Entha

Chapter 15: The Light Armor of Desire

“MiLord Calix, the Duke request your presence”

“Oh have father returned, I’ll be there in a moment”

Honestly, Father Areath frightened me the first day I arrived, but who wouldn't be with a huge bear lunging at you? Looking back, I might have peed my pants a little, but that said, he had a marshmallow for a heart, and these past months of spending time with him gave me a broader view of the demon world, he would often come to my quarters and tell me of his adventures in the helliun world, which the demon occupied thousands of years, I freaked out the first time he did so, but it turned out to be Esteroth's doing, informing him about how human parents read stories to their children. Not that I found the stories or father unpleasant, but the story had gotten repetitious, so I urged him to stop, which he readily agreed to, but to my surprise, he had been sending me stuff, which is also the doing of that Esteroth reminding him that decent human parents send gifts to their children. It was all unfamiliar feelings to me, never in my life on Earth did I have receive such gifts, one example is Asporeas he had given me this sword as my personal weapon, made from the blood of the beast Asor that he had slain in his younger years, it was a huge serpent that slithered in the depths of the mountains close to the kingdom of Enratas one of the creatures born from the thick mana of Azam, But such a sword is something he treasures I felt undeserving to accept more than this, so I told him to stop again, he refused the first time, but after I told him that families don't do things like giving gifts every day, he smiled broadly and nodded. Time had passed, and I felt comfortable conversing with Duke Areath, whether about sword forms or the most mundane matters of preference of foods.

We made our way to the Duke’s hall with Gale, the vast chamber with the ornately carved large doors, which Gale had pulled wide without notice yet again, but I wasn't as terrified as the last time…the room is much brighter than before? Father Areath was still on the throne, and at his side were Esteroth, Heather, Halen, and Elena, who, unlike the last time, didn't have the piercing curious glares comparable to observing an animal that had escaped its cage, instead they had a wide smile plastered on their faces, and they were wearing what appeared to be light armor shaded in black resembling a tail coat with lines of color in its hem that corresponds to their eye color along with a black colored boots and arm guards that made them look ready for battle, the crimson carpet had been replaced with a green carpet, and a line of what appeared to be a medieval buffet lamp with a green flame had been planted next to the carpet.

“Come, Calix My Son” announced father Areath,

I carefully made my way towards the elevated platform, and just as I was about to reach the stairwell, Father rose up and motioned the maids I hadn't noticed were standing on one edge of the room, they walked closer carrying a box large enough for me to fit in, is this a coffin?

“A coffin? but before you do bury me, would I please be granted the privilege to die first” I jokingly said, trying to ease my worried heart, being buried alive isn’t a nice way to go ain’t it,

“Hahaha, Open it, it’s a gift”

Internally, a sigh of relief escaped me, and I opened the box at Father's command. Inside was the same light armor, boots, and arm guard Esteroth and the others wore, but this one was a light armor with lines of green on its helm,

“Father this is?”

“Its an armor crafted by the finest alchemist of the Kingdom it was supposed to come with your first summon, but I was held up in the Capital, I apologize for arriving late”

He explained but such apology was unneeded, I could feel a boding warmth from the slowly rising beating of my heart, tingling with excitement and joy,  I quietly watch the armor, it looked glorious and intimidating, still in disbelief that this was something I would wear, I inquired yet again,

“Is this really mine to wear, father?" I asked, I could already feel my voice shaking with delight; it was a far different feeling than the pleasure I felt when I received my Entha; I am moved and I could feel a warm sensation on my cheeks; what I'm experiencing right now is undoubtedly a sense of belonging, which I had never had on Earth, the warm feeling of belonging to a family,

“Of course, Do wear it right now” Father proudly said,

I removed my tail coat and boots, leaving only a shirt and pants made from a silk-like material from the demon world, and with the assistance of the maids, I fitted the light armor; it didn't feel heavy and the boots and arm guards made a perfect fit; it was tight and all, but the tightness was comfortable. After fitting the armor I glanced at Esteroth, Heather, Elena and Halen

“What are you crying for thickhead?” (Esteroth)

“You look powerful brother” (Heather)

“Much less dumb looking than before”(Elena)

“Man up Calix” (Halen)

“My son Calix, do your very best in upholding your Entha”

I was crying? I didn’t even noticed, Drowned in the feelings of joy, I hugged Areath, and had genuinely put him in mind as my Father, probably surprised with my sudden actions as I myself was also surprised, I could hear Areath, Esteroth, Heather, Halen, and Elena give a heartfelt laugh.

Wiping the snot and tears that unknowingly flowed on my cheeks and lips, I stepped back, raise my chest and beamed a smile before kneeling.

“I Calix De Val, as the 5th son of Duke Areath De Val, will whole heartedly upheld my Entha” I said with proudest voice I could ever project

“That’s great, Now stand up my son Calix, it’s time for your summon”

Said, Father as he pat my back giving me a push towards the door, with the cheers of Heather, Elena, Halen, and Esteroth, I made my way to the summoning room carrying a contract,

Living as a human on Earth shackled me from a lot of things, but the lack of desire and the unending pursuit of death had come to an end, as a demon I've begun to change, I know I've changed, I've begun to understand what truly is living for, I've been living alone tirelessly, aimlessly without purpose for the longest time but now I have a role, I'll fulfill my job as a contract holder, not because of the elevated feeling it gives nor the Intent of Azam's will but because, I now have a desire to live for, to strive for, to fight for, and even die for, Thus I had decided…that I Calix De Val will upheld my Entha and devote myself to the betterment of the demon world, even if it means absorbing the life force of every human on Earth or going to war with the damned Angels.