═══════════════════════

  _________________ >> 20 minutes >> _________________

  Morian Police Station, Morian District, City of Melbury, State of Melbury, Central Republic.

  07:10 AM

  Finally, after what I estimate has been less than half an hour since we left the recreational center located on the outskirts of the City, the police vehicle reduces its speed and comes to a stop, after passing through all kinds of streets and buildings—tall, medium, and small alike.

  For my part, I observe through the window that we have arrived at the Station located in the Morian District, which, according to the words exchanged between the blonde Agent and the Detective, is the district furthest from the central hustle and bustle of the City of Melbury.

  The building that rises before us is a modern structure, several stories high, with an imposing facade of smooth concrete in gray and functional tones. Large windows, likely tinted or reflective, are distributed in orderly rows across its surface, and just above the main entrance—wide and covered—metallic letters and an official emblem proclaim with authority: "MORIAN POLICE STATION"

  Several patrol cars, including a white SUV similar to the one transporting us, are neatly parked in front, alongside some civilian vehicles. The street is relatively quiet at this early hour, and the surrounding buildings show a mixture of architectures, some older and more traditional than this fortress of the law.

  —Well, let's see what happens –I say to myself, once the police vehicle comes to a stop right in front–

  After stopping, the Varkmes and the Kamesto exit the vehicle. The Varkmes approaches the right door, where I am, opens it, and nears with caution, while the Kamesto grips his weapon firmly, just in case I think of doing something funny. Finally, they pull me out of there, exercising more force than they had used when they put me inside.

  —Let’s go –The tribal officer tells me, signaling with a gesture for me to follow him into the interior of the Morian Police Station–

  As I cross the threshold, I find myself in a space that far exceeds the austere image I might have formed of a district precinct, even one far from the center.

  Before me opens a vast, multi-story main atrium or lobby, flooded with a bright, diffused light descending from a high ceiling. The floor is made of light, polished tiles, so expansive they reflect the ceiling and lights like a calm mirror, amplifying the sense of space. Robust columns with clean lines rise to support the galleries of the upper floors, which look out over the central void, protected by glass railings that accentuate the modernity and transparency of the design.

  In front of us, occupying a central position on the ground floor, stretches a long, modern reception desk or information center, of impeccable white with wood accents, where several uniformed officers attend behind it, their faces illuminated by their computer screens. At the same time, I observe other agents moving efficiently through the spacious lobby—some heading toward the elevators visible at the back or toward the doors leading to different departments, while others attend to nearby people. There are also some civilians, sitting in designated waiting areas or approaching the counters.

  A place completely ordinary to any human who saw it. Undoubtedly, a center of order and bureaucracy, with people coming and going and the constant clatter of keyboards. But, for others, for those with the ability to see beyond the "normal"...

  —Heh, heh–

  A faint smile, laden with an irony that only I understand, forms on my lips as my eyes sweep across the lobby. I don’t focus so much on the modern furniture or the functional architecture, but on all the Officers, agents, and even third-party cleaning staff present inside, working diligently at their posts or taking a brief break after, I imagine, working to protect this city from the threats that humans—or even their own kind—create for others.

  That particular halo emanating from their Souls—a cream-colored halo, a subtle but unmistakable energy signature for my Divine Eyes—betrays what they truly are. Their true Surnaturel nature lies hidden beneath a human appearance so convincing it allows them to blend in with everyone else. And it’s not just them. I even notice the same halos on the people, on the ordinary civilians.

  And with this, I now understand why the blonde-haired agent wanted to send me here. This police station, though ordinary like all the others, is also special. Only those who know the "other side"—the place hidden from unwary humans—work here. A safe haven for all those who do not wish to be discovered, and where even those persecuted or in trouble can come to ask for help.

  Though, well, the irony does not escape me; for this place, teeming with Surnaturel, is run by a Sehwert—their natural enemy and the Race they are supposed to fear most, even more than Demons themselves. After all, the Sehwert, the first Mehr-Wissen, were created to eliminate the Surnaturel, or as they used to be called: Corruptions. Corruptions created by Chaos Incarnate.

  —Jerry! –The voice of the Varkmes Agent, my escort, interrupts my observations, shouting to one of his colleagues passing nearby–

  —Is something up, Jal? –The man named Jerry asks, a burly fellow in uniform, after approaching and looking curiously at my handcuffed figure–

  —Plenty –The Varkmes’s face shows evident exhaustion. However, it is his caution and a slight trace of fear that worries his companion.– The news of what happened early this morning will arrive later. But for now, get Delta Team ready and activate the Special SSS-Rank Block–

  The officer, previously curious, becomes visibly stunned upon hearing his colleague's words. Finally, unlike before when he only gave me a glance, he now decides to scan my body and appearance from head to toe, searching for any red flags.

