ã€ŠDemon Heart ~ Rebirth of a Slayerã€‹


 Awakening from the Darkness

    As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the evening sky in hues of gold, I take a moment to savor the tranquility of this ordinary evening. It¡¯s the last day of high school, and I can¡¯t help but reflect on the journey that has brought me here. My name is Haruto Raikou.

    ¡°What a normal day. Now what am I gonna do¡ª¡±

    ¡°AHHHHHHH¡­.¡±

    I whip my head toward the source of the piercing scream, and my heart drops. A group of shadowy figures looms over a girl, their hands gripping her as they attempt to drag her into a waiting van. That girl is none other than my friend and secret crush, Yuzuki.

    I feel my adrenaline rushing, and I sprint at full speed. Launching myself into the air, I strike the face of the guy pulling her away.

    ¡°Are you okay, Yuzuki?¡± I ask, but she is still crying. ¡°Just go! I¡¯ll handle this!¡± I don¡¯t know how those words came out of my mouth. I¡¯ve never been in a fight before. What am I going to do?

    The group seems shocked by my sudden attack, but their menacing expressions quickly return.

    ¡°Hey, kiddo, I¡¯ll give you one last chance: get the hell out of here, or else¡ª¡±

    ¡°What are you gonna do, fat-ass?¡± I retort, feeling blood rush to my head. I glance back at Yuzuki, who has managed to run away. Thank goodness she escaped. But as I turn back, a fist crashes into my face. Everything blurs with the impact. I want to fight back, but no matter how hard I try, I can¡¯t focus. Suddenly, another punch hits me in the belly, and my legs give way beneath me. Punches and kicks rain down, and I feel the world slipping away.

    Suddenly, the group jumps into the van and speeds off. I look up, relieved to see Yuzuki with a group of people. The attackers flee in panic.

    My whole body feels light. I know this is the end. I hear voices around me. Some are calling for an ambulance. I look at my hands, bathed in my own blood. ¡°It hurts. It hurts. Why is this not going to end soon?¡± Just then, Yuzuki takes my hand. I see her tear-streaked face, and it makes me smile.

    ¡°Why are you smiling, Haruto?¡± she asks, her voice quivering.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since¡ª¡± I cough. ¡°We were friends. I always wanted to say this. I lov¡­e y¡ª¡±

    Everything goes silent, and my vision fades to black. I don¡¯t know what happened, but now I feel like a feather gliding through the wind.

    ¡°Did I really say it? Now what?¡±

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    I never thought I¡¯d die this way. I don¡¯t even know if this is a dream or reality. Everything around me is dark. When I look down, there¡¯s nothing but a pure abyss. I don¡¯t see anything either, but it feels like I¡¯m floating, like an astronaut in space.

    ¡°Now what am I going to¡ª¡±

    I suddenly feel warmth, like sunlight pouring over me. I open my eyes to find myself in a bed that isn¡¯t an ordinary hospital bed. I hear birds chirping and people chatting outside. I look around; the house¡¯s architecture is unfamiliar and somewhat old-fashioned. Suddenly, the door opens. A beautiful lady enters. I try to call her, but I can¡¯t tell if any sound is coming from my mouth. When she looks at me, I suddenly pass out.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is her dress unfamiliar? Am I really dreaming? Or am I really dead? What¡¯s happening?¡±

    As I wake up again, my body feels heavy and unresponsive. I look everywhere, hoping it was all a dream, but then I see the lady sitting next to the bed.

    ¡°Miss¡­¡± I try to call her.

    ¡°Oh my! You¡¯re awake! Thank goodness!¡±

    She helps me sit up against the soft fabric of the bed, raising my head and shoulders into the light. The warmth of the sun streams in, contrasting with the darkness I just escaped. I blink a few times, trying to clear the haze in my mind, and catch a glimpse of the beautiful lady standing beside me.

    ¡°Who are you? Where am I? What is this place?¡±

    ¡°Now, now, calm down,¡± she says with a soothing voice and a beautiful smile.

    ¡°My name is Emiko. I''m the one treating the people in this village. Our hunters found you lying deep in the forest, unconscious. They brought you here. Now you are in my shop.¡±

    As she describes everything, I try to get up on my own.

    ¡°No, no, you can¡¯t get up right now; you are still healing,¡± she insists.

    I realize she¡¯s right, as I still don¡¯t have the strength to move my legs. I lie back down, trying to piece together what¡¯s going on. It seems I¡¯m in a village. I don¡¯t know where, but the people seem nice. It¡¯s strange¡ªthough I died at 18, my body now feels like it belongs to someone who¡¯s 25. After a few days, my body was finally ready to walk around.

    Just as I thought, this village is more like old villages in games. People seems normal but every time I look at them there is something I don¡¯t understand. With the sun shining brightly overhead, the village buzzes with energy. The sounds of the blacksmith striking iron, street vendors calling out to sell their goods to the villagers, and children playing in the streets surround me. It somehow makes me feel calm and happy, even though I still don¡¯t know where I am.

    ¡°Hey kiddo!¡± a sudden deep voice came behind me. As I turn around there is group of men coming at me.

    ¡°Look boys isn¡¯t that the kid we rescued from the forest?¡± man with a beard asks others while pointing me with his Claymore sword.

    ¡°how are ya kiddo? Everything fine?¡±

    I don¡¯t know why they¡¯re calling me ''kid'' or ''kiddo,'' even though I have this body.

    ¡°I feels great thanks to the Lady Emiko. And thank you for saving me back there¡± I say, bowing to show my gratitude.

    ¡°Oh, its our job kiddo. By the way, how did you end up there deep in the forest? Do you remember anything?¡±

    How can I say I was dead while trying to save a girl and ended up here? Will they believe me?

    ¡°No. Only thing I remember is my name: Haruto Raikou. I don¡¯t know how I ended up there¡±

    ¡°Now, now, kiddo¡ªoh, what was the name again? Ah, right, Haruto! Don¡¯t think about it. Ya¡¯re safe now. It¡¯s getting dark; go back to Emiko¡¯s shop. If you need anything, ask her. She¡¯ll help ya. See ya!¡± he says as he and the group walk past me.

    After they walk past me, I turn and begin making my way back to Emiko''s shop. As the sun sets and dark spreads the everlasting energy of the village seems to fade. The vendors cleaning their stalls while others going back to their home. Everyone readying for a peaceful night. After few minutes I arrive at Emiko¡¯s Shop.

    ¡°Oh my, welcome, Haruto! How was your day? Did you enjoy our small village?¡± she says in her soothing voice as she arranges medicines on the shelf.

    ¡°Yeah, it was a nice journ¡ªWAIT! I never told you my name! The only one I told was that big guy with the claymore sword. He went to the other side of the village, so there¡¯s no way you could have met him.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, Haruto? Can¡¯t you see my name and level above my head?¡± she asks, her face filled with curiosity.

    Level? What is she talking about? I walked all around the village and didn¡¯t see anything like that. This world feels more and more like a game.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I don¡¯t see any level or name,¡± I say, feeling my head spin. Levels? This is too much to process.

    ¡°That¡¯s strange¡­ I never saw someone who can¡¯t see others levels and names. And come to think of it, I only see your name. And it didn''t appear until a few days after we brought you to the village. Your level doesn¡¯t show a fixed number either¡ªit changes every time,¡± she says as she walking toward me.

    ¡° I¡­ I¡­ don¡¯t kno¡ª¡± A loud, siren-like sound interrupts me, coming from outside. I hear people screaming and running past the shop. Then suddenly¡­

 Howls in the Night...

    ¡°Rawwrrr¡­¡±A deep roar echoes from afar. I glance at Emiko¡¯s face. Her usual happy expression is gone, replaced by fear. She rushes outside, and there stands the big bearded man in front of the shop.¡°Gorou! What¡¯s happening outside? Is it another attack?¡± she asks, her voice filled with panic. Even though I¡¯ve only known her for 9 or 10 days, I¡¯ve never seen her this panicked. There were times when this shop was filled with injured people, hurt by random things. Even though she works alone, she never panicked.

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s those damn mutts again. This is the second time in the past 10 days. We still don¡¯t know what¡¯s provoking them so much. A lot of hunters are outside the village, so we¡¯re low on men¡ªbut don¡¯t worry, we got this!¡± he says with a big smile, trying to comfort Emiko.

    ¡°Let me help too! I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening outside, but I want to help however I can to repay my debt,¡± I say, clenching my fists.

    ¡°But kiddo, you¡¯re still¡ª¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m fine now. I can help. You said you¡¯re low on manpower. I can do as much as I can. Please, let me help you,¡± I interrupt, insisting. I don¡¯t know how much I can do, but these people rescued me, treated me, and helped me. Now it¡¯s time to show my gratitude.

    ¡°Hmm, it seems you¡¯ve got good courage. If you insist, we can¡¯t stop you. But before that...¡± Emiko walks into the room at the back of the shop. A few minutes later, she returns with a dusty leather armor and a black katana with a golden hilt.

    ¡°This armor belonged to my brother. He died a few years ago in a war against the monsters.This katana is called Reikizuna, and it¡¯s from my father. According to him, this katana connects to the heart of the user. If you really want to help, take these and get ready,¡± she says, handing me the weapon and armor.

    ¡°Alright kiddo, get ready. I¡¯ll be here. Hurry up, don¡¯t be late.¡±As Gorou finishes speaking, I rush inside to get ready. I quickly put on my chestplate, spaulders, and greaves. The sounds from outside grow more intense by the second, and roars now echo closer to the village. I think it¡¯s a pack of wolves, but based on everything I¡¯ve heard, I¡¯m not sure these are normal wolves. I need to hurry. Tightening my bracers as I run outside, I spot Emiko¡¯s face, pale and frightened like she¡¯s seen a ghost.

    "Oh my, you look great in them. Sorry for the dust... I haven¡¯t brought them out since my brother¡¯s death," she says in a faint voice, wiping away the tear running down her cheek. Seeing me in her brother¡¯s armor, holding her father¡¯s katana, must have hit a soft spot.

    "Alright, kiddo¡ªI mean, Haruto, let¡¯s go!" Gorou says, turning to march toward the battleground. I grip Reikizuna tightly and follow behind him. As we approach the village gates, I see 15 warriors, armed with swords, spears, and shields, awaiting Gorou¡¯s command.

    "Sir Gorou, we¡¯ve gathered everything as you instructed," one guard says.

    "Good job! The villagers near the gates have been evacuated to the center. Let¡¯s get ready for battle!" Gorou roars, raising his claymore high. The warriors follow his lead.

    Suddenly, a chilling howl echoes across the battlefield, freezing me in place. Even the finest soldier would shiver at the sound. In the moonlit horizon, a pack of 20 wolves growls at us. Their black bodies shimmer under the moonlight, but these are no ordinary wolves. They¡¯re twice the size of the ones from my world. Their eyes burn like red-hot coals. No, I can¡¯t be afraid now. Emiko entrusted me with this. I can¡¯t turn back. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going to happen, but we¡¯ll win.

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    I draw the blade. The moment I unsheathe Reikizuna, a brilliant orange light erupts across the battlefield, illuminating everything. The blade blazes with fierce orange flames, casting flickering shadows on the faces of my allies and enemies. Gasps of astonishment ripple through the crowd, and all eyes turn to the glowing katana. Whispers of disbelief fill the air as the flames crackle, drawing everyone''s attention to the weapon in my hand. It feels like time has stopped, and in this moment, Reikizuna becomes the center of the world.

    The wolves growl more fiercely. From the back of the pack, a larger wolf strides forward, its forehead glinting under the moonlight.

    "Haruto, do you see the wolf with the glowing gem on its forehead? That¡¯s the pack leader. Emiko told me you can¡¯t see any details, but don¡¯t worry. Stay close and assist me," Gorou says, his voice low but steady.

    The wolf leader howls at the moon, signaling the start of the battle. The wolves charge, but Gorou commands everyone to hold their position. I tighten my grip on Reikizuna and brace for the attack. Both sides clash. Gorou swings his claymore, sending wolves flying. Another wolf leaps at me. I thrust my katana into its chest as it jumps. The wolf falls dead, its wound still burning with Reikizuna''s flames.

    The battle lasts only a few minutes. Despite being outnumbered, we take down many wolves, their bodies scattering like fallen gems and gold across the ground. But just as we begin to gain the upper hand, the pack leader leaps into the fray. Faster than any other wolf, it charges at me, eyes gleaming with determination.

    I barely have time to react. Just as it¡¯s about to strike, Gorou jumps in, taking the blow meant for me. The force sends him flying several meters back, his armor gleaming as he crashes to the ground. I can¡¯t comprehend what just happened. I turn, seeing Gorou lying still on the ground, unmoving. Why did he take the hit? That should¡¯ve been me.

    Before I can process it, my blood surges, my heart pounding in my chest. I turn to see the wolf leader, growling fiercely as it prepares for another strike. It raises its arm.

    Here it comes. I close my eyes, gripping Reikizuna tightly as I block the attack. When I open my eyes again, the blade that once blazed orange now burns a fiery red. I¡¯m stunned as I glance at the wolf leader. Its entire arm has been severed, and the wound burns with red flames.

    It takes a step back, wincing in pain from its burning wound. Even though it¡¯s hurt, its face is still filled with rage and courage. Even with a lost arm, it readies itself for another attack. As it growls at me even more fiercely, the other wolves gather behind their leader. I straighten my back, gripping Reikizuna, ready to face whatever comes next. The wolf lunges into the sky, even higher than before.

    I¡¯m going to do this¡ªfor Gorou, for Emiko, and for everyone in this village. This time, I¡¯M NOT GOING TO DIE. I close my eyes again and let the katana guide my body.

    An awful sound shudders through the battlefield. I feel warmth around me and open my eyes. Laying before me is the giant, beheaded body of the wolf leader. I turn around to see its head, burning with red flames, lying exactly where it landed.

    I run to see how Gorou doing.

    ¡°No... Gorou...¡± My hands shake as I kneel beside him. Blood stains the ground, seeping through the deep claw marks that tore through his chestplate. The man who stood tall just moments ago now lies still. My heart pounds. Why did he take that hit? Why him, and not me?¡±

    ¡°Gorou! Gorou! Can you hear me?¡± no response. I call another soldier to help me to get Gorou in to Emiko¡¯s shop. She was ready for help anyone who comes.

    ¡°Wait Haruto what happened? What happened to Gorou?¡± Emiko asks.

    ¡°He¡¯s been hit by the wolf leader¡¯s claw. He¡¯s unconscious¡± I response her while removing Gorou¡¯s chestplate. Emiko checks the wound and start to clean it.

    "What can I do to help?"

    ¡°No! You must return to the battleground! Even Leader is dead other wolves might attack again. Go  help others. I¡¯ll help Lady Emiko¡± soldier response to me not with a commanding voice, more like a begging voice. I turn around and run to the battlefield.

    Once I get there I encountered something unexpected.

    The wolves gather around their fallen leader, their mournful howls filling the air. It¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve heard before¡ªno longer filled with the menace that chilled me to my bones. It¡¯s as if they¡¯re saying goodbye. A lump forms in my throat as they vanish into the forest. Even enemies have a bond¡­

    They¡¯ve retreated, but something tells me this is far from over. As the howls fade, the weight of everything settles in¡ªGorou¡¯s injury, the wolves, the village. There¡¯s no time to rest.

 Shadows of the Past, Glimmers of the Future

    I help the remaining injured soldiers and return to Emiko¡¯s shop. Many of them are covered in bite and claw marks, bleeding and exhausted. I join Emiko and the other volunteers to tend to them. As the sun starts to rise, it casts away the dreadful darkness, offering a sense of calm over the village.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Gorou is going to be okay,¡± Emiko says, noticing the worried glances I keep throwing in Gorou¡¯s direction as I finish bandaging the last soldier.

    ¡°Thank you, Emiko. But he got injured because of me. Why did he jump in? I was the one who should have taken the hit,¡± I say, leaning back in the chair, feeling the weight of guilt settle in.

    ¡°That¡¯s just how he is. People think he¡¯s tough, but Gorou¡¯s heart is softer than anyone I know,¡± Emiko replies, gazing out the window with a faint smile on her lips.

    Determined, I clench my fists. ¡°I¡¯ll get stronger. I won¡¯t let anyone get hurt because of me again. I¡¯ll protect this village, just like Gorou does.¡± Emiko¡¯s smile grows warmer, almost as if she¡¯s saying, I believe in you."

    ¡°By the way, Emiko, do you know more about Reikizuna? Like what it can do?¡± I ask, remembering the battle against the wolf leader.

    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know much,¡± she replies. ¡°Father said it was a gift from the King of Kazehana, but that¡¯s about all I know.¡±

    ¡°The King of Kazehana?¡± I repeat, surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know there were other kingdoms... What else is out there that I don¡¯t know?¡± I feel confused, realizing how little I understand about this world. I take a deep breath and look at Emiko. She¡¯s still watching me, trying to understand what¡¯s going through my mind. Then I make my decision.

    ¡°Emiko, sit down. There¡¯s something I need to tell you.¡± I gesture to the chair beside me, feeling the weight of the truth I¡¯m about to reveal. ¡°I want to tell you everything.¡±

    I tell her everything¡ªabout my death, my old world, and how I ended up here. She listens quietly, never interrupting, her calm presence making it easier for me to relive my past.

    ¡°Hmm, I see,¡± she finally says. ¡°That explains a lot. Don¡¯t worry, your secret is safe with me. Now, let me teach you more about this world.¡± She smiles reassuringly. ¡°There are four kingdoms. First is Ironvale, the kingdom of metal and industry¡ªthey have the largest supply of ores. Second is Lunaria, the kingdom of the moon goddess, known for its scholars. The third is Shinsei, the wealthiest of all the kingdoms. And finally, Kazehana, the kingdom of wild resources, where we live.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve lived here since you were a child?¡± I ask, hoping to learn more about Emiko.

    ¡°When I was little, my brother and I lived near the castle. Our father was a Royal Knight. But after his unfortunate death, we came here to clear our minds. Then the war broke out, and the king called my brother to fight. He saw it as an honor to our father¡¯s memory, so he went. A few months later, the news of his death came¡­¡± Her voice trails off, trying to hide her tears.

    ¡°I see. I can¡¯t say everything will be fine, but I hope¡± I say to comfort her. A sudden thud shakes the shop. Emiko and I leap from our seats, rushing to see what caused the noise. To our surprise, it¡¯s Gorou, struggling to stand.

    ¡°Gorou! What are you doing? You are still not well.¡± Emiko rushes to help Gorou to get back up. And I follow and help her.

    ¡°The Battle¡­ Wolves¡­ What happened? Is everyone safe?¡± Even in bed with serious injuries he thinking about others. What a good guy!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Now rest well, everything is safe. Wolf Leader is dead.¡± I say, patting his shoulder.

    ¡°What do you mean by wolf leader is dead? Tell me what happened exactly¡± he says with concerning look on his face.

    ¡°Just as I said Gorou. Thanks to the Reikizuna I killed wolf leader.¡±

    Room goes silent. Then suddenly Gorou starts to laugh. Not just a normal laugh. He laughs like a someone put him inside of a room filled with laughing gas. For a moment, I freeze, confused by his laughter. What¡¯s so funny? I really killed Wolf Leader. Gorou laughs so hard that it¡¯s only the pain of his wounds that finally stops him.

    ¡°Gorou stop laughing. Your wounds will stretch. You are still healing.¡± Emiko says, inspecting his wounds.

    ¡°But did you hear what he said? He said¡ª¡±

    ¡°What he said is true,¡± a deep voice interrupts from the doorway. I turn to see an old man standing there, surrounded by villagers. His presence commands respect. Who is this guy?

    ¡°Chief¡± Emiko and Gorou bows their heads to this old man. I¡¯m still trying to figure out what¡¯s going on.

    ¡°Let me introduce you,¡± Emiko says, bowing. ¡°Haruto, this is Sir Masaru Shinju, Chief of the village.¡± Emiko says, showing the old man.

    So, this old man is the village chief. I bow to show my respect.

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    ¡°Raise your head young warrior. You saved our beloved village. We are in dept for you¡± old man says with his deep but frankly voice.

    ¡°Oh no need to be in dept for me. I just done what I have to do. And also, I can¡¯t save anyone, if Emiko didn¡¯t give me Reikizuna and if Gorou didn¡¯t save me back there.¡± I say, looking both of their faces.

    ¡°Then please accept this gift from our village¡± Masaru says, handing me a wooden box.

    I open the box and there is a black colored metal bracer with a gem placed in it.

    ¡°Our blacksmith made this for you. It¡¯s made out of rare metal called Blacksteel and the gem is from the wolf leader that you slayed. Please accept this¡± old man says, bowing to me.

    The bracer gleams in the morning light, the gem from the wolf leader glowing faintly. I take off my old leather bracer and hand it to Emiko. When I strap on the new one, it feels heavier¡ªnot just from the metal, but from the weight of the responsibility it represents. And also, it¡¯s really a piece of work.

    ¡°Thank you young warrior. Is there anything you need?¡± Village chief asks me as he can read my mind.

    ¡°Yes, actually there is one thing I want. I want to join to Hunters.¡±

    Gorou looks at me with a surprise but Emiko is with her usual smile. Old man thinks a moment and turn to Gorou and asks,

    ¡°Are you agree Gorou?¡±

    Gorou looks at Emiko first, then he turns to me like he got the permission from Emiko and says,

    ¡°Alright kiddo, Welcome to the Hunters! But remember if you think you strong you can¡¯t survive, you have to train more.¡± he lifts up his arm and ¡°train more to be like m¡ª ahhhh¡± when he tries to show his biceps his muscles around wound stretched. Everyone laughs as Emiko treating his wounds again.

    ¡°Alright then young Hunter, if you need anything ask the villages, we will help you as we can. Then let¡¯s say good bye, Haruto¡± old man says as he turns around and walk away.

    Now that I¡¯ve taken the first step, there¡¯s no turning back. The path ahead will be tough without the ability to see enemy levels, but I¡¯ll train harder. No one will be able to defeat me if I keep pushing myself.

    ¡°Congratulations, Haruto! Now that you¡¯re officially a Hunter, what¡¯s your plan?¡± Emiko asks, her usual warm smile encouraging me.

    ¡°Now I need to train more. Without the ability to see enemy level it will be hard to go forward¡± as I gripping the bracer ¡°But I will never give up!¡±

    Suddenly, the wolf gem flares to life, emitting a bright red light that floods the room. The light is blinding, piercing through everything. My heart races as I shield my eyes, but it¡¯s no use¡ªI can¡¯t see a thing. The light pulses stronger until it consumes my vision completely. Am I dead again? Or is this something else?

    Moments later, the darkness fades, and my senses return. The roof, the sounds, the smells¡ªit¡¯s all the same. But something feels off, though I can''t put my finger on it.

    ¡°Haruto! Haruto! Are you alright? Can you hear me?¡± Emiko asking loudly next to me. I turn to answer Emiko, but my words catch in my throat. Above her head, I see her name glowing brightly. ¡°What... what¡¯s going on?¡± My heart skips a beat as I jump out of bed, stumbling back. I look at Gorou¡ªhis name hovers above him, too, but in yellow.

    ¡°Haruto, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Emiko asks, her voice filled with concern.

    ¡°Hey kiddo, don¡¯t scare Emiko. Just tell us what¡¯s wrong¡± Gorou says in a tough voice.

    ¡°I¡­I¡­I can see¡­I can see names!¡±

    ¡°See names? What do you mean?¡± Gorou asks.

    ¡°As you know, I couldn¡¯t see any names before¡ªnot like the rest of you. But now¡­ I can. I see Emiko¡¯s name above her head, glowing in white. And yours, Gorou, it¡¯s in yellow.¡± I pause, trying to make sense of it all.

    ¡°Hmm, calm down, Haruto,¡± Gorou says, his eyes narrowing as if recalling a distant memory.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of something like this before. Back when I was in the capital, some hunters told me they¡¯d met a person who couldn¡¯t see levels, but could see names and colors tied to combat strength. It¡¯s rare, but it happens. Red means impossible, yellow means you¡¯re outmatched, and white means an easy fight.¡±

    I blink, letting his words sink in. So now I have this¡­ ability? This makes things a lot easier. I might actually have a chance.

    As the village took a well-deserved rest, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. The weight of the battle lingered, but now something new gnawed at me. This power¡ªthis ability to see names¡ªhad changed everything. Maybe, just maybe, I could become the protector I¡¯ve vowed to be.

    The next morning, I begin my training in earnest. I start with simple exercises¡ªrunning laps around the village, the cold air biting at my lungs as I push myself further each time. I drop to the ground for push-ups, my muscles straining with each repetition, and follow up with squats, just like I remembered doing in my previous life. My body is still adjusting, but I can feel it strengthening with each passing day.

    By evening, Gorou arrives to teach me the art of the sword. He¡¯s patient but firm, correcting my stance, guiding my hands as I grip Reikizuna. ¡°Not just strength, kiddo,¡± he says, demonstrating a smooth, precise strike. ¡°You need control, balance. Let the blade move with your body.¡± I mimic his movements, feeling the weight of the sword as it becomes an extension of my arm.

    The days pass in a peaceful rhythm, each one a step closer to my goal. My muscles ache, but I welcome the pain. It¡¯s proof that I¡¯m getting stronger. Slowly but surely, I can feel myself becoming a warrior, just like Gorou.

    The funny thing about this world is that they don¡¯t have weeks or months¡ªonly days and years. When I once asked Emiko what month it was, she just looked at me, confused, trying to make sense of my question. According to her, they simply count a year after the four seasons pass. To keep track of time, I use the tally mark system I learned in my previous life. There¡¯s a large tree behind Emiko¡¯s shop, and every day after finishing my training, I carve a line into its trunk. It helps me mark the passing days, a habit I¡¯ve carried over from my old world.

    According to my tree calendar, it¡¯s been 17 days after the attack of the wolves. I wake up in the morning and get off the bed as my lungs fill with tasty smell of Emiko¡¯s cooking. She makes delicious meat stew that I never ate even in my previous life. In my previous life, I mostly ate instant ramen. I tried to cook myself few times, but it didn¡¯t go well. But now after she invite me to stay in her house while villagers make one for me, is the glory days.

    ¡°Good morning, Haruto! Breakfast is ready, Come and eat.¡± She says, sitting on a chair next to the table.

    ¡°Good morning, Emiko! Breakfast is really looks delicious. Thank you for having me.¡± I say, sitting on a chair.

    I finish the meal bit by bit, giving time to my tongue to enjoy this delicious meal. Just as I finish, someone start to knock on the front door. Emiko rushes and open the door. Behind the door, there is Village Chief and Gorou waiting.

    ¡°Chief, Gorou, come inside!¡± Emiko invites the guests inside.

    ¡°Haruto, there is something we need to discuss¡± old man says, with a rough look.

 Shattered Bonds...

    ¡°What do you need to discuss, chief?¡± I ask, standing from the chair.

    ¡°Do you remember the wolves that attacked our village? Our hunters tracked down their location¡± Gorou says, getting a map from his pouch.

    Emiko and I clear the table for the map. After Gorou spread the map, we continue our discussion.

    ¡°You see, while we were fighting 4 of our hunters were coming back from the capital city. They said that they saw small pack of wolves running back to the forest from our village. So, 2 of them followed the wolves and other 2 headed straight to the village. The group who followed found out they went to a nearby cave right here.¡± Gorou says, pointing a place on map. The map reveals a dense forest stretching out to the east, with jagged mountain peaks lining the northern edge. In the center, a faint X marks what seems to be the location of the cave¡ªthough it¡¯s not officially charted, almost as if the cave itself is hidden from sight.

    ¡°But that map doesn¡¯t show a cave in there¡± Emiko enters the conversation.

    ¡°Yes, that because I made a that area restricted for the villagers.¡± Old man says, sinking into his past memories.

    ¡°Many years ago, people went to that area to gather resources. But because of dense monster population, people began to disappear and lots of others got serious injuries. So, I made a rule, no one will ever go to that area. But I let experienced hunters go and gather resources.¡± Chief says.

    ¡°So, why don¡¯t we go there and investigate?¡± I ask without a hesitation. I trained ever since the battle. So, now I¡¯m ready.

    ¡°Yes, Haruto that¡¯s why we came here to discuss.¡± Gorou continues.

    ¡°We already made a 10-person team for the investigation including me. But Chief wants us to bring you too. So, I said that depend on your answer. Now with the question you asked I know your answer.¡±

    ¡°Oh yes Gorou, you can¡¯t leave me here. I trained all of these days and now I¡¯m ready¡± I say with a smile on my face.

