"The Empire's underworld that threatened to bring the world at large under its heel, and you, our black prince of unmatched brilliance, have it in the palm of your hand. Men everywhere would most certainly want to be like you. And yet, our great Lord of the dead — with the entire Reich at his mercy — is like a child who has to sit out a game he finds appallingly uninteresting."

  "."

  It would have been a lie to say the Magician's words did not shock him. Not because the swindler had read him like an open book. But because he was able to perfectly name and define that inexpressible feeling whose nature even Reinhard could not measure.

  "Very interesting. You are most curious indeed."

  He rose at last and left the cell, but would not be silenced. His tone was dispassionate, yet intense all the while; abrupt, but unbroken — like a poet reading a line to heaven. The rogue sang, as if slowly becoming some unrecognizable creature of another world, tearing flesh of a man like a cloak.

  "Wherein lie the sources of your thirst, and where will it lead you at last? What is it that you desire in your madness?"

  Foolishness. Any kind of refutation would be poison on the tip of his tongue, cutting deep into his soul, rather than flying out into the universe. A simple question with a hyena's grin. He owed nothing to the madman.

  "I thought I was the one questioning. To speak of the life already lost by you—"

  "It makes no difference. That is what I told you, and I agree. My choice is irrelevant in the issue of whether I shall live or perish. What I did was mere jest on the reality of this land being in the midst of a storm of lunacy. And it appears that I was not so far off the mark. It took me to a very intriguing chap. Although, I would have to say reunited, which under normal conditions would be a reason for despair, but."

  He looked at Reinhard. The emotion in his eyes was open, but — at the same time — unnatural to the extent of unintelligibility.

  "It is very strange. For some reason, to see you once more brings me a sense of relief. This is an extremely odd sensation for a person like me."

  He seemed wistful. It was as if he had been reunited with someone close to him. While the man's statement lacked confidence, the peculiar sincerity with which it was spoken overpowered Reinhard. On second thought, he chose to offer the pat response.

  "Would you talk sense? This is our first meeting."

  "Aye, it is true. A person of your caliber would never be entangled in the wave of words by a simple con man. Please, allow me to take your offer. I will gladly be Nostradamus. After all — he was I, too."

  ".

  "Is something amiss? We have broken out of the cell, so you would be wise to take me wherever you wish, to Lord Goebbels, Lord Himmler, or whoever you will."

  The man shrugged his shoulders with a smile on his face. He was the same as when Reinhard saw him for the first time — a fleeting illusion with no guarantee. Leaving out the malaise that surfaced within him, he spoke the words that churned inside his heart.

  "You. You are not a cheat."

  "Oh? How would you classify me, then?"

  "A megalomaniac with delusions, I suppose. I'm sure you find the world absolutely fascinating, then."

  So it was not wise to pay attention to every movement and word he made. That being said, Reinhard spun around.

  "Come along in spite of it. Although you are insolent, you are far from a common eccentric. Your verbosity and mind make you a potential good dog for the country."

  Reinhard was only concerned with fulfilling his duty. Thus, he knew exactly what he needed to report.

  "Heed this, however. If I regard you as a threat to the nation, not even Führer himself will be able to stop me from cutting off your head. Be warned that I am not one who lies or brags about something I am incapable of doing."

  "I will remember that. Your words of warning are much appreciated. You do appear to have a tremendous love for your country."

  "Is that worthy of note? The Gestapo are the guards of the Reich, and I am the head of the Gestapo. I could not do this without loving the country."

  "Hmm, I see. I think that is where the pathology of your illness is located. You are good at warfare, appearance, literary skills and you also have a strong will. With so many women that are undoubtedly vying for your attention, your wife must be in a pretty bind."

  "How petty. Women are nothing more than tawdry candies. To have them is so little trouble to me that I cannot even take the trouble to think of someone special." "My, how enviable."

  Reinhard derided the man's false courtesy. The quantity of obsequiousness he was subject to every day was so great it usually made his ears hurt, but having this man jealous of him was weirdly bizarre.

  "What of you, then? Your personality does not seem like one women would willingly associate with."

  "Good eye. You're correct. There's only one lady on my mind, and I like to be the pursuer. Although, it's quite difficult to have a contact with her. In fact, I made it my hobby to make every effort in order to gain the honor of her presence."