  And noticing the blood—now dried on my suit since two hours have passed since the previous events—along with the fact that I have no visible wounds, his gaze acquires a new intensity, matching the one the Varkmes holds.

  —The Special Block? –He asks, his voice now tinged with precaution. His face even turning serious–

  —The Varkmes nods with gravity. One that only his Race could show– Keep him in a cell that has an Akrani Circle, for Emperor Ranks at minimum–

  Upon hearing this last part—the mention of the Akrani Circle and especially the Emperor Rank—several of the other Surnaturel present, uniformed officers, ordinary employees, and even civilians, stop what they are doing and turn their gazes toward me.

  Instantly, I feel a mixture of fear and barely contained anger shining in their eyes; some even fleetingly reveal slight glimpses of their Wesen forms. One of them, a black-haired man in his 30s, shows snake fangs while letting out a hiss. Another, an 8-year-old blonde girl, shows a yellow cat tail that bristles, twitching as if she were a frightened cat. One more, a 18-year-old young woman with black hair and white tips and streaks, widens her eyes as her ears transform into round and fluffy ones, yet sharpening.

  The others, although they do not show an identifiable Wesen form, look at me with a particular glint in their eyes that they rarely show, for doing so implies revealing their hidden identity. A glint that only Surnaturel or other beings with good eyesight would be able to identify.

  —I already told you, I am not a Demon. That was just a joke I made to pass the time –I interject, my voice calm but firm, trying to dispel the tension– Besides, Akrani Circles, those circles that the Cazden use to trap and immobilize demons, do not affect me, because as I said, I am not one–

  —Use the Emperor Rank Holy Handcuffs and make sure to cuff him tightly –The Varkmes adds, completely ignoring my comment and addressing the officer he called– And be careful in case he tries to escape–

  —Oh, for fuck's sake –I mutter to myself, frustration growing, as it seems my word doesn't worth much in this station now–

  Akrani Circles—in my current state or even at my peak—do not affect me in the slightest, as I am not a Demon. These only work on them. They cause slowness, paralysis, and even, depending on the Caster, can function as a Containment Barrier, preventing them from escaping. Thanks to this, the Cazden can eliminate or exorcise them without having to fight them.

  However, the handcuffs… Ah, the special handcuffs, like the Holy Handcuffs, imbued with Divine Power (one of the 5 Primordial Energies)—more specifically of the White Type, coming from a Saint, who is the highest earthly exponent of Divine Power and whose power allows them to combat demons at a Cazden's level—well, those are another story.

  Though, well, in fact, any type of handcuff affects me right now, heh, heh. After all, with my power reduced by 99.9%, I am basically a human in terms of physical resistance to these things; so they will clearly reduce my mobility, and even if I wanted to break them, I wouldn't be able to.

  On the other hand, if I were a real demon, upon being put into those things blessed by those women chosen by Mikleo himself—the current Regent of Araboth and of the entire planet, representing Astel (who is away)—then all my powers would be instantly blocked, as long as they were appropriate to my Rank. If I were a Count Rank and they put SSS-Rank ones on me, which is a lower rank, then I could break them. Conversely, if they put Marquess Rank ones on me, which is one rank higher, then I wouldn't be able to do a thing.

  Besides, Emperor-Rank Akrani Circles? Really? Yes, it is true that before my powers were blocked I was more powerful than Astel herself, but now that I no longer have them, it’s completely different. Do I really seem that dangerous to them in this pitiful state? Just look at me. I'm like a puppy abandoned on a cold, rainy night. I couldn't even hurt an ant.

  But well, what a level of precaution these guys have. I almost feel flattered.

  —Can you avoid the handcuffs? –I ask, glaring with annoyance as one of the officers has already arrived with those cuffs that emit a white halo, which, at this point, seems nauseating to me, not only because they come from that blonde subject dressed in white who always has a smile on his face, but also due to the fact that I won't be able to free myself– I'm allergic to them, you know? I could get sick if you put them on me… –I try to joke, to see if they'll take pity on this poor little puppy–

  —Take him away –The Varkmes Agent, once he ensures the handcuffs are placed on me, completely ignores my request and, with a nod of his head, formally hands me over to his colleague–

  —How cru~el –I pout while they push me past the reception–

  The uniformed officer, as expected, ignores my pout and dissatisfaction and simply leads me toward that place I don't know.

