Reincarnated As A Demon

Chapter 14 The Captains

-Solar, the King’s private living room-

A firm knock echoed on the polished mahogany door.

“Your Majesty, this is Luke. I have something to report,” came the calm voice of Luke, Commander of all the Demon Hunters.

“Come in,” the King answered curtly.

Luke stepped into the room with practiced precision. The moment his boots touched the marble floor, he bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty,” he greeted.

“What is it?” the King asked, his voice low and expectant.

Luke straightened. His expression was grave. “I regret to inform you that one of our most skilled Demon Hunters has died… and it was Leo, Your Majesty.”

“What?” The King’s voice cracked with genuine surprise.

“It’s true. During a mission in the f*******n Forest, Leo and his team encountered a peculiar demon.”

“A strange demon?” the King repeated, brows knitting. “Leo was no ordinary hunter. Just how strange was this demon to bring him down?”

Luke nodded solemnly. “Reports indicate the demon possesses an unusual power. Do you remember the giant serpent that once dwelled in the cave of the f*******n Forest?”

“The one with venom that could melt stone?” the King recalled, narrowing his eyes.

“Yes. The demon that killed Leo had the same ability. She completely melted him. Not even a single bone remained,” Luke said grimly. “I asked Russ to extract the memories of the surviving hunters. He drew this based on what he saw.”

Luke handed over a sketch.

The King took the sheet and studied it. His expression shifted subtly. Deep within him, the evil presence stirred. What is this? the dark shadow mused. How can a demon possess a serpent’s ability? I must see this little demon for myself…

The King lowered the sketch and waved a hand. “Summon a meeting. Instruct every captain of the Demon Hunter Guilds to gather in the council chamber.”

“At once, Your Majesty.” Luke bowed again and took his leave.

The King stared long and hard at the drawing once more. “How peculiar indeed…” he murmured, placing the paper atop his desk.

– Courtyard, Haria Castle –

After notifying the guild captains, Luke made his way to the courtyard. The air was crisp, and birds flitted in the hedges, but the courtyard was quiet.

Strange. Clove usually trains around this time. Where could he be? Luke wondered, scanning the empty grounds.

As he turned to return inside, he caught sight of Clove, no, to be specific Zale, walking down the hallway.

“Clove!” Luke called.

Zale turned and smiled faintly. His thoughts, however, were far from casual.

Who is he again? Ah… from the prince’s memories, he’s the Uncle Luke. He’s the one who always looked out for him, even trained him in controlling his powers. Seems like the only trustworthy person here. Most of the people in this castle… they treat him with disdain. Like he’s weak. Not even worthy of the crown he’s supposed to inherit, Zale thought with a frown. How dare they treat thier crown prince like those? Just look at how it's done to the poor prince?

“I checked the courtyard. Thought you’d be practicing. Where are you off to?” Luke asked.

“I’m just… roaming,” Zale answered, eyes flicking down the hallway. I need to understand this place. The people. The layout. Anything useful.

“Roaming?” Luke raised a brow, but quickly shook his head. “Never mind. There’s a meeting later. You should come. As the future ruler, you need to stay informed.”

“What is it about?” Zale asked.

Luke was taken aback, then spoke. “A demon. The one that killed Leo…” Luke replied, watching Clove’s reaction with curiosity. He’s… interested? That’s new.

A demon, huh? I need every bit of information I can get. Grandma said defeating the Devil is the only way Zerha can return. Zale’s eyes sharpened.

“But if you don’t want to attend–” Luke didn't finish his words when Clove spoke.

“I’ll be there.”

Luke was surprised by his response. He usually does not like attending meetings since he is afraid of the other captains and especially his father the king. Well, it is good that he is now interested in such things. It is important for him to know what could be happening around this Kingdom. Luke thought. “Good. I need to escort the King. You head to the meeting room first.”

Zale opened his mouth to ask where it was, but Luke had already vanished down the corridor.

“…that was fast,” Zale muttered.

….

–The Council Meeting Room–

The heavy double doors opened. Luke entered, holding the door for the King, who strode in with practiced grace. The captains of all six hunter guilds stood at attention, bowing respectfully.

“Let’s get to the point,” Luke began. “Leo, Captain of the Dusk Demon Hunters, is dead.”

Shock rippled across the room. Who would have thought that one of the strongest demon hunters would die?

“What? Is that true?” gasped Lesly, the elegant and poised 28-year-old Captain of the Celeste Demon Hunters.

“Well, can’t say I’m surprised,” muttered Marcus, the jaded 30-year-old Captain of the Dark Ravens. “He was arrogant. Thought he was invincible.”

“So what now?” asked Valve uninterested, the 25-year-old, Captain of the Azure Hunters.

“We announce it publicly,” Allen said dryly. The 27-year-old Captain of the Black Rose leaned against her chair. “Tell them a cocky guy finally met his match and worst met his end.”

“But how did Sir Leo die?” asked Denver, the youngest of them all at only 18, leading the Moonlight Demon Hunters.

Finally, someone asks the right question, Luke thought. Just as he opened his mouth to explain, the door creaked.

A dashing young man, Prince Clove entered. The aura surrounds him doesn't look like the past prince, he looked confident and cold. All eyes turned to him. Wondering what he was doing there when he usually doesn’t like to attend meetings, since he easily gets intimidated by the guild leaders especially when his father the King is present in the meeting.

The King, no, the shadow lurking within, froze upon seeing the figure in front. He’s… alive? Impossible. I consumed him. I drained his power. How can this be? Did I not fully absorbed his power and he survived? No, I am sure what I did.