    ¡°Alright, then it settles. Haruto going with the team. Haruto, this is your first mission. Always listen to Gorou.¡± Chief takes a deep breath. ¡°Now then I¡¯m heading home. This old man needs some rest.¡± Chief left the house.

    ¡°How long will this investigation be?¡± Emiko asks with a concerning look.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe 10 days. Give or take. Don¡¯t worry Emiko we will be fine. By the way, the young warrior who killed Wolf Leader himself is coming with us¡± Gorou says, putting a hand over my shoulder.

    ¡°Alright but you two must be safe. As chief says there must be monsters swarming in that area.¡± Emiko says with her usual smile. Emiko¡¯s usual smile faltered for just a moment as her hand lingered on the table, her fingers tracing the map absentmindedly.

    ¡°So, when do we gonna leave? Tomorrow?¡± As I speak the words, my heart quickens. I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment, to prove myself in battle again. But still¡­ somewhere deep down, there¡¯s a flicker of uncertainty. Am I really ready?

    ¡°Hey, hey, slow down, kiddo!¡± Gorou says with a grin, raising his hand to calm me down. ¡°We can¡¯t just rush off like that. This mission will take nearly 10 days, remember? We have to be smart about this.¡±

    I blink, realizing I¡¯ve let my excitement get ahead of me, but I¡¯m still itching to go.

    ¡°I know this is your first mission, and I can see that fire in your eyes. But we¡¯ve got a lot to prepare before we set foot in that cave. First off, food and water. This is uncharted territory, and we have no idea if there are any reliable water sources in the area. We can¡¯t risk running out.¡±

    His voice becomes more serious as he points to the map again, his finger tracing the faint X that marks our destination.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to pack enough supplies to last the entire journey, maybe even more, in case things go wrong. And don¡¯t forget about weapons and armor. This isn¡¯t some simple scouting mission¡ªthere could be monsters in that cave, or worse. We need to be ready for anything.¡± He pauses, looking me over with a slight smile.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re eager, and that¡¯s good. But remember, being a hunter isn¡¯t just about charging into battle¡ªit¡¯s about being prepared for whatever comes your way. So, we¡¯ll start today, get everything sorted, and if we¡¯re efficient, we¡¯ll be ready to leave soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay, you two handle the rest. I¡¯ll prepare some medicines for the journey,¡± Emiko says with a warm smile. ¡°Afterward, come back here for lunch.¡±

    First, Gorou and I head to the blacksmith to check on the armor and weapons. He tells us they¡¯ll be ready in two days, which feels both too long and too short at the same time. Then, we visit a few vendors to buy food¡ªdried meats, bread, and other supplies that will last us for the entire journey.

    After running our errands, we return to Emiko¡¯s house for lunch. She¡¯s already busy, carefully preparing small medicine pouches, the faint smell of herbs filling the air. ¡°These will help in case of emergencies,¡± she says, packing them into a leather satchel.

    That afternoon, I dedicate myself to even more training. I push my body and mind, trying to shake off any lingering doubts. I¡¯ve come this far, and I need to be fully ready for what lies ahead.

    Two days pass quietly, almost too quietly, and the day of our departure finally arrives. After an early breakfast, I rush to Gorou¡¯s house, eager to get going. But when I arrive, I find him still eating, his eyes locked on the map spread out before him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Gorou? You look like something¡¯s bothering you,¡± I ask, noticing the furrow in his brow.

    He glances up from the map, chewing thoughtfully before responding. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing, kiddo. Just trying to make a clear plan, but with so little information, it¡¯s tough.¡± He takes another bite of his meal, still focused on the map as if willing it to reveal some hidden secret.

    I pause, my mind drifting to the cave. ¡°Do you think there''s something more dangerous in that cave than just the wolves?¡± I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

    Gorou looks at me, raising an eyebrow as he takes his final bite of food. He chews slowly before finally answering. ¡°We can¡¯t be sure. But in this world, it¡¯s always better to be prepared for the worst.¡± He swallows and gives me a reassuring smile. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ve got each other¡¯s backs. We¡¯ll handle whatever comes our way.¡±

    "Alright, Haruto, go grab your things and meet the others at the gate. I¡¯ve got a few stops to make before we leave," Gorou says, standing up from his chair.

    I leave his house and return to Emiko¡¯s place to get ready. I put on my armor, making sure to secure the bracer they crafted for me, and grab Reikizuna as well. Just as I¡¯m packing my backpack, Emiko comes over with another small bag.

    "Here are some snacks for the road. And please, be safe¡ªboth of you," she says, handing me the bag.

    "Thank you, Emiko. Don¡¯t worry, everything will be fine." I tuck the bag into my backpack and head to the gate, where a few people are already gathered. I notice them all staring at me.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "Oh, aren¡¯t you the one who saved us back there?" one person from the crowd asks. At first, I don''t recognize him, but then it clicks¡ªhe was there during the battle. So, he¡¯s a hunter too?

    "Thank you, sir! You didn¡¯t just save us, you saved Sir Gorou too! We¡¯re grateful!" he says, bowing. Actually, Gorou was the one who saved me. If he hadn¡¯t jumped in the way of that attack, I¡¯d be dead¡ªor maybe reincarnated somewhere else. As if on cue, the whole group starts bowing to me. It¡¯s a bit overwhelming, and I can feel my face heat up. I¡¯ve never received this much praise in my life before.

    "I was just doing what needed to be done. You all played a part too¡ªif you hadn¡¯t taken down those wolves, I never could¡¯ve defeated the leader," I say, trying my best to boost their spirits.

    A few moments later, Gorou arrives at the meeting point, followed by the Chief and Emiko.

    "Alright, listen up!" Gorou¡¯s voice is loud and commanding now, his tone sharper.

    "We¡¯re heading out. Here''s the plan: we¡¯ll enter the forest and make our way to the cave. As you know, the cave isn¡¯t marked on the maps, so you two"¡ªhe points to a pair of hunters¡ª"will be guiding us from here. This will take a few days. By evening, we¡¯ll need to find a place to set up camp. Got it?" Gorou says, pointing his claymore at the group.

    "YES SIR!" the group replies in unison.

    Watching Gorou like this reminds me of the military captains from the games I used to play in my previous life.

    "Then let¡¯s move out!" Gorou points his claymore toward the forest ahead. He turns to the Chief, bowing in respect, then faces Emiko. She leans in and kisses him on the cheek. The group looks surprised, but after everything I¡¯ve been through, little surprises me anymore.

    So, we start our journey. In just five days, we cover 50% of the distance to the cave. During this time, Gorou teaches me about the various creatures of the forest. On the seventh day, we stumble upon three giant spiders. My ability to see their strengths, coupled with Gorou''s teachings on their weaknesses, makes the fight increasingly manageable.

    We spend our nights on guard duty, taking turns to watch while the others rest. Finally, on the tenth day, we approach the mysterious cave where the wolves had fled. It¡¯s overgrown, showing no signs of human activity. Even though it¡¯s daylight outside, the cave¡¯s entrance swallows light, plunging us into a pitch-black void. Looking inside feels like staring into an empty abyss.

    ¡°Alright, listen up everyone! Before we enter the cave, here¡¯s the battle plan. We don¡¯t know what¡¯s lurking in there, so be ready for anything. Keep your eyes sharp and aware of your surroundings. Those with support abilities, stay in the middle; those with defense and offense, position yourselves around them. And Haruto, you¡¯ll come with me. Remember, if I have to use my ability, don¡¯t come near me. Got it? Let¡¯s move out!¡± Gorou commands us, his voice firm and commanding. Despite his kindness and humor, he is tougher than anyone else when it comes to responsibilities.

    We light our torches and step into the cave. After a few meters of cautious progress, we find ourselves in a vast open area. Caves stretch into the darkness around us. Just as I turn to ask where we should go next, a loud, creepy laugh reverberates through the cavern, amplifying the eerie atmosphere. Other hunters struggle to maintain their composure, trembling as if caught in an extreme chill.

    ¡°Who dares to enter my domain?¡± a deep voice booms, silencing the laughter.

    ¡°Oh, just mere humans! Did you come here to play with me?¡± The voice laughs again, mocking us.

    ¡°Come out, you monster! I don¡¯t care who you are; I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± Gorou¡¯s voice is steady, unwavering despite the palpable fear surrounding us.

    ¡°Oh, big words coming from a bag of meat! Alright, if you really want to play, I¡¯ll come out,¡± the voice replies. As it speaks, a swirling black smoke fills the arena, coalescing in the center until it forms a muscular humanoid figure.

    ¡°Behold, mere humans, one of the last demons in the world!¡± The creature steps into the dim light, its purple-black skin glistening. Its face is a terrifying reminder of the "oni" masks from my previous life, evoking a deep sense of dread and recognition.

    Now, all eyes are locked onto the demon, weapons drawn, ready to strike at any moment. But before any of us can move, he vanishes¡ªgone in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Hmm, you are quite different from the rest, aren¡¯t you, Haruto?¡± The voice comes from my right, and I instinctively jump. How? He was in the middle of the arena! How did he get next to me so quickly?

    Our entire team scatters, instinctively surrounding the demon again. I draw Reikizuna. As soon as the blade is free, bright blue flames burst from it, casting a brilliant light that nearly drowns out our torches.

    ¡°It seems I was mistaken. You are just as foolish as these mere humans. I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be foolish enough to wield Reikizuna.¡± He laughs again, mocking me. But his words catch me off guard. How does he know about Reikizuna?

    The atmosphere thickens with an oppressive, eerie weight. My heart pounds in my chest.

    ¡°Lightning dash!¡± One of the hunters suddenly charges forward, his body flickering with the speed of lightning. In an instant, he reaches the demon, but before he can land a blow, the demon flings him aside like a ragdoll. His body sails over our heads and crashes into the far corner of the arena, lifeless in a pool of his own blood.

    Gorou seizes the opportunity. With a roar, he leaps into the air, putting all his strength behind his massive claymore. This is it! No one can survive Gorou¡¯s full power.

    But then¡ªmy breath catches.

    The demon catches Gorou¡¯s blade effortlessly, stopping it in mid-air with just one hand. My eyes widen in disbelief. The unstoppable force of Gorou¡¯s attack... halted like it was nothing.

    Demon throws Gorou like a rag doll, but with a mighty swing of his claymore, he manages to break the momentum, landing hard but staying on his feet. I''m frozen, my mind clouded with terror. What can I even do? If this demon is so powerful, we don¡¯t stand a chance. No¡­ No! This isn¡¯t the time for doubt. Either he dies, or I die. I promised Emiko, I wouldn¡¯t fail her. I¡¯m not going to die here!

    My heart pounds in my chest, and as if responding to my resolve, the Reikizuna bursts into brilliant orange flames, the heat licking at the air around me. I tighten my grip around the hilt until my knuckles turn white.

    ''Ho ho,'' the demon chuckles, a faint surprise in his eyes. ''Even in my presence, the Reikizuna burns bright. It seems you have a solid heart, Haruto.''

    I lunge at him with all the force I can muster, my body moving before my mind can catch up. But just before I can land the blow, something hits the demon with the force of a cannonball, sending him crashing into the wall. I whirl around, my breath catching in my throat¡ªit''s Gorou. His strength and speed are supercharged, a result of the others'' support abilities.

    ''Gorou!'' I call out, a smile tugging at my lips despite the chaos.

    He grins back, as confident as ever. ''You thought I was dead, didn¡¯t you, kiddo?''

    We both turn to face the demon, readying ourselves. ''This won¡¯t be easy. We¡¯ll attack together. The others will assist us,'' Gorou says, gripping his claymore tightly.

    But before we can make our next move, the demon rises, rubble scattering as he stands tall. He glares at us with glowing eyes. ''You mere humans can¡¯t touch me!'' His voice booms, reverberating through the cavern. ''Now you will all die. Hellfire!'' he roars, pointing a single finger at us.

    The ground shakes violently beneath my feet. I struggle to stay upright as cracks begin to snake out from the demon¡¯s fingertip, spreading fast. From the cracks, black flames start pouring out, consuming everything in their path. I glance at Gorou, but before I can shout a warning, he pushes me out of the way, and I hit the ground hard.

    I look up, horrified, as Gorou is swallowed by the black flames. He turns to me, still smiling¡ªstill fearless.

    ''Gorou!'' I scream, my voice cracking. Around me, the other hunters try to flee, but the collapsing cave entrance traps us all. There¡¯s no escape.

    ''Move! Get away from the cracks!'' I shout, but it¡¯s too late. The black fire reaches them. Their screams fill the arena, piercing through the air. My heart stops. Why? Why? WHY? Why am I the only one left? Why does Gorou keep doing this? I don¡¯t understand¡­ I stand frozen, watching as the arena fills with their screams.

    I feel my body betraying me. Weakness creeps through my limbs, my grip on the blade faltering as the weight of it becomes unbearable. No... I can''t collapse now. My friends are dead, Gorou is gone¡ªif I give up, their sacrifice means nothing. He must pay for what he''s done. He will die!

    I tighten my trembling hand around the hilt of Reikizuna, teeth clenched in fury. The demon halts his Hellfire, turning toward me with a cold, amused stare.

    ''You... you killed my friends! You killed my mentor! Now... now you''ll pay!'' My voice cracks with emotion as the flames on my blade shift, the bright orange turning blood-red, licking the air with an eerie, deadly heat.

    I charge with all I have left, and the wolf gem on my bracer flares to life. My speed surges¡ªI''m moving like the wolf leader I once faced, faster than I¡¯ve ever moved before. My first strike is blocked, but I press on. With blinding speed, my next attack slices through the demon¡¯s chest. The wound sears with red and orange flames.

    ''You fool!'' the demon hisses, his voice shaking with pain. ''You¡¯ll kill yourself before you even kill me.''

    ''Then I''ll take you with me,'' I growl, pushing myself beyond the brink. My final strike drives deep, setting the demon¡¯s chest ablaze. I stand there, watching him fall to his knees. I won... we won, Gorou, we¡ª''

    Suddenly, the world tilts. A wave of dizziness hits me like a hammer, and I stagger, my legs trembling as if the earth is pulling me down. I fall to my knees, staring at Reikizuna as its once-bright flame flickers, fading away.

    ''You have no idea what you¡¯ve done,'' the demon wheezes. ''You¡¯ll die, not by my hand, but by your precious Reikizuna...''

    His words echo in my head. Reikizuna... killing me? No, that can''t be¡ªmy vision blurs, the world spinning into darkness. My senses fade, and the abyss swallows me whole...

 A Broken Heart

    Everywhere I look, the suffocating darkness of the abyss stretches endlessly. It¡¯s not just emptiness¡ªit¡¯s alive, like it¡¯s wrapping around me, swallowing every trace of my existence. Time doesn¡¯t flow here. I can¡¯t feel it, can¡¯t grasp it. What happened? I struck that demon, struck him until he bled, until he crumbled beneath me. But in the end... I died. That cursed smile... What did he mean by ¡°Reikizuna will kill me¡±? The words gnaw at my mind, sharp like daggers, but there¡¯s no time to unravel it. The screams of the hunters still echo in my ears. Their cries... endless. And the way Gorou was devoured by that black fire... I¡¯ll never forget his twisted, final smile as the flames consumed him.

    Emiko... what happened to her? She has to know by now. But who left to say to her.

    Then, it comes¡ªa red dot, tearing through the suffocating dark. At first, it¡¯s barely visible, like the eye of some unseen predator watching from the abyss. But it grows, larger and larger, swallowing the black. Its light pierces everything. The abyss shudders in its presence. My body glows under its harsh red blaze, every scar and wound illuminated in sickening detail. The weight of it is unbearable¡ªI try to open my eyes, but the light burns. Even with them closed, it sears through my eyelids, a red inferno that won¡¯t let me hide.

    This mysterious red light stays for a long time, but suddenly it begins to dim. Bit by bit, the painful brightness fades away. As it dims, I start to feel a calming warmth beneath my skin. It reminds me of the time I first came to this world. A sense of weightlessness washes over me, as if I''m finally laying down. Wait... Am I really at Emiko¡¯s shop? Did the villagers come and rescue us? If they did, they might have already seen the bodies. I open my eyes, hoping to see Emiko sitting right beside me. My first vision is a blur, but gradually it begins to clear. I realize I¡¯m under a TREE!

    I feel the cold earth beneath me as I slowly regain some strength. My body feels heavier than it should. Pushing myself up, my back meets the rough bark of the tree. I breathe in, trying to calm myself, but something feels... wrong. There''s this strange sensation on one side of me¡ªlike my own body isn''t mine anymore. It''s as if half of me is weighed down by something foreign.

    I glance down.

    My heart stops.

    What... what the hell is this?

    The right side of my body¡ªit¡¯s twisted, blackened like charred flesh, but more than that. My arm... my hand¡ªit¡¯s not human anymore. Thick, grotesque veins pulse through the darkened skin, twisting like black vines. My fingers end in sharp claws, glistening with an unnatural sheen. My skin¡ªno, it¡¯s not even skin anymore. It¡¯s like... scales? Hardened, jagged armor, as if I¡¯ve become part demon.

    I can feel my heart racing in my chest. My breath comes in shallow gasps. Is this real? Am I still dreaming?

    As I lift my hand¡ªmy hand? ¡ªI see the Blacksteel bracer embedded into my arm. It¡¯s not just strapped on; it¡¯s fused, its cold surface melding into my flesh, surrounded by those pulsing veins that seem to grip me, drawing strength from within. My eyes widen at the wolf gem embedded in the bracer. Its ordinary red color gleams back at me, a stark contrast to the dark corruption surrounding it. But how long will it stay that way?

    I stare at my arm in horror, feeling everything¡ªthe sharpness of the claws, the rough texture of the scales¡ªbut it doesn¡¯t feel like me. This... this thing, it¡¯s part of me now.

    What happened to me?

    Memories flash in my mind¡ªGorou¡¯s last smile, the black fire that consumed him, the demon¡¯s voice whispering about ¡°Reikizuna killing me.¡± It all comes rushing back, hitting me like a storm. That fight... that damn demon.

    Is this his doing?

    I want to scream, to tear this cursed arm from my body, but I can¡¯t. The fear paralyzes me. I¡¯m not just broken¡ªI¡¯m something else. No... this can¡¯t be real.

    Now, what should I do? Where am I? I look around, hoping for some clue. Then I realize I¡¯m next to the cave we explored. I get up on my feet, but it¡¯s still hard to walk like this. My already tattered pants and shoes are now ripped further by the claws of my demon side. I walk slowly toward the entrance of the cave. To my surprise, it¡¯s still collapsed, just like before. How did I get out?

    I look back at the forest, my mind drifting to the faint memory of the road to the village. Maybe that old man can help me. He must have some ancient knowledge about undoing this. So, I begin retracing my path back to the village. As I delve deeper into the forest, an unusual feeling creep over me. I can¡¯t shake the sensation that I¡¯m being watched.

    After a few hours of walking, I stop under a shady tree, feeling exhausted. I sit, laying my back against the trunk, and glance at my hand once again to make sure I¡¯m not crazy. Unfortunately, my hand is still the same¡ªrazor-sharp claws and black, rock-like scales. It all feels like a surreal dream. If my right side looks like this, what about my face? I touch my face with my left hand. While the left side feels normal, my right side has hardened into rock.

    What happened to me?

    ¡°If I walk all the way to the village, it will take more than ten days,¡± I mutter to myself, considering my options.

    ¡°Wait¡­ if I can somehow activate the wolf gem, I could run to the village as fast as the wolf leader.¡± I touch the wolf gem, hoping to activate it. In an instant, the gem erupts with its usual red light. But suddenly, my entire right side starts to burn.

    Even without any real flames, the burning sensation grows stronger with each passing second. In a matter of moments, the heat begins to spread to my left side as well. It feels like I¡¯m being consumed by fire from the inside out. I thrash and roll across the ground, screaming, desperate for the pain to stop, but it only intensifies. My body is ablaze without a single flame in sight.

    I scream at the top of my lungs, trying to escape the agony, but there¡¯s no relief. The searing pain surges through me, making every nerve scream. It feels like an eternity, but then, gradually, the fire in my veins begins to die down. The burning sensation, after ravaging my entire body, finally starts to fade, bit by bit, until it¡¯s gone.

    I lie there, staring at the sky, my chest heaving, my mind struggling to make sense of it all. A single tear slips from my left eye, rolling down my cheek as I breathe in the cool air.

    I can¡¯t move. My body is drained of every ounce of strength. The only thing I can do is wait. Sleep overtakes me right where I lie, without even a twitch.

    When I wake, the sun is just peeking over the horizon, its light slowly pushing away the darkness. But something feels off.

    ''This forest is crawling with monsters... how did I manage to sleep through the night without any trouble?''

    Before I can dwell on it, a low growl echoes from my stomach. I''m starving. My thoughts drift back to the village and the delicious food Emiko used to make for me. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. But where can I find something to eat out here?

    Suddenly, I remember Gorou¡¯s teachings. He had shown me which fruits were safe to eat in this forest. I push myself up and start walking again, searching for something to satisfy my hunger. It doesn¡¯t take long before I find a patch of fruits and eat until I¡¯m full.

    Hours pass as I trek through the forest. Eventually, I stop to rest. As I sit under the shade of a tree, yesterday¡¯s events flood my mind. The burning pain, the transformation... did the wolf gem try to kill me? Then I recall something from my previous life¡ªa game I once played where the protagonist gained upgrades throughout the story. Sometimes those upgrades were painful, sometimes they cost him a limb.

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ''So... what if that was an upgrade yesterday? Could I have gained the wolf leader¡¯s speed?''

    I stand up, a surge of curiosity and excitement rushing through me. It¡¯s time to test it out. I take a deep breath, steadying myself, and begin to run. At first, everything feels normal. But as I pick up the pace, something shifts. My legs move faster, smoother. Before long, I¡¯m tearing through the forest with the speed of the wolf leader. The wind whips through the trees, and I can feel it rushing past me.

    ''This is incredible. At this speed, I could reach the village by evening,'' I say to myself, pushing my legs to move even faster.

    By the afternoon, I stop for a break, eating the fruits I had gathered to regain some energy. After resting for a few minutes, I resume running. With each step, I can feel the rhythm of my heart, the blood pumping through every part of my body. The landscape around me is becoming more familiar, and the excitement of being close to home makes my heart race even faster.

    As I approach the edge of the forest, I slow down and eventually come to a stop. The sight ahead causes my left eye to well up with emotion¡ªthere, just a few meters away, is the village. Home.

    I walk down toward the gate at a normal pace, feeling a rush of relief wash over me. But something feels off. The closer I get, the clearer the scene becomes. Standing at the village entrance are a few figures in gleaming armor, waiting. My heart sinks. These aren¡¯t villagers.

    As I approach, one of them spots me and calls out to the others. The soldiers all move to the entrance, their weapons drawn.

    ''Please, don¡¯t attack! It¡¯s me, Haruto! I need to speak with the chief. He knows me!'' I raise both my hands, showing that I¡¯m unarmed, hoping they¡¯ll recognize me despite my appearance.

    They exchange uncertain glances, their eyes widening in surprise. For a brief moment, I think they might listen.

    Then, without warning, a spear hurtles through the air and lands between my feet with a heavy thud.

    ''I don¡¯t care who you claim to be¡ªbegone, monster, if you value your life!'' A towering man steps forward from the back of the group, his voice booming with authority. The other soldiers apart, clearing a path for him.

    Fear grips me as I stand frozen in place. Monster? Is that what they see now?

    ¡°Listen! I don¡¯t know who you are, but I¡¯m not a monster. I just want to meet Emiko or the village chief. Please, let me in!¡± I insist, my voice straining. As soon as I mention Emiko¡¯s name, every soldier¡¯s face stiffens with surprise, including the towering man who threw the spear.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± A deep, familiar voice cuts through the tense atmosphere. The village chief steps forward, Emiko trailing behind him. But her face¡ªit¡¯s not the same. The usual warmth in her eyes is gone, replaced by a heavy shadow of sorrow. When she sees me, her eyes widen in shock, as if trying to piece together a puzzle that doesn¡¯t fit.

    The captain who threw the spear straightens; his tone more respectful now. ¡°Chief, it¡¯s not safe here. You should return inside, along with Lady Emiko.¡±

    ¡°But captain, he says he wants to talk to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Haruto? Is that really you?¡± Emiko¡¯s voice breaks through, her tone a mix of disbelief and hope.

    ¡°Yes, Emiko. It¡¯s me,¡± I reply, lowering my gaze. I can¡¯t bear to look her in the eyes. The weight of what I¡¯m about to say crushes me.

    ¡°What happened? Where have you been? It¡¯s been more than 30 days since you left! And... Gorou... Is he okay?¡± She bombards me with questions, her desperation pouring out. My heart clenches at the sound of Gorou¡¯s name.

    Thirty days? That¡¯s impossible. We only spent ten days getting to the cave. Was I unconscious for twenty days? The thought rattles me, but there¡¯s something even more crushing than time¡ªGorou¡¯s death.

    ¡°Emiko...¡± My voice cracks, and I force myself to speak the words that tear at my soul. ¡°Gorou is... Gorou is dead.¡±

    Silence. I don¡¯t dare look at her. My heart feels like it¡¯s being ripped apart. How will she bear this?

    I glance up, and she¡¯s frozen¡ªher eyes locked on me, trying to process what I just said. The world seems to stand still. Her lips tremble as if she wants to speak but can¡¯t. I take a breath and explain everything¡ªthe cave, the battle, Gorou¡¯s final moments, and how I survived. Each word feels like I¡¯m cutting open a wound that will never heal.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying after the battle with the demon, Gorou died... and you survived?¡± The captain¡¯s voice is sharp, accusatory. He points a finger at me, his eyes narrowed.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I reply, my voice steady but hollow. The weight of Gorou¡¯s loss is heavy on my chest.

    Suddenly, the captain bursts into laughter¡ªa harsh, cruel sound that echoes in the air.

    ¡°Gorou died, and you survived? You expect us to believe that?¡± The captain''s voice is cold, cutting through the air like a blade.

    ¡°Gorou was one of my closest friends. His combat skills were unmatched. When he was in the capital, no one could defeat him. With his ability, he was unstoppable. And now, you¡¯re telling us he¡¯s dead while you stand here alive? I think you¡¯re the one who killed him. You backstabbing bastard!¡±

    I feel the blood draining from my face. His words ring in my ears, twisting my thoughts. Me? Kill Gorou? My mind races, trying to comprehend the accusation. What the hell is he talking about?

    ¡°No!¡± I shout, my voice cracking with anger. ¡°I did not kill him! Why would I ever want to kill him? Gorou was my mentor! He taught me everything I know. Without him, I wouldn¡¯t even be alive right now. He was more than a mentor¡ªhe was my friend. Why would I ever¡ª¡±

    The captain sneers, but before I can continue, a voice cuts through the air. ¡°So, that¡¯s how you repay him.¡±

    I look up, and the world seems to slow down as I see Emiko standing there. Her eyes, wide and wet with tears, are locked on mine. Each drop trails down her face, shimmering in the light, and her lips tremble as she speaks. ¡°Is that how you repay him, Haruto? By leaving him to die?¡±

    Her words stab through my chest like knives, sharper than anything the captain could have said. I try to speak, but my throat closes up. My heart is pounding painfully, each beat heavier than the last.

    ¡°Emiko, no, I¡ª¡± But she continues, her voice rising, her pain spilling over.

    ¡°He saved your life twice. Twice! Once, he nearly killed himself just to protect you! And this... this is how you repay him? You left him there to die, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Her words shatter me, every accusation feeling like a weight pulling me deeper into the abyss. I want to tell her, to explain everything¡ªthat I never wanted this, that I would have given anything to save him. But the words won¡¯t come out. My lips move, but no sound escapes.

    The silence between us is unbearable. She stares at me for a moment, her tear-filled eyes searching mine for something¡ªan answer, an explanation, anything. But when she finds none, her expression hardens. She takes a step back, her face twisting with pain and betrayal.

    ¡°Leave,¡± she says, her voice breaking. ¡°Leave this village right now, Haruto. I don¡¯t ever want to see you again.¡±

    I watch her turn away, her final words crashing down on me like a boulder, crushing whatever hope I had left. The weight in my chest grows unbearable as I watch her walk back toward the village, each step pulling her further from me. Her last words echo in my mind over and over again, suffocating me.

