_______________ >> Bound for Morian >> ______________

  The interior of the patrol car is austere and functional, typical of a modern police cruiser, with its respective bars separating the driver's section from the detainees, and a radio crackling every now and then. At least I must say I’m glad the choice of vehicle was a sedan with tinted windows instead of a truck. I don’t much like everyone seeing me.

  —Haa… –I sigh inwardly over everything that has happened today. Had I known this would occur, I would have prepared, but unfortunately, seeing the future consumes too much energy and is quite exhausting–

  As I watch the lights of the crime scene and the recreational center we left behind, along with the sparse streetlamps on the road painting intermittent stripes of light and shadow through the windows, I began to think about the blonde woman who had saved me by sending me to Officer Montenegro’s workplace. She is definitely hiding something. However, the most curious thing is that, unlike the others where that "something" is easily visible, with her, it’s much harder to see. It’s almost as if her human disguise were her true form.

  —Hey, you two are Surnaturel too, aren't you?–

  To kill time while we headed toward the designated police station in the Morian District, and to satisfy a curiosity that has been growing in my mind, I decide to break the silence.

  I observe the two officers escorting me. The one driving remains impassive, his attention fixed on the road. The co-pilot, on the other hand, reacts with a slight flinch.

  I can’t blame him for doing that or reacting with caution. After all, Surnaturel—the bipedal supernatural creatures one would typically see in anime and fantasy series, such as elves, semi-human dragons, demi-humans in general, and even beasts of all shapes and colors—actually exist here on this planet, Astel.

  However, unlike other worlds where these beings coexist daily with humans and their nature is completely accepted, here on Astel, due to a past war, Surnaturel went from living with humans in a relatively peaceful life to hiding in their corresponding plane created in the post-war era.

  Unlike before, when everyone—including Humans and Surnaturel—lived in the Erden, which used to be a general earthly plane, Surnaturel now live in the Altern, their corresponding plane, while humans live here, in the Aynu. For safety, both planes are hidden by an invisible metaphysical barrier called the "Veil," preventing these near-mirror planes from seeing one another.

  Even so, despite Surnaturel having their own plane, it doesn't mean they have left the human earthly plane. Unlike the Altern, which is very dangerous, the Aynu offers much more safety for their kind. That is why they prefer to live here, and no one forbids it.

  But of course, to maintain the secret, it is necessary for all Surnaturel living in the Aynu to look like ordinary Humans. For this purpose, they created a form called Seige, which is a disguise that, in the eyes of any human, would be no different from them. Only the Mehr-Wissen, Enial Users, Gods, or the Surnaturel themselves are capable of knowing if the person in front of them is a Surnaturel or a pure Human.

  —I’m sure that Agent from before, the blonde one, is also a Surnaturel, although I have no idea what Race she is –I add. Before losing my powers, my Divine Eyes were able to see the true form of Surnaturel without them needing to show me. But now, with 99.9% lost, unfortunately, I can no longer do that.–

  Then, the uniformed officer in the passenger seat turns his head to his left to look at me over his shoulder. As soon as he does, his human features distort and broaden; his nose elongates into a robust snout, and short, thick tusks sprout from his lower jaw. At the same time, the skin on his head, neck, arms, and parts of his body not hidden by the uniform darkens, turning grayish, and his ears sharpen slightly.

  Yes. It is the unmistakable face of a tribal boar, with markings that look painted or tattooed onto his rough skin, which even appear across his entire body when they fully transform.

  And yes, what I am seeing would be his Wesnaf form. In other words, his real form, his true self. Although, seeing him now—where mostly his head is transformed, but not so much the rest of his body—I would say it’s his Wesen form. This form would be equivalent to a "cosplay" and is activated with just a small modification to the body.

  If they are not completely transformed but have traits of their true form, then it is Wesen. If they are completely transformed from head to toe, then it is Wesnaf. If they look human, then it is Seige. There is one more, which would be the Lohen form; this normally applies if the Surnaturel has an animal form, as it consists of being exactly like what their Race is. In this case, he would have to literally transform into a boar to be considered Lohen.

