Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 439: Sayda

Chapter 439: Sayda

It was the epitome of wanton destruction, one born out of the deep-rooted feud between Zion and the denizens of the Eastern Highlands.

Lit up by the crimson rays of the Nighteye were snow-covered streets lined with the corpses of the deceased with the buildings reduced to rubble with nary a survivor in sight.

Of course, if that were all, it would be acceptable.

But watching as the corpses arose from their slumber, Charles was forced to curse aloud. "Damn it, just what the hell is the meaning of this?"

As he spoke, he swung his large sword in frustration, resulting in a chaotic wind of slashes that obliterated the dead, turning them into dust.

Meanwhile, his companion busied himself studying the wind flow, seemingly searching for something.

"She’s close," Robert muttered softly as he returned from scanning the area from the top of a relatively intact building.

His long hair billowed in the wind as he took a deep breath before proceeding to crouch after which he picked up some snow and rubbed it with his fingers.

"Very close."

Charles nodded. "Fine then."

Turning to the two ladies escorting them, he remarked. "You both deal with the undead and any other problems that might come up. We’ll handle the Daemon."

"As you wish." The Homunculi agreed as they took out their weapons, one utilizing a bo-staff while the other brandished an incredibly sharp hand fan.

Satisfied with their response, Charles turned back to Robert. "Lead the way."

"Mn."

Together, both men traversed the desolate landscape while ignoring the undead that tried to get in their way.

Their journey wasn’t long by any means, instead coming to an end a mere five minutes after it had begun.

They found themselves before yet another relatively intact building which, based on appearances, once served as the administrative house for the unfortunate town.

Now, it seemed to be the hiding place of their target with both Family Heads pausing as they neared the building.

Their senses tingled as they grasped the presence of pseudo-divinity within.

"How are we doing this?" Robert inquired as he gripped his bow tightly.

Charles glanced at him, his abrasive nature all but silent as he intoned. "I’ll be the tank, herd her from behind."

"Alright then." Robert obliged as he reached for his bowstring and pulled it taut, resulting in an arrow made of luminescent white light appearing on it.

Adjusting his shoulders, Charles moved first, taking steady steps into the building.

The floorboards creaked as they made their way in, pushing open the door to be immediately assaulted by an unexpected sight.

Seated at the stairs leading to the second floor was an unbelievably gorgeous woman wearing a black gown that seemed straight out of a fairytale.

Her skin was smooth, her figure delicate, and her demeanor... divine.

She sat in a rather casual position, her brown eyes scanning a book she held in one hand while her other hand held a chain that was connected to a Vampire Count.

Of course, this was where it got strange.

The count was completely naked with his body showing signs of deep laceration yet he didn’t seem to mind as he heaved like a dog, his eyes locked on the woman that had him chained like a dog.

Charles thought to speak but knowing he lacked sufficient tact, turned to Robert to do the honors.

Robert was quick to oblige. "Who are you?"

The woman didn’t bother to look up, her gaze transfixed on the book she was reading as she replied. "Sayda."

"And why are you here, Sayda?"

"I’m looking for two men... or rather, two Cryptids disguised as men."

"Why?"

"Unfortunately I cannot answer that."

"Why?"

"Because it is none of your concern." She intoned as she turned a page of her book, thoroughly engrossed in its contents.

Robert glanced at Charles before taking a deep breath. "You can’t be here."

"I’m well aware. My mother informed me of the unspoken agreement between the Warriors and Devils."

"Yet..."

"She also told me that the mission is much more important than an agreement made with slaves."

Robert stiffened as Charles’ jaw clenched, rattled by the unexpected insult.

Just as Charles made to speak, Robert gestured to him with his eyes, causing the Family Head to simmer down.

"Though we would have loved to turn a blind eye considering the circumstances, the wanton killings have to stop."

"Killings?" Sayda raised her head for the first time, regarding the two men with a raised brow.

"Do you claim to not have a hand in what has happened to this town?"

"Of course not. This fool got here before I did and caused the Beastman I was looking for to escape. Now I have to start all over from scratch, do you know how annoying that is?"

"Is that why you have him strung up like a dog?"

"Precisely. He even dared to try and attack me, stupid mutt." As she spoke, she raised her high-heeled boot and stumped the Count repeatedly, resulting in a bloody mess that caused the Sword Saints to grimace against the sight.

However, that was hardly the end of the stomach-churning scene as Sayda went ahead to reach out and pull out an arm before biting into it.

"Hmm, quite interesting." She mused as she cleaned the blood smeared on her mouth with a bit of aether.

Robert closed his eyes for a moment, perhaps an instinctive means to get rid of the horrifying scene he’d just witnessed before opening them once again to interrogate the Daemon.

"And what about Speelerborough?"

"Hmm?"

Charles did the honors of pulling out a token and tossing it toward her.

It fell an arm’s length away from her, allowing her to scrutinize it.

The token was a Quillion bullet tainted by her aura.

"Ah, that place," Sayda muttered faintly, having recalled the place they were referring to.

"Well, what can I say?... An unfortunate turn of events."

Robert studied her for a moment before intoning. "I believe it is time we come to a decision. How about this?... You tell us who you are after and once the Month of Astra ends, we shall consider hunting them down to allow peace reign. However, I am unwilling to allow you to stay a second longer in Ra’as."

"Oh?" A mocking grin painted Sayda’s lips as she intoned. "Mother always said Warriors were Mystics to be respected. They were capable of going toe to toe with those of the Divine Wheel without problems which made your ancestors reliable slaves. I guess time away from your masters has made you complacent."

"Robert, if this fool utters the word slave one more time, I will assume that dialogue has broken down completely and respond in kind," Charles remarked, too incensed to care about keeping the peace.

Robert glanced at Charles before shifting his attention back to Sayda. "I ask that you take my offer."

Silence reigned for a moment as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense until it arrived at a crescendo at which point, Sayda intoned with a provocative smile.

"Slaves."

Boom

Charles moved instantly, crossing the distance in one step and swinging his great sword while at it.

Bang

Sayda caught it but before satisfaction could blossom, sudden pain shot through her arm followed by the emergence of a crack in her palm.

Her eyes went wide as Charles muttered.

"Never mistake our desire for peace as cowardice. We just don’t want to go through the trouble of killing you."

"... I see," Sayda remarked. "My mistake. Allow me to correct that."

Boom

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