Malron stood motionless across from the house of prayer, waiting without making any movements; he leaned his body against the wall of a white-painted building. His eyes stared straight across at the prayer house, which was conducting a farewell and blessing ceremony before the burial of Kieran's aunt and uncle.
Three days after the death of his guardian, Kieran, the young man was busy with various matters. During these times, Malron mostly observed Kieran from a distance. Additionally, Malron tried to find out what was happening.
Unfortunately, Malron found no other clues about the demon suspected of taking the lives of Kieran's aunt and uncle.
Initially, Malron was reluctant to interfere in Kieran's affairs, but he had to do it reluctantly to complete his task. However, the system's mission made the demon uneasy; why did Malron need to bring Kieran away urgently? What was the system's intention with the mission given?
The mission that compelled Malron to move forward, let alone retreat. There was no benefit for the demon to undertake the mission.
"My leg," grumbled Malron, feeling stiff. He shuffled to sit on a dirty tile, then yawned.
During three days in Albuquerque, there was nothing suspicious. Only a few minor things, like the police visiting Mrs. Guasch's house several times to meet Kieran and continue the investigation.
Otherwise, there was nothing.
The atmosphere returned to normal, which Malron found peaceful and boring.
No demon had suddenly passed by since morning, across from the house of prayer. It was indeed just a city inhabited by humans living their comfortable lives.
There were no sightings of angels around the house of prayer either because Malron didn't approach there. Malron was too lazy to meet and engage with those winged entities. So the demon decided to keep a distance but still managed to watch over Kieran.
Apparently, the news of Kieran's guardian's death invited many people to come and offer their final prayers. This made Malron uneasy because his task grew. The demon had to watch over each visitor and peek into their hearts.
Once again, it was just a precaution in case any of the mourners had intentions toward Kieran's life. It was one of the duties that Malron didn't want. Malron didn't enjoy his new job, feeling like it could have been a better use of time.
"How much longer?" complained Malron.
The demon felt his stomach growl, even though he had breakfast at Mrs. Guasch's house this morning.
"I'm famished. Isn't there any food provided at the house of prayer?" Malron lazily glanced across.
There was a diner nearby, but Malron didn't have any money. Moreover, he received an unquestionable mandate not to hypnotize people.
"Damn human body, really making me suffer," cursed the demon, annoyed.
Suddenly, Malron sensed something strange; his eyes immediately shifted to the road. There were two black limousines slowly approaching the chapel. Malron tried to read the figures' minds in the cars, for he could sense a dark aura.
However, it was as if something was enveloping Malron and preventing him from penetrating the barrier inside these cars. Immediately, Malron realized that something terrible was about to happen. Malron stood up and reflexively ran toward the prayer house.
When Malron reached the prayer house, and his hand touched the cold iron gate, a sword was immediately thrust at Malron.
Clang!
Fortunately, Malron managed to dodge. The demon turned to the pillar where an angelic figure stood, not Seraphine.
"I warn you, demon!" The angel shook his head firmly. "You may not enter. Not even until the end of the world. No matter how hard you try, I will not let you!"
"This is an emergency! I have to warn Kieran!" said Malron, breathing heavily.
"No! You may be powerful in your world but have no authority over sacred places here!"
Malron couldn't afford to argue with the angel; it would be a waste of time.
"So be it!" Malron hissed.
Malron opened his palm and summoned a trident. Its body darted to attack the angel, who had already drawn his sword. Then Malron quickly parried, sending a strong vibration through the gate of the prayer house.
"What concerns me is none of your business! I must get Kieran away from this cursed place!" Malron shouted.
Malron immediately jumped into the courtyard and ran as fast as he could. The angel was just as agile, flying and attacking Malron with his sword within seconds.
Malron's trident held the shining golden sword of the angel. Malron flinched. Wouldn't he return to the demon world if the angel stabbed him?
The angel attacked again, and again Malron parried. Malron felt he had to defend himself; what if something happened to Kieran when the demon returned to his world?
Seeing that Malron was slightly distracted, the angel immediately struck Malron's back from behind. Malron's body jumped out of the prayer house.
The angel returned to the pillar and stood proudly on top, wings flapping. His face hardened, and he shouted in a low voice, "I warned you, demon!"
"You! You stupid angel!" Malron shouted angrily.
"Do not disturb what has become the boundary between our world and yours. Or you will suffer the consequences!"
Malron felt excruciating pain and was still lying on the deserted street. The angel watched and stood guard, not wanting Malron to disturb the chapel again.
At the same time, two suspicious-looking cars stopped next to the prayer house. The angel's attention was diverted, and he turned toward the vehicles.
The angel's eyes narrowed as if he had a strange premonition. A golden arrow hit the angel's chest as the car door opened.
"What is this?" the angel muttered in disbelief.
The arrow emitted a great fire, and suddenly, the angel was engulfed in flames. The sight surprised Malron; he could not understand how the angel could burn and disappear instantly.
Malron's mind was perplexed. Who had attacked? Was it the demons? Or something else?
More lights appeared, and several angels came with mounts ready to attack. Golden arrows were attacking the angels. It was a terrible sight that the angels could not defend themselves.
They burned and disappeared.
Knowing he was facing something new, Malron hurried to seize the opportunity. He entered the chapel, not caring how many more angels appeared, and was about to fight the creature that had just arrived.