  —Ah, a Varkmes –Immediately, my mind, which acts like a walking library, identifies the species my eyes are beholding– It’s very rare to see one nowadays. In fact, I thought they were extinct.–

  —More or less –The Varkmes's voice is now extremely deep, with a low growl that vibrates in the small space of the vehicle– We are rare, yes, but we are not extinct. –While his features return to human normalcy just as quickly as they transformed, his voice also heightens, losing part of that bestial resonance– We still exist in small communities, protecting ourselves from predators, like the Leosen or the Mehr-Wissen themselves who enjoy collecting them.–

  —Oh –Typical of humans. That behavior already led them to a war where millions of lives were lost, and yet they still don't learn– And you, Officer? –My gaze shifts to the other Officer, the one driving, who has shown no reaction to our conversation.–

  I wait a few seconds after asking my question. However, I receive no response at all from the driver. His gaze remains fixed on the road, his hands firm on the steering wheel, almost as if he hadn't heard a thing or as if I didn't exist.

  —Don't take it the wrong way, he's mute –The Varkmes responds from the passenger seat, seeing me pouting– He is a Kamesto–

  —Ah, that explains it –I nod slightly–

  Well, the Kamesto, based on giraffes, are known in Surnaturel circles for being an inherently mute race, communicating through other means, such as smoke signals, letters, sign language or with the arrival of technology, using text-to-speech programs or messaging apps like Zelix. Furthermore, they normally only do so when they build trust with someone. With the rest, they simply remain in a stoic silence, which would explain why he doesn't address me at this moment.

  Interesting company they've assigned me eh. Although I know the Detective didn't do it on purpose. As I said, she knows absolutely nothing about the supernatural world that is hidden before her simple eyes. That's also why she didn't think much about it when accepting the blonde agent's request. If she knew about this, that place would be the last place they would send me, heh, heh.

  ________________ >> 5 minutes >> _________________

  The journey toward the Morian District continues in a strange silence, broken only by the monotonous hum of the tires on the asphalt. Through the reflections in the windows, the city lights grow denser as we venture further into it.

  —We heard what you told Detective Montenegro when she asked you to confess. –Suddenly, the Varkmes breaks the silence after a while– Did you and Officer Montenegro really face a demon? –The Varkmes Agent asks from the passenger seat, turning to look at me; his voice, now in his human form, has lost its monstrous resonance, but still retains a deep timbre.–

  —I nod my head and then sigh with sadness– Yes. It wasn't an ordinary one, but a Count Rank, which on the scale would be equal to an SSS for Surnaturel–

  —And you finished him off? We didn't find any traces of his body at the crime scene–

  —The sunlight killed him –I respond with a hint of amusement–

  —The sunlight? –The officer raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised– Was he a demon or a vampire?–

  —Well, when Lumen used to be a Human, his favorite hobby was collecting human heads and turning them into lamps. The Hellish Tribunal not only condemned him to carry an ancient lamp in the shape of a head, but also decreed that sunlight would be his weakness–

  In an instant, the Varkmes and the Kamesto widen their eyes, completely shocked. It is likely because of the mention of Lumen, as he is no ordinary demon, but one of the minions known throughout the Altern for serving Luciel, the ruler of the hellish plane.

  —Lumen?! –The Varkmes's voice turns incredulous–

  —I nod my head– That's right. That very one–

  A new silence, heavier this time, floods the car. Any self-respecting Surnaturel recognizes the Infernal Triad: Lumen, the Bearer of Hellfire; Zakech, the Dark Knight of Blood; and Aren, the Loyal Fallen Seraph. All of them Luciel's loyal dogs.

