The Wandering Devil (TWD)

The Wandering Devil

Chapter: 21

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(A Huge Misunderstanding)

I leaned back in his chair, satisfaction blooming in my chest face as my gaze swept over the towering stacks of books in the corner. 

Magical tomes, spellbooks and journals on magical theory piled high, their spines glowing faintly in the dim light of the room. 

Clint had outdone himself. The funds kindly liberated during their little Gringotts heist had been put to excellent use.

I allowed myself a small smirk as he flipped through the pages of an old volume on advanced elemental manipulation. 

Sending Clint was the right call. Reginald's status as the Lord of the Greengrass would've drawn attention. At least, I assume it would have. Clint, on the other hand, is unassuming enough that you wouldn't give him a second glance and he knows how to keep things discreet. 

I ran a finger over a particularly interesting passage, noting it down for later experimentation.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled me from his thoughts. Clint and Reginald entered the room, their expressions neutral but their postures tense as they awaited orders.

It had been ten hours since my departure from the massive battle I had yet to see reach the news. My time was coming to a close. 

My eyes still hadn't reached that pressure, so I was going to go out on a limb and assume I wouldn't be able to get back by myself for the time being. It was a good thing I had Bell use the contract but I was worried about how much demonic energy it would take.

When contracts act as a summon, normally the cost isn't that much. I don't think that accounted for travelling worlds though. 

I stood, snapping the book shut with a sharp thud. 

"You've both proven your worth," I began, my voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge of authority. That was to say that my Dark Lord voice was getting better. "Clint, you've shown your loyalty and Reginald, you've demonstrated your willingness to use political power of your house to my advantage."

I paused, letting my words register with them. "Effective immediately, you're both promoted to generals. It's time to start building something bigger." 

Clint's eyes were shaking with excitement, while Reginald contained any emotion. 

"This place won't do. We need a proper base." 

Reginald tilted his head slightly. "What do you have in mind, my Lord?"

I shrugged, dismissing the details with a wave of his hand. "Something large enough to house our forces if necessary. But I'll leave the specifics to you two. Use whatever methods you see fit resources, persuasion, intimidation… as my generals you should act as my will"

The art of Delegation, I didn't want to deal with the increasing growth of the little magical army I had found myself building. So giving a fancy title to Clint and Reginald was the best idea.

Clint had shown himself good at recruitment for the less powerful force, but there's a quality in quantity. While Reginald would be the one to lead any upper echelon of talented Purebloods, halfblood and successful muggleborns that may happen to find their way into my following. 

The two exchanged glances, clearly interpreting my words in their own way. Clint, as usual, looked slightly too eager, while Reginald maintained a mask of calm that didn't quite mask his inner excitement.

I turned back to his books, already immersed in the next layer of knowledge. 

"Do it quietly," I added almost absentmindedly, my focus shifting to a page detailing a particularly destructive fire spell. 

It was time to devour all of this knowledge before I had to leave. 

"I don't need distractions while I work."

I barely saw the slight nods the two shared before they left, their own plans forming as they prepared to carry out whatever they believed to be my will. 

As the door closed behind them, I allowed myself a chuckle. 

Coming here and acting as a Dark Lord had seemed annoying at first, but the perks had quickly shown themselves. Who knows when I would need back up in another world or even Danmachi with the strange events happening around me.

Having a group of enhanced humans with magical capabilities that could reach from the low class to the middle class was invaluable. 

Hopefully they didn't cause any problems. Letting things cool down as to not let problems arise in my absence. 

-{Reginald Greengrass}-

Reginald Greengrass stood in front of the fireplace in the drawing room of Zephyrion's hideout, watching Clint disappear down the corridor. 

With a small nod to himself, he stepped into the emerald flames and murmured, "Greengrass Manor."

He felt the wards protecting his floo connect with him, scanning his signature before accepting him as the Lord. A moment later, he stepped out into the grand sitting room of his family's home. 

The room was quiet, illuminated only by the faint glow of a chandelier overhead. 

A portrait of a young girl hung on the far wall, her innocent smile making Reginald smile as he looked at her picture. 

"Reginald?" A soft voice broke through his thoughts.

