Day 723[1] in Jerrica's Labyrinth
The indigo void's darkness slowly gave way to the presence of starlight in the background. Countless light drops shone in the distance, giving the night sky a dark purple and blue tint. I found myself back under the familiar black neutron star being satellite by a crescent moon, but you wouldn't know it if you stared at it. It created a forever midnight that hugged me with a welcoming return, bringing back a euphoria I hadn't felt in a long time. The intoxicating fragrance of vanilla and jasmine wafted over me again, giving me a nostalgic feeling, one that settled deep in my bones. The air itself carried an embrace, thick with the warmth of familiarity and power.
Then, I was met by the familiar sultry voices of Sol, Nova, and Kyttin. I had to admit, it filled me with a joy that gave me butterflies.
"Young Daddy!" Nova's voice chimed, carrying a teasing playfulness laced with affection.
"Master Xi's here?" Kyttin purred, her tone carrying a tinge of excitement.
"Oh? Isn't this a surprise?" Sol's voice came smooth yet edged with curiosity and amusement.
As I looked behind me, my gaze landed first on Kyttin Luna, stepping toward me with effortless confidence. Her two tails danced slowly behind her, their tips curling and flicking in a hypnotic rhythm. Crimson and grey boots clung to her legs, and her thick thighs led up to high-cut shorts that accentuated her deep curves. That bra-like armor she wore? It defied every law of physics, barely containing the massive melons on her chest, yet somehow holding steady. Her red dreadlocks kissed with black at the tips, framed a face that was both mischievous and alluring, those mismatched blue and green eyes gleaming with excitement. The black and red spiked collar around her neck complemented the armor sleeve wrapped around her arm, its indigo spots and mana crystals pulsing softly with latent energy. And sitting at the center of her forehead, the small amethyst gem flickered, sending waves of mana through the air with each pulse.
Beside her stood two figures wrapped in shimmering mana silhouettes. The cerulean one, petite and barely an inch taller than Kyttin, had an almost ethereal presence. The delicate flutter behind her suggested wings, but they remained just barely out of sight, teasing the imagination. The shortest one, wrapped in a deep black hue, carried an unmistakable presence of ass. Thick in her lower half, her frame exuded an effortless sensuality, and there was no missing the four arms she possessed. Two crossed beneath her ample chest, pushing up their full weight as if to flaunt them, while the other two rested on her hips, emphasizing the sway in her movements as she approached with a hypnotic grace.
"Hey there, Master!" Kyttin called out with a playful smirk.
"Hey, umm, Twilight Goddess?" I greeted, though a bit unsure.
Sol chuckled, her voice carrying the same teasing edge. "That's only when we're combined. We have our own names, you know."
"So sexy, what are you doing here?" Nova asked, her voice dripping with hopeful curiosity.
"I was in the middle of evolving and ended up here," I explained, looking at the trio before me.
"Have you found our Artifacts yet?" Sol's voice carried a slight sting of attitude.
I sighed. "Not yet, but then again, I don't know what I'm searching for. Kyttin was right under my nose as the sword, Mikazuki."
Sol exhaled, but there was no true frustration in it. "I was teasing a bit. Our Artifacts will make their way to you, as they are linked to the fate of your soul. You just need to keep pushing forward."
That actually relieved some of the pressure weighing on me. "That relaxes a bit of stress. Just know, I will get you three back to complete."
"I know you will," Nova whispered, her voice soft, sultry, and full of promise.
Before I could bask in their presence longer, a sudden flicker in my peripheral caught my attention. A menu box popped up in front of me, projected as if floating in the space between us. The box displayed my current race evolution path options. My Oni Sage race could now become either a Midnight Oni or a Death Oni.
If you don't remember me mentioning it before, there is a correct path for the Soul Core to reach its maximum potential. A destined path, in a way. It might seem like a choice is being given, but in reality, the decision had already been made before the options even appeared. I've learned that when you ponder over decisions, you're justifying the choice you've already made. My mind was set—I just needed a moment to myself before proceeding.
"As much as I want to talk right now, ladies, I need to finish this. But I promise to give you all my attention as soon as I finish handling business."
That went over about as well as you'd expect—terribly.
