Beyond the Old Ones

Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.

Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.

The familiar characters you see here belong to their respected authors and owners.

"Speech"

Time*

Chapter 20: My Will Is Strong

The next day*

Well, I was kind of expecting to be dragged into the plot events of Black Butler tonight, but it seems I was wrong. Then again, I have no role in the story unless I force my way into it. My actual task is much simpler—I've been hired to reinforce the mansion's defensive system, ensuring no intruders come uninvited.

At least, that's what I'll be working on in the next few days.

I let out a sigh as I continued wandering the hallways, repeating the tedious action of checking the layout for spots to set traps. I've already installed some and made plans for more when I gather additional materials.

Now that Ciel and Sebastian are away for most of the night, it's the perfect time to head to the Sefirah Castle. But before that, I need to take extra precautions to prevent Sebastian from detecting anything.

First, I retraced my steps back to the room where I had prepared all the necessary ingredients for the ritual.

Once inside, I set everything up carefully, not wanting to leak out any Beyonder Energy, and then snorted in amusement at a random thought that popped into my head. I had almost forgotten—it wasn't Beyonder Energy that I should use, but Spirituality, the term used in the series. Of course, I can't recall every detail perfectly if I'm not using a specific Pathway.

Next, I summoned the Card of Fool, feeling its presence appear in my hand. I imprinted its image into my mind, using it as a trigger to enter Cogitation, activating my Spirit Vision.

Then, I picked up a silver knife and stabbed it into a pile of coarse salt, beginning to chant softly in the Hermes language.

With a short yet powerful incantation, I dipped the silver knife into a cup of clear water. Raising the cup, I pointed the knife toward the air around me. As I took each step, Spirituality began to flow out, spreading from the silver knife and intertwining with the atmosphere. An invisible barrier formed around me, expelling all impurities and distractions while also preventing anything or anyone from sensing what was happening within this wall of spirituality.

Once the protective barrier was fully established, I wasted no time. With the air now clear and my senses sharpened, I began the ritual to enter the Sefirah Castle.

30 minutes later*

I typed away on the laptop, finishing up a few remaining tasks before shutting down the computer. The soft glow of the screen dimmed, and I turned my focus to something far more important.

My eyes locked onto a specific crimson star, and with a subtle shift in my focus, I willed it to brighten. Almost immediately, a radiant crimson light flickered in front of me, and from its glow, Mai appeared.

"Hi, Mr. Lord of Mysteries!" Mai greeted me with a cheerful smile. Her bright eyes sparkled as she tilted her head slightly, looking at me with eager expectation. "What's your instruction for me?"

"Before we go on with that." I lean back in my seat and tap my fingertips against the table. "How does it feel to be something beyond an ordinary human?"

Mai's eyes gleamed with excitement as she answered. "It's amazing! At first, I thought you just wanted to torture me in the name of giving me powers, but once I truly felt what I could do… No one could harm me! I could slaughter everyone around me, and they wouldn't be able to stop me!" Her voice took on an unsettling tone, and a twisted smile spread across her face. Her laughter bubbled up, almost unhinged, before suddenly disappearing as if nothing had happened. She returned to her usual innocent smile, her behavior shifting back in an instant. "Overall, though. Anything that's not related to the supernatural world just feels like child's play. It's almost beneath me now. It makes me think being a Deadtuber isn't worth it anymore, not compared to who I was before."

I hummed thoughtfully, considering her words. She had certainly embraced her new state since becoming a Recipient, and her experience in the past few days seemed to align with what I had expected.

"That's good to hear." I finally responded, my tone turning more serious. "Now, I need you to do something for me. This task is important, and it's crucial that you complete it as soon as possible." I locked eyes with her, making sure the weight of my words settled in.

"What is your order, Mr. Lord of Mysteries?" Mai asked, her gaze locking onto mine with a deep, almost hypnotic intensity.

I met her stare, my voice steady and calm. "I need you to erase your existence from the mundane world. Find a way to make it so no one questions your sudden disappearance. I want people to never think twice about you still existing among the living. Fake your death in some convincing way, and once you've done that, call for me. I will give you your next instruction after."

Mai's expression didn't falter for a second. Instead, she bowed gracefully. "As you command, Mr. Lord of Mysteries." Straightening up, she looked at me with renewed focus. "Is there anything else I must do before you send me back?"

"Be more specialized in firearms and poisons." I replied.

There was a fleeting moment where I felt a hint of pity for those who would inevitably become Mai's future victims.

"Will do!" Mai responded cheerfully, her bright behavior unfazed by the gravity of her new tasks. In an instant, a crimson light enveloped her, and just as quickly, she disappeared from the Sefirah Castle.

Not even half an hour. Quite a short meeting. I leaned back once more, letting out a soft sigh as the silence of the castle settled around me.

I use Spirituality to guide me out of the Sefirah Castle, feeling the familiar pull as reality reasserted itself around me. In moments, I found myself back in the room where I had begun the ritual. Without hesitation, I took the silver knife and tore down the spiritual wall that I had erected earlier.

