《StarFinder》


 Xs first Appearance

    I forgot how many times I''ve done this cycle.


    I have seen the same faces and walked the same path, all leading to the exact fact I''ve been running away from. It''s ironic, comedic, and a slap in the face for someone like me.


    Even now, hearing those voices, seeing those smiles, and hearing her sweet yet twisted words bring me pain I didn''t know I could feel.


    That is why I must be the one to do this cycle.


    ***


    ???: "Holy shit, what is this?"


    Excitement is seen throughout their faces. Frightening yet alluring, haunting yet beautiful¡ªthat''s all they felt. However, something was clear: whatever they found was something that a human couldn''t understand. What they didn''t know was that this was where things would escalate.


    The deep forest can lead to a place where monsters can spawn. That''s what they were hired to do. The Green Zone already has an issue with these situations. So, people like them are sent; whether they come back alive is up to them. The original plan was to come in, go to the monster nests, kill them, and take their materials, but now it seems things have gotten above their pay grade.


    The whole team is at a cave, not a big one, but people said something is attracting monsters here. Archer thought it was a boss monster, but this is too much now. It''s shameful to admit, but someone else should handle this.


    Archer: "What is this¡­."


    Mage: "I feel weird here¡­we have to leave."


    Spearman: "I agree. I don''t like the mana coming from here."


    A small cave, yet profoundly rooted with monsters, that''s where this party is at.


    Spearman: "Ay, what if we struck gold with this?"


    What they are staring at is a weird placement of objects. It looked like a crystal flower painted with deep red and blue. Blood seemed to leak slowly, and puffs of steam came out for a minute as if it were a machine. Suddenly, the Mage got a shiver down her spine.


    Mage: "We shouldn''t stay here."


    Archer: "Let''s report this back to the guild."


    It looks like it was from the tower; he isn''t too sure.


    Spearman: "Hmm, what''s this?"


    Mage: "We should leave, now¡­ I''m feeling uncomfortable."


    The Spearman goes closer to the weird flower; using their spear, they poke something. It''s a gear sticking out. When they looked more into it, they found this was somewhat artificial. They put one ear, leaning on the flower''s base, and hear something breathing; something is alive!


    Spearman: "There is something here! Let''s leave!"


    Click!


    Gears suddenly turn.


    Blood then sprays all over them; the flower petals show themselves. Turning counterclockwise to show a capsule of blood and organs. Something appears out of the warm blanket they covered themselves with, almost like a nightmare being born; a hand appears. Moving around, a second hand seems to feel its surroundings. What made the party not leave was simple; the amount of mana started to make every living creature stiff. Some animals begin to suffocate. Some began to run away, and some were killed just by its presence.


    That''s the power of a demon.


    No one could speak. No one could breathe, and no one could move.


    Crack!


    The glass cracks and the harsh reality of the situation starts setting in. Then, it sprays out all of the contents kept locked away for many years¡ªblood, organs, and bones dye the walls of the cave crimson.


    Some of the glass hits the party, and although it''s not severe damage physically but mentally, it was enough¡ªenough to set unease that only creeps and worsens as the minutes go by.


    Now, the cave walls are dyed red by the creature that was birthed.


    Mage: "This is!"


    All three ran


    At least, that''s what should have happened.


    If you thought it was a Venus flytrap at first glance, no one would say any insults because, like a neuter, a beautiful woman appeared. Red eyes, silky black hair, pure white skin, and a naked body covered with blood that can make anyone bewitched by her. She moves her limbs around to see if they function. They do. She shakes her head to make sure her neck works fine as well. They have been asleep for a long time. So, it''s essential to get some exercise after a while.


    She looks around and sighs.


    Mage: "It can''t be¡­."


    Mage drops to their knees, fearful for their own life. They noticed something: the horns sticking out. Those are not horns like any other; they belong to a specific race. One plagued with death: a demon.


    The demon makes a robe made from blood to cover her frame. She might be a demon, but having decency should be customary practice.


