Reincarnated As A Demon

Chapter 6 He's a troublemaker and Chapter 7 Archdemon

Chapter 6 He's a troublemaker.

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“I don’t do that! Too much work!” Ecanus declared, crossing his arms defiantly.

He’s just lazy… Zerha thought, pressing her fingers to her temples.

“We should go now, Master. The Haria Kingdom is not so far from here,” Foxy urged, eager to get moving.

“Okay!” Zerha agreed, finally taking a step forward. But before they could start walking, the angel puffed out his chest and yelled:

“Hold on! None of you even bothered to ask my mighty name! Aha! I think I know why, you’re just shy! Wahaha!” Ecanus burst into loud, arrogant laughter, as if expecting applause.

Garren folded his arms, unimpressed. “What are you talking about? We don’t care whoever you are, weak angel.”

“We are not interested in some weak, foolish angel. ” Foxy added flatly.

Ecanus’s laughter screeched to a halt. His smile faded into a stunned silence. “What…?”

These two… Zerha shook her head. She glanced apologetically at Ecanus. “Sorry about them. What’s your name, by the way?”

Ecanus cleared his throat dramatically, recovering his swagger. “This handsome young man standing before you is the mighty angel named Ecanus! Wahaha!” He posed and laughed while hands were in his waist.

Ecanus… Zerha thought. That name sounds angelic… but I doubt he’s kind or gentle…

“I’m Zerha,” she said. “This dragon is Garren, and this is Foxy.”

“Oh, it’s nice meeting me, right?” Ecanus gloated, flashing a grin.

He’s really arrogant… all three thought at the same time.

“We should go, Master,” Foxy urged. “But prepare yourself. We might encounter beasts and demons on our way there. Now that we’re disguised as humans, they’ll see us as easier targets.”

“I don’t need to worry, right? I have both of you with me!” Zerha said brightly. Having two strong bodyguards are the best!!

Garren’s and Foxy’s eyes lit up with pride.

“Yes! You can count on us, Master!” Garren exclaimed.

“He’s right!” Foxy agreed with a fierce nod.

Sigh, this world is way too dangerous. Why do I have to live my second life in a place like this…? Oh God, are you punishing me? Zerha lamented inwardly.

“The three of you should not be worrying about anything!” Ecanus declared, strutting forward with his hands on his waist. “I, mighty Ecanus, will kill all those f****ng demons who dare cross our path!”

Remembering how Ecanus had struggled with a low-level demon earlier, Zerha gave him a forced smile. “Ah… thanks. Ha-ha…”

“I doubt that,” Garren muttered under his breath.

“Huh? What the f*ck do you mean?!” Ecanus shouted, fists clenched as he whirled on Garren.

But Garren just ignored him. “Let’s go, Master.”

“Hey! You f****g dragon! I’m still talking to you! Come back here!” Ecanus yelled, running to catch up. “Hey!!”

Why is this weak angel following us…? Garren thought, shooting Ecanus a suspicious glare.

As they continued through the forest, sunlight streamed through the high branches. Birds chirped, and a breeze rustled the leaves. The moment felt almost peaceful, until a rustle came from the bushes beside the path.

“What was that?” Zerha squeaked, grabbing Garren’s arm.

“Do not worry, my fellows! I will handle this!” Ecanus announced grandly. He swaggered over to the bushes and peered inside. “Oh… it’s just a bunch of baby birds!”

He reached in and scooped up two fluffy chicks, their tiny bodies covered in bright purple fluff. They chirped indignantly in his palms.

“Why is the nest in the bushes?” Foxy asked, tilting her head.

“Maybe it fell from a tree,” Garren suggested.

“They’re so cute and fluffy! Can I touch them?!” Zerha squealed, reaching forward.

Garren immediately threw out his arm to block her. “Don’t go near them, Master.”

“Why not?” Zerha whined, pouting. But Garren didn’t answer her directly. Instead, he barked at Ecanus:

“Ecanus, put those birds down!”