Kyttin immediately pouted, crossing her arms beneath her chest with a huff. Even with no visible facial features, I could sense Nova's pout through her mana silhouette, her stance shifting in mild annoyance. Sol, meanwhile, simply exhaled, shaking her head as if dealing with a troublesome yet beloved fool.
"Fine," Sol conceded, though the reluctance was evident.
"We'll be waiting," Kyttin added, her tails flicking sharply behind her.
"Promise to hurry?" Nova's voice came in a whisper, a soft plea laced with something deeper.
I nodded. "I promise."
The radiant warmth of the Three Twilights wrapped around me like a lover's embrace, making it nearly impossible to tear myself away. But duty beckoned, and I had business to attend to. Right on cue, the familiar, steady voice of [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] resonated in my mind, clear as crystal and full of purpose.
"Master, shall we select your new path now?" Tsukuyomi asked, his tone both encouraging and measured.
I smirked, feeling the surge of anticipation mingling with the light of destiny. "Damn right, Tsuki. Let's go with Midnight Oni," I replied.
The menu box flickered, waiting for my input. Without hesitation, I reached forward and confirmed my evolution path.
Almost immediately, a silky, mocking chuckle drifted through the space. "Picking another variant path, huh," [Midnight Star: Belial] interjected smoothly, his voice a dark caress that slid into the conversation.
"Death Oni sounds cool, but something is pulling me towards Midnight Oni," I admitted, my inner resolve echoing like a battle cry.
The differences between these paths had become clear to me: while the Oni Sage form had allowed me to harmonize my magical might with my physical prowess, becoming a Death Oni would steer me into the necromancer's domain—a pinnacle evolution for an Oni with high magick stats, shaped by my relentless experiments with those zombies and undead. Yet, the Midnight Oni was something altogether different. The option's details proclaimed it as a new racial variant—a Devillord Class, heralded as the ultimate warrior of Majins. This evolution could only be unlocked by tapping into Divinity Mana as an Oni Sage.
I couldn't help but wonder how many other Majin even knew that such hidden evolutions existed. I had never met another Oni, nor did I have any cultural connection to my demon side—the American memories of my past offered little in that regard. But being born an Oni meant that conflict would always find me, whether I provoked it or it sought me out.
Without missing a beat, Tsukuyomi's calm voice returned. "Master, the Omnis Mana stored within your [Soul Inventory] has been absorbed by your newly created Pure Lord Seed."
"Is that a good thing?" I asked, half-amused and half-concerned, as the raw power of my Soul Core pulsed beneath my form.
"Lord Seeds develop and convert Omnis Mana into Ether, which empowers the Soul Core far beyond normal limits," Belial explained, his tone laced with both wisdom and a hint of approval.
Tsukuyomi added, "Your Sonata Soul Core is unique—it produces high amounts of Nihility, but only a small fraction is converted to usable Ether."
"With the amount of Omnis Mana you had stored, multiplied by [Dominus Avaritiae] over these few years, it has grown more than you think," Belial continued, his voice resonating with the gravity of cosmic potential.
I hesitated momentarily, then asked, "It should be alright, right?"
"Master, I would also like to inform you that [Dominus Avaritiae] has increased the amount of Soul Essence you've collected—giving you far beyond what you need to create a Pure Lord Seed. You have a tremendous amount remaining," Tsukuyomi reported, each word measured like a spell.
I mused aloud, "Hmm, so it works on that too. Well, can I give some to my brothers?"
"By using the [Crest Link], you can pass the Soul Essence as a gift to anyone with a Crest of The Wolfpak," Tsukuyomi instructed.
The possibilities of that new information hit me all at once. I instantly knew what I would do with my surplus: first, troll my younger brother by giving him just enough to upgrade his Lord Seed into a Pure version; then, test my ability to send essence across dimensional gaps by gifting Kimmi enough to forge her own Pure Lord Seed. If it weren't for my limitless storage, [Dominus Avaritiae] might have been a dangerous tool in the hands of the undisciplined. Overloading the Soul Core could lead to disastrous side effects, reducing both power and output. I recognized why Luda was an ideal candidate for such manipulation—even so, I knew that sooner or later, he'd have to shed old skills once his capacity was reached.