    In a corner of my mind, I want to run¡ªrun as fast as I can. But with this tension, I can¡¯t even feel my legs. The world around me seems frozen, except for the rapid thudding of my heart.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere! Mages, capture him!¡± Captain¡¯s voice cuts through the air, commanding like thunder.

    Out of nowhere, four figures in white cloaks appear, circling me. Their chants rise steadily, hands forming intricate signs. I can feel the pressure building in the air around me, the pull of something... unnatural.

    Then, I hear it¡ªa voice, not from outside, but deep within me.

    "Kill them. Kill them all."

    What?! No! I don¡¯t want to kill! I¡¯m not a monster.

    ¡°If you want to live, kill them! They¡¯re going to kill you!¡±

    The voice grows louder, darker, more insistent, echoing through my mind. My heart pounds harder, fear gripping me from the inside. But... I don¡¯t care. If they want to kill me, let them. I¡¯ve already lost everything that matters in this world.

    ¡°Then I have no choice. I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±

    Suddenly, my body is no longer mine. My right leg drops to the ground, kneeling without my command. I struggle to regain control, but it¡¯s as if my entire right side is moving against me¡ªcontrolled by something else. My right hand rises to the sky, and panic surges through me as I see the shocked faces of the soldiers.

    Before I can react, my right-hand slams down into the earth with crushing force. A violent shockwave erupts from where I stand, the ground trembling beneath me. The mages and soldiers are sent flying like leaves caught in a storm.

    What... what is happening?!

    ¡°If you can¡¯t kill them, then run with the time you¡¯ve bought,¡± the voice commands, cold and relentless.

    Just as quickly as it came, the foreign grip on my body loosens, and I feel control rushing back into my limbs. I gasp, my breath shaky as I realize that my right side¡ªmy hand, my leg¡ªthey''re mine again. I flex my fingers, confirming that the demon¡¯s influence has retreated, for now.

    My thoughts race. I can''t stay here. I need to escape before the soldiers recover.

    With newfound control over my body, I force my legs into motion, sprinting toward the forest. The wind rushes past me as I push myself harder, each step filled with desperation. Every beat of my heart feels like a countdown to something worse.

    As I approach the tree line, I glance back and see her¡ªEmiko.

    She¡¯s returning, likely drawn by the sound of the shockwave. Her wide, tear-filled eyes meet mine for just a brief moment¡ªa moment that feels like an eternity. I want to say something, anything, but there¡¯s no time. The distance between us grows, her face a fading image in the storm of emotions tearing through me.

    I run, but inside, I feel like I¡¯m falling apart.

 Echoes of a New Fate

    What did she mean by that? Did she really think I killed him? Her words keep pounding in my head, each one like a hammer shattering any remaining peace. Now¡­ what do I do? The village¡­ it¡¯s lost to me. My only home, ripped away in a single moment. I¡¯m alone in this world now. No path, no purpose, only questions that echo back without answers.

    I don¡¯t even know where my legs are carrying me. The ground blurs underfoot as I push forward, letting my thoughts drown in the rhythm of each step. How far have I come? I¡¯m not sure. But at some point, my legs start to numb. And then¡ªnothing. A heartbeat later, I collapse, my body hitting the earth, surrendering. Every ounce of energy drained, I lay there as if my very spirit has given up.

    ¡°Hmm, you had a strong heart, Haruto. Now it crumbles like a stone!¡±

    The voice reverberates in my mind, familiar yet twisted with malice. I freeze, recognition hitting me like a punch to the gut.

    ¡°You are that demon I killed, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Argh, you finally got it! Let me introduce myself. I am Shien, one of the last demons living in this world.¡±

    My heart races, a mix of anger and confusion swirling within me.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re the one who did this to me! You turned me into a monster! Is this how you take your revenge? And why are you in my mind? I thought I killed you!¡± I struggle to push myself up, fueled by the rage boiling inside.

    ¡°Hmm, so all humans just believe what they see, huh? Revenge? This is not revenge. Let¡¯s say it like this: we¡¯re both helping each other to live!¡±

    What does he mean by that? ¡®Helping each other to live¡¯? Confusion clouds my thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help! I can survive on my own! So, turn me back into a human and leave my body!¡± My voice shakes with desperation, each word a plea mingled with defiance.

    ¡°Ha ha ha¡­ Do you think I like living here? I¡¯m here because I have no other options.¡± His laughter echoes in the depths of my mind, a bitter sound that sends chills down my spine. Silence hangs heavily between us, thick with tension.

    ¡°Hmm, if we coexist, you need to know what happened. This is all because you used Reikizuna back there!¡±

    Reikizuna? The name sends a shiver through me. I recall its fiery blade, the power coursing through my veins. ¡°What? You knew about the sword?¡±

    ¡°You said something just before I lost consciousness. You claimed that Reikizuna is the one who killed me. What does that mean? How did Reikizuna kill you?¡±

    ¡°First, let me tell you about Reikizuna. It is a powerful weapon used by humans for generations. Many warriors wielded this flaming blade, but no one knows the truth behind it. Reikizuna grants the wielder the power to defeat their opponent, but it demands a price. Its deal is power for soul! The more you use Reikizuna¡¯s power, the more of your soul you lose.¡± Shien¡¯s voice drips with an unsettling mix of disdain and sympathy.

    ¡°So, you mean¡­ my soul?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The blade burns with the wielder¡¯s emotions. Orange flames represent courage and determination; red signifies anger; blue means fear; yellow stands for joy; purple represents sadness; white symbolizes purity; and black represents despair. I¡¯ve seen every single flame in my life, but you¡­ you are the one who combines them all.¡±

    A wave of realization washes over me. The memory of the battle flashes in my mind¡ªthe blade igniting with red and orange flames, raging in tandem.

    ¡°So, you mean it damaged my soul?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just damaged; you lost it. Not entirely, but half of it. If you were a normal human, you would perish as soon as Reikizuna flares to life. But you! You are different. Your body belongs to this world, but not your soul. With your steel heart, Reikizuna only takes half of your soul. A body needs a full soul to function.¡±

    ¡°Then why am I a monster now?¡± Frustration bubbles within me. I need answers, and my patience wears thin.

    ¡°Wait wait, there¡¯s so much more to this story,¡± Shien continues, his tone shifting. ¡°When you struck me with that attack, it destroyed my vessel. Without a vessel, demons cannot exist. So, I chose that wolf gem as my new vessel. What I didn¡¯t realize was that gem was connected to you. As I entered the gem, your body absorbed half of my soul into your lost half. Now, you are one with both human and demon souls. You are not half monster; you are half demon!¡±

    "What? So, I¡¯m half demon now... and if he ever leaves the wolf gem, I¡¯m finished." The weight of this truth presses down on me, sinking like a stone. My mind races, struggling to piece it all together, when suddenly I hear a rustling in the silence.

    I tense, scanning the surroundings for the source. Ahead, thick bushes sway, parting just slightly. Something is moving through them, creeping closer. I try to stand, but my legs are still too weak. My heart pounds as I look around, searching desperately for anything I can use as a weapon. The noise grows louder, closing in with each second. Soldiers? If it¡¯s them, I¡¯m as good as dead.

    I brace myself, steeling for the worst. Then, three wolves emerge from the bushes, their eyes glinting in the dim light.

    Now we¡¯re face to face, the wolves and I. What¡¯s going to happen?

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    A low growl rumbles from two of the wolves, their eyes narrowing on me. I raise my demonic hand defensively, its dark, twisted shape almost foreign to me. But before they can pounce, the wolf in the middle, who seems larger, raises his head with authority. He glances at the other two, and they immediately lower their heads, their growls silenced. What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Hmm¡­ it seems that even though the wolf gem is part of you, you can¡¯t hear them,¡± Shien¡¯s voice sneers, echoing in my mind like an unwelcome visitor.

    ¡°Hear them?¡± I whisper, half to myself. ¡°What do you mean? Monsters can¡¯t talk¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh, how little you humans know!¡± Shien¡¯s laughter is like nails on glass, grating and harsh. ¡°These creatures you call ¡®monsters¡¯ have minds of their own. They can think, feel¡­ even communicate.¡±

    I feel a pang of memory. The sight of those wolves gathered around the fallen Wolf King¡¯s body flashes through my mind¡ªtheir sorrowful howls piercing the night.

    Can they really think? I wonder, then why did they attack the village?

    There¡¯s a pause, and then Shien¡¯s voice slithers back into my mind. ¡°Now that we understand each other a bit more¡­ I¡¯ll give you permission to use my ears. My ears can hear any creature in this world. In return, though, I¡¯ll need your help to maintain balance. Do you accept the deal?¡±

    ¡°A deal?¡± I hesitate. ¡°Look, as I said before, I don¡¯t kill anyone unless I have to. So as long as this deal doesn¡¯t involve me killing, I¡¯ll accept.¡±

    ¡°Very well, you¡¯re not as dimwitted as I feared,¡± Shien replies, the amusement clear in his tone. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; the deal is only to ensure balance.¡±

    As he speaks, a sudden wave of dizziness hits me. My head spins, the world tilting under me as though the ground¡¯s been yanked from beneath my feet. Then, a searing pain flares in my ears, like molten iron pouring into my skull.

    ¡°Why does every ability I gain come with pain?!¡± I scream, clutching my head. But this time, it fades quickly, leaving only the faint memory of fire in my veins. Sweat drips down my brow, but I can breathe again. I look up to see the wolves, now sitting calmly, watching me with intelligent eyes. Like loyal dogs, I think with a pang, recalling my old life. But these aren¡¯t pets; these are predators.

    The middle wolf tilts his head, and for a moment, I feel a strange, silent understanding pass between us.

    ¡°Are you alright, my Lord?¡± a voice rumbles softly from the shadows.

    ¡°What? Who said that?¡± I scan my surroundings, heart pounding.

    ¡°It was I, my Lord,¡± the middle wolf stands, his voice a low, almost regal tone.

    I blink, disbelief settling in. Did he¡­ just speak? So, Shien¡¯s ears really work.

    ¡°Why are you calling me ¡®Lord¡¯? I¡¯m the one who killed your leader.¡± I narrow my eyes, wary. ¡°I think you¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡±

    The wolf lowers his head respectfully. ¡°We know who you are, my Lord. That was in the past. We understand you had no other choice in that moment. You nearly lost that man to the Wolf King. But if Lord Shien chose you, there must be a reason.¡±

    The reason? The only reason Shien¡¯s in the wolf gem is because I nearly destroyed him. Confusion twists my thoughts.

    Shien¡¯s voice, calm and controlled, fills my mind. ¡°Haruto, only we know what happened in that cave. I wouldn¡¯t advise telling the truth¡­ but if you¡¯re set on it, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±

    I sit back against the tree as comfortably as I can, watching as the sun dips below the horizon. Shadows creep over the forest, thickening into the night¡¯s shroud. What should I do? The wolves seem¡­ different. They might understand me.

    Taking a deep breath, I make my decision.

    ¡°Listen, all of you. Shien didn¡¯t choose me as his vessel¡ªI almost killed him.¡± The truth hangs in the air, tense but steady, and I watch their reactions carefully. But the wolves only sit there, eyes fixed on me, glimmering faintly in the moonlight.

    The middle wolf nods solemnly. ¡°You lost your friends¡­ and half of your soul. Lord Shien, too, lost his vessel. It may seem unfair, but do you know what would happen if the last demon was lost to the world?¡±

    His words sink in slowly. The last demon?

    ¡°We know ordinary humans cannot hear us,¡± he continues, voice steady. ¡°But you can, my Lord. This means that Lord Shien has granted you his permission to use his ears. If he trusts you¡­ then so do we, Lord Haruto.¡±

    The wolves bow their heads, first the middle wolf and then the others, a quiet display of loyalty and respect.

    Slowly, feeling returns to my legs. I brace myself against the tree, pushing to stand, but Shien¡¯s voice stops me.

    ¡°Haruto,¡± he says, his tone unusually gentle. ¡°Raise your right hand and touch the middle wolf¡¯s forehead.¡±

    I kneel down and extend my hand, hovering my fingers just above his brow. The wolf steps forward, lowering his head, and as my fingertip touches his forehead, darkness swallows everything. Why do I keep fainting? I think, as my last moments of consciousness fade. Am I really that weak?

    I open my eyes, but all I see is darkness. This time, though, something feels different¡ªI can sense the ground beneath my feet. Looking around, I search for anything to help me figure out where I am. In the distance, I notice a faint glow... a spotlight. I take a few steps, the light drawing closer with each one. As I near, the scene becomes clearer. In the middle of the light stands a throne crafted from black and purple stones and crystals. Someone is seated on it. As I get closer, I recognize him¡ªit¡¯s Shien.

    ¡°Hello, Haruto! Take a seat,¡± Shien says in his usual calm tone.

    I glance around, noticing an identical chair made from dark stones and crystals right behind me. Sitting down, I suddenly see something strange¡ªmy legs. My left side is normal, but my right is made of particles that occasionally drift away from my body.

    ¡°How¡¯s the other half I created from lumirith? Can you feel it?¡± Shien asks with a slight smile.

    ¡°Yeah, it feels just as normal but what exactly is lumirith? I¡¯ve never heard of it,¡± I reply, confused.

    Shien nods. ¡°Then let me teach you. Lumirith is the life energy that flows through every living thing in this world. It¡¯s not created within our bodies; it¡¯s everywhere, all around us. You can draw from it to enhance your abilities or even connect with nature itself. Understanding lumirith is the key to harnessing its power.¡±

    ¡°So, our abilities come from using the lumirith around us, right?¡± I ask, feeling like I¡¯m in some kind of game.

    ¡°Sharp as ever, Haruto. Yes, when we use our abilities, our bodies pull in lumirith to generate the required energy. For demons and other creatures, this power is called ¡®Aether Lumirith,¡¯ while for humans and angels, it¡¯s known as ¡®Celest Lumirith.¡¯ I created your other half from aether lumirith, but your body isn¡¯t fully adapted to absorb it yet. That¡¯s why you keep passing out after using too much,¡± Shien explains.

    ¡°So... where am I now? What happened back there? And... what exactly are angels?¡± I ask, letting all my questions spill out.

    ¡°Oh, Haruto, one thing at a time!¡± Shien chuckles. ¡°You fainted after establishing the wolf as the pack''s new leader¡ªit took a lot of lumirith. You¡¯re in a regenerative state now, something demons and angels experience regularly. Now that you''re part-demon, it affects you, too.¡±

    He pauses, a thoughtful look crossing his face. ¡°Ah, and about the angels... While you¡¯re regenerating, let me tell you a story. A story about a world that was once peaceful...¡±

 The Last Emberéˆ¥æªš Memory

    Shien begins his story¡­

    "Thousands of years ago, this world was ruled by two supreme races: the Demons and the Angels. The Demons, ancient and powerful, held dominion over the forests and creatures, maintaining the delicate balance of ''Aether Lumirith'' across the land. They saw themselves as guardians of nature, working tirelessly to sustain life for all beings. The Angels, luminous and wise, took responsibility for humanity, nurturing the harmony of ''Celest Lumirith,'' the light that connected humans to the divine essence.

    In those ancient times, humans and forest creatures rarely fought without cause. Battles arose only when food was scarce; however, these conflicts remained rare, as the forests yielded a plentiful bounty, shared freely by the Demons to preserve peace.

    This fragile harmony lasted for centuries. However, as humans grew more ambitious and curious, they sought leaders who could guide them to a greater understanding of the world. They turned to the Angels, admiring their wisdom and purity. Yet, the Angels declined, insisting they were not meant to control humanity but only to protect and guide them. Instead, they suggested the Elves¡ªbeings of celestial origin, born from the Angels¡¯ own essence and shaped by their light. In this way, the Angels believed the Elves would share their values and serve humanity faithfully.

    The humans accepted, and the Elves took their place as rulers. However, the Elves were not immune to mortal desires. Unlike the Angels, they were bound by both divine and earthly nature, carrying a blend of purity and ambition. As time passed, the Elves began to yearn for more power and wealth, traits that mirrored the very humans they ruled. Driven by pride and rivalry, they divided their rule into four grand kingdoms: Ironvale, Lunaria, Shinsei, and Kazehana.

    Each kingdom bore a unique identity and allegiance, influenced by the regions they governed. Ironvale, known for its might and resource-rich lands, valued strength above all. Lunaria, a kingdom shrouded in mysticism, held secrets and sorcery. Shinsei, the kingdom of scholars, prized knowledge and wisdom, while Kazehana, blessed by the wind and vast fields, sought freedom and independence. Thus, the Elves became less like Angels and more like men, bound to the desires that eroded the peace they once promised.

    As years passed, the Angels and we Demons began to sense something¡ªan unsettling disturbance in the fabric of nature itself. The world was calm and peaceful, but a shadow grew beneath it, like the silence before a storm."

    He pauses, looking into the distance as if remembering. "There was an eerie stillness that seemed to grip the land. Birds veered in strange patterns, animals grew tense and watchful, and even the Aether Lumirith felt¡­ wrong, like a thread stretched too thin.¡±

    A shudder crosses his expression. "Then came the news: an entire village of goblins was killed in Ironvale. It surprised us because goblins, though humble, are peaceful creatures. They use Aether Lumirith to survive, to grow, and to keep balance. They don''t attack anyone without reason."

    The story grows darker as Shien continues. "Our scouts went to see what happened, and what we found shocked us. The goblins hadn¡¯t tried to escape whatever attacked them. Their bodies lay frozen, almost as if something had drained their spirit before they had the chance to run.

    "As we examined them, we found no sword marks, no claws¡ªnothing that could explain their wounds. But then, on the backs of most goblins'' necks, we discovered strange, spider-like creatures latched onto their skin. Small and black, with legs as thin as strands of hair yet sharp as needles. They had no trace of Aether Lumirith, nor any other energy we could recognize. It was as though they came from another realm entirely.¡± Shien¡¯s voice grows distant as he recalls the sight. "We could only assume they had died from the venom of these creatures.¡±

    He falls silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. His gaze sharpens. "But that wasn¡¯t the end of it. A few months later, out of nowhere, humans in Ironvale began fighting among themselves. Civil war erupted as if some dark seed had sprouted in their hearts. They declared they no longer needed guidance from Angels or Elves. In just days, they stormed the Ironvale palace and seized the crown themselves.

    "Elves who escaped the carnage fled into the forests, seeking refuge among us. Soon, humans in the other kingdoms rose in their own rebellions, each declaring independence from the Angels and Elves, rejecting our help. It was as if the land itself had poisoned their minds.¡±

    Shien¡¯s eyes grow grim. "We Demons knew the balance had shattered. Fearing what might come, we fortified our territory, making the heart of the forest¡ªsituated at the crossroads of the four kingdoms¡ªtreacherous to any outsider. We urged the Angels to seek safety within our borders, but they refused. They believed, even if humans rejected them, they were still bound to help."

    With a deep breath, Shien¡¯s gaze meets Haruto¡¯s, his voice heavy with sorrow. ¡°That day, something fundamental in our world shifted. We, the keepers of balance, could only watch as harmony slipped further and further from our grasp. Soon after, the kings of the four kingdoms declared open war on Demons and Angels alike. At first, we almost laughed. How could mere humans hope to kill a supreme being? But then¡­ we received unthinkable news: humans had slain an Angel. The shock rippled through us. How had humans gained such strength?¡±

    Shien¡¯s expression darkens. "Years passed, and war reached the edge of our territory. We fought to protect everyone who sought refuge in the forests, but it was no use. We soon discovered their terrible advantage: special weapons that emitted a strange, unnatural power¡ªpower that could wound us. One of them was your own Reikizuna.¡±

    I freeze, the name ringing like a curse in my ears. Reikizuna¡­ my Reikizuna was once used to kill Angels and Demons.

    ¡°We tried as hard as we could to hold them off, but their forces kept breaching through. I watched my kin fall before me, one by one. It was then I knew I had no choice. I unleashed my Hellfire beyond its limits. The flames consumed waves of soldiers, leaving nothing but charred remains. Then, weakened from that effort, I fled, hiding away in that cave we battled in. I believed others of my kind might have survived, might have escaped the slaughter. But now¡­¡± He trails off, a faint tremor in his voice, ¡°now I believe I am the last Demon in this world.¡±

    A heavy silence hangs in the air, and Shien¡¯s glance meets mine with a gravity I cannot ignore. ¡°And now, from that day forward, humans still hunt ¡®monsters¡¯ without reason. What became of the Angels, I don¡¯t know. But if I am truly the last, and I were to die¡­¡± He pauses, his gaze like steel, ¡°this world may very well turn upside down.¡±

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    His words sink in, weighing on my mind and heart. What have I done? The thought is like a blade twisting in my chest. What if Shien had truly died in that cave? What would become of that village¡­ of Emiko? My mind races with guilt and resolve, each thought sharper than the last.

    I look at Shien, determination hardening within me. I have to help him. After all,¡­ I am responsible for what happened.

    "Shien," I murmur, still feeling the weight of his story in my heart. ¡°I finally understand the consequences of what I¡¯ve done. If something terrible happens to this world because of my actions, it¡¯s on me. So, Shien¡­ you might laugh at me for saying this, but¡­¡± I stand up, clenching my fists. ¡°Let me help you. There must be something I can do to make things right.¡±

    Shien¡¯s gaze softens, a faint smile touching his lips. ¡°Alright, Haruto. I don¡¯t know what lies ahead, but first, you¡¯ll need to recover your strength. You¡¯ll need to train your body to handle Lumirith¡ªespecially Aether Lumirith¡ªsince my abilities rely on it, and using them will require more than just willpower.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Shien! I¡¯ll do my best,¡± I say, bowing deeply, hoping he senses my gratitude.

    When I sit back down, a lingering thought pulls at me. ¡°Shien, there¡¯s something that doesn¡¯t add up in your story,¡± I say, my brow furrowing. ¡°You mentioned the civil war in Ironvale started just after the goblin massacre. Doesn¡¯t that seem¡­ strange? If humans lived with Angels and Elves for so long, what suddenly made them want to break away? There are parts of this story that don¡¯t make sense.¡±

    Shien¡¯s face darkens slightly, a hint of frustration there. ¡°I agree. There are pieces that don¡¯t fit. But even if I could figure it out, what then? What difference could I make after all that¡¯s happened?¡± he asks, his voice carrying a note of defeat.

    ¡°We¡¯ll find those answers, Shien. Together, we¡¯ll uncover what¡¯s behind all of this¡ªthis war, these massacres¡­ everything. I¡¯ll help you keep Lumirith in balance,¡± I say, letting hope and resolve color my words.

    Shien nods slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll trust in this journey. But know this: your path ahead will be fraught with danger. Your choice to help me might invite darkness into your life¡ªa darkness that could swallow you whole. Are you prepared for that?¡±

    A shiver runs down my spine, but I steel myself. ¡°I have to be prepared. It¡¯s my responsibility now.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s begin your training. Once you wake up from this state, you¡¯ll learn to harness the Aether Lumirith within me,¡± Shien¡¯s voice echoes in my mind, calm and unwavering.

    A strange sensation washes over me. I look down, watching as my body seems to fade away. Startled, I glance at Shien, but he remains calm, as if this is expected.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± he reassures me, his voice steady. ¡°Your regeneration is complete, Haruto. Now, your soul is establishing itself fully within your body. And by the way,¡± he adds, his voice almost playful, ¡°you can communicate with me through your thoughts from now on.¡±

    As his figure fades from view, my awareness sharpens. A cold sensation presses against my back, and I slowly regain feeling in my limbs. Realizing I¡¯m lying down, I open my eyes, expecting to see the familiar forest. Instead, I find myself in a small, dimly lit cave. I¡¯m lying on a smooth, flat rock that feels almost like a bed, and the walls are adorned with strange, luminous crystals casting a soft glow.

    Slowly, I push myself up, taking in the surroundings. The crystals, unlike any I¡¯ve seen, emit an otherworldly light that makes the cave feel almost¡­ welcoming.

    Just then, I hear a faint scraping sound coming from the entrance. It¡¯s a sharp noise, like claws tapping against stone. As the light from the crystals illuminates the entrance, I see them¡ªa pack of wolves led by a massive, imposing figure.

    The lead wolf, nearly as large as the wolf king I had once defeated, approaches with a steady, unhurried stride. Its eyes glow with an intelligence that surprises me, and there¡¯s a calmness in its expression, free of any hostility. When it stops in front of me, it bows low, lowering its head in a gesture of respect.

    I stare, perplexed, until my gaze catches on a yellow crescent-shaped crystal embedded in its forehead¡ªa symbol of its rank. It¡¯s the new wolf king.

    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re the same wolf I met in the forest, aren¡¯t you?¡± I ask, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice.

    The wolf¡¯s response is immediate, and, to my surprise, articulate. ¡°Yes, my lord, I am that wolf. Now, I am the leader of the pack.¡±

    His words are respectful, his posture submissive. ¡°How was your rest, my lord? I hope you were comfortable.¡±

    The formality in his voice unsettles me, reminding me too much of the villagers back home¡ªthe way they used to look at me as if I were something far above them. But I¡¯m not¡­ not even close.

    A pang of guilt tugs at me as I remember the fallen wolf king. I take a breath, meeting the wolf¡¯s gaze. ¡°You¡¯re a leader,¡± I say firmly, ¡°you don¡¯t need to bow to me. And please, stop calling me ¡®my lord.¡¯ I¡¯m not used to it. Just call me Haruto.¡±

    The wolf king seems to hesitate, glancing at me with a slight tilt of his head, his glowing eyes reflecting understanding.

    ¡°And¡­ the blood of your previous leader is still on my hands,¡± I add, feeling a shadow of regret pass over me. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to be bowed to.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± the wolf king nods solemnly. ¡°But as I said in the forest, Lord Shien never grants an ordinary human permission to use his powers¡ªnot even if he were left with no other choice. You know how vital Lord Shien is to this world,¡± he says, glancing down respectfully.

    ¡°So, as long as you continue Lord Shien¡¯s work, we owe you our respect, Lord Haruto!¡± he declares, bowing his head once more.

    ¡°Oh! I nearly forgot, Lord Haruto,¡± he adds, lifting his head slightly. ¡°We brought some food for you. You must be starving after nearly five days of rest!¡±

    ¡°Five days!?¡± My voice practically echoes through the cave. "But¡­ but it felt like only a few hours with Shien!"

    ¡°Yes,¡± the wolf king confirms, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°From the moment you named me the new leader, you¡¯ve been asleep.¡±

    I point to a corner of the cave. ¡°Alright, put the meat over there.¡± A few wolves step forward, dropping bundles of raw meat at the spot I indicated. I stare at the piles, trying not to let disappointment show¡ªof course, they¡¯re raw.

    With little choice, I call out in my mind, ¡°Shien! Can you hear me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Haruto. What¡¯s the issue?¡± Shien responds, and I sense a hint of amusement in his voice.

    ¡°Can you make a fire on the ground for me?¡± I pause, swallowing my pride. ¡°Please. I can¡¯t eat raw meat!¡±

    Shien¡¯s laughter fills my mind, each echo ringing with smugness. ¡°You want me, a demon, to make a fire¡­ just to cook meat?¡±

    His mockery is thick, but I have no other options. I clench my jaw, swallowing my irritation. ¡°Yes, I do.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯ll help. Draw a square with your finger on the ground where you want the fire to stay. Place your hand in the center, and I¡¯ll handle the rest. But remember,¡± he warns, ¡°my black flames are far stronger than any ordinary fire. If you don¡¯t time it right, your food might end up as ashes.¡±

    I follow his instructions, drawing a square on the ground and pressing my hand at its center. Almost immediately, small black flames rise from the earth. I work carefully, roasting the meat bit by bit, though I burn more pieces than I¡¯d like. But hunger has me eating them anyway, barely noticing the taste.

    Once I¡¯m done, I decide to step outside the cave, needing to stretch my legs. The sight before me takes me by surprise. This cave is like a massive den, almost a village in itself. The main chamber is vast, with smaller caves lining the walls, each a personal den for a different wolf. Wolves are scattered around, going about their daily lives¡ªsome sleeping, others playing or watching over their young.

    Cubs dart around, tumbling and chasing each other, occasionally pausing to glance at me with innocent curiosity. The older wolves, likely guards, sit at various points near the cave¡¯s entrance, their eyes sharp and vigilant.

    Soft light fills the space, emitted by the strange crystals that line the walls. They cast a calming glow over everything, creating an almost serene atmosphere, even amidst the activity. It''s an organized, lively place¡ªlike a Wolf Village.

    ¡°Guess I¡¯m living with wolves now,¡± I murmur to myself, a reluctant smile creeping onto my face.