  —...It's a shame about Officer Montenegro –Likely out of fear of continuing the topic of Lumen, the Varkmes changes the subject– Unlike other Mehr-Wissen, and especially the Sehwert, he treated us wonderfully and never discriminated against us or tried to hunt us for what we were. It was like seeing a Folk Hunter but with a very unlimited capacity –The sadness and regret in his tone are genuine– I can't imagine the state Detective Montenegro must be in right now –He sighs and shakes his head– Even if she looks calm on the outside, her mind must be processing the pain of losing her only close relative –Then, he falls silent for a few seconds– Although, I wonder if she will also become a Sehwert like her Father–

  —No idea –I respond, shrugging my shoulders– The Sehwert power is the most powerful compared to the other 14 existing types of Mehr-Wissen, for the simple fact that said power was created by the Creator Goddess Astel. Because of this, it is very picky when it comes to choosing. It isn't transmitted from generation to generation like, for example, the Grimm, hunters of mostly bestial Surnaturel; Cazden, demon hunters; Geisterj?ger, ghost hunters; or sometimes the Sanyaku, hunters of Gods. The Sehwert power itself is in charge of choosing its bearer based on their merits and skills–

  —But, the Detective is very skillful –The Varkmes says, with a tone of pride, almost like a Father's– She became a Detective at 19 years old and at 20 she was transferred to the Homicide Unit in the National Police. Not even the most skillful ones with connections achieved something like that. Furthermore, due to the Old Patriarch's repulsion toward Officer Montenegro, she had to fight within the Board of Directors of the Montenegro Corporation to prove her legitimacy and position as Heiress from the age of 20 until her current nearly 25 years–

  —So she isn't a spoiled rich girl? –I ask, truly surprised by this–

  Officer Montenegro didn't really tell me much about her. He only said that her scarlet eyes and silver-white hair were inherited from her biological mother, back when I made a joke about how she looked almost nothing like him and that he had probably been cuckolded, heh, heh.

  —Not at all. Despite being a Montenegro, the Detective never received favoritism. In fact, because Officer Montenegro cut ties due to the Old Patriarch's repulsion, the latter, in an act of anger, forbade his extended family from helping her; so from birth, she only had her Father, and he wasn't one to favor anyone if they didn't put in the effort, you know. It wasn't until the Old Patriarch passed away, when Detective Montenegro was 20 years old, that she was reinstated as Heiress, since Officer Montenegro was the previous destined Heir. And even then, she had to fight for four years to consolidate her power–

  I say nothing. This new information I'm receiving about the Officer's daughter truly surprises me. When I learned she was the Heiress of a very wealthy family, I thought she would be like many of those rich people I have encountered throughout my vast existence.

  —So that's surely why the Officer wanted me to be her Master. She has great potential and the Sehwert power would surely choose her –I deduce in my mind–

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  It doesn't just surprise me. In fact, I'm beginning to admire her, both for her achievements in the Police and her corporate struggle. Dealing with greedy and disdainful humans is much more difficult and exhausting than simply fighting and killing on the battlefield.

  —And how do you know all this? –I ask, curious about so much information regarding her. The Varkmes and Kamesto aren't exactly seekers, so it surprises me that they know so much–

  —Then, the Varkmes officer pulls out his phone, unlocks it and opens an app– Lumos –He says with a smile, while waving the screen in front of me– Many of us are interested in the gossip of the Central Republic's High Society, so we follow the famous ones. The juiciest gossip is about the 7 Founding Families: Castillo, Cervantes, Medici, Montenegro, Lafayette, Rockefeller, and Vega. Although of course, the juiciest are about the Montenegros, as they are the second most powerful family in this country and third in the human plane.--

  I smile. It's obvious they were going to use that app. Lumos is one of several social media applications created by that bastard from another world, Lan. In this case, Lumos is a website/app where you can write up to 500 characters in a post or reply, and if you have Premium you can write more. It's the most famous of all, and it even has its version for the Surnaturel, which is Lumos Altern.