I often wondered if anyone had noticed my knack for manipulating the system, this hidden art of bending cosmic rules to my will. The thought sent a thrill through me, mingling with the ever-present surge of Mana that now flooded my Soul Core, unrestrained by previous caps.
After success with Art and Kimmi, I was eager to witness further evolution, so I turned my attention to Steez's V-Skill. With my mana cap removed, my MP surged continuously—a relentless tide of Bio Mana ready to be channeled. Thanks to [Skill Copy] and [Skill Synthesis], I toyed with the idea of merging [Midnight Star: Belial] with [Storm Sage: Susanoo].
But Tsukuyomi cautioned, "Belial is too big to copy; his data size is an infinity that expands with your power and MP. Instead, try copying fragments of modified Psions & Nihility from his coding."
Though the outcome was uncertain, I had little choice but to agree and complete the process.
The results proved astonishing. Steez's [Storm Sage: Susanoo] underwent a metamorphosis, transfiguring into [Afternoon Star: Belphegor]—a transformation that synchronized perfectly with his essence. Simultaneously, the installation of [Dominus Desidiae] finalized, confirming my theory that Star-titled V-Skills were intrinsically linked to Dominus abilities. As for my baby brother's capabilities turned out exactly as I'd predicted: his newfound power allowed him to temporarily halt time itself, freezing the world around him while he moved and acted freely—a gift that also slowed his aging, effectively extending his lifespan. This was the key to his [Chrono Trigger] skill, a secret I could now copy. With these enhancements securely stored, I found myself armed with four formidable Dominus skills. At that moment, I felt utterly unbeatable.
Suddenly, a flood of notifications overwhelmed me—far more than I'd ever experienced before. The Prime Realm System's voice boomed in my mind with an intensity that made every syllable feel like a burst of raw energy. It was as if a cosmic drumroll had begun, announcing my newly acquired skills with unyielding precision.
«Installing personal skill [8th Sense].
Installing personal skill [Titan Strength].
Installing personal skill [Ultimate Speed].
Installing personal skill [Ultimate Body].
Installing personal skill [Devil Intimidation]
Installing personal skill [Temperature Libra].
Installing personal skill [Temporal Control].
Installing personal skill [Time Rewind].
Installing defensive skill [Perfect Body].
Installing defensive skill [Status Aliment Nullification].»
It didn't stop. It was like she was freestyling in my head.
«Evolving personal skill [Super Smell] to [Hyper Smell].
Evolving personal skill [Accelerated Mind] to [Accelerated Mind Plus].
Evolving personal skill [Parallel Thinking] to [Parallel Thinking Plus].
Evolving personal skill [Area Detection] to [Dimensional Detection].
Evolving personal skill [Soul Inventory] to [Midnight World].
Evolving personal skill [Energy Devour] to [Absolute Absorption].
Evolving personal skill [Perfect Mana Control] to [Absolute Mana Manipulation].
Combining personal skills [Spatial Control] and [Temporal Control] to [Absolute Spacetime Manipulation].
Evolving personal skill [Dispel] to [Absolute Spell Removal].
Evolving personal skill [Chant-Less Cast] to [Free Cast].
Evolving defensive skill [Mental Ignorance] to [Law Breaker].
Evolving combined personal skills [Fire, Water, Earth, and Air Control] to [Absolute Elemental Manipulation].
Evolving combined personal skills [Soul Domination] & [Mind Domination] to [Absolute Domination].
Evolving personal skill [Neutrino Rush] into divinity skill [Neutrino Devil].
Installing divinity skill [Trance: Ookami].»
Each update reverberated through my consciousness like a series of thunderclaps, electrifying every fiber of my being. The sheer volume of new abilities made my mind buzz with possibilities, even as I fought the urge to nod off from the overload of data.
It was almost overwhelming. I imagined Tsukuyomi laboriously breaking down each new skill for me, and the thought was enough to send a shiver down my spine. But the Prime Realm System wasn't done yet. Its voice returned, even more resolute than before:
"The necessary amount of Omnis Mana has been registered. Beginning the blossom of the Pure Lord Seed. Expected Battle Power Classification: Z."