 Harnessing the Flame

    I slowly descend into the main hall of the cave, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. As I approach the entrance, the wolves along the way lower their heads in a show of respect, their eyes following my every move. I¡¯ve faced this gesture before, but it still feels strange, their loyalty and reverence wrapping around me like a quiet weight. Unsure of how to respond, I give them a gentle smile, hoping it communicates the gratitude I feel, even if I don¡¯t fully understand this bond we share.

    As I walk onward, I feel the eyes of the pack trailing after me, each pair filled with a silent wisdom that humbles me. Suddenly, a wolf cub scampers in front of me, blocking my path with a playful glint in its eye. Surprised, I pause, kneeling down to meet the little creature at eye level. Cupping the small bundle in both hands, I lift it closer. The cub¡¯s fur is warm and soft, its face almost puppy-like, stirring memories from my previous life. Without warning, it begins licking my face, the ticklish sensation making me laugh. I gently set it down as a few more young wolves gather around, nudging at me with curious noses, while their elders watch protectively from the hallway.

    I continue forward, moving between the older wolves standing guard in the hallway leading to the cave entrance. As I step outside, the warm sunlight envelops me, and I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, preparing myself for what¡¯s to come. Opening my eyes, I scan my surroundings, trying to pinpoint my location, but all I see is endless forest. I turn to look back at the cave. It¡¯s tucked beneath a small, forest-covered mountain, blending so seamlessly into the landscape that it¡¯s almost impossible to tell where the forest ends and the mountain begins.

    ¡°Is everything alright, my lord?¡± a sudden, deep, growling voice comes from behind me. I turn around to see the Wolf King sitting behind me.

    ¡°Thanks to you, everything is fine!¡± I reply, smiling.

    ¡°By the way, is there any open area around here? Shien said I need to train my body for Aether Lumirith.¡±

    ¡°Hmm... open area?¡± Wolf King goes deep into thought. ¡°Alright, follow me, Lord Haruto.¡± He stands up and starts walking into the forest.

    We walk for a few minutes deeper into the forest. As we walk, I start to enjoy the forest. I never thought forest would this much calm. Chirping sounds of birds echoing through the forest. Finally, we come upon an open area near a river.

    ¡°This is the safest open space we have. I hope this place satisfies your requirements,¡± Wolf King says, stepping back.

    ¡°What is this river? I never knew there was a river in this forest,¡± I ask, curiosity bubbling inside me.

    ¡°This river separates the forest into two parts, and it also connects both the Lunaria and Shinsei kingdoms,¡± Wolf King explains.

    ¡°Then I will go back. We are going to hunt and gather more meat for the winter season,¡± Wolf King says, padding off through the way we came.

    I watch him disappear into the shadows of the forest until there¡¯s no trace left but the faint rustle of leaves. Turning to the open space, I exhale, readying myself. ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s start our first day of training. Shien, where are we going to start?¡±

    Silence stretches out, broken only by the sound of the river¡¯s flow. It feels like I¡¯m speaking to the air.

    ¡°Shien¡­ can you hear me?¡± I ask again, wondering if he¡¯s even there.

    ¡°Oh yes, I hear you,¡± Shien¡¯s voice finally echoes within me, slow and thoughtful. ¡°But I was considering where to begin. I¡¯ve never trained anyone before¡­ hmm¡­¡± He trails off, and there¡¯s silence again.

    I wait, feeling the weight of his deliberation. Then, his voice returns, more certain. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s start with your senses. I¡¯ve sealed my sight for now¡ªuntil you can develop enough Aether Lumirith. My sight drains Aether Lumirith as it¡¯s used, so without control, it would only deplete you.¡±

    I sit under a big shady tree near the river, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above. A cool breeze brushes against my skin, refreshing and invigorating. The distant calls of birds and the gentle sound of the flowing river help me concentrate even more.

    ¡°OK, now listen. Lumirith is the energy source of every living thing in this world,¡± Shien explains, his voice steady. ¡°Our bodies absorb this Lumirith and convert it into a form we can sustain. Human bodies, just like yours, depend on Celest Lumirith. But Demons, Wolves, and every other creature living here use Aether Lumirith.¡±

    I nod, absorbing the information. ¡°So, because of my demon half, my body has both Aether and Celest Lumirith?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Focus the energy within you and distinguish between them. But remember, this is not going to be easy.¡± Shien¡¯s words echo in my mind, resonating with the weight of the challenge ahead.

    I take a deep breath, inhaling the cool, crisp air and exhaling slowly, centering myself. I hear the wind rustling through the trees and the river flowing nearby, but still, nothing tangible comes to me.

    ¡°Haruto, first you have to feel the energy and then try to see it,¡± Shien instructs.

    Energy¡­ Energy inside of me¡­ Focus¡­ Suddenly, I start to hear my heartbeat more clearly. At first, it''s faint, but it grows louder, more pronounced. I try to focus even harder. A different sensation arises within me; the left side of my body feels a comforting warmth, like a summer breeze. The right side, however, burns hot and sharp, like a wildfire''s edge, but without any pain.

    ¡°Shien, I feel a comforting warmth in my left side, but my right side is burning like hell. Yet, there¡¯s no pain,¡± I say, my voice steady despite the chaos within.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ it seems your senses are already tasting both Lumiriths. Now you need to feel the flow, the flow of energy,¡± Shien says, his tone encouraging.

    A flow of energy¡­ If there¡¯s a flow, there must be a start. I concentrate even more.

    I can still feel the contrasting warmth and intensity, but I need to find the beginning of this flow. I refuse to give up. After everything I¡¯ve been through¡­ No, I can''t. I won''t stop. I¡¯ll keep moving forward.

    As I concentrate, the warmth on my left side feels inviting, yet the heat on my right-side pulses with a fierce energy that seems almost alive. It¡¯s as if each side of my body is waging a silent battle, and I¡¯m caught in the middle, searching for balance. What is this sensation? Why does it feel like something is missing?

    Then, I hear it again: my heartbeat. Is it intense or calm? I can¡¯t tell. For a moment, I sense a normal, calm rhythm, but then it suddenly intensifies, quickening like a drum in a frantic dance. The rhythm shifts, and with it, the warmth and heat begin to merge into something more¡ªa powerful surge that feels both daunting and exhilarating.

    I focus on this sudden change, following the beat until I see it¡ªthe beginning of the flow: my heart.

    The right side is covered in something dark, while the left side shines brightly like the sun.

    ¡°Shien, can you hear me? I found the beginning of the flow. It¡¯s my heart! My heartbeat seems different than usual!¡± I say, excitement bubbling within me.

    ¡°Good job, Haruto! What you feel is the energy flowing through your body. Your heart is trying to create Celest Lumirith one moment and Aether Lumirith the next,¡± Shien explains, pride evident in his voice.

    ¡°But is there something we can do? Like increasing the conversion rate or something?¡± I ask, impatience creeping into my tone.

    ¡°Calm down, Haruto. If you try to increase the conversion rate, you could die instantly. The only thing we can do is increase your Aether Lumirith capacity and train more to finish a battle before you run out,¡± Shien says, his voice turning serious.

    ¡°Hmm, I see. If I run out of Aether Lumirith in battle, I¡¯ll faint like before, right?¡± I clarify.

    ¡°Not exactly. In the past, you fainted because you used your Celest Lumirith too. Your human body relies on spare Lumirith to function. For humans, it''s about maintaining balance. But for Angels and Demons, powers come with their downsides. If we use all of our Aether Lumirith, our bodies enter an inactive state called ¡®regeneration period,¡¯¡± Shien explains.

    The first day of training draws to a close with Shien¡¯s words echoing in my mind.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today, Haruto. Let¡¯s go back and take a break. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll continue your training,¡± Shien says.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    I open my eyes, slowly pulling myself from my focus. I hadn¡¯t realized how much time had passed¡ªit''s already evening. The last rays of the sun touch the world with a soft, warm glow, casting long shadows across the ground. As birds and other creatures return to their nests, I start the walk back to the wolf den, feeling a quiet satisfaction settle within me. Today may have been only the first step, but it¡¯s a step I can feel down to my bones.

    When I reach the den, I see the wolves returning from their hunt, carrying the animals they¡¯ve gathered for the day. Wolf King meets me near the entrance, his deep voice a steady rumble against the fading daylight.

    ¡°How was your training, Lord Haruto? With that expression, I can tell it¡¯s been a success.¡±

    I can¡¯t help but let a small grin slip through. ¡°Yes, it was a success. I managed to feel the flow of both Lumiriths inside me,¡± I say, the admission feeling both surreal and satisfying. I¡¯m not yet where I want to be, but the path forward feels clearer.

    Wolf King¡¯s eyes flash with approval. ¡°Great! Then go back inside and take some rest, Lord Haruto. I¡¯ll send some meat to your cave.¡± He bows before returning to the pack.

    ¡°By the way, how do you keep the meat fresh? Winter is still far off,¡± I ask as curiosity takes over.

    He nods toward the walls, where a soft glow fills the den from embedded crystals, illuminating the caverns in hues that remind me of the evening sky. I glance down at the wolf cub from this morning, its fur catching the light as it bounds past.

    ¡°Do you see those glowing stones, Lord Haruto? They¡¯re made from pure Lumirith. We found an entire chamber filled with them, floor to ceiling. The pure energy they emit keeps anything nearby fresh for much longer than normal.¡±

    I stare, marveling at the crystals¡¯ warm glow. If I¡¯m meant to use Aether Lumirith, these stones feel like distant cousins¡ªquiet but powerful, like a heartbeat all around me.

    As I walk to my own cave room, everything is well lit by the crystals¡¯ gentle light. I glance around, noticing the small details of the cave that now feel more like home. Moments later, a wolf appears at the entrance carrying meat on his back. I direct him to a spot to leave it, nodding in thanks. Shien and I prepare a simple dinner, roasting the meat over a small fire.

    Finally, I lie down on my raised sleeping spot, the day¡¯s exhaustion pressing down like a gentle weight. My mind is content but alive, replaying Shien¡¯s lessons as if the day hasn¡¯t quite ended. Despite the hard, cold surface beneath me, the lingering warmth from my efforts helps lull me to sleep. Tomorrow¡¯s challenges can wait; for now, the sound of the river in the distance eases me into rest.

    I wake up early, eager to continue my training. Moving quietly, I make my way toward the cave entrance, careful not to wake the wolf cubs that sleep peacefully after their playful adventures yesterday. As I step outside, the cold morning wind greets me, crisp against my face. The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a faint glow across the land. I stretch my arms and legs, taking a deep breath, and start walking toward the training ground. I grab a few fruits along the way for a quick breakfast, memories of Gorou¡¯s lessons reminding me to stay energized and focused.

    When I reach the training ground, a thin layer of mist blankets the area, making it look almost ethereal. Everything is quiet, the only sound the steady gushing of the nearby river. I feel the stillness settle around me, heightening my anticipation.

    ¡°Alright, Shien! I¡¯m ready for the next training!¡± I call out, feeling excitement bubbling up in my chest.

    Shien¡¯s voice resounds in my mind.

    ¡°Now that you can feel the Lumirith flow within you, it¡¯s time to take the next step¡ªmanifesting it.¡±

    He continues, ¡°Every creature manifest Aether Lumirith differently. My own manifestation is the black fire. From what I understand, Celest Lumirith is just as unique¡ªindividual to each user. Because you possess both, perhaps one day, you¡¯ll manifest Celest Lumirith as well.¡±

    I blink, trying to imagine what Celest Lumirith would look like for me. ¡°Manifesting Lumirith¡­¡± I repeat softly, letting the idea sink in.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a demonstration?¡± Shien suggests. ¡°Wolf King, show Haruto your Aether Lumirith manifestation.¡±

    A voice sounds from behind me.

    ¡°As you wish, Lord Shien.¡±

    Startled, I turn around to see Wolf King standing there, his eyes steady and unreadable. I stare, confused.

    ¡°Wait¡­ you can hear Shien?¡± I ask, trying to make sense of this sudden revelation.

    Shien¡¯s voice responds, filling in the gaps.

    ¡°Haruto, Aether Lumirith is more than just an energy source. It connects all who wield it. If you focus, you can even communicate mind-to-mind.¡±

    I nod slowly, processing this new understanding. The bond Aether Lumirith creates is more profound than I thought. ¡°So, what¡¯s your manifestation, Wolf King?¡± I ask, my curiosity piqued.

    Wolf King stands beside me, his gaze fixed on a tree in the distance. He raises a massive paw and slashes through the air, though he¡¯s nowhere near the tree. Suddenly, the tree quivers, then crashes to the ground, a deep claw mark cleaving its trunk.

    ¡°It seems his manifestation is wind,¡± Shien notes, admiration in his tone. ¡°Like the Wolf King before him, he channels Aether Lumirith into attacks that strike from afar.¡±

    I watch, awe-struck by the sheer power of the move and the precision it requires. ¡°Incredible¡­¡± I whisper. I can feel the weight of the challenge ahead as Shien¡¯s words echo in my mind.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn, Haruto. We¡¯ll try to manifest my black fire. But remember, as I said yesterday, this will not be easy.¡±

    Day one is harder than I expected. I find myself repeating the same movements, channeling the energy within me, but nothing comes. Shien¡¯s words echo in my mind, urging patience, but with each failed attempt, frustration builds, leaving me drained and empty. By evening, I collapse, muscles aching and spirit bruised.

    ¡°It¡¯s normal, Haruto,¡± Shien reassures me that night, his voice steady as the stars. ¡°Few succeed right away. Give it time. After all, you are trying to accrue something you didn¡¯t have in the first place.¡±

    The following days stretch into a relentless rhythm, each one testing the limits of my endurance. Each morning, I feel the weight of my failures press down on me like a stone, and each night, the strain leaves my body exhausted, but my determination remains unshaken, a flickering flame against the encroaching darkness.

    On the third day, while the sun hangs low in the sky, I catch a hint of warmth in my hand¡ªa small flicker, barely a glimmer. It vanishes almost as soon as it appears, but that single moment renews my spirit like a breath of fresh air. By the fifth day, I can feel the energy swirling stronger within me, coalescing into a faint outline of heat. It¡¯s far from a full manifestation, but for the first time, I see hope glimmering on the horizon.

    On the sixth day, I arrive at the training ground as usual, heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Standing in the center, I raise my right arm with my palm upward, closing my eyes and focusing on my heartbeat. I visualize the Aether Lumirith flowing through my right side, a current of power just waiting to be unleashed.

    ¡°This time I¡¯m doing this!¡± I whisper to myself, feeling the Aether Lumirith surge into my palm. Suddenly, a painless burn ignites in my right side. I focus harder, heart racing as I push my limits.

    ¡°Keep going! Trust in yourself!¡± Shien¡¯s encouraging words reverberate in my mind. I try to channel the Aether Lumirith into my palm, determined not to break my concentration. Then, in a heartbeat, the burn vanishes. I open my eyes slowly, and there it is¡ªblack fire flickering to life on my palm. Shock washes over me as I stare at the flames, shimmering like the night sky.

    ¡°I made the black fire. I made it myself.¡± The weight of countless days of struggle lifts from my shoulders, replaced by exhilaration.

    ¡°Congratulations, Haruto! You¡¯ve successfully manifested my black fire.¡± Shien¡¯s voice fills the air with joy and pride, resonating deep within me.

    Closing my eyes again, I try to stop the energy flow to my hand. In an instant, the fire fades away. I let the Lumirith flow back into my hand, and once more, the black fire ignites, dancing with newfound vibrancy.

    ¡°Now I can control it. I can control the flow!¡± I exclaim, joy bubbling over as I realize the power within me.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return to the cave,¡± Shien suggests, his tone calm yet filled with an underlying thrill. ¡°It¡¯s still early afternoon, but you¡¯ve worked hard and completed a task that usually takes months, if not years. You deserve a rest.¡±

    As we approach the cave, the Wolf King steps forward, his presence commanding.

    ¡°How was your training, Lord Haruto?¡± he asks, eyes glinting with curiosity. I recount my journey, sharing everything from the first flicker of hope to my final triumph. When I reveal the black fire, his eyes widen with pride.

    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, Lord Haruto. You mastered Lord Shien¡¯s black fire in such a short time. That¡¯s impressive,¡± the Wolf King remarks, his gaze fixed on the flames that dance upon my palm.

    ¡°Wolf King, is there somewhere I can find a weapon?¡± I ask, my voice steady. ¡°Even though I can wield Shien¡¯s fire, it¡¯s not nearly as powerful as when he used it. I need a weapon to protect myself until I fully master his abilities.¡±

    ¡°A weapon... hmm...¡± Wolf King muses, deep in thought, occasionally glancing at me.

    ¡°Hmm... there is one. Follow me.¡± He leads the way, his strides purposeful, as I and a few other wolves trail behind. After what feels like hours, we stop in a vast clearing bathed in the soft glow of dusk.

    As I step forward, I behold a great crater in the heart of the forest, and at its center lies something extraordinary.

    Wolf King descends into the crater, and I follow, careful and awestruck as the other wolves encircle us, forming a living barrier of anticipation. Peering closer, I see what rests within the crater: a claymore unlike any I¡¯ve ever encountered. The blade is massive, wide enough to shield half my body, nearly as tall as I am. It¡¯s embedded deep into the ground, as though it fell from the heavens with unrelenting force. The handle isn¡¯t centered like a traditional sword; instead, it¡¯s designed for a two-handed grip, one hand on the back hilt and the other midway down the blade. The weapon radiates an aura of raw power, a promise of strength waiting to be claimed.

    ¡°This blade has a long history,¡± Wolf King begins, his voice solemn.

    ¡°A long time ago, the wolf king who first discovered the cave we now inhabit fought a great battle here. Legend says that even though the wielder of this weapon was human, he possessed extraordinary strength. In the final moments of their duel, he launched himself and slammed the ground with this blade, creating this very crater. The wolf king seized that opportunity and struck him down. Since then, humans have come to this place seeking to claim this sword, but as you can see, none have succeeded.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I can claim it? What if it¡¯s one of the cursed weapons used to slay angels and demons?¡± Doubts swirl in my mind like shadows, clouding my judgment.

    ¡°You must trust yourself, Haruto. Remember how you ignited the Reikizuna with combined flames? That¡¯s your courage and determination. And don¡¯t worry; I can guarantee this isn¡¯t a cursed weapon, although I¡¯ve never seen it before.¡± Shien¡¯s words fill me with hope.

    I take a deep breath, clearing my mind of doubts and fears. With resolve, I step toward the blade, gripping the back hilt with my left hand and the mid-blade with my right. I position my feet firmly, grounding myself. Closing my eyes, I feel the Lumirith envelop me, flowing within and around me.

    With determination, I open my eyes and pull the blade with all my strength, but it doesn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°No! I won¡¯t give up yet! If I don¡¯t have the strength now, I¡¯ll train harder until one day I can claim you!¡± I scream, summoning every ounce of resolve as I pull the blade one last time.

    With a sudden jolt, I go flying backward, dropping beside Wolf King. Confused, I look back, and to my utter astonishment, there it is¡ªthe blade, now firmly in my grasp!

 Into the Heart of the Wild

    All the wolves, including the Wolf King, raise their voices to the sky in a haunting, unified howl as I stagger to my feet, Hikariken held in one hand. I lift the blade with both arms, expecting its usual heaviness, but it surprises me. Somehow, it feels lighter¡ªa part of me, almost. Even so, I keep both hands on the hilt, steadying myself.

    ¡°It seems your heart is more powerful than Lumirith itself,¡± the Wolf King growls, his tone holding unexpected respect. ¡°This blade suits you.¡±

    Just as his words sink in, a low growl from the wolves guarding the crater''s edge breaks the silence. Their eyes are fixed on the shadowed line of trees on the far side, where faint, steady footsteps echo through the forest. My pulse quickens. Those are human footsteps, several of them. Could it be... the villagers? Has news of my demon half spread even here?

    I look up as three figures appear at the edge of the crater. Their eyes widen when they see my hands gripping the hilt of the blade they are looking for. But despite the massive Wolf King looming behind me, they begin to climb down into the crater, their expressions hardening with determination.

    The man in the center, his voice full of scorn, calls out, ¡°Hey, kiddo! That blade is mine! Drop it and go home. And while you¡¯re at it, stop with your ¡®mirage¡¯¡ªwe¡¯re not afraid of tricks.¡±

    Mirage? What is he talking about? I narrow my eyes, studying them. One of them is cloaked, gripping a staff¡ªa mage. Another, dressed in lighter armor, has a bow slung over his shoulder and is glancing around warily. The man with the sword, clearly their leader, wears battered armor and holds his weapon with confidence. These aren¡¯t villagers.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me, kid?¡± The swordsman¡¯s voice rises, a twisted smirk forming on his face. ¡°If you want to leave unharmed, hand over Hikariken.¡±

    So that¡¯s the blade¡¯s name. My grip tightens on its hilt, the weight somehow reassuring.

    Wolf King¡¯s growl rumbles like distant thunder, his gaze locked on the intruders. I raise a hand, signaling him to hold back, even though I feel his eagerness to attack.

    ¡°So, this blade¡¯s name is Hikariken,¡± I say, my voice cold. ¡°If you value your lives, turn back now.¡±

    The men burst out laughing, a harsh, mocking sound. Their laughter bounces off the crater walls, ringing in my ears. Can¡¯t they see my half-demon form? Or the towering, fanged beast behind me?

    ¡°Oh, really, kiddo!¡± the swordsman jeers. ¡°You think a wolf ¡®illusion¡¯ can scare us?¡± He gestures to his companions, and in one smooth motion, they draw their weapons.

    The mage¡¯s staff hums with a faint blue glow as he mutters an incantation, while the archer¡¯s fingers hover near his bowstring, his eyes scanning for an opening. The swordsman raises his blade, his sneer widening.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he says, his voice dripping with confidence. ¡°If you want to fight, we¡¯ll make quick work of you.¡±

    I grip Hikariken¡¯s hilt tightly, feeling its energy pulse through me like a second heartbeat. I plant my feet, taking a step back for balance. The last rays of sunlight slip below the horizon, casting the crater in shadow. The silence stretches between us, thick with tension. And then, without warning, they attack.

    The swordsman lunges forward, a flash of metal and fury, while the archer releases an arrow straight for my chest. Instinct takes over. I drop to one knee, angling Hikariken¡¯s blade to deflect the arrow. The arrow shatters against the blade, and an instant later, the swordsman¡¯s strike slams down on Hikariken¡¯s wide blade. The force rattles through my bones, but I hold firm, bracing myself.

    The swordsman stumbles back, startled by the strength of the impact. I seize the moment, stepping forward and raising Hikariken high. I feel the rush of Lumirith flowing through me, filling every nerve with wild, primal energy.

    In one swift motion, I swing Hikariken down, slamming it into the ground. The impact releases a shockwave that ripples through the earth, sending dirt and debris flying. The men are thrown back, limbs flailing as they¡¯re lifted off their feet and land hard against the crater walls.

    As the dust settles, I straighten, Hikariken still humming with energy in my grip. I meet their stunned, wide-eyed gazes, feeling a fierce, new power rising within me.

    ¡°Now¡­ you can either run or taste another attack from me!¡± I shout, breath ragged and heavy. Just as the last words leave my mouth, a wave of dizziness hits me, blurring the edges of my vision. But I plant my feet, staying upright, hoping they take the hint and run.

    Thankfully, luck is on our side. The men glance at each other, fear filling their faces, before they turn and dash back into the forest, never looking back. As they vanish into the shadows, I grip Hikariken tightly and drive it into the ground, letting the blade sink deep into the earth. I lower myself down, leaning against it for support, feeling its solid, steady weight beneath my hands as I catch my breath.

    ¡°Shien, why am I feeling so dizzy? Is my body going into a regeneration period?¡± I ask, the heaviness in my head making everything feel distant.

    ¡°No, you¡¯re not entering regen mode,¡± Shien replies. ¡°Thanks to our training, your Aether Lumirith capacity has grown. But this blade... it¡¯s quite unique. I sense no spells or pacts within it, yet the moment you touched Hikariken, it connected to you.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why that strike was so powerful,¡± I murmur as the dizziness begins to fade. ¡°The blade used my Aether Lumirith to amplify the attack.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Shien confirms. ¡°Your Lumirith levels are returning to normal. In a few minutes, the dizziness will be gone.¡±

    I steady myself, standing up slowly. My gaze drifts to the forest, to where the men came from, and I notice some bags lying under a tree near the edge. Moving closer, I rummage through them, finding clothes and tools that I could use. I gather everything and load them onto the wolves¡¯ backs.

    We start our journey back to the den under the moon¡¯s silver glow, the cool night breeze washing over me, easing the last traces of exhaustion. The eerie sounds of the forest fill the air, an almost comforting reminder of how alive this place is.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Lord Haruto?¡± the Wolf King asks, breaking the silence with his deep, rumbling voice.

    ¡°I felt a little dizzy after that strike, but I¡¯m fine now,¡± I reply with a faint smile.

    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t stopped me, I¡¯d have shown them what this ¡®mirage¡¯ can truly do!¡± His tone brims with pride, and I can¡¯t help but chuckle.

    As his words sink in, I remember the men¡¯s foolish claims about him being an illusion. A laugh bubbles up from deep within me, and I can¡¯t hold it back.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Lord Haruto?¡± he growls, though there¡¯s a hint of playful annoyance. ¡°Do you doubt I could have scared them?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no, no!¡± I say quickly, trying to stifle my laughter. ¡°I just imagined the look on their faces if you¡¯d actually let loose. They¡¯d never sleep soundly again!¡±

    My laughter grows, and soon enough, the Wolf King joins in, his laughter sounding like a rumbling growl that only makes me laugh harder. It¡¯s rough and wild¡ªmore like a dog¡¯s bark than anything¡ªbut it brings a warmth to my chest that I didn¡¯t know I needed.

    A few hours later, we finally reach the cave. The moon hangs high above, casting a silver glow over the area, and its light spills over the cave entrance. As we approach, the old wolves standing guard emerge to welcome us. Their eyes widen when they notice the blade in my hand¡ªthe very one from the stories they tell. I walk inside, unloading the bags from the wolves¡¯ backs as they watch in silent awe.

    ¡°Take a rest, Lord Haruto; you¡¯ll need your strength,¡± the Wolf King says, retreating to his chamber.

    I make my way slowly to my room, thoughts swirling. Today was nothing short of unbelievable. After months without seeing any humans, the first ones I meet end up attacking me. And somehow, I now wield a blade that amplifies my Lumirith surge. Truly, what a crazy day¡­

    I place Hikariken carefully in the corner, and it glows faintly under the light of the Lumirith crystals embedded in the walls. Dinner is the usual roast meat, filling and warm, but sleep is elusive. I toss and turn, but my mind won¡¯t quiet. Finally, my eyes drift to the bags lying near my bed, and curiosity pulls me up.

    Rummaging through them, I find a sharpening stone tucked into one of the pouches. It might be useful, though I doubt Hikariken will dull so easily. Another bag holds a pack of bowstrings and some tools for restringing a bow. There are clothes packed for a few nights¡¯ travel, and tucked in one of the bags is a small knife, worn but sharp.

    ¡°These things aren¡¯t much use to me¡ªexcept for the knife and maybe some of the clothes, if I wash them,¡± I murmur, examining each item.

    Then my gaze catches on a few leather straps. I tug on them, testing their strength, and an idea forms. ¡°Maybe I could make something to hold Hikariken on my back.¡± I turn the straps over in my hands, feeling their durability and wondering if they¡¯re sturdy enough for the task.

    With the leather straps and cords laid out in front of me, I start piecing together a simple sling for Hikariken. This way, I can carry it on my back when I need both hands but still have the option to detach it quickly for combat.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    First, I take the longest strap and wrap it around my shoulder and across my chest, letting it rest diagonally. At the end of the strap, I attach a small loop and fasten it tightly, forming a hook that can latch onto another piece of leather I¡¯ll tie around Hikariken¡¯s handle. I test the strength of the knot, pulling firmly to make sure it¡¯ll hold under the blade''s weight.

    Then, I work on the attachment around Hikariken¡¯s hilt. I tie another loop snugly near the grip, securing it with several knots to make sure it won¡¯t slip loose. When I hook the blade¡¯s loop onto the strap, it rests securely on my back, the hilt positioned just above my shoulder so I can reach over and grab it easily.

    To make sure I can detach it quickly, I add a small leather tab to the loop on my chest. With a firm tug, it should release instantly, letting the blade slip free from my shoulder. I test it out a few times, satisfied with how smoothly it detaches.

