[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5thFDhh.png[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/FgoeX2m.png[/img]

[@Zarkun], [@Lugubrious][/center]

Gideon slowly followed the broodlings to wherever they went, keeping mostly to himself while overhearing any other possible conversation Shouta and Wrath could possibly have. While he admits that the human is barely anything of value or interest to him, he couldn't help but wonder about the Nephilim. He remembers encountering him very briefly way back during the events at Bauldr City, but whatever conflicts they had were short-lived and forgotten. After all, the half-demon hasn't seen or encountered him or any others during his time behind lines. He ought to wip up a conversation with him after this mission is over - that is if he doesn't get distracted by anything else first.

Eventually they were lead towards a small plateau near the back portion of the island. Suddenly the maggots bumped into one another and started to fight amongst themselves with agitated screeches and clattering of their mandibles. Gideon simply sighs at such incompetence.

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Bah."[/b][/color] the half-demon snorts loudly, [color=9e0b0f][b]"These wretched maggots are useless. Next thing you know they'll be swallowed up by~"[/b][/color]

[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRkUXdxOq2c]Incoming Assault[/url][/center]

Before he could finish, he notices several spikes within the blur heading straight towards the broodlings. With no time to block the strikes, he could only watch as they struck close to where they stood. None of them were harmed, but they scattered panically towards the nearest rock, hole, or crevice they could find. Gideon quickly looked up to see the culprit of the attack, instantly recognizing what it is.

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Oh look, a slimy lizard-folk."[/b][/color] he nonchalantly replies towards the Assault unit as he places his hands on his holsters, [color=9e0b0f][b]"The hell is it doing?"[/b][/color]

These lizard-like creatures are normally soldiers underneath Hell, however this one was tinged in a toxic purplish hue. It's clear that it has been corrupted by something and they are acting against their better judgement. Suddenly three more popped out behind the first and with a shrieking war-cry they lunged at the three. 

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Yeah, it's definitely corrupted."[/b][/color] Gideon says as he takes out his sleek-crimson pistols and fires a 'Sharpshooter' bullet, at the one coming towards him, straight in the head.

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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wm2vLII.png[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/0W8ZPxp.png[/img]

[@kapuchu][/center]

Mallus' strict orders towards Cassandra was met with a rather disappointing outcome. The half-demon simply blurted out a sarcastic response, waved at him, and flew off to be with Lilly. So much for his attempt in allying with them. Not like he wanted to do it anyways. The Inquisitor looked on with abhorrent displeasure towards them.

[color=00aeef][b]"Demon-scum..."[/b][/color] he growls irritably before turning back to his men, [color=00aeef][b]"Being insubordinate as always. Should've expected this."[/b][/color]

Purging the demonic heretics from his mind, he and his men began advancing into the depths of the island. The Inquisitor expected to encounter much resistance from any of the natives present here, however he sensed no manifestations of any danger anywhere. Even the environment seemed to present this outlook, with the calm and lush foliage swaying calmly in the ocean breeze. It was nice to simply have a nice stroll without the thought that you'll be ambushed from anywhere at anytime, yet incredibly odd. Mallus still doesn't fully trust the peace, based purely on his experiences prior. He and his troops will need to be on guard for any unexpected occurrences that could rudely pop out to ruin the day.

[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRkUXdxOq2c]Carvenous Marvel / Golem[/url][/center]

Eventually they reached a cave and began to march inside, with Mallus leading his men in the very front. If any harm was to strike at his troops, he'd be the first line of defense against them. Yet instead in being greeted by a grotesque monster or trap fall of any kind, they were greeted to a tall glowing pillar, with balls of light floating to the top. Above them, several other openings can be seen further up, perhaps leading to the other pillars as well. The whole sight was indeed a benevolent marvel of gold to be had, but what purpose did it serve in the grand scheme of this entire island? And once again, there seemed to be no danger that plagued anywhere within the golden cavern either. Still Mallus didn't fully trust it.

[color=00aeef][b]"Stay alert."[/b][/color] he orders bluntly as he begins cautiously walking towards the pillars on the designated pathway, [color=00aeef][b]"Danger may not be imminent, but always expect the unexpected. We must tread lightly."[/b][/color]

Yet even with this warning, they were still caught relatively off guard as soon as a massive golem erected a short distance away. The rock creature started small, but eventually became a several meter tall monstrosity. However, unlike regular rock golems, the assemblement of the stones weren't simply bundled up, rather they combined with each other that only magic could achieve. The angelic soldiers backed away as they fired light-bolts upon the golem but with no effect. Only Mallus stood his ground, looking up at the rock monster with a face of utter boredom.

[color=00aeef][b]"A mere golem patrols such a grand heavenly atmosphere?"[/b][/color] he wonders aloud before sulking his face into a frown of disgust, [color=00aeef][b]"How primitive."[/b][/color]

He unsheathed Tyrfing's golden blade from his belt as it glistens brightly in the bask of the pillars' golden light. With his wings quickly spreading from his back, Mallus grips the longsword in his hand and points the tip straight at the hulking golem. As soon as it was in position, he fires a beam of bright-blue energy that once hits, should hopefully begin to freeze the golem dead in his tracks. He believes that simply slashing him to bits will be a waste of time, considering how he could just repair himself by forming more rocks to him. If this didn't work, it would be time to finally put some effort into his stride.

[hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/z40FOcr.png[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/NejO5Dr.png[/img]

[@Sho Minazuki][/center]

Ferrus was already beginning to regret doing this reconnaissance mission. However, it wasn't because of Servin. Because he surprisingly didn't prove to be disobedient in any circumstance. No troubles arose from him at all as they avoided most of the battles against the demons, with some necessary exceptions. He was rather surprised that a corrupted fellow like him was going to be this well-behaved. Perhaps it came to him naturally, perhaps it was a ruse to throw him off, either way he wasn't causing any disturbances at all. And that's how Ferrus likes it. 

The real reason Ferrus was beginning to regret this mission was simply due to the fact that it was just boring. Whilst they encountered some action from the demons directly attacking them, they otherwise simply steered clear from aggressively unnecessary conflicts. He wishes he could've been exploring that one island area Mallus chose or even dealing with the Broodmother. The inquisitor had to admit, if Mallus was in his spot right now, he would've exterminated any and every demon that came in his line of sight. It wouldn't matter if the orders told him not to do it, for there would be a 95% chance that he would go on a crusade to rid this place of Hell's filth. Speaking of demons, how would he deal with the other two demon ladies that were also assigned to his mission? Sure they're allies, but he wouldn't be surprised if he hears that he slaughtered them due to some miscommunication or argument. He hopes he'll be sensible enough to get along for the meantime. 

Speaking of the demons, the ones they've encountered so far were rather odd. They were all emitting an ominous purple haze from their body, which according to Ferrus' knowledge, is a sure-tell sign that they're being corrupted by something or, rather, by someone. And the more they ventured deep into the forest, the more numerous and chaotic the demons became. Ferrus even caught the eye of several regular demons running across their path in an attempt to escape succumbing to their corruption. Alas little escaped their fate and those who fell were added to the collection of this growing horde. Even the smell here became thicker with the aroma of death and chaos. It was rather nauseating towards the inquisitor, but alas he kept walking with Servin right at his side.

[color=662d91][i]"A very interesting development, even in all my years of finding and reporting demons to the DHO, I've never seen anything quite like this... Whoever I hosted must be a very powerful demon indeed to be capable of a feat like this."[/i][/color]

Ferrus only glanced at his captive with a cautious raise of his eyebrow. Servin's attitude here seemed almost playful, somewhat ominously so. However, despite this rather weird cackle, he was behaving himself. No need to scold him on simple behavioral manners. Still he couldn't necessarily leave that statement hanging all by its lonesome.

[b][color=ed1c24]"Feels like a regular Friday night for them really,"[/color][/b] he says blandly before glancing at several demonic zombies eating a large pure-blood brute, [b][color=ed1c24]"Only with an added side of... brutal cannibalism."[/color][/b]

Servin would soon switch subjects to the matter at hand.

[color=662d91][i]"In any case, according to the trail left behind... We should be getting close."[/i][/color]

[b][color=ed1c24]"Ah,"[/color][/b] Ferrus sighed relievingly, [b][color=ed1c24]"About time. I really wanna get out of here - cause this place is boooooooring."[/color][/b]

Within a short few minutes, the two came to a clearing with a river flowing in the middle. Amongst the fallen demons that contaminated the flowing water with their blood, a large hooded figure stood ominously over them grasping a demon in its hand. It seemed to match the corruption that the demons were blighted with, its cloak glowing with surging purple lines and power at the very edges. Even it's arms were covered in this purple energy, crawling up his veins like mangled spider webs. Ferrus has never seen this figure before in all of his days as he continues to examine in closely.

[b][color=ed1c24]"And what in Heaven's name is that... thing?"[/color][/b] he asked himself aloud, not expecting an answer.

But Servin responded anyways.

[color=662d91][i]"One of Mundus' changelings? How rare..."[/i][/color]

Indeed he was definitely a weird character and one the inquisitor didn't take kindly. Soon the figure simply collapsed as it continues to bleed this purple corruption. The several dead demons nearby soon began to absorb this energy and slowly shifted back to life. Things here were about to get ugly. Ferrus instinctually unsheathed Sumar from his belt as it instantly began emitting fire from the entire blade. He's not going to let this changeling leave alive.

Yet surprisingly, Servin seemed to be against the notion of battle.

[color=662d91][i]"I recommend we avoid him, I have the info we need, and I would be dead weight if a fight broke out against him"[/i][/color]

The inquisitor was taken back by the captive's decision. Surely he'd be itching for a battle himself, right? Yes, they were only instructed by the superiors to only do reconnaissance and nothing more, but there's something about this changeling that didn't sit well with him. If they let him go, he'll surely continue to cause chaos and perhaps bite them in the ass in the near-future. Yet Servin was doing a good job in keeping orders and hasn't disobeyed his trust once since they started. Perhaps it would be fair to reward him with with the chance to engage in a small conflict like this. But wouldn't Ferrus sound like he's too quick to trust him at this point? What if he will turn on him at the last second and leave him to die? Or is he simply being too paranoid and cowardly in thinking this?

Now Ferrus has to decide... and quick.

He turns his head towards Servin, then glances at the Changeling, then back at Servin. He'd do this twice before finally coming up with his answer.

[b][color=ed1c24]"Servin..."[/color][/b] the inquisitor states hesitantly, [b][color=ed1c24]"It appears this creature is responsible for the corruption of the local demon population here. If we let him go, we might be screwing ourselves in the long run."[/color][/b]

He steadies his front foot foward as he raises his sword over his head. The message was clear.

[b][color=ed1c24]"You've been very cooperative for a possessed captive."[/color][/b] he mentions with a tilt of his head, [b][color=ed1c24]"I'll let you test those new abilities of yours on this guy, if you want that is. Though I must warn you if things get too hectic, we're outta here, end of discussion. Do not make me regret setting you loose for a second - got that?"[/color][/b]