In that instant, a surge of energy exploded through my ethereal form. I felt an unmatched, pulsating power radiate from deep within me, like a growing catastrophe that threatened to burst through my very veins. The sensation was both overwhelming and exhilarating—a perfect storm of raw magic that eclipsed every ounce of strength I had ever known. With this monumental surge, I knew that Taurus and any who dared oppose me would crumble like sandcastles before the tide. No matter who stood in my path, I vowed that I would never taste defeat again.
Everything shifted in an instant. The void around me twisted, space folding over itself as power surged through my veins. A deep, ancient force wrapped around my soul, solidifying the next step of my journey.
Consciousness slammed back into me, like a tide smashing against jagged cliffs. I was already standing, my feet planted firmly against the temple floor, yet the sensation of weight felt different—heavier, but in a way that spoke of strength rather than burden. My limbs, my torso, and even my very breath felt altered. Taller. Denser. Mature.
As my vision adjusted with new clarity, the golden glow of the temple light seared into my eyes. A fog of raw magical energy hissed from my skin, making the first few seconds disorienting. My body was venting mana so intensely that the air itself shimmered like heat warping the horizon in a desert. I had to focus, grounding myself within the flood of power surging through me.
"Damnit, Xi, just when I caught up in strength. You go and do this." Luda's voice was a blend of exasperation and reluctant admiration.
"Holy shit, Xiro. Are you okay?" Alex asked, his tone laced with genuine concern.
"Why do you look like that, big bro?" Steez's voice held both curiosity and unease.
"My look?"
My brow furrowed at the question, but the moment I truly tried to focus on them, I understood. The excessive mana I was exuding had thickened into a gravitational force, distorting the very space around me. My brothers weren't seeing me as I was—they were perceiving a twisted, unstable form, a sinister mass of mana with three shifting eyes and a suffocating aura that could crush lesser beings just by proximity.
"Are you going to do something about that uncontrolled energy?" Luda crossed his arms, unimpressed.
"Yeah, just a sec."
I forced all Bio Mana to circulate inward, sealing it within my core. Like a tide receding, the excess energy funneled into my [Midnight World], where my upgraded [Soul Inventory] had expanded beyond a mere galaxy—it was now an entire universe. An infinite storage that swallowed the overflow of magic like a black hole devouring light. The oppressive miasma dissipated instantly, revealing my new form.
"Woah, he got them whiskers as well," Steez pointed out.
"I told you, that's facial hair," Artamis corrected, shaking his head.
Luda smirked. "That's much better. Take a look at the Devil of Velonica."
"He looks taller to me," Alex observed, tilting his head.
That sparked a curiosity I had to satisfy. I needed to see myself. And with this limitless mana control, I had the perfect way to do it.
Summoning an orb of Earth Mana, I structured silicon-based compounds into a smooth, flat surface, then used Fire Mana to refine it to a molecular polish. A thin layer of Lunar Mana stabilized the reflection, making the surface act like a flawless mirror. To prevent easy shattering, I reinforced it with Water Mana for flexibility and Wind Mana for impact resistance. The whole process took three seconds. Vanity, solved.
Luda whistled. "Your mana freestyling has massively improved."
"That was sick," Steez added, eyes wide.
"I've never seen you do that without stopping in between," Artamis noted.
I ignored their fascination, eager to see the changes for myself.
My dreadlocks had grown to my shoulders, their length adding an almost regal weight to my stance. My horns, thicker and slightly curved, now bore a deep violet hue. My silver irises were tinged with indigo, a subtle glow betraying the sheer mana coursing through me. My skin remained a rich cinnamon shade, but my fingernails had sharpened into onyx-hued claws. My physique had hardened, my body stronger. And a goatee crowning my lips and chin to wrap up the look.
And then it clicked. I was no longer a juvenile. I had reached my adult sociovore stage. That meant I could reproduce. That meant my previous limitations—both physical and mental—were gone. The lingering haze of youth that once dulled my thoughts had lifted. My mind was sharper. My confidence was absolute. Unbreakable.
"Interesting," I muttered, flexing my fingers, feeling the new power in my grasp.
"Aye, can I see that when you finish?" Alex asked, peering over my shoulder.
I turned the mirror, finally taking in my brothers' new forms. Each of them had evolved into something greater.