    ???: "What era is this?"


    They all knew no one could make it out alive. But the Archer and Spearman at least wanted the Mage to run away, to get someone to warn everyone.


    Snap!


    Before both men knew it, both were bleeding just a little. Like she cut them without swinging a sword, she comes to both players and does something weird; she spits her own blood on them, and then she tries to do a kick, but Spearman dodges it.


    ???: "Not bad."


    As a gift, she sprays more of her blood on them.


    The Spearman grabs the Mage''s shirt collar off and throws them away a reasonable distance with all the strength he can produce. The dread of the overall situation set in. However, he has to do his role as a player correctly.


    Using it as an opportunity, the Spearman begins to strike multiple times.


    He cuts some of the demon''s skin, which means they are of the same rank. That''s good; it means he has a fighting chance.


    Unfortunately, she yawns.


    Like a blur, she manages to get a punch in the gut; the Spearman blocked it; however, that doesn''t mean the damage wasn''t near fatal. The blood coming out from his mouth shows how lethal her punches are.


    What the demon is doing is nothing special. She''s using her natural strength. If the Spearman dies here, naturally, neither should feel bad.


    Spearman: "RUN!"


    Archer speeds up and grabs the Mage. Breaking speed like a bullet, he keeps going as far away as possible. As the Spearman watches his party members leave, he smiles, spins the spear, and enters the dance. The demon blocks everything with her finger; she even looks unamused. His time is running out, and he can tell.


    ???: "Are the Monarchs still alive?"


    Spearman: "What''s a ''Monarch''? Are you losing your mind, demon?!"


    He tried to use his finishing move, which channeled all his mana to his spear and do possible lethal damage. However, all the demon does is clutch their fist. In response, Spearman does his final attack. He knows it won''t do much. At least, if it does some harm to the demon, he can die satisfied.


    Have you wondered why you like reading fights? Epic tales of fantasy, even if tragic? Because it is entertainment.


    How boring would it be if monsters or demons let themselves get killed so easily? That''s not a fun story.


    There is nothing of value being shown if she dies here. There was no fun in letting the spear hit her. That''s why she punches.


    Shatter!


    The spear breaks like glass. Feeling something suddenly. Something warm¡­blood. The demon removes her white hand from the Spearman''s stomach. Licking it from her fingers, her eyes twitched from anger.


    ???: "He wasn''t the one."


    He''s still alive. Timidly, the demon grabs their arm and breaks it. Hearing the screams of the man doesn''t make her feel good at all, yet she has to do it. "Why I dislike doing this," all the effort to break someone. Mentally or physically, it''s a drag.


    Archer didn''t hear the screams. Both he and Mage ran away. Both know they will die, no, if they are lucky, only one. "What can I do to make the Mage come out alive? Think, think!" The Archer doesn''t want to die, of course not. He still wants to live. Still, the Mage is his top priority; that''s the only thing that matters. Mages are becoming few and far between.


    So, any mages, even C-ranked, are like a walking gold mine.


    No one would want to check right now since it''s dark out. So, she must go into hiding and let them see Mage''s memories to check what happened here. That''s why she must make it back alive; unlike them, she has too much to lose. Archer runs through the never-ending green scenery. Tree branches are used to swing themselves and to pick up more speed.


    Archer: "Mage!"


    Mage: "What''s wrong¡­"


    Archer: "I need you to run away when I give the signal; tell me when you feel the mana spike. I''ve always been bad at it, you know?"


    Mage: "Sure¡­"


    Archer: "Thank-"


    A gust of wind hits Archer; shielding the Mage is all he can do, even if it is in vain.


    He explodes into a bloody mess. His intestines land all over her, and some parts of his ribcage as well. She is scared.


    She''s scared. All living creatures fear death. She''s no expectation. To truly not be terrified of death means you didn''t appreciate life far enough.


