A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The pitch-black darkness loomed at my feet, and I could see an endless spiral of stone stairs stretching out before me.

The curved staircase was so narrow that it was difficult to even place a foot. Pausing, I peered down to the underground, but still, nothing was visible.

Carefully breaking a glow stick, I threw it down, hoping to catch a glimpse of the floor below.

Faint light spread through the grim underground world, with the green flash plunging into the infinite darkness.

Unfortunately, the floor I had anticipated did not reveal itself. Instead, the underground world hidden in the shadows came into view.

What I saw from that staircase was a truly colossal underground realm. A city that looked as if it had been transported straight from an ancient desert kingdom. Walls densely packed with sand-colored buildings.

The place, said to be where angels and demons slumbered, resembled Petra, which I had seen in Jordan.

As I hurried down the stairs leading to the ruins, the echoing wind began to produce a chilling sound.

As if mocking us.

—

Episode 17 – The Tree that Drinks Blood

—

Descending the seemingly endless staircase felt almost torturous.

Some might scoff at the idea of dramatizing a mere descent, but those individuals would surely change their tune after descending stairs for over 30 minutes like I had.

“Veronica.”

I suddenly spoke up as I continued down the staircase.

“How long has it been since we entered here?”

“Well…”

Veronica carefully treaded the stone steps before responding.

“I didn’t bring a clock, so I can’t tell you exactly, but it seems to be a little over 90 minutes.”

“And yet, we’re still going down the stairs.”

I sighed with exasperation, muttering about how obnoxiously long it was taking.

“…It’s bloody hard to meet an angel.”

I heard that the 63 Building has around 1200 steps. Estimating the number I had counted on the way down, I guessed we had passed over 2000.

In other words, we were descending a skyscraper taller than the 63 Building.

Considering I had given up counting midway, we might have already ascended that same building twice over.

In any case.

The dreamlike and beautiful journey to meet the sleeping angel had long been obstructed by these damned stairs.

Fantasy sensibility? That was non-existent. I had just been mindlessly climbing stairs for an hour and a half.

Descending this seemingly endless staircase was torture in itself, but the environment here had a knack for driving a person mad.

The pitch darkness and oddly ominous atmosphere.

This underground world, surrounded by darkness, felt more like a dungeon than a place where mythical beings lay asleep.

Of course, this was merely my subjective interpretation, and there had been no monsters or ghosts threatening us since the beginning—though there were imposing stone statues and unknown structures with no discernible building period.

Speaking of which, it did have a slight vibe of exploring ruins, but the reality was a monotony of meaningless labor.

Step down with one foot. Move the other leg down the stairs. That was all there was to it.

There was no fighting against some unknown threat or even pondering about forks in the path. Just the pointless repetition of labor.

That was why, even though it was just descending stairs, groans escaped my lips involuntarily.

“Ugh.”

If only we could at least enjoy the scenery as we moved…

Unfortunately, there was no room to spare for that. The width of the stairs was incredibly narrow.

With the steep incline, a misstep could send you tumbling down, so it wasn’t exactly comforting to descend either.

But if I were to ask whether we could take breaks as we pleased, the answer was also no.

The staircase was designed in a typical spiral structure. With no flat surfaces, there was no ground to spread out and rest upon.

So, reluctantly, we had to sit on the stairs to rest, but as I mentioned earlier, the width was annoyingly narrow, making it impossible to sit comfortably.

As a result, we huddled close to the central pillar of the staircase, crouching on the cramped stairs just to catch our breath.

Veronica had muttered a string of curses hundreds of times for this very reason.

“Shit…”

The saint, burdened with a heavy pack, squatted on the stairs with her hands clasped together.

“God, I know that You test us through hardships and adversities. But why do You only give us trials and not even the tiniest reward? The offerings I’ve made could allow me to live a lifetime without lifting a finger, and I’ve prayed regularly! Why do You keep tormenting me?”

“…Veronica, remember when you went to the Holy See and got caught gambling after skipping mass and swiping sacred relics? I heard it from some bishop.”

“Who’s spreading that nonsense?”

“No, didn’t you gamble with a sacred relic before?”

A half-minded conversation ensued, which felt quite natural given the absurd situation we were in.

When faced with such a disastrous scenario, who wouldn’t lose their composure?

Among the people trapped on the staircase of time and sanity, no one managed to stay grounded. Not even Akande, who possessed a fourth-dimensional mindset, was staring blankly at the air.

Of course, the knight was the exception. He wasn’t even human, to begin with. That conman.

In any case.

It felt like we had been trapped in this hellish staircase for around two hours when we finally emerged.

“The stairs are finished.”

The knight, who had been leading us down, announced as he reached a corner. I hurried to follow and, indeed, there was an end to the stairs.

“Finally!”

