Elsewhere near Stadelitz, Arnulfe and Camazotz’s battle took them to the mountains. By this point, their brawls sapped most, if not all, of their strengths. Both were badly bruised, and both were unable to even fly, not without their wings. The membranes of both their wings were ripped a while ago, causing them to crash land on the mountain path near the Antelberg Estate.

By this point, they were already too exhausted to even fight. The tension of the battle, along with the fact that Camazotz was visibly exhausted, made Arnulfe realized that their battle was so intense that even a lower circle demon like Camazotz couldn’t even keep up.

“Damn it,” said Camazotz with a dry laugh. “You really got me.”

“I didn’t…how the hell did I even fight equally with a demon?” asked Arnulfe.

“It’s not that surprising, really,” said Camazotz. “But at the same time, the answer’s not that obvious.”

“What do you mean?”

“After we clashed, I finally realized that you’re not what I’m looking for,” said Camazotz with a sigh. “Well, can’t hurt to try.”

“I still don’t understand what you are talking about. Why me? Who am I?”

“Do you really want to know?”

“Am I also a half-demon? Like Ifrit?”

Camazotz laughed. “Yeah,” he said.

This surprised Arnulfe enough to start thinking about it, and about the powers he had that was far more powerful than any Fuzandres, especially compared to Rhynsa’s, along with his insatiable thirst for blood.

But before Arnulfe could confirm it, Camazotz said, “That is…if you really are what I’m looking for. You got lucky, you know. If you really what my lord seeks, then you better say your goodbyes to your friends.”

“Why? Because I’m turning into a monster?”

“Who knows.” Camazotz shrugged. “It’s not like I’m that interested with what my lord thinks. I’m just trying to confirm whether my suspicions are true or not. Well, I guess not. But it’s fine, really. Barbatos is patient, unlike those impulsive and brash Infernals. If they weren’t so hell bent on violence, they might not even be caught like that. I think I can respect your friends for showing that they can dominate an Infernal.”

Arnulfe had no idea what he was talking about until he turned towards the town. He could see that the situation was under control and the defenders celebrated their victory. The surface dwellers and their hellhound allies won.

“And I think this is my time to leave,” said Camazotz as he struggled to stand up. “I don’t want to spoil their fun, and I certainly don’t want to be caught. If that is the case, my lord is not going to be as forgiving. I’m here as a neutral party, after all.”

“Camazotz,” said Arnulfe. “You can at least tell me why I’m different from Rhynsa and the other Fuzandres. What am I?”

“If you want me to be blunt, I’d say a failed experiment,” said Camazotz. “So, it is not your concern anymore. Congratulations. You are not a monster. I think you won’t be satisfied with that, but unfortunately, I can only say that much if you don’t want to die. I am doing this as a sign of respect for my rival. You, Arnulfe, is a Fuzandre. Nothing else. Yes, you are a much powerful one, but you are still a Fuzandre, so live the rest of your life free from this thought unless you want to ruin the beginning of your fledgling relationship.”

“Then why did you even say it if you don’t want me to pursue it? You know I can be very curious.”

“Nope. You won’t even remember this conversation after we’re done,” said Camazotz.

“What?! That’s not fair!”

“Hey, you said you are very curious. I am doing you another favor, okay?”

“But….” Arnulfe hesitated, unsure if he wanted to say it. After a while, he said, “Will I remember you?”

This caused Camazotz to snicker, causing Arnulfe to said, “What’s so funny?”

“Cheating on your boyfriend already? Come on, Arnulfe. I know you’re better than this.”

Arnulfe blushed.

“Nah, I’m just playing with you. Of course, you’ll remember me. In fact, even if you’re not what I’m looking for, you are still an interesting Fuzandre. Let me give you a hint. If we ever meet again, it won’t be in hell.”

“Eh? But why?”

“I don’t exactly like going back down and up all by my own. The gatekeepers can be a little too frisky for my liking. And besides, I have something else to do up here. Call it my side hustle. So, what do you say? Looking forward to meet again?”

Arnulfe scoffed. “Yeah, right,” he said. “Like I want to.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do, Arnulfe. Well, good luck with your little war game. Say hello to your friend for me.”

“We’re friends now?”