Steez had transformed into a Hayai Celestial. His movements were ahead of time, each tick of his existence slightly faster than reality could register. His youthful face remained during this juvenile stage, but his High Top Fade had transitioned into braids that curved into an afro at the back of the skull. The vessel marks along his left arm had grown, now more prominent. His heterochromatic eyes had a stronger glow, but despite the small changes, his essence remained—Cool Kid Steez, unfazed by even evolution itself.
Alex had become a Warlord Tengu. Like Steez, he was in his young adult stage, but unlike Steez, the Majin traits of the Tengu had finally gifted him a rope halo of braided energy, much like his father's, that rested around his forehead. Face produced a white set of vessel marks that masked down his eyes like permanent war paint. Although his muscles were larger, he still lacked wings or the tail that Tengu were famous for. The Full Moon Effect had softened the red tips of his hair, which had grown slightly longer. He stood taller at 170 centimeters, his build now sporting a warrior's frame. The glint in his scarlet eyes was unmistakable—he was proud of his new form.
Luda had ascended to a Prime Celestial. He stood at 180 centimeters, his once-short cornrows now a cascade of emerald-tinted dreadlocks twisted into deep coils. The small growth of a beard also graced his face. A regal aura accompanied the strength his new body had shown. Celestials typically evolved internally more than externally, but the difference in his presence was unmistakable. The playful prince had gained a sense of maturity.
Artamis, though, was the most changed. Due to my interference with his Lord Seed, he had evolved into a Nephilim. Newly pointed ears and claws graced his once Celestial features. His skin tone had darkened by a shade, showing more red in its tint. Facial hair now graced the bottom of his chin, but his eyes truly stood out. The vessel marks over each eye created two diamonds, while his sclera blackened and his pupils glowed green with a yellow iris. His transformation had also shot his height up to mine—we now stood equally at 183 centimeters. With a herculean build, it was hard to tell he was the younger brother.
Tsukuyomi's voice echoed within me. "Due to the strong amount of Nihility within your Soul Core, you affected the Soul Essence you transferred over to him. It altered his evolution, giving him Majin genetics."
I smirked. "I like the signature."
Artamis rubbed his face, exhaling hard. "Man, I knew you had something to do with this. You really just hijacked my whole evolution like that?"
"I had my reasons. The future is looking rocky. I'm going to need all y'all strong enough to survive whatever comes next."
Artamis exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "You just don't listen, Xi. You're going to see why you shouldn't give a nigga like me all this power."
I shrugged. "We'll deal with whatever problems pop up."
The weight of our evolutions settled into the air like a dense fog, pressing down with an undeniable force. The changes weren't just cosmetic—our new forms carried a power that crackled beneath the surface, raw and unrestrained. Alex and Artamis' base power stood at high S-Class, their auras humming with an intensity they had never possessed before. Meanwhile, Luda and Steez had ascended to the level of SS-Class, a rank that put them on par with the monsters of legend. It was overwhelming, intoxicating even. Yet, despite their newfound might, I remained the outlier—an anomaly that defied logic.
Luda leaned forward, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized me. "Are we going to talk about your battle power, Xi?"
I exhaled, letting the reality of my strength sink in. "I admit, it surprised me as well."
Luda scoffed, shaking his head. "No doubt you will become a Demon Lord, but your power level will completely unbalance the established kingdoms and nations. Out of fear, others will either seek to ally with you or join together to destroy you. Even the Humans will be forced to pay attention to you."
Alex let out a low whistle. "I can't even sense an end to your mana signature. It's insane, bro. I didn't know someone could get that strong."
Luda nodded in agreement. "Which is why he needs to be prepared for all the attention this new level of strength is about to bring him."
I raised a brow. "How will it be different from the normal attention I get?"
Luda leaned back, arms crossed. "People beyond Arcadia will now be turning their eyes to you. Even the Human's Holy Church will find interest in you."
That part made me pause. The Humans had largely ignored me until now, but I knew their history—when they noticed something that challenged their dominion, they either tried to claim it or erase it.
"And you? None of you are weak," I shot back, glancing around at my brothers.