  "I see. That is more than I know. I can only sympathize with the poor woman. Becoming the object of your love and affection will definitely destroy her life. I am not the one to speak of an individual's decision, but do try not to display the inappropriate kind of love. Managing such military scandals is part of my job."

  "Understood. Thanks for the warning. I don't know why, but I'm unbecomingly thrilled. This nation is quite fascinating. After all, the very first individual I met is such a notable type. I wonder what sort of and how many notable individuals lurk around here. My, I could perhaps starve the boredom just by looking for them. They could be at the top of the military or even among the very lowest of the low. Some really warped types may be hiding under all the bones. If it's not too much trouble, I would be extremely grateful if you would let me know when you come across such characters."

  The man spoke as if the presence of such people and Reinhard's involvement with them was fated, and the latter could hardly protest against such an assumption. With his role and the status of the nation in view, such possibility was certainly probable. It seemed as if he was already finding it difficult to play the role of a prophet.

  "I'll consider it. Having to listen to your chatter must be a kind of torture. The indignation of your victim's ears could easily be turned into murderous intent, but I doubt you'd object to that fact."

  They left the prison. Now Reinhard just had to bring him in to the Ministry of Propaganda. He did not even mind if Goebbels was indeed competent to handle this thing anymore at this point.

  "Do not fall behind. The minister is both brilliant and impatient. If you continue to act like you are, you will be sent back sooner rather than later."

  "That too, I would really not mind."

  "I simply requested that you refrain from speaking so casually."

  "Lieutenant General, I have a question?"

  "Proceed."

  "Why are you with me? Your men can carry out this mission well."

  "Why ask the inevitable question? It is my responsibility and I am fulfilling it. There is nothing more to it."

  "I see. Heheheheh."

  "Why do you laugh?"

  "Nothing in particular. I just felt like toasting. Would it be too presumptuous of me to hope for a celebratory drink with you?"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  "I will think about it if such a day ever comes."

  "Oh, I am certain it will."

  Soon enough, sooner rather than later, no less. Especially on the day that you begin to know what you actually want to learn beyond the conclusion of this war. For now, until the delicious wine is poured I shall only have its flavor in my mind's eye. For come what may, it will not be long before I shall be drinking it freely."

  ___________

  _______

  ___

  -December 25th, 1939-

  It began with a most ordinary of endeavors.

  "Haahh, haahh, haahh, haahh."

  He whom they were chasing was radioactive. His frantic gasps as he fled made him appear more beast than man.

  "Got him! He's over here!"

  "Shit. They're here, too. Bug off already, you pigs!"

  The venom he hurled as he dodged countless bullets may have given the impression otherwise, but the man did not believe that he was being hunted. He had lost long ago the very ability to feel like quarry.

  "Don't let him get away! Rebels who terrorize the Reich are to be killed!"

  "Hah! 'Rebel'? What in the world do you mean, you fucking military pup?"

  He didn't have a clue how to escape, either. He just tried to bide his time until it was time to take care of his pursuers, and now that he held back, they are all his victims.

  "Hmph, why the fuck is this happening? Well, I did some things here and there, but it was nothing that should've put the Gestapo on my back."

  Even as he managed to catch them off balance, one could not help but admire the skill of his brazen effective counterattack. It was obvious that he was a natural who grew up for violence.

  He was used to it, showed not a hint of hesitation, and didn't care about hurting other individuals. He clearly wasn't lying when he told me that he was involved in various transgressions. Nevertheless, this particular pursuit had clearly provoked him.

  "By 'rebel', you refer to the boytoy who almost killed the military bigshot who attempted getting in his ass. What's the name of the official? Dirlewanger, isn't it? You retards, that wasn't me. I have no use for old freaks tastes for dicks and man-ass. You really did squander a lot of fucking effort on getting the wrong man. Don't ya think so!!!?!"

  "Ugh. Agh."

  His irritation made him kick the policeman standing beside his feet, and the latter emitted a pained wheeze. The sound encouraged the man to instantly change to a wide smile.

  "Oh, look at you! You're still fucking alive. Not bad at all. You military folks sure are tough. Here's a reward for you. From what I know, your boss ain't too big on mercy. So I'm guessing the result wouldn't change even if you came back."

  He selected a gun from the ground, placed the muzzle against the officer's jaw and spoke to him with a smile. The fellow completely ignored the wailing plea of mercy. Clearly and smiling, the culprit issued the death sentence.

