Endless Debt Chapter 5 - 1 Expert_2

It has always felt to Bologue that his arrival in this world was not a mere coincidence; some reason must exist, though he hasn't discovered it yet.

A well-formed plan, yet reality proved to be harsh. Before Bologue could chase his life's ambitions, a significant realization dawned upon him.

Bologue's family in this realm was not affluent, merely an ordinary household, lacking the substantial funds required for him to attend college and gain a profound understanding of this world.

Consequently, upon reaching adulthood, Bologue found himself working tirelessly to make ends meet. Through a twist of fate, he enlisted in the military, and by a peculiar turn of events, he struck a deal with the Devil, receiving a "Blessing" and becoming what is now known as a Debtor.

Initially, Bologue reveled in his newly acquired Extraordinary Power, finally able to delve deeper into the mysteries of this world. Yet, before this joy could settle, he was apprehended due to his identity as a Debtor.

In this world, any association with the Devil is met with stringent measures. As the boss put it, those who can be eliminated should be, and those who cannot, imprisoned.

The silver lining, however, was that Bologue fell into the category of those who could not be killed.

"Bologue Lazarus!"

The sharp call jolted Bologue back to the present. He rose slowly, his gaze falling upon the figure waving to him amidst the flickering firelight.

"Yo! Geoffrey."

Bologue replied with casual ease.

Geoffrey Kagga, the current liaison for Bologue and, officially, his superior. He was perpetually clad in a worn black coat and hat, a middle-aged man of slight plumpness with a noticeable belly protrusion.

He exuded an aura of gentleness. Bologue had once remarked that if Geoffrey were a grandfather, any children would undoubtedly adore him. However, this placid demeanor was now overshadowed by an escalating anger.

The space between them dwindled as they approached, facing each other directly.

Geoffrey drew several deep breaths, attempting to regain composure, his voice strained through gritted teeth.

"Why... Why has it ended up like this again?" His expression grim, he gestured towards the engulfed church. "Wow! Such a grand church! Just like that!"

"Who knows? Perhaps the Priest had a change of heart at the last moment and decided to seek repentance in the flames?"

Bologue quipped with a chuckle, attempting to deflect blame.

Piercing sirens soon rent the air, and after a brief flurry of activity, fire trucks arrived to combat the blaze.

Geoffrey's gaze was fixed on Bologue, holding for a prolonged moment before culminating in a sigh of resignation.

"Eh... You Debtors are truly a troublesome lot."

He observed Bologue's disheveled state, then removed his coat and offered it to him.

"But haven't I been quite efficient? Not a single Demon on the list was missed, and no innocent lives were lost either."

Bologue accepted the coat, donning it with practiced ease, as if such disruptive events were a common occurrence.

Geoffrey paused for several seconds, the cool wind caressing his face. He let out another weary sigh, standing beside Bologue, both their eyes fixed on the inferno consuming the church.

The firelight illuminated Geoffrey's vision as he recalled the Demon already deceased within the church. Even he had to acknowledge Bologue's formidable capabilities.

Demons were an avaricious breed of monsters, and demon hunting had evolved into an exceedingly perilous profession, where death was practically commonplace.

However, Bologue stood apart. He required no team coordination, no external assistance, and never had to fret over casualties... Merely deploying him alone sufficed to resolve all issues perfectly, with the sole caveat being that each mission invariably resulted in some subsequent property damage.

Naturally, when weighed against the stakes of life and death, such collateral damage was entirely within acceptable parameters.

"I must say, Bologue, you might truly be a genius," Geoffrey murmured, "a genius at handling these troublesome affairs."

"I'm an expert."

Bologue corrected him.

"Yes, an expert." Geoffrey readily agreed, then hesitated momentarily before continuing.

"This weekend, your probationary period will conclude."

Upon hearing this, Bologue remained silent for a brief spell. "Hmm, I'm aware."

