Chapter 143: Disappointing Family
In a white cloth tent, the Moon Exorcist gathered a few things and gave each of us something, except for Chariot, Big-Nose, and Diamond Guy. I still had to learn those guys names.
We each received new cards, which served as proof of our Elite Exorcist ranks. I stared at the card and almost smiled. With this rank, many doors were now open to me. However, I had to survive this war before I could enjoy any of them.
While I was able to obtain the elite ranks for all of you, I havent been able to assign your territories yet. But I can assure you that it's only a matter of time. You wouldnt be able to go to your territories during the war anyway, the Moon Exorcist explained while pushing up his glasses.
What is he talking about? Gem whispered, and Agon nodded.
An Elite Exorcist oversees a territory, usually a town or city, or in some rare cases, a whole region, I explained to them.
The Moon Exorcist nodded and handed each of us a stack of coins, which was more than enough for us to live on for the rest of our lives. It was an enormous amount of money, worth at least millions of dollars each if converted.
I stared at the stack of money and back at the Moon Exorcist. How did he have this kind of money? As a Special Rank Exorcist, he should be rich, especially with his special ability and skill of creating barriers. But there was no way he made this much money, and could give it away as if it was nothing!
Where is my bag? Chariot asked, her eyes cold as ever.
The Moon Exorcist's smile turned slightly crooked; he didn't seem equipped to handle someone like Chariot. However, I didn't think anyone out there had the tools needed to handle her.
Before it could escalate any further, I put a hand on Chariots shoulder, and she responded by pointing her rapier at my throat. Take your hand off, boy, before I cut it off.
I would have felt threatened by the intimidating look in her eyes if I didn't know that she hadn't hit me even once yet, and her Special Ability, which was always active, wouldn't be able to cut off my hand. We should all calm down and take a deep breath. There's no need for conflict, and we have a common enemy.
She shrugged my hand off her shoulder and walked away. Chariot could be difficult at times, but I knew she must have a caring side deep down. So deep, in fact, that some might suspect it didn't exist.
The Moon Exorcist sighed in relief once she was out of earshot and said, "She'll be in charge of the upper command in the camp."
That depended on whether the headmaster had survived. Even if he was dead, they would likely send someone more level-headed to handle the command of the exorcists. In Ord, people with egos tended to end up in high positions as exorcists, so getting command of this could turn into a battle of egos.
"I'm going to ask around for my tent," I said, turning away. It had been more than enough craziness for me, and Carpy and I had to deal with the problem of him devouring an ultimate class demon.
I didn't answer her and gently pushed her away. She didn't resist and only turned around without letting me get a good look at her face before running off.
But before I could do anything else, I caught sight of a man who had been sitting on the grass just a couple dozen meters away from me. He was next to another tent. It was my father, and he had an unreadable expression on his face.
Fwish!... In an instant, he moved at breakneck speed and was in front of me. Though he was fast, compared to ultimate-class demons, he was slow.
He stared at me for a couple of seconds and said, "War isn't something one can just survive."
Well, it was official now. My family was really invested in not letting me participate in this war. But none of them knew what I did. None understood just how important cooperation between the human race was. Otherwise, by the time we got our act together, it would be too late.
"Without humanity working together, we're all screwed," I laid the cold, hard truth on him in a simple statement.
My father didn't smile. His cold and emotionless gaze made his face look strange. "Kon, you're my son, and I care about you. I would give my life in a heartbeat to save yours. But do you really believe your contributions will change anything? Whether humanity wins or loses, our clan won't have any impact on the outcome. We don't have that kind of power."
I didn't react to his insults and instead asked, "Is that all you wanted to say?"
My father clenched his teeth, and for the first time, I saw anger in his eyes. His veins bulged across his cheeks, neck, and forehead, as if the blood was trying to escape from his face. "You're arrogant enough to think that you're important enough to change anything!" he screamed, attracting the attention of nearby exorcists. But he didn't seem to care. "This isn't a game or an exam! A war is a place where talents die like flies! Your friends will perish in your arms! Do you think you can handle that? Because if you do, you're stupid!"
I knew my father was right. I didn't want to think about when the time would come for me to make sacrifices, but I knew it was only a matter of time.
"Uncle, Kon's goals won't change," Delia returned with a familiar sword in hand. The weapon had a dark sheath and exuded a foreboding feeling. She handed me the weapon. "This is your cursed sword. I repaired it and had someone add a few enchantments."
Suddenly, she hugged me and hiccuped as if she was about to cry. I felt a wetness on my shoulder.
"This could be the last time we see each other. Goodbye, Kon," she said, then let go and somehow convinced my father to leave with her.
I was alone and stared at the cursed weapon in my hand. This was itthe end of the line. It was do or die.
"It seems like we have one hell of a thorny road to walk," I turned to Carpy, who was floating a couple of dozen meters above me. "From now on, it's just you and me, buddy."
Now we had to figure out what kind of effect eating an ultimate class demon would have on Carpy.