The Demis
Anyone who's been living in this city would have eventually known who the Pale Magus was. The moon landing revelation, the record scribing, and the Shanghai Risk Event were some of the most pivotal events that happened.
The Twelve Demis was one of the many still plagued by mystery. A blot on the records of the Otherside Bureau and a reminder of how many times the Bureau had hidden the truth. Back then, the Other side was a secret. Hunters and agents were mostly upstarts trying to make money in the elimination of the otherside creatures. You could say that the twelve demis who were in 'despair' wanted to end the world.
What the demis wanted was to put down the world. They saw how awful things have become and they thought it was merciful to end the world before everyone would suffer.
Back then, their rise was rapid. Those who saw the state of the world joined the twelve demis in 'cleansing' the world. There were no techniques, no cyberware, and everyone was so underdeveloped. To fight a monster, you needed strategy and to fight greater monsters. One had to make a deal with a demon or a devil. The church led most of the extermination and the Bureau was a union of intelligence agencies formed on the eve of the last great war to unite against the demons.
Their duty was to protect the world. But it was an enormous world and one could not fault them for not noticing a few. Back when the land bridge was still under development after it appeared on the continent at the end of the Mayan Calendar. There were a series of accidents plotted by the twelve demis which gave birth to the Pale Magus.
The Pale Magus was no agent of the Bureau. He was simply someone who got into the wrong place and wrong time in the middle of a world-ending ritual and won the first bout against the demis by claiming a part of their power. Granting him his Pale glow that gave him the name of the Pale Magus.
The Pale Magus started roaming the world. Hunting down every Demi on the list. Because of his mysterious powers, granting him supernatural strength, speed, and superior ability to slay the otherside creatures. He became the very framework on which the Graded Agents were based on. Of course, even back then, the Graded Agents hunted him down, too. The battles would tear cities apart and rend heaven and earth. They were going to be problematic, so the Pale Magus stole the original lance wielded by Longinus and threatened the Bureau with a god-shattering spear.
The Bureau could have subdued the Pale Magus. But it was best if they let the Pale Magus slay the twelve demis who continued wreaking havoc on the world.
The Pale Magus usually worked alone, but there were times he cooperated with the Graded Agents to stop a target.
Kei, who had been silent, cut in. "And how does the flaying apply to all of this?"
"The flaying was the act of 'freeing oneself' from mortal flesh. Eating the flesh you shred. Of course, not all could gain power from it. They lacked the requirement to achieve the same status as the Twelve who ascended. The Pale Magus himself stole from their ritual. He could escape the sickness of flaying by usurping what they shred."
"So he ate their shredded skin?"
"Not literally. He ate the part of their soul that they saw as weakness. Allowing him to bypass the flaying."
"And let me guess, this can't be done again, because if you could do this. You'd still have some actual skin."
Matt smiled uncannily. "My skin has rotted, yes, but I wished I could put my body in a doll to mingle. Years of being trapped in unfeeling metal cools the mind and makes one wonder if I am human or steel."
"So, how does this all connect?"
"The flaying is a disease we've hidden from the world. A plague that I doubt the Bureau could cover up again. Not in this scenario. The world's a mess and I doubt we'd last a century at this rate."
"What do you mean?"
"What happened in Africa was merely the trigger. The Shanghai Risk Event, and even that man-made God you encountered in Vultan, showed that we are at the risk of extermination. One might say the world will reset and centuries will pass. Changye is a fortress of a risen land, but we are in trouble with where we're heading."
Kei groaned. "Not exactly new. The world will end! It's over! I've been hearing that all the time that I've grown used to it."
"Which is quite sad. The death of our world is what we call an inevitability and we all see it coming. Hence why we board ships made to cross stars and settle there. But alas, perhaps we can't escape even if we do. If creatures such as these exist on our planet, then what will other planets have? But what the other planets will have is not our concern. The flaying is a sign that there is an extreme imbalance of energy and that the mages are being filled with the energy from the otherside, leading to our demise. They felt the need to remove their skin simply because they were being filled up."
"That's it?"
"An excess of power. Like a balloon full of air. Not removing your skin from your body means you'd just blow up. Removing it means death, but there are also cases where you'd end up like me. Devoid of flesh, but is capable of survival by putting my body inside a machine. You could say I'm one of the fortunate ones. With my body entombed in steel and metal while retaining my magical abilities. You could say I'm simply a poor imitation of what the Pale Magus and the Demis could have been. But what eludes me this time was they could survive. Learning this, I tried to transfer my body into a freshly crafted body, but that didn't last. I had no choice but to flay myself and put my body into this steely tomb of mine."
"So, what are you trying to tell us?"
