Eternal Undying Chronicles

Anne's apartment was cozy and modest, reflecting the life of a student. The walls were adorned with framed pictures of landscapes and floral prints, adding a touch of feminine charm.

Her furniture was a mix of second-hand pieces and charming thrift store finds, arranged in a way that exuded warmth and personality.

A small bookshelf in the corner was filled with textbooks, novels, manga, and comics, alongside a few decorative items, further enhancing the homey atmosphere.

Alicarde walked Anne to her inside, mentally preparing himself for his upcoming meeting with Malefica. He had planned to leave as soon as he arrived, but Anne was insistent that he stay.

"You have to stay," she insisted with a playful tug on his arm. "Our mock date isn't over yet."

He smiled, unable to refuse her. "Alright, but just for a little while."

They settled on her couch, a comfortable, worn piece draped with a soft, knitted throw. Anne put on a movie about Storm Man, a fictional superhero who defended his city from evil.

The room dimmed as the opening credits rolled, casting a warm glow from a single lamp on the side table.

Anne leaned against him, her excitement palpable. "Isn't Storm Man amazing? His powers are so cool. If only we had someone like him in our city."

Alicarde chuckled. "Sure, if you like your heroes wearing spandex and throwing lightning bolts everywhere."

She laughed, nudging him lightly. "You're such a cynic."

As the movie played, Anne brought up Caden, the leader of the newly revealed esper group. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"Did you hear about Caden? The leader of that esper group? He's incredible! They say he can manipulate reality itself."

Alicarde smirked, knowing it was just speculation.

"Yeah, I heard. But manipulating reality? Sounds like someone's been watching too many movies. Next thing you know, they'll be claiming he can make chocolate rain from the sky."

Anne giggled. "Oh, come on! You have to admit, it's cool. Just think of the possibilities."

He shrugged. "I guess. But I'd rather deal with real problems than fantasize about superpowers, madam weeb."

She rolled her eyes but smiled warmly at him. "You're impossible."

As the movie continued, Anne remained engrossed, occasionally pointing out details and marveling at the hero's feats. Alicarde, on the other hand, watched with a mix of amusement and detachment, his thoughts occasionally drifting to his upcoming meeting with Malefica and the looming threat of Zagarath. He had his own special terms to propose to the witch.

When the credits finally rolled, Anne turned to him, her excitement undiminished.

"Thanks for staying. It was fun."

Alicarde stood up, stretching. "Anytime, Anne. But I really have to go now. I need to do something."

She nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Sure, just... don't come back looking like it's the end of the world."

He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll do just that, but this time I'll look like it's the end of the universe."

Anne smiled. With that, he left her apartment, his mind shifting back to the task at hand. The battle against Zagarath awaited, and he needed to be ready.

He drove to Malefica's posh neighborhood, parked his car, and walked up the steps to her house. The modern, sleek structure was a perfect fit for the upscale area. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

Almost immediately, it swung open, revealing Malefica dressed casually in a skirt and a simple blouse, her expression a mixture of irritation and impatience. She wore her glasses, and her hair was in an updo—she was as stunning as always.

"You finally decided to show up," Malefica snapped, her eyes narrowing.

"Do you have any idea how many people have died because you took your sweet time getting here? Zagarath's rampage continues unchecked."

"I showed up, didn't I," Alicarde replied with some snark.

His eyes grew cold. "But I'm here now. Let's talk."

She stepped aside, allowing him to enter. The interior of her home was just as modern as the exterior, filled with contemporary furniture and a few arcane artifacts that hinted at her true nature. She led him to a spacious living room where they both sat down.

"I assume you understand what this contract entails?" Malefica began, her tone sharp.

"Yes," Alicarde replied. "We're making a pact to protect the city from supernatural threats. In return, you'll teach me your spells and provide support."

"Good. But first things first," Malefica said, pulling out a scroll from a nearby drawer. "Let's go over the terms."

Alicarde nodded, and Malefica began to outline the agreement.

"You will actively protect the city from supernatural threats, using both your skills and the spells I teach you," Malefica explained. "You must keep the existence of this contract and my teachings a secret. You will prioritize my interests and consult with me before making significant moves against supernatural beings."

"To the best of my ability, sure, I will," Alicarde interrupted.

Malefica nodded, accepting his words.

"You will aid me in finding materials I need. And should the need arise, you would protect me with your life."

Alicarde's gaze remained steady. "Agreed, as long as it doesn't conflict with my own goals."

Malefica's eyes flashed with a mixture of satisfaction and challenge. "We shall see about that."

'With my life would be hard, I kinda can't die' Alicarde thought, saying protect her with his life was a funny concept especially to an immortal.

Alicarde nodded. "That's acceptable. But my priority is destroying Zagarath. Everything else is secondary. While I'm willing to help you find what you need, I won't do it if it conflicts with what Carrisa or I want or need. I'll prioritize her first."

