Alastair and the others arrived in Thaubia, landing in the capital city.
He stored the airship back into his storage ring before they continued on foot.
Carla instructed everyone to cover their hair and faces with headscarves, leaving only their eyes visible, and to change into plain local clothing to avoid drawing attention.
"The Hunter Association has eyes everywhere," Carla explained.
"They know you came to Thaubia looking for Hyde. They may send observers—just in case you survived."
"Hmph."
Alastair scoffed under his breath.
He disliked the local attire. It was nothing like his usual tailored black suits—custom-fitted, crafted from the finest materials.
While the local garments were black, a color he favored, the fabric was rough against his skin, loose, cumbersome, and required concealing his face.
"I have no intention of changing clothes," Alastair said.
"Nor do I intend to hide from the Hunter Association. I fear no one. I have never fled or concealed myself from anyone."
Carla met his gaze.
"But fighting would waste time. You may miss the window you need. And we have a young girl with us—she could be caught in the crossfire."
"I'm not afraid either," Vera said, folding her arms and lifting her chin in the same manner as Alastair.
"…Fine."
Alastair exhaled and threw the local cloak over his usual outfit.
He had no desire to waste time fighting.
Hmm.
He flicked his sharp gaze to the right.
A man in local clothing was watching him.
Five already.
Alastair chose to ignore them.
Insects.
"So what now?" King asked.
"We ask the locals if they've seen Hyde or Elijah," Carla said.
"Split up. Exchange contacts. I'll share their photos. Meet back here in one hour."
She sent the images to everyone, including Alastair.
Carla had bought him a phone earlier and taught him how to use it.
"Vera, you can come with me or Henry," Carla said.
"I'll go alone," Vera said, lifting her chin.
"You're coming with me," Alastair said.
"Huh? No thanks." Vera pouted.
"No. I won't allow you to wander off," Alastair said, fixing her with a stern look.
"You're coming with me."
"Just go with him," Henry urged.
"Tch."
In the end, Vera followed him, scowling.
"This sucks," she complained, walking behind him with her hands clasped behind her head.
"First time traveling abroad, and I'm stuck with an idiot demon like you."
Alastair ignored her.
He showed the photos of Hyde and Elijah to passersby, all while keeping Vera within arm's reach.
He could feel locals watching, tracking him from a distance.
Hunter Association agents?
If you want to kill me, come closer. I'll kill you all.
Beep. Beep.
A message arrived.
Carla had sent a text:
Everyone, I've located Delinda, an S-rank demon hunter, and her demon partner Maya (S-class), near the western district. Avoid contact. They may have been sent after Alastair by HQ. Sending photos now.
The first image showed a small girl of about seventeen, long black hair tied into a neat bun, brown eyes gentle and polite—Delinda.
The second showed a tall, beautiful woman with a voluptuous hourglass figure, silver hair, green eyes framed by long lashes.
Confident. Arrogant. Dominating.
"…I really don't like that demon," Vera muttered, baring her teeth.
"Just looking at her pisses me off."
Hm.
Alastair turned toward the west as a surge of soul power rippled through the air.
Green eyes—identical to the photo—met his.
The demon woman stood out in the city crowd: silver hair pulled into a high ponytail, a red dress cut low to reveal her cleavage and slit high along her thigh, her pale skin almost luminous.
She looked nothing like the locals.
Their eyes met.
She started toward him, hips swaying with slow, deliberate confidence.
A young demon hunter followed close behind her—Delinda.
Maya stopped in front of him, smiling, and lifted a hand to pull away the scarf covering his face—
Alastair slapped her hand aside.
Maya's smile twisted into a sneer.
"How dare you. A wandering trainee demon dares to touch Lady Maya? Die."
Her green eyes flared as she raised her hand, soul power gathering to strike—
—but Delinda caught her arm.
"Please don't, Sister Maya," Delinda said, shaking her head.
"We'll be late."
"It won't take long," Maya replied.
"He'll be dead in a second."
"No. This is the middle of the city," Delinda insisted.
"Tch."
Maya clicked her tongue.
"Fine. Consider yourself lucky. Next time—"
She dragged a finger across her throat before turning away.
"Oh please, you big-boobed demon," Vera shouted after her.
"All bark, no bite. Who's dying again? You're the lucky one—too dumb to realize it. Guess all your nutrients went to your chest instead of your brain!"
"What did you say, you little brat—!"
Maya spun around, claws extended—
—but Delinda wrapped her arms around her waist.
"Sister Maya! We really don't have time!"
"Hmph."
Maya glared but allowed herself to be pulled away.
Vera stuck out her tongue and made faces behind them.
That demon uses soul power as well… but far weaker than mine.
I didn't expect users of soul power in this world.
Where are they rushing off to?
They continued questioning locals until it was time to regroup.
They passed through an abandoned district—old buildings, empty streets.
Alastair stopped.
He sensed more than ten humans closing in, the ones who had been watching him all along.
"If you have business with me, speak now," he said.
"I don't have time to play with you one by one."
"Huh?" Vera stiffened. She didn't seem to have sensed them at all.
"Die, demon of the apocalypse!" one man shouted, charging forward and firing his gun.
"Damn it—!" Vera drew her massive sword—
"Don't," Alastair said, raising a hand.
A barrier flared into existence, the bullets freezing midair.
With a flick of his power, he sent them hurtling back.
The shooter collapsed instantly.
Alastair turned to the remaining nine men.
A faint smile curved his lips.
"How interesting," he murmured.
"Tell me—why do you call me the demon of the apocalypse?"