“It’s finally over…”

The moment flat ground revealed itself, everyone collapsed in exhaustion.

Veronica, having lost all strength in her legs, burst into tears, while Akande transformed into a quadrupedal creature. He kept kissing the ground, offering thanks to the Earth God.

It seemed I was the only one relatively unscathed. While I lay in a stupor, the knight approached and suggested we take a break, to which I readily agreed.

—

After a grueling two-hour trek, we finally savored the sweet rest granted to us. Leaving the horrid stairs behind, we felt a happiness and satisfaction unmatched.

Veronica perched herself on a statue that resembled a bench, taking a deep breath.

“Phew. I finally feel alive!”

Setting down her burdens and wiping her forehead, beads of sweat collected on her palms, and the damp fabric sticking to her skin drew an uncomfortable expression.

“Descending stairs seems like an unimaginable task for people. When we get back to the cathedral, I should probably have those stairs removed.”

What kind of logic was that? It seemed she had developed a phobia of stairs. Veronica cruelly began spouting overly dramatic threats about demolishing all the stairs in the Holy Land of Lateran.

I could only look at her with disbelieving eyes and shake my head.

“Are you taking your frustrations out on innocent stairs?”

“Are you actually saying this after going through that?”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have carried so much luggage.”

Veronica’s eyes turned into slits at my offhand remark.

Her gestures and grim expression showed that she was genuinely offended as she leaned her chin on her hand and replied apathetically.

“Are you starting a fight out of nowhere? How embarrassing.”

“I’m just saying it’s pointless to struggle by carrying an entire hoard with you.”

The load she had brought was indeed the heftiest among the three of us.

A long wooden case, a holster strapped to her thigh, tiny pockets wrapped around her waist, several vials of holy water, and even brass lanterns.

Aside from her weaponry, which consisted of firearms, Veronica’s luggage was exceedingly diverse. While a bit of food and water was a necessity, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly that wooden case was for.

“Wouldn’t it have been better to leave that case behind? It’s made of wood, so it’s likely quite heavy. Just leaving that behind would lighten your load tremendously.”

The ornate wooden case boasted a length exceeding a meter. I would estimate it to be about 100 cm plus an extra 20 to 30 cm.

At 120 cm, it would be nearly as tall as a child. Considering the weight of the wood, it must weigh at least 10 kg, not including the contents within.

However, Veronica seemed determined not to part with it.

“No, I absolutely couldn’t leave this behind.”

“What is it…?”

“It’s nothing special, but it’s best not to use whatever’s inside. To put it precisely…”

It would be best if we never found ourselves in a situation where we would need to use it. Veronica added with emphasis.

I was curious about what kind of item would warrant such caution, but I refrained from asking. The need to know didn’t outweigh the energy it would take to pry it out of her.

Leaning against a pillar, Akande let out a long yawn, while I sprawled on the floor to release my fatigue. With a creak, Veronica adjusted the brass lantern, causing the light to brighten.

The intense glow chased away the surrounding darkness, illuminating our surroundings. As the obscurity lifted, the contours of the underground world became clearer than before.

The structure of the underground resembled a massive cylinder. Rather than a typical cylindrical shape seen in math textbooks, it was closer to a bell-like form.

Starting from the point that looked like an entrance, the ceiling sloped downward gently. The walls flanked the central pillar, around which the spiral staircase coiled, packed tightly with the buildings we had seen while descending.

As memories of long-ago trips resurfaced in my mind, I murmured.

“It looks like Petra.”

“Petra? What’s that?”

“It’s an archaeological site.”

Petra, representing Jordan, is known for being a historic site, showcasing remnants of an ancient city that once existed in the southwestern region of Jordan.

It is presumed to have thrived due to its location between Egypt-Arabia and Syria-Phoenicia and is famous for its high archaeological value, combining ancient Eastern and Hellenistic architectural styles.

The scenery of the city, carved into the red sandstone, remains vividly clear even decades later, making it easy to conjure up in my mind with just a closed eye.

I recalled when a colleague from the Jordan Information Agency took me on a tour. I can’t remember what event it was, but we had a grand outing while traveling for work together.

“I’m not sure it’s a site, but I feel like the underground kingdom of the dwarves that once existed might have looked something like this.”

“Why mention an ancient fallen kingdom? It sounds ominously foreboding.”

“Well, it’s underground, it feels like a kingdom, and the architectural style is unique. That has to count for something.”

Veronica pointed around, gesturing as she glanced across the scenery.

“In the center, there’s a towering pillar, and around it are five bridges. I’m not sure where the paths lead, but they sure look like they were built for transit. Quite spacious, too.”

The structure here went beyond just a bell shape. A towering central pillar rose toward the sky. From there, five bridges stretched out toward the walls, connecting the walls to the pillar.

