Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 74 Pact

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.

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."

"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?