    Once everything¡¯s in place, I slide the blade back onto the strap, feeling its weight settle across my back. The detachable strap is comfortable, distributing the blade''s weight well, and I can tell it won¡¯t slow me down too much if I need to move quickly.

    Then I place the blade and the strap back in the corner of the room. With nothing else left to do, I climb into bed, hoping for sleep to come. By some miracle, sleep finally washes over me.

    I wake in the morning to the sound of wolves¡¯ restless movements and low growls echoing through the cave. After stretching my arms, I make my way to the main hall, where I find Wolf King and the other wolves bustling about, gathering supplies and preparing for something important.

    ¡°Good morning, Lord Haruto! Did you rest well?¡± Wolf King asks.

    ¡°Oh, good morning, Wolf King! Yes, I had a good sleep.¡± I reply, curiosity sparking. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re organizing a hunting party,¡± he explains in a concerned tone. ¡°Our food supply still isn¡¯t enough to last through the entire winter.¡±

    ¡°Can I come along?¡± I ask, feeling a rush of excitement. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything planned for today, and Shien suggested I rest from training.¡±

    Wolf King studies me for a moment before nodding. ¡°Hmm¡­ very well. We leave shortly, so be ready.¡±

    I sprint back to my room, quickly latching Hikariken to the strap I made and grabbing one of the bags. With everything in place, I hurry back to the entrance, where the others are waiting. Together, we head out, with the wolves at the cave¡¯s entrance watching us as we venture deeper into the forest.

    We slowly walking toward our training ground. At the training ground we safely cross the river one by one and walk more and more deeper in to the forest.

    Sun¡¯s rays breach through the forest roof, filtering down in golden beams that illuminate our path. Yet, instead of dispelling the darkness, the light enhances the eerie atmosphere of the woods, where shadows seem to shift and dance between the trees. Each step we take is accompanied by the distant sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional call of unseen creatures, heightening my sense of unease.

    As we walk, I gather some fruits from the nearby bushes, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted greens and browns around us. I pop a berry into my mouth, its sweetness a brief comfort amid the creeping tension. Wolf King glances at me, his expression serious but appreciative as he takes a few for himself.

    We navigate deeper into the forest, the trees growing thicker and more imposing, their twisted branches reaching out like the fingers of ancient giants. An unsettling quiet blankets the area, broken only by the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I ask, breaking the oppressive silence.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ We planned to hunt near the small lake in a valley,¡± Wolf King replies, though his gaze remains vigilant.

    After hours of walking, we finally stop for a break. My legs feel like they might give out, while the wolves seem unaffected, showing no signs of fatigue. After eating our lunch, we resume our journey, and Wolf King announces that we are getting closer to the lake.

    We trek a few more hours through the thick forest. The terrain shifts beneath us, the incline steepening as we ascend. Just when I begin to think we might have lost our way, the trees start to thin, and I can see a glimmer of light ahead. A sudden gust of wind rustles the leaves, and a scent unlike any I¡¯ve encountered fills the air¡ªa mix of sweetness and something almost ethereal.

    As we crest the rise, the forest opens up, revealing a breathtaking view of the valley below. Sunlight bathes the landscape in warmth, but it¡¯s the sight that stops me in my tracks that leaves me breathless. One end of the valley opens to the deep forest, while the other leads to the lake Wolf King mentioned.

    But as I scan the area, I spot something I hadn¡¯t seen before. A herd of large creatures slowly walks toward the forest. They resemble the bison from my previous life but are adorned with golden fur that shimmers in the light. Their presence exudes a power beyond mere appearance.

    ¡°What are those?¡± I ask, pointing them out.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I didn¡¯t expect to see them here,¡± Wolf King responds, a note of concern in his voice.

    ¡°Those are called ¡®Lumithorns.¡¯ They were kept by angels long ago. After their death, the Lumithorns began to spread like wildfire,¡± Wolf King explains.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t other creatures hunt them? Is it because they¡¯re related to the angels?¡± I inquire.

    ¡°Not exactly. While that is one reason, the other is that, unlike other forest creatures, these Lumithorns possess Celest Lumirith. This makes them incredibly difficult to harm.¡±

    ¡°But what if we try to hunt one from the back?¡± I suggest, pointing to an older Lumithorn that moves slowly.

    ¡°What if we separate it from the herd and corner it?¡± I explain the plan forming in my mind.

    Wolf King gazes thoughtfully at the valley. ¡°Alright, I agree with you, Lord Haruto. But remember, if this goes south, we all retreat, understand?¡± He speaks in an authoritative tone, but I can sense his desperation for food for his people as winter approaches.

    We start to descend the hill slowly, letting the herd slip into the shadows of the forest¡ªall except for our target, the old Lumithorn lingering at the rear. After a few moments, it¡¯s just us and the lone beast standing in the valley.

    ¡°Let¡¯s circle around,¡± I whisper, barely louder than a breath. As we draw closer, I finally see just how enormous the Lumithorn is. Its golden fur glints in the sunlight, muscles rippling under its thick hide¡ªit¡¯s easily larger than Wolf King, towering over us like some ancient guardian.

    We creep forward, each step measured and quiet. Suddenly, the Lumithorn stops in its tracks. Instinctively, we freeze, tension seizing our bodies. A second later, it slowly turns, its eyes locking onto us with an unsettling awareness. I feel my hand drifting toward Hikariken, sensing the weight of the coming clash.

    The sunlight streams down, illuminating the scene in harsh, bright strokes. The Lumithorn¡¯s eyes narrow, and it begins pawing at the ground, each scrape sending tremors through the earth. It¡¯s like watching a storm gather, a force of nature prepared to unleash itself. It lowers its head, and I know immediately what¡¯s coming. Without warning, it charges.

    The wolves scatter, leaping out of its path, but I barely manage to dive to the side, rolling as the beast thunders past me. Dust rises around me as I scramble to my feet, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The Lumithorn turns again, its attention locked onto me¡ªbut before it can charge, something slams into its back. I look over to see Wolf King standing firm, his body taut with concentration as he strikes from a distance.

    I grip Hikariken with both hands, feeling its familiar weight, steadying my breath. But then my eyes catch a glint of red near Wolf King¡¯s hind leg¡ªa thin stream of blood. My stomach twists. He¡¯s injured. If the Lumithorn charges him again¡­

    ¡°Run! It¡¯s coming for you¡ªget out of there!¡± I yell, desperation clawing at my throat. But it¡¯s too late. The Lumithorn hurls itself toward Wolf King, horns lowered, fury in its stride. Images flash through my mind¡ªof Gorou¡¯s sacrifice, the weight of losing another ally pressing down on me.

    No. Not this time. Not again.

    I close my eyes, taking a deep, grounding breath. My grip on Hikariken tightens, every fiber of my being concentrating on that single thought: faster. If I¡¯m fast enough, I can stop it. I feel the surge of Lumirith within, flowing hot through my veins, coiling like a serpent ready to strike.

    I take a single step forward, and in that instant, something ignites within me. Suddenly, a jarring impact slams into Hikariken, a force so immense it almost knocks me off my feet. My eyes snap open.

    I¡¯m standing between Wolf King and the charging Lumithorn. Its massive horns grind against Hikariken, the force reverberating through my arms.

    How¡­ how did I get here? I only took one step, but it¡¯s as if I flew across the distance. Then I glance down, and there it is¡ªthe Wolf Gem blazing with a blood-red intensity, so fierce it drowns out the sunlight.

    The Lumithorn lets out a furious roar, and I can feel its power pushing against me, a wall of raw strength and Celest Lumirith pressing forward. But I stand my ground, refusing to budge an inch. For the first time, I sense something different within me¡ªa power I haven¡¯t known before. I grip Hikariken even tighter, meeting the Lumithorn¡¯s gaze head-on.

    ¡°Not today,¡± I whisper, as the Wolf Gem pulses in rhythm with my heartbeat, both steady and unstoppable.

    ¡°Go! Run away!¡± I scream to Wolf King, tightening my grip on Hikariken. With a nod, he retreats, putting distance between us. Now, it¡¯s just me and the Lumithorn, facing off in the valley.

    I adjust my stance, angling the blade to let the Lumithorn¡¯s brute force slide past me. As I dodge, it slams into the rock wall behind me with a bone-rattling crash, carving out a crater. I quickly back off, preparing for the next strike, but my legs feel like they might give out any second. Even with demon and wolf power, my body is still human, still limited.

    If I had Reikizuna right now¡­ The thought sparks an idea. I lower the blade, steadying it with my left hand, and extend my right, focusing hard as I summon Shien¡¯s black fire. The flames flicker to life, dark and ominous, curling around my fingers and palm.

    Holding my breath, I place my right hand back on the hilt and grip Hikariken with both hands. Come on¡­ I close my eyes, exhaling slowly, letting all my focus channel through the blade. In an instant, a surge of heat races up my arms, and Hikariken bursts into black flames, shadows dancing wildly along its edge.

    The Lumithorn scrapes the ground, preparing to charge, but I barely notice, transfixed by the blade. The flames coil and flicker, merging perfectly with Hikariken, as though it was always meant to wield this power. Just in time, too¡ªthe Lumithorn is charging, and the dark flames seem to pulse, ready to strike.

    The Lumithorn charges. I stand my ground, knowing it can¡¯t change direction mid-attack. Just as it¡¯s about to hit, I dodge to the right and swing Hikariken in one fluid motion, slicing deep along its body. Black flames erupt along the cut, consuming its right side. The creature stumbles, taking a shaky step forward as its muscles begin to seize. The Lumithorn is panting, its strength fading as the flames die down. In moments, it collapses, motionless.

    It¡¯s struggling to stay upright. ¡°Shien, are you seeing this? Did your flames paralyze it somehow?¡± I ask, baffled.

    ¡°No, Haruto. My flames only burn¡ªthey don¡¯t paralyze,¡± Shien replies thoughtfully. ¡°But...¡±

    Before he can finish, a strange sensation floods my body. The pain and exhaustion vanish, replaced by a feeling of incredible lightness, as though I¡¯ve just woken from a deep rest.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening, Shien? Why did all the pain just disappear?¡±

    ¡°Look at what you¡¯re holding,¡± Shien hints.

    I glance down, seeing only Hikariken in my hand.

    ¡°You mean Hikariken?¡± I ask, piecing it together as a hundred questions rush through my mind.

    ¡°Yes, Hikariken,¡± Shien replies, his voice steady. ¡°The blade has absorbed Lumirith differently this time, almost like it synchronized with you. When you struck, it fed off the Lumithorn¡¯s energy like a vampire. The blade amplified your attack and used less of your own Lumirith, preserving your strength.¡±

    ¡°That explains a lot,¡± I murmur as the Wolf King and the others approach, their faces cautious but relieved.

    ¡°Are you alright, Lord Haruto?¡± the Wolf King asks, his own leg bleeding from a scrape.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I reply, noticing his wound. ¡°But what about you?¡±

    He explains that he¡¯d hit a sharp rock while dodging, leaving him with a minor injury. Together, we tie up the Lumithorn¡¯s body, preparing for the journey back to the den. By the time we reach it, night has fallen, casting long shadows across the clearing.

    Once we¡¯re inside, I help the others store the Lumithorn in the Lumirith Chamber, a room gleaming with crystal-lined walls that reflect a soft glow.

    After settling everything, I step outside to breathe in the night air. The moon hangs high, stars twinkling like scattered embers across the sky.

    ¡°What a crazy da¡ª¡±

    A piercing scream cuts through the forest, sharp and unmistakably human. I freeze, heart pounding.

 A Voice in the Night

    "Isn¡¯t that a human voice? What should I do? Do I need to search for it? What if it¡¯s a trap to catch me?

    Thoughts flood my mind, my body still frozen, unsure of what to do.

    ¡°Ahhhh¡­¡­. Somebody help me!!!¡± The second scream pierces the night.

    Isn¡¯t it a girl¡¯s voice? What if she really needs help? I can¡¯t shake the memory of my last moments with Yuzuki. Yes, I died saving her, but this time... everything¡¯s different.

    I move my hand and check Hikariken¡¯s presence, then close my eyes, letting my demon ears do their work. Another scream rings out.

    Found it.

    I take a step forward, then break into a sprint. I don¡¯t want to activate the Wolf Gem; if there¡¯s a fight, I need to conserve Lumirith as much as possible. The forest at night feels even creepier than usual. Darkness seems to consume everything, making it harder to track the sound. But with the help of the moonlight, I dodge branches and boulders, pushing forward.

    The voice grows louder.

    ¡°Leave me alone! Help me! Ahhhh!!!!¡± Her cries are desperate, almost broken.

    I spot a flickering light ahead, clearing the trees as I rush toward it, Hikariken at the ready. My steps quicken, and then it hits me¡ªjust how deep in this mess I really am.

    Before me stands a monstrous sight¡ªa giant scorpion, its chitinous armor glistening under the moonlight. The creature¡¯s white colored body shining through the moonlight, its massive pincers clicking ominously as it scuttles around the hollowed-out dead tree trunk. Its tail, long and curving, ends in a razor-sharp stinger that gleams like a blade, poised to strike. Each of its six legs is like a pillar, thick and covered in spikes, scraping against the ground with an ear-piercing screech. The stench of venom and decay hangs heavy in the air, and the flickering light from the tree casts an eerie glow over its grotesque form.

    ¡°Somebody¡­ Help me!!!!¡± The voice comes from within the tree.

    ¡°Why is everything in this world so damn big?¡± I mutter to myself, preparing for a fight.

    I grip Hikariken tightly and leap forward, aiming for the scorpion¡¯s head. But in mid-air, I realize my mistake¡ªa massive red-and-black eye on its back glistens in the moonlight, watching me. With an ear-piercing screech, it recoils instantly. Now, I¡¯m between the girl and the scorpion.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I ask, keeping my gaze locked on the creature.

    ¡°Y... y... ye... yes,¡± she stammers, her voice trembling with fear.

    The scorpion charges suddenly, its enormous claws spread wide. I dodge the first and bring up Hikariken to block the second.

    ¡°Look out!¡± the girl cries, peeking from the hollowed tree. That¡¯s when I realize how cunning this beast is. Both claw attacks were just a distraction. Its back curves, and it launches its tail toward me in a deadly strike. I wrench the blade free from its claw to parry the tail attack. The lower part of the claw snaps off, but I manage to block the tail. The attack almost powerful enough to push me back. I see its stingy poison dripping on my blade.

    ¡°Behind you!¡± she screams again, but it¡¯s too late. The scorpion¡¯s claw closes around my left side, snapping ribs and tearing through flesh. It pulls back, both tail and claw readying for another assault.

    I drop to one knee, my left side gushing blood. I glance at the scorpion; it seems to be sizing me up, calculating its next move. My hand moves to my wound. Red flesh hangs from the torn skin, and the white glint of bone is exposed to the night air. I try to stand up but with this pain I feel its not possible.

    Is this the end? Have I let Shien down?

    Suddenly, the girl runs toward me, her tear-streaked face red from crying.

    ¡°Run away from here!¡± I cough, my words rough and broken as blood trickles from my mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this!¡±

    ¡°No! I can¡¯t just leave! This happened to you because of me,¡± she says, eyes locked on my wound.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. As you can see, I¡¯m not... exactly human,¡± I insist. ¡°Just run! I¡¯ll handle it!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re human or not! You came to save me!¡± she shouts, her voice resolute. Just then, the scorpion lunges forward, its claw aimed straight for us. My heart races as I brace myself.

    "Haruto, listen,¡± Shien¡¯s voice suddenly fills my mind. ¡°Even with your left side injured, your right side holds enough Aether Lumirith thanks to your training¡ªand your blade. Now, use my eyes and finish this!¡±

    With Shien¡¯s guidance, I feel a new surge of vision, but it¡¯s different now. Ever since Shien took up residence within the Wolf Gem, I¡¯ve lost the only vision I had from it¡ªthe sight that allowed me to see names and levels. Now, I¡¯ll have to trust in this new vision to get me through the fight.

    I grip Hikariken in my right hand, slashing down and slicing the scorpion¡¯s claw in half. It shrieks, the same claw I damaged earlier now split cleanly. But my own wound throbs in sync with its cries, making it hard to keep my balance. My left leg buckles, and I drop to one knee as blood seeps from the wound, blurring my vision further.

    The scorpion¡¯s tail strikes again, this time with full force. I raise Hikariken in front of me like a shield, but I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯ll be enough. I close my eyes, ready to accept my fate. But instead of the strike landing, I hear the tail hit something else. I open my eyes to see a large, golden shield shimmering before me, blocking the scorpion¡¯s attack.

    Stunned, I glance back, and to my shock, see the girl with her hands raised, a warm energy flowing out of them, forming the shield. I recognize this energy. Celest Lumirith!

    ¡°What are you doing? I told you to run!¡± I shout, my wound stinging more sharply now.

    ¡°You might wonder why I didn¡¯t use this power sooner¡­ but I didn¡¯t believe in it until I met you, Haruto!¡± When she says my name, I¡¯m taken aback, but then I remember¡ªmost people in this world can see names.

    The scorpion launches a relentless assault on the shield, one strike after another. Cracks start to appear in the golden barrier, and her voice trembles as she calls out, ¡°Haruto! Is there anything you can do? I don¡¯t think I can hold it much longer.¡±

    I glance at the scorpion as it hammers the shield, over and over. Desperately, I try to rise, leaning on Hikariken and my right leg, but the pain crashes through me like a wave. With no other option, I grip her arm to lift myself up. The moment I touch her, a searing heat surges through my right side. It¡¯s a sensation similar to when Shien gave me permission to use his ears¡ªbut this time, it¡¯s different. The pain from my wound dulls as the burning energy fills me, yet I¡¯m frozen in place, feeling her gaze flicker between my hand on her arm and my face.

    As I raise my head, I can see a difference in the shield. In the middle of it, three icons appear, glowing like something out of a strange, flickering TV. The middle icon flickers like fire, while the other two resemble coiling serpents. Suddenly, these three icons lock together, forming a circle. I lean in, studying the symbols, but the letters around the circle twist into shapes I don¡¯t understand.

    Without warning, black fire erupts from the center of the circle, engulfing the cracks in the shield. The scorpion leaps back, its claws twitching in a defensive stance.

    Then, something unimaginable happens. The black fire splits, curling and twisting into two serpents made entirely of crackling, otherworldly flames. Their eyes glow like molten embers, and the air thickens with the heat of their presence, suffocating everything around them.

    I stand frozen, heart pounding in my chest. This... this wasn¡¯t possible. I glance at the girl beside me, and I can see the shock on her face, her mouth agape in disbelief.

    The scorpion hesitates, its once vicious aggression faltering as it watches the serpents, now coiling around its massive limbs. It launches one of its claws toward one of the serpents¡ªbut the serpent catches it as though it were nothing. The claw burns, shrieking in agony as the black fire consumes it. The scorpion¡¯s screech pierces the calm night air, a sound so raw and primal it makes my skin crawl.

    The second serpent lashes out, wrapping around the scorpion¡¯s tail, halting its movements. The scorpion¡¯s body jerks violently, and I can see the poison oozing from its tail as it burns from both ends. It shrieks again, but it¡¯s futile. The serpents hold it in an unyielding grip, tightening their coils with every agonizing moment.

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    I close my eyes, focusing. I feel the sting of Shien¡¯s eyes¡ªthere''s barely any pain, but it''s enough to remind me of the weight of my situation. As my eyes snap open, the world shifts.

    Name: Scorpion King (corrupted)

    Level: 95

    Traits: Poison, Hard Armor

    Weaknesses: Eye on top of its body

    Current Effects: Dreadmire, HellFire

    The stats flicker in front of me like a game screen, too familiar for comfort. The scorpion¡¯s struggles are becoming more desperate, but the serpents don¡¯t give. They constrict harder, squeezing the life from its massive body.

    "Now I know what to do..." I murmur to myself, my voice barely audible over the scorpion¡¯s frantic movements. I grip the Hikariken, my left hand trembling but steady with purpose. I don¡¯t think about the pain, the blood seeping from my wound. I have to end this now. I turn to the girl, my eyes hardening with resolve.

    ¡°Release the shield when I say,¡± I command, my voice gruff but firm. My mind is clear now¡ªthere¡¯s no room for doubt, no room for fear.

    Her eyes flicker with hesitation, but she nods, her hands still glowing with the remnants of Celest Lumirith.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    The shield begins to wither away slowly, the serpents flickering and fading into the air as the black fire dies down. I don¡¯t wait. I activate the wolf gem, and in a blur, I leap into the air, my body propelled by the surge of Aether Lumirith coursing through me.

    The serpents vanish with the shield, but the scorpion remains trapped. It¡¯s still distracted, struggling against the grip of the flames. With my heart hammering in my chest, I blaze the Hikariken with HellFire, feeling the heat pour through the blade as I descend like lightning.

    In a heartbeat, I¡¯m upon it. The scorpion doesn¡¯t even have time to react before the Hikariken drives straight into its glaring, vulnerable eye. The world seems to freeze in that moment¡ªthe strike, the sound of the scorpion¡¯s final shriek, the weight of it all.

    The scorpion writhes in its last moments, but it¡¯s futile. With one final, piercing shriek, its body spasms, and it exhales its last breath. The night air is suddenly still, the only sound the soft crackling of the dying flames from the serpents.

    I land on the ground with a thud, blood dripping from my side as my legs threaten to give way beneath me. I close my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my breath, but the pain still lingers, gnawing at me.

    I lose my balance as I hit my limit. The world tilts, a dizzying blur, and my vision begins to fade. My body feels heavy, like it¡¯s made of stone. I drop from the scorpion¡¯s back, the ground rushing up to meet me.

    Then, warmth touches my demon-hand. The girl¡¯s trembling voice breaks through the haze.

    ¡°Haruto, speak to me! Is there something I can do? Please... talk to me!¡± Her words are desperate, her sobs shaking her voice.

    A weak smile pulls at my lips despite the pain. The girl¡¯s cry, her concern¡ªit reminds me of the last moments with Yuzuki, the warmth that I thought was lost forever.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything¡¯s gonna be alright,¡± I whisper, gripping her hand back, even as the world continues to blur around me. Her touch is like a lifeline.

    Suddenly, a rustling sound cuts through the silence, faint but growing louder. Whatever it is, it''s fast, and it¡¯s headed our way. The sound is... familiar.

    Just as I thought, a pack of wolves emerges from the forest, led by the imposing figure of the Wolf King. The girl¡¯s eyes widen, her breath catching in shock.

    ¡°Haruto! ...Wolves! What should we do now?¡± Her voice cracks, fear rising in her tone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! They¡¯re friendly. This is the Wolf King!¡± I say, pointing toward the massive figure with a reassuring smile, though my body aches and trembles with each breath.

    I turn toward the Wolf King, my voice still strained but determined. ¡°Wolf King, can this girl come with us? I saved her from the Scorpion King.¡±

    Wolf King steps forward, his piercing eyes assessing the situation, before his gaze falls on the lifeless Scorpion King¡¯s body.

    ¡°Alright, Lord Haruto. She may come with us¡ªonly if she agrees,¡± Wolf King replies, his voice calm yet commanding, as he sits on his haunches, waiting for her response.

    ¡°Yes... I¡¯d like to come with Haruto,¡± she says, her voice stronger now, gripping my hand tighter, as if she draws strength from me.

    I blink, taken aback by her response. How can she understand them? How can she hear the wolves? Only Aether Lumirith holders¡ªlike myself¡ªshould be able to hear creatures. This is... unexpected.

    "How...?" My voice barely escapes my lips, faint and raspy as pain claws through me. I still can''t believe I¡¯m alive, not with a wound this deep, this severe.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk, Haruto. Let¡¯s get somewhere safe first,¡± she urges, glancing at Wolf King with a look that pleads for assistance.

    Wolf King steps closer, lowering his back to the ground. Gently, the other wolves and the girl lift me, settling me across his broad back.

    ¡°The blade...?¡± I murmur, glancing toward Hikariken, its handle gleaming against the scorpion¡¯s dead shell.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take it.¡± She clambers onto the scorpion¡¯s body, grasping Hikariken with both hands. To my surprise, the blade pulls free without resistance. She darts to the hollow tree, retrieving a worn bag, slinging it over her shoulder. Moonlight shivers on the leaves as we prepare to return.

    The moon has just passed its zenith. Cold air brushes against my wound, dulling the ache just enough to keep me conscious. We move through the thick darkness of the forest, shadows stretching and bending around us. Thanks to the wolves¡¯ night vision and their keen sense of smell, we reach the den without issue.

    I remain on Wolf King¡¯s back; my left side completely numb from the pain. Once we arrive, the other wolves and the girl carefully lift me, laying me down on a flat stone surface that serves as a bed. The edges of my vision blur as I feel warmth trickle down from my chest¡ªmy blood.

    She kneels beside me, pulling an old book from her bag, flipping through the worn pages. Her eyes move from the book to me, hesitation dancing in her gaze. ¡°Even though your right side¡¯s energy feels dark and scorching, your left side¡¯s energy... it¡¯s warm, familiar. I think... I think I can heal this wound.¡±

    But there¡¯s a tremor in her words, a glint of uncertainty that doesn¡¯t go unnoticed.

    Wolf King, stationed near the entrance, watches her closely. ¡°Have you ever tried this before?¡±

    She nods, looking down at the book. ¡°Yes, but only small wounds, back in the village. Nothing like... this.¡±

    I reach up, gently placing my hand over hers, feeling her hand tremble. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I trust you. You can do this.¡±

    With a faint nod, she lays my hand beside me, then places both her palms over the wound. Her fingers press gently against my chest, blood smearing her skin.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to focus now,¡± she whispers, closing her eyes.

    A moment later, a warm golden light begins to pour from her fingertips, seeping into my wound. Around us, the Lumirith Crystals start to glow brighter, illuminating the den in soft, shimmering hues.

    At first, I brace myself, thinking the light will ease the pain, but then it strikes. Agony flares as broken bones start shifting within me, like hands reaching inside to realign them. It¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve ever felt. My ribs grind and snap into place, each movement pulling a silent scream to my lips. I clench my eyes shut, holding back the cry that begs to escape.

    When I finally open my eyes, blinking through the haze of pain, I see Shien. He¡¯s sitting on his throne, staring back at me with a gaze that¡¯s cold, sharp, and unyielding. Even still, Shien seems lost in thought, his gaze distant and troubled.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Shien? Did something happen?¡± I break the silence, my voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Many things are wrong, Haruto¡ªfar more than you realize! But you need to rest now. When you wake, hold both of that girl¡¯s hands and close your eyes. I¡¯ll handle the rest,¡± he says, his tone heavy with urgency, as though his mind races through endless, invisible puzzles. And before I can question him further, Shien fades from my vision, his form dissolving like mist.

    When I open my eyes again, I find myself staring up at the familiar stone ceiling, the same rough rock I see every morning. I raise my head, blinking in surprise as I glance down at my chest; there¡¯s no wound, no scar, no sign of last night¡¯s deadly struggle. It¡¯s as if it never happened. With a mixture of disbelief and relief, I sit up slowly, taking in my surroundings. Hikariken gleams softly in the corner, reflecting the crystal light. The girl is there too, lying next to me, curled up with her book for a pillow, breathing softly in her sleep. Nearby, a small pile of fresh meat waits, likely left by the wolves.

    I stand, stretching my left arm, testing for any residual pain. It¡¯s gone. All that remains to convince me it wasn¡¯t a dream is this girl, lying here beside me, her figure gently illuminated in the soft light of the crystals. She¡¯s using her book as a pillow, her breathing slow and peaceful. I glance at the Hikariken resting in the corner, catching the crystal light, and notice the fresh meat left by the wolves.

    I turn back to her, feeling an unexpected warmth as I watch her sleeping form. She¡¯s beautiful¡ªmore than I had noticed before. I still remember the feel of her hand holding mine, the look in her tear-filled blue eyes when she was at my side.

    Just as I¡¯m lost in that thought, her eyes flutter open.

    ¡°Good morning!¡± I greet her with a casual smile, trying to cover the awkwardness I feel.

    Her face goes pale, like she¡¯s seen a ghost. ¡°Are you¡­are you alright?¡± she stammers, as if needing confirmation that I¡¯m truly here.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine, thanks to you! You must be hungry. Do you eat roast meat?¡± I say, trying to shift the mood as my own hunger kicks in.