Each bridge had its own unique arrangement and height.

At the end of one, there was a massive door, but at this moment, we had no way of knowing which direction it led. For the record, we were currently suspended over the bridge, not on the ground.

To meet the damn floor, we’d have to keep descending into the fathomless blackness of that darkness.

Of course, we had no reason to descend further into the underground, nor did we intend to. We didn’t even know how vast this place was, and we already had a capable guide.

“So, where do you think our colleagues are?”

The knight, raising his gauntlet, pointed toward the edge of the bridge.

“It’s just ahead.”

“Is our colleague over there?”

“Yes. I sense a familiar presence.”

That meant the angel was located right there.

I turned back to the knight and rephrased my question.

“Do you have any idea about the demon’s location?”

“I do not feel any aura of evil. However, since my comrades and I are currently resting here, the creature must also be sealed nearby. It’s likely not far away.”

Though the knight did not sense the demon’s presence, that was just fine. It meant the seal was holding well.

I began to gather my scattered things from my backpack. Veronica tightened the strings of her pockets and hefted the case up. Although she hadn’t been explicitly told, Akande started to rise, stretching out.

So, there’s an angel over there.

“Let’s head over.”

I wanted to see if it really looked like an angel.

—

We moved swiftly across the bridge. The path extended straight from the door ahead.

The compass directed us northeast. We began our journey north-eastward.

Decorated stone blocks filled the walls, and stone pillars supported the ceiling. The traces of weathering were distinct, yet the durability and smoothness of the structures far surpassed any standard.

“It’s empty.”

The room we stepped into after opening the door, just as Veronica stated, held nothing.

There were no furniture or structures to be found, unlike what we had seen from outside.

High, majestic pillars dominated this space, which felt oddly reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple.

However, where Greek temples were shrines built for the gods, this place was a temple built for the worship of demons — a significant distinction.

The knight spoke.

“This is a temple built by priests who worshiped demons a thousand years ago. They sacrificed living beings as offerings to the demons in this place.”

Just listening to that was enough to send chills down my spine, yet his tone was remarkably calm.

The knight continued, explaining in a matter-of-fact manner, as though recounting historical facts — which, in reality, it was.

“They summoned a demon to this land by offering countless sacrifices. My comrades and I sealed it here after dispatching it.”

“By what means did you seal it? Did you really decapitate and dismember it?”

“I severed its head and limbs, yet it continued to regenerate its flesh. We swung our blades for three days and nights, but it was impossible to cut away the never-ending regenerating flesh. It was only on the dawn of the fifth day that we realized its weakness was fire, then we managed to seal it successfully. If not for the wisdom of my comrade, it wouldn’t have been so easy.”

“What …?”

The mere fact of sealing a demon was surprising enough — but fighting it for three continuous days? How did they manage that?

Having faced demons myself in the past, I found it hard to believe.

Even though a party consisting of two saints, a hero, and a bloodline of archmages, along with several elite troops managed to fight a demon for merely a few hours, it felt like we would have been in serious trouble had Duke Alexandra Petrovna not appeared. And yet, they had battled that demon steadily for five days?

I wasn’t entirely sure if the knight was lying or if it was indeed true, but should it be a fact, it was nothing short of extraordinary. I began to whisper to Veronica in a hushed voice.

“Seems like the angel is real? They fought a demon for five days.”

“If that’s true, the angel is definitely credible. How could they manage to fight a demon for nights on end?”

“…Why do you keep doubting me?”

It was an odd question tinged with indignation, but we didn’t respond. The reason was clear to us both.

In any case.

As we rushed toward the place where the angel’s aura was felt, we developed a simple plan. We quickly shared our information and said what we needed.

“The best-case scenario would be that the demon is still asleep and only the angel is awake, while the worst-case scenario is fighting a fully awakened demon. Since there’s no real way to retreat now, it’s safe to assume we can’t avoid a confrontation… Are we going to be alright?”

“Of course. What do you take me for?”

Veronica smirked playfully, winking at us. At her words, the knight regarded her with a glance.

“There’s no need for you to face the demon. If the seal has broken, then I would ask the rightful owner of Altiora not to overexert himself and to retreat.”

“Who do you think you’re telling to run? Do you think you’re the only one who’s faced demons?”

“Have you fought against a demon?”

“Three times.”

The saint held up three fingers and wore a smile.

“The first time was when I participated in the Grand Exorcism at the request of an exorcist when I was 16; then I fought a demon I encountered on a pilgrimage at 21. Last year, I ended up sending a demon back while in the northern Empire.”

“What a remarkable feat it is. To combat evil in a mere mortal body.”

The knight gasped in astonishment. However, Veronica’s expression appeared somewhat sour.