  And yes, the name is similar to Lumen's. Although unlike Lan, he didn't know that when he designed this social network, heh, heh. The motto of this app is basically: Let your ideas and thoughts see the light.

  —@Nemosa? –My gaze focuses on the account of what appears to be the Detective, the same one the Varkmes has followed–

  —It takes the first two letters of Neiruk Montenegro Salieri. It’s a handle for her personal account, unlike the others, @SMontenegro-NaPol, which is her police account, or @SMontenegro-Corp, which is her corporate account –The officer shows me the accounts as he names them–

  Curious. The Detective's last date of activity on her personal account was a month ago. And the one before that was a year ago. The others, the Corporate and the Police accounts, have more activity, but even so, it isn't much. I suppose she doesn't use social media often.

  —You're wondering about her activity too, right? –The officer asks, looking at me with a raised eyebrow– Of all the Montenegros, the Detective is the one who uses her personal account the least. For example, her last post was a month ago, announcing the breakup with her fiancé, that idiot from the Rockefeller Family. The rest, for example, are corporate announcements, such as alliances, negotiations, purchases, latest news, disappearance announcements, closed cases, etc.--

  —They look more like accounts controlled by outsiders than by the Detective herself –I deduce through the screen. They look very performative, rather than belonging to a real person–

  —That's right. @Nemosa could be said to be the only one that truly belongs to her–

  Wait. Breakup of the engagement? Hey! Officer Montenegro never told me his daughter was engaged, let alone that this marriage alliance had been broken. I doubt he didn't know, since it was announced a month ago. Did he do it on purpose so I wouldn't try anything with her? What a mean man, Hmph!

  —By the way, was Officer Montenegro famous? –Yes. I love asking dumb questions–

  —You don't know? –The tone of surprise in the Varkmes's voice is clear, as he looks at me as if I were a fool–

  —No, not really. I haven't been to the Central Republic in a while. I've been away for a long time –I respond, a half-truth–

  The truth is that I've been busy enjoying the good weather and the views that this world, to which I am tied, has to offer. After all, I cannot leave until I marry my Fated Mate. And since I lost her 1.5 billion years ago—since Astel sacrificed her physical body to seal Chaos Incarnate and hasn't appeared since (as she is recovering in her Celestial Palace), and furthermore, our connection was severed—well, I cannot leave (unless I find a second Fated Mate, which is impossible, or so I thought, until I met the Detective).

  So, aside from casual and constant sex with all kinds of women—or generally anything that looks like a woman—I also have to find other ways to avoid boredom, such as seeing what humans or geography itself has created. In fact, if not for the loss of 99.9% of my power, right now I would be between the large breasts of a beautiful female Cultivator from the Xian Territory. But well, fate brought me to be taken to prison, heh, heh.

  —Well, Officer Leon was quite famous in the Altern. –The Varkmes explains– He is one of the few Sehwert who possess a sharp sense of justice. Always impartial, regardless of whether we were human or not. Always helping us if we needed something or were in danger. He was even recognized by Emperor Lan himself, the ruler of both this country, the Central Republic, and the Aetherion Empire, over in the Altern–

  Lan, that name. Every time I hear the name of that immortal bastard who comes from a world called "Earth," I feel like punching something. It’s not because he’s evil or trying to hurt me, but because he’s a labor exploiter. He loves giving me tasks and never pays me for them. He always hits me with "I'll pay you later" and never does. If not for Eleanor, his wife, who protects him (another immortal who came with Lan), I would have already taken my revenge on that exploiter who doesn't even deign to respect the Federal Labor Law that he himself created.

  —That much? –I ask. Of all the Mehr-Wissen I have known intimately throughout the 4 billion years I’ve spent in this world, the Sehwert are the most unpredictable–

  For example, I remember two cases. One, who was one of Astel's first prototypes, fell in love with me the moment she saw me and became a sort of yandere. In the end, she threatened to commit suicide if I didn't pay attention to her, and Astel practically had to format her so she wouldn't cause any more trouble. The second one was more interested in my body than anything else, and since Astel and I weren't a couple yet back then, I accepted her proposal, as it involved no feelings whatsoever.

