Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 5: Invisible Mask, Part 2
Vermyna..the ancestor of the demons?
Nueva never thought it would be heard. Edward had told her many things about the devil. About their history and their lives. About the arrival of Lucifer who claimed to be their leader all after defeating Sataniciela in a one-on-one duel. And of all that information, not a single piece mentioned Vermyna as the ancestor of the demons.
However, Nueva did not doubt the credibility that Xavier had just expressed.
Xavier's not stupid. Although there was a chance that he would be fooled if it was a lie, there was also a chance that he would ignore the news. Xavier certainly understands that. There was no way he would bet on it with a lie. Hence, what he said was the truth—at least, the truth according to him.
Of course there is a possibility Xavier thought it was the conclusion he would take, Monica's existence is just a director for him to think there. However, it is too risky. Xavier wasn't stupid enough to take that risk. The conclusion is true.
“If that is so, then?” Nueva looked intensely into that blood red iris, an iris similar to hers.
“I want His Majesty to replace Monica with Vermyna. Honestly speaking, I joined the Imperial Army in order to kill you easily, but my hatred for Vermyna was greater. However, the Vermyna I met last night and the Vermyna I heard from the others was different. The Vermyna I met was stronger, and it was in a significant sense. More than that, I'm tired of being Luciel.”'s pawn
Nueva's expression did not change hearing the explanation, but his mind went quickly.
Edward has given him information regarding Xavier defeating Undead Thevetat. He did not think Vermyna was stronger than Undead Thevetat. Indeed, [Space Magic] Vermyna was so annoying, and it was true that Undead Thevetat did not have [Eternal Zero]. However, Nueva believes Undead Thevetat is stronger than Vermyna. And now he hears Xavier claiming Vermyna is too strong for him to handle….
However, Nueva will not comment on Xavier's claim. He had heard how close he and Nizivia were. If Vermyna came to Xavier to say he had killed Nizivia, there was no other reason why Xavier was here than because Vermyna was stronger than him. He can think his words are right. The main concern of Nueva was Xavier's last sentence.
“You're tired of being Luciel's pawn? Elaborate.”
“Like His Majesty wanted the Throne of Heaven, Luciel was the same. He wanted me to focus on that. I did it because he was willing to make me master his magic to kill you. However, hearing it was a mistake. He forced me to get [Division Magic]. If I don't hear the instructions, I can save Nizivia.”
“[Division Magic]…? You want to say that El is Luciel who uses the body of [Division Magic]?”
Xavier nodded steadily. “How, Your Majesty? Are you going to accept my request? Of course I'll never forgive what you've done, but I'll put that aside until Vermyna's dead. Until then, I will become an imperial warrior in total.”
“Oh, you're not hiding your intentions.”
“I don't have to do it. Once Vermyna is overcome, I will kill you. I will display your corpse on the spear, and then set up the spear in the cemetery of the people of Carnal Village. Vermyna is a bigger problem. To finish off the creature, I need your help and Kanna.”
Nueva could not help herself from laughing. His laughter lasted for almost two minutes.
“Alright, alright, I accept your request. I will not sacrifice Monica Elsesky; from the beginning I did have the intention to finish off Vermyna. However,” Nueva pauses while changing her sitting position, “you must prove your point: you must become a total imperial warrior in its most basic sense.”
“...Of course. What do you want me to do, Your Majesty?”
“With the death of Commander Nizivia at Vermyna's hands, and with Commander Lumeira's betrayal (if your words are correct), I want you to replace Commander Nizivia in attacking the Elf Kingdom. That would be the cooperation between Division 3, Division 11, and Division 12. Who will be the main leader in the attack is Kanna ‒ Kanna I will directly assign to assess your performance.”
“I don't mind. However,” Xavier said with a serious expression, “you know killing Luciel by myself is equivalent to suicide. Currently, Luciel's soul was within the [Division Magic] result body. If I destroy that body, Luciel will only return to my original body. And I'm sure by then he won't think twice about taking over my body.”
“Alright then. I accept the task you gave me. Vermillion Empire will destroy Elf Kingdom.”
“Good. Ah, Commander Xavier, former Captain Emily will be promoted to Eleventh Commander, you can make Monica your secretary. I'll reward him with a noble title after a few months of work. That's it, you can go.”
Xavier nodded. “Then we beg to resign, Your Majesty.” And both of them immediately left the throne room in firm steps.
Nueva closed her eyes as soon as the door closed. His memories slightly revolved around the past, when he returned from begging the village healer for help in order to treat his mother. His efforts were successful, the village healer was willing. However, by the time he arrived at their slum, his mother had already lost her life in the hands of a despicable human.
…It was the day that Nueva lost faith in the so-called human. It was a day when he hated the world. It was the day that Nueva blasphemed against the god. It was the darkest day of his life. He felt empty. By ourselves. The world becomes meaningless.
The encounter with his mother Retsu makes Nueva again see the light. But it only lasted a little while. The light went out so quickly. And before Nueva knew it, she was lost in the darkness of the lightless. In that despair, ..he met Mammon.
“Yang Mulia.”
Nueva's eyelids opened slowly, looking weakly at Edward who was slightly bent on the right side of the throne.
“Something bothers you?”
“Edward, search Lumeira.” Nueva ignored the butler's question. “Xavier claims he's Vermyna's accomplice. If you don't find him, eliminate everything he has to do with him. Division 3 members may be loyal to him, kill them. I'm telling you to choose a replacement commander for Lumeira.”
“That's no surprise,” comments Edward with a faint smile on the lips. “Do I have to deal with Vermyna too if I happen to find them both?”
“Xavier indirectly claims Vermyna is now stronger than Undead Thevetat. If that's true, and given that he dared to attack Fie, it's very likely that you won't be able to defeat him. Vermyna..Xavier claims it as the ancestor of the demons.”.
Nueva never once saw the shock on Edward's face, but this time he saw the reaction.
“You don't believe it?”
“Not, Your Honor.” Edward quickly returned his expression back to how it was. “Hamba just remembered what Mr. Lucifer said when asking if anyone could beat Phoenix. At that moment he replied quietly: Vermyna Hellvarossa. However, the creature should no longer exist. However, if what Xavier said is true..”.
“As it turned out,” muttered Nueva concluded, again closing her eyelids. “Vermyna Hermythys is actually Vermyna Hellvarossa, the ancestor of the demons. Find information about him if you can, Edward, but don't confront him. You're the only individual I trust without but, it would be sad if I had to hear that you're dead.”
“It's an honor to hear that from you, Your Majesty. I try to get back as soon as possible. Slave go.”
Silence immediately filled the room as soon as Edward disappeared, and Nueva's eyes opened.
If the previous was empty and lack of interest was what his eyeballs were emitting, this time it was a cold sharpness. Nueva's gaze was so piercing, it was like she looked disgusted at what her eyes saw.
“...The only individual I trust.