'Belphegor eh?' A voice popped into my head.

Recognizing the voice, I was confused why it was not Lucian who spoke to me but Ban. 'Is there a problem with the name Ban?'

'Ah... I'm not really a person to hide things...' He mutters.

'Hm? What was that supposed to mean?' my face tic when I heard him mutter.

'I mean... I was once called many names. Belphegor just happens to be one of them.' He admits in a tired tone.

'Oh? Why were you called Belphegor?' I really am interested in this.

'Hmmm.... Belphegor is the name of a prince of hell and was known for a lot of things. Most notably, the desire to help people create things to assist them to be lazy. Would you believe me if I told you that he helped humans to be lazy by enticing them to make a cart? With that cart, it made a man rich through selling that invention. After that, he kept enticing people to create new inventions with the promise of riches and you could say that Belphegor was the origin of science.' Ban smirked.

'You're lying right?' I was surprised to hear this.

'Of course I am.' He admits flatly.

I frowned when he killed the mood with that last line.

'Point being, humans are lazy people and that is why we create things to assist us in our everyday lives. Me? I had a hand in helping man create the hand cannon. Those who helped make the hand cannons became rich. I also enticed many others to make more inventions which led to laziness and wealth. Thus I was known as Belphegor' He quickly said. 'What was the reason you were called Belphegor Jin?'

'Oh me? The palindromic prime number. I once broke multiple games and every game I beat, it shows the thirty one number 1000000000000066600000000000001 as the score. At one point, even the lives I collected reached the same number due to a bug. A silly reason but from that point on, no one was able to beat my scores in the arcade.' I answered.

'Pffft Ah ha ha ha ha. What kind of reason is that to be called Belphegor? Ah ha ha ha.' He roared out laughing.

But I did not mind. I too thought it was silly to be called Belphegor for something so simple.

'But getting to the main point, how will you earn sixty plus grands in seven days? You would need to at least make around $360 per hour or about $6 per minute and at least ten cents per second. You know that is a crazy amount to make right?' He sounded concerned about the bet I just made. 'But that was the sixty grand alone. What about the woman?'

He was right. But I was not worried. While walking, I saw a five dollars on the floor and picked it up. 'There! I just made five within one second' I was simply joking but Ban did not seem to take what I said as a joke. I could tell that his face was pale when he saw me acting stupid.

'Oh lighten up Ban. I was only playing.'

'... I just hope that you are playing Jin. As a person who once held the name Belphegor, I really do hope that you do have some ways.'

'I do. Just... I need to investigate those failed rainbow stooges. If I go to get money now, they could kill me and just take the money and the house with the girl. I once said that both our personalities are alike and thus it would be an honest business trade once it happens. But one cannot tell how the other sides would react before or after the trade. That is why, I need to build up the cards in my hands Ban.'

'.... Pfft.... At least you are careful Jin. If it was Lucian or Ren, they would've ripped them to shreds on the spot. But you are different. Almost like and ice cold tactician. Glad to see that you aren't hot headed as others. I only wondered why you raised it to sixty grand....' Ban was clearly amused. 'But what if they lead you to the point of killing them? Would you kill them?'

'*Sigh*.... Good question.... I cannot remember a point where I took a man's life. But it doesn't mean that I have not done the same by not doing it. You guys said I killed people before right? Well at this point, I am not willing to take another person's life unless it is necessary Ban.'

Ban was surprised to hear my answer. At first, he laughed a bit and then choked on air while laughing. Only a few minutes later did he return to his previous normal tired state. 'Hm? Now there is some virtue. Even if you didn't take a person's life, there is such a thing as cause and effect that can lead one to kill indirectly. But if it was me, I would get rid of them first before there is trouble to be caused. But... That is just me. Heh... If Lucian was still awake, he would go apesh*t hearing you speak so weakly.'

'Maybe he will. But in life, it is better to not take another person's life. But in war, it is all the same.' I shrugged. 'It is terrible to be at a disadvantage. But to be unprepared as well? That was beyond the worse. I never fought a battle unprepared. Or, at least, those of the ones I've remembered since my high school years. I've learned to be cautious and to never underestimate my enemies. Beyond all else, I've learned that if there is an enemy in front of me, I have to use all of my resources not to only beat him down but to beat the ones down behind him and those behind those guys. It does not matter if it was male or female. If they pose a threat to me, and I know that they are after my ass, I won't show even the slightest mistake.' I said.

Beyond anything, when facing an enemy, especially if there are more than one enemy, I would need information and a boat load of back up plans. No matter how bad a situation I get in, I would always have a back up plan. Only when all else fails do I ad lib my actions.

'Eh... Good enough. Be prepared than to be unprepared right? Just one thing. If you can't kill them. Then let one of us do it' He said before disappearing.

'That won't be necessary. I won't kill anyone.' I smiled at the thought of killing.