Malefica raised an eyebrow, her voice sharpening. "Destroying Zagarath is important, but so is protecting innocents. You can't ignore that. As for the Evernight girl, I accept that clause. But you will also prioritize saving innocents."

Alicarde shrugged, his gaze distant. "I'm not their lord. I have no reason to care beyond what's necessary for my mission."

Malefica frowned, sensing the coldness in his words. Something about him had changed, and she wasn't sure if it was for the better. He seemed detached, colder. She decided to challenge him on it.

"I believe you once said that if you had the power, you would help prevent a tragedy if you could. Do I need to remind you of that conversation?" Her tone was stern, almost accusatory.

Alicarde looked away, irritation flashing across his face. Her words stirred a painful memory—Lily's. He remained silent.

"My obligations include teaching you spells focused on defense and offense, ones suitable for protecting the city. I'll also provide enchanted items or temporary boosts when needed and share my knowledge about supernatural entities and their weaknesses. In dire situations, I will intervene or send aid."

"Fine," Alicarde said, his voice clipped. "But make sure the spells you teach me are strong enough to take down Zagarath."

Malefica sighed. "You're very single-minded. Fine. But you need to understand the bigger picture. Zagarath is a symptom, not the disease."

"Our mutual agreements are as follows, we will not harm or undermine each other. We'll meet regularly to discuss threats and coordinate efforts. This contract is valid for nine years, after which it can be renewed or renegotiated. If either of us betrays the contract, severe penalties will follow."

"Regular meetings?" Alicarde asked, raising an eyebrow. "I suppose that's necessary."

"Yes, it is," Malefica replied firmly. "Coordination is key to dealing with the threats we face."

She continued, "The safeguards and restrictions are, I will only teach you up to a certain power level. You can gain high-level spells after the defeat of a powerful threat. I may place a mark on you to monitor your actions, and you may have a means to call for my aid."

Alicarde bristled at the mention of surveillance. "I don't like being monitored."

"It's necessary for trust," Malefica insisted. "And for ensuring neither of us strays from our obligations."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"No, I refuse to be watched at all times. I'm willing to allow it when we're working together."

Malefica paused, considering his words. "Very well, accepted."

"The ethical considerations are, we agree that no innocent lives will be harmed. You will do your best to protect them. You retain your autonomy and moral judgment."

"No harm to innocents?" Alicarde echoed, skepticism in his voice. "I can't promise that. If innocents get caught in the crossfire, so be it." He thought of Lily's mother, how her death had shown him that civilian casualties were often unavoidable.

Malefica's eyes flashed with anger. "That's not negotiable. You can't act recklessly."

"I'm not reckless. I'm efficient," Alicarde retorted calmly. "I'll try to avoid unnecessary casualties, but I won't make it a priority. I'll protect them if I can, but if I have to choose between a stranger and someone I care about, I'll protect my own."

His gaze dropped, filled with a deep sorrow. "Besides, how can I make a promise I can't keep?"

Malefica sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Fine. But if any unnecessary harm comes to innocents, our pact will be reconsidered."

"Fair enough," Alicarde conceded. "I also have one more term."

Malefica looked skeptical but nodded. "What is it?"

"I want you to ensure my freedom of speech. Under no circumstances are you to violate that. If you do, you will be subject to a penalty of my choosing. That's my only condition."

"Hmmm, what type of penalty?" Malefica asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

"Nothing that would put you in pain or endanger your life," Alicarde clarified.

"I sense ulterior motives," she muttered.

"The only ulterior motive is that you need me more than I need you. Even then, you impose so many conditions, practically turning me into your errand boy. My one condition is only fair. As long as you don't violate my freedom of speech, you won't have to find out what my penalty is."

Malefica frowned. He was right. There seemed to be no loss to her in agreeing. "Very well. I accept, as long as your penalties aren't too extreme."

"Now, let's make sure this contract is clear. We destroy Zagarath and his allies first. Agreed?"

Malefica nodded, her expression stern. "Agreed. Zagarath is our top priority."

With that, she handed Alicarde a dagger. The blade was long and sharp, gleaming with a silver sheen. "Sign here."

Alicarde took the dagger, cut himself, and quickly dropped his blood onto the scroll before the wound healed. Malefica did the same. He felt a surge of magical energy binding him to the contract and Malefica. A black mark appeared on his chest, signifying their pact.

"It's done," Malefica said, her voice calm but firm. "Now, let's get to work. Zagarath's days are numbered."

Alicarde nodded, determination in his eyes. "Agreed. His death has been long overdue."

"Right, I suppose I should mention, since it's part of our clause, I can't use magic anymore," Malefica said, looking away.

"What?"

Alicarde's eyes widened. Did he just sign a pact with a witch who couldn't use magic?