[Salvos] Side Story 10: Haec I

Side Story 10: Haec I

HAEC rushed to the hole as it closed, reaching for his companion as the Greater Demon cackled. She struck at Lucerna until he eventually let go, before looking up.

“Salvos grab my hand!”

The [Imp] faced the [Fiend] as he shouted. She opened her mouth, trying to grab his hand. So close. So, so close. Their fingers touched. Their skin grazed each other—

And the circle closed.

“No!”

A plume of dust and smoke was left where Salvos had been struggling with the [Djinni]. Haec stood alone in the cavern— the Lair that was Lucerna’s Lamp— alone and afraid. His long black hair with yellow streaks touched the ground as he stared at the circle with wide eyes, once again by himself.

“This… can’t be real, right? I can’t be alone. Not again.”

Haec remembered the other Infant Demons. So many of them. They were all together. He was happy. Then they were slaughtered. Mercilessly. They hadn’t even stood a chance against the large [Demon Larva].

And when he thought his world was going to end— that he was going to die alone— Salvos saved him. He was reunited with the only survivor of their group. And she gave him a reason. A purpose. Now, she was gone.

The red-skinned Demon wanted to shrivel up into a ball and wait, hoping that Salvos would suddenly return. That things would return to normal. And he stayed there, waiting— rocking back and forth.

Time passed. He waited.

She didn’t return. Haec looked around the room, taking in the objects littered around. There were toppled cages. Weapons of all kinds were strewn about. He inspected each item, searching for anything that could bring Salvos back.

He didn’t find anything of use.

He stared at a mace, using [Identification] on it.

[Lightning Mace: Low Grade Weapon: A mace that inflicts additional lightning damage.]

“This is like the Spear of Flames…”

Haec murmured. He swung it around, blue lines crackle at the tip of the weapon. Spinning around, he faced the entrance of the Lair only to see a [Hellhound] standing there. It growled at him and he narrowed his eyes.

“Did you follow her here?”

It responded by swiping at him. He tanked the wild Demon’s attack, countering with a shattering strike with his Lightning Mace. It crumpled, broken from a single hit. It let out a howl as he grunted and struck it one more time. Its body jolted, and a notification resounded in his head.

Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 12]!

Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

“Weak.”

He ransacked the Lair once more. He drew a circle on the ground with the blood of the [Hellhound]. The hole that had been there didn’t reappear.

“Why was I so weak?”

A growling drew his attention back to the entrance once more. More [Hellhounds]. A dozen of them. He shouted, charging at them.

“Stronger.”

He crashed through the pack of wild Demons, taking them down one after another. They clawed at him. They snarled. They tried to rip his head off. He responded in kind, tearing off the head of the highest-leveled [Hellhound] before dealing with the rest.

Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 11]!

Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

…

Defeated [Hellhound - Lvl. 16]!

Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

Subspecies [Tank Fiend] Level Up!

[Tank Fiend - Lvl. 13] -> [Tank Fiend- Lvl. 14]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Subspecies [Tank Fiend] Level Up!

[Tank Fiend - Lvl. 14] -> [Tank Fiend- Lvl. 15]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

“I was too weak. I couldn’t do anything. I need to grow stronger.”

—-

Haec dragged the giant [Arachne]’s body through the landscape of the Netherworld. All around him were hills— white rocky valleys that were empty. Devoid of life. He tossed aside the broken Lightning Mace, having smashed it in this battle.

How long had it been since Salvos disappeared?

He felt like it had been as long as he’d known her, yet he knew that couldn’t be the case— not even close. It was just that time spent alone dragged on for far longer than it did with others.

Intuitively, he knew it hadn’t been equal to even a quarter of the time spent together, but still, he was alone. He felt empty inside, even if the notification that he’d become stronger rang out in his head.

Subspecies [Tank Fiend] Level Up!

[Tank Fiend - Lvl. 37] -> [Tank Fiend- Lvl. 38]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

He arrived back at Lucerna’s Lair. At some point, it no longer rang out with the name of the Lair. Whether it was because Lucerna was dead, or something else, he didn’t know. He threw the giant [Arachne]’s body to the front of the Lair— amongst the pile set there as a warning. It only worked against some. Others foolishly charged in, only to be crushed by the myriad of traps set up with the tools provided inside of the Lair.