His wife, Miranda, entered the room. Her dark expensive green robes trailing behind her. Her sharp, intelligent eyes locked on him with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"You're back much later than I expected," she said, her tone guarded. "Is everything okay?"

He sighed tiredly. 

"A lot has happened Miranda," Reginald replied, carefully placing his cloak on a nearby chair.

Miranda crossed her arms. "Tell me."

"The new Dark Lord attacked Gringotts." He admitted.

Miranda flinched, quickly taking multiple steps forward and cupping his face. "Are you okay?"

He smiled weakly. "Yes, I am."

"What happened?" She demanded.

Reginald went on to tell her everything that had transpired, her face slowly morphing from concern into disbelief. 

"So what started off as a last withdrawal before we went into hiding, has now led us into the service of a different Dark Lord. Not only that, but you've become his so-called General?" She sharply asked, her eyes hurt.

Reginald sighed and stepped closer. "I know what you're thinking, Miranda. But Lord Zephyrion is… unlike anyone I've ever met. He's not like Voldemort. His power is unmatched and I can see a path for us-"

"A path for us?" she interrupted, her tone sharp. "All I see is you throwing our family's name into the service of another so-called Dark Lord. We were meant to be avoiding that fate."

Reginald frowned but kept his voice calm. "This is different. He's not Voldemort. He's strategic, resourceful, and he's already proven his strength. He doesn't demand loyalty through fear."

"Then what does he demand it through?" she pressed, stepping closer. "What makes him so different, Reginald? Why should we risk our family for him?"

"Miranda, please. I know. There are many reasons, I didn't just blindly join him. You know me better than that. One of the reasons-" Reginald pulled a folded parchment from his pocket and handed it to her. "This."

Miranda unfolded the flyer, her brows furrowing as she read the intricate text. 

It was an elegantly designed document, embossed with a strange sigil that glowed slightly. 

"This… what is this supposed to prove?" she asked, though her voice wavered slightly.

"It's a contract," Reginald explained. "Bound by magic and his own power. If we call on him, he will come. He's given us a way to summon him in times of need." 

Miranda's lips pressed into a thin line as she stared at the flyer. 

After a long pause, she finally said, "And what about our daughter? Have you considered her in all of this?"

Reginald's shoulders tensed. "Of course I have. Everything I'm doing is to secure her future, Miranda. Hogwarts won't shield her forever and if the Dark Lord comes for us, these wards won't hold up forever"

Miranda shook her head before sighing."I just don't want her to be a part of this."

Reginald placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. "I'm doing this for all of us, Miranda. I promise you, I'll be careful. I'll do everything in my power to keep her out of harm's way."

She looked up at him, her worry still evident. "I don't like this, Reginald. But I trust you. Just promise me you are certain of this."

"I swear it," he said firmly, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

She sighed, her hands tightening briefly on his robes before she pulled back. "What's next?"

Reginald's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm going to start reaching out to the other houses. Slowly, carefully. If we can bring them into the fold, Lord Zephyrion has also ordered me to find a larger and more fortified base of operations."

Miranda nodded slowly, "Okay, be careful. For all of our sake."

"I will," he promised, leaning in to kiss her once more. 

He sighed once more in relief, staring into the trusting eyes of his wife. 

Reginald believed his trusted allies in the Abbot would be more receptive to his new allegiance.

So that's where he would start.

-{Clint}-

The damp alley Clint walked through was silent except for the shuffle of boots on cobblestone. Clint led the group through Knockturn, his wand out and his eyes aware. 

Clint had gathered more recruits and had a massive party of wizards and witches with him. 

The recruits he had managed to pick up fanned out behind him, their nerves easily visible on each of their faces. Each naturally carried a wand but Clint doubted half of them could cast a decent Stunning Spell. 

As per usual, they were desperate outcasts, stragglers willing to follow anything that led to a better life. 

Lord Zephyrion had given him the title of General and told him to act out his will, obviously Clint had taken that as a message to make his presence known. 

The more he was known by everyone the easier recruitment would be. That was part of the reasoning in Clint's mind anyway. 

Clint motioned toward the magical shops that were open. 

