The Witch Hunter System

"I wish to do some exploring after I recover some soul force, Lady Hecate. It's not often that I come out here," Vaan explained, seeing no reason to hide it.

"Oh? How about I accompany you, Sir Vaan? You wouldn't reject the company of a strong, beautiful dark fairy woman like me, would you?" Hecate suggested, adding, "As for the situation you are worried about, there is no need for any concern."

"Lady Ophelia and my nine Dreamcatchers are keeping me updated on the situation. Those Vampire Lords are as timid as meek kittens," Hecate stated.

"Nine Dreamcatchers?" Vaan uttered with doubt.

"Dreamcatcher is the title given to my divine guards. They represent the strongest powers under me and serve as the supporting pillars of my territory," Hecate patiently explained.

"I don't think I've ever heard of them before," Vaan expressed his astonishment.

Although he had already vaguely suspected the other Great Devils to have hidden groups of Divine Beings, he was still surprised to hear about the Dreamcatchers from Hecate.

"And that shouldn't be strange, Sir Vaan. Divine Beings represent the pinnacle of power in the Gehenna Realm. Every Great Devil would want to hide their military force as a form of deterrence to guard their territories," Hecate casually explained.

"After all, if a war broke out between territories, the Great Devils would be locked in a stalemate. As such, it's usually the strength of their divine guards that would determine victory in such territorial wars."

"However, there is an even more important reason for hiding the divine guards: to avoid catching the attention of the Skymagia Star Kingdom. Given Gehenna's past disastrous losses, we do not wish to be forcefully dragged into its Realm Wars and repeat history," Hecate stated.

Vaan furrowed his brows before asking, "Then, aren't you taking quite a big risk by exposing the Dreamcatchers now, Lady Hecate?"

When Hecate heard Vaan's question, she immediately chuckled lightly, replying, "What I just said is how the other Great Devils think, excluding Balmodan. That Man-wolf has no divine guards to hide, even if he wishes to."

"As for me, I have only hidden the Dreamcatchers to give the other Great Devils peace of mind. I don't particularly concern myself with what the Skymagia Star Kingdom might do," Hecate added.

"And why is that so, if I may ask?" Vaan politely inquired with interest.

Hecate smiled slyly and said, "If you visit my territory later, I'll think about answering that question then, Sir Vaan."

"Fair enough," Vaan calmly acknowledged, unsurprised by her response.

He figured Hecate's lack of concern most likely had something to do with her background. Perhaps she had some connection with the Skymagia Star Kingdom, or maybe even more than that.

"Going back to your earlier question, I naturally wouldn't refuse your company, Lady Hecate," Vaan calmly answered before adding, "However, I still hope you could at least help me check on the Earth Spirit Worm."

"It will be disastrous if that thing descends on…" Vaan slowly stopped speaking as Hecate pulled out a tiny Earth Spirit Worm and showed it on her palm.

"You mean this thing?" Hecate sought his confirmation.

"…"

Vaan stared at the tiny Earth Spirit Worm dumbfoundedly.

Compared to the Earth Spirit Worm's previous colossal figure, which could stretch for many kilometers, the tiny Earth Spirit Worm on Hecate's palm was far too small.

He would have thought it was a different Earth Spirit Worm if he had not confirmed its information with his Fourth Dimensional Sense.

"I found this thing while I was on my way here. It looked like an interesting existence worthy of study, so I picked it up," Hecate casually explained.

Vaan's lips twitched.

To think that such a menacingly large creature had been reduced to such a pitifully small state.

After its fourth-dimensional body was harmed, the tiny Earth Spirit Worm was like a deflated balloon; it hurled up like an injured animal and entered deep slumber on Hecate's palm.

Under this state, it didn't seem like it could harm anyone.

Although Vaan was also interested in studying it, he couldn't be greedy since it had fallen into Hecate's hands. After all, she had already generously gifted him Abaddon's left arm.

Furthermore, the lake-worth of Divine-rank Stalactite Milk he obtained from the Earth Spirit Worm exceeded its value.

"Since you have secured it, I have nothing to worry about then," Vaan said with a relaxed look.

"You don't want it?" Hecate asked curiously.

"I do, but I can do without it. It's not something I need, just something of interest to study like you. Since it fell into your hands, that is your fortune, Lady Hecate," Vaan smiled.

"I see. Then, I will keep it for studying," Hecate smiled before putting away the tiny Earth Spirit Worm.

Shortly after, Vaan focused on tranquil meditation to conserve his energy and recover his soul force.

However, not even two breaths into his meditation, he was interrupted by Hecate's sudden gift.

"Take this vial of Soul Rejuvenating Water. It will speed up the recovery of your soul force," Hecate offered a finger-size vial of grey, glowing liquid.

"This… shouldn't be cheap, right? You're just going to gift it to me like that?" Vaan didn't accept immediately, asking with doubt.

"It is precious to others, but not me; I have plenty of this stuff. So, you can take it with peace of mind, Sir Vaan. I won't ask for anything in return," Hecate generously said, adding, "Just think of it as part of my investment."

'Investment in what? A future husband?' Vaan silently thought, but he accepted Hecate's kind intention nonetheless.

"You were thinking of something inappropriate just now, weren't you?" Hecate queried with a sharpened look, hiding her coy mischief.

"It must be your imagination, Lady Hecate. My mind is as pure as clear water," Vaan calmly smiled.

Hecate returned his smile without pressing the matter. She found it quite enjoyable to engage in such foolish banter.

However, she wouldn't normally feel the same had another human been in Vaan's place with such profane thoughts. There was just something different about him that attracted her interest and curiosity.

What could it be?