Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 237: A life for a life

Chapter 237: A life for a life

The once dark skies soon gave way to a clear day yet again with the stirred aether returning to a calm state.

At this moment, Arthur and Lionel watched the receding darkness with dim expressions.

"What are the chances this is related to that lizard’s disappearance?" Arthur inquired, breaking the silence looming over them.

Lionel sighed. "I can’t be sure for the time being."

"I sensed it. It wasn’t just an Evil god."

"Much more?"

"Way bigger."

"...I see." Lionel’s expression loosened as he continued. "Whomever it was that prevented this... I’ll have to look into them."

"Why?"

"If they are friendly, establishing connections with them won’t be out of the way and if not... we might have a troublesome enemy to face."

Taking a deep breath, Arthur turned to face Lionel. "That is for another time. Come, let’s celebrate. It would seem Ra’as will be able to see another bright day."

"I couldn’t agree more," Lionel remarked before adding in faint amusement. "You are good with conversations."

Arthur revealed a sly grin. "I hear I have a talent for it."

Meanwhile, as the two men chatted, Natasha watched from a distance, taking a moment to glance at the now-brightened sky before she let out a relieved sigh.

It would seem for now that all was well once again.

***

The alabaster temple was filled with dense aether as a tall purple-skinned succubus accompanied by a humanoid female made of tar worked together to draw up a magic circle.

It was a unique piece as both Devils worked together, quickly creating what looked like a pyramid with a skull within.

Alex watched this silently, taking a few glances at Nadia who was currently being tended to by Charlotte.

"How do you feel?" Ana inquired as she came to sit beside him.

Alex glanced at her before softly replying. "Tired."

"Same here."

"Thanks."

"For?"

"If not for your help, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to prevent Abraham’s apotheosis."

Ana shrugged as she replied. "I just sent you back, you were the crazy genius."

"It doesn’t matter." Alex intoned softly. "I realize that alone, I can do very little. If I want to continue searching for the Branches, I need assistance. I need a team."

Ana revealed a mischievous grin as she said. "I guess you already have a few members in mind."

Alex pursed his lips, taking a moment to regard the unconscious Nadia before shifting his attention to the magic circle that was slowly being lit as he answered. "I guess so."

"I look forward to it." Ana casually said.

Just then, Vessina and Xistora began to chant in devil tongue, their voices meshing together to resemble a choir piece that resonated with the aether, leaving ripples that stretched infinitely.

Just then, space began to distort as a cold draft of wind rushed into the temple, leaving everyone, apart from the Devils, jittery.

Then, bony hands emerged from the void, several moving to grab the hems of space like a curtain before pulling back to reveal a land of bones inundated by pale flames.

Alex pursed his lips as he wondered. ’Is that the PaleLands?’

Hardly had the thought come to him when an Emissary of Death emerged from the portal.

It was a figure shrouded in a dark cloak with bony hands.

It stood at almost the same height as Vessina and even had more width to it with a scythe made of bones in its left hand.

A pair of pale flames appeared underneath its cloak, taking the form of eyes.

Slowly, it took note of everything about it before finally resting on the Devils that summoned it.

You called me?

Vessina spoke up while pointing at Alex.

We did. This mortal man would like to make a deal with you.

The Emissary shifted its attention from Vessina to gaze upon Alex.

At that moment, Alex shivered as a terrible chill came from within him.

After a brief moment passed with silence looming over the hall, the Emissary spoke.

You... your life is meant to be at an end. It is long overdue.

It spoke each word concisely, leaving Alex increasingly unnerved.

Revealing a tight smile, Alex replied. "I guess you are familiar with my situation then."

Indeed. You are living on borrowed time.

Its flaming eyes flickered as it spoke, clearly intrigued by Alex’s state.

"Good, since you know my situation, there’s no need to waste too much time on specifics."

Taking a deep breath, Alex continued. "I want to bring back a soul currently lost in Purgatory."

The Emissary paused, pondering Alex’s words for a moment before it replied hoarsely.

Impossible. A life reaped cannot be returned.

"Why?"

That is the law.

"I thought it was a life for a life."

You are already living on borrowed time and none amongst your retinue possess a soul that could interest me. Unless...

Its pale gaze shifted to Vessina and Xistora, causing the two Devils to put up their guard.

Alex pursed his lips before replying. "No need to take them. But I possess an immortal soul. One that has tasted what it means to be a True God."

... Is that so?

"I do not lie." Snapping his finger, a pulsating orb of yellow, green, and red liquid.

You are correct. It is the soul of a True God. Albeit a failed one.

Its eyes glowed with interest as it reached out a hand and immediately, the orb rushed over, leaving Alex shocked.

The Emissary studied the orb, stroking it with its bony fingers before finally speaking up.

The trade shall be made. But... know that this would be the last. Unless you have the soul of a fully formed True God, any attempts to do this again shall result in a simple response.

"And that is?"

Death. Without a doubt!

"...I have no problems with the arrangement."

Good... now, tell me. Who do you wish to revive?

"Arwen Hallewell," Alex replied without hesitation. "Bring her back."

As you wish.

Planting its scythe into the ground, the Emissary stretched its hand into nothingness, promptly ripping open a portal into what looked like an endless desert.

Come, child. You are free.

***

Arwen didn’t know how long she had walked for but she didn’t consider it a major issue.

It’s not like time was relevant in Purgatory, the realm for lost souls.

As she had used her human lifespan to trade for Alex’s revival, she was left with her Banshee side, leaving her a monster without a body... a lost soul destined to wander forever.

She let out a sigh. "I wonder how Claudia is doing."

As she attempted to take another step forward, she suddenly paused.

The next moment, a portal appeared before her and out of it, a bony hand emerged and grabbed her, pulling her away before she had a chance to do or say anything.

Soon after, Purgatory returned to silence.