Mistress Of The Evil Forest
Case 209: Demons and dark magic.

''...How is this possible?''

I hear Claire mutter, her voice trembling. In this world, pretty much everyone is used to acknowledging that demons and humans are two entirely separate races. Fundamentally, that is not far from the truth. However, exceptions are always present.

''Efil probably pulled some tricks.'' I let out a sigh. ''Maybe it didn't want to create a new body for this demon.''

''So... it took Lady Apollo's body instead...?''

''Yeah. The demon's main body is probably that necklace.''

For some time, I've felt distinctly that the concentration of demonic energy lies within the crimson jewel on Janet's necklace. Now, whether the two are in a process of assimilation or their fusion is merely temporary... it needs further inspection.

Nonetheless, we can't leave this case alone.

''We need to see if we can save Janet.'' I firmly say. ''Let's bring her back.''

''E-Eh? Just kidnap her like this...?''

Picking up the unconscious girl, I look straight into Claire's astounded eyes, ''Yes.''

''W-Wait a second—''

So, we end up pulling Janet into the Backrooms.

Resting her against the worn-down office wall, I begin to ponder what to do with her. Obviously, I should have the doc examine her first and see if he can do something. Alternatively, I can call Goatman and rely on his dark magic.

Worst case scenario, if neither is effective, I'll just contact the other me.

I'm starting to feel like she's becoming more similar to Doraemon as time goes by, but... well, it can't be helped.

''How do we purify her now, Aurora?'' Claire approaches me, her manners somewhat reluctant. ''Maybe I can use my sword...''

''That might be too risky. We don't know if the holy sword can erase all demonic traces from her without causing side effects.'' I reply. 

''Then...''

''Time to consult the experts.''

Adults don't choose.

When I was a child, with limited pocket money, I could only eat some but not all the snacks I wanted to eat. But after I grew up and got a job, I could eat whatever I wanted.

Similarly, I don't need to choose either the doc or Goatman when I can choose both.

''Greetings.''

''Do you need me?''

The two horrors, one from urban legends, the other from online writings of anomalous entities, make their entrance. The doc behaves eerily yet somewhat elegantly, seeming like a real doctor, while Goatman stands tall and menacing, two crimson eyes burning like fire.

Unexpectedly, the scaredy cat Claire is already nowhere to be seen. I hope she doesn't encounter any Backrooms' entity out there...

''Examine this girl for me. She's been partially fused with a demon.'' I order the two regardless.

''Oh ho... It is the first time I have encountered such a case.''

The doc tightens his black gloves and performs a check-up on Janet, his mutters filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, Goatman's elusive body flutters lightly as he commands dark magic, summoning a magic circle in the air.

Each guy seems to have their own method. I wonder how their results will differ.

Eventually, the examinations wrap up around the same time, and surprisingly, their answers are quite similar.

''The necklace is indeed the demonic entity's root.'' The doc says. ''It appears that this girl has been subjected to its invasion for a while.''

''The two souls are already halfway to becoming one, not to mention the demon's dominance. Removing the leech is not impossible; however, it will be costly.''

''Is that so... then, which one of you is confident you can take on the job? I'll give appropriate rewards, of course.''

For a moment, the two men glance at one another. Then, chuckling, 049 speaks to me, ''I shall leave the honor to this gentleman. Truthfully, I am also eager to witness his expertise.''

''Alright. How about it, Goatman?''

''Understood.''

So, the two of us promptly move to the side, focusing on what the mysterious Goatman might do.

Without delay, Goatman's power surges, black smoke plowing out to the surroundings like a volcano. The Backrooms' already flickering lights tremble, and the space itself vibrates violently as if there is an earthquake.

In front of the towering figure, a crudely drawn, blood-soaked magic circle gradually expands, from which an equally crude arm crawls out. Like ink splattered on a canvas, the thing seems almost formless, yet its movements indicate a powerful, muscular arm weaving in the air.

''U-Ugh...!''

Janet's unconscious body sweats bullets.

With my senses, I can see the demonic essence being pulled out from her body. Soon, her body hangs lightly in the air, defying gravity as her little horns and tail fade into nothingness.

Even the boiling crimson in her necklace quickly loses its color. All seems to be hauled into a swirling ball, which sits squarely in the magic circle's palm.

When the surroundings calm down somewhat, I approach the paling Janet. Fortunately, her conditions don't look too bad. Chuck her some elixirs and she'll return in a few weeks at most.

''Now then...''

I stare at the mass of demonic energy in the air. It slightly resembles an eye—a more... cartoonish eye. Probably because it is coiling around in panic, trying to escape.

''What should I do with this?'' 

''Hm...''

Considering that this thing has something similar to Clairvoyance and doesn't seem too powerful, keeping it might be good. Turning to the doc, I point at the thing and ask, ''Is there a way to contain this?''

''Of course.''

From his medical pocket, 049 takes out a neat-looking glass container. After shoving the demon into the jar, he promptly seals it despite the resistance and hands the goods to me.

''Thanks.''

Holding the coconut-sized container in my hands, I begin to think of some usages...

''I-Is it finally over...?''

''Claire?''

From a corner, the blonde pokes out her head. Under our gaze, she covertly walks over, hugging her holy sword as though a protection charm.

''Huh... so this is the demon.'' She mutters, emerald green eyes staring down at the thing in the jar. ''So Janet is fine now, right?''

''Yeah.''

''We should return her, then. The Apollo Duchy will be quite chaotic if they find out she was missing...''

''It's fine. We need to keep her for a while to see if there are lingering side effects or not.''

Hearing that, the heroine, with a strong sense of justice, quickly protests, ''We can't do that! The Duke, the Duchess, and Janet's brother are going to be worried, you know?''

''Who cares. We're saving her here.'' I sigh, pushing her forehead. ''More than that, shouldn't you prepare for the new semester? We're going against a powerful demon this time.''

''Ah... right.''

Clutching her sword, Claire's expression turns solemn... but then, she suddenly laughs as though a pervert, her body swaying somewhat creepily.

''Heheheh... I can fight alongside...''

''...''

Seriously, what is wrong with these girls?