“I’m glad you’re here, Clove,” the King said said coldly but deep inside he's proud. When was he even interested in attending a meeting? Well this is good news.

Clove nodded silently.

“You can sit over there,” Luke gestured.

Clove took a seat next to Denver. The young captain smiled at him, and Clove returned the gesture with a polite nod.

Why is the incompetent heir here? Lesly sneered inwardly. Though her glare didn’t go unnoticed to Zale.

Zale stared straight back at her, unblinking. Just who the hell is she to stare at me?

Lesly flinched, she doesn’t know why but that stare made her chest tighten. As if she’s staring into a different person.

“Are you alright, Miss Lesly?” Denver asked after noticing Lesly’s tense behavior. Denver was sitting beside him.

“I… I’m fine,” she muttered, shaken. “So… how did Leo die again?” she unconsciously asked avoiding Zale gaze.

Denver frowned at her strange behavior but just remained silent.

Luke sighed. “Leo’s team encountered a demon with a strange ability. The ability to melt a person. Russ retrieved the memory and sketched this.”

He then held up the drawing which Russ draw.

Everyone leaned in stared at the paper with frown.

While Luke is busy telling them how Leo died based on what his subordinates told him, Clove fixes his eyes at the sketch.

Clove’s heart skipped. A demon girl. A horn. And a familiar pendant…

Russ was very detailed when it comes to drawing that the pendant Zerha wore didn't go unnoticed to him and even those little details he drew them perfectly.

“Is there really a demon possessing such an ability? Demons possess dark magic. They must be imagining things.” Valve said.

“You are right. Maybe someone just killed Leo because he’s too arrogant.” Allen remarked.

“Yeah, and that is you!’ Marcus barked at Allen.

"What? Are you trying to say that I killed him?" Allen's face flushed with anger.

"Maybe," Marcus replied in a bored tone.

"You!" Allen throws a death glare at Marcus, though Marcus just ignores her

“All of you calm down. They can’t retrieve Leo’s body since it melted. His members that were with him at that time don't have a reason to lie.” Leo said.

That demon, that’s Zerha! She’s really here… But she became a demon?! Zale was sure. That person, no, that demon is her sister.

“If she really holds a strange power. What now?” Allen asked.

"What else? Of course, we should kill her. She's a demon, after all." Marcus replied coldly.

Clove’s eyes narrowed, lips curling into a frown. I won’t let anyone touch my sister.

Marcus suddenly shivered. A chill slithered down his spine. He looked around. Why do I feel that someone is glaring at me? Is it the witch? Marcus suddenly shifted his gaze to Allen.

"What are you looking at?" Allen asked, but Marcus didn't answer and merely glared at her.

Then King’s voice broke the tension. “Inform the public. Announce Leo’s death. Tell them that whoever captures this demon will receive a hefty reward.”

“It will be done,” Luke nodded.

“If she’s caught… shall we execute her?” Lesly asked.

“No. Not yet. She will be interrogated first.” said the King but under the command of the shadow that is residing inside him.

The shadow inside the King’s mind stirred again. I must know what she is… That power, no ordinary demon should have it… No one should hinder my plan.

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Luke then moved on to report about new prisoners they have capured and so on.

Then after the meeting adjourned, the King left first, followed by four of the captains. Only Luke, Denver, and Clove remained.

“How much is the King offering for the reward?” Denver suddenly asked, eyes gleaming.

“No idea. Planning to hunt her?” Luke asked.

"Ha! Of course, the King said it is a hefty reward. I want money! I hope the reward includes plenty of gold! Right, Prince Clove? Oh wait, you're already rich...Oh yeah, do you want to come with us to find that demon?" Denver asked, his eyes full of hope.

Clove blinked. Denver...He is not very close with Prince Clove, but whenever they bump into each other, Denver always greets him. He's not like the others who treat the prince with hostility.

“If that’s fine with you, I’ll join,” Clove said. I don't think I can trust the other captains. Besides, I need someone like him that hunts demons. Judging from the prince's memories, Luke seldom hunts demons, since he's always busy in the castle handling things.

“Really? Yes! We can finally hang out!” Denver beamed.

“Wait, Clove, are you sure you’re ready to hunt demons? Your powers…”

“Don’t worry, I can handle it,” Clove lied smoothly.

Luke frowned. “Alright. Just be careful. Denver, keep an eye on him.”

"Yes, of course!" Denver smiled. He was delighted about the opportunity to get close to Clove. "I'll be taking my leave now. Prince Clove, let's meet up tomorrow at the Moonlight headquarters!" Denver said before he exited the room.

“I’ll go now,” Clove told Luke.

“Alright…” Luke watched him leave. There’s… something different about him. Did he grow stronger? Or he’s already maturing and wants to change for the better?

…

–In the Realm of the Gods and Goddesses–

“I heard you sent a human into that dimension,” said the Goddess of Time Travel, sipping tea.

“An ordinary soul, really?” scoffed the God of Regression.

“Ooh! Maybe they’re overpowered!” the God of OP Systems beamed.

“After reincarnating, another soul merged into her body! Hahaha!” laughed the Goddess of Villainess.

The Goddess of Reincarnation sighed, rubbing her temples. “I don’t know how it happened. She reincarnated… and then another soul just… entered.”

“That breaks the law,” said the God of Male Leads coldly. “Two souls cannot exist in one body. One must vanish… or kill the other.”

“Let’s just hope she survives,” murmured the Goddess of Female Leads. “And realizes the truth before it’s too late.

The Goddess of Reincarnation sat silently, her heart heavy with worry.