Erica cheerfully went to change and prepare her clothes. But deep down, Lars felt a hint of unease.
Earlier, Halcyon had told Erica that her target was in the Limbus Layer. He found it strange because, of all the Nine Layer of Hell, this was the one least known for harboring rebels.
Erica tried to lift Lars's spirits, but it didn't help much.
" I'm still not at ease, Eri. Maybe we should bring backup." Lars said nervously.
" Oh, come on! Since when did I lost to anyone? We don't need to bother others. If you're that worried, I'll just bring a few extra potions."
" That's not the point! It's just... This might be something far worse than anything we've face before?"
" Just because the people there are mostly honourable souls, who've never committed sins doesn't mean there aren't a few troublemaker lurking around. Relax! I've got this."
" I hope so."
After gathering the necessary weapons, Erica went to bit farewell to her father. He patted her shoulder and said warmly,
" Return safely, my dear. And make sure that wretched fool regret his mistakes!"
" Absolutely!"
Erica pulled out a magic orb. She tossed it into the distance, and instantly, it transformed into a swirling vortex of light, flickering with tiny sparks. On the other side lay another dimension. This was a tool that allowed Darkers to travel between the layers with ease.
Before she stepped through, her father quickly added.
" And remember what I told you."
" Never let anyone know I'm a Darker." She finished his sentence.
Limbus was unique compared to the lower layers. Here, there were no rivers of lava or endless battle between demons.
The space was quite, somber, and perpetually veiled in a faint mist. Light lingered - just enough to see, but never enough to dispel the darkness.
This place held no screams of agony, only a deep, resonant sorrow and despair. The souls here were good people. They endured no bodily torment, only the slow erosion of hope. Though they have lived virtuous lives, they could never ascend to Heaven because they had lost faith in God.
To earn redemption, they would have to relinquish their past selves, abandon their pride, and pray to God.
But that was not easy task. Everyone had their dignity, and here, most were intelligent, learning individuals - their egos towering as high as the heavens.
If they can't let go, then they just have to accept it, Erica mused silently.
" What're you thinking about, Eri?" Lars's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
" Oh, nothing! Just focusing on our mission. I'm eager to get started."
" Really? I thought you were planning to slack off. We're already strayed from the main street."
Erica looked around in suprise. They were now in a desolate area, devoid of any people. She called out, but no one answered.
" How did this happen? Didn't the orb take us right to the district's entrance?"
" Well, technically, it did. But you walked the wrong way, so now we're here."
" Unbelievable... Why didn't you say something sooner?!"
" I thought you just wanted to wander around before starting the mission."
His smirk made it clear he was teasing her. Flustered, Erica doubled-check the mission details on the scroll.
It depicted a dilapidated house - peeling walls, a leaky roof. At first glance, it looked like a makeshift shelter deep in the slums. But the description warned that anyone who entered would emerge emaciated and weakened after just one night.
They lost all their strength and vitality, yet insisted nothing had happened inside.
" This case just got a lot trickier. If we don't hurry, their might be more victims."
" Right, and whose fault is it that we got lost?"
" Fine, mine. Now hop on - I'll speed us there."
Lars climbed onto her back as instructed. Erica immediately sprinted toward the district, straining to sense demonic auras through the thick fog.
When the outlines of old wooden houses finally emerged, she heard the murmurs of residents. Ahead, a crowd had gathered in the town square.
She instantly understood the situation and rushed to intervene, preventing anyone from getting closer. But what truly shocked her was the scene before them - a deep pit, as something had been planted there.
Erica detected no dark energy around except near the pit. As she approached, she realized the surrounding demons were having their magic drained.
Recognised the danger, she urgently tried to disperse the crowd.
" Everyone, step back! This place is dangerous!"
One of them spoke up.
" It's you? Well, that's a relief. But what is this thing?"
" This pit emits an energy that drains the magic of nearby demons. It's weak now, but still concerning. So please, stay away and-"
" Who the hell do you think you are, you little brat?!"
Suddenly, a demon from the crowd grabbed Erica' s collar. The woman was massive - wide-mouthed with jagged teeth, sharp black eyes, and a fiery head.
She glared at Erica threateningly. Erica had never met her before, yet the woman seemed to appear out of nowhere, seething with rage. Confused, Erica asked calmly.
" Ma'am, do you have some issues with me?"
" Oh, plenty. I've had my eyes on you, skulking around like a rat in abandoned caves. Anyone can see you're up to no good!"
" Huh? I think you've misunderstood. I haven't done anything wrong."
The woman ignored her, snarling with murderous intent.
" Listen here, you little imp! I don't care what kind of demon you are, but if you do much as-"
Lars lunged, sinking his teeth into the woman's hand. She shrieked in pain, releasing Erica, who caught Lars while eyeing the woman's agony - bitten by a Hellhound.
Lars growled furiously.
" Hey, hag! Don't think you can bully someone just because you're bigger! And don't you dare call Eri a-"
" Okay, okay, no need to finish that!"
Erica clamped a hand over his mouth, afraid he'd he blurt out something incriminating in his anger.
" You damned mutt..." The woman hissed. Still, Erica doubted she'd escalate things further.
Someone from the crowd stepped in, whispering to the woman before apologizing to Erica on her behalf.
" I'm truly sorry about this. She's not a bad person. You see, she's new here - moved from another district a few years ago. She's still... adjusting. So I hope you'll forgive her for not recognizing you as an investigator."
" Oh, I see! We're completely understand." Lars said with exaggerated empathy, though his irritation was still evident.
Erica gently patted his head.
She began questioning the residents but ultimately learning little. The house had appeared two years ago, built overnight by a Hellborn demon. No one saw his face, and he vanished without a trace after completion.
Until yesterday, the house had stood there - serving as a dubious shelter for drifters.
The information wasn't particularly helpful, except confirming a Hellborn was involved. But Erica had another lead.
The footprints.
Plenty of people had come and gone, but the footprints was unmistakable - each carried its owner's unique energy. And among them, she spotted tracks radiating a powerful aura matching the pit's dark energy.
Unable to identify the creature, she decided to follow them.
" Alright! Thank you all for your cooperation. Have a good day!" With that, she set off again.