Uninvited Guest

The victory dinner was nearly identical to the one welcoming back Cor. Except this time the tables were set up to honor the ones who participated in the hunt. The same array of meat filled all the tables still, but at the hunting party table they seemed to have cooked Xernrex and served him. Leo felt a little apprehension to eating a named animal, but Lupa just told him, “Eat or be eaten!”

Then the chanting started.

“EAT!”

“EAT!”

“EAT!”

As they warriors all were waiting on the “MVP” of the hunt to take the first bite, they rallied together to give him encouragement. He tried to look for Zen since she also technically had the last strike, but she was back sitting with Cor. Alone and giving into the pressure Leo stood up and grabbed a piece of the damn deer that nearly killed him and took a ravenous bight. Despite putting on a show, Leo had to admit, Xernrex was pretty delicious.

The village cheered and they all claimed their pieces. The cacophony of cheers, stories of the hunt and each other warriors ragging on each others performance blended together. Then they all started erasing his bravery and his intellect on finding the gimmick. Noah felt like he was sitting at some popular table with all the eyes on him. He did’t truly engage, but they all weren’t going to let him withdraw.

“Drink Lupa’s student!” One cried.

“Toast to your glory!”

Whether through them having alcohol reserves or that they stocked up with the merchants earlier Leo didn't know. He had a feeling he shouldn’t drink anything in the glasses this time, now he knew he was right. He hadn’t officially drank yet, well… he had a beer one time when he graduated high school.

Lupa then wrapped her arm around him already seemingly a few drinks in, “Come on! Drink with us! This wouldn’t have happened without you!”

Leo doubted that. All these strong warriors would have found their way without him. “I don’t know…”

“Hic! Why not!” Sophia called seemingly already drunk, “Does your world kill you if you drink alcohol!? Hehe!

“No, just… I’m not of age yet.”

“Phsss!” Sophia waved her hand at him, “Your world maybe, here 19 is good enough!” She then takes another gulp.

“Good enough?” Leo thought trying to process what that could possibly mean.

“Come on Leo, you earned it.” Lupa then handed him a mug.

Leo unconciouly took it.

“Chug!”

“Chug!”

“Chug!”

The fellow warriors now saw him as their little brother that needed convincing to have fun. So for the second time that night Leo followed the whims of those that seemed to only wish for him to engage. He took a big swig and downed his mug. It burned like hell, but it was also somewhat refreshing at the same time. They all cheered and Lupa brought him another mug. The atmosphere grew lighter and more joyful. Leo seeing that even if he hardly knew these people he was having fun… fun that never lasts for Leo.

“Well well well. You pulled out all the stops just to welcome me.”

The voice wasn’t loud or commanding, it was… chilling. Like a cold wave the festivities died instantly. Everyone turned to see the beast that slowly descended. A physically built body with a tail and large wings that Leo could only describe as a true textbook looking demon. He spoke fluently despite his tusks suggesting otherwise.

“Begone Demon!” Lucius yelled, the first one to react.

The Demon feigned hurt by placing his hand to his chest. “You hurt me Lucius, after paying such a hefty price for my visage.”

Lucius stumbled as he now began to recognized the Demon. Leo was going to ask what that could mean when his system screen seemed to be ready for him.

[Demon Classification: Gargoyle]

“A gargoyle.” Leo whispered to himself.

“Damnit dad! You bought a fucking gargoyle!?” Lupa yelled hearing Leo.

The gargoyle then laugh, “Allow me to introduce myself.” He then took a bow “Demon King Candidate Rank 5; Tiberius.”

[Rival Candidate Registered: Tiberius Rank 5]

“Rival?” Leo thought not liking the sound of that.

Tiberius then raised his head as he continued, “You have someone of interest to me, hand over the one called Zentella and you may live with your lives.”

Lupa stood up, “How about you leave now and I won’t kill you!”

Tiberius laughed turning to her, “That’s funny little pup, but I’m afraid…” His expression harden as his eyes landed on Leo. Then a suffocating wave of killing intent hit everyone. Something more… evil than what the Tail Rune Clan emitted. He casually walked over and picked up Leo with Lupa and the other warriors struggling against their own bodies refusal to move. “You… why do you have two catalyst fragments within you?”

Leo knew it was a rhetorical question as he was currently being choked out. Seeing he could die he struggled and try to kick the gargoyle.

“No matter, I will rectify that.” Tiberius then raised his spare claw preparing to gut Leo. Bracing for the pain Leo shut his eyes.

“Stop!”

Leo eyes snapped open. No, no, no! His mind raced as he didn’t like what he heard. Unfortunately, his sudden change caused Tiberius to halt his attack and turn to the little girl that had her own dagger to her neck. “Zen! What are you doing!?” Leo wanted to say, but was unable too.

“What are you doing little girl?” Tiberius asked curious.

“I’m Zentella… put him down.” Zentella demanded not putting her dagger down.

“I don’t need you anymore little one. I can take his shards and not have to deal with the rest of you. You dying doesn’t hinder me.”

“I can track them.” Zen stated coldly. That regained Tiberius’ attention, “You kill him… I die too…”

“And I don’t have a tracker for the other shards…” Tiberius finishes. He then begins to laugh. Leo wanted to stop this. He struggled harder, but even after all his training he still couldn’t do anything. “Alright Zentella. You got yourself a deal.” He then began to walk over to Zen and still carried Leo by the neck.

Leo pleaded with his eyes to Zen to not do this. All he got was her pinky raised.

“Put him down.” Zen demanded.

“Now hold on there Zentella. You are going to need to prove yourself. How do I know you can track the shards?”

Then Leo’s heart shattered. Then and there a little girl afraid for her friend spoke up. “She knows where one is! She can take you to it right now!” Cor revealed they were hiding the location of the shard.

Tiberius then grabbed Cor, “Is the one speaking the truth Zentella.”

Zen’s stoic faced cracked showing genuine fear. She could only nod. Whatever plan she had in her head shattered thanks the the bond the two girls made.

“Excellent, take me to it now.” He then threw Leo. Lupa somehow broke through her paralysis and caught him sending the two crashing. “We’ll be keeping this one for… insurance.” Then he picked up Zen and flew off with both her and Cor.

Leo finally able to fully breath stood up and cried for the little girl he had failed, who had just traded her life for his, “ZEN! BRING THEM BACK!!” he cried as the weight of his worthlessness crushed him. He had failed to keep anyone safe.