Necromancer 42

Test

42. Servant of the Dark Hero

"If I make you my servant, will Ran no longer be able to use the Reaper?"

I asked the Reaper. If this creature could converse like Mirage, maybe it would provide an answer.

"...Wait, no, that's probably not possible. All it did during the battle was howl." 

"If I become your servant, Toudou Ran will no longer be able to command me." 

"Whoa, you can talk!?"

I was taken aback by the Reaper, who suddenly spoke fluently.

"You're... one of the demon race, right?"

I whispered.

To ensure no one around us would hear.

If I were to make it my servant, letting anyone know that I had a demon as a servant could have serious repercussions in this country.

At worst, I might be treated as part of a demon faction.

On the other hand—the Reaper itself was an appealing asset.

If I could make it a servant, it would strengthen my army of servants and also enhance my own status.

"Indeed. I am a modified demon." 

"Ah, could you lower your voice so only I can hear?" 

"? Ah, so you don't want the other humans to overhear. Understood."

The Reaper readily complied with my request.

It seemed unexpectedly manageable... Alright, it's a bit risky, but—I’ve made up my mind.

"Reaper, I want you as my servant right away. From now on, follow me." 

"Understood, Master." 

"And I have two requests. First, do not tell anyone that you are a demon." 

"Understood." 

"Second, keep it a secret as much as possible that you are my servant and act accordingly." 

"Understood. However, why the second request?" 

"Well, you were kind of Ran's servant, right? If it gets out that I took you, it could be... complicated, you know."

I gave a wry smile.

"That said, Ran is too dangerous, and if I leave you with him, many people could get hurt. Keeping you with me is my true intention." 

"Understood. I will not harm anyone unless commanded by my master. While some demons possess an instinctual urge to attack humans, I am not one of them." 

"Got it. Then, I expect you to follow those requests from now on, Reaper." 

"I pledge my loyalty to you, Master."

With a swoosh, the Reaper vanished.

[I normally reside in a separate space within my master’s shadow. Summon me when needed.]

The voice echoed in my mind.

"Truly convenient."

I smiled.

Alright, I may have lost Mirage, but now I have a new, reliable servant.

And for Mirage too—

"I will definitely bring you back."

I renewed my resolve.