"I've been suspecting it. But it seemed like I was right. A Demi still lives and perhaps the Pale Magus walks again."
"Walks again? I don't know if you know this, but the Pale Magus is still a popular found footage topic," Kei pointed out. "A shame that all data regarding the Pale Magus is being erased. Even the footages are being deleted."
"But he mostly hunts down Liches and keeps to himself. Liches is one of his preys and he has been active as of late. Heh, you can tell say that his appearance as of late could be a sign that another cataclysm is approaching. You'd think he'd appear when the Shanghai Event appeared, but I guess it was still under control."
The Pale Magus's appearance was an omen itself. Matt seemed to think that the appearance of the Magus, the flaying affliction, and the recent event is a signal for a cataclysm. You could say he's right. The amount of troubles happening is not normal and with the appearances of the anomalies. It's not that far-fetched to think that the world's ending. Still, despite all of this, it was hard to still connect why the flaying was important.
Kei seemed to think so, too. She still doesn't connect to it. She had a look that says she still couldn't fully connect. All of this was based on the clues and yet Matt here only tells of previous information that we ourselves aren't sure. Can we take Matt's words? It was hard to when he's metal mage. A tech-lich who had abandoned some part of himself to become this. Sure, he might be not lying about the flaying trapping him in that form, but he seemed to have not told us why he caught it. Matt spoke about the Pale Magus and the 12 Demis with such a familiarity. As if he was speaking based on firsthand experience. He spoke with certainty and like he was there.
"Why are you so sure about this? Were you there?"
"I was a subordinate of the Twelve Demis—"
Kei drew her teleforce cane. My Castor revved, and I held my blade at his throat while my Pollux was ready to blow his upper torso to pieces. Matt looked at us with a still calm face. He showed no reaction and was measuring us. Calculating inside that chrome-plated skull of his on what he'd do.
"Perhaps I should have said I was a former subordinate of the Twelve Demis. I am no longer associated with them and seek only a cure for my affliction. Please, there is no need for weapons to be drawn."
"Proof. I want clearance."
"Call Sato. He'll understand."
"Sato? Why? Does he know?"
Matt laughed lightly. "I checked on Sato first, before I contacted your office."
"If he moves. Behead him, Akun."
"Roger." My Castor hummed violently.
Matt stared at my blade and studied it. "A fine blade you have. An old model, but still quite something. I guess it isn't just for show either."
"Do not move." I said clearly. "I will take your head off and cleave through your chrome if you move."
Matt stayed silent as Kei contacted Sato. After minutes of arguing with Sato, Kei signaled me to put my blade down. She still held onto her teleforce cane and my blade was on my lap.
"I'm sure you understand our reaction. The Twelve Demis and their subordinates are the kind we usually shoot to kill. What bargain did you strike with the Bureau that they'd allow you to walk away?"
"I was the one who handed the technology the Demis gathered. I've learned a lot and I am quite familiar and well-versed."
"So you were a person who betrayed the Demis then?" I asked.
"Indeed. I may crave power as any Mage would. But upon learning the goal of the Demis. I could no longer follow their path. Ending the world was not what we had in mind, so we betrayed and armed humanity. Because power without a world to flaunt it… would be quite lonely… don't you think?"
"Is that so?" Kei glared. "We will cooperate with you. But next time I'd prefer if you contact us through comms instead of personally. I'm sure you understand my disgust for the Demis."
Mass murderers. Coldhearted monsters who have made the world a living hell. Those who were under the Twelve Demis were the kind that upstaged even the cruelest monsters we have known. Vile creatures who we should have killed. Unfortunately, the pragmatism of the Otherside Bureau and the threats that roam our current world meant that they can still live. I felt quite sickened looking at this man. My fingers itched so much that I was shaking internally.
"Calm yourself, Assistant." Kei said to me. "Even if we try to put this piece of shit down. I believe it'll be a problem. You can tell he's chromed to the gills with cutting-edged cyberware. He's also a mage with spells, so we're outmatched. It pains me to say this, but we'd just have to ignore what this man has done."
Kei spoke reasonably. Matt nodded his head curtly.
"Indeed. We are simply doing business. There is no need for violence and I believe that right now we should focus on the flaying more than grudges. I trust your office with my secrets because you are rational and keen. It seemed I was right in my assessment of you, Miss Kei Ma."
"Maybe. Feelings aside, you pay us and we earn. I don't like the thought of associating with you, but business is business."
"I see. Then shall I continue?"
Matt continued narrating what had happened many years ago. The Twelve Demis, the Pale Magus, and the possibility of the end of the world. Matt feared that this was an omen. Maybe it is. Still, I was holding myself back from gutting this lich and sending him to hell where he belonged alongside his people. I hold no love for the Demis and their subordinates. It's hard to hold any like for the people who have made our world this miserable.