Haec had ransacked the cavern of everything he could find. He’d read the odd objects called books— the ones with weird symbols with meaning inside of them. Words that relayed a message.

Obey the Demon King’s will, for your work shall be rewarded in His new kingdom.

It sounded ridiculous, to Haec. He didn’t believe any of the words in them. He’d simply copied the ritual circles described inside, but it never worked. A key item was missing: some sort of metal ring, like Lucerna had.

Shaking his head, Haec stepped back into the former Lair and paused. The traps he’d setup had been dismantled. His eyes narrowed and he heard voices echo from the inside.

“So, Lucerna went ahead and got himself killed, huh? Think a wild Demon did him in?”

“I do not think this is the work of a wild Demon. It is too… meticulous.”

Haec peered into the main chamber of the cavern, staring at a pair of Demons inside. No— it wasn’t just a pair. There were two main ones. The first was a tall and green Demon with a tail that had a hooked end. And the second had a pair of wings, gangly and with red skin.

The last— the one Haec had nearly missed— was small. Smaller than Salvos had been, even. She had light blue skin and dark blue hair, along with an oddly curved figure. He used [Identification] on them and pursed his lips.

[Fiend - Lvl. 39]

[Incubus - Lvl. 35]

[Succubus - Lvl. 15]

The last one— the [Succubus]— in particular, seemed awfully familiar for whatever reason. Still, he didn’t approach them. Not if they hadn’t all been wearing those metal rings on their neck.

What did he do?

It was clear they were allies of Lucerna. No— it was clear they served the Demon King. After all, Haec had been in the Demon King’s Domain the entire time. The gathered Demons continued their conversation as Haec considered his options.

“If an intelligent one— a survivor— did this, then it’d be best to wait here and spring a trap to capture them, no?”

“Capture is a strong word. I’d say a more apt description would be to… coerce.”

Haec needed the metal rings around their necks if he wanted to find Salvos. And he did have the element of surprise. By the sounds of it, they wanted to attack him too. But even if he had the drop on them, would he even be able to win?

“What do you think, Taburas?”

They turned to the [Succubus], and she shuffled her feet. Haec edged closer to the cave chamber. He eyed the pile of weapons in the corner of the room, beyond the three Demons. If he had access to one of the Low Grade weapons, he’d surely stand a better chance.

Haec bent low, skirting along the edges of the former Lair and hiding behind the piles of collapsed cages. The Demon they called Taburas spoke meekly, her head lowered.

“I-I think… that we should leave.”

“And why should we do that?”

The gangly red Demon— the [Fiend]—  gave her an amused look. She shook her head.

“Lucerna was a Greater Demon, right? If there was truly a Demon capable of killing him, then it must mean that it was as strong or stronger than he was. We are Lesser Demons. We wouldn’t stand a chance.”

The [Incubus] laughed, swishing his tail from side to side. He used it to pull Taburas closer to him as he sneered.

“Come now. What happened to the fire you had when we first found you? You went ahead and attacked us even though we were nearly twenty levels above you.”

“I… learned my lesson. Not to fight with those far stronger than me.”

She spoke in a small voice. Haec edged closer. He was halfway there. The [Incubus] snorted, throwing his head back.

“Really. I thought you would’ve—”

And he stared directly at Haec. The [Tank Fiend]’s eyes widened. He made a dash for it as the [Incubus] shouted.

“There—”

The gangly red Demon spun to face Haec as he reached the pile of weapons. Before Haec could grab a short sword, the gangly red Demon flapped his wings and caught him by the wrist.

“You…”

“[Crushing Blow]!”

Haec struck him across the face, knocking him back into the rock wall. Tabruas stumbled back as the [Incubus] rushed the [Tank Fiend].

“[Piercing Strike]!”

A tail zipped for Haec’s head, but he only braced for it. His skin darkened in color as he raised his arms to deflect the strike.

“[Iron Body].”

