Damn… Who knew killing two mid-tier demons would come with so much paperwork?
First, I had to drag myself to the hospital—not that I was badly hurt, thanks to my regeneration. But protocol demanded a check-up. Turned out, the docs didn't find much… except for the chains practically replacing my bones. Clueless about fiend physiology, they just handed me a pack of human blood (courtesy of higher-ups) and let me go. Eh, call it an emergency kit.
Makima called, ordering me to head home and wait for further instructions. Oh, and to take the culprit—Power—with me. She'd been detained.
Hah. I thought they'd execute her for threatening another devil hunter. But nope. The terrifying part? Makima casually dropped that Power would now be living with us.
Fuck my life.
"Supervision," my ass. More like they didn't want to babysit her, so Aki and I got stuck with the job since we're in the same squad.
Speaking of Aki, he had his hands full—apologizing to everyone, interrogating witnesses, smoothing things over. The Public Safety Division had to compensate civilians for damages, after all. Can't have ordinary folks turning against us.
Yeah, I definitely caused a scene. Wouldn't be surprised if complaints start piling up. Whatever.
After what felt like forever, I finally got out of the station—my next stop after the hospital. Had to give a report on the demons' abilities.
Turns out, the second one was the Leech Devil.
Like the Bat Devil, it had a thing for blood. Guess they shared the same shitty taste.
Fuck, demon-slaying's such a hassle.
And now Makima wants to see me tomorrow. Hah. Do I even know what I want anymore? A quiet life or more demon kills?
I stood outside HQ, smoking a cigarette and weighing my options.
Eventually, Power emerged from the main doors—carrying her pet's cage and bags of clothes. Surprisingly, she was dressed casually. And damn, she had style.
A pink sweater, denim shorts, and her usual sneakers.
I'd only seen her a couple times, but that was enough to peg her as… well, a sloppy idiot.
Now? She looked almost… cute. Gotta admit, Power's pretty. And her attitude kinda suits her.
She approached me warily. Looked like they'd given her one hell of a lecture. Not that regular hunters could scare her—but a certain redhead probably put the fear of God in her.
Deciding to mess with her, I smirked.
— So? Get chewed out? — I asked, watching her tense up.
— Shut up! The great Power fears nothing! — she barked, but her bravado crumbled fast.
— Show me my new home! — she demanded, fists on her hips.
— Your home? It's Makima's, in case you forgot. — I turned to leave, but—
— Hmph! Makima gave it to me! — A sharp smack landed on the back of my head.
— Hah. — My fingers twitched. Tempting to knock her out right here. But then I remembered my trump card. — Shut it. — My voice dropped, eyes narrowing.
She flinched—my Chainsaw Devil aura leaking just enough.
— W-Wha?! You can't order me—GRAH! AAAARGH! — She collapsed, clutching her skull. Meowy's cage hit the ground with a thud.
— Huh. Works. — I crouched, tilting my head. — Should've kept quiet. Forget our contract?
— N-No… How?! I—AAARGH! — Another spasm.
— Tried to cheat me? — My grin widened. — Should've known better the second you shook my hand.
I reached for her hair—then paused. Meowy's glare pinned me in place. Fine. No humiliation… yet.
Besides, HQ's entrance wasn't the place. This conversation needed privacy.
Beep beep.
The taxi I'd called earlier pulled up. No Uber here, but a phone call did the trick.
— Get in. — I grabbed her bags and Meowy's cage. — I'll forgive you this time. But stay quiet.
Power staggered up, silent for once. Fear flickered in her eyes.
Yeah, I get it. Freedom's sweet—until you realize someone holds the leash.
Back home, I paid the driver and eyed the unusually silent Power. Weird seeing her like this.
— Alright. You can talk now. — I punched in the gate code.
— What did you DO to me?! — she exploded. — Are you a devil?!
— In the flesh. — I grinned. — And I didn't do anything. It's a contract—between me, the Chainsaw Devil, and you, the Blood Devil.
— We never made a deal! Undo it! NOW! —
— Listen. I'm tired. — I yawned. — One: I saved you. Two: I saved Meowy. Three: I saved civilians. And the deal was simple—I help you, you obey me.
— L-Liar! And—you hit me! That voids it! —
— Quote: "I help you save Meowy and kill the Bat Devil. In return, you obey my orders unconditionally. Break the terms, and pain follows. Only my forgiveness ends it." — I smirked. — Memorize that.
She clutched her head, muttering the terms under her breath.
— Anyway, move. I'll show you the house.
Inside, I freed Meowy, letting her reunite with her disaster of an owner.
Power still looked miserable—betrayed. But I didn't cheat. She just assumed I'd die fighting the Bat Devil.
My job's to make her my tool. Beyond that? She can live how she wants.
I gave her the grand tour—house rules, routines—no contract enforcement this time. Even a dog needs room to learn.
Maybe she'll behave.
When it came to bedrooms, she tried claiming mine. Of course she knew it was mine. I just sighed.
Eh, let her jump on the bed. Even Aki tested it once.
...Ahem. Anyway, I gave her the room across from mine. No windows, but decent airflow.
Cozy, but not cramped. Still, her face screamed dissatisfaction.
— Too small! I want a bigger one! —
— Tough. Aki and I got here first. — I rolled my eyes. — Fair? Fair.
— Why does Aki get a big room? He's just a human! — She pouted. — Maybe I'll just take his!
Hah. I see.
— Want me to agree so you can blame me when Aki gets back? — I raised a brow.
She glanced away, confirming my suspicion. Clever little demon.
Fiends thrive on chaos. No surprise she's stirring shit.
— Oh, right. — I shrugged off my jacket. — I promised to punish you for lying. Come. — I grabbed her wrist.
— P-Punish?! LET GO! Who are you to— —
— Your master. — My voice dropped, Chainsaw's aura flickering.
She froze, sweat beading. This time, she followed silently.
No mercy.
To be continued…
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