  —Let's go –He says, his voice neutral, signaling me to walk–

  —Yes, yes –In the end, I resign myself to my current fate. There will be time to say something or defend myself later–

  And so, with no other choice, I accept my fate and start walking toward the indicated place, escorted by this new agent. Although, of course, since I don't know the way, I have to trust his guidance.

  _________________ >> 1 minute >> _________________

  —Hey officer, what exactly are you? –I ask the person behind me who has now become my escort. More out of curiosity than expecting an answer, especially after the revelation of his other two colleagues and the Surnaturel I saw– I know you're a Surnaturel, but which one of the tens of thousands are you?–

  Of course, the uniformed officer doesn't answer. He simply keeps walking behind me, with an impassive expression, pushing me forward to take me to that cell.

  When I had my power, I could see the essence of every being, whether Surnaturel or not. Their true form, their lineage—all of that I was able to see without needing to ask them or wait for them to reveal their identity. It was like reading their souls like an open book.

  Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

  However, right now, that ability is just a distant memory, a lost tool, for the only thing my Divine Eyes can see now is the unique glimmer of their souls, which allows me to differentiate if they are human or Surnaturel. But, just that. Thanks, Infernal Triad, for taking my powers away via poison.

  And to think I believed that being trapped on this planet, Astel, for 4 billion years was the worst thing that could happen to me.

  —You know, Officer, you remind me a bit of an Apprentice I had in another world –To pass the time as we reach my designated maximum-security cell, after that little joke about being a Demon that they ended up believing, I start to ramble– Normally, my apprentices tend to be women, since they are the ones with the most potential, vision, and ambition. Besides, they are more affectionate and usually listen to me more and obey what I tell them. And of course, occasionally, 80% of the time, they tend to make advances and ask to start a physical relationship, which I clearly do not refuse –Don't blame me. Even if I am a... weakened God, I'm still a man. I am weak before the flesh, and if a beautiful girl wants to sleep with me, I don't reject her, heh, heh– However, I sometimes make exceptions and choose male Apprentices –I add, while walking– One of the ones I remember most was in a world located about 250 billion Steps above where the Dimension containing this planet is situated, considering we are at Step 500 billion. His name was Lucien, and in general terms, he was very quiet, just like you, Officer, heh heh–

  Then, something interesting happens. The officer, who moments before was pushing me to get me to the Special Block as quickly as possible, slows down a bit. Feeling this, a smile forms on my face.

  —I arrived at that world called Elianne because I had to search for my Fated Mate. However, as soon as I arrived, I was basically turned into a beast of burden. The Goddess of that world, with the same name as the planet, something common among them, the World Administrators, asked for my help to fight the demons that had plagued her world. As a reward, she said she would give me whatever I wanted, and since I was bored, and Elianne was very beautiful and looked like a MILF, I accepted –As I said, I am weak before the flesh, heh, heh– So, I eliminated most of the demons, leaving a few that I liked, since not all of them were "I'm a demon, therefore I'm evil." However, knowing that it would eventually happen again, I created an organization called "The Order of the Black Diamond" –There's no reason or mysticism behind that name. I just thought it sounded nice, that's all, heh– Over time, I acquired power for this organization, turning it from something unknown into a secret society that practically controls the world. All in a hundred thousand years.–

  I glance sideways at the officer. Despite the seriousness of both his facial and body expressions, I can clearly tell that he is listening intently.

  —However, since I had to leave to continue searching for my Fated Mate, I decided to find an Apprentice who would become the new Savior of that world –I continue with my narration– One day, 25 years before leaving that planet, I found a baby as I was leaving the hotel where I was staying. He was quite a cute baby… until he soiled himself –The worst part is that the rascal mocked me after doing that!– Even so, I decided that this baby would be the new savior of the world and Heir to the Order of the Black Diamond, so I adopted and trained him. I named him Lucien, after my younger brother. And since the 5 Primordial Energies also exist in that world, you know, Mana, Aura, Divine Power, Qi, and Spiritual Energy, I decided to train him to master them all –Besides, since breaking the limit of just one grants you immortality and invulnerability, it seemed like a good option– However, since I was already leaving, as my siblings, Elaine and Lucien, had come for me so we could travel together to another world, I used a hack called the White Room, where time passes however we, the owners, wish. Thus, 15 years of hard training were actually 1,000 years. When he came out, my little Lucien had become a Transcendental, mastering not just one, but all five completely–

  He is one of the few male Apprentices I am proud of. Furthermore, I practically raised him since he was a baby—something I hadn't done with anyone until that point, as my Apprentices were usually over 5 years old—so I practically consider him my son.