Startled, Ecanus flinched and accidentally dropped the chicks onto the grass.

“Oh no! Poor little things!” Zerha cried, her heart twisting as the chicks gave tiny squeaks of distress.

“Master, come on! Let’s run!” Foxy yelled, grabbing Zerha’s hand.

“Huh? Why?!”

“Their mother is coming, and she looks furious!” Foxy pointed upward.

Zerha followed Foxy’s gaze, and nearly screamed. A massive bird, easily twice the size of a human, dove toward them with talons extended, its violet feathers glinting like polished gemstones. Its eyes burned with righteous fury.

“It’s getting closer!” Zerha shrieked.

“AHHHHH!!” they all screamed together and bolted into the trees, diving behind a massive trunk. Zerha risked a peek around the bark. The monstrous bird hovered above the bushes, flapping its enormous wings, screeching angrily.

“Whew… that was close…” Zerha whispered when the creature didn’t notice where they were hiding.

“Master, are you okay?” Foxy asked anxiously.

“Yes… I’m fine…” Zerha wheezed, clutching her chest. I really thought that bird was gonna eat us alive, or worse, feed us to the baby birds!

“Where’s that weak angel?” Garren asked suddenly when he noticed Ecanus wasn't with them. He then quickly scans the surroundings.

“Huh?” Zerha looked around. “He was right behind us…”

“LET GO OF ME, YOU F*****NG BIRD!!”

All three snapped their heads upward. High above the treetops, Ecanus dangled helplessly from the enormous bird’s talons, his legs flailing wildly.

“WE SHOULD HELP HIM!” Zerha shouted.

“Let the bird eat him,” Garren replied flatly.

Foxy folded her arms. “Well… he said earlier we didn’t have to worry because he’d protect us.”

Why are these two so cold-hearted?! Zerha thought, horrified.

“I DIDN’T MEAN TO HURT YOUR F****G KIDS! LET GO OF ME, YOU F***NG BIRD!!” Ecanus howled. The bird let out a shriek, and suddenly dropped him. “WHY DID YOU LET ME GO?! I’M FALLING!! GAAAAHHHH!!” Ecanus screamed as he plummeted.

He’s the one who told the bird to let go… Zerha thought, sweat dropping as she watched Ecanus spiral down.

“Imbecile! You have wings!!” Garren roared up at him.

Ecanus blinked mid-fall, as though remembering. “OH YEAH! I HAVE WINGS!!”

What an i***t… the three thought simultaneously, all wearing identical poker faces.

Just before he hit the ground, Ecanus finally spread his silver wings and hovered. Landing with a scowl, he huffed and transformed back into his human guise, dusting himself off.

When the mother bird didn’t return, they cautiously resumed walking toward the Haria Kingdom. But soon, they stumbled upon three demons gathered in the middle of their path, speaking in hushed tones.

Garren grabbed Zerha’s arm, pulling her back. “Slowly. We need to avoid them.”

Foxy nodded. “Don’t let them see us.”

But before they could retreat…

“At last, demons!” Ecanus shouted, thrusting out a finger. “HEY, YOU BASTARDS! COME AND FIGHT ME!”

Garren’s head dropped, a vein bulging on his temple. “That weak angel…” he growled.

Foxy groaned. “What is wrong with him?!”

“Ecanus!” Zerha hissed. “We should avoid them! We should avoid fighting as much as possible!”

“Do not worry! I will defeat them! They are just weak f****g demons! Wahaha!” Ecanus declared, puffing out his chest.

The three demons slowly turned toward Ecanus, their eyes burning crimson.

While Ecanus was still laughing, two demons suddenly lunged at him, fists glowing with dark magic. Ecanus didn’t even have time to react before he was slammed into a tree, cracking the trunk.

“W-WHAT THE F**K?!” Ecanus groaned, sliding to the ground.

“Humans! We shall kill you!!” snarled one of the demons, eyes flicking toward Zerha. He lunged for her, claws bared.

But Garren was faster. In a blur, he kicked the demon across the clearing, sending him crashing into a tree so hard that it snapped in half.

“Are you alright, Master?” Garren asked, breathing heavily.

“Yes, I’m fine… thank you!” Zerha said, clutching his sleeve. Garren is still strong even in human form! I shouldn’t get on bad terms with him!

“Do not worry! I will defeat them!” Ecanus wheezed as he staggered to his feet. “The three of you just stay there while I wring these f****g demons’ necks!” He placed his hands on his waists and grinned wildly.

“What an arrogant, weak angel…” Garren muttered. “Alright. Go on, then. Don’t ask for our help.”

“Since you’re so confident, we won’t help you even if you’re about to die,” Foxy agreed coldly.

“HAAA! I WON’T ASK FOR YOUR F****G HELP!!” Ecanus screamed.

But five seconds later:

“GAHHHH! HELP!! WHY ARE YOU ALL JUST STANDING THERE?! HELP ME!! OUCH!! NOT MY HANDSOME FACE!! NOOOO!! AHHHH I’M GONNA DIE!!”

The three of them watched in exasperation as the demons wailed on Ecanus. His wings flared uselessly as fists pummeled his stomach and cheeks.

“Useless lizard, turn these f****g bastards to ashes! Ahh, my face!! Nine-tailed dog, help!!”

“D-dog?!” Foxy mouthed, trembling with rage. He dares call me a dog?!

“Useless lizard…?” Garren’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Let’s see who’s useless now… Both of them looked murderously offended.

So they simply… folded their arms and ignored Ecanus’s screams.

Meanwhile, Ecanus continued getting smacked around, dark magic sparking off the demons’ fists.

Hold on… there were three demons, right? Zerha thought, glancing around. But before she could finish counting, an arm snatched her from behind. It was the demon who Garren kicked before.

“MASTER!” Garren and Foxy yelled at the same time.

Zerha screamed as one demon flew into the sky, carrying her off. “I’M GONNA FALL!! I’M GONNA FALL!!”

“I’ll save you–ow!! Not my face, you f****g bastard!” Ecanus howled from the ground, still being pummeled by the other two demons.

“HEY, YOU WEAK ANGEL!” Garren shouted furiously. “HOW DO WE TRANSFORM BACK TO OUR ORIGINAL FORMS?!”

“You can change at your own d*mn will anytime you want–GAHHH!! STOP HITTING MY FACE!!” Ecanus screamed between blows.

The two demons froze in horror as Garren suddenly shimmered, shifting into his massive black dragon form, wings slicing the treetops.

“PUT HER DOWN!!” Garren roared as he shot into the sky, claws gleaming.

“Y-You’re that legendary dragon!” the demon croaked. “Why are you with humans?!” Despite being shocked, he will still bravely face the dragon.

“PUT HER DOWN! NOW!!” Garren thundered again.

“Ha! Even if you’re the legendary dragon, I won’t obey you!” the demon shrieked, and hurled Zerha higher into the air.

“AHHH!! I’M GONNA DIE!!!”

“Foxy, deal with him! I’ll get Master!” Garren bellowed.

Foxy nodded and instantly transformed into a tiny white bird, wings beating furiously. As Garren swooped to catch Zerha, Foxy flew toward the demon.

“Are you okay, Master?” Garren asked as Zerha scrambled onto his scaly back, panting.

“Y-Yeah… that scared me!!”

The demon laughed as Foxy approached. “What can a bird do to me?!”

“Oh? Do you really think I’m just a bird?” Foxy purred, transforming midair into her beautiful human guise, eyes glowing hypnotically. But the demon smirked, and grabbed her throat.

“Why isn’t Foxy’s spell working?!” Garren growled.

Zerha squinted, and gasped. “Garren! There was something strange around that demon’s neck!” Zerha shouted as she notice a necklace on the demon’s neck. Indeed, the demon wore a small black pendant pulsing with eerie red light. Garren also noticed it.

“Garren, fly me closer!” Zerha commanded. “I’ll help Foxy!”

“Yes, Master!” Garren propelled them forward.

While riding Garren, Zerha conjured sharp silver threads, forming them into a glimmering net. With a flick of her fingers, she hurled it at the demon.

“What is this? Do you think flimsy threads can–ACK!” The demon’s voice cut off as Zerha’s threads wrapped around him like serpents. With a fierce tug, she controlled the threads, slicing him into glowing fragments. The demon’s body burst into pieces instantly.

“

AHHHH!” Foxy screamed as she fell. Garren swooped down, catching her gently on his back.

“Foxy! Are you okay?!” Zerha shouted, panic in her eyes.

“Yes… I’m fine, Master…” Foxy panted, though she still looked rattled. “Thank you…”

Garren’s golden eyes narrowed as he looked at Foxy. “Foxy… why wasn’t your spell working on that demon?”

Foxy scowled. “He was wearing a magical item that nullifies illusion magic, like mine. It’s a rare item… I wonder who’s creating such powerful artifacts…”

Zerha swallowed. “Whoever it is, they are dangerous…”

Ugh, Am I gonna survive in this world?!

.......

Chapter 7 Archdemon

While riding on Garren’s back, Zerha noticed a thin line of blood running down Foxy’s neck. Her eyes widened.

“Foxy, you’re hurt! Let me heal you!” Zerha cried, scooting closer. She placed her glowing hands gently over Foxy’s wound until the skin sealed shut.

“Thank you, Master,” Foxy said, sighing in relief as the pain faded.

Suddenly, a scream tore through the sky.

“AHHH! HELP!”

All three of them turned their heads around. Ecanus came barreling toward them through the trees, his robe flapping wildly as he fled from the two demons chasing him.

“Tsk. He still hasn’t defeated them. What a weak angel,” Garren said, exasperated.

“AHHH! I will not let you capture me, you f****g demons!” Ecanus yelled, finally unfurling his wings and launching himself into the air. But instead of flying away, he dive-bombed straight onto Garren’s back.

“HEY! You’re not allowed to ride me, you weak angel!” Garren roared, twisting his head to glare at Ecanus.

“You’re hurt, Ecanus. Let me heal you,” Zerha said when she noticed blood and bruises covering Ecanus’s arms and face.

“N-No thanks! I’m not hurt!” Ecanus insisted, eyes darting away from hers.

“You’re not hurt? Look at yourself, you can barely stand up!” Foxy snapped, rolling her eyes.

And as if on cue, Ecanus’s knees buckled. He would’ve toppled right off Garren’s back if Zerha hadn’t grabbed his arm.

“You’re badly hurt. Stop trying to act strong!” Zerha said, exasperated. She quickly placed her hands on his injuries, and a soft glow surrounded him as his wounds knitted shut.

“F-Fine! But as you know, these wounds are nothing to me!” Ecanus muttered, cheeks flushed.

“There you are!!”

Zerha stiffened as she heard a furious voice. She whipped her head around. The two demons were charging at them. Even though they notice the black dragon, they still want to kill the angel, they just hate angels wandering around the land.

“Why the f**k are you chasing me as if I have a debt from you?!” Ecanus shouted back.

Sh*t! Zerha thought, panic racing through her veins.

“Let me handle them, Master!” Foxy shouted. She leapt from Garren’s back, transformed into a bird midair, and streaked toward the demons.

“Wait, Foxy!” Zerha yelled after her. Worry twisted her gut. What if these demons have that magical item like the one from earlier?

“Garren, we should go help Foxy,” Zerha urged Garren. Worried Foxy would be in danger.

“No need, Master. Look,” Garren said calmly.

Zerha followed his gaze. Foxy had shifted back into her beautiful lady form. The two demons stood frozen, eyes glazed over, staring at her in rapt fascination. A second later, they turned on each other and began brawling, snarling and throwing punches.

Huh? Did Foxy make them fight each other? Zerha wondered.