Chapter 69: Who Are You Really?
Who Are You Really?
The plague spread even further as days passed. After Matt's visit, it became clear this wasn't the usual affliction. This was a plague that threatened a pillar of our current society. Magic's one of the components keeping us safe. It's what keeps this world from falling into the abyss. Science and Magic had intertwined ever since we came to know of the Otherside. Miracles weaved into weapons or utility. Magic's accessible because the Otherside Bureau wants it to be.
It was an age where it's needed. When that very cog keeping the world afloat is endangered by an affliction that robs you of magic. Panic comes in. Most of the civilized world had achieved a balance. Third-world countries who do not have the same access to cybernetics so they rely on magic. Making them havens for practitioners.
With the mage-flaying plague spreading. Most of these countries are in a state of panic as the magic they rely on to keep the monsters of the Otherside at bay is fading. It's all over the news. Scenes of practitioners flaying themselves as if their skin was a bother. Priests who also use the miracles are doing the same. Skinning themselves, making everyone wonder what it all means.
The affliction consumed and empowered magic. It swallows it and then throws it up into this malignant miasma. Changye's afflicted by this plague and now everyone wasn't sure. Without talismans, charms, and even the workshop weapons, how will humanity fight back against those that guns and cyberware can't harm?
Changye had once again turned to this place where you can only pray that everything will be alright.
It hasn't been long. This body is really melancholic, and there are just times where it's just hard to accept to live in a world that seemed to take being always soaked in despair.
It's like a worldwide case of Stockholm syndrome, where they're so used to this suffering that they treat it as another storm they must endure.
I do admit they are trying their best. But this was not living, this was just surviving.
I was never the kind who was fond of fights. I disliked how some supplement their lives with action and violence. It's unavoidable. This world's coated in despair. They think it's alright to live like this and that this is all okay.
I understand this world had already ended. The age they cherished had long passed and learning of the Otherside had caused the world to pick on them like ore for digging. It's fascinating how you can view the state of the world as a reflection of how humanity is.
Cybernetics replacing what humanity has lost and magic and miracles as the one keeping them alive. It's like an unholy combination of science and magic. A man would prefer chopping his arm off than getting it healed, since he thinks it's alright for him to do so. It is the most correct thought. Humans of the past would have loathed the very idea of taking their arm. They'll keep it even if it's a bother. Arms are replaceable here and flesh crafting made it possible for them to regain their arms if they liked to.
It's because of this they can live without worry. Limbs are easy to replace and that is why they are so reckless. I wonder how they'll react if a virus makes their cybernetics obsolete?
Magic blooms on those who desire it. To do magic, one needed the proper words, gestures, and materials. Some are naturally talented, there are others who can't fathom magic. The farther you were from science, the most natural you are at magic. Only when belief's internalized that they function; it's the same with miracles. The difference was that the touch of divinity mixed in.
The plague 'devours' the magic in it and leaves only the touch of divine that disperses once consumed. It's so comical that despite all these sciences and progress. We're in a world where both humanity and monsters live.
We fight them for dominance and yet as we succeed, we still are so vulnerable to the very things we can't fight easily. And the chaos around me proves that this was true. With the magic unstable, most of the people were worrying. Even the preacher I used to find every morning was weeping and asking God why they have forsaken them by giving this affliction even to his faithful.
Those who are steadfast in their fate believes this is God's trial upon them. And they believe those who got flayed simply lacked faith. Having an epiphany, those who tried to resist the flaying simply had their skin melted, the overbearing magic breaking their skin.
They just think that those who failed lacked faith in their chosen deity. It became a test, and many believed that to the point of spreading it.
You lack faith, hence, why you died.
For the Mages it was an issue they couldn't simply put as simple as the Priests. Humanity had been living with magic and although there are cases where magic gives illness. Normal medicine could treat them.
But an affliction born out of magic. That had ascended individuals and flayed those who couldn't handle the power it brings. The Demis were different, as they have found a method.
Anyway, the world's facing its first magic plague. In their arrogance, thinking there are no drawbacks to magic, had not thought of it… or perhaps those who came to know of the Twelves Demis knew and simply hid it. It's a plague that had existed and now the world finally knew it. The Mages, though some are genuinely afraid of it, the rest of the Mages were practically euphoric at the thought of this. Thirsty of knowledge, and I'm sure some of them are brilliant enough to understand the implications of this. Surviving the flaying means you will get an increase in power. Matt was so sure about that and I think it won't take long for them to notice this.
