Word count: 2150 words
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It was a beautiful sunny day in the capital of Re-Estize, a golden glow spread across the city's stone-paved streets. The spring breeze carried the scent of freshness, weaving through the marketplace where merchants eagerly displayed vibrant arrays of fruits, fabrics, and handmade trinkets.
Children ran freely, their laughter echoing against the walls of old buildings, while street performers played lively melodies that danced through the air like petals in the wind.
The people of Re-Estize were at ease, more so than they had been in years. Over the last few days, tavern conversations no longer carried the weight of fear, and nightfall wasn't met with bolted doors and hushed prayers.
The crime that once choked the city's heartbeat was slowly fading, though many did not truly understand why. The ominous whispers of Eight Fingers, the criminal syndicate that had long plagued the kingdom, had vanished like mist beneath the sun.
Of course, the common folk remained blissfully unaware of the truth. They didn't know that the underground organization no longer operated, its roots severed by an unseen hand. In its place, a new business had emerged, legitimate, efficient, and oddly well-structured, as if someone had meticulously designed it to fill the void.
But those who held a bit of power and had information brokers took notice of the sudden changes going on in the kingdom.
For now, the people only saw the surface, a city slowly flourishing, where guards patrolled with relaxed smiles and merchants no longer paid protection fees to shadowy figures.
Whether this newfound peace was a gift or the calm before another storm, no one could say. But for today, under the gentle warmth of the spring sun, the people of Re-Estize embraced the serenity unaware of the quiet power shift that took place.
And the one responsible for these recent events was happily walking the streets of a luxurious district in the capital, accompanied by two of his servants.
*MC POV*
Mahito walked beside me, his hands in his pockets and a grin plastered on his face. "So, let me get this straight, We're here because some guy with decent sword skills is hiding in a hole? Is he really worth the trouble?"
Yoriichi, ever calm and composed, walked silently on my other side. His piercing eyes scanned the streets, in front and behind us, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his blade. He didn't speak, but his presence was enough to make even Mahito tone down his antics... most of the time at least.
"Brain isn't just 'some guy,'" I replied, my voice low but firm. "He's one of the strongest warriors in the kingdom. In terms of system ranking, he might not be that strong, but I can't keep relying on you guys. If we can recruit him, he'll be a valuable asset in the future, trust me."
Mahito snorted. "But why recruit him? Why not just let me play with him a little? Or let Makima handle him, I'm sure she can 'convince' him to join us." He said with a playful wink.
"What you said is true, but since I have a way to make him loyal without mind controlling him into becoming my slave, then I will go with that. As I said earlier, I can't keep relying on your abilities."
Yoriichi finally spoke, his voice calm and measured. "How did you find him, Meliodas-sama? These expensive mansions are not a place some mercenary can acquire just like that."
I smirked, glancing at him. "That's where Makima comes in. Her abilities are… let's just say, incredibly useful."
Mahito's grin widened. "Oh, right. The creepy puppet master. What did she do this time? Take over someone's mind? Or maybe she turned a noble into her personal spy?"
"Neither," I said, shaking my head. "Makima has taken control of a vast network of animals, rats, pigeons, dogs, ravens, you name it. They're her eyes and ears across the entire capital. Thanks to her, we know everything that happens in this city. She's practically omniscient here."
Mahito let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's… kind of terrifying. But also kind of awesome. She can even control animals, huh?"
"She can," I replied, my tone serious. "But she's careful about it. For now, the animals are enough. They're everywhere, unnoticed, watching and listening. That's how we found out about his location. The Obsidian Chains, formerly the Eight Fingers, had their own network of spies, but Makima's abilities go far beyond that. Even if we didn't have their documents, she would've found Brain eventually."
Yoriichi's expression remained neutral, but I could see the faintest flicker of unease in his eyes. "Her power is formidable," he said quietly. "But such control comes with great responsibility. If she continues to expand her influence, she could become a threat to the balance of this world."
I nodded. "You dont have to worry about that, if 'that' guy is here then the balance is already shifting. But Makima is on our side. And as long as she is, we have an unparalleled advantage."
Mahito chuckled, his grin returning. "Yeah, yeah. The creepy mind-control lady is your secret weapon. Got it. But seriously, if she ever turns on us, I call dips on fighting her. I'd be gone." What he said was a joke, it would never happen. He would kill himself if it meant serving his master, he would never flee.
I rolled my eyes. "Let's hope it never comes to that. For now, focus on the task at hand. Brain is here. Remember, we're here to recruit him, not kill him." I reminded, looking at the huge manor standing in front of me.
Mahito shrugged. "Fine, fine.Got it."
Yoriichi's hand tightened slightly on his blade. "I will ensure he does not pose a threat, Master."
The manor stood before us, a sprawling estate surrounded by high walls and a wrought-iron gate. Guards patrolled the area around the small garden and stables in big numbers. It was clear that the noble who owned this place was wealthy and paranoid.
But none of that mattered. We weren't here to become friends.
Yoriichi stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. Without a word, he drew his sword and slashed at the gate.
The metal didn't just break, it disintegrated into thousands of tiny pieces, scattering like confetti in the wind. The sound was deafening, sharp slashes could be heard.
