Chapter 111 The Doctor Is In 7 (2/2)

Zero hesitated for a bit. Mind's Eye wasn't magic. In a way it was but it was more of an innate ability. He couldn't quite explain Mii's existence without compromising his promise with Hua Tuo to keep his identity a secret so he opted to remain silent. Thankfully, Soon didn't pry. Instead, he told Zero that detection magic wouldn't work on them because of the nature of their creation.

”Detection magic only detects anything with the existence with life essence in them. If life essence or mana was infused into a rock, you would be able to detect that rock. Anything living possesses life magic. Unfortunately for us, liches are magicians who'd sacrificed their mortality for greater powers. The same logic applies to zombies who are merely souls bound to dead bodies using undead magic. Generally, the undead can avoid detection magic. A few exceptions exist like vampires and ghosts who possess a soul.”

Zero nodded in understanding at Soon's explanation. Then he wondered if Zoe could be detected with detection magic. He'd have to try that out later. For now, Zero had to find another way to escape the illusion. Then Zero remembered that he knew someone who as good at illusions. Perhaps she could help him out if he asked for help.

Soon observed how Zero sat down in the middle of the illusion and started meditating. Did Hua Tuo teach the brunet some kind of special skill that could break through his illusion? He wouldn't be surprised seeing how Hua Tuo was able to easily disintegrate illusions easily with the mysterious energy called qi. Hua Tuo didn't know much magic but his ability to control life energy or anything relating to it was very useful against illusions.

Zero quickly entered that familiar state of trance. His hazel eyes began to change into inky pools and Soon frowned. The magician didn't know what Zero was doing but he could feel the magical aura around Zero reacting to the change. Still, he observed silently and wondered what Hua Tuo's apprentice would do.

Peter and Manny who stood by the side tried to close in on another sneak attack. Peter wanted to poke Zero's cheek this time but halted when he felt that familiar sense of dread that he hadn't felt in many years. Manny who experienced the same thing leapt back quickly and assumed a battle stance. His ex-paladin reflexes kicked in as he readied for battle.

Soon was horrified. As a lich, he knew what this was. Black eyes and horrifyingly potent magic that originated from only the deepest parts of the abyss. How could such a child possess any healing magic? It was absurd!

”Stand back!” Soon told his comrades. He'd lost them once to the demons, he wouldn't lose them the second time. The demon they faced off against many years ago in a special raid quest wasn't even as powerful as the one residing within this brunet.

From outside, several other villagers reacted to the powerful magic. Coux shot up straight the moment she felt the dark magic. Mitchnew grabbed her bow and Lovina dropped her cup. Sekkin stiffened. He didn't think that he'd be found so soon after escaping. To think that one of his kind would appear just as he settled down... he growled and jumped out the window. They wouldn't take his home away... not again. Qin Yun allowed her human appearance to fall, unleashing her full powers as all nine tails materialised. There was an unwelcomed guest and Lovina told Cleo to help the rest evacuate. Vishnu who was on watch at the tower sprang to his feet and hurried to deliver the news to Zenobia. All these transpired quickly while Zero continued his pleasant conversation with the Demon Lord he'd made friends with.

Hua Tuo was surprised by Lovina's sudden aggressiveness and asked what was going on.

”A demon has appeared. Please evacuate with the others, we have to prepare for battle. It's not something we can hope to return alive from but we can buy some time for the children to run.”

The Sage God became serious. ”What's the disaster level?”

The witch looked grim. ”Code black if not more. It's probably on the same level as an arch-demon or even a Demon King. It's coming from where the kids are playing tag.”

Hua Tuo's heart dropped. Zero! He couldn't let anything happen to Zero. He didn't want anything to happen to Half Moon village either but if what Lovina said was true, not even Hua Tuo would be capable of subduing such a powerful opponent. The Sage God of Medicine never thought that he would ever battle a Demon King. He did well to stay out of all conflicts but his luck simply ran out after centuries of running away from reality. Karma was coming back to collect the debt.

”I'll get the children,” he told the witch who gave him a thankful look.

”We're in your debt. Please help to take care of Karris too. It's too pitiful for both mother and unborn child if they should both perish now.”

Hua Tuo nodded and left immediately to find the pregnant mother.

***

”Oho? You thought it would be a great idea to disturb me from my nap again to request for a little parlour trick. You have quite the nerve there, young friend.”

The brunet stuck his tongue out at the Demon Lord before him. Demon King Baal was immensely amused. He'd been extremely bored of destroying worlds. Naps were only wonderful while they lasted and he was too lazy to do any real work. Torturing mortals sounded like pain and waging wars with heaven was also a pain. All he wanted to do was watch a good show. Hell wasn't very hard to rule. A simple sneeze of his would get all the demons and devils quaking in their hooves. Any idea of rebellion would be quelled and everything would fall back into line like how it should be. Such was the life for Divine Entity Duu's 'hardworking' fragment. Duu was too lazy to look for the Great One after Great One went into slumber even after Nel's persistence so Baal was created to do that in his place, not that Baal spent any real effort.

The Demon King was simply glad that Zero, who was Great One's other side, spared him the hassle of having to seek him out. What's better was how amusing the brunet was. The Demon King yawned. ”What do you need me to do now? Please don't ask me to tell you another story about hell... I'm too lazy to recall all the details.”

Zero grinned. ”Come on, Bell! I'm not that mean. I came to ask you to help me with a teeny-tiny favour... there's this powerful magician who's made a powerful illusion that not even Mii can break out of. Apparently, detection magic doesn't work on the undead? Could you sneeze the illusion away or something?”

King Baal blinked. ”Sneeze it away? You think too highly of that small lich. Just a yawn will do. In return for this request, what will you give me this time? My services aren't free.”

Zero frowned. The last time he asked Baal to entertain him when he first met the Demon King in the space-time crack he entered during meditation, Baal demanded to be entertained. Zero grinned. He was very good at entertaining the Demon King.

”I'll tell you three new stories!”

Baal frowned. ”Five.”

”Two!”

”Five!”

”... two and a half?”

Baal raised an eyebrow. ”How does one tell half a story?”

Zero grinned. ”I learnt something called cliffhanger. It's really good.”

Baal felt his eyebrow twitch. How dare this chipmunk threaten him with a cliffhanger. Whoever taught the young child that should burn in a cauldron for eternity. Baal would also gladly see to it personally.

”No deal. Four. I don't listen to half stories. Cliffhangers aren't even real endings. Besides, you woke me up just as I was falling asleep. I demand an extra story for nap cancellation.”

Zero pouted and Baal almost caved. Almost. He wasn't shameless enough to actually admit it as a Demon Lord so he held his ground.

Knowing that he wouldn't win this, Zero begrudgingly agreed to tell Baal four stories. The Demon King smirked and borrowed Zero's body, ready to yawn whatever illusion the child was having trouble with away.

Baal wasn't exactly expecting an army awaiting his arrival when he transferred his consciousness into Zero's body. He recognised the fear in their eyes and was slightly surprised to see a familiar face in the crowd, one he didn't think he'll ever have the pleasure of meeting.

”Alright, can someone tell me where the illusion I was supposed to yawn away disappeared to? I'm not dealing with an army for only four stories.”