The attack still dug into his forearm. It cut deep, but not as deep as it would otherwise. Haec grabbed the [Incubus] by the tail and slammed him hard into the ground. The [Incubus] groaned, only to be kicked back into the gangly red Demon.

They picked themselves up, facing Haec as he picked up a shortsword and a shield.

“Alright. You had the drop on us. Good job.”

The gangly red Demon spat as flames engulfed his right arm.

“But now I’m pissed. So, be prepared to die.”

“Wait, Asin. Violence shouldn’t be the first response to everything.”

The [Incubus] stepped forward. He proffered Haec a hand.

“[Listen to Me]. If you come with us, we’ll offer you protection. This world is a harsh place. Desolation will continue to spiral. What you’ve seen so far is nothing but a prefiguration of what’s to come. When the wild Demons evolve into Greater Demons and Archdemons— you’ll understand just how dangerous things can be.”

Haec eyed the hand with narrowed eyes. Yet, despite his suspicion, he couldn’t help but feel compelled to trust the [Incubus]’ words. It consoled his empty soul, and he was tempted to accept it. To listen to them without question.

The [Incubus] drew closer, smiling.

“[Trust Me]. Our King shall offer you safety. Abandon everything that you know and pledge your— urk!”

Haec slashed him across the chest. He stumbled back, groaning.

“You bastard!”

“I won’t abandon Salvos.”

Haec’s eyes flickered as he thumped his sword on the shield.

“I will never abandon her.”

“Well, looks like he made his decision.”

The gangly red Demon, Asin, rolled his eyes. His flames blazed as he bared his teeth.

“Now we deal with this my way. [Fire Strike]!”

He leapt forward, wings beating as he swung for Haec’s head. The [Tank Fiend] held his ground and deflected the attack with his shield.

“[Steady Stance].”

Haec knocked Asin back with his shield and turned to the [Incubus], only for a tail to wrap around his legs and trip him over. The [Incubus] was on top of Haec in an instant, punching and kicking.

“You large idiot! I will show you what happens when you mess with—”

The [Incubus] started, only for Haec to stand up with barely any trouble. He threw the [Incubus] off him just in time to parry another attack by Asin.

“[Fire Strike]— why won’t you die already?”

“Salvos’ flames are stronger.”

Haec spoke simply as he tanked Asin’s attack, kneeing the gangly red Demon in the stomach. Walking forward, Haec loomed over Asin and raised his blade. But before Haec could finish his downed opponent, the [Incubus]’ voice drew his attention.

“Try and take this, [Ice Spear]—”

Spinning around, Haec raised his shield to block the [Incubus]’ Skill. Then he paused as he heard a scream. Taburas leapt onto the [Incubus]’ back with one of the jagged daggers on the table and slit his throat.

The [Incubus]’ eyes widened as he made a gurgling noise.

“Taburas… you—”

“You bastards. I swore on that day you captured me that I will kill you.”

She panted, standing over the dying [Incubus]. Haec stared at this, confused. Not sure what to do. But the [Incubus] moved. He whipped his tail up at the [Succubus], stabbing her in the abdomen.

Taburas tried to block the attack, but it still struck her and drew blood. The [Incubus] picked himself up, eyes bloodshot.

“We spared your life and this is how you repay it? I…”

And his eyes bulged. Haec impaled him through his back, hearing a notification resound in his head. The [Incubus] dropped dead as Haec staggered back. Asin got to his feet, beating his wings and cursing.

“You won’t get away with this, Taburas. Neither of you. I shall return. And when I do—”

Asin started to fly off, only for Taburas to point at him.

“[Trust Me], Asin. You won’t be going anywhere.”

The gangly red Demon paused. He tilted his head, in a daze. Only for Haec to toss one of the cages at him and knock him out of the air. He fell, and Haec picked him up.

“Wait, please spare me.”

He squirmed in the [Tank Fiend]’s fists. Haec narrowed his eyes.

“Give me your collar, and I shall let you go.”

“I can’t take it off! It’ll kill me if I try to remove it!”

“Too bad.”

Haec shook his head, reaching for Asin’s neck.

“Then I shall take it.”

And there was a snap.