  —Also, since I didn't want him to be left all alone, I used my Future Vision, an ability to, well, see the future, which consumes a lot of energy and is very exhausting to use, to see if there would be someone important in his life so I wouldn't have to worry too much about him when I left–

  —And was there? –The officer suddenly asks. Something that leaves me surprised, as he hadn't said a word until now–

  —I smile and nod my head– Yes. I saw that in the future he would find a very important girl who would redefine his entire existence. Her name, if I remember correctly, was Katerina Erdevel Lumière. Or rather, just Katerina Lumière, because according to what I saw in that future vision, she was the one who decided this would be her last name after her Father, the Duke of Erdevel, never treated her as his daughter–

  Good for that girl. In fact, I’m jealous of that bastard. That girl is a sweetheart. Furthermore, the visions beyond the moment they met made me envious, as that girl ended up loving him with all her soul. Fortunately, Lucien didn't disappoint her, and although I didn't know how to teach him how to love—since I'm honestly quite an idiot on that subject, as most of my partners have been purely physical—there's also the fact that my previous Fated Mate, Astel, technically died. And if the Detective really turns out to be the new one—something that, as I said before, would mark a milestone since second chances have never been given to us, the Dimensional Regents—well, I honestly wouldn't know how to handle it either.

  Luckily, Lucien—even though at first, before meeting her, he didn't know how to love and wasn't even interested in sex—did manage to love her from the very first moment they met… despite, of course, behaving like a tsundere when everyone said that girl and he were a couple. Besides, I was also envious of how their relationship was afterward, once they both confessed. It seemed they couldn't be apart, as they had sexual relations anywhere and at any time. Nothing mattered to those damn monkeys, heh, heh.

  —Ahh, Lyra, how I miss you –Yes. Now that I remember this, I realize it was just like Lyra and me. Neither of us cared about the place. We felt like it, and we did it, heh–

  I only hope Lucien is doing well and is happy. Considering he became immortal and invulnerable, he surely guided his woman to make her just like him—something he could only do after mastering one of the 5 Primordial Energies. Luckily for him, I left him a version of the White Room, so they can simply enter that place and train, forgetting about old age and all that.

  —Anyway –I decide to change the subject. Those were already very good memories– It’s clear that Officer Montenegro has very good connections, doesn't he? I mean, he has a Containment Block and artifacts of that caliber. Those aren't easy to come by–

  —Officer Montenegro was a Sehwert, and furthermore, even though he was no longer the Montenegro Heir, he had many connections in both the Aynu and the Altern –The officer responds. I'm glad he's now capable of uttering more words– For example, he has connections in the United Kingdoms Sanctified, and surely you know about them–

  —I nod my head– Yes. The UKS. I know them perfectly. An extremely closed-off country, where they managed to make it so the Aynu-Altern plane division doesn't exist, which led them to have to hide it from the rest of the countries in the Aynu–

  However, that doesn't change the fact that I'm truly impressed. Just entering and leaving there is extremely difficult. Having connections there is an incredible feat. I also have connections, like Araceli, the Divine Paladin who protects the Holy Supreme Pontiff, but that’s due to my own millennial experience. He, on the other hand, achieved it in a human lifetime.

  —Furthermore, Officer Montenegro also has connections in the government –The officer continues, leading me toward another hallway– For example, his girlfriend is the Governor of Melbury, the state we are currently in. Her name is Aisha–

  —Well, well –I raise an eyebrow mischievously– Wait, wasn't Officer Montenegro a widower? He told me his wife, the Detective's Mother, Scarlett Neiruk, disappeared mysteriously in 2005, when the Detective was 5 years old–

  —And does the fact that he's a widower necessarily mean he must stay alone forever? –The agent asks, his tone a slight reproach–

  —Well, that's true –I can't argue with that logic–

  —Besides, the Governor, Officer Montenegro, and Mrs. Neiruk were friends since high school. It’s normal that eventually something would happen after a loss–

  —I agree–

  However, I sigh. I only hope his girlfriend is prepared for this news. I don't know how long they had been together as a romantic couple, but considering Officer Montenegro was 50 years old, they surely spent a lot of time together. If it's hard for the Detective, it will surely be just as hard, or perhaps even more so, for the Governor.

  —Your colleagues mentioned that he did charity work outside this country. I suppose that earned him more connections–

  —The officer nods his head at my words– Yes. And not only from aid organizations, but also from other Mehr-Wissen. If I remember correctly, he had founded the White Order–

  —I raise an eyebrow, intrigued– White Order?–

  —From what I know, it is a community organization aimed at Surnaturel. It is made up of Kehrseite, Enial Users, and Mehr-Wissen of other types. Its purpose is to assist those Surnaturel who are victims of violence. For example, those from the United Kingdoms Sanctified–

  Ah, yes. The UKS again. Those types believe in human superiority, so Surnaturel are treated as unpaid labor and objects of personal satisfaction. They have no rights or access to a dignified life, except for a few, such as the Elvian, the Draken, the Daurs, and generally any Surnaturel whose true form is mostly human or possesses great strength.