"This will determine whether you remain or are dispatched back to the Black Prison," Geoffrey stated.

"Do you believe I'll stay or be sent back?" Bologue directed the question at Geoffrey.

"I cannot say for certain; this decision does not rest entirely with me." He shook his head.

"Ah, your 'boss,' correct?"

"Indeed."

The exchange between them faded into silence, Bologue lost in his thoughts.

The Devil. Cunning and deceitful entities; even now, humanity's understanding of them remained insufficient, compelling them only to attempt to mitigate their influence as best they could. Consequently, whether Debtors or Demons, all those connected to the Devil faced severe repercussions from the relevant authorities once exposed.

According to their decree, the law applies solely to humans; those who have struck a bargain with the Devil are no longer considered human... Therefore, as a Debtor, Bologue possessed no human rights, and a life sentence in prison was deemed a lenient sentence by the judges.

Logically, he was destined to languish in a grim cell until his demise... provided Bologue could meet a natural end.

However, a year ago, he was released. Rumor has it that "certain individuals" intended to select a few elite individuals from the imprisoned Debtors to serve them, tasked with handling all supernatural incidents involving the Devil.

This is the concept of redemption through merit, a convict army.

Compared to ordinary individuals, Debtors certainly possess superior capabilities. They bear potent "Blessings," and though the risk of further degeneration into Demons exists, the potential gains are deemed worth the gamble.

Consequently, Bologue Lazarus was chosen a year prior, becoming one of their own, and embarked on a year-long probationary period. The day after tomorrow marks the conclusion of his internship, a juncture that will determine whether he secures formal employment or is returned to the Black Prison to resume his sentence.

"A year, it passed by so quickly."

Bologue murmured to himself.

"Indeed, we have practically been working side-by-side for a full year now," Geoffrey expressed his surprise.

"Bologue, I actually have something I'd like to ask you; is it a good time?"

"Please, do ask."

Geoffrey paused thoughtfully for a moment before posing his question.

"If you are hired and become one of us, regaining your freedom, what is it that you intend to do?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Bologue stated his purpose.

"I will handle this case, eradicate all those damned Demons, and reclaim Adelle's soul."

A predictable response, Geoffrey inquired further.

"And if you are not hired and are sent back to the Black Prison?"

The atmosphere grew heavy for a few tense seconds; this represented the most unfavorable outcome.

"Then I will have to rely on your assistance, to implore your 'superior' to grant me the opportunity to locate Adelle's soul before they send me back."

Despite voicing this, Bologue's mind was elsewhere.

Perhaps from the prolonged duration of his confinement in the Black Prison, he had, to some extent, grown accustomed to such an existence. However, familiarity did not equate to acceptance, especially since Bologue now had a crucial objective. Within the confines of the Black Prison, he was utterly incapable of pursuing it.

He absolutely could not be sent back.

"That is only natural," Geoffrey responded, "I understand the feeling of a thwarted quest for vengeance; it is an agonizing burden. Just the thought of you being confined once more in the Black Prison after all this time... it would be unbearable."

Geoffrey placed a hand on his shoulder, conveying his empathy for Bologue's relentless pursuit of retribution.

"Of course, primarily because Mrs. Adelle Dovlan's cookies were exceptionally delicious. If that is your sole desire, even without your asking, I would readily assist you."

Geoffrey observed the fire, now being brought under control, his eyes gleaming crimson as he softly uttered.

"A person as kind as her should never have met such an end."

Both men reflected on Adelle, and after a brief silence, Geoffrey curiously inquired once more.

"So, if you are employed, manage to defeat all the Demons, and retrieve Adelle's soul, is there anything else you wish to accomplish?"

"Anything else you wish to accomplish?"

Bologue gazed up towards the heavens, momentarily lost for words, before contemplating deeply. His hand instinctively moved to the vicinity of his heart, sensing the faint pulse beneath.

"To redeem... my lost soul."

His declaration was resolute.