Cindy contacted me. I got into her office and found her presence lacking.
"Did you do something?" I asked.
"I sealed myself. I had to seal my magical powers while the plague's around. Losing my powers would be a blow."
On her neck was a plug connecting her to a computer. It didn't look like the ones you can find in their office. Not that the Redmonds have this kind of gear lying around.
"So back to being a gear-head for now."
She studied me carefully and placed a hand.
"You don't look right. Ah, I did hear Matt contacted you already. Did that lich give your office a hard time?"
"He got info from us… so how much do you know?"
"Just enough. Sato and I know he's been around. I bet the OB's calling him right now to explain his side. It's a global phenomenon and everyone wants a piece of information."
She hesitated. Then loosened her shoulders.
"You and Kei are loosely part of the OB."
"No shit. It's easy to believe that when we got so much progress."
It's suspicious how we were so successful without roadblocks from the OB. I don't believe for a second that she can rise without compromising on one thing. Kei would do anything to achieve her freedom, but I think she also knows it isn't really true freedom. True freedom is feral and rabid. She'll have to play by the rules and also act in the best interest of those who will give her freedom.
"It will be difficult for your office to operate. Right now, anomalies, though appearing in tandem with this plague, are beyond your control either. Besides, we have a bigger problem."
"I am confused, Cindy." I said. "This plague, this disease, isn't something the OB is keen to just let other people find out about. What changed?"
"You know it. Graded Agents are the defense line. And when the Otherside brings trouble… when our old enemies are creating man-made Gods… we're bound to have trouble."
"Did Vultan affect the line?"
"Of course. It might have been a man-made God. But when a god takes a step into our realm. The firmament warps to accommodate said God, even for a moment, a God remains a God."
"So, that's it then? The change empowered this?" I asked.
"No. It strengthened the anomalies," she said. "Leading to this plague to get empowered. The vampire who made that god seemed to have acquaintances in places."
"I assume they took care of it?"
"Of course they do. The Graded Agents have been working hard to defeat the anomalies beyond our comprehension, beyond what your office can handle."
If Kei's office handles the street-level. Then the Graded Agents are still the ones who keep most of the world safe. It's only because Kei's good at taking care of the anomalies that appear that she got the right to hunt them down. The Bureau doesn't allow anyone to interfere in affairs unless they had thought about it. The OB rules the world because it's the only force that could still stand up to the might of the Otherside.
There's one truth that prevails in this world. The Otherside's appearance causes misery and the Bureau's the only one who could stop it.
It's a shitshow world that I have to be in.
"So why call me?"
"Just to inform you that the plague is spreading."
"And?"
Her smile was uncanny. Like she has this under control. I hate her truly when she uses this face.
"I hate this one."
"Well, we have to wear masks. The Bureau will take care of the problem. It will get worse and perhaps magic will collapse some defenses of Changye."
"You make it sound like the world's ending," I said.
"Don't you know? We're in a constant state of the world ending. An anomaly could break our world any second, and we'll be none the wiser. I'm sure you think the same way. This is merely surviving, not living. We struggle to hold this broken world together."
She looked away.
"It's a sad world, but it's the only world we know."
I crossed my arms. "And yet here you are at the most comfortable place in the world. Be careful, Cindy. If people hear the word 'surviving' coming from your mouth. They'd think you're mocking them."
"Indeed, some might call it good living what I have. But position like this comes with the responsibility too."
"No, you're just curious," I said. "You're not driven by survival, just plain old curiosity. I guess there's a reason a nut job like you can reach this position."
She laughed. She gave me a data stick.
"This one contains some data Matt gave us. We're partners, so we'll keep in touch."
"And you told me a while ago we need to stay still."
"I still need your office to keep on trying. I had you two come here to know."
"Could have told me on the call. Do you realize how bad it was to travel here? I had to go through many checks."
"It's one of those things that can't be on comms. I'm sure you understand."
I looked around.
"And if they bugged your office?"
"I'll know. It doesn't matter. Most of the Redmond Mages are well-informed about this situation." She pointed out. "Personally, I just want to see your face."
"Not confident about something?"
"Something like that."
I turned towards the door. She stopped me.
"I am curious. Do you actually like working for Kei?"
"She's alright."
"Going to give her your name?"
"You should rest, Cindy. All this work has made you forgot some things."
She looked at me seriously.
"I see. I wonder how she worms herself in someone's heart. Makes me jealous somehow. Anyway, if the world ends, I hope you text me your name. Kinda unfair to remain nameless, you know?"
"Please, you saw my files."
"I did. You know my real name, but I don't know yours. Anyway, think about it, okay?"
I loaded the data she gave me and saw the rate of how the plague was spreading.