Next, I focused on the food that had been used in the ritual. I began eating, making sure to consume everything. Once finished, I carefully cleaned up the space, gathering any remaining items. The leftover components were placed into a backpack I had purchased specifically for this—its purpose was to carry all my materials related to mysticism, a convenient and unnoticeable way to keep everything close at hand.

With the room restored to its original state, I stepped out and made my way down the hall toward the armory. There, I selected a few essential items—supplies that I might need for the tasks ahead. Satisfied with my choices, I left the armory and proceeded to my bedroom, my mind already turning to the next steps in my plans.

I placed my backpack on the table near the window. Reaching into it, I pulled out a box of ammunition for the revolver I had picked up earlier. The cold, metallic touch of the bullets in my hand felt familiar and reassuring, as I knew I would soon be crafting something far more dangerous.

Switching to the Card of Paragon, I used it as a trigger to enter Cogitation, my mind slipping into that heightened state of awareness. I pull out the silver knife. Spirituality spews from the blade.

One by one, I picked up the bullets, carefully holding them in my hand. With each delicate motion, I began engraving the bottom of each bullet with the symbol of the Twilight Giant Pathway, using the silver knife as my tool. The markings glowed faintly as the Spirituality seeped into the metal, transforming the ordinary rounds into Demon Hunting Bullets.

These bullets, now imbued with the power of the Twilight Giant Pathway, would be highly effective against corrupted creatures—capable of piercing through their defenses and weakening them. I worked methodically, ensuring every engraving was precise, and every symbol imbued with the necessary potency.

A few hours later*

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I placed the last of the engraved Demon Hunting Bullets back into the box. The delicate work had taken its toll, but it was worth the effort. I carefully closed the box and slipped it into my backpack, ensuring it was secure. Then, I turned my attention to the revolver, loading five of the specially crafted bullets into the chambers while leaving one blank—just in case, to avoid any potential misfire.

With that done, I took a moment to breathe, reflecting on the purpose behind the Demon Hunting Bullets. They would help me keep my secrets as a Beyonder under wraps, at least for the time being. Their power would do the heavy lifting in any fight, allowing me to rely less on my more overt abilities.

I placed the revolver into my chest holster, securing it firmly against me.

Finally, I stretched, easing the stiffness in my muscles from having sat in the same position for so long. My body relaxed as the tension melted away.

However, before I could relax further and prepare for my usual adventures with the Cards of Blasphemy, a faint noise reached my ears from somewhere in the distance. My body tensed, instincts sharpening as I rose from my seat. Without wasting time, I grabbed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder, already moving toward the source of the disturbance.

Switching to the Card of the Twilight Giant for extra security, I felt the subtle shift in power, ready for anything that might come. Cautiously, I opened the door, prepared for whatever was causing the commotion.

But instead of danger, there stood Sebastian, his calm and composed expression betraying nothing, as though he had been expecting me to open the door for him. His presence was unnerving, even for someone like me, but I cautiously masked my nervousness.

"Good evening, Sebastian. Is there something you need from me?" My voice was steady but guarded, knowing better than to let my guard down around him.

Sebastian gave a polite nod, his smile courteous but revealing nothing. "Yes, young master Ciel is requesting your presence." His tone was ever so formal as if the strange noise hadn't occurred at all.

"Alright." I stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door behind me. "Lead on." I followed him down the hallway, my mind on edge, still wondering if the noise I heard was connected to this unexpected summons or if Sebastian was messing with me for whatever reason.

30 minutes later*

I stared at the ceiling, struggling to suppress the laughter inside me.

"Oh? This is a new face." Angelina Dalles-Burnett remarked with interest, her sharp red eyes studying me. Known to many as Madam Red, Ciel's aunt stood out in her signature crimson attire, her presence as striking as ever. Befitting her title, Angelina's red bob-cut hair and red lipstick accentuated her fierce, commanding demeanor. She wore a red skirt and waistcoat paired with a ruffled white blouse and black gloves—an ensemble that demanded attention.

Beside her stood her butler, a man with brown hair tied back with a red ribbon, dressed in simple but dignified black butler clothes. He remained silent, yet his presence was noticeable.

"Yes... he is a new hire, Chikao Fukui." Ciel explained stiffly. "He's responsible for setting up the mansion's security. You know, Chikao, you can laugh if you wish. I won't get mad. I promise."

Despite the invitation, I held firm. It was a little too bad for Ciel, but I didn't laugh. Not as much as I had wanted to, anyway. My face remained composed, not even a hint of redness betraying my amusement.

"I think Chikao here must find our young lady's hobby to be quite serious, not wanting to hurt your feelings, my lady." Sebastian remarked with a faint, amused smile. His tone, though polite as always, carried that subtle edge of playful mockery.

Ciel, currently dressed as a girl, shot Sebastian a glare, clearly unamused by his butler's commentary. On the other hand, I struggled to maintain my composure, silently cursing Sebastian for putting me in this position.

Screw you, Sebastian.

I managed to keep the words locked behind an impassive face.

No matter how absurd the situation might be, I wasn't about to let Sebastian have the satisfaction of seeing me break.