  Ironically, due to the constant sex—and therefore, the exposure to my dimensional power—she developed an Ability called ?Mortal Premonition?, which allows them to see their own death and the catastrophic consequences of trying to avoid it. And as a defensive method, the power itself absorbed said Ability and distributed it to the rest; so now, all Sehwert have it as well.

  —That’s right –The Varkmes responds firmly to my question.– In fact, not only in the Altern. Here in the Aynu as well. Not just for being a great Policeman, but because he usually helps people a lot. And not only on a national level, but internationally too. For example, in the Sharia Commune, a place known for being anarchic and highly criminal, he has managed to create a small paradise within, yet far from the danger that country represents–

  —Wow… –I murmur, genuinely impressed by the caliber of man Officer Montenegro was–

  Once again, silence settles in the vehicle, but this time it’s different. It’s a silence weighted with respect for the man they’ve just lost, a tacit acknowledgment of his worth and the magnitude of his absence.

  —By the way, are you a Mehr-Wissen? –The Varkmes Agent suddenly asks, breaking the stillness. His human form observes me with curiosity from the passenger seat– Or maybe you’re a... what did they call ordinary Humans who know about the existence of the Altern?–

  —Kehrseite-Schlich-Kennen? –I respond instantly, completing his thought–

  Kehrseite. It is the shortened name for those humans who manage to pass the Surnaturel trials and gain access to the supernatural world. Normally, a Human can become a Kehrseite in two ways. The first is if they encounter something supernatural and another supernatural entity saves them. If the human does not break upon witnessing the horror and shows interest, then the Altern authorities—usually the Veil Security Forces, Vesefo for short, which is the International Police of the Altern—intervene. The second way is if the person is actively seeking information about the supernatural world and does not stop until they achieve a resolution. And this is the most appreciated of both ways.

  There is also another way, but it all depends on how you are socially and also on randomness. I am referring to becoming friends with a Surnaturel (or a partner) in the Aynu. Given that Surnaturel do not show their Wesnaf forms in the Aynu, it is very difficult for a Human to know that someone is a Surnaturel. However, if they manage to become friends (or a partner) with one without knowing it, and the latter has enough trust in you, then the Surnaturel in question submits a Request to the Vesefo, describing you. If they accept it, which usually happens, then the Surnaturel can show their true form.

  If the friend or partner in question accepts this and is not terrified, then they have already fulfilled the first requirement—which in reality is the same in all three cases—and that is: contact with the supernatural world.

  In any case, this is where the Vesefo intervene. They analyze the human and, after verifying they will not represent a danger, present themselves and give them the opportunity to become a Kehrseite. If the human accepts, they must undergo psychometric tests and an exam where their strengths and abilities are analyzed, with the purpose of verifying if they are viable for the Altern society. If they do not pass, they have up to 3 opportunities. If they fail all of them, then their memory is erased.

  On the other hand, if they pass, they are given a respective identification where all of the Altern can see that the person in question is a Kehrseite. Additionally, they are made to sign a Secrecy Contract, where they can only talk about the Altern with those who know about the Altern.

  Unlike humans—who, if this were in the Era of Consolidation, probably treated Surnaturel as work beasts or pleasure machines—Surnaturel do not have much resentment against the Kehrseite, especially if it is someone who has actively sought information. Because of this, they can access jobs, coexist with Surnaturel, and even marry a Surnaturel. Although, of course, the matter of having children is only possible in certain territories that can be counted on one hand.

  —That’s it, Kehrseite for short –The Varkmes says, nodding his head–

  —I shake my head– Neither one nor the other–

  —Then what? –The Varkmes asks, his interest now clearly piqued–

  —I make a deliberate pause, letting the mystery settle in the confined atmosphere of the car.–

  In reality, I cannot tell them that I am a future Dimensional Regent, and that my Parents are the ones who rule almost at the peak, in the Dimensional Roots; therefore, I am practically a Reigal Prince who in the future, after marrying my Fated Mate, could rule the Dimension where this small world is located—situated, if I remember correctly, 500 billion Steps from the Origin. I could even be the Regent of the entire Branch, be it an Adjacent or possibly a Central Branch.

