Salvos (A Monster Evolution LitRPG)

Chapter 64: Harrowed Vindicators

64. Harrowed Vindicators

Why didnt you tell me you were attacked?

I, uh, didnt have the time?

And by a powerful Demon too? What was he called the Devil?

Yep. He had red skin, horse-like legs, a pair of horns, and used a pitchfork

Wait, are you talking about S

...who?

I said are you talking about Sn

I dont understand you when you keep switching language mid sentence! Stick with one!

Daniel sighed and shook his head.

Nevermind. Probably not him. And well deal with that tomorrow. Im tired.

And so, another week went by as Daniel, Rachel, and I stayed in the cave, continuing the same activities we did before, but a little more vigilant. I conducted another two summoning rituals both were at a far smaller scale than the one with the head [Cultist].

The first attempt brought an [Imp]. She saw me and immediately fled, before I could even use [Title Skill: Zealous Call] on her. The second summoning went much better; I summoned a [Fiend] that I managed to apprehend before he could flee. However, not only was I unable to procure the summoning collar from him the entire time he was unconscious, he attacked me when he woke up, forcing me to kill him.

Then I tried and failed to take the summoning collar from his corpse.

His body vanished. And my last hopes of going back to the Netherworld disappeared with it. For now, I thought, sighing.

Honestly, after the revelation about Daniel the day before, I couldnt help but be worried about leaving him here either. So many people to care about, so troublesome. Daniel and Haec. Both were my companions. And it was not like Edithe leaving I knew she was fine.

The Netherworld however, was a dangerous place, even for Haec. And these Harrowed Vindicators were actively hunting Daniel down. For now, I did what I could and helped the one I could.

I met Daniel and Rachel outside; the two had already packed everything they had while I did a clean sweep of everything the [Cultists] hideout. I took everything I found important and left everything else in the cave. Then I sent a Fireball and collapsed it.

When did you learn to do that?

Unlike you Humans who are always idle at night, Ive been busy doing things whenever you sleep.

Thats because we need sleep.

Not my problem.

I shrugged; I spent most nights reading through whatever books or grimoires I could outside of my Mortal Form. And because of that, I learned a Human spell that I could conjure without even using a Skill.

But while it was useful the fact that it exploded would help with fighting swarm monsters it was not very strong. I tested it out, and I was pretty sure it did only half as much damage as a [Scorching Wave].

And if I tried to pour more mana into the spell, it would either destabilize and blow up on me, or it would cause only a little bit larger of an explosion. The cost effectiveness of casting it just wasnt there!

I grumbled nonverbally to myself as we started to make our way back to Warrington. Daniel glanced over at me, and Rachel peered over from beside him.

Is something wrong, Salvos?

Nope.

Hm, ok.

The two went back to facing the front, walking hand in hand under the canopy of trees. Sunlight seeped through the cracks in the leaves the intermingling foliage not thick enough to blot out the sun. It was a peaceful walk.

I heard the merry chirping of birds in the distance. Even the buzzing of the insects and flies were audible to my ears; I caught sight of a small, brown four legged animal with a single horn protruding from his head. But he quickly scampered off into a bush, rustling its branches as he made his escape from my prying gaze.

The light whistling of the wind brushed against my ears; I brought a hand up and brushed my hair back my dangling bangs blown to tickle my fluttering eyelashes. I smiled, waving at an inquisitive squirrel sitting atop a tree as it snacked on a nut

Why are you with Daniel and not me, Rachel? I thought you were my subject!

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The Human man jumped but Rachel simply cocked her head.

Wha

Because hes so cool! He protected me from those scary bad guys! And hes from another world too!

Daniel blinked, glancing between us. Then he sighed as I emphatically pointed a finger at myself.

I helped protect you from the Shadow Vindicators as well! And Im also from another uh, not from the Mortal Realm!

But hes a [Hero]! Youre just a Princess

Shes not actually a Princess. Or princess for that matter.

Rachel ignored him, giving me a sorrowful look.

There are very many princesses and queens. But theres no other [Hero] but Daniel.

Aw.

I threw my hands up in the air.

Then what if I told you I was a [Hero] too?

Youd be a liar.

Why?!

Because youre a Demon.

The little girl shook her head, scoffing. She wagged a finger as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Everyone knows Demons cant be [Heroes].

...thats where you draw the line?

Daniel gave her a blank look. She spun around to him and hugged his leg.

Thats why Ill be sad that Mr Daniel is leaving me. I could always summon another Demon

No, dont do that. Youll go to jail.

He sighed, rubbing at his temples. Slowly, he bent over until his gaze was level with Rachel.

Rachel, youll be safe with these people. You cant stay with us. Its dangerous. But promise me when you leave us that you wont tell anyone about me being a [Hero], alright? Or Salvos being a Demon for that matter.

But if you tell everyone, theyll surely like you! Theyll help you with those evil guys chasing after you! And Salvos

She glanced at me and I perked up.

Im sure shell be fine if I tell a few people that she's a Demon. She can run very fast after all.

Wait, no

Daniel began to protest. But I grinned, raising my chin.

Hehe. Of course! I can outrun anyone who chases after me.

I dont think thats what you should be focusing on here.

The Human man smacked his forehead, however I was too focused on the praises she sung for me.

Well, fine. I guess I can forgive your betrayal to Daniels side since you think so highly of me.

Even if you got mad at me, Mr Daniel will protect me.

Oh really?

I stopped walking and turned to face him. Daniel paused mid step, hesitating. We stared at each other for a moment the air was still. A silence hung over us as I crossed my arms.

He stepped back and shook his head.

No way. Ill die.

Aw, you gave up too easily!