Luda smirked, his confidence unwavering. "I'm already your ally, so when I take the throne, you will have even more strength supporting you. If any of the others decide to build or take over a nation, that would only benefit you and our royal concord. You could become a High King like back in the Arcadia United Era."
I frowned. "Why would I want that much responsibility?"
Luda chuckled. "Great responsibility tends to come with great power."
I scoffed. "I'm not playing a hero, tho."
Luda replied. "No. You're playing a ruler."
Alex leaned in with an eager glint in his eye. "So Xi, you think you can beat the Trappers now?"
A small moment of silence swept through the room as everyone turned their eyes toward me. The weight of the question settled over us, thick with expectation. I met their stares with a slow, deliberate grin, a dark amusement curling at the edges of my lips. I nodded, my response carrying a sinister rhythm.
"I'll never lose again."
Luda's eyes gleamed with approval. "I would expect no less, my brother."
Steez clapped his hands together with a smirk. "The part of the Realest Nigga Alive is already taken, so handle that demon lord king shit."
Artamis shrugged, his tone dry as ever. "As long as I can get back to making stuff in peace, I'll support you, Xi."
I wasn't too big on Luda's idea of ruling more than Velonica, at first. Yeah, the Trappers were an issue to the planet of Gaia, but my crusade against the Heavens was personal. Everyone else on Gaia was lucky they were already in my future paradise. I didn't care too much about others outside of my hometown and clan, as I hadn't traveled anywhere outside of Talasi. Maybe it was that moment that made me feel the need to see more Arcadia before passing judgment. But that would have to wait til after I left the labyrinth.
The Prime Realm System flickered to life, its voice echoing through the chamber with mechanical precision, signaling the end of our brief respite.
«Please use an entrance to begin the Trial of the Bad.»
Luda stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders. "Looks like break's over."
I cracked my knuckles, stepping forward with an air of casual dominance. "Look alive, fellas."
I took a moment, my gaze sweeping over my brothers once more. The shifts in their mana signatures were unmistakable—grittier, heavier, more battle-hardened. The trials had reshaped them into something greater, something fiercer. I felt an immense sense of pride swelling in my chest.
"Before we each go to smoke our tests, I want y'all to know that y'all make me proud," I said, my voice steady.
Artamis recoiled, a look of exaggerated disgust on his face. "Eww, Xi. Why are you getting mushy and shit? Man up."
Alex grinned. "Appreciate that, bro."
Steez nodded. "You know the vibes."
Luda smirked, his expression full of certainty. "We're just fulfilling our fates of being the greatest artists Gaia has ever seen."
With that, we each turned to our respective doorways, ready to face whatever awaited us on the other side. Normally, the unknown would spark some level of apprehension, but all I felt was confidence. My Dominus skill was in full cruise control. With squared shoulders, a sharp gaze, and my head held high, I strode forward—not as the teenager I once was, but as something far more dangerous.
A new man. A new demon.
The New Devil of Velonica.
Back in Velonica
3rd Day of 1st Fire Cycle, 2000 g.c.
The Mortal Realm lay blanketed in the serene glow of moonlight, its quiet vastness stretching far beyond the horizon. In the northern lands of Velonica, a two-horse-drawn carriage rolled steadily along a narrow path, weaving through the haunting beauty of the Janell Forest. The trees—newly grown, pristine, and otherworldly—stood like celestial sentinels, their bark a luminous white, reflecting the moon's pale silver light. Wisps of ethereal mist slithered across the ground, curling around the carriage wheels as they cut through the hush of the night.
Inside the carriage sat three Celestials—Abdul Vega, Yoona Haru, and Beau Soleil—each shrouded in dark cloaks that concealed all but their faces. Time had sculpted them into sharper, more formidable beings, their once-youthful features now carrying the weight of power and experience. Alongside them was Kiranna, a burgundy-shaded Imp, her medium-length blonde hair tousled slightly by the cool night breeze. Silver glasses rested on her nose, glinting faintly in the dim light, and her hyper-pink lips curled slightly in amusement as she leaned back, arms crossed. Her multiple horns protruded slightly from her hood, giving her an unmistakably demonic silhouette.
The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels was interrupted by Kiranna's impatient voice.
"How much longer to this place? The bugs here are vexing." She swatted at an unseen pest, scowling into the darkness beyond the carriage's open window.
