Pedro

Chapter 7:Trash

Olivia turned to the battlefield up ahead. "To think that the famed hero of a time long gone is still living among us," Olivia licked her lips and grinned. "I can't wait." Olivia then vanished.

Marlene regained consciousness and saw all her friends knocked out. With the little strength she had, she took out her phone and asked for immediate backup before she lost consciousness again. A few moments later, many exorcists arrived at their location and sent them to their medical bay. A man in a white uniform covered by a brown leader coat jacket came up front. "What did you find?" the man asked. "General Juan, there seems to be a battle still taking on ahead. It's just a few miles from here," One of the members replied. "Okay, men, prepare yourselves. Let's go see what those rogues are at it again," the general yelled as they went to their destination.

Meanwhile, Pedro noticed the multiple incoming magic signatures. "So many, must the men of the Seven Sacraments or those of the Exorcist Organization. Either way, it's no good for me. I should get out of here," Pedro thought.

"Halt! Stay where you are."

Pedro stood still. "Crap, did they already reach me?" Pedro thought as he slowly turned his head.

"Come here, young man. It's not safe here. The evacuation center is this way," A police officer called out.

"Oh," Pedro sighed in relief. "Well, they didn't know me yet anyway."

"Thanks, man. There are explosions all over the place."

"Come here, it's this way."

Pedro was led to an evacuation center where multiple people were taking refuge. Once the cop left, Pedro quickly went to the back of the evacuation center before making his way out. Pedro got home and lay down on his bed. "Ceasar and Olivia, both members of the Seven Sacraments," Pedro thought. "Our encounter was too soon. I didn't have enough data about it but now they are already wary of me. Not to mention, I'm getting rusty." Pedro looked at his hand. "Darn it all. This shouldn't be my problem to begin with," Pedro muttered. "Maybe all I need is just a little sleep." Pedro closed his eyes and let his body relax for the entire night.

The morning went by and Pedro woke up early. He packed his things and went to Korea. Surprisingly, he didn't see Maria that time nor did he sense her in her house. Pedro didn't mind it at all. No crazy girl always trying to recruit is a great way to start his day. He clapped his hands together. "Tropelet." He was enveloped in white before his surroundings changed. He's now outside Kim's house. Both friends greeted each other before they sat at the mattress.

"They had the horn," Pedro said. Kim felt grim at this.

"It seems we had underestimated them. To think that they can hold their own against you for a short amount of time is no easy feat."

"My time in this world has dulled me."

"Be that as it may, but we have lost them again. That was our one opportunity to capture one of them. To know what their further goal is."

Pedro had thought back about a certain woman that he met after the battle with Ceasar. "This Olivia woman and this guy, Ceasar. That's the name that I got when I fought them. I know at least that Ceasar has at least great mastery of fire magic techniques, but I don't know anything about Olivia. Can you try to get info about these two?"

Kim nodded and proceeded to work. "It would take time for me to get it though."

"Thanks, Kim. Call me when you do." Pedro went outside and teleported to his house.

Those Seven Sacraments now have the horn. The resurrection of the Demon King draws near, so he had better prepare for the upcoming battle ahead. A couple of days had passed and there was still no sign of them. Kim still hadn't contacted him and Pedro was getting anxious. They must have thought about staying low for a while. The Exorcist who keeps patrolling every night also confirmed his theory. Ironically, he also didn't see Maria for the following days, despite the lack of communication between the two, except when she tried to recruit him every once in a while, he couldn't help but miss her. He assumed that she must have been injured this time around, but he was not so sure.

One day, Pedro finally saw Maria and his days started to go back to what they were before. Honestly, he was getting tired of her persistence. He had already said no on multiple occasions and she still didn't take his word. He doesn't want to join their group at all. He had enough of that during his heroic era. Plus, all he ever wanted was to get away from it all. This new group of rogue exorcists is threatening his peaceful life and should the Demon King come back from the dead, there would be chaos. Being tied to an organization would rob him of his freedom and self-imposed isolation. That's why he prefers to work alone...well except for his partnership with Kim, but he was his friend, so he's valid.

Maria stands in front of him. He groaned internally, waiting for the inevitable offer of recruitment, but surprisingly, she was quiet. "If you're here to try to recruit me again, just stop. You already know what my answer is."

"I know that. For the record, this will be the last time that I will try to give you this offer."

Okay, he did not see that coming. "Really, what about your little promise a few weeks ago?"

The atmosphere of the room is suddenly tense.

"That was in the past. Anyway, I already have some available options in terms of perks and salaries. The higher-ups are also getting tired of your refusal. You didn't even tell me what your reason for denying the offer. The salary is higher than your job now, and you could use those gifts to help more people. I just don't understand why?" Maria unknowingly raised her voice. "Do you know how many people died because of them? And here you are refusing to help them in times of need. I know you care, Pedro. That night when you patched my wounded arm despite rarely knowing each other is proof of that. Why? Is your act of kindness a fake? Is that a one-time thing? What about the others?! Will you only treat me that way if you only feel like it? If so, you are both selfish and heartless."

Pedro went still, and his face showcased a burning rage very visible for all to see. He glared daggers at Maria, who didn't even flinch. "Heartless? Selfish? You think I'm two of those things. Lady, I already refused your offer on the first day we met, but you keep coming back. All because it would ruin your track record."

Maria flinched at that. Her eyes gained a hard look. "How did you know that? Did you spy on me?!" She uncharacteristically yelled.

Pedro ignored what she said and just continued. "I just want to live a normal life, Maria. I don't want to associate myself with any of those unnatural creatures. Besides, why do you act so surprised? You did the same thing to me. And for the record, you don't know me. However, I do know a little about you."

Maria widened her eyes at what he said. "I know you are nothing but a spoiled girl who is so confused about winning that just the thought of losing is unacceptable."

Maria, for the first time, had felt anger.

"I bet that when you were just a little kid, your parents must have provided you with a joyful childhood.

Her hands are clinched shot.

"Mommy and Daddy always provide for your every need. Must be nice, isn't it?"

"Please, no more."

"You must have convinced them to go to a prestigious school. I wouldn't be surprised if you inherited your robot attitude to you, Mom."

"Mother? Where are you, Mom?"

She was now gritting her teeth in frustration, but Pedro only continued to mock her.

"You are nothing but trash."

"You are nothing but trash."

Maria saw red and before Pedro knew it, he was kicked in the face.