  Ironically, it is just like the humans in the Era of Living Chains, 135 million years ago. That Era, which lasted 94 million years, was considered a dark age in the history of this world; it was when humans began to believe themselves superior and treat the Surnaturel—those with whom they had previously fought against Chaos Incarnate—exactly as the UKS treat them now.

  And precisely this led to the next era, the Era of Liberation, where the Surnaturel rose in arms against humans and a war of biblical proportions began. By the end, after 40 million years, 50% of the population on both sides had died. And yes, this gave rise to the division of the general earthly plane of this planet, the Erden. We went from one Erden to an Aynu and an Altern.

  —Officer Montenegro was definitely a great person –I sigh. I met the Officer yesterday, the 29th of Filloni, 2025, two days before the end of the first month of the year at 9 at night. However, despite knowing him for less than 9 hours, he seemed like an incredible person to me–

  —Was? –The uniformed officer asks–

  Shit. I forgot that the news about Officer Montenegro hasn't reached them yet. That’s probably why this officer lowered his guard. If they link his death to me, then things will get even worse for me.

  —Oh look, isn't that where we were supposed to go? –I ask quickly, pointing to an entrance that literally says “Special Block”–

  —Ah, yes. We have arrived. Let's go now –The officer pushes me toward the place–

  —Phew –I can't help but sigh in relief–

  _______________ >> Special Block >> _______________

  Finally, after a long talk and saving myself from the topic of Officer Montenegro's passing, we both arrive at the place that would be my next lodging. A heavy steel door with multiple locks opens before us, revealing the aforementioned Special Block.

  The change is immediate. The corridor stretching in front of me is an almost blinding white under the intense, uniform light of the ceiling panels. The floor is made of smooth, pale marble. On both sides, a series of cells line up with heavy doors made of metal bars—some open, revealing interiors typical of what one would see in a cell: a simple metal bunk with a mattress that looks comfortable, a white ceiling light, and bare walls.

  However, what truly dominates the space—what radiates a palpable energy even to my currently limited senses—are the Akrani Circles. These, enormous, intricate, and glowing, are inscribed directly onto the floor in front of each cell, each pulsing with a pure, white light.

  And not just in front. The same was true for the walls and ceilings, including both outside and inside the cells. Although, of course, unlike the previous ones that were visible to the naked eye, these could not be seen unless one had the ability to see the invisible.

  Something that, fortunately, my Safeguard Protocol—that security system we Dimensional Regents have to prevent immediate death—unlocked for me a few moments ago.

  I still can't see what the Surnaturel truly are, but it's a major breakthrough. Although, of course, I didn't need special sight or magical powers to see that my suspicions were correct. In other words: they consider me a threat of that caliber.

  —Get in –Officer Jerry orders, his voice breaking the oppressive silence of the place as he opens one of the heavy barred doors–

  Ah~, the irony. I, a Dimensional Regent, a Dimensional Prince, son of Root Regents Arkhan and Alicia—who rule beneath Arachne and whose name alone would cause everyone to prostrate themselves in terror—am now treated like a prisoner who has kicked a cute little kitten.

  —Stay there –The officer pushes me toward the cell marked 01–

  —As if I could go anywhere else –I grumble under my breath, eyeing the thick bars and the arcane circle that practically screams "someone dangerous is here, everyone look!"–

  BAM. The loud, metallic clang of the cell bars abruptly slamming shut echoes through the sterile hallway, making my ears ring for a moment and underscoring my new status.

  —Call Delta Team, the ones specialized in dealing with high-danger entities, to guard the inmate. Also, maintain surveillance on him at all times. Do not allow any escape attempts –I hear the officer firmly giving orders to other officers already on-site, likely the ones who activated this Block–

  —Understood –Several voices respond in unison from the hallway, before I hear them walking away–

  —Haa… –I sigh, walking toward the bed– These guys really do hate Demons–

  Definitely, I shouldn't have joked about being a Demon. I admit it. It was complete stupidity on my part.

  Next time someone interrogates me about my nature, I must make sure not to reveal what I truly am… or at least, give a much more coherent and less... provocative answer. Although, well, the problem is that with my current power so depleted, if I told the truth without proving it, they’d just call me an idiot.

  —Hey. The mattress is really soft. That’s great–

  Link of Images: