[Arc5] - 71. The Return of the Dead
---
"Galand is dead."
Standing against the wall, Zeldris opened his eyes. His tone was calm, completely devoid of the emotion one might expect from someone who just lost a comrade.
"That chatty old guy, huh~?" Melascula shrugged, her grin stretching so wide it nearly split her face in two. "I'd love to thank whoever did it properly."
"It must be Meliodas," Estarossa speculated with his usual enigmatic smile, admiring the castle's decor. "Galand was always arrogant and careless. He probably thought his opponent was an insect, only to find out he was the real bug. So, what's our next move, my dear brother?"
"Brother, don't use such disgusting terms to address me."
"You still hate me so much, huh? If it were Meliodas calling you that, would you..." Before Estarossa could finish, a sword narrowly missed his neck, embedding itself into the wall.
"Alright, I see you don't like your big brother anymore either."
"Don't try to provoke me." Zeldris pulled out the sword, turning to face the other members of the [Ten Commandments]. "Galand might have been old, but defeating him means Meliodas's power is at least a fifth of what it once was. Acting alone is too dangerous. From now on, we'll operate in pairs."
"Ugh, I hate having someone follow me around. I'll move with my toys, and that's enough," Melascula said with a pout, leaving the hall on her own. From the shadows, a figure with a head encased in a metallic substance silently floated after her.
"Grayroad, follow her," Zeldris ordered, frowning. As a mutated Gray Demon, Grayroad was almost incapable of disobeying the commands of higher-ranked demons.
Without a word, Derieri shattered a section of the wall and spread her wings to fly out. Monspeet waved casually at Zeldris as he followed her.
The [Ten Commandments] were never harmonious. Only someone like the Demon King, who ruled the Demon Realm with fear, could compel their obedience.
"Looks like I'll be stuck with my not-so-adorable little brother," Estarossa teased.
"Our goal is to rule Britannia. For me, fear isn't a necessary tool," Zeldris replied, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. He slowly closed his eyes, feigning rest. "And do you really think I need to act with you?"
"Ah, I almost forgot you're the Demon King's proxy. The Commandment of [Piety], huh? Anyone who turns their back on you is judged as disrespecting the Demon King and is forced to submit to the demons. Quite a convenient ability," Estarossa said with a shrug, basking in the moonlight by the window.
"I can smell the scent of war."
Outside the eerie castle lay a vast army of demons, ranging from the weakest White Demons to the formidable Gray Demons. For the Britannia of 3,000 years ago, such a force might not have been noteworthy. But in the present day, it was a power capable of wreaking havoc across the land.
"My dear brother, I'm off for a little stroll."
"Do whatever you want. Whether you're looking for Meliodas or anyone else, it's none of my concern."
"Cold as ever." Estarossa grinned, spreading his pitch-black wings and taking off with a powerful beat.
"In that case, I'll act as I please."
"You always do," Zeldris muttered, opening one eye briefly. After confirming the castle was empty of the [Ten Commandments], he moved to a small, dark room within the castle. The chamber had no ventilation or light and resembled a confinement cell. It was far from fitting for someone of his princely status, but within its confines was a scent that brought him peace.
"Gelda..."
...
"I told you I want to act alone," Melascula snapped impatiently after flying some distance. She turned to glare at the blackened figure trailing her.
"Lord Zeldris's orders take precedence over yours," Grayroad responded plainly, his tone making it clear Melascula couldn't argue.
"Tch. Fine, but stay out of my way!"
Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Melascula landed in an open area and spread her arms. Her dark demonic power etched a massive symbol onto the ground.
Though the [Ten Commandments] were far from united, they did share a common goal. As the holder of the [Faith] Commandment, Melascula prioritized the Demon King's will above all else. Since the Demon King desired to rule the world, she would not slack off.
"Oh, wandering souls of Purgatory, and those still attached to this world, I grant you a second life. Take this chance to avenge yourselves against those who have forgotten you and still sing of life."
The gates of Hell opened, and soul-like entities emerged from the symbols Melascula had drawn, scattering across the land. Though they began as pure spirits, they became tinged with darkness the moment they left the demonic circle.
This was no kind gesture.
"Work hard, my children," Melascula said with a sinister smile, her expression a mix of maternal affection and venomous malice.
...
In the tranquil Fairy King's Forest, Gerheade, who had been basking in the joy of the Fairy King's awakening, suddenly felt a chill. It was a foreboding sense that her dreamlike happiness was about to shatter.
A fairy girl lying amidst a sea of flowers slowly opened her eyes, their once-beautiful gaze now clouded.
"I've come for you, Ban."
"Huh?" Ban turned to look behind him, sensing something off. He shook his head dismissively. "Must be my imagination."
But something felt... missing.
"Hey, Merlin, you're a great sorceress, aren't you? Even if you can't revive the dead, you should know a way to bring someone back, right?"
"Ban, there are ways to revive the dead, but such methods belong to the forbidden arts of the Demon Realm, like Vengeful Soul Revival," Merlin replied.
"Why does that sound ominous?"
"As it should. Nothing in this world comes from nothing. Even infinite magic requires me as a vessel," Merlin said, drawing a glowing symbol in the air with her finger.
"After death, souls reincarnate. Only those clinging to things from their previous life linger in the world of the dead. This forbidden art summons such wandering souls, driven by what they couldn't let go of."
"Ah, she should have stayed where she was and waiting for me to take her away, but she couldn't wait to run into my arms. How brave she is." Ban said with a grin, imagining the scene with amusement.
"You're missing the point, Ban. The revived are controlled by the darkness within them, driven by hatred for the living," Merlin explained, frowning.
"I experimented with this forbidden art. The results? Twisted corpses animated by vengeful souls—a true nightmare."
"But Elaine's body is perfectly preserved. Fairy bodies don't decay for a thousand years."
"You're overly optimistic," Merlin muttered, massaging her temples. She'd almost forgotten how reckless Ban could be, listening only to Meliodas and Cyd.
"We need Meliodas's and Cyd's approval first."
"No problem. Captain and Vice-Captain will definitely agree!" Ban said cheerfully, giving a thumbs-up. "So just pick a good day and make it happen."
Smack!
Merlin slapped her forehead in frustration. She'd almost forgotten how indulgent Meliodas and Cyd were with Ban.