    She nods, still looking a little stunned. I slice the meat with the small dagger I took from those adventurers and cook it with HellFire. She flinches at first, taken aback by the black flames, but I explain how I¡¯ve survived these past months.

    As we eat, I recount what happened while she was healing me.

    ¡°So¡­the demon called Shien wants to meet me?¡± she asks, her voice filled with curiosity. ¡°Where exactly do we meet him?¡±

    ¡°He said to hold both of our hands and close our eyes. The rest, he¡¯ll manage,¡± I say, extending my hands toward her, still feeling a tinge of confusion myself.

    She nods in understanding, reaching out to take my hands and closing her eyes.

    ¡°Shien, we¡¯re ready!¡± I call out, shutting my own eyes.

    ¡°Now open your eyes!¡± Shien¡¯s voice echoes around us, seeming to come from nowhere and everywhere at once.

    As I open my eyes, I find myself facing her, only now she¡¯s bathed in a blinding, golden light. The radiance spills from her, driving away every shadow in Shien¡¯s dark domain, illuminating everything around us with an almost divine glow.

    ¡°Welcome to my domain, the last descendant of the Angels,¡± Shien intones, rising from his throne to greet her¡­¡­

 Fragments of a Shattered Legacy

    The last descendant of Angels? What is he talking about?

    ¡°I see you''re confused, Haruto, but I¡¯m right on this point,¡± Shien says, his voice dripping with pride.

    ¡°Ahh, what am I doing? Take a seat, both of you!¡± Shien gestures lazily to the empty space. As if on command, two chairs made of black-purple stones materialize, their surfaces shimmering like liquid shadows.

    My confusion is understandable¡ªafter all, I know nothing about this world. First, Shien told me all the Angels were dead, but now he''s claiming this girl is the last descendant? And what¡¯s with this blinding glow surrounding her?

    I glance at her face, half-expecting to see the same "truth revealed" look I''ve seen in countless stories, but to my surprise, she looks just as bewildered as I feel.

    We both slowly walk toward the chairs and sit. The air feels heavier now, thick with the weight of unspoken truths. Shien remains on his throne, his grin wide and unsettling. It''s hard to tell if it''s a grin of amusement or something more sinister. The silence stretches out, thick and suffocating.

    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t introduce myself properly,¡± Shien breaks the silence with an air of casual indifference. ¡°My name is Shien, the last Demon in this world.¡±

    The girl, fixes him with a steady gaze, her eyes searching his face as if trying to understand something she can¡¯t quite grasp. After a few moments of tense silence, she speaks.

    ¡°Hm. I thought you could see my name, but I guess in this realm our abilities don¡¯t work the same. So, my name is Kiyomi Hikarashi. I don¡¯t know anything about angels. I¡¯m just a normal human.¡±

    Shien bursts into laughter, a loud, jarring sound that echoes through the room. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard him laugh like that, and it sends an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. His laugh holds a strange mix of amusement and something darker¡ªalmost like he¡¯s savoring a secret.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I thought you were joking.¡± He wipes a tear from his eye as his laughter dies down. ¡°You must be an Angel. If you¡¯re not, how do you explain this blinding glow around you? Or the shield you conjured during the battle with that scorpion?¡±

    But Kiyomi doesn¡¯t react right away. She simply sits there, her face unreadable, as if trying to piece together the fragments of a puzzle she¡¯s never seen before.

    ¡°Then I will tell you both my story,¡± Kiyomi says, her voice soft but steady, as if preparing herself to reveal something she¡¯s kept locked away for years. She looks at us, her eyes filled with an unsettling calm.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about my parents. I grew up in an orphanage in Lunaria. The caretakers always told me I was left in front of the orphanage one evening¡ªalone. All I had with me was a letter, my name, and my birthday. That¡¯s it. I never thought much about my parents. Some of the other kids said they remembered their parents, even if just a little, but for me, there was nothing. Just silence. It was easier to let it go... until everything changed when I turned 18.¡± Kiyomi pauses, as if the memory still carries weight.

    ¡°A few months before my 18th birthday, the caretakers gave me a wooden box. They said it had been with me in my cradle when they found me. They tried to open it, but no matter what they did, the box wouldn¡¯t budge. No scratch, no dent. It was like it was waiting for me.¡± She leans forward slightly, her fingers gripping the armrest as the tension in her voice grows.

    ¡°So, they decided to give it to me. Days passed, and on the morning of my 18th birthday, I woke up to a blinding light coming from the box. At first, I thought I was dreaming. But when I picked up the box and placed my hand on top of it¡­ it was like a spark of magic ignited. The box, which had refused to open for years, suddenly gave way. Inside, there was an old book and an earring with a red gem.¡± Kiyomi falls silent for a moment, her gaze distant as if reliving the moment.

    ¡°Hmm, so there was nothing inside that box except a book and the earring. Is there anything in the book?¡± Shien asks, leaning forward, his voice calm but laced with a hint of curiosity.

    Kiyomi closes her eyes, her fingers absently brushing the red gem at her ear. I can see her mind drifting back through the haze of memories. It''s almost as if she''s stepping into another world with each passing second.

    ¡°Yes¡­ there was something,¡± she says softly, her voice breaking through the silence. ¡°A letter.¡±

    Her words come slower now, as if the memory itself weighs heavy on her shoulders. ¡°It said that they¡ªmy parents¡ªwanted to tell me something, but that times were hard. They hoped that, one day, when I met them¡­ they could explain everything to me.¡± Her voice falters. ¡°At the end¡­ they said to use this book for the sake of those around me¡­¡±

    She pauses, her eyes growing distant, and the words begin to fade. I watch as a single tear, delicate as a falling petal, traces down her cheek. For a brief moment, I see her pain mirrored in my own¡ªliving without parents, with nothing but an empty space where love should be. But I had Kenta. He and his parents gave me what I needed. Kiyomi? She had nothing.

    ¡°And at the end¡­ the letter finished with ¡®For our lovely daughter, from¡ª¡¯¡± Kiyomi¡¯s voice cracks, and her breath catches.

    ¡°Mitsuki Hikarashi and Renjiro Hikarashi¡± Shien interrupts her with a sharpness that echoes through the air. He gazes at the vast emptiness of the abyss as if looking back through time itself.

    The room falls silent, the weight of the names hanging in the air. Did Shien know about them? How? My gaze shifts to Kiyomi, and I see the questions flicker in her eyes¡ªeach one more frantic than the last. But as for me, this revelation isn¡¯t much of a surprise. It¡¯s as if the pieces were always meant to fit together.

    ¡°Yes! Those are the names in the letter! How did you know? Do you know them? Where can I find them?¡± Kiyomi¡¯s voice rises with the urgency of someone grasping at the last thread of hope.

    Shien remains calm, his expression unreadable, but I can sense the weight of his thoughts. He¡¯s carefully choosing the right words, the ones that will soothe and yet leave the truth intact.

    ¡°Hmm, so this is your gem, huh Mitsuki¡­¡± After several minutes of thoughtful silence, Shien finally speaks again. His voice is almost reverent.

    ¡°Listen, Kiyomi,¡± he begins, his eyes distant as he reminisces. ¡°Your mother and father were the most brilliant angels I¡¯ve ever encountered. Most of the angels you¡¯d meet? They simply help humans and elves¡­ nothing more. But Mitsuki and Renjiro¡­¡± His voice softens. ¡°They wanted to study Lumirith. They weren¡¯t interested in just understanding it¡ªthey wanted to master it.¡±

    Shien leans back slightly, lost in his own memories. ¡°That¡¯s when they came to me. They wanted to create something¡ªreal¡ªwith the Lumirith Crystals. Not the ones in these caves, but something more¡­ pure. Aether Lumirith Crystals. At first, I laughed. I thought they were chasing a dream too far out of reach. But when they explained it¡­ something clicked. I saw the potential in their idea.¡±

    He exhales, a wistful look crossing his face. ¡°They wanted to bridge the gap between civilizations. Goblins, oni, humans¡­ all these races with centuries of conflict. They hoped this crystal would unite them all, bring peace. I tried, over and over, to make one, but the Aether Lumirith wasn¡¯t something to be created lightly. There were many failures, many sacrifices¡­¡±

    Shien¡¯s hand motions toward Kiyomi, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of years. ¡°In the end, I succeeded in making only one crystal. One perfect crystal. The one you¡¯re wearing now, Kiyomi.¡±

    His gaze hardens as he looks at me. ¡°Haruto, you asked why Kiyomi can understand creatures like the Wolf King. It¡¯s not just because of the Aether Lumirith, though. It¡¯s the connection she has to it. The crystal isn¡¯t just a tool¡ªit¡¯s a conduit. It links her to creatures in a way no other human can experience. That¡¯s why she can understand them without even knowing how.¡±

    That explains everything. How she can talk to the Wolf King and others without a problem. It must also be why she can lift the Hikariken.

    ¡°But still, you haven¡¯t answered me. Where are they now? How can I find them?¡± Kiyomi¡¯s voice is sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. Her desperation is clear, her questions relentless.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    I glance at Shien. His face is unreadable, but his silence speaks louder than words. He¡¯s searching for the right way to say something he knows she won¡¯t want to hear.

    ¡°If you truly want answers, I¡¯ll give you what you seek.¡± Shien¡¯s voice finally breaks the silence, heavy with an emotion I can¡¯t quite place. ¡°But first, you must know the truth about the war humans declared against us.¡±

    Kiyomi nods, her gaze unwavering.

    ¡°In that war, the angels didn¡¯t raise their weapons against the very humans they swore to protect. Even as they were slaughtered, they remained steadfast. But humans didn¡¯t care¡ªthey labeled every angel as a ¡®monster¡¯ and killed them without mercy. Your parents, Mitsuki and Renjiro, saw this unfolding and made a choice. They fled here, into the Demon Forest, and joined us¡ªDemons¡ªin our fight to survive.¡±

    Shien¡¯s voice falters for a moment, the weight of his memories pressing down on him. ¡°We fought together, side by side, but as you can see¡­ I lost my brethren. And in the same way, I lost my angel friends¡ªyour parents, too.¡±

    As Shien¡¯s words come to a halt, the silence that follows is deafening. The weight of his story lingers in the air, heavy and suffocating. I glance at Kiyomi. Tears trace silent paths down her cheeks, shimmering with her radiance. Despite her brilliance, the sorrow etched into her face is undeniable.

    I wish I could say ¡®everything will be alright,¡¯ but how? Will everything be alright? Her hopes feel shattered into a million tiny fragments, scattered beyond reach. I know this feeling all too well¡ªlosing those you love. My parents¡¯ laughter, now just an echo. Kenta¡¯s unshakable grin, a fleeting memory. And her... the girl who held my heart... all gone.

    But that¡¯s the past. This is my new life.

    I reach for Kiyomi¡¯s hand, holding it gently in mine, hoping to share even a fraction of the weight she carries.

    ¡°Listen, Kiyomi, I can¡¯t say ¡®everything will be alright,¡¯ but I can promise you this: if you ever need someone by your side, I¡¯ll be there. To share your joy as well as your sorrow.¡±

    Her tear-streaked face turns to me, her blue eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, it feels like her burdens lift, even just a little. A faint, trembling smile breaks through her sadness.

    ¡°Haruto¡­ you don¡¯t know how much those words mean to me. In this lonely life I¡¯ve been living... those are the words I¡¯ve always wished someone would say to me.¡± Her voice quivers as her lips form the words, each one heavy with emotion.

    ¡°Now wipe your tears and smile with your beautiful smile!¡± I don¡¯t know where these words come from, but they seem to land right where they need to. Her smile grows brighter, and a soft blush spreads across her cheeks. Her blue eyes, glistening with tears, shine even more vividly against the warmth of her red-tinted face.

    For a moment, the abyss around us feels a little less cold.

    ¡°Kiyomi, I want to ask you something,¡± I say, my voice steady but my heart racing. ¡°With the help of Shien¡ªdon¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll tell you my story later¡ªI¡¯m searching for answers about this war. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s just an ordinary war. There¡¯s something deeper behind it, something hidden. But on this journey, I also want to help everyone I can¡ªwhether they¡¯re human, elf, or any other creature. So, I¡¯m asking you... will you join me?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Kiyomi exclaims before I can even finish my sentence. She leaps to her feet, her usual grace replaced with unrestrained excitement. Her sudden movement catches me off guard, and I almost lose my balance.

    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you! I want answers too, and I¡¯ll gladly help you with anything!¡± Her voice is steady, filled with determination that seems to light up the abyss around us.

    From the corner of my eye, I catch Shien watching us, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His usual stoic expression softens, as if seeing this bond gives him hope for something he thought he had lost long ago.

    Suddenly, something hits my mind fast, like lightning.

    "Shien, you saw that scorpion''s stats, right? What does ''Corrupted'' mean? And if the Hellfire effect came from me, then what is that ''Dreadmire'' effect? Do you know anything about them?" I ask.

    "Hmm, yes, I saw it. But I have no idea what they mean. I¡¯ve never seen someone who can corrupt other creatures before," Shien replies, his words surprising me a little.

    "Alright, we¡¯ve been here for hours, so let¡¯s end this conversation for now. If I need to talk, I¡¯ll notify you. And if you¡¯re planning to do something, I recommend waiting until summer because winter in this world is harsh," Shien continues.

    ¡°And one more thing, Haruto. Once you''re in the overworld, check the Hikariken with the Demon¡¯s Vision. If I¡¯m right, there will be a gift for you!¡±

    Kiyomi and I stand up and bow to Shien. Surprised by our gesture, Shien jumps up from his throne. We close our eyes, and suddenly, a warm sensation covers my body. The warmth spreads like a wave, a comforting force that seems to embrace me from the inside out. When I open my eyes, I see a few wolves cuddling around us, their fur soft against my skin. Looking down, I notice the wolf pup I played with on the first day is sleeping soundly on my legs.

    I glance at Kiyomi, and she looks just as surprised as I feel. As we move slightly, the wolves wake up and start walking toward the cave entrance. Just as they leave, the Wolf King enters the cave, exuding his mighty presence.

    ¡°Lord Haruto, I didn¡¯t have the time to talk to you after both of you entered Lord Shien¡¯s domain. So, I asked other wolves to keep you both warm in these days,¡± the Wolf King speaks, sitting in front of the cave entrance, his tone filled with respect.

    ¡°WHAT? Days? What do you mean? We were in the domain for like hours, not days!¡± Kiyomi''s words show the struggle of her mind to coordinate all the information.

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry Kiyomi! I forgot to tell you. In Shien¡¯s domain, time is slower than outside world. So, a few hours in the domain means days in the outside world,¡± I explain to Kiyomi. As I explain, she nods, showing that she understands.

    ¡°So why Lord Shien suddenly calls both of you? Is there something wrong?¡± Wolf King asks.

    ¡°No there wasn¡¯t anything wrong, but there is something we need to discuss.¡± I explain everything Shien told us. He calmly listens to my every word.

    ¡°Hmm, I see Lord Haruto, then there is something I need to tell you too.¡± Wolf King says but his words not commanding. They are more like calm and innocent.

    ¡°Lord Haruto¡­¡± Wolf King continues.

    ¡°I wanted to thank you for what you¡¯ve done. Because of your help, we have more than enough food for the winter. And also, thanks to your help, I¡¯m still breathing,¡± the Wolf King bows as these words come from him.

    The heat of embarrassment rises to my face as Wolf King bows, a king showing gratitude to someone like me. I¡¯m just a guy who¡¯s been thrown into this world, caught between the weight of responsibilities I never asked for and a growing need to protect those around me.

    ¡°Stand up, Wolf King! I did what I had to. You gave me shelter. You gave me food. You helped me in every way possible. So, I had to do something in return. And also, all of you were under Shien¡¯s protection. Since now I¡¯m walking on his path, you all are my responsibility too,¡± I say, feeling a heaviness in my heart. These responsibilities might be heavy, but I have no choice. I can¡¯t take the step I already took long ago. I will do my best!

    In the corner of my eye, I see Kiyomi staring at me as if looking at a hero. This makes me feel even more awkward.

    ¡°Very well¡­ Lord Haruto, Lord Kiyomi, once you¡¯re ready, please come outside. There is something both of you need to see.¡± The Wolf King stands up and slowly walks outside the cave.

    ¡°Haruto, why does the Wolf King call us ¡®Lord¡¯? And why did Shien say ¡®in this world¡¯ when he mentioned about winter? And what¡¯s the gift he was talking about?¡± Kiyomi starts to pour out her usual buckets of questions.

    ¡°Hold on! Hold on! I will give you answers for every question of yours. First, let¡¯s check out this gift Shien was talking about.¡±

    I close my eyes and focus on Demon¡¯s Vision. As I open my eyes, I look at the blade that was sitting in the corner of the cave. Blade seems kind of dusty but its sharp edge still gleaming from crystals¡¯ dim light.

    Name: Hikariken

    Type: Claymore

    Level: ??

    Traits: Devourer, Hellfire, Toxinfang

    ¡®Toxinfang¡¯? I think that¡¯s the gift Shien was talking about. It seems with the ¡®Devourer¡¯ trait, the blade can absorb abilities too. And what¡¯s wrong with the level?

    I turn around to Kiyomi as I come back to my normal vision.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Wolf King might be waiting for us outside.¡± I say grabbing the blade.

    We both walk out of the cave to the main hall. Inside, all of the wolves gather around a small stone platform, raised slightly off the ground. On it, I see the Wolf King waiting. As we walk toward him, the other wolves make a path for us. Once we reach the platform, I see all of the wolves sitting silently around the platform, their eyes watching us with a quiet intensity.

    Suddenly, a wolf starts to walk toward the platform. Out of nowhere, she starts to speak!

    ¡°I¡¯m here to speak on behalf of all the other wolves. Lord Haruto, you might think only our king talks, but the truth is, we were angry with you. Angry because you killed our previous leader in front of us. After that, even Lord Shien and our King accepted you, but we didn¡¯t want to treat you or speak to you. So, our king gave us permission to either talk or stay silent. But after our king told us that you helped hunt down a lumithorn and also saved our king¡¯s life, we all felt bad for not treating you right. So, we want to say we are sorry and thank you!¡±

    As the wolf finishes her speech, she lowers her head and bows to me. Following her gesture, all the other wolves, one by one, lower their heads, their sleek fur shimmering in the pale light. This really warms my heart. Even though on one side, I¡¯m a half-demon, the other side is still human. It wasn¡¯t the first time I¡¯d been thanked, but this was different. My hands clenched around the hilt of Hikariken. I never asked for this responsibility, but here I am. I¡¯ll protect them. I have to.

    ¡°Listen, everyone!¡± I raise my voice to speak all of them.

    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m the one who should apologize to all of you. My lack of knowledge about this world led to many problems. So, I¡¯m sorry for my mistakes,¡± I say, lowering my head.

    ¡°But now I have knowledge, thanks to Shien and the Wolf King. And behalf of Shien, every creature in this forest is also my responsibility. And I¡¯ll do my best to keep them safe. I only ask for your help to keep moving forward on this path.¡± As I finish, I glance at Wolf King and Kiyomi. Both of them nods simultaneously assuring my thoughts.

    ¡°You will always have our help, Lord Haruto!¡± As Wolf King exclaims, all the wolves start to howl. But this howl doesn¡¯t feel scary or dark; it¡¯s filled with joy. And as the Wolf Den fills with joy, in outside snowflakes start to fall down from heavens to earth. So winter is starting¡­

    <hr>

    Far off, in the distance, the sound of boots striking the frozen earth echoes across the land. Hundreds of soldiers, their armor gleaming under the setting sun, march with cold precision toward the heart of the forest. Their intentions are clear, and the air itself seems to vibrate with the promise of destruction¡­.

 Whispers of the Coming Storm

    It¡¯s been 20 days since I rescued Kiyomi from that giant scorpion. Things have been peaceful since then. No attacks, no battles¡ªjust quiet days. But the weather keeps getting worse.

    At first, everything was fine, but by the 10th day, the snowfall intensified into a storm. That storm lasted another 10 days, and this morning, things went from bad to worse. The snowstorm turned into a blizzard. With powerful winds, even more snow piles up in front of the cave.

    Water isn¡¯t a problem, luckily. There¡¯s a spot inside the cave where water drips from the roof. The cold hasn¡¯t frozen it yet, but it¡¯s getting colder by the hour. The wolf cubs are shaking from the chill.

    ¡°Haruto¡­¡± Kiyomi¡¯s voice trembles as she speaks.

    ¡°This winter is harsher than any winter I¡¯ve experien¡ª¡± She sneezes, cutting off her words. ¡°We have to do something, or the wolf cubs will freeze!¡±

    ¡°I know. If they feel this much cold even with their fur, we won¡¯t last much longer either without proper clothes for the cold. I¡¯ll think of somethi¡ª¡±

    My eyes land on the fire square¡ªthe spot we use to cook meat. An idea strikes me. Without wasting time, I rush outside our small cave into the main hall, where the wolves are huddled together for warmth.

    I run to each corner of the main cave and start drawing circles on the ground. Then I draw a big one in the middle of the cave. The wolves raise their heads one by one, watching me curiously.

    ¡°Haruto, what are you doing?¡± Kiyomi finally asks.

    ¡°Just watch,¡± I reply, turning to address the wolves.

    ¡°Listen, everyone! Stay away from these circles and keep your cubs away too. It¡¯s for your safety.¡±

    The wolves lower their heads in acknowledgment, and I kneel near the largest circle. Placing my right hand on the floor, I focus on my Lumirith flow. Just as I hoped, shadow-like Hellfire begins to crackle from the smaller circles.

    When the large circle in the middle bursts into flames, the entire cave fills with warmth. The biting cold is driven away, replaced by a comforting heat. Relief washes over me as the wolves relax, and I feel Kiyomi¡¯s gaze on me, filled with awe.

    ¡°Oh, so this is what you wanted to do! Then I¡¯ll show you what I can do!¡± Kiyomi says, kneeling where she was standing. Her voice carries confidence as she places both hands on the floor. Suddenly, golden walls rise from the ground around each circle, just tall enough to keep the wolves from getting too close to the fire.

    ¡°Wow! I didn¡¯t know you could do that. This makes everything much safer for everyone!¡± I say, genuinely surprised by her work. As I speak, I notice her face turning red.

    ¡°I¡­ there¡¯s a big journey ahead of us, and I need to be strong enough to face anything and help everyone,¡± she says, her voice quivering just a little, her face still flushed. ¡°So, I used my mom¡¯s notes to learn and practice Celest Lumirith manifestation. This is just a simple trick I picked up.¡±

    So that¡¯s what she¡¯s been doing! Over the past few days, I¡¯ve seen her poring over that book day and night. She¡¯s really doing her best.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s sit by the fire,¡± I say, walking toward the cave wall. The dark, shadowy Hellfire crackles furiously, but the golden walls keep it contained. I sit down, leaning my back against the wall and stretching my legs toward the center. Kiyomi follows my lead, sitting the same way to my left.

    I glance around the cave and see that the wolves are now resting more comfortably. The wolf cubs have stopped shivering as the warmth of the Hellfire spreads around them. Who would have thought we could use something so devastating to help others?

    As the cave warms up, the snow piled in front of the entrance slowly starts to melt, revealing the furious winds still raging outside. This blizzard doesn¡¯t look like it will end anytime soon.

    With the warmth enveloping me, a wave of drowsiness begins to creep in. My eyelids grow heavy, and just as I¡¯m about to drift off, I feel a weight on my left shoulder. I turn my head slowly, and to my surprise, I see Kiyomi resting her head on me. It seems sleep claimed her first.

    The way she¡¯s sleeping¡­ she really is an angel.

    I let sleep conquer me. My back rests against the cold cave wall, and the warmth of the fire surrounds me. My eyes close, pulling me deeper into the dreamworld.

    Suddenly, a scream pierces through the silence. I snap my eyes open, only to find myself standing in the middle of a burning village. Black, shadow-like flames rage through the streets, swallowing everything in their path. At the entrance of the village, a woman weeps over a lifeless body.

    I step closer, and my heart sinks as I recognize the body¡ªit¡¯s Gorou.

    The woman stands, her face obscured by smoke and flames, and begins to walk toward me.

    ¡°You did this!¡± she exclaims, her voice chillingly familiar.

    ¡°YOU DID THIS TO US!¡± she screams.

    The words freeze me in place as her face comes into view. It¡¯s Emiko. My throat tightens, and I try to speak, but no words come out. A wave of panic crashes over me.

    I run toward her, but just as I reach her, she erupts into black fire. Her form twists and writhes, consumed by the flames. My body freezes, unable to move, paralyzed by fear.

    And then, with an agonized scream, she leaps at me, her burning hands outstretched.

    I wake with a start.

    My eyes snap open, and I immediately scan the cave, trying to orient myself. The familiar cold stone walls, the wolves huddled together, and Kiyomi, still sleeping with her head resting on my shoulder¡ªeverything is as it should be.

    But Emiko¡¯s screams still echo in my mind, a haunting reminder of the dream. I close my eyes for a moment, trying to shake the lingering fear, but her anguished cry continues to reverberate in my ears.

    ¡°Lord Haruto, are you awake?¡± a familiar voice fills my ears, cutting through the silence.

    I open my eyes to see the Wolf King sitting in front of me. His sharp eyes, usually calm, are clouded with unease. Something is deeply troubling him.

    ¡°Oh yes, Wolf King, I¡¯m awake. What is the problem?¡± I ask, adjusting myself into a comfortable position. My movements stir Kiyomi, waking her from her deep sleep.

    ¡°Follow me, Lord Haruto. There¡¯s a problem... one we never thought we¡¯d encounter.¡± The Wolf King stands and starts walking toward a small cave nearby. I¡¯ve never explored it before; it¡¯s usually empty.

    Once Kiyomi is fully awake, we both stand and follow him, the chill of the blizzard biting at us. What could trouble the Wolf King so much?

    As we enter the cave, I see a figure sitting in the center. At first, it¡¯s just a shadowy outline, but as we move closer, the details become clearer. A humanoid figure, larger than me, with green skin. My mind flashes back to the goblins in the games I used to play.

    ¡°Lord Haruto, this is Genta from a goblin village in the south. And Genta, this is Lord Haruto and Lady Emiko,¡± the Wolf King introduces us.

    The goblin leaps to his feet and bows deeply. His movements are stiff from the cold, his worn clothes offering little protection against the blizzard. He towers over me, his whole-body trembling.

    ¡°Lord Haruto... We need your... help!¡± His voice shakes, uneven and desperate, like a fish gasping for air.

    Did he come all this way through the blizzard?

    ¡°First, sit down, Genta. You¡¯ve made a long journey in this weather. Let¡¯s warm up first.¡± As I speak, I walk to the middle of the cave and ignite a small circle with HellFire. Black, shadow-like flames flicker ominously, casting eerie shadows on the cave walls.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Genta stares, his mouth falling open like he¡¯s never seen anything like it. Once we¡¯re seated around the fire, the tension in the air feels heavier.

    ¡°Okay, Genta,¡± I start, ¡°first tell us what¡¯s going on and why you came all the way here.¡±

    The goblin is staring into the flames. His body is here, but his mind seems far away.

    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know where to start,¡± he says, his voice heavy with exhaustion. His eyes remain fixed on the dark blazing flames.

    ¡°We goblins live in a small village to the south of the Wolf Den. We don¡¯t attack anyone. We warmly welcome anyone who enters our village, even though some have destroyed it in the past.¡±

    His voice trembles as he continues.

    ¡°A few days ago, a group of goblins from another village came to us. Their clothes were tainted with blood, their bodies covered in wounds. There were only thirty of them. We took them in and treated them as best we could. When they recovered, they told us what had happened.

    ¡®What happened?¡¯ we asked the eldest of the group.

    ¡®They¡­ they¡¯re coming!¡¯ his voice was filled with terror.

    ¡®Who? Who is coming?¡¯

    ¡°The elder¡¯s face twisted in horror. I was there; I saw it with my own eyes.

    ¡®You have no idea,¡¯ he said. ¡®Hundreds of soldiers in silver armor are going from village to village, slaughtering us!¡¯

    ¡°At first, we didn¡¯t believe them. But then more and more groups began arriving, fleeing for their lives. They told the same story. The soldiers started from the far south of the forest and are making their way north, killing anyone in their path.

    ¡°In just a few days, they¡¯ll reach our village. This blizzard is the only thing slowing them down. That¡¯s why I came, as the son of our village leader, to ask for your help.¡±

    Genta finishes his plea, bowing deeply to me once more.

    Hundreds of soldiers? What are they going to do? Can I stop them?