"Go," he whispered, keeping his voice sharp but low. 

They moved as instructed, splitting into pairs. The recruits hit their marks: Mr Mulpeppers Apothecary and Shyverwretch's Venoms and Poisons. Two big shops protected by security within Knockturn Alley.

They moved quickly, pilfering shelves and shoving goods into charmed satchels.

Clint lingered near the edge of the alley, scanning for signs of trouble. 

He'd chosen this location for its poor Auror presence. He gripped his wand tighter, his eyes flicking to the recruits. 

They were slow, too slow. A pang of annoyance hit him, but he shoved it aside. When Zephyrion had led it had all gone so much faster.

Then it happened. A loud crash echoed as one recruit fumbled a heavy chest, spilling its contents onto the street. 

Clint's shook his head. "Idiots," he hissed under his breath.

Everything continued. 

Lights flickered on in nearby shops, and angry voices rose. 

Before Clint could bark a warning, much to his confusion. The cracks of Apparition filled the air. 

Five Aurors appeared at the alley's entrance, their robes pristine and wands already raised.

Clint cursed under his breath. He raised his wand. 

'What are they doing here?' He thought.

Such a quick reaction from the Aurors in Knockturn alley of all places hadn't been what he expected, even with so many recruits with him. The fear instilled into all criminals about the Aurors and Hitwards made him nervous. 

"Regroup on me!" he shouted.

The recruits scrambled to his side, their faces pale. 

The Aurors wasted no time, firing Stunning Spells and Shield Charms to cut off escape routes. The alley turned into a storm of light and sound, spells ricocheting off stone and splintering wood.

Clint ducked behind a crate, his mind racing.

'Five Aurors. Trained. Organised. And us? Barely functional.'

He watched the Aurors move in perfect synchronisation. They covered each other, rotating positions to maintain a constant barrage of spell fire.

The recruits were already faltering. 

One dropped their wand in panic, scrambling to retrieve it as a Stunning Spell narrowly missed. Another managed to fire a weak jinx, but it fizzled against a Shield Charm. 

Clint clenched his teeth. 

He fired a Blasting Curse at the lead Auror, forcing him to dive for cover. 

The explosion scattered debris, buying Clint a moment to think. 

The recruits casted jinxes and curses in a chaotic flurry. Their aim was erratic, but sheer volume forced the Auror on the defensive. 

His shield flickered under the onslaught, and for a brief moment, Clint thought they had him.

Then the Auror countered. He dropped his shield and fired a wide Stunning Spell, knocking two recruits off their feet. 

Clint swore and retaliated with a Slicing Hex, aiming low. The Auror screamed in pain, falling on his back.

Clint pressed forward one another Auror, hurling a barrage of spells. 

A Disarming Charm, a Stunning Spell, another Blasting Curse. The other Auror dodged most, but the relentless assault from all the recruits with him forced him to on the defensive. 

The recruits followed Clint's lead, their confidence slowly building.

The Aurors weren't done. 

The second one flanked them, casting a Binding Curse that caught one recruit by the ankle. 

She fell hard, her wand skittering out of reach. Another recruit tried to help, but a silent Stunning Spell dropped him before he could act.

The recruits scattered, darting into side alleys and shop doorways. 

The Aurors hesitated, their formation momentarily disrupted. Clint seized the opportunity, firing a Blinding Hex that erupted in a burst of searing white light. 

The lead Auror staggered, shielding his eyes.

Another recruit blasted him with a 'Depulso' sending him back through the air.

Clint advanced, his wand in constant movement. 

He fired a Cutting Curse at the fourth Auror, aiming for his wand arm. It missed but the barrage of spells from four recruits made his shield shattered. A spell hit its mark and the Auror's wand clattered to the ground. 

Before he could recover, another recruit hit him with a Body-Binding Curse, locking him in place.

A fifth Auror, the youngest, charged forward with surprising speed. 

She cast a Stunning Spell that Clint barely dodged, the red light scorching the wall behind him. Clint retaliated with a 'Diffindo' 

The recruits regrouped around him, together, they easily overwhelmed the youngest Auror, their combined spells shattering her shield and sending her sprawling.

