“How did you get here? You weren’t attacking me earlier even at the brink of death. Were you just reserving your magic to attack me after kicking me? But that’s too much of a hassle, you’re a life witch.” The Warlock said. So this mark represents life. And of all the marks Death could’ve given me, she chose to give me the mark of life? How convenient is that?

“I’m sorry, but what are life witches supposed to do? Should I revive myself after being killed?” Upon hearing this, he broke into laughter.

“Okay, that’s a good joke.” He said the moment he regained his composure. He looked at me and realized that I wasn’t kidding. “You know nothing? What are you? Secluded from the world your whole life?”

“Basically… Yeah.” That’s the story Death has woven for me in case anyone got suspicious as to why I knew nothing about anything. It is not uncommon for witches to be secluded but it is rare to meet someone of the kind. 

“Oh… But, that’s your magic. You know nothing about it?”

“No. I do know about reviving spells and transportation spells but that is all I know.”

“Why are they teaching you backward? Or is there even anyone who teaches you?” No, no one teaches me anything. I lack the resources to know anything and I’m doing things manually to gain knowledge about this place. But I just gave him a shrug. “How did you get here then? If you don’t know how to perform any spells capable of surviving in this place? Is it because of the magic you possess? Your transportation magic can be performed to wide ranges, is it?” He examined me and shook his head. “Your eyes are too light. Your magic is as weak as anyone else.”

“I live here, what do you mean with ‘how did I get here’? I should be the one asking that to you.” 

“You live here? As a life witch?” I nodded. “Oh… I’m a Mizushi* I calmed the ocean and used that path to get here.”

“Why would anyone as powerful as you want to live here? Sorcerers here are discriminated against and as I’ve heard, life is so much greater up there. There is no place in the lower for a warlock as capable as you are.”

“Of course there is.” He said then winked. He took a step back, creating distance between us, his motions purposeful as he began to collect the acid he had taken away earlier, carefully cradling it in his hands. “If there’s no more, I guess I should go back now. I’m sorry for the trouble and I hope you have a great day.” As he turned to leave, I automatically reached out and grabbed his hand, my grip tight and steady, stopping him in his tracks. Time seemed to stand still in that brief moment, the air thick with expectations, as our gazes engaged in an unsaid battle of wills.

“I know this place is very resourceful but do you intend to stay in that cave? I don’t know but the acid there could be dangerous.”

“I can control its intensity. It would do me no harm and I can use it for my defense. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“You’re planning to control it all the time? It could wear you out” I haven’t seen many sorcerers performing magic but the way he controls his requires strength. He’s a mortal and he could get tired. Holding the acid all the time is not possible alone.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go.”

“You can come with me.” I'd consider returning him to the upper state, but there's a gleam of usefulness in him that's difficult to dismiss. I can't afford to lose someone as valuable as him at a time like this.

“But–”

“Don’t worry, they’re welcoming sorcerers. They even welcomed me, see?” I said. They just kept me because they feel responsible for my stay here but I think I can convince Death to let him stay somehow. He has free access to information from the upper and no, I am not willing to lose that. “You can go back here anytime if you ever feel unwelcome in any way.”

“I am not letting my identity known to anyone.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And my identity is…?”

“Sorcerers here know that you’re an upper-class witch.”

“No, they don’t.” They barely know me. I just went out today and did nothing but pick a fight with the sorcerers I’ve met. Is that a mark enough?

“Okay… I guess. But just as you’ve told me, I’ll leave right away the moment I feel unwelcomed.” That’s enough assurance. I’d at least be able to pull him to Death’s place and the rest can be managed later.

I took the lead and we walked towards Death’s place. I left small marks so it would be easier for me to go back on my own. I picked them up as we go I intentionally placed small, unnoticeable markers along the path to act as breadcrumbs so it would be easier for me to go back on my own. These little and unassuming marks mix in with their environment, hiding from curious eyes who are unaware of their existence. Some are carefully hidden beneath the foliage, while others seek sanctuary in the crevices of old trees. As we go further, I deliberately collect these traces in case Death is trying to keep her place hidden from everyone. 

Before we left, he helped me collect samples of the strong acid found in the cave's depths, including one I had previously been unable to obtain due to its overwhelming intensity. He meticulously covered the area with a gelatinous, frosty substance, ensuring the safety of other sorcerers and unwary creatures who might stumble upon them. A similar precaution was taken at the cave's entrance, where the acid's fatal nature had claimed the lives of unfortunate beings and left a trail of charred trees in its wake. He hoped to preserve the delicate balance of its surroundings by disguising its presence, allowing it to remain undisturbed in its original setting.

“I think I know this place…?” He said. We are nearing the place. The dark forest eventually gave way as we passed a cluster of towering trees, revealing Death's chilling home. Swaths of linens hung from branches moved in the breeze, throwing spooky shadows over the picture. A little campfire crackled and flickered, its warm warmth contrasted with the chill in the air. The enormous rock loomed in the background, a monolithic guard protecting the secrets concealed within. A cold, whispering breeze swept through the clearing. I looked at him and he took a step back, “There is no way I am going there. Are you trying to kill me? Why did you take me to the House of Death?”

“Oh, so all sorcerers do know Death. She’s quite a celebrity isn’t she?”

“What do you mean? That witch brings death, how could sorcerers not know her?!” He exclaimed.

“What’s all this commotion about?” Death went out of the house and saw us both. She first looked at me then at the warlock. “You brought an upper-class witch?”

“Death, let me explain. But first, can you let him stay?” I said.

“No!” The Warlock and Death simultaneously said.

“Who asks the request first before the explanation? How am I supposed to let an upper-class warlock here? This place reeks of prejudice already. I can’t let another creature bring such to this place.” Death firmly said.

“But…” I started but Death cut me off.

“No, kid. And if he brings the authorities here? I am alive because there is no law here in the lower but the upper is different. They wouldn’t mind the lives of the creatures here but hearing of my existence would cause every single creature up there to panic. I can’t let you keep him here, kid. I’m merciful enough not to kill him. Bring him back to where you got him.” Death said then went back inside.

“There, a sign of not being welcomed. Am I allowed to go back to my cave now?” He said.

No, I am determined to keep this guy and I am not one to give up just because someone said no. I do whatever it takes to get what I want.