“It’s not impressive. What good does it do? I couldn’t kill any of them.”

“No. You’ve accomplished a remarkable feat. Killing a demon is exceedingly difficult. The physical body is merely a shell; their souls return to hell. Unless that soul is obliterated, demons will always exist.”

“Is there no way to destroy a demon’s soul?”

“There is, but it’s not easy. Therefore, we chose to seal rather than destroy.”

“If a demon has just recently broken its seal, it would be relatively weak. But still, can’t it be killed?”

Veronica’s inquiry was met with a nod from the knight. She clicked her tongue softly.

For the sake of those lacking background knowledge, Veronica made sure to elaborate.

“Demons recently unsealed or recently manifested on the earth typically lack significant power. Especially if they just possessed someone, that’s when they are at their weakest.”

“So they grow stronger with time?”

“Usually, yes. If they emerge already boasting incredible power, that likely indicates they were originally tremendously strong. That’s why the demon we faced was such a pain. It had been dwelling in a host for over ten years.”

What that meant was,

Even if the demon broke free and appeared here right now, it would be easy to handle. I had been worrying about a creature capable of laying waste to an entire town as it did in the north, but at least it was just weak trash.

“The aura is drawing closer. We’re almost there.”

The knight informed us as he led the way. His words indicated that we were nearing our destination.

Despite everyone hurrying along, the knight continued to take the lead. Encased in armor heavy enough to make noise, he galloped forward faster than anyone else.

“Just please, let there be no demon.”

I quickened my pace, focused on that one thought.

“…Huh?”

“What’s going on?”

Suddenly, the knight began to slow down.

As he decreased his speed, he raised a finger to his helmet. A gesture indicating silence.

Caught up in the knight’s quiet demeanor, we too fell silent. Veronica covered the lantern to prevent any light from leaking out.

With mouths shut and ears open, we strained to listen, feeling out the strange silence.

“…”

While everyone was scanning their surroundings, the knight began to step into the thick darkness.

We were slow to follow him onward.

There was no visible threat, and since the knight hadn’t drawn his weapon, it seemed combat wasn’t going to break out just yet.

Veronica unveiled the cloth she had draped over the lantern, raising its brightness slightly. The brass lantern obeyed her motions and was raised higher.

As light spread throughout the cavern, the surroundings began to grow clearer.

“…?”

Just as the obscurity faded, something began to appear as a faint outline.

What could that be? I strained my eyes to focus, and then,

“Shit—”

A short and sharp curse escaped my lips, prompting everyone to spring into action. I raised my rifle, Veronica drew her revolver from its holster, and Akande, hunched down, tensed his muscles into a fist.

In the illuminated cavern lay a colossal object. Something grotesque that looked like a mound of flesh haphazardly clumping together.

Just looking at it made me feel nauseous, but before we could digest the situation, a sense of strangeness crept in.

“…What is that? It’s dead, isn’t it?”

“That appears to be… the case.”

Veronica, with a tense expression, approached the abhorrent heap, lifting her lantern to shed light upon it.

As the light neared, the true form of this fleshly mass revealed itself.

It was the head of some enormous creature. Half-embedded in flesh, a hazy pupil glinted, confirming it was undeniably a head.

Illuminated by the lantern, Veronica took a step back, her face contorting in disgust.

Taking a cautious step back, she carefully spoke.

“…It’s dead. Whatever it is, it seems to be related to a demon.”

“It looks really evil, so it might belong to that category…”

We slowly backed away from the corpse. I discreetly patted Akande’s shoulder and gestured for him to retreat.

With all eyes fixed in that direction, the knight stared intently at the grotesque body. Although he had still not drawn a weapon, I had noticed he had been strangely quiet for a while.

It seemed I wasn’t the only one sensing something amiss, as Veronica cast suspicious glances toward the knight.

“…”

In the silent chamber, the knight took a step forward. He advanced straight toward the body.

Standing before what appeared to be a demon’s corpse, the knight raised his gauntlet and began to stroke the head. As Veronica directed the lantern’s light onto it, the bloodstains beneath the gauntlet glowed bright red.

There lay a clear mark of something having pierced through it. It appeared to be an extraordinarily sharp object that had deeply stabbed it.

“…Ah, it seems it was you after all.”

The knight murmured as he caressed the wound.

“Even though a familiar aura has approached, the seal has not worn away. It seems you have already slain the demon.”

The muffled clanging of the knight’s plate armor shattered the silence.

With his body turned, he gazed upward.

All of our gazes followed the direction of his helmet.

“It’s time you show yourself.”

The knight spoke with authority, directing his attention to the ceiling.

“Nathaniel.”

As the light from the lantern lifted to the ceiling, a faint shadow of a person appeared between the two pillars linking the archway.

A vague outline of a human figure looked down upon us.