Abdul, sitting across from her with his arms folded, glanced out at the endless stretch of pale trees before responding. "Looks like we're about four days out."
Kiranna groaned dramatically, slumping against the seat. "Great. It's givin' boredom."
Abdul smirked. "Still, I can't believe the Panty Raiders sent one of their witches for this. This will be a piece of cake."
Kiranna raised a brow, her expression shifting into something more intrigued than annoyed. "I admit, I never knew you could challenge a Demon Lord for their title."
Beau, who sat nearest to the carriage door, adjusting his gloves idly, spoke with his smooth, distinctly Soleil Clan accent. "It is not widely known because not many people 'ave ze strength to battle a Demon Lord with a chance of victory."
Kiranna scoffed, turning her sharp gaze to him. "Oh? So even after taking those Cultivation Pills, you still aren't strong enough to defeat her alone? Such a weak man."
Beau's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I may be stronger, but she is still a Godwalker."
Abdul nodded in agreement. "Even Mythwalkers like us are often at the whim of a Godwalker's abilities."
Yoona, her voice carrying a Haru Clan lilt, added, "Normally, it would take five Mythwalkers to equal the power of one Godwalker."
Abdul stroked his chin. "That's if they are all the same battle class as the Godwalker."
Yoona nodded. "So for you to be just a safety in case the battle goes left should show you just how much stronger he has become."
Kiranna chuckled darkly. "You standing up for him, girlfriend? Haha, whatever. I'll change my mind after I see what he can do in a fight."
Yoona's gaze hardened. "Just remember to hold up your end of the bargain."
Kiranna rolled her eyes. "Yea, yea. If I help you win, we can freely raid villages in Velonica under his clan's rule. I know my job, girl."
Yoona narrowed her eyes. "Are you even strong? I don't sense anything special."
Kiranna's smirk widened. "I'm suppressing my signature. I learned this from Luvina. It lets me stay under detection from a lot of people. But I'm an S-Class."
Beau nodded, his tone one of acknowledgment. "Ze Sycamore Witches are well-known S-Class sociovores. Ze rest of their gang, ze Panty Raiders, are much weaker."
Kiranna tilted her head, watching the Celestials closely. "Still, I can't believe y'all are attacking the mother of that Oni everyone talks about."
Abdul leaned back, folding his arms. "Xiro Mikazuki hasn't been seen there in month cycles. None of the males from that Clan or that prince from the north, either."
Beau's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "He will be dealt with once we obtain ze Crown of ze Demon Lord."
Kiranna's expression became curious. "What's that?"
Abdul's tone lowered slightly, making it clear he wasn't supposed to say too much. "It's what grants you the title of Demon Lord, but that's not all. It's like an Artifact that's said to generate endless mana and magick power."
Yoona shot him a sharp look. "Hush, Abdul. Even if she is helping us, if she doesn't know that much, then she shouldn't know. This is noble clan business, anyway."
Kiranna's mood instantly soured. "Damn, bitch, what's your problem?"
Yoona's voice was cold as ice. "YOU, are my problem. I don't trust a Panty Raider around my party. I've heard the stories of your group."
Abdul sighed. "Chill out, Yoona. We went to them for help. Without their strength, this wouldn't be such a guaranteed victory."
Yoona crossed her arms. "We could have asked that money-hungry bastard in Babylonia."
Beau's tone sharpened. "Humans are not to be trusted."
Yoona glared at him. "Neither should these witches."
Kiranna's face twisted with irritation. "Wait a minute, bitch—"
Before the argument could escalate further, Abdul suddenly sat up straighter, his eyes narrowing at the road ahead. "You girls cut it out. It looks like someone's standing on the road."
The air inside the carriage turned heavy as all eyes shifted to the front. The horses slowed, their breaths visible in the cool night air. Just beyond the rolling mist, under the ghostly light of the Janell trees, stood a lone figure. Cloaked. Motionless. Waiting.
Moonlight poured in silver ribbons over the ghostly white trees of Janell Forest. Their divine branches shimmered like crystals in the breeze, whispering against one another as the northern winds rolled through. The air smelled of frost-kissed earth, damp bark, and the lingering essence of something arcane—energy unseen but felt deep in the bones.