I came back to Meracle's house at a very late time. Why? I took a long walk around while planning things through. But more importantly.... I went dumpster diving. I am not ashamed of admitting going dumpster diving, but now that I look... a lot better... it just doesn't go well with some of the images I portray when I walk down the streets. Even a little girl cringed when I walked past her smelling like a sewer rat carrying a bag of junk parts. 'I'm so sorry...'

I really didn't want to go back home smelling like an elephant's new born manure from the rear door.

The next thing I did was sort of shameless. I walked into someone else house through the back door and took a quick shower. The weirdest part was when the family in the house acted as if they knew me and only smiled warmly and I warmly smiled back in reply. They even gave me a new fresh set of clothings which were a bit flowery and loose. But they still fits. I felt bad if I took advantage of them so to repay them, I helped them fix things around the house and stayed for dinner when they invited me.

Things got awkward around dinner though. I gave a helping hand in serving dinner as well in making it. Once it was over, the very first thing the alpha male of the family did was to ask me, "So, how long have you been dating our daughter?"

"Hu-wut? Daughter? Whose daughter? What!?" I was shocked at the very question.

"Don't lie to me! I know you've been dating my daughter! So tell it to me straight! How long and what do you think of her?" The father was very fierce when asking this question.

"Uh.. sir? I think there has been a misunderstanding." Now that I understood some parts of the question, they thought I was the boyfriend.

"Like hell! Now tell it to me straight!" He bangs on the table. The wife seeing this, calmed him down along with their little daughters. There were five girls all about two to three years apart each. The oldest looked fourteen.

"So wait.. One question. How many daughters do you have?" I said. But then I instantly felt that it was the wrong question to ask.

"What!? You are aiming for our other daughters as well!? Or is it that you've dated my other daughters!?" the father obviously misunderstood my intentions. But the man pulls out a shot gun and pointed it to my face.

"Oh sh... Wait! There is a big misunderstanding" I was really putting a lot of efforts into making him put his gun down. But by now i knew that if I made one mistake, he could blow my head off.

"You got three seconds!" He quickly said as he cocks the gun. "ONE!"

"I was asking this question because I wanted to know how is it that you have so many beautiful daughters." I quickly said.

"I KNEW IT! HE IS A PEDOPHILIA!" the father shouted. He puts the gun to my eye.

"I was only complimenting!!!!! Also, I think your daughter is a very good person! She is kind, smart, and very beautiful" I said even faster. A drop of sweat rolled down my face.

"TWO! HOW BEAUTIFUL!?" The father menacingly growled.

"As beautiful as Venus! As smart as Athena! But she is the most beautiful woman in this world to me!" I cried. I only hoped that this worked or else he will really blow off my head.

The man smiles in satisfaction and lowers the gun to my stomach. Just when I thought it was over, he pulled the trigger and blew a hole into the table and just barely misses me. "If you are lying to me... You know what will happen" His eyes glowed red.

I let out a sigh of relief. 'Let's get out of here before he blows a hole in my face' I quickly thought. I got up and was about to bolt until he demanded for me to stay a little longer. 'Oh no... Big mistake...' I whimpered. Not like I could bolt out now. So I played the act all the way till the end.

I followed the entire family into their living room to 'discuss how much I loved their daughter' and my future plans with her. It was only then that I noticed their pictures on the wall. When I took a good look, I saw that they had eight daughters! All looked very similar but there were people who I thought I recognized. 'Hm? Why does she look so familiar?' The entire family had blonde hair. I could not remember who these people remind me of, but they all looked very similar. When I look back at the mother's and father's faces, I had a deep feeling in my stomach almost stabbing me.

"Alright! SO! What is your future plans?" his menacing voice did not fade. "What is your job? Your name? I need to know before I give her to you."

The corner of my mouth twitched. Plans? Daughters? Oh man... I am really about to die even earlier than I thought. But to play things out I went along. "I'm called Belphegor but my name is..." I start to say. But that too was a mistake. The man's eyes widen when he heard my name.

"DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He screams in a high and shrill voice. The wife and the daughters quickly calmed him down.

"Whoa! I said I am called Belphegor. But my name is" I quickly racked my brain for a name and the first name to come up was Lucian. But I could not use his name dishonorably. So I quickly changed it. "Houyi"

"Oh. That's a nice name" His attitude took a one eighty turn!

Seeing the good opportunity, I rushed to say a few more things. "I have a variety of jobs and can do almost everything. I am a jack of all trades and master of none. So if there is a job opening, I will take it and fit in it within two hours. Just don't expect perfection. As for plans... Earn a lot of money and then retire early. I have that ability and so I can keep that promise"

The both the father and mother nodded their heads to hear good news. "Sounds promising. But show us proof" He stared intently.

"I don't need to show proof" I calmly said.

"WHAT!?" The man flared up and pulls his shot gun once more. But this time, I was ready. I pushed the shot gun downwards and broke it. The father was not even fazed. He pulls out a revolver.

