flash of indignation crossing his gaze.

" Let’s go then ! Nyo-hoo ! " exclaimed Diavolo while smiling even more broadly, heading toward the exit with a bouncing step, closely followed by Kaiser who kept his hands in his pockets.

Together, guided by the messenger, they left the tavern and headed toward a rift. The destination was the Tenebris continent, where Jézabel had chosen to establish her headquarters.

The princess of the Sol clan, faithful to her reputation of arrogance and sickly mistrust, granted her trust to no one within the academy. She preferred to reign over her bastion in the middle of monsters and the corruption of Tenebris, convinced that isolation was her best defense.

As they crossed the portal, the air changed abruptly, becoming heavy and saturated with demonic mana, signaling their arrival on the Tenebris continent...