The carriage driver tightened his grip on the reins as their carriage lurched to a sudden stop, the horses rearing back with frightened whinnies. Their nervous hooves kicked up the soft frost-dusted soil, a sign of the unease bleeding into the atmosphere. The reason for their distress stood ahead—a pair of cloaked figures blocking the road, their presence dripping with unspoken menace. One, a hulking mass of fur and battle-hardened muscle, loomed with a powerful stance, gripping a curved saber with unwavering conviction. His single visible eye burned with a blue glow, the other obscured behind a well-worn eyepatch. The second figure, smaller but no less formidable, was a blonde-orange Vulpin with an elegant yet fierce aura. Her bushy, white-dipped tail flicked behind her as piercing blue eyes took in the group before her. A familiar Crescent Moon made from a mnemonic crystal hung silently from her neck as a polished quarterstaff rested on her back, its presence a silent promise of her skill in combat.
Melech Una and his daughter, Ameera.
The quiet tension snapped with the wolven's growl, his voice a deep, rolling thunder that shook the night.
"Reveal yourself, witch! I can smell you in there."
A slow smirk spread across Kiranna's bubblegum lips as she exhaled through her nose, seemingly unbothered by the aggression. With an almost theatrical grace, she stepped from the carriage, the rest of the party following behind her. Their cloaks shifted in the night air, hiding the true forms of three Celestials and the Imp under their dark folds. Yet Melech's gaze never once strayed from the Imp herself. The quiet, simmering loathing in his stance was impossible to miss, his grip on the saber tightening until his knuckles paled beneath his fur.
Kiranna tilted her head with playful nonchalance. "Now, now, now. It sounded like you were threatening me. But I don't even know who you are, doggo."
Ameera took a cautious step forward, fingers hovering near the staff on her back. "Wait, Father, who is that? She doesn't match The Harlequin Witch's description."
Kiranna let out a snicker, flicking a strand of blonde hair from her face. "You're right, fox. I'm The Bloody Witch, not The Harlequin Witch. Same covenant, different Boss Bitch."
Beau chuckled, his arms folding behind his back as he leaned slightly toward Kiranna. "Who is ze mutt? An ex-boyfriend of yours?"
Kiranna snorted. "Never seen this brown doggo before in my life."
Melech bared his fangs, stepping forward with a snarl. "The same stench that rested on The Harlequin Witch is leaking from you. Tell me where they've taken my brethren!"
A look of realization flickered in Kiranna's sharp eyes before she gave a casual shrug. "Brethren? Oh, I get it now. You're from a village that Azumi raided. I told that girl that she needed to learn to check some of those dead bodies for a pulse." She sighed, pressing her palm to her forehead in exaggerated exasperation.
Melech's patience snapped. "Enough! If you won't volunteer the information, then I'll just make you talk."
A metallic rasp cut through the air as he drew his saber, the edge gleaming under the tri-moons' cold lights. Ameera followed suit, her fingers wrapping tightly around the quarterstaff now in her hands, her eyes flickering with growing concern. The tension thickened, an electric charge in the air as a fight loomed just on the horizon.
Abdul muttered under his breath, eyes sharp with calculation. "They mean business. Do we engage?"
Yoona smirked, leaning slightly to the side, her dark eyes glinting with curiosity. "Let's not. This is a good time to see just how strong the witch claims to be."
Beau nodded, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Agreed. Since their conflict is with 'er, we shall spectate to save MP for our fight with Lady Vericka."
Kiranna turned to face them with a moment of mild confusion, then shrugged. "That's fine. I was curious about Cultivation Pills in actual battle, but their mana signature is givin' weaklings. So I'll handle this, quickly."
Melech's grip on his weapon was ironclad, his voice unwavering. "You will give me the answers I desire, witch. I will not leave my brother, Roman, to his fate."
Ameera clenched her jaw, mind racing with a private realization. "Father's rage must blind him from that dangerous scent in her signature. She's not as weak as she's pretending. Creator, protect us and my Uncle Roman."
Her grip on her quarterstaff tightened, preparing for what she knew in her bones would be a battle where survival was not guaranteed.
[End of Chapter]
[1] Year 5.