The guards froze for a moment, their eyes widening in shock. Then, as if realizing what had just happened, they drew their weapons and charged at us, shouting orders to alert the others. "We have intruders, we are under attack! Protect Viscount Folkan's property."
Mahito's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Finally, some fun!" he said, his voice dripping with glee. His limbs twisted and morphed, turning into jagged, blade-like appendages. He lunged at the guards, his movements erratic and unpredictable.
The first guard swung his sword at Mahito, but Mahito dodged with ease, his blade-like arm slicing through the man's armor like butter. The guard screamed as Mahito's limb twisted inside the wound, prolonging the agony.
"AAAAAAAAGHHHH PLEAASEE STOOP!" The guard cried
"Oh, don't scream yet," Mahito said, his voice almost playful. "We're just getting started."
Another guard tried to attack from behind, but Mahito's other arm shot out, impaling the man through the chest. He lifted the guard off the ground, watching as the man writhed in pain. "You know," Mahito said, tilting his head, "I've always wondered how long it takes for someone to bleed out. Let's find out, shall we?"
I ignored Mahito's antics, stepping over the shattered remains of the gate. Yoriichi walked beside me. "The guards inside will be alerted," he said quietly. "Shall I handle them as well?"
I shook my head. "Not unless they get in our way. We're here for Brain, not to slaughter everyone in the manor."
Yoriichi nodded, his hand still resting on his blade. "Understood."
Behind us, Mahito's laughter echoed all the way to us, mingling with the screams of the guards. I didn't need to look back to know what kind of fucked up shit was happening.
Mahito was taking his time...
As we approached the manor's entrance, the big double doors burst open, and more guards poured out. They were better equipped than the ones outside, their armor heavier and their weapons sharper.
One of them, a captain by the looks of it, stepped forward, his sword raised. "Halt! If you attacking to get Viscount Folkan, then let me tell you that he is not here right now, so I advise you to go back where you came from, otherwise, you shall meet my swor-"
Yoriichi didn't respond. He didn't even let him finish. In the blink of an eye, his sword was drawn, and the guard's heads were rolling on the ground, their bodies collapsing before they could even react.
To me, it looked like Yoriichi hadn't moved at all. One moment, the guards were standing there, shouting at us. The next, they were dead, their heads severed cleanly from their bodies.
"Who said anything about Viscount Floran or whatever..." I muttered.
"I took care of the hindrance, Master," Yoriichi said, his voice calm and steady as he sheathed his blade. "We may proceed."
I nodded, still processing what I had just seen. 'I couldn't even see him move, It was as if the guards had simply… died on their own.' I thought.
Before I could dwell on it further, Mahito's voice broke the silence. "Well, well," he said, strolling up to us with his hands in his pockets. His grin was as wide as ever, but there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Looks like I missed all the fun. You two couldn't save a few for me?"
I shot him a glare. "You already had your share of fun back there. Now let's advance."
We stepped over the bodies and pushed open the grand doors, entering the manor's opulent interior. The entrance hall was massive, with marble floors, gilded furniture, and a grand staircase leading to the upper floors.
But we weren't here to admire the decor. Somewhere in this mansion, Brain Unglaus was waiting.
It didn't take long to find the entrance to the underground passage. A hidden door behind a bookshelf led to a narrow staircase, descending into darkness. Yoriichi led the way, his senses sharp and his movements silent.
Mahito followed behind me in the rear, to tank any ambush possible.
As we descended, the air grew colder, and the walls seemed to close in around us. The faint sound of voices echoed from deeper within the cave, along with the clinking of armor and weapons.
Yoriichi paused, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "There are many mercenaries ahead," he said, his voice calm but firm. "They are well-armed and positioned to ambush intruders."
Mahito's grin widened. "Mercenaries, huh? Sounds like a job for my little friends." He raised his hand, and grotesque figures emerged from them, hundreds of transfigured humans, their bodies warped and deformed. "I'll send them ahead to clear the way. They're perfect for this kind of work."
I nodded. "Do it. But make sure they don't attack Brain, even though I doubt they can harm him."
Mahito's grin turned into a smirk as he gestured forward. The transfigured humans Marched ahead, their movements jerky but purposeful. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the cave, followed by the startled shouts of the mercenaries.
"What the hell are those?!" One mercenary shouted, his voice trembling with fear.
"Shoot it! Shoot it now!" Another yelled, followed by the sound of crossbows firing.
But the transfigured humans didn't stop. They moved relentlessly, tearing through the mercenaries with brutal efficiency.
"The goddamn crossbows do not affect them! Bring mages or priests, now!" The retreating men screamed, but the monsters did not allow them to do that, their attacks were relentless.
The screams of the dying echoed through the cave, but we just kept going, our boots making sounds on the bloodied sticky floor, following the path cleared by Mahito's creations.
Mahito hummed a tune, his hands in his pockets, as if this were nothing more than a casual stroll.
Until, transfigured human corpses started filling the ground. An arrogant and mocking voice called for us. "Haha, you took good care of my men didn't you? Good thing you made it here, working for a noble is quite boring you know?"
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Hey everyone! Author here.
If you've got an anime character you'd love to see summoned into the story, feel free to drop your suggestions, including which character you'd like to see and what rank you think they deserve. Your input might just shape the next events in the story!