    The Mage is shocked; she doesn''t even sense how, in front of her, the demon is looking at her. Her white skin becomes like a spirit under the moonlight, and red eyes look at her soul. Mage forgot the horrors she witnessed for a split minute and thought she saw a goddess.


    That''s how gorgeous she looked under the god''s light.


    ???: "My name is Eva; you seem smart; what''s your name?"


    Mage: "My name is Kate."


    Eva: "Kate, huh? Not a bad name, mind telling me what year it is?"


    Mage: "2030¡­"


    Her chances of survival are rising by the minute. She should run the moment Eva doesn''t pay her any more attention. That''s her plan. Eva looks at her and smiles. She seems worthy, except she doesn''t have enough strength to fight alongside her.


    She can tell this: Mage does anything possible to survive, even if it tarnishes her morals. She doesn''t like that. In a twisted way of showing mercy, she shall put her out of her misery.


    The demon looks at the young Mage with a soft smile. Eva wraps her hands around her face, slowly touching her cheeks. Just from feeling her face, the demon smiles happily. All the Mage can do is stand still.


    There are basic human emotions that help keep people alive.


    One of those emotions is called fear.


    Mage: "I¡­ sob, I don''t want¡­sob."


    Eva: "It''s okay; it''s okay."


    The Mage stays silent.


    Eva: "I''ll make it painless."


    The Mage''s body suddenly hurts at the touch of Eva''s finger. Yes, she did say she would make it painless¡­ she''s a demon. She needs to do this to gain strength so she can ensure "Kate''s" pain lasts longer.


    Eva: "I''m sorry, Kate."


    The moon watched.


    That''s all it did that night.


    October 1st, 2030


    The first sign of the world ending.


    What do demons do?


    They bring disaster. They are natural forces that shouldn''t be entrusted with your sanity or understood. However, one thing you can understand or at least feel a level of similarities with humans is curiosity. That''s another thing demons have that makes them terrifying.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Eva wants to be different from all of them, especially her blood. Her father.


    Eva: "So this is interesting now."


    No matter the era, people will always be greedy. To see so many players here for one chance to enter this dungeon raid is incredible. Women, men, beast men, everyone you can think of, even elves! She grins. It''s time to see who shall become her servant!


    A street is closed off. Cars, even some drivers, took the time to look at what was in front of them. It should be expected of them, even though she knows this. Humans are strange, aren''t they? The hot sun isn''t making it better, either. Usually, around this time, it''s windy; the hot pavement really would have burned her if it wasn''t for her shoes. She sees why they did all of this. If that gate lets any of what it contains, most of the people in this city will die.


    It rings truer since no one, not even the gods, knows how gates are made or where they lead. Some connect to other worlds, but that wouldn''t happen here if it did. The gate would have vanished after an hour.


    She spots two people near the gate if anyone even slightly pushes them. They are gone to whatever the dungeon puts them in. However, one blindfolded spear user is closer to the gate than the woman in blue. Eva guesses they are responsible for the strings closing the gate. It''s a peculiar magic or a skill.


    Some police are checking if anyone sneaks in. How wonderful of them. She forgot how humans tend to support each other here.


    A woman with long blue hair looks at everyone. If people told you her rank, you wouldn''t believe it. The way she''s sitting on the ground, her casual shirt with a Smash Bros logo on it, and her speech are odd even to other people of the same rank.


    Even Eva has heard of her; she''s the most talked about S rank in the area.


    The S rank Siri.


    The point is that it isn''t surprising for her to be here. She''s one of the S ranks who goes into the community more, even having a decent house in a neighborhood nearby. No one knows why she does this, but they respect it. Of course, it doesn''t mean she can''t be strict when needed to.


    Siri: "What you guys are seeing is a B-ranked dungeon. I can clear it myself, but they told me I''m on a forced break, so you should! But in all seriousness, it''s suspected the rank can rise at any moment. So, look out for that other than that. Do what a player does best!"


    A player spoke out. With no care in the world, one single player raised their voice with a careless tone.


    ???: "Too scared of it yourself, carpet cleaner?"


