The Devil Summoner in Shadow

Chapter 2: First Demon and Magic

"Let's see how fast I can really go," I murmur, excitement bubbling within me. I launch myself forward, running as fast as I can. The sensation is exhilarating, the world around me blurring into a streak of colors. Trees, buildings, and debris whip past me in an indistinguishable haze. It's as if I'm moving at a speed beyond human comprehension, a speed where the eye cannot keep up.

The wind roars in my ears, and the ground seems to barely touch my feet. My senses heighten, able to track every minute detail despite the incredible velocity. It's an intoxicating blend of power and freedom.

In the midst of my sprint, something unusual catches my eye. I slow down slightly, enough to take in the sight of a small, flying figure. It's a little fairy-like girl, no more than a meter tall. She hovers gracefully, her light blue, semi-transparent wings fluttering with an elegant rhythm. The wings are detailed with faint vein patterns, shimmering in the light.

Her hair is a vibrant shade of red, styled in a wavy, voluminous manner that adds to her mystical allure. She has pointed elf-like ears and striking red eyes that give her an ethereal appearance. Her attire is form-fitting, blue outfit that covers her torso, arms, and legs. The outfit has a high collar and geometric patterns near the edges, adding an intricate design to her look. The long sleeves and leggings extend to her hands and feet, completing her enchanting ensemble.

Intrigued, I come to a complete stop, the sudden deceleration causing a rush of wind to sweep past me. The fairy-like girl notices me and flutters closer, her eyes curious and unafraid.

The first thought that comes to my mind is "Demon," and I instinctively stay on guard. However, the expression on her face brightens, and she speaks with a voice that sounds just like a little girl's. "Oh, a human here! That's rare!" she exclaims. "I'm Pixie, of the Fairy race. What's your name?"

I'm taken aback. I had expected this encounter to be similar to my run-in with the zombie, but to my surprise, she shows no signs of malice. Her demeanor is cheerful and innocent. Despite my curiosity, I decide against asking Burroughs to analyze her-doing so might be perceived as a hostile act.

So, I choose a different approach. "My name is Minoru Kagenou," I reply, trying to match her friendly tone.

Pixie giggles, her wings fluttering with a joyful rhythm. "Nice to meet you, Minoru! What brings a human like you to the Vortex World?"

"I came here to gain more power," I say, though my thoughts betray the truth. The reality is far more embarrassing: I had been banging my head against a rock in a desperate attempt to awaken magic within me, only to mistake the headlights of an oncoming truck for some mystical force. And to top it off, I was stark naked during the whole fiasco. But there's no way I'm admitting that to anyone.

Pixie's eyes light up with stars. "You must be really strong then! If you are, I'm willing to join you if you can take care of some demons for me."

I raise an eyebrow. "Are these demons stronger than the zombies I've encountered?"

She nods eagerly. "Yes, much stronger! And there are about ten of them."

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Finally, a real challenge. "Alright, lead the way, I'll take care of them for you."

Pixie flutters around excitedly. "Yippee! Follow me, I'll show you where those pesky Preta are."

----------

The journey doesn't take long, but I have to consciously hold myself back to avoid surpassing Pixie's leisurely pace. We arrive in front of a dilapidated superette, where ten demons with hunched postures and elongated limbs are dancing in a grotesque rhythm. Their deep purple skin and protruding bellies give them an unsettling, otherworldly look. Shadows obscure most of their faces, but their glowing green eyes and broad, toothy grins are clearly visible, adding to their sinister expressions. Their dark, unkempt hair sticks out in wild tufts, and large hoop earrings with rectangular red tags hang from their ears, inscribed with black symbols. Gold bracelets adorn their wrists, jangling as they move.