“Why not? See you around.”

And with that Camazotz left Arnulfe with a puff of smoke. Arnulfe let out a chuckle, amused to find that a bat demon could be so interesting despite what he did in the past. It was as if he did not even want to be involved in the war. He was just having his own twisted fun.

He soon remembered that he needed to return to his friend. Without ever realizing that he had forgotten the conversation about him being a ‘failed experiment’, he awkwardly walked down the hill, unable to even relieve the pressure on his feet due to his wings.

***

“(Is it…over)?” said Sammael weakly. He recovered from the seizure after a while. He witnessed the Infernal restrained and subdued by ethereal chains, which reminded him of the same ritual that he was subjected to. However, it didn’t matter anymore.

He knew his time in this world was not long. Forcing himself to make Azgal’s senses mislead his direction was a feat far too great for a Barghest like him. But he knew it was good enough to let Anubis gained an edge, even if it was only for a moment. Anubis would die if he didn’t do it. His life was far more important than a Barghest who had lost what made him a demon.

His organs were damaged beyond repair, and his brain was fried. Even now, he couldn’t think straight. He was so close to death he could practically feel hell was pulling him back. By then, the binding seal around his body would be gone, and he’d return to hell and recover.

But…Sammael had a different idea. As he tried to make himself comfortable and contemplated on his choice, Ifrit walked towards him and said, “(It is, Sam. It is).”

“(I’m…dying),” said Sammael weakly. “(I know I am).”

“(Why? Why did you do it?)” Sammael could clearly see his master’s eyes started to swell. His voice even started to crack.

“(Because I must),” said Sammael. “(I must protect those important to you, Ifrit).”

“(If only I got here sooner…. If only I accept who I am sooner…).”

“(It’s fine, Ifrit. I am fully prepared to die. Ani…I know he’s a good friend. I don’t…I don’t want him to die. I don’t want you to lose yourself).”

By this point, everyone circled around Sammael. He was still lying on where he fell, unmoved. Sammael himself knew his body already failed, with only his head still barely able to move. He could feel his consciousness slipping away. He knew he must make the choice.

“(I…have a request),” said Sammael. “(Wepwawet….)”

“(Yes, Sammael?)” said Wepwawet.

“(Do the thing you do…. Don’t let me return to hell).”

“(Wait, Sam, what are you talking about?!)” said Ifrit, surprised by this. “(If you do that, you won’t be able to…).”

“(It’s a much better fate than returning to what I once was. I saw the Barghests we slain. They are your enemies. If I go back, I will stand against you…).”

Sammael’s speech was already slurred and stuttered. His sights had failed. His body was numb. He was slipping away. He was holding back the Recalling with whatever he had left.

“(I…don’t want that),” said Sammael. “(M-master…).”

“(I…I understand),” said Ifrit, trying his hardest not to cry. “(Wep…please. Make it painless).”

“(I will, but it’s better if you do this, Ifrit).” He then handed Ifrit a knife. “(This knife can disperse his soul, preventing it from returning to hell. It will work on Sammael…given his current state).”

Ifrit was hesitant to do this, but he knew Wepwawet gave him a chance to do this because it was his responsibility. Sammael’s servitude started because his father did it. It was his job to end it.

Rhynsa tried his best to stay strong, but, despite his animosity towards the Barghest, he started to think of the dream-eating demon as a friend and a travel companion. He still did not like what Hynorsi did to the demon. In fact, his devotion towards Ifrit and his willingness to die instead of being healed as a demon was part of that process. His mind was irreversibly broken. To be freed from enslavement, only to be the enemy of the hellhound who genuinely cared for him would be a dark fate befitting a demon, but for Sammael, this was his only freedom.

“(Sam…).” Ifrit positioned the knife over the area where Sammael’s heart would be. “(Thank you…and be in peace).”

He then slowly pushed the knife, which slowly went into Sammael’s chest. The Barghest winced in pain, but after that, he stopped struggling, and went limp. Ifrit turned to see Sammael’s face. The Barghest’s expression was content, at least for a canine-like demon. He already closed all six of his eyes. He looked like he was in peace.

Ifrit then wondered why Sammael’s body did not disintegrate like the demon the Jackals killed earlier. He waited, but it did not happen.