    Everyone looked at the player¡ªa man. A woman? No one knew. All they knew was that they had a mask. It does not stand out. It''s a white mask made in Japan. They also had a hoodie on, which didn''t matter to most. The masked player talked rudely to an S rank¡ªto Siri, no less!


    She''s known to be levelheaded unless someone makes fun of three essential things: her family, her friends, and one more thing. That last thing is not known to the public except for a few. However, despite the rude nickname, she doesn''t do anything.


    Siri: "Behave alright, anyways. You know the main reason you''re all here aside from the rewards: to kill the boss."


    That''s the other objective here. A dungeon boss leaving the dungeon can cause havoc around the city. If one happens, they will send an S rank to take care of it. It''s where they all live, and that''s the problem.


    The Green Zone is known for having the most boss monsters out in the wild. Some already have a turf, so new ones coming in will lead to a massive conflict across the Zone.


    Siri: "Do your best! Come back alive and in one piece."


    With this, she snaps her fingers, and a blind spearman breaks the strings attached to the gate. Then everyone pours inside.


    All except for one.


    Siri: "You''re going to enter or what?"


    ???: "Remember not to go in unless I tell you to."


    Siri: "No need to order me around now!"


    ???: "So, let''s give them a great show!"


    Laughing a little. The masked player goes inside the gate. Hiding the magical energy coming from them to truly be safe.


    3:00 pm. The second sign of the world ending.


    Eva: "Holy, everyone is weak."


    No one here is weak, but it''s more so she doesn''t feel excited. No shiver down her spine or anything like that. Wait, that sounds weird, but let''s not get into that. The mana around here feels odd. It is like her father''s. No, it''s similar. She doesn''t like where this is going. Eva must hope the world doesn''t end soon if she is correct.


    The whole dungeon doesn''t look bad either; there is. It has a lot of nature, like a rainforest. The same ones her father used to talk about before she went to sleep: "If the world is this beautiful, then why..."


    A voice suddenly interrupted her racing thoughts.


    ???: "You going to move or?"


    Eva: "You want to die?"


    ???: "Not today."


    It''s the same player who talked back to Siri, wearing the same white Japanese mask. No mana is coming from them, either, which is interesting. Do they not know how to use magic, or do they know how to hide it? The masked player feels unease at her stare, so they move slightly to the left.


    ???: "Let''s go!"


    Eva: "You think I''m coming with you? You won''t even show your face!"


    ???: "Why would I show my face around you? After all, you can''t have a fine conversation with a Demon King''s daughter."


    Eva: ".."


    Without a single thought, she launched an attack worth three high-speed trucks.


    Boom!


    ???: "I didn''t know you hated me like that."


    They are undamaged. An attack that kills the usual human, and they are standing just fine. The masked player chuckles. They point to the sky as if pointing to someone or something. They can''t see their face, but they can feel it. They are serious if anything goes wrong by her side. They will fight.


    ???: "I can help you kill your father."


    Eva: "Really now?"


    She laughs. She finds it interesting that someone already knows her identity and wants to help her achieve her goal.


    No. It''s the fact that this person even knows she wants to kill her father; this is information she never shared with anyone. So, it means one thing they heard. No, it isn''t possible; she doesn''t have much information about herself. This means the person talking to her has ways of gathering information that she doesn''t even know.


    ???: "So why not join me? We have the same goal. So, could you help me? I''ll help you."


    Eva: "Do something for me."


    ???: "?"


    Eva: "Reveal that damn face of yours."


    ???: "No, thank you. It''s not the right time. Anyways, call me X. Nice to meet you."


    Before Eva can complain, they hear an explosion coming from the distance. Then, an intense demonic energy can be felt throughout the dungeon. X, seeing this, gives a deep sigh.


    X: "I guess I forgot the time."


    It''s currently 4:40 pm.