But Mr Daniel

But Mr Daniel, youre a [Hero]!

And whats that supposed to mean? Im not immune to death just because Im a [Hero]. I mean, maybe if I had [Plot Armor] as a Skill

[Heroes] are supposed to kill Demons right?

Why are you asking me, I dont know it works.

Dont look at me either

Fools.

A muffled voice spoke softly. The hooded figure turned to his companions all of four of them dressed in the same shadowy cloak he was wearing. They all bore masks, and while you could see their levels, that was the point. It was intimidation.

The hooded figure shook his head.

To think that Ashul fell to those three idiots. It seems she was far weaker than even I thought.

One of the cloaked figures one of the ones standing furthest away from him spoke up.

But Ven, perhaps we shouldnt underestimate our opponents. One is a [Hero] after all

Silence.

Ven locked his gaze back onto his quarry, eyeing them from this distance through the thicket of trees. The [Hero], Daniel. That was who they were hired to kill. It was an open order, so anyone could take it. However, any and every information about him had to be reported back to the rest of the Harrowed Vindicators.

The three figures walked behind some trees for a moment. And it was then, Ven decided it was time to make their move.

Target the girls. Force the [Hero] to intercede on their behalf. Then when hes distracted, we kill him.

His five companions nodded, drawing their weapons and spells, preparing for this ambush. They just had to wait for the three targets to walk through the small grove, then they would strike

I dont think Im the one that needs protecting.

Ven turned around and screamed. A burning clawed hand raked through his chest, sending him back towards a tree. He caught himself from crashing through the thick wooden trunk, but his attacker a feral four legged monster bounded onto him a moment later.

Its body was lit ablaze, and the attack tore through the last of his magical protections. A Skill how? He pushed himself off the monster, landing a few dozen feet away from it while bloodied and bleeding. The monster halted in its tracks as his companions surrounded it.

It glanced around at the five members of the Harrowed Vindicators. One of the assassins launched a blast of ice at it, and another loosed multiple Nadren Zudo bolts at it.

The monster suddenly blurred, escaping the incoming projectiles and bounding back into the trees. Ven whirled around, searching for where the monster went, before his eyes widened.

Slowly, his world began to split in half. His vision darkened and severed. Nothing but a grunt left his lips as he fell, dead.

Alright. Leader down.

Daniel hefted his sword back and up as Salvos landed next to him.

Just five more lackies to go.

Aw, you stole my kill!

This is not a video game, Salvos. Theres no such thing as stealing someone else's kill.

I dont know what that is.

Right.

Is Rachel safe?

Hopefully. But after we deal with them she will definitely be.

That man whoever he was had been Level 65. He was quite high leveled, however he had been a [Rogue]. So he wasnt really the most durable individual. Coupled that with the fact that I had hurt him quite badly through a surprise attack, it was no wonder Daniels Skill could finish him off.

I raised a clawed hand menacingly at the remaining Harrowed Vindicators, letting out a small growl.

You you scared all the animals away.

I think we should be more concerned with them trying to kill me than how they disturbed the natural habitat of a crown horned squirrel rat or whatever.

Thats a thing?

No. Its a joke.

Huh. Well, I like animals a lot, ok?

Daniel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He gestured vaguely at the assassins before us.

Can we not do this? Not in front of them.

Whats wrong?

I glanced over at the five cloaked figures standing there and staring at us. I waved a hand dismissively.

You dont actually think theyll take this moment to attack us

One of the cloaked figures stepped forward and whipped out a pair of chains with spike metal balls on their ends. He tossed one of them straight at me and I ducked out of the way. I grabbed the chain and yanked it, pulling him towards me.

As the [Warrior] came flying, the [Mage] and [Archer] stepped into action, both preparing a glowing attack. Daniel deflected the attacks while I struck the [Warrior] with a clawed [Fire Strike] to the face. His mask broke but I found myself hitting rock-hard skin.

He spun his chains around me, however I hopped out of the way and landed a quick kick on him before flipping next to Daniel. I glanced up at Daniel who was now being targeted by both long ranged assassins, and the two [Rogues].

Duck!

I yelled and sent a [Scorching Wave] at the [Rogues]. They stepped back while the fire splashed above my companion. I ran past him, speaking quickly as I activated [Self Haste].

Switch!

Got it.

Daniel ran at the [Warrior] while I charged the two [Rogues]. I created a pair of fire daggers and flung them at the first, while rushing at the next. I bounded on him, tearing into his body before the expected spells and arrows came.

I leapt out of the way just in time for attacks to kill the assassin. They really dont care about their companions at all, do they?

I spun past a throwing dagger flicked at me by the [Rogue] as he turned and ran at Daniel. He can handle two. Ill take care of the [Mage] and [Archer].

A [Charge of Embers] sent me straight between the two assassins. The [Mage] was lower leveled, and I bit into his face. The [Archer] loosed arrow after arrow at me some nicked me. A few even rocked me back. But I picked up the limply fighting back [Mage] and used him as a shield.

The arrows pierced his body and he stopped moving. Then it was just the [Archer] and I. I swiped a claw at her and she leapt back. It was like the wind itself swept her off her feet and landed her a dozen paces away from me. I growled, about to charge at her, when I heard Daniel scream.

Salvos!

I glanced over at the Human man. What? Does he really need help

Then I spotted the injured [Warrior] holding Daniel back with his chains. And as that happened, the [Rogue] was off running the distance. Running towards

Rachel! Theyre going to use her as a hostage!

My eyes widened. And I was distracted for a moment. An arrow struck me on my shoulder, causing me to stumble back. I glared back at the [Archer], then turned to the [Rogue].

Rachel.

I bounded after him as the [Archer] loosed more arrows at me.