“(Why…isn’t he…?)”

The black-furred hellhound could feel someone’s hand patting his shoulder. He turned to see Wepwawet, whose solemn expression clearly held the answers.

“(Give him a proper burial, Ifrit),” he said. “(It’s the least you can do for him).”

The half-Infernal nodded. He knew what Wepwawet wanted. It was the best way to properly honor a fallen friend. Without delay, he asked one of the townspeople to direct him to a graveyard, intending to give Sammael a proper burial.

The siege ended with a victory for Stadelitz. Both Sahia and Maximilian led the effort to honor the fallen and guard the now gaping hole that led to Morran, expecting the second wave of invasion to happen again. Fearing for their safety, everyone evacuated from the city, leaving only those capable of protecting the city to stay and guard it. The Jackals decided they would do it, led by Wepwawet, knowing that their ritual was far more effective than a demon hunters’ and the fact that they were already there to begin with.

Meanwhile, Rhynsa, deciding to report what happened in Stadelitz to Anarim and to report their success, managed to find a working telephone line that was lent by Maximilian as thanks for helping the defense of Stadelitz and capture of an Infernal. He quickly phoned the old Winsel back in Summinat, half-hoping he would not be there to answer the phone (Rhynsa called the tea shop). To his surprise, the weathered voice of an older hellhound answered the phone.

“(This is Winsel Tea Shop),” said Anarim’s voice.

“(It’s me),” said Rhynsa short. “(I have a report to make).”

“(You completed the mission. It’s the only reason for you to call me),” concluded Anarim. “(So, how does it go?)”

“(We found Sahia Antelberg and the support of her husband),” said Rhynsa. “(Turned out her name isn’t a fake name, but a married name. She married a Dusdolfian Lycan noble. Funny how things end up, huh?)”

“(It is),” said Anarim. “(I didn’t expect her to be married to a noble. But at least Dusdolf treats their nobles better).”

“(Also, you better explain the situation to them. I doubt they even know about the Council).”

“(We’ll give them every info they need. Where are you right now?)”

“(Stadelitz. The town with a tunnel leading into Morran).”

“(Stadelitz, huh? Okay, I’ll tell them to set off as soon as possible).”

“(Oh. And be sure to take care of a prisoner. We unexpected struck gold. But…we lost someone).”

“(Someone? Who?)”

“(Sammael. The Barghest. He died, permanently. The Jackals had a ritual to prevent them to return to hell upon death, so Sammael is…dead. Ifrit is digging a grave for him. I think we should let him mourn the Barghest. While I don’t like the Barghest, he means a lot to Ifrit).”

“(I’m afraid I can’t do that),” said Anarim with a serious voice. “(We have a development down in the town of Arbal. Albert reported a horde of demons attempting to invade the area before he was forced to cut the line off. He asked for reinforcement. Now, I know you’re exhausted, but--)”

“(You want us to go down there and assist them),” said Rhynsa with a sigh. “(We can’t keep jumping around working our asses off like this. I don’t think anyone here are able to fight anymore, let alone anticipate another ambush).”

“(I am fully aware of that. But we can’t afford to lose Arbal. From the map given to me, I know Stadelitz is as equally important due to the tunnel, but Arbal is a town bordering three regions. If we lose that town, we might as well open the gate for the demons).”

“(With our current state, I think going there is suicidal).” He then sighed. “(Anarim…I have been asking you the same thing over and over again. What the hell is going on? Why must this incursion even begin in the first place? At this point, I’m too tired cursing the hound with the bright idea of selling his soul to the demons just because he thinks he’s right. How the hell did this happen?)”

Anarim went silent for a while, making Rhynsa think that he was pondering about it himself. But then, he let out a cryptic answer.

“(It’s the ignorance of the father that turned a son),” he said. “(And he paid the heavy price with his body).”

“(What do you mean? Who are you talking about?)”

“(He’ll show himself…).”

Anarim closed the line, leaving Rhynsa with more questions than answers, even though this was the first time the old hellhound seemed to be giving a clue as to the start of the hellish incursion. Did he know something and was doing this to amend a mistake in the past? He could be one of the royals who were ignorant with someone’s darker tendencies and could only start a resistance to make him feel better.

In any case, Rhynsa was only able to give them bad news. The others listened to him as he explained what they needed to do.

“(This time, we can’t ask for everyone to go),” said Rhynsa. “(This town needs its defenders. I can only take those capable and willing to fight again).”

Everyone was understandably upset by this, knowing that it wasn’t over yet. Rhynsa even considered that maybe it wasn’t such a great idea asking battle-weary soldiers to be involved in yet another battle. He contemplated to go alone until Anubis stood up and said, “(I’ll go).”

“(The Jackals need you here, Anubis),” said Rhynsa. “(And besides, you’re--).”

“(Why don’t we just cut the crap and stop making my disability an excuse? I proved myself out there. I fought Azgal to a standstill. Yes, my eyesight’s nothing but outlines, but I can still fight).”

“(Okay, I get it. You can still fight. But I want you to find Arnulfe. He has been missing since he engaged that bat demon, and I’m worried. I bet that when you find him, he’s going to be all beaten up that he needs all the help and care that he needs).”

Just then, someone called for medical attention, to which they all turn to find a man carrying a barely conscious Arnulfe with him. The Fuzandre was unconscious, his body ravaged by injuries and bruises. His wings were also torn and one of them was broken.

“(Oh, no),” said Ifrit, fearing the worst. “(Arnulfe, Is he…?)”

“(I can hear his breaths),” said Anubis, similarly concerned. He then concentrated his Sight to try and find the Fuzandre’s heart. To his relief, it was still breathing. Anubis, however, was still worried, so he turned to Rhynsa and said, “(You’re right. He needs me. I didn’t…).”

“(It’s for your own good, too. You’re as beaten up as he is. Which means the only other person that can come is…).”

“(Me),” said Ifrit, who walked to the assembly. “(I just need some fire to heal myself up. I can rest up while we drive there. I can’t let myself wallow in the grief of losing a friend. I need to save someone. It’s the least I can do to honor Sammael).”

“(Then you’re in).” Rhynsa was going to ask for more, but he soon realized that he couldn’t let anyone come as Stadelitz needed all the people it could get. So he stopped and said, “(Yeah. I guess we’ll do. I prefer travelling in small groups, anyway).”

Ifrit and Rhynsa did not need much. They needed some food, a nice bath, and a set of clean clothes to recover. Arbal, as Rhynsa determined, wasn’t too far from Stadelitz, only taking two hours or so with a car. With only he and Ifrit travelling, it would be even faster.

The real ordeal would be when they reached Arbal. The three assumed the place was already besieged by demons, so they knew what they needed to do.

They must prepare themselves against demons. Thus, Rhynsa asked for Maximilian’s armory, which was full of anti-demonic weapons, specifically the guns. He seemed to have the same idea as Albert, the only other demon hunter specializing with guns and the one who originated the idea.

Maximilian also loaned them one of his cars, specifically one with a much powerful engine compared to Anarim’s car. Unlike Anarim’s car, which by that point was already five years old, Maximilian’s car was a completely different beast. It was made from brass and its engine was far more powerful, as seen from the elongated hood and the roar of the engine. The noble Lycan told Rhynsa that it was a sports car compared to Rhynsa’s touring car.

“It is designed for speed and elegance more than comfort,” he explained. “You can reach Morran in less than an hour with this.”

“Are you sure about this? The car looks expensive.”

“It is expensive when I bought it back in 1910. There’s not many brass cars back then as it was now. Don’t worry about damage, just try and return it as a proper car, not as a junk.”

“We’ll be careful.”

Meanwhile, as Rhynsa climbed to the seat, Ifrit looked around and was going to call Sammael’s name when he realized that the Barghest died. He was stunned, realizing that despite his attempt, he still couldn’t forget the loyal Barghest, even if that loyalty was twisted.

Rhynsa also noticed this and said, “(Damn. I started to miss our little banters).”

“(I guess it’s a long way before I can finally let his memory to rest).”

“(Yeah).”

But each of them decided to grief later and focus on supporting their comrades in Arbal. With everyone’s blessing in Stadelitz, Rhynsa stepped on the gas and drove away, leaving Stadelitz and towards Arbal.