The lead Auror, recovered from the Blinding Hex, unleashed a wave of raw magical force. 

Clint barely managed to shield himself, but the recruits weren't as lucky. Two were thrown against the alley wall, groaning in pain.

He scanned the scene, looking for an out. 

Smoke and debris filled the air, the alley lit sporadically by the flashes of spells. 

The recruits were mostly okay. 

Clint made a decision. "Fall back!" he shouted. 

They all nodded and ducked into the shadows, disappearing one by one. 

Clint stayed behind, covering their escape with a barrage of curses and hexes. Despite all this he had a wild smile on his face, the fear he had slowly turned into exhilaration. 

He cast an overpowered Lumos, the burst of light and sound disorienting the remaining Aurors. Then he turned and vanished into the darkness, his cloak billowing behind him.

-{Zephyrion Gremory}-

I stared at the newspaper in annoyance, sending a glance to a bashful Clint. 

"Clint when I said act as an extension of my will I didn't mean go on a warpath." I sighed.

"Sorry, my Lord." He apologised. 

Honestly, I was leaving soon. I had wanted things to try cooldown as much as they could until I came back. 

That didn't mean ordering an unnecessary raid that had gained us nothing. 

Maybe I should have been more clear. 

I exhaled, leaning back in my chair. 

The Ministry was already on edge, but this unnecessary raid had only given them fuel.

I dropped the newspaper onto the table in front of me. 

"This gained us nothing. It just brought more heat."

"I thought..." Clint started, hesitating before finishing, "I thought it would show them that even after a massive battle that we are active. That we weren't afraid of being attacked by the Ministry or Death Eaters."

I raised a brow, my frustration simmering beneath the surface. 

What was that logic? 

The battle with Voldermort and Dumbledore had been a big display of power. 

I had held my ground easily and despite my retreat I doubt that lessened the impact.

"And now they think we're desperate, unorganised, and reckless." I tapped the desk with my fingers. "Do you see the problem?"

He nodded reluctantly. "Yes, my Lord."

I could tell he was kicking himself for making such a rash decision so early in his ascension into my general and that he was also afraid I would demote him, 

I decided to bring another issue to his knowledge to allow him to understand why I wanted to keep our heads down. 

"Clint," I said, lowering my voice, "I'll be gone for a while. Days, weeks. I don't know yet. During that time, I need things to calm down, not escalate. No more raids, no more messages. Let them think we've disappeared if you have to.

His eyes widened slightly, and he stepped forward. "You're leaving? When?"

"Yes and today." I folded my arms, meeting his gaze. "You and Reginald will keep everything running. You're smart enough to manage that, aren't you?"

Clint swallowed "I hope I didn't cause this decision my Lord?" 

I smiled in amusement. "No, you didn't. I hadn't expected to ascend into becoming a Dark Lord in honesty. I have other things to do. I can't stay for too long because of that. Rest assured I'll be back."

He nodded in relief.

"Of course. I'll handle it."

I could see the questions forming in his mind. Why now? Where was I going? But he knew better than to ask.

"Good." I pushed myself to my feet, walking around the desk until I stood in front of him. 

He was tall, but I was taller. "This isn't just about keeping the Ministry off our backs. This is about proving you can handle responsibility. Can you do that along with Reginald?"

He stiffened, nodding again. "I won't let you down."

"See that you don't," I said firmly.

Turning away, I picked up the newspaper again, scanning the article one last time. The Ministry would be hunting harder now, pushing to reign us in. 

That much was clear. 

Clint had told me about their increased Auror presence. 

It was annoying I had to go back but I did miss Hestia. Perhaps Bell and Lili could come with me when I trusted them a bit more. 

"Reginald already knows his part," I added without looking up. "Talk to him. Work together. And don't test my patience."

"Yes, my Lord," Clint said again, his voice steady but quieter.

I waved a hand dismissively, signalling the conversation was over. He turned and left without another word, the door closing softly behind him.

A thought suddenly occurred to me.

"Wait a second." I called out.

He paused, turning back to me. 

I pulled out my last summoning flyer. "Take this"

He obeyed, taking the flyer in hand confusedly. 