  "Bye bye, uhh. Captain? I'm told that the guys that get whacked in the line of duty are treated with more respect than the suckers that have their heads chopped off when they screw up. With this, your wife and kids will be set. Gute natch. Bye bye, so long, sleep tight, boom!"

  The man stood up right after he fired the gun, sighing as if he forgot about the pathetic police officer immediately.

  "Hmph. Man, this sucks. I've no clue what retard did this, but I don't wanna get confused with him again. Best thing might be for me to just kill the fucker myself."

  And at that moment.

  "Huh.?"

  "Ahh! Haah, haah, haah, s-stop! Stop! Ahh. Get away. Get away, get away! Gah!"

  "Whoa, damn."

  He heard screams, wails of pain — almost physical suffering — from not so far away. The man dryly smiled as his eyes went the shade of fiery ferocity.

  "Speak of the devil. Looks like we have some really happy-go-lucky morons here. Nice. I'll just go and fetch him to pay for getting me into all this crap."

  ***

  "H?nschen klein ging allein In die weite Welt hinein. Stock und Hut steht ihm gut, Ist gar wohlgemut. Aber die Mutter weinet sehr, Hat ja nun kein H?nschen mehr! Wünsch dir Glück! Sagt ihr Blick,"

  The place to which he arrived was nothing but a blood swamp. The amount of bodies lying around could be termed anything but "many" as it was impossible to figure out the number. For they were all in pieces; even now, at this moment, the last one still vaguely humanoid figure was ripped apart and splattered all over the sidewalk.

  The offender was a single woman. She sang a light melody as she matter-of-factly and casually committed an act so heinous that language could not do justice to. While the environment gave off a nauseating odor and seemed to be bound to make the average fellow pass out, the fellow just knit his brow. He was obviously agitated, but the cause of the emotion was certainly not the massacre. He did the same acts many times prior.

  What annoyed him was that someone else besides him should have the nerve to do this, and this was a display of egotism that certainly had no place in a logical society. In effect, the guy was angry that someone had the nerve to be as much like him as possible. That was all. So.

  "Hey. Well, uh. Sorry to interrupt your playtime, but I've got something to ask ya."

  He spoke with friendliness and a smile on his lips. Ferocious animals would always be completely relaxed in front of their victims. There was no hesitation behind his killing purpose — he was not that much different from someone who was about to have lunch.

  "So yeah, turn your mug to me. Didn't your dad teach you manners?"

  Turning around was the girl's reply.

  ". Dad?"

  "Yeah, no matter how crazy off a bitch you are, I don't think you were raised in a barn. Though, for all I know, you could've been born there like some sort of fucking stray dog."

  "A dog.? Ew, I think my dad liked playing with goats and donkeys."

  "Heh. A man of unusual tastes, huh?"

  "Absolutely. So I'm probably not human, either."

  She returned the smile with a smile that came as naturally as hin, showing how much alike they were again. The girl looked at the man with eyes that overflowed with warmth, put her hands on the bottom of her dress, and pulled it up with demure modesty.

  "Also, I don't believe 'bitch' suits me, Mister. I'm not merely not human, but not even male or female. See?"

  The sight in front of him — the state of the body he had taken to belong to a girl — wandered not only away from feminity, but humanness in general. The majority would most certainly look away from it, but the man's reaction was only a chuckle.

  "Whoa, would you look at that. Nice body you've got there. Did someone tear you a new one?"

  "Apparently. I don't remember it, though."

  Neither of them had any capacity for pity or revulsion. While the man was acting as if it was a common scene, the thing disguised as a chaste girl was acting like a shameless hussy.

  "You're a fucking eyesore — a piss-stain with a hair color that's a damn imitation of mine. Your shit's getting me some undeserved heat, so just go to hell, you little brat."

  ".!"

  He nonchalantly raised his gun and shot. A ringing sound filled the air as the slender body soared and hit the bloodied alleyway with a brief, agonized scream.

  After what he did, all the man did was a little shrug. As with the police officer, he acted like he promptly forgot that he killed someone.

  "How pack of crap. Too many idiots like this fellow lately. On a day like today, it's best just to head on home, take one and call it a night."

  He turned around to do just that when.

  "Uoah!"

  Something swooped onto his back with incredible ferocity. He automatically avoided it, soon realizing it was the hatchet the girl used to mutilate her victims. The fact that it had been thrown could only mean.