What I learned from my master through swords was the mind and preparedness I needed to carry, and also how I would have to approach a battle. I was then taught how to determine when to use my sword. A month had passed since I started learning how to use the sword from my master. Mysteriously I didn’t even plan to escape a single time from the mountain during those times. Becoming strong became the key source and the meaning for me to keep on living. Yes, like what my master said to me when he brought me here, “You won’t be able to take revenge or do anything if you aren’t strong”. It might be shocking but the first Devil I opened my heart to was—my master. I didn’t speak to him as how I should speak to someone who stands in a higher position than me; however I started to become capable of talking to my master. It happened when I went fishing together with him. It became normal for us to communicate while fishing under the hot sun. Master than asked. “Do you hate Devils?”
It was a sudden question. I answered by putting on a hard expression. “……. Devils are the enemies of humans. They are beings that destroy humans. ……That’s what I was told.”
It’s what I learned at the research facility. That was planted deep into me. Master smiled lightly. “You’re right. The Heaven—from the Churches perspective the Devils are enemy forces. However, that doesn’t mean that is everything.”
“……So, are the Devils on the human’s side……?”
Master didn’t shake his side vertically or horizontally to my question. Instead, he simply smiled. “For Devils, humans are an existence that need to exist. Devils had continued to exist since ancient times by receiving a price for the pact. Give and Take. It’s the fundamental theory of Devils. Well, there are Devils that do deceive humans, however there are humans that make a profit by deceiving Devils as well. So they’re doing the same to each other.”
“I know that. It’s just that I was told that Devils are an evil existence that prey on people's weaknesses.”
“Evil……I see.”
Master narrowed his eyes at the word evil. “……Actual evil is directed at those who are more worthless. ……Though you probably wouldn’t understand what I’m saying right now.”
“?”
That was something I couldn’t understand back then. Master caught a single fish and asked me another question. “Then, boy. Do you think Devils are beings that destroy humans? For example, do you think Rias-hime and I are beings that would destroy humans?”
—Rias Gremory. Rias Gremory had been coming to this mountain at times to see how I was doing ever since I was brought here. It seemed like she was worried about me and since I doubted her actions back then, I avoided seeing her as much as I could. No, I had started to feel it deep inside me. —That, the crimson hair girl isn’t a bad Devil. Her smile that was directed at me and the girl with beast ears……didn’t have the slightest feeling of evil intention and ulterior motive. “…………I don’t know.”
That was the best answer I could give. Master smiled lightly again. It seemed like he was enjoying how a child was thinking hard. “Please think by looking at many things. At least you were given the choice to do so. Did you know how wonderful that is? Imagine just how many of those there are in this world that don't even receive the chance to think……”
I could now understand what master said back then. However, back then I could only find it suspicious—. After that, master taught me many ways to “have fun”. Not only did he teach me fishing, but he also taught me how to cook, how to make handicrafts, how to play card games, how to spin a top, and how to sing a song. He even taught me how to write Japanese symbols from the basics. Yes, master shaped the person I am right now by teaching me gently—. It was always under the sunshine when he taught me about certain things. It was a weird and valuable time for me despite being a Devil. “……Okay.”
There was something I did once every few days. It was to make the graves for my comrades at the open field within the mountains. I was also able to make one today. I made swords delicately where each one of them had a different shape using my ability. I stabbed those swords into the earth and made a bump. ……I didn’t make a grave with a cross. There was no way I would. I didn’t carve their names either. I could tell which one of the graves is which even without carving their names. That was because I could remember the face of the particular comrade when I was standing in front of their grave. It would be complete if I make about ten more swords. ……The reason why I said “about” was because I was hesitant on whether to make my grave or not. I died as a human. However, I was a Devil. I was still hesitant on whether it was necessary to make a grave for me who died as a human. The one who would seek revenge was me as a Devil. ……No, I was still myself. I hadn’t disappeared yet. I did become a Devil, but I still exist right here. Then I wouldn’t need a grave. ……Except, it pains me that I couldn’t build the grave for them in our homeland. However, this place should also be okay if I think about it. I heard that Japan was a peaceful country. Then I wouldn’t need to worry about this place being destroyed. I placed the flowers on everyone’s grave. After closing my eyes, I tried to leave. It happened then—. [Houhou, a Devil that creates swords huh. This sure is rare.] A creepy voice that echoed throughout the mountains. I started to sense the surrounding. ……I can’t help but sense an ominous aura. Zushin, zushin…… The one who appeared while making heavy footsteps echoed within the surrounding was a giant with a head of a tiger—. He was a huge beast-man with the traits of a tiger on his body. His body was so huge that he was about five metres tall. The aura floating around his body was……a demonic-power! —He was a Devil. I never thought he would appear in a place far away from a human’s village…… He was most likely a “Stray Devil”. Back then I was already informed about “Stray Devils” from my master, so I got the grasp of the identity of that monster right away. The tiger beast-man grabbed onto one of the swords I made that was used as a grave. He used his big eyes to look at the sword enthusiastically. There were many sharp fangs lined up from his big mouth that was left open. [Demonic-sword? No, it’s an imitation of demonic-sword. It doesn’t even have a proper shape yet……however it is a rare ability.] I made a sword within my hand and made my stance at him. “Let go off that sword. That is……a grave!”
Even though I said that, the beast-man simply put on a disgusting smile. [A grave? This? Never mind. There’s something more important. Kid, come with me. It seems like you can be sold for a good price. You’re a “Stray” like me, right? I won’t treat you badly, you know?] …….It seemed like the beast-man took an interest to my ability so he must be craving for me. There was no reason for me to be taken away by this beast-man.