"NOPE!" I grinned and took a pen that was in a pencil holder and shoved it inside. "I have nothing to prove. Just know that your daughter is in good hands. If not, so be it. I'll just leave"

"Heh... I thought you were just some ball-less man. I like you. Wa ha ha ha ha!" The father roared.

'Eh? He actually liked my audacity?' I was really confused. But what ever to get me out of this man's house will really help me out.

Soon enough I was at the front door with my bag of junk. "Thank you" I said when I bowed to show respect. When I opened the door, I was shocked to see a familiar face. 'Meracle!?' my eyes widen when I saw the face. But the person in front of me was not Meracle. I could tell because there was a strange air around her and she looked nineteen if not eighteen. There was also a man standing next to her as well. He was well groomed and a hint of confidence in his face. A strong face with no blemishes and strong body build. His hair was in one of those popular short shape up hair style. He wears casuals and looked very good in them as well. The only thing that contradicts this was the way he walked. The way he walks was provocative and he was leaning all the way back walking cocky as well. To others, it would look like he was being confident and cool looking. But I know that cocky walk too well.

Before I could even act nice, the man flicks his middle finger up pointing at me and said, "Nice to meet you!"

I could feel a vein growing inside my head. Thinking that it could be a habit, or a way he greets people, I set it aside and smiled. "Nice to meet you two as well" I reach out to give a handshake to the two.

He grabs both hands and gave them a squeeze.

"Ahhhhh!!" I instinctively roared out.

"Sorry. I'm really strong. I really didn't mean to do that" He quickly apologizes to me.

'Strike two...' My face twitched at the thought.

The girl next to the man punches his side. "Wang! Stop bullying the man!"

"Sorry. It was out of habit..." he chuckles. He then turns back to me and glared with deep malice.

Keeping a straight face, I smiled and 'accepted his faults'. "No matter. I'm pretty sure that he means no harm"

"Sorry about that mister...." The girl did not know my name. This made things awkward.

"I'm called Belphegor. But my name is Houyi" I politely greeted her. "What are your names?"

"I'm Ania Cross. This man next to me is Wang Heng Dong. He is just jealous of others. Forgive his jealous personality. He don't like others better looking than him" She teases him.

"*Snort* I'm not jealous. I... Just don't like men with blue hair and cool eyes" The man named Wang tried to deny her claims.

"Whatever the case may be, I'll be leaving now. Nice meeting the two of you." I gave a warm smile to the two. I turn around to the family behind me. "Again, thank you for having me today. I just hope that if fate dictates, we will meet again on good different terms and circumstances."

"Ah sure. I'm really glad that you are our eldest daughter's boyfriend." The wife interjects before the man could say anything.

"Wang! Why don't you make sure that he at least get to the bus stop safely. You need to repay him at least right?" Ania glared at him.

Wang Heng Dong smirked and agreed. The two of us walked a good distant from the house and around the corner. When we got far enough, Wang Dong shows his real face.

"I'm warning you now. Don't even get near those girls." He said in a low voice.

"Hm? Why the cold face Wang?" I calmly ask.

"*Sigh* I've spent two years in seducing that b*tch. I am saying this for your own good. Never come back." his voice got colder. "Should you come back, I'll make sure that not only you get it, but those close to you. Understand?"

I only smiled.

Wang nodded to see that I understood what he meant. "Good. Run along now." He turns away and walks as cocky as before.

'Strike three. You are out.'

Seeing this guy reminded me of my high school years. I've dealt with a lot of people before. But now he makes me want to crush him completely. But I can't do it now. I have my priorities and he was going to be one of many that I have on my black list.

I walk away carrying my bag of junk. A strange smile was formed on my face as I could feel something dark and cold within my chest wanting to burst out. But this is not the right time to let it burst. I'll hold it in until it is the right time. I slowly walked away heading back home.

Jin did not notice the released qi in his body. It was such a comfortable coldness that he did not even realize that his surrounding was starting to get colder.

For each sign that Jin passes, they would either turn off or malfunction. Among all the signs he passed, there was one that malfunctioned in the weirdest ways. Thirty one digits appeared on the sign and did not move or turn off. But the strangest part was those thirty one digits. The sign reads, “1000000000000066600000000000001”.

Those who saw these digits gasped and turned pale. No matter who came to fix it, the sign kept reading the same thing. Even the people started to be afraid of this number and thought it was an ill omen. Some people thought it was only a prank. Others chattered about how a man named Belphegor used these same numbers a long time ago before disappearing without a trace. While the few believed that it was the return of the devil.

They were not far off. Jin’s footsteps did not even make a sound, his eyes narrowed into an icy stare, and the air turned stiff and sickening. Jin was unconsciously releasing a cold qi that carried the malice and desolation of the artic itself. If only Jin could see his shadow now. It looks exactly like a devil in waiting.