Foxy shifted back into her true nine-tailed fox form. A brilliant blue aura flared around her as she lunged forward, claws slashing in arcs of shimmering light. The demons screamed as she tore through them.

“Wow,” Zerha breathed, eyes sparkling with awe.

Once the demons fell silent, Foxy trotted back toward them, her tails swishing behind her.

“Fo-Foxy, you tore them apart! I didn’t know your claws were that powerful. You’re so cool!” Zerha exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

Foxy chuckled lightly. “I rushed in because I knew they weren’t wearing the magical item like that other demon earlier.”

“Where did he even get that magical item?” Garren asked as they touched down on the ground.

Once they dismounted, Garren shifted back into his human form.

“That magical item… is it rare?” Zerha asked curiously.

“Yes. Actually…” Foxy reached into her clothes and pulled out a necklace that has a red gemstone at the center. “This is the magical item he wore. I took it from him before you turned him into pieces. It’s a high-level magical item. It can nullify illusions and protect the wearer from mental manipulation. I want you to have it, Master. In this world, I’m not the only one who possesses abilities like mine.” She pressed the pendant into Zerha’s hands. It glittered with a faint red glow.

Zerha gasped. “So it’s like an item in a game!” She reached to put it around her neck, but her fingers brushed something cool against her chest. She blinked, confused, and pulled out another necklace already hanging there. It had a small silver key dangling from it. What’s this?

“Master… what’s that key for?” Garren asked, frowning.

“I… I don’t know. I only just noticed it. I don’t remember wearing anything like this…” Zerha said, examining it. Though it is strangely oddly familiar.

“Strange. I can’t sense any magical power from it,” Foxy remarked, peering at the pendant.

“Maybe it’s just an ordinary necklace,” Garren suggested. “No magical power at all.”

Zerha drooped, disappointed. No magical power? I was hoping it was special. Or at least a key to some treasure chest… she thought, sighing dramatically.

“Oh, can I take a look?” Ecanus said suddenly, reaching for the necklace.

Zerha handed it to him. Ecanus’s face grew serious as he studied the pendant, brow furrowed. Zerha leaned forward eagerly. Does he know what it is? Is it magical?!

“Do you know what kind of item that is?” Garren demanded.

“Tell me! Is it something magical?” Zerha added, bouncing on her toes.

Ecanus solemnly raised his gaze and declared:

“I’m afraid… I don’t know! Ha-ha-ha!”

The three of them froze with identical poker faces. What’s with the serious expression then? We all thought he actually knew something… Zerha thought.

“You’re not only weak. You also know nothing!” Garren snapped.

“What the?! Hey! You don’t know what it is either!” Ecanus shot back.

“But at least I’m not weak like you!”

“I’m not weak, you f****g useless lizard!”

Zerha squeezed her eyes shut. Sigh… What am I going to do with these two? “STOP ARGUING!” she yelled. She turned to Foxy. “Foxy, how far is the Haria Kingdom?”

“Not so far, Master. But we should hurry before another demon attacks.”

Please, no more demons, Zerha thought miserably.

“Garren. Ecanus. Let’s go!” Zerha called. But the two continued bickering.

“Come on, Master,” Foxy said with a sigh. “Let’s leave those two.”

“Ah… okay…” Zerha agreed, and the two started walking ahead.

A moment later:

“HEY! Wait for me!” Garren yelled, scrambling after them.

“Huh?! Hey, don’t leave me behind!!” Ecanus shouted, running to catch up.

…..

“We’re almost there,” Garren announced after a while.

“Ack… h-help…”

Zerha’s head whipped around. Who was that? “Did you hear that?” she asked urgently.

“Hm? I didn’t hear anything,” Foxy replied.

“Help… ugh!”

“Someone’s calling for help! Don’t you hear it?” Zerha insisted, glancing between them.

“I don’t hear anything, Master,” Garren said, shaking his head.

“Yeah, me either,” Foxy agreed.

Ecanus shrugged. “Maybe you’re hallucinating.”

Even Ecanus doesn’t hear it? Zerha thought, baffled.