    I can¡¯t just sit here thinking¡ªI need to act. These lives, once under Shien¡¯s protection, are now my responsibility.

    ¡°So, how many goblins are in the village now?¡± I ask, breaking the silence.

    ¡°When I left, there were about 100 goblins, including the refugees,¡± Genta replies, his voice trailing as he recalls the past. ¡°By now, the number might have grown.¡±

    ¡°And do you have enough food for everyone?¡± I press, knowing that food would be the first problem in a situation like this.

    ¡°That¡¯s the issue,¡± Genta admits with a sigh. ¡°This weather makes it impossible to gather supplies. We only had enough food for less than 50 goblins to last the entire winter.¡±

    I glance at Wolf King, silently asking for his help. Without a word, he nods in understanding.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lord Haruto,¡± Wolf King says. ¡°Thanks to you, we have more than enough food stored for the winter. We will share our excess with the goblins. I will arrange it immediately.¡±

    He gives a low growl to one of the wolves, who darts off to gather the supplies.

    ¡°And what about the wool from that Lumithorn?¡± Kiyomi interjects, her voice bright with an idea.

    ¡°If I can get some tools, I can weave it into cloth for the goblins. They¡¯ll need proper clothing to survive this cold.¡±

    Her enthusiasm momentarily lightens the mood, but my thoughts drift to her safety. Should I leave her here, in the safety of the wolf cave?

    ¡°I think our craftsmen have the tools you need, Lady Kiyomi. And thank you for your care! Some of the refugees don¡¯t have proper clothes to wear,¡± Genta expresses his gratitude.

    ¡°Oh my! No need to thank me. I¡¯m just helping Haruto with his cause. He wants to help anyone he can, which I wholeheartedly support,¡± Kiyomi says in her gentle voice. Her words almost make me blush, but my mind remains preoccupied with her safety. We might be heading toward a war, after all.

    ¡°Kiyomi, listen,¡± I say, turning to her. ¡°I don¡¯t think you should come. We might go to war, and I can¡¯t risk your safety.¡± As I speak, I notice her face fall slightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m not saying you must stay behind, but I don¡¯t want you to get in trouble,¡± I add, hoping to ease her disappointment.

    Suddenly, her beautiful smile reassures me.

    Did she understand what I meant?

    ¡°No need to worry, Haruto,¡± she says softly. ¡°Remember, I gave you a promise¡ªto help you with your cause. How can I help if I stay here? I know you care about me, but there¡¯s a greater purpose ahead of you, and I¡¯ll do my best to support you.¡±

    Her words feel like a gentle breeze calming the blazing fire in my mind. It¡¯s comforting to have someone like her with me in this unfamiliar world. And now, I can¡¯t bring myself to stop her.

    ¡°Alright, I can¡¯t stop you. You can come with me. But there¡¯s another problem¡ªthese clothes aren¡¯t suited for the cold,¡± I say, glancing at our thin garments.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Genta says, gesturing to his backpack. ¡°I have two thick blankets. I can give you one. I hope that¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine! We can share the blanket. And we can stop a few times to warm up if needed,¡± Kiyomi exclaims with her usual optimism. She¡¯s right. We could share the blanket and take breaks. Or, if the blanket isn¡¯t big enough, I¡¯ll let Kiyomi use it while I keep myself warm with my fire.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± I say, standing up. ¡°Rest now, Genta. You¡¯ve come all this way for your people. Get some sleep¡ªwe¡¯ll leave in the morning.¡±

    Genta leaps up from his seat, bowing deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you, Lord Haruto and Lady Kiyomi. I truly appreciate your help!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank us, Genta,¡± I reply, trying to reassure him. ¡°Let¡¯s just call this a responsibility and a promise I intend to keep. Now, rest as much as you can.¡±

    We leave the cave to give Genta some quiet near the warm fire. Wolf King excuses himself to prepare the food and wool for tomorrow¡¯s journey. As for us, we return to our cave to make our own preparations.

    I hand Kiyomi one of the bags I¡¯d taken from the adventurers we encountered when retrieving Hikariken. She packs her parents¡¯ notebook and her clothes carefully. Meanwhile, I check Hikariken, inspecting the straps and sheath, ensuring it¡¯s ready. I also pack a few spare clothes¡ªwashed and left behind by those adventurers¡ªjust in case.

    Later that night, the wind seems to have calmed, yet the cold lingers, sharper and more piercing in the absence of the sun¡¯s gentle warmth. It gnaws at the edges of the night like unseen fangs, wrapping everything in its relentless grip. After ensuring everything is ready for the journey ahead, Kiyomi and I retreat to our sleeping places.

    Within moments, Kiyomi succumbs to sleep, her soft breaths blending with the stillness of the cave. But for me, sleep feels like a distant shore I cannot reach. No matter how much I shift, roll, or adjust, the unrest in my mind refuses to let me drift away. The weight of the strange dream I had and the looming battle against hundreds of soldiers presses heavily on my thoughts.

    Can we truly win this battle? Can I protect everyone? Or will I fail, just as I did before?

    Darkness coils around my thoughts, pulling me into a spiral of doubt. Just as despair begins to take hold, a familiar voice echoes in my mind, cutting through the noise like a beacon.

    ¡°Haruto, it seems you don¡¯t trust yourself...¡± Shien¡¯s voice resonates, steady and calm, yet firm with conviction.

    ¡°Why do you think Genta traveled all this way? Because he believes in you. Why did the Wolf King entrust you with Hikariken, a blade they protected for generations? Because he believes in you. And why does Kiyomi stand by your side, knowing the dangers ahead? Because she believes in you. So why don¡¯t you believe in yourself?¡±

    His words pierce through the haze of doubt, a light shattering the shadows in my mind.

    ¡°Your powers, your abilities, your blade... they¡¯re yours, Haruto. Believe in them. Believe in yourself!¡±

    Shien¡¯s voice grows softer but no less resolute.

    ¡°You may have fallen once, but you stood against a demon, face-to-face. You didn¡¯t flinch. You didn¡¯t waver. You had one goal¡ªrevenge¡ªand you achieved it. Now, set a new goal. Fight for it. Believe in it. You have what it takes, Haruto. Whether demon or human, you can do this. You¡¯re not alone anymore.¡±

    His voice fades, leaving behind a profound stillness. The doubts that once plagued my mind feel lighter, as though swept away by a gentle breeze.

    He¡¯s right. I am not the same person who faltered before. I am stronger now¡ªdemon or half-demon, it doesn¡¯t matter. With the powers I¡¯ve gained and the people who trust me, I can save everyone. I won¡¯t let their hopes shatter. I will fight, and I will win.

    A calm resolve settles over me, and for the first time tonight, my body feels light, and my eyes grow heavy. As sleep finally claims me, I hold onto the determination burning in my heart.

    A few hours of calm sleep pass before I feel someone gently shaking me. Slowly opening my eyes, I see Kiyomi sitting beside me, her beautiful smile warming the cold morning.

    ¡°Good morning!¡± Her soothing voice melts the lingering grogginess from my mind.

    ¡°Good morning. Are you ready to leave?¡± I ask, stretching my arms to shake off the stiffness of the night.

    ¡°Yes, Haruto! I¡¯ve already brought your blade and bag to the door. Everything is ready!¡± Her voice carries an unmistakable excitement that sparks a small smile on my face.

    Walking to the stone basin filled with fresh water, I splash my face and take a few sips. The cold water jolts me fully awake. When I return, Kiyomi is waiting, already equipped with her backpack. Her energy feels contagious. Grabbing Hikariken and my bag, I gesture for her to follow me. Together, we head toward the main cave where Genta, Wolf King, and the rest of the wolf pack wait near the entrance.

    ¡°Is everything ready, Lord Haruto?¡± Wolf King asks, his gaze calm yet piercing, as though weighing my resolve.

    ¡°Yes, Wolf King. Everything is ready,¡± I reply with a steady voice, gripping Hikariken¡¯s hilt tightly.

    ¡°Very well.¡± He turns to his pack, and four wolves step forward with solemn precision.

    ¡°These wolves have volunteered to assist you on your journey,¡± Wolf King explains. His tone is even, but I sense the deeper trust in his words.

    Before I can thank him, he lowers his head, his golden eyes meeting mine. ¡°Haruto, should a battle break out and you find yourself outnumbered, I grant you my permission to summon me or any of my wolves. Lord Shien will guide you when the time is right.¡±

    His trust feels heavy, like the weight of Hikariken in my hand. They believe in me¡ªWolf King, Genta, Kiyomi¡ªand I can¡¯t fail them. I clench my fist, silently vowing to honor that faith.

    The weather seems to favor us today; the wind has softened, and the snowfall has slowed to a gentle drift. Yet the biting cold persists, nipping at our exposed skin. Genta retrieves the thick blanket he mentioned, and to our relief, it¡¯s large enough to share. Kiyomi and I huddle beneath it, the shared warmth a welcome respite. As I wrap my left arm around her shoulder to secure the blanket, I notice her cheeks flush red, but she says nothing. Her quiet acceptance feels more comforting than words.

    The wolves flank us, their fur brushing softly against the snow as we take our first steps into the frozen wilderness. With every crunch of snow underfoot, a new determination rises in my chest. Wrapped in the blanket and the strength of those beside me, I feel ready.

    With Kiyomi by my side, the wolves at my back, and Hikariken steady in my grip, we embark on a new journey to save the goblin village. Ahead lies an army of soldiers and the promise of a fierce battle¡ªbut together, we will face whatever comes.

 Through Eyes of Doubt

    The snowfall has slowed to a gentle drift, but the thick blanket of snow from the past few days transforms the forest into a pristine white canvas. The towering trees, stripped bare of their leaves, stand like silent sentinels, their branches sagging under the weight of accumulated frost. The air is sharp and still, carrying an unnatural quiet that seems to amplify the crunch of snow beneath our boots.

    We move through the forest with care, each step sinking deep into the snow that rises to my knees. The cold bites at my exposed skin, and my breath escapes in visible puffs, quickly swallowed by the frigid air. Without the right gear for this weather, every movement feels like a battle against the unyielding terrain.

    Genta takes the lead, his movements deliberate and steady as he carves a path through the snow. The wolves follow closely, their paws gliding effortlessly over the surface as if mocking our struggle. Around us, the forest stretches endlessly, its silence broken only by the occasional whisper of wind brushing through the skeletal branches.

    After hours of this grueling march, Genta raises a hand, signaling a stop. I gratefully sink into the snow, the weight of exhaustion momentarily lifting as we pause for a much-needed break. We search the area for a place to rest and, to our relief, spot a massive hollow tree not far away. The tree¡¯s trunk is wide enough to fit all of us, but we check inside first to ensure it¡¯s safe. Luckily, it¡¯s empty¡ªno signs of other creatures.

    One by one, we crawl inside. The interior offers plenty of space, enough for all of us to stretch out a little. Once I get a small fire going, the warmth fills the hollow, easing the biting chill that had seeped into our bones. Genta, Kiyomi, and I stretch our legs to relieve the ache from trudging through the snow.

    ¡°Genta, how far is the village?¡± I ask, my impatience slipping into my voice despite my best efforts to stay calm.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ let me think¡­¡± Genta replies, his brow furrowing as he focuses on his thoughts.

    After a moment, he says, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this much snow¡ªor for us to be so poorly equipped for it. At this rate, I¡¯d say we¡¯ll reach the village by tomorrow morning.¡±

    His words leave me uneasy. We¡¯ll need to find shelter for the night if we¡¯re to make it that far safely.

    We place our soaked shoes and blankets near the fire to dry them out. My boots are drenched, the snow having melted from my body heat during the trek. While waiting, I slice some of the meat we packed and roast it over the flames. The smell of cooking fills the hollow, bringing a rare moment of comfort in this harsh wilderness.

    Once we¡¯ve eaten our warm meal, we prepare to head back out.

    The afternoon light is faint, filtered through thick layers of cloud that blanket the sky. Despite the time, it feels more like evening, the dim glow casting long shadows over the snow-covered landscape.

    Another few grueling hours of battling through the snow and biting winds bring us to our next stop. The cold lashes at our faces, sapping our strength with every step. As we pause for another break, Genta announces, ¡°We¡¯ve covered almost half the distance.¡±. I glance up at the sky, noting how the sun has almost passed its zenith.

    We scour the area, hoping to find shelter¡ªa cave or perhaps another hollow tree¡ªbut luck isn¡¯t on our side this time. Instead, we clear a space beneath a towering tree, positioning ourselves on the side opposite the wind¡¯s biting force. I build a larger fireplace than before, the flames crackling to life and pushing back the cold.

    As before, we place our boots near the fire to dry, though this time we skip the blankets; the open air isn¡¯t as forgiving. After a few minutes of rest, I prepare our usual meal: meat roasted with the fiery blaze of Hellfire.

    The meal warms and energizes us, a small reprieve in the harshness of the journey. Afterward, I lean back against the sturdy trunk of the tree behind me, letting the bark press into my shoulders. My gaze drifts upward to the dense canopy of clouds. Though no snow falls, the sky remains dark, a forewarning of another impending storm.

    Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Kiyomi shivering, even beneath her blanket. Without hesitation, I offer her my share.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine,¡± she protests, shaking her head.

    But I insist, draping the entire blanket over her. After a moment of hesitation, she relents, wrapping it tightly around herself.

    My eyes return to the clouded sky as memories of my past life stir within me. Winter used to be a season of joy¡ªKenta and I laughing and playing in the snow, the scenes replaying in my mind like a vivid dream.

    What happened to them? What did they feel when they learned of my death? And Yuzuki¡­ she held me in my final moments. Did she move on?

    The questions flood my mind, each one pulling me deeper into the past. But the truth remains unchanging: I can¡¯t return. The life I once had ended with my death. Even though I bear the same name and carry my memories, I am no longer the same person.

    In this life, all I can do is move forward.

    Lost in thought, I barely notice the gentle shake on my shoulder. Blinking, I find Kiyomi leaning over me, her usual warm smile softening her features.

    ¡°Did you fall asleep?¡± she asks, her tone playful.

    ¡°N-no¡­ I wasn¡¯t sleeping,¡± I stammer, unsure if my words tremble from the cold or embarrassment. ¡°I was just resting¡­ with my eyes closed.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ if you say so.¡± She grins, then gestures toward the ground. ¡°We should move. This place is turning into a mess.¡±

    I glance down and realize what she means. The heat from the fire has melted the surrounding snow, creating a puddle beneath us. We get up, ready to hit the road once again.

    The path feels familiar as we tread the same road the wolves and I used to hunt Lumithorns. When we near the valley, we take a right turn, forging ahead into the unfamiliar. Hours pass, and as the shadows of evening stretch and darkness begins to creep in, we decide to stop for the night.

    Suddenly, Genta halts and starts looking around, his eyes wide with surprise.

    ¡°Genta, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Kiyomi asks, her voice tinged with concern as she notices his behavior.

    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± he replies, a smile breaking across his face. ¡°This is the place where I spent the night on my way to the wolf den. Actually, we might reach the village sooner than I thought!¡±

    He points to a natural formation¡ªa large stone slab resting atop two massive stones, resembling a small hut. It¡¯s like nature itself had carved out a shelter just for us. We make our way there, and I set to work starting a fire while the others clear away the snow around the stone hut.

    The warm glow of my hellfire transforms the cold stone shelter into a haven, the flickering flames painting shadows on the uneven surfaces. Two giant openings on either side let the cold air seep in, so we block one with our blankets, creating a cozier space.

    The forest at night is calm, the usual rustling of leaves replaced by an eerie silence. With the sky shrouded in clouds, the moon and stars offer no light, and the darkness feels thick and oppressive.

    After giving our weary legs, a much-needed rest, we prepare to eat dinner. Once again, it¡¯s roasted meat¡ªthe same meal we''ve had countless times before. While it¡¯s filling, my mind and stomach yearn for something different, a taste of variety that feels more like home. Memories of dishes from my past life tease the edges of my thoughts, making the simplicity of our meal feel all the starker.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    After the warm meal and some rest, everyone decides it¡¯s time to sleep. But sleeping out in this dark forest is far from safe.

    ''I¡¯ll take the first watch. You all get some rest,'' I say, but as expected, they all protest. It takes some convincing¡ªme reassuring them that I¡¯m not tired and promising to wake them for shifts¡ªbefore they reluctantly agree.

    The wolves curl up near the entrance, their sharp senses a second line of defense. Genta, surprisingly comfortable, uses one wolf''s back as a makeshift pillow. The hut isn¡¯t large enough for all of us to lie fully stretched, so Kiyomi leans against a rock on one side.

    Even in sleep, Kiyomi looks uneasy, shifting constantly as though the cold or the hard surface won¡¯t let her rest. I notice her shivering slightly and frowning in her sleep.

    ''You¡¯re not going to get any rest like that,'' I mutter to myself. I shift closer and gently place a blanket over her. Then, I guide her to lie down properly, letting her head rest on my lap for comfort.

    ''This should be better,'' I whisper, ensuring she¡¯s settled. She murmurs softly, her expression relaxing as her breathing evens out.

    The flickering light of the fire casts warm shadows across her face. Sitting still, with one hand resting lightly on Hikariken and my senses alert, I watch over her and the others. Outside, the forest hums faintly with the sound of wind brushing against the trees. I know this quiet can be deceiving, but for now, I hold my watch, determined to keep everyone safe.

    We traveled all day without encountering a single creature. It seems this harsh winter has driven them into hiding, and now I understand why the army chose this time for their attack. The snow keeps everything sheltered, making the search unnecessary. Still, I can¡¯t shake the feeling that there¡¯s more behind this decision¡ªsomething I can¡¯t yet see.

    The night is eerily quiet. Only my swirling thoughts and the sharp bite of the cold winds keep me awake. I fight to stay alert, my senses attuned to the silence around us. After what feels like hours, Genta stirs from his rest.

    ¡°Lord Haruto, get some sleep. I¡¯ll take over the watch,¡± Genta whispers.

    Relieved, I nod in agreement and lean back against the same rock Kiyomi had earlier tried to use for support. By now, I¡¯m accustomed to such discomforts. As I settle in, Kiyomi continues to sleep peacefully on my lap, her breathing steady and soft. Closing my eyes, I let sleep finally claim me.

    I don¡¯t know how much time has passed¡ªminutes, hours? A gentle shake on my shoulder pulls me from the depths of my rest. Slowly, I open my eyes, met by the dim glow of morning light filtering through the forest. The darkness of night has lifted, replaced by the soft hues of dawn.

    ¡°Good morning!¡± Kiyomi greets me, her voice warm and bright as always.

    We share a quick breakfast and prepare for the final stretch of our journey to the goblin village. Following Genta, we move through the forest as he assures us the village is close.

    The morning feels oddly unsettling. The sunlight is weaker than yesterday, the clouds above darker and heavier. Snowfall seems imminent, and a quiet tension hangs in the air.

    After a few more hours of trudging through the snow, we reach an open area. Finally, a cluster of houses comes into view, thin trails of smoke curling upward from their chimneys. These homes are far less developed than those in Emiko¡¯s village, but they seem sturdy enough to endure even the harshest blizzards.

    ¡°That¡¯s our village!¡± Genta exclaims, pointing toward the settlement with a mix of relief and concern. ¡°I hope they¡¯re doing alright.¡±

    As we draw closer, I count ten houses arranged in a rough circle around a small clearing. The faint outlines of goblins moving about come into focus. A few are brushing snow from their doorsteps, their movements slow and deliberate. At first, the goblins seem frightened to see humans approaching their village. Their cautious eyes dart toward us, and a few even step back. But as soon as they recognize Genta, their expressions shift. Slowly, smiles spread across their faces, and they begin to run toward him, surrounding him with an air of relief.

    ¡°Genta! You came back! We¡¯ve been so worried about you! Where have you been?¡± Questions pour out one after another, their concern evident. But Genta meets them all with a warm smile, as if to reassure them.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about me. As you can see, I¡¯m perfectly fine,¡± he says confidently. ¡°I went to get some help. Where¡¯s Father?¡±

    ¡°The Chief is in his house. He hasn¡¯t even been eating¡ªjust worrying about you,¡± one goblin replies. Then, glancing at us nervously through Genta¡¯s shoulder, he adds, ¡°And¡­ who are these people? Are they friendly?¡±

    Genta looks back at us with a reassuring nod before turning to his villagers. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry! This is Lord Haruto and Lady Kiyomi, and they¡¯ve come here to help us!¡±

    The goblins exchange confused glances, murmuring amongst themselves. It¡¯s clear they¡¯re not used to humans being here¡ªlet alone ones introduced with such lofty titles.

    Meanwhile, I find myself unsure of what to do. The weight of their curious stares feels heavy, and for a moment, I can¡¯t decide whether to bow, wave, or simply stand still.

    I really need to get used to this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything, but first, I need to meet my father,¡± Genta says, turning toward us. Then, addressing me directly, he adds, ¡°Follow me, Lord Haruto.¡±

    We follow Genta through the small crowd of goblins who have gathered outside, their curious eyes trailing after us. He leads us to a house slightly larger than the others. The old wooden door creaks as he pushes it open, and a wave of warm air greets us, a welcome relief from the biting cold.

    ¡°Come inside,¡± Genta invites, stepping into the house.

    Inside, an elderly goblin lies on the floor, his frail body a testament to days without proper nourishment. I recall what one of the goblins outside had said about their chief. As Genta approaches, the old goblin stirs, a flicker of energy lighting his weary frame. His eyes light up when they land on Genta, a faint smile gracing his lips. But as soon as he notices us, the smile vanishes, replaced by a look of distrust.

    ¡°Genta, I see you¡¯ve returned. But you¡¯ve brought enemies to our doorstep,¡± the old man says, his voice brittle but laced with suspicion.

    ¡°Father, this is Lord Haruto and Lady Kiyomi. They¡¯re here to help us!¡± Genta explains, his tone brimming with hope.

    The chief¡¯s expression hardens. ¡°Lord? Now you call a human ¡®Lord¡¯? What¡¯s next? Letting them slaughter us? You know what humans have done to our kind. They¡¯ve hunted us like vermin, slaughtered us without mercy. And now you¡¯ve brought two of them here?¡± His voice rises, and the room fills with his indignation.

    Genta¡¯s face falls, his hope crushed under the weight of his father¡¯s words. The chief¡¯s reaction isn¡¯t surprising, though¡ªit¡¯s rooted in a history of pain. And while he¡¯s not wrong to distrust humans, he doesn¡¯t realize the truth yet. I¡¯m not fully human anymore, and Kiyomi is no mere human either. But how do I explain this to him?

    ¡°We¡¯re not human,¡± Kiyomi¡¯s voice cuts through the tension like a blade.

    I turn to her, surprised by her calm but commanding tone.

    ¡°We¡¯re not human,¡± she repeats, stepping forward. ¡°This here is Haruto, the last Demon after Shien. And I am Kiyomi, the last Angel after Mitsuki and Renjiro.¡± Her voice is steady, her gaze unwavering.

    The chief narrows his eyes. ¡°Hmm. You¡¯re throwing around legendary names. Can you prove these claims?¡±

    I sense a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Perhaps he¡¯s heard of Shien or Mitsuki. But proof¡ªthat¡¯s a different matter altogether. How do we prove we¡¯re what we say we are?

    ¡°Haruto, Kiyomi knows what she¡¯s doing. Now it¡¯s time for you to do your part,¡± Shien¡¯s voice echoes in my mind, calm yet tinged with playful mischief.

    ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡± I ask him silently.

    ¡°You already know,¡± Shien replies. ¡°The Hellfire you¡¯ve been wielding¡ªit¡¯s my signature, something only I¡¯ve ever used in the history of this world. Concentrate, channel your Aether Lumirith, and manifest something that¡¯ll blow his mind. Just... do it outside. You¡¯re still not great at controlling it.¡±

    I take a deep breath. There¡¯s no other choice.

    I step forward, addressing the chief directly. ¡°My name is Haruto, and as Kiyomi said, I am the last Demon in this world. If you need proof, follow me outside.¡±

    The chief hesitates, his distrust still palpable, but eventually nods. He attempts to stand, his frailty making the task difficult. Genta rushes to his side, helping him to his feet. Together, we head toward the door.

    As we step outside, I notice a large crowd of goblins has already gathered around the chief¡¯s house, their eyes filled with curiosity and uncertainty.

    Snowflakes begin to drift from the sky, each one landing gently on the ground, a quiet herald of the storm to come. I unstrap Hikariken from my back and thrust it into the ground before me, gripping the hilt firmly with both hands.

    ¡°Everyone, step back for your own safety!¡± I command.

    The goblins glance nervously at their chief, searching for confirmation. With a nod from him, they slowly retreat, forming a safe circle around me.

    Once the space is clear, I close my eyes and channel my Aether Lumirith, letting its energy surge through me. In an instant, I feel an intense heat radiating from my back.

    Opening my eyes, I hear gasps of shock. Following their stares, I turn my head to see it¡ªa massive cobra, towering above the houses, its form composed of writhing black flames. Its hood flares menacingly, and its long, shadow-like body sways, mirroring my movements as though it¡¯s a part of me.

    The villagers are frozen in place, their faces pale with fear. Only Kiyomi steps forward. She raises her palm toward the cobra, and golden armor materializes around it, transforming the creature into a sight even more formidable. The shimmering golden plates glint in the dim light, amplifying its terrifying majesty.

    ¡°Now, Chief,¡± I say, my voice firm yet steady, ¡°what do you say? Is this enough proof that we are not human?¡±

    The chief¡¯s legs give way, and he collapses to his knees. One by one, the other goblins follow, bowing before me. I suppress a sigh¡ªI¡¯m getting used to this reaction.

    Focusing inward, I slow the flow of my Lumirith, dissipating the cobra into nothingness. Then, I stride toward the chief, reaching out to lift him gently by his shoulders.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want your fear,¡± I tell him earnestly. ¡°I only want to help you¡ªand to fulfill the promise I made to Shien.¡±

    The chief¡¯s eyes meet mine, filled with newfound respect and remorse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for distrusting you, Lord Haruto... and Lady Kiyomi.¡± He glances at her with a nod of acknowledgment.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡± he continues. ¡°The snowfall is about to start."

 A Leaders Burden

    We all walk inside as the cold winds blow through our clothes. Inside, we all sit around the fire roaring in the middle.

    ¡°So, Lord Haruto, how did you possess Lord Shien¡¯s powers?¡± the chief asks, his curious eyes piercing into my soul.

    ¡°I¡¯ll share my story then.¡±

    I tell Genta and village chief my entire story, except the part that I died in my world and reincarnated in this world. Only Kiyomi, Shien and Emiko know that part of my story.

    After half an hour of storytelling, the village chief finally speaks.

    ¡°I see¡­ then if Lord Shien accepts you, so do I!¡± he continues bowing down. ¡°Please accept my apology for distrusting you!¡±

    ¡°No need for apologizing, chief. That¡¯s your job, keeping everyone safe after all they¡¯ve been through. Since our appearance is more human-like, it¡¯s natural for you to distrust us. It¡¯s fine.¡± I say to comfort him.

    ¡°And also, Wolf King sent his aids too!¡± I call forth the four wolves that came with us. As they enter the house, loaded with supplies, I realize I forgot to unload them. I rush to them and unload them one by one. Genta follows my lead and helps me to unload the rest. In a few minutes, we finish the task.

    ¡°The Wolf King sent a portion of the Lumithorn meat we gathered for the winter. And also, this is lumithorn wool. We can use them to make clothes suitable for winter for everyone.¡± I say, showing the cargo to the chief.

    ¡°Di¡­ did yo¡­ you¡­ say Lumi¡­ lumithorn?¡± Genta asks; his voice is shaking though I can¡¯t tell it¡¯s from fear or surprise.

    ¡°Yes. This is lumithorn meat and wool.¡± I answer casually.

    ¡°Huh, even a lumithorn doesn¡¯t have a chance against Lord Shien¡¯s power. I remember when I was young, I saw Lord Shien with my own eyes.¡± Village chief says his mind is adventuring in his own memories.

    ¡°Chief, do your people have proper tools to make clothing with these wools?¡± Kiyomi asks, interrupting chief¡¯s memory adventure.

    ¡°Hmm, let me think¡­¡± Chief pauses for a moment. ¡°We have tools and craftsmen of our village and also we can get help from others who came here seeking aid.¡± Chief says.

    ¡°That should do it. Chief, what about this meat? Is there any proper way you can preserve them?¡± I ask the chief.

    ¡°We can smoke them!¡± after a few moments of silence, Genta speaks.