"My Lord?" Clint questioned.

"In three weeks I want you to use this flyer just in case certain things don't go to plan." I ordered. "It's not hard to use, especially for beings with magic. Simply pour your intent and I'll feel it."

I didn't know if I would be able to return here via my own free will. Something I had just remembered and three weeks should be more than enough time to prepare things back with Hestia.

Even if I only returned for a few days or a few hours. Having a certain path back was needed until I could control my power and understand how it worked.

His face became resolute. 

"Yes my Lord." He replied determinedly. 

I could see the relief in his face as a way to summon me back, apparently items like this weren't unknown. Which explained the lack of questions around my summoning flyers. 

He left the room I had made into a temporary office. 

As soon as he was gone, I leaned against the desk, my fingers idly drumming against the wood. 

I had a few more hours until I should hopefully be able to feel the line that would lead to my departure, I was burning through these books easily enough. 

If this didn't work, I was going to admit that this may be a problem. Whatever this cooldown was on my eyes it hadn't shown any sign of coming back to me or building that pressure. 

I spent the next few hours studying studiously with all the spells presented to me. 

I stacked the last of the books into my bottomless pouch along with some potions, my wand & wand holster I had obtained. I proceeded to sit down, pulling a fresh sheet of parchment toward me.

I dipped the quill into ink and began writing a note for Clint and Reginald. 

The instructions were simple but easy to understand, at least for me. Maintain order, avoid conflict and wait for my return. 

I didn't know exactly how long I would be gone but I couldn't risk the group spiralling into chaos in my absence.

"Clint, Reginald," I scribbled down, "I am entrusting the both of you with the responsibility of keeping this foundation intact. No more rash decisions.."

It was simple, but I didn't want to leave the both of them without anything less they panic. I signed the letter with the mark of a Gremory which was mildly useless but whatever. 

Then I placed it prominently on the desk. I stepped back, surveying the room he had turned into his makeshift office. 

A faint, tugging sensation in the back of my mind caught my attention immediately and I noticed it quickly began to grow stronger, like an invisible thread tightening around him. 

"It's time," l muttered to himself.

I moved fast, grabbing a small stack of books he thought would be useful and would take much longer to learn. Not all magic was easily to learn in this world. 

The pull intensified, a strange pressure building within my chest. My demonic energy flared instinctively. 

I took one last glance at the room before the world around me blurred, colours bleeding together into a swirl of light and shadow. My body tensed, my vision darkened for a brief moment and then I was elsewhere.

My demonic energy plummeted at a record speed that surprised even me, considering how cheap demonic flyers teleportation normally costed. 

The next thing I found was that the air was warm, carrying the scent of grass and wildflowers. 

I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the bright sunlight. I was in a field, surrounded by rolling hills that stretched into the distance.

And standing just a few feet away was Bell.

"Zephyrion!" Bell called out, a bright smile lighting up his face. "You're back!"

I smiled. 

It worked. 

The relief and happiness in Bell's voice were unmistakable, but I couldn't focus on it. 

Something was wrong.

My smile faded. My body tensed as the pressure inside me began to build again. 

I felt the seal that had been present in my body since birth, snap. 

That… wasn't good. 

I grabbed my pouch, throwing it to him. He caught it with confusion evident on his face. 

"Bell," I growled, my voice rough and strained. "Run."

That was the last thing I could get out as I realised what had happened. 

My demonic power hadn't been enough, so the seal had been fed to teleport. 

Bell's smile faltered, confusion and concern flashing across his face. Despite that Bell didn't hesitate. He turned and sprinted, disappearing over the nearest hill.

I fell to his knees, clutching my chest as the power inside me erupted. 

A crimson glow surrounded me, crackling with raw energy. The ground beneath me trembled, cracks spreading out in jagged lines as the air around me grew heavy. 

Then it happened.

What I could instinctively know as the Power of Destruction burst forth, ripping through the field like a storm of pure annihilation. 

Crimson lightning arced across the sky, tearing through clouds and striking the ground. Everything the energy touched grass, trees, even the distant hills was obliterated, reduced to nothingness.

And then, everything went black.

-END-

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