“Someone… please… help… me… ack!”

There it was again, a pained, cracking voice. Zerha’s eyes widened. He sounds like he’s about to die! Without warning, Zerha turned and strode into the trees. She heard Garren and Foxy calling after her, but she didn’t stop.

This isn’t the first time… Zerha thought. In my previous life, whenever someone called for help, I always felt like it was my responsibility to step in, even if I didn’t want to. My body would just… move on its own.She let out a soft sigh, remembering how many times she’d helped strangers, only to wind up exhausted or in trouble. I’m not some kind of superhero that saves the day! Zerha let out a sigh.

“Help…”

The voice was clearer and louder now. Zerha slowed, creeping forward until she peeked around a tree.

In a small clearing, several humans stood over a figure on the ground. A man with gold-trimmed armor and a sneering grin cracked a long whip against the figure on the ground.

“He’s already at his limit! We’re so glad you came with us, Sir Leo!”

“Yeah! Your ability is amazing, Sir Leo!” another man gushed.

But one of their companions just stood there silently watching.

Sir Leo grinned. “You know, I could kill him outright, but that would be too easy. Let’s t*****e him for a while. A demon like him deserves a punishment like this.” The man called Leo summoned a bigger whip that has thorns on it.

“Demons don’t deserve to live!” one man yelled.

“Yeah! Kill him!” the other one agreed.

Zerha’s eyes widened as the man they called Sir Leo cracked his whip again. Blood sprayed across the ground.

“Ugh…” The demon coughed, blood trickling from his lips.

That man… he’s cruel. Why doesn’t the demon fight back? Zerha thought, shaking with anger.

“Your black wings look so pretty… too bad they’re already broken!” Sir Leo laughed, slashing the whip across the demon’s back again.

Zerha clenched her fists. He’s so cruel… He has to be stopped!

Without another thought, she leapt from her hiding place and flicked her wrist. Drops of glowing venom flew toward the man they called Sir Leo. All of them were shocked by what they witnessed.

“T-there’s another demon?!”

“AARGH!!” Sir Leo screamed as the venom sizzled into his skin, melting it like acid. His men shrieked in shock.

“Wh-what kind of ability is that?!”

“You’re a cruel human!” Zerha shouted. She raised her hands, and more venom splashed across Sir Leo’s face and chest. He shrieked as flesh melted away, revealing bone, then nothing but black sludge. In moments, he dissolved completely. The other humans turned pale as ash.

“S-Sir Leo! He… he melted! Even his bones!”

One of them pointed a trembling sword at Zerha. “You demon… you’ll pay for that!”

Demon…? Zerha glanced down at herself, and realized her skin was glowing faintly, her horns exposed. She didn’t notice until then that she was in her demon form.

Two humans charged at her, weapons raised, but stopped dead when she leveled her palm at them.

“If you don’t want to be vaporized, leave. I’ll spare you this once,” she said coldly.

Terror overtook them, and they turned tail and ran screaming into the woods. Once they were gone, Zerha rushed to the demon on the ground. He lay b****y and trembling, his black wings battered and broken. He’s badly hurt… Why didn’t he defend himself?

“Let me heal you,” she whispered. Light gathered in her palms as she touched his wounds.

“MASTER!” Garren’s voice boomed through the trees. He was worried when he saw humans, thinking Zerha could be in danger.

“Master, are you okay?!” Foxy cried as she and Garren burst into the clearing.

“Hey, why did you run off like that?!” Ecanus yelled, flying in behind them.

“Sorry,” Zerha said softly. Why do they all look so worried?

But when Ecanus caught sight of the demon she was healing, his eyes widened, all traces of comedy gone. “That demon…”

Zerha glanced from Ecanus to Garren and Foxy. Both of them were staring at the demon with grim expressions.

What’s going on? Zerha thought. “Why are you looking at him like that?”

“Master… stay away from him!” Garren barked suddenly.

“Why?” Zerha demanded, confused.

Garren’s eyes darkened. “He’s… an archdemon.”