    ¡°Hmm, if we smoke meat, we need lots of raw wood to get a lot of smoke.¡± I continue. ¡°Which means first we need to focus on making proper clothes for the cold. Then we can think about other things.¡±

    ¡°Lord Haruto, what about the army that coming this way? They will attack any moment!¡± Chief speaks, but his words fill with fear. They¡¯ve been through a lot.

    ¡°No need to worry. I will save everyone in this forest! Many people placed their trust in me. So, I can¡¯t turn back and I never will!¡± As these words coming out of me, I feel the weight of my responsibilities again.

    ¡°Very well. Then Genta, I need you to take the responsibility from here!¡± chief says turning to Genta. Genta¡¯s face shows how shocked he is. He tries to speak, but no words coming out of him.

    ¡°Me? but father, what if I mess things up? I can¡¯t be like you!¡± Genta finally speaks. I feel his struggle. The struggle when hundreds of responsibilities load on your shoulders.

    ¡°Genta, calm down. Now I¡¯m old, I can¡¯t do much. There is a war coming and people need a leader who can walk straight with on your own,¡± Chief continues, with a gentle smile to comfort Genta.

    ¡°Everyone makes mistakes, Genta. But the thing is what you learn from them¡­¡±

    He is right. Mistakes aren¡¯t something we need to regret; it is something to learn. There might be a price for your mistakes, just like mine. In the end, there¡¯s always something new to learn.

    ¡°You went a long journey through the blizzard to seek aid. And I don¡¯t see anyone who could lead other goblins¡¯ way other than you, my son. And don¡¯t worry, until my last breath, I¡¯ll be with you¡­¡±

    One by one, tears start to flowing from Genta¡¯s eyes. He hugs his father without hesitation. I feel their bond and I¡¯ll never let it break.

    ¡°Now take a rest, father. I¡¯ll take care of this!¡± Genta says his words have the determination, but they also fill with tears.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go Lord Haruto. We need to gather people first¡± Genta gets up wiping his tears. Then walk toward the door. Kiyomi and I follow him and exit the chief¡¯s house.

    I can¡¯t tell how many hours we were inside, but the outside was swallowed by darkness. Snow is still falling from the dark sky at a slow pace, but the chilly winds are still annoying as ever.

    Genta walks toward a bell in the middle of the village and rings it. Just as its sound echoes around houses one by one, goblins come out from their houses. In a few minutes, all the goblins gather in the middle. All of them cover themself from head to toe with blankets.

    When all the goblins gather in the middle, Genta explains what happened during the conversation. First, they all seem sad to hear about the retirement of the Genta¡¯s father, but then they show their happiness about their new leader.

    ¡°Listen everyone! I need every craftsman in the workshop. If you have tools, bring them too. Others stay inside!¡± Genta announces.

    With their new leader¡¯s orders, everyone goes back inside except twenty of them.

    ¡°This is all the craftsmen we got.¡± Genta says his voice seems discourage.

    ¡°Oh my! This is more than enough! We can finish this in no time.¡± Kiyomi says, her words are energizing as ever.

    ¡°Alright Kiyomi, you go with Genta and ready for it. I¡¯ll be back in a minute.¡± I secretly sign wolves to gather, as I say.

    ¡°Well then, don¡¯t take too long, Haruto. I might need your help too.¡± Kiyomi says, following Genta to the workshop.

    As they vanish into the darkness, I turn around to see the four wolves. They sitting near me and their black and gray fur cover with a small layer of snow.

    ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡± I ask, wiping the snow from their backs.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ¡°Anything, Lord Haruto. that¡¯s why we came with you.¡± One of wolves speaks.

    ¡°Then can you four to recon the forest around the village? If something unusual happen report me. But don¡¯t go too far and if the environment gets too cold, please return don¡¯t push yourself.¡± I ask.

    They don¡¯t need to push themselves in this harsh weather. But having a wolf recon team is a significant advantage for us. We could detect the army before they detect us.

    ¡°No need to worry, Lord Haruto! we will fulfill this task as the best we can.¡± One of wolves says his words fill with loyalty.

    ¡°We might can¡¯t manifest Aether lumirith like Wolf King, but we can use Aether lumirith to enhance our basic traits like cold resistance, tracking the prey. So, this cold weather is nothing to us!¡± Another wolf joins the conversation.

    ¡°Alright then, I hope for some good news.¡± As I finish, wolves bow to me and disperse to random directions. I look till some of them vanish into the darkness and then I set my destination back to the Workshop.

    Darkness been eaten the most of the village. Only the faint glow from the fireplace inside houses pushing darkness back to where it came from. And with the darkness, the cold is increasing too. As I breathe, a white smoke coming from my mouth and nose.

    I really wish I had traits of a wolf.

    After a long time of walking in the dark, I finally reach the workshop. As I getting closer, I see a faint glow coming out from the bottom of the wooden door and I can hear Kiyomi giving instructions to make clothing. Just as I open the door, a gush of warm air welcomes me.

    The workshop is kind of big place. Even though the workshop is big, there aren¡¯t much items inside. There is only a big table and a shelf with random tools. When I ask Kiyomi about this, she replies,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Haruto, back in orphanage I didn¡¯t have this much if tools. But I learned!¡±

    I don¡¯t know how Kiyomi is this positive. If I were her, I already gave up.

    First, we clean the lumithorn wool with water. After gruesome washings with cold water, we are ready to process the wool. All the craftsmen and Kiyomi share their knowledge and ideas while working. But as a one who doesn¡¯t have any idea what is they are doing, I help them as I could.

    ¡°Lady Kiyomi, Lord Haruto, please take a rest. We came a long way and you two must be tired. Please take a rest!¡± Genta says. He might be noticed yawns from Kiyomi.

    ¡°But Genta, there is still a lot of wool to process. I can¡¯t leave without helping.¡± Kiyomi insists, but I can see the redness of her eyes.

    ¡°it¡¯s ok Lady Kiyomi. We will continue this; you can take a rest.¡± A goblin craftsman says.

    Kiyomi tries to show that she doesn¡¯t tire but under all of insists, she finally admits her defeat.

    ¡°Follow me, Lord Haruto and Lady Kiyomi; there is something I want to show.¡± Genta says, walking toward the door.

    We both follow him into the cold outside. Snowfall seems got slow, but the chill is still there. After a few moments of walking in the dark, Genta stop in front of a house. He walks to the door and opens it, letting warm air and light from the fireplace out.

    ¡°Come inside!¡± Genta calls us.

    We both walk inside the house. Inside the house, just like other houses, there is a fireplace in the middle and two beds. Bed frame made of sturdy sticks and for the mattress they used a thick layer of dried grass. And in a corner of the house there are the bags we bought with us on the journey.

    ¡°Lord Haruto, Lady Kiyomi¡­¡± Genta speaks. ¡°I don¡¯t know; this house is comfortable enough for you two. But this is all we got.¡±

    Kiyomi walks inside a bit and takes a deep breath, like she came to her house after a long journey. ¡°Genta, actually, this is better than ever! In the past we had to sleep on the ground in wolf cave. and you and your people made us beds! This is more than enough.¡± Kiyomi¡¯s words brought light to Genta¡¯s face.

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll let you two rest for the night.¡± Genta says, heading for the door to leave.

    After he leave, we both head for the beds for some sleep. I lay down on my bed and just like Kiyomi said, this bed is really comfortable than sleeping on the floor. It¡¯s been more than a year when I last slept in a bed. And in the past year that I lived in the wolf cave, my back got used to the cold, stony floor.

    After some good and comfortable hours of sleeping, I finally wake up. I stretch my arms and look around to see Kiyomi, or someone who I can recognize. But to my surprise, there is no one. Kiyomi¡¯s bed is perfectly made and her bag sitting near her bed.

    ¡°Kiyomi might have been left early to help the goblins.¡±

    I get off the bed and strap the blade back and ready to leave. But just as I open the door, a wolf from the recon team sitting outside the door. There isn¡¯t much snowfall in the morning, but his back is covered with a thin layer of snow.

    ¡°He might have been here for a while.¡±

    I look around for Kiyomi or Genta and sign the wolf to come inside. As he comes inside, I close the door and light the fireplace to let wolf to warm up.

    ¡°Is there any news?¡± I ask, as my nervousness got best of me.

    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± Wolf speaks. ¡°We found to human army!¡±

    Wolf continues. ¡°The army is camping right now south of the village. I called others and as now they are watching them.¡±

    ¡°So, how many days do you think they¡¯ll take to reach the village?¡± I ask.

    ¡°They might take two or three days max to reach the village. And Lord Haruto, there is something you need to know,¡± Wolf says, his voice lower as he ends the sentence.

    ¡°When we recon the area, we had a feeling of something sinister laying in the middle of the army. We can¡¯t say what is it but the aura of the darkness is powerful as the Hikariken!¡±

    As these words coming out of him, I feel the tension in his words. But there is nothing we can do except facing them as we can. With the difference in numbers, we have to let them do the first move.

    ¡°Alright, you all did a good job. But I want you all to keep eyes on them until they reach the village. And don¡¯t get too close or don¡¯t get in their way. Just watch them at a safe distance.¡± I say, patting his head.

    Just like last time, he bows to me; leave to the wood just as I open the door.

    ¡°Alright now I have to give this news to Genta and chief without alerting others. But first I need something to eat. I¡¯m really hungry right now.¡±

    I set my course to the middle of the village as I see a smoke coming out. When I reach their lot of goblins waiting in a line toward the smoke. As I get closer, a mouthwatering smell coming from the end of the line. A pot sits on the fire, within which a flavorful meat stew is steadily boiling, the steam rising and carrying the scent of savory spices.

    ¡°Oh, Lord Haruto, come have some meat stew!¡± one of a goblin invites me.

    I sign them to wait until others finish, but suddenly one of them brings me a full wooden bowl of stew. Without any option, I accept it with a smile and take a bite. I feel my tongue getting numb with the flavor. It¡¯s been so long since I ate a meal with different flavors in Emiko¡¯s village.

    ¡°Did Kiyomi come to eat?¡± I ask them after I take the last bite of the stew.

    ¡°No, Lord Haruto. we heard Lady Kiyomi working in the workshop, so we sent food to the workshop.¡± A chef goblin says.

    Then I thank them for the delicious meal and change my way to the workshop. I open the door and inside Kiyomi, working under faint sunlight coming from the window.

    ¡°Did you eat your breakfast, Kiyomi?¡± I ask closing the door back. She startles by my sudden question.

    ¡°Haruto, don¡¯t scare me like that! I was focused on this and you came like a thief and ask a question out of nowhere!¡± she says, putting down the ball of wool on her lap.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you, Kiyomi. Even so, you didn¡¯t give me the answer.¡± I speak.

    She points to an empty bowl on the workshop table.

    ¡°Alright now answer my question; how is this?¡± she holds up the thing she was knitting when I was entering to the workshop. And from the sight, I¡¯m really confused. It¡¯s an exact replica of snow coats in my past life!

    ¡°Remember you told me about things in your past life? I memorized the way you described the snow coats in your world. And here it is. Is it good? Tell me!¡± Kiyomi says, shaking the coat in front of me. But I have no words to say. I touch the coat and golden lumithorn wool outside and fabric layer inside; this is really the same one. Did she really make this from my description? This is insane.

    ¡°Kiyomi, I got no words to say; this is just like the coats in my past life. You really done a great job.¡± I say, holding her shoulder. As I say, her face fills with a smile of relief.

    ¡°Thank you, Haruto! I really didn¡¯t know this turned out to be good. And this will be our sample!¡± Kiyomi says her words fill with thrill.

    ¡°But Kiyomi, there is something we need to take care first. Tell others to work on this and you have to come with me.¡± I explain to her.

    Kiyomi stares at me for a moment and walks toward to a rack that made to place the coat.

    ¡°Alright Haruto, let¡¯s go!¡± Kiyomi says.

    ¡°First, we need to find Genta;¡± without letting me finish, Genta enters the workshop. After him, other craftsmen enter the workshop.

    ¡°Is there something you need, Lord Haruto?¡± Genta asks as he heard what I was going to say before.

    ¡°Nothing special, but I need you to come with me!¡± I reply to him without exposing too much information.

    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you; Lord Haruto, just tell me where.¡± Genta speaks.

    I sign him to follow me and we wait till Kiyomi finishes her explanation on how the coat should be made. And as we get out of the workshop, I speak.

    ¡°Genta, we need to gather at the chief¡¯s house. There is something we need to discuss.¡±

 By your call, we stand!

    ¡°Wolves found the army!¡± I say as we all sit around the fireplace in the village chief¡¯s house. I see their faces cover with a dark cloud, as I finish the sentence.

    ¡°According to the wolves, they camping south of the village. In two or three days, they may arrive at the village. I add the rest of the details the wolf gave to me.

    ¡°What should we do next, Lord Haruto? We goblins never went on a battle before. We lack everything for a war!¡± Genta exclaims.

    I see his mind sink into the depths of fear. But I knew this before I came on this journey. Wolf King told me that goblins are pacifist when it¡¯s comes to battle. They do all hunting but attack no one even though they came and raid their village. So, getting support from other goblins is out of option. Perhaps Kiyomi and I are the only ones fighting against the army in this battle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Genta. We got this. And also, the Wolf king gave his permission to summon him when needed.¡± As I say to comfort them as little as I could.

    ¡°Is there something we could do, Lord Haruto?¡± the village chief finally speaks.

    ¡°In this winter there is nothing goblins could do. Let¡¯s keep going since things have come this far. Once the battle breaks out, if things go south, be ready to flee.¡± But as I finish my sentence, I see shadows of fear covering Genta¡¯s face even more.

    ¡°But don¡¯t worry! With the help of the Wolf King and Shien, we got this!¡± I feel clouds of doubts

    But do we really got this? There are hundreds of soldiers and, according to the wolves, they have something powerful too. Our side only has Kiyomi and the wolf king.

    ¡°Haruto, don¡¯t forget who you are... you are a Demon! Those are mere humans. Caution is good, but don¡¯t submission yourself to the fear....¡±

    Shien is right. We came a long way. I can¡¯t stop now because of fear. I got the power, Hikariken and the last Angel, Kiyomi. There is no way we are losing.

    ¡°Alright then Lord Haruto. I will prepare things as you said. I hope we win this fight!¡± as Genta says, the village chief shows his approval with a nod.

    Next two days went perfectly fine. Winter seems coming to its end. Snowfall is getting low, but the cold is still a bit of harsh. Kiyomi and other craftsmen finished the one hundred orders of snow coats with the help of others. Now with snow coats, goblins gather more foods and other resources. Genta wanted to help us in this battle, so he gathered a few powerful men and made some pitfall traps in the forest around the village.

    As the night falls, we all went to sleep with all the tiredness from work in daytime. As I¡¯m having a peaceful sleep, a noise starts to coming from the outside. I jump out from my sleep with my right hand is reaching to the hilt of the Hikariken. I focus my hearing to find where is the noise coming from and as the next noise occur; and realize where the sound is coming from. Someone or something scratching the door at our house!

    I glance at Kiyomi and she is sleeping peacefully. I get up from my bed and stroll toward the door. As I reach the door, the scratching noise stops. I open the door a bit to see what is causing the noise. And for my surprise, a wolf is sitting in front of the door. He is one of my recon team.

    ¡°What are you doing this late at night?¡± I ask, fully opening the door for him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord. But there is something we need to talk.¡± His voice seems concerning. Is it about the army?

    I put my head out to search if someone watching this. After confirming there is no one, I reply, ¡°come inside¡±. As the wolf walks inside, I close the door. But just as I turn around to talk with the wolf, I see Kiyomi sitting on the bed, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on Haruto?¡± she ends her sentence with a yawn.

    ¡°Nothing Kiyomi. You can go to sleep. I will te-¡±

    ¡°Is that one wolf from the recon team?¡± Kiyomi interrupts me with her question.

    ¡°Yes Kiyomi, he is one of the recon team. He said he needs to talk about something.¡± I explain as I reignite the fireplace.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lady Kiyomi, disturbing your sleep at this hour. But this is important!¡± the wolf adds.

    ¡°Oh no, no need to apologize. We came here to help them, so this is more important than my sleep.¡± Kiyomi says with her usual smile. But under her smile, I see she is still sleepy.

    We all gather around the warm fireplace. I used my hellfire to ignite the fireplace because it only radiates small light. After we all got comfortable, I start the conversation.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the news?¡±

    ¡°First, Lord Haruto, why didn¡¯t you inform us about pitfalls? We almost fell. But thanks to our threat detection, we dodged all of them,¡± Wolf says.

    He is right. I forgot to inform them about Genta¡¯s pitfalls. I didn¡¯t know he made that many!

    ¡°And second thing, Lord Haruto, be ready. Troops might reach the village at dawn. But thanks to the casualties from pitfalls, they might delay till morning.¡±

    Even though they delay or they have casualties, we still have to fight against nearly hundreds of soldiers.

    ¡°Alright, there are still a few hours till the sunrise. So we have to get ready.¡± I turn to the wolf. ¡°Now return to others. Once the army crosses the pitfall area, all four of you come back to me.¡± as I say, wolf bows to me and shows his agreement.

    I open the door to the wolf to leave. As he vanishes into the darkness, I glance at Kiyomi and say, ¡°Get ready, Kiyomi. We need to meet Genta right now!¡±

    Outside is still dark and cold. There isn¡¯t even the usual light from fireplaces in houses. Every one sleeping in their cozy beds. Entire sky is covered with dark thick clouds like a blanket over our heads. As we slowly walk toward Genta¡¯s house, Kiyomi hold my hand like she might get lost in this dark night.

    After a few minutes of walking in the dark, we finally reach to Genta¡¯s house. Just like others, he is still sleeping inside. Without disturbing others, I knock on his door a few times. After sixth time I hear someone moving inside the house. In a moment, the door slowly opens and Genta put his head out of the door.

    ¡°Lord Haruto -yawns- Lady Kiyomi, what are both of you doing in this hour?¡± he is still half awake.

    ¡°Ahh, what am I doing? Please come inside!¡± Genta finally fully opens the door for us. We walk inside and Genta lights up the fireplace for us. After walking cold and dark outside, and now sitting near a bright warm fire, is feels like heaven. After we warm up from the fireplace, I tell everything to Genta what the wolf said.

    ¡°So, the army is nearby. Lord Haruto, is there something we could do before they come?¡± Genta asks.

    ¡°If there is a battle, it might breakout in the open area in front of the village. If we could move villagers to the back of the village, we could reduce the numbers of casualties. It also opens an easy way to escape, too.¡± I explain.

    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s inform others!¡± Genta gets up and ready to leave. We wait outside for him to come. After he came, we walk toward the bell in the middle of the village. As Genta ring the loud bell, one by one houses light up. After a few more rings, all the villagers gather in the middle of the village. Genta explains the situation to them.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s army will be here in a few more hours, so get ready and all act on the plan!¡± Genta adds in the end. Everyone nods and disperses to their homes. Kiyomi volunteers to help to move goblins. And I set my course at the entrance of the village.

    Sun slowly rises from the east, pushing dark clouds back to the west. As the sun¡¯s rays defeating the darkness, I see four wolves coming out of the forest line. So the army already crossed the pitfalls!

    ¡°Lord Haruto, they are angry because of the pitfalls and they increased their pacing, too. Only matter of time they reach here!¡± one of wolves says.

    ¡°Thank you all for your service! And can one of you do me a little favor? Can one of you call Kiyomi? She is in the back of the village.¡± As I finish, one of wolves runs like an arrow and disappears into the houses.

    I look at the horizon and its only trees, waves of winds. Even though the sun shines in the sky, the icy winds of the winter are still powerful enough to send chills into my bones. I reach my hand to my back to ensure that my blade is still with me. The ground is still covered with a layer of snow even it¡¯s been few days without snowfall.

    As my mind lose in my own thoughts, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I look back and Kiyomi standing behind me with the wolf who went to call her.

    ¡°Is there something bothering you, Haruto?¡± Kiyomi asks. Her words don¡¯t have any fear or anything.

    With the curiosity I ask her, ¡°Kiyomi how you talk so calm? An army of hundred coming at us and you seem fine.¡±

    As I say, I see a calm smile across her face. And with her soothing voice, she says, ¡°Haruto, just like the army, there are hundreds of people behind us putting their trust in us. If I showed my fear, my doubts, what will happen to them? The trust they put upon us will be shattered! That¡¯s why I try my best to treat them with a smile and use my every bit of power to save them!¡±

    Then she holds both of my hands and says, ¡°Haruto, I know you might stick between two options just like me. Before we both ended up as Demon and Angel, we both lived with humans. And now battling against them.... It bothers me too.¡± As her face turns down, I realize how much this bothers her. But now there is no turning back. They are already on our doorstep.

    ¡°Kiyomi, I can¡¯t promise a sure win, but I can promise I¡¯ll do anything to protect them and protect you.¡± As I finish, wolves growl toward the tree line beyond the open field. I turn around and in far I see one by one soldiers enter to the field. In a few minutes, all soldiers stop in lines in front of us.

    Even though the army is hundred, most of them are in back thanks to Genta and others¡¯ pitfalls. In front of them, there are two people with golden armor standing. The female one has a bow on her back and the male one wielding a gold spear in his hand. I use my Demon vision on those two to get more information. But only I could get their names. One is called Kaita and the other one is Mei.

    ¡°So the wolves are yours!¡± Mei speaks.

    ¡°I sensed them since we camp near this village. I knew those animals can¡¯t do something advance like spying without a guidance. So you are the one behind it, huh?¡± she adds in a mocking tone.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are and I don¡¯t care! We simply ask you all to leave before get any troubles!¡± I exclaim. Suddenly, the silent army burst into laughter.

    ¡°Huh, two kids and four wolves trying to stop us. Listen, we all came into this forest to clean it from foul creatures with our god¡¯s words! You really think six of you can stop us?¡± Kaita speaks and ends with another laughter.

    ¡°Haruto, can you hear me?¡± Shien¡¯s words flood into my mind.

    ¡°Yes Shien, I can hear you.¡± I murmur.

    ¡°Listen, those weapons wielding by those two are cursed weapons! Be careful against them! We don¡¯t know what can they do.¡±

    So that¡¯s what the wolves were saying about the dark aura. We need to be more careful.

    ¡°Alright then, we will show our army!¡± With a roar, I thrust the Hikariken into the ground.

    ¡°Shien, it¡¯s time! I want to summon the Wolf King!¡± I let my thoughts flow to Shien.

    ¡°Very well Haruto. Hold the blade, let Lumirith flow, and call the Wolf King!¡± Shien says. From his words, this seems a simple task. But who knows what will happen next?

    As Shien said, I hold the blade with my both hands and let my Aether Lumirith flow. Then I close my eyes and call the Wolf King, ¡°Wolf King, I, Haruto, summoning you here to help me in this battle against this army!¡±

    ¡°By your call, we stand!¡±

    I slowly open my eyes as I hear this familiar voice. With my eyes open, I see the entire open field burning through the void like black fire. When I look down, I see the fire begin from where I plunge my blade into the ground. In a moment, the fire burst to heavens as an ear piercing howl flow through the field. Slowly, the black fire vanishes and a familiar image appears in the middle of the field.

    It¡¯s the Wolf King! Not just him; there are more than thirty wolves standing around him. After everything settles down, the Wolf King bow to me and stands beside me.

    I glance at the army. Perfect lines they stand have been shattered with fear. Most of them dropped their weapons, too. Some of them are ready to flee the moment they have.

    ¡°E... everyone do... don¡¯t be af... afraid! W... we have th... the blessings f... from our god...!¡± Kaita with fear.

    ¡°Follow the generals!¡± one soldier shouts across the army. So the battle begins!

    ¡°Priests attack!¡± Mei commands. As her command, all priests lift their staffs and start to cast something. In a moment, tens of red fire balls hail in our direction from the sky. Kiyomi uses her golden shield to cover not just us, the entire village too. All the fireballs hit Kiyomi¡¯s shield just like pebbles. With this army scare even more.

    ¡°Soldiers, follow me!¡± Kaita charge toward us.

    ¡°Wolf King, I will take care of Kaita. You hold the ground and protect Kiyomi.¡± I say, glancing at Wolf King.

    ¡°As you wish, my lord!¡± Wolf King command other wolves to charge.

    I grab the Hikariken and charge toward Kaita. As I getting close to him, I notice something. He doesn¡¯t have a shadow!

    ¡°Behind you!¡±

    I turn like a wind, placing my blade on my chest. Just as I turn, something metal hit the blade. Behind me, Kaita standing and the point of his spear hit on my blade. So are there two of them now?

    ¡°Haruto, it seems he can make doppelgangers. But thanks to our luck, the doppelganger only can few actions.¡± Shien says, and he is right. Other Kaita didn¡¯t attack me, only this one did.

    ¡°So you see through my trick, huh¡± Kaita says, taking a step back.

    ¡°You see, thanks to this our god¡¯s creation, I can move anywhere, leaving my image behind. And now you die with it!¡± He adds, pointing the spear towards me.

    I raise my blade and let the lumirith flow to it. As the blade burst into flames, I strike him hard as I could. But something is not right. Just before my attack hit him, I move to aside as Kaita¡¯s spear goes under my arm. I was trying to attack to his image.

    ¡°So you don¡¯t know about fighting face to face, huh?¡± I exclaim.

    ¡°I always fight face to face,¡± he says like a mockery.

    I can¡¯t see Kiyomi at all. Now, between her and me, there is a waging battle between wolves and humans. Sometimes I see her golden shield rising into the sky. I can¡¯t distract myself right now but I hope she is ok.

    As different thoughts flood in, I notice the snow layer in front of me crumbling on its own. It¡¯s like someone walking on it. I glance at Kaita and I realize I was right. He is not there! He is trying to ambush me from the front. I quickly raise the blazing Hikariken and slam the ground as hard as I could. As my blade meets the ground, everything, including Kaita, goes flying.

    ¡°You! You think you can beat me?! Never!¡± he says, standing up from where he dropped. Then he charges at me full speed. This time, he didn¡¯t leave his image behind. As he gets closer, I jump to aside, dodging his attack. That attack is not a coordinated attack, it¡¯s just an attack with pure rage.

    Then it hits me. My battle against Shien! I attacked Shien with the cursed sword Reikizuna with its full potential. According to Shien, I traded half of my soul to power because of my rage. These weapons take advantage when the user is in a rage. I need to be more careful now.

    But it¡¯s too late. I already attack as I was dodging him, shattering his armor in to pieces. With the force of my attack, he was thrown into distance and fell before me.

    ¡°No! God gave me this weapon, this power, in order to clean this land from you freaks. How a mere freak raises his blade against me?¡± he slowly stands up, screaming those words.

    ¡°I will show you the power of gods!¡± he exclaims, thrusting the spear into the ground. Suddenly, his body changes. Is he glitching?

    Next second, he charges at me again. But this time no one, three of them charging at me same time! All three of them are glitching and as their footsteps and shadows, I can tell they are not images.

    As the distance between them and me getting closer, I slam the ground again with the Hikariken. But to my surprise, nothing happens. They are still charging at me.

    ¡°Use Hellfire!¡± as I panic, I hear those words in my mind. It¡¯s Shien. I plunge the ground with my blade and let the ground in front of burn with hellfire. Ground cracks and blackish hellfire burst from the cracks, melting the snow. But still they charging toward me through the flames.

    ¡°What is happening? Are they now immune to all of my attacks?¡± I panic. Not a single thought crossed my mind.

    ¡°Haruto, I have a feeling that they are only immune to your Lumirith base attacks. Try something physical.¡± Shien says.

    I grip my blade and ready to face anything. As they getting closer, one of them increases their speed and attacks me first. I dodge it with a jump to his side. As I¡¯m ready to do a counterattack, I block the second one¡¯s attack in the last second with the Hikariken. So the first one hit front and the second one hit side. So the last one...

    I take a step back, turn around, and swing the blade at full power through the air behind me. Did I do it?

    Without leaving me any thoughts, the blade hit something on the way. As the flaming blade hits Kaita glitch out from the thin air. He falls as his doppelgangers vanish into dusts. On his chest, where my blade hits a wound that burning with black flames.

    ¡°You... How?... Who are you...¡± his words shaking as his entire body glitches.

    ¡°I¡¯m Haruto Raikou, the last Demon in this world after Shien. You entered my forest and killed hundreds of my people. And now it¡¯s time to pay for your sins.¡± I raise my blade for another strike. Just as I strike something caught my eye. In far Mei charging up her arrow directly at Kiyomi!