Haec stood over the pair of dead Demons, holding onto one of the metal rings he’d been searching for. Multiple notifications resounded in his head, but he ignored them for now.

Subspecies [Tank Fiend] Level Up!

[Tank Fiend - Lvl. 38] -> [Tank Fiend- Lvl. 39]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Subspecies [Tank Fiend] Level Up!

[Tank Fiend - Lvl. 39] -> [Tank Fiend- Lvl. 40]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

[Evolution Availa—

“Finally.”

Haec smiled as he put the collar around his neck. He walked up to one of the ritual circles he had drawn on the ground, placing a hand on it.

“Now, to find Salvos…”

And he paused. He waited for a hole to open up— he waited for something to happen. But the circle remained just that. A circle.

“It won’t work.”

Haec glanced up, seeing Taburas shuffle over to him.

“You’re trying to go to the Mortal Realm, right? It won’t work. You have to be summoned there by someone on the other side.”

“What…?”

He just stared at her. His brows snapped together as he marched up to the [Succubus].

“What do you mean by that?”

He loomed over Taburas, and she shrank back.

“I-I… I don’t know! Please don’t hurt me!”

She sputtered, closing her eyes. Haec caught himself. He opened his mouth, slowly giving her some space.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

He lowered his head. Taburas nodded.

“And I’m sorry I can’t be much help to you. I only know what Asin and Ultus told me. That the Demon King only lets some of his men go to the Mortal Realm.”

“Why?”

Haec asked, gently this time.

“I’m not sure, either. S-sorry.”

“Oh.”

The two of them stood in the empty former Lair, neither of them saying much. After a moment of silence, Haec looked up at Taburas— still unable to shake off the feeling that she was familiar to him.

“Why did you turn on them?”

“I didn’t like them. They tortured me. Forced me to follow the Demon King even though I didn’t want to.”

Taburas averted her gaze. She glanced between the dead Demons before looking back up at Haec.

“I— I have to return. But I can’t go back empty handed. Not when Asin and Ultus are dead. They’ll punish me for it. Please, can you come with me?”

Haec frowned. He crossed his bulky arms together.

“You said you dislike the Demon King. Why should I go?”

Taburas drew back, raising her hands in fear.

“If you come with me and ask your question, I’m sure the Demon King can answer your question! Or maybe… maybe he can even help you get to the Mortal Realm if you earn his trust! But please… I have to go back, but I can’t go back with nothing.”

Haec stared at the blue-skinned Demon. She was small. So weak and low-leveled. She reminded him nothing of Salvos. Yet, when he stared at her, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity.

Like he knew her somehow. Haec considered her proposal. He remembered the books and what they told him— that the only way to the Mortal Realm was through the Demon King. After some thought, Haec finally made his decision.

“I will go with you. But I will not do so to serve this Demon King. I already have a leader I follow. I am doing this to get back to her.”

“Of course! I don’t care for the Demon King anyway!”

Taburas spoke hurriedly. She hesitated as Haec moved to gather his things. She stood silently for a few moments, before speaking up.

“I’m—”

“Taburas, I heard.”

Haec nodded as packed up everything of import— everything that he needed. The [Succubus] bit her lower lip.

“Well, what’s your name? You haven’t introduced yourself.”

“Haec. I am Haec.”

“T-thank you, Haec. For helping me.”

He drew back to his feet as he got everything he needed. He walked up to Taburas, patting her on the shoulder.

“I did not do it for you. I did it for myself.”

For the sake of getting back to Salvos, Haec was willing to serve under someone else. Even if it meant working for his enemy. After all, the Demon King was the reason why Lucerna kidnapped him. The Demon King was the reason why Salvos ended up in the Mortal Realm. To get back to her, Haec was willing to do anything just to see his companion again.

“Now, come. Let us go meet this Demon King of yours.”

Author's Notes:

Has it really been a year and two months in real life time since Salvos was separated from Haec? Man, I had nostalgia just from writing this chapter. Is pretty damn cool.

Anyway, we finally get it. A Haec POV. And we even have a Haec training montage. Are you guys happy now? No? You want more? Too bad! My fingers hurt ;-;