  Explaining all this is extremely difficult, as even we, the future Dimensional Regents—whether Princes or Nobles—don't even understand it too well ourselves. I think not even Arachne herself, the one who is above everyone but with no one above her, could explain her Dimensional System well, heh, heh.

  And while I do understand it, it's a headache to explain, so I prefer to look for an alternative. It's not out of contempt for these Surnaturel, but they would probably end up brain-dead too. Only someone capable, probably the Detective, can manage to learn this without losing her mind in the attempt (mental note: create a simple way to explain this System to the Detective).

  —Then, a playful smile forms on my face. I have found a word that is very interesting, heh, heh– I am… a Demon –I finally say, my tone imbued with a macabre gravity, though inside I am holding back a burst of laughter at the anticipation of their reaction–

  In an instant, the vehicle brakes so sharply that I am lightly thrown against the back of the seat. The sound of tires screeching on the asphalt is clearly audible. After that, both Officers turn to look at me in unison, and this time, their Surnaturel forms are clearly visible in the dim light of the car.

  Agent Varkmes shows his boar features again, his tusks gleaming in the streetlights, and the driver, the Kamesto, although remaining silent as is his nature, radiates palpable tension; his neck, even in the confined space of the vehicle, seems to subtly elongate, his head almost brushing the ceiling while he also reveals his features—finer and noticeably elongated, with large, dark eyes that now shine with an alert light and a dangerous steadiness, observing me with an unusual intensity that he hadn't shown before.

  —Ha, ha, ha! –I laugh openly, for their defensive stance and the shock on both of them seem utterly hilarious to me– Relax, relax, I was only joking. I am not a Demon–

  As I say this, I notice how the fear in their postures fades a little, though the tension does not vanish entirely. In fact, both were now firmly and cautiously gripping their service weapons.

  —I cannot tell you what I truly am –I continue, my tone becoming more serious– Some believe I am a Demon, others an Angel, others a Surnaturel. However, regardless of what I may be, I know perfectly well what the Altern is, and I also know what you are, even your history –I pause, and add firmly but with a playful smirk– But don't worry, I have no intention of harming you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be alive at this moment–

  Instantly, I freeze, and my smirk quickly vanishes. I definitely shouldn't have said that last part. It sounds much worse than the previous little joke.

  —I sigh, seeing their incipient expressions of terror again and how they even shifted their holstered weapons slightly– Listen –I adjust my tone, trying to sound as reassuring as possible– Officer Montenegro entrusted me with a very important task, one that only I can fulfill. And that mission involves abiding by the laws and social norms that govern human society. So, don't worry. I won't do anything to you. You have my word–

  With these words, I manage to calm them down a bit more. It wasn't enough for them to stop being alert and suspicious, but it was enough so they wouldn't consider me an immediate threat that needed to be neutralized on the spot. Even their Wesen forms fade, returning to Seige.

  —Haa… –I sigh in my mind–

  Seriously, next time I must think clearly about how to respond when I'm asked those kinds of questions. This type of joke is only funny among Celestials and people who know my true nature, not among strange Surnaturel who practically hate Demons.

  —Can you take me now? –I look through the rearview mirror at the line of cars that has formed behind us due to our abrupt stop. Fortunately, the windows are tinted, so those behind didn't see their transformation– The people behind us are starting to get impatient…–

  The Varkmes and the Kamesto exchange a look. After a few seconds that feel like an eternity, the Kamesto nods slightly, and the Varkmes turns to the front, indicating that they accept, for now, continuing with the transfer.

  New mental note: Do not make demon jokes to creatures that fear them.