    The dungeon was opened to the public around 3:00 pm. S, precisely an hour and forty minutes have passed. "Shit." At least they know what not to say now. They got off the wrong foot again. X gets a knife and walks off to the side of the cliff. The environment of this dungeon doesn''t matter to them right now; what matters is the cliff. They wave bye at Eva. She stands in place, confused.


    X: "See you next time!"


    X stabs their windpipe with the knife. The stumbling off the cliff was genuine. They forgot how painful it is to do such an act.


    Falling into a pit of something.


    This was a miscalculation on their part. If they checked where they landed, they would have guessed the shock on Eva''s face and the spikes of rock waiting for them.


    Now, their body is impaled. X''s body is mangled as limbs are twisted because of the angle they fell at. The right arm and leg are at an angle you expect an action figure to be after ten years of usage. Their skull and eye sockets are stabbed through with how sharp the rock''s points are.


    Every limb, even down to their head and stomach, has a rock spike through the other side. Like a dropped bucket of red paint, the rocks are sprayed with red liquid.


    Ending the masked player''s life.


    ***


    Eva: "Stop following me!"


    X: "Can''t do!"


    The dungeon is a rainforest-type environment. The only monsters that can only be seen here are toads, snakes, and more. However, it has more of a rich and complex environment, so it doesn''t mean a random beast can''t appear and kill you. All X wants is to have Eva on their side. They guess five tries on this complex task, which feels like a quest made as a sick joke from the stars above.


    Eva here is thinking, why are there no spirits? A dungeon has numerous spirits. If you are lucky, some aid you during raids like this. But why are they gone? No dungeon exists without a couple of 200 spirits in the low count. Spirits usually don''t hide from anything unless it''s an enemy that can harm them. Few can, though, so why? This is becoming worrisome by the second. She can think of an answer here if it wasn''t for someone here burning a glare at her.


    Eva: "What are you staring at, creep?"


    X: "I have a better view back home. Let''s kill some monsters, shall we!"


    X gets hit by a fallen tree branch. It was a spider monkey messing around. X walks it off; this is not the first time. Eva stares dumbfounded.


    The time is 3:30.


    The demon will appear around 4:40 pm if the other tries are correct. They can''t deal with them alone; they have already tried that as Eva went to get help. They can''t call Siri because she will go overboard and possibly destroy the dungeon. Let''s say the dungeon is the size of a country if X gets hurt. Siri will wipe out this whole place in under an hour if X gets even an arm missing. Mind you, that''s not a good thing; X doesn''t want her help, and plus... it''s shameful after what they had done to her.


    So, for now, X will be left with the situation of "do it yourself," and that''s what X will do.


    Right now, Eva seems neutral. They haven''t talked about their connection to the demon king, none of that. X also thinks of ways to kill the demon that will appear. X knows where it will occur; that''s the location they want to walk towards.


    How do they know all of this? Easy because they are a...


    Telling you now will ruin the fun, wouldn''t it? Plus, putting two and two together isn''t too hard.


    Eva: "Why are we here?"


    X: "To take a small break, we need it either way."


    Both sit down on a massive rock near a lake. X looks at the fish and dragon- otters. Cute little creatures don''t know how or when this species appeared. This is nice; no dying here!


    Eva: "Why are you holding back?"


    X: "Hmmm?"


    Eva takes out the head of a monster. It has a giant snake head with an eye in the middle. Some eagle feathers surround it, and she brought it out of thin air. That''s a whole rabbit hole we won''t get into for now.


    Eva: "When I was fighting this thing, you told me it''s weak points, more so. You blocked its huge tail swing just fine."


    X: "I have my reasons."


    They weren''t denying it, but their response was good enough for her. That''s the answer she was looking for. "Maybe they wouldn''t be a bad servant," she thought. That''s why she''s here either way: to look for someone worthy of serving her.


    X: "Can I ask something?"


    Eva: "Go ahead."


    X smiles behind their mask.


    It''s time to reveal their card now.


    X: "I want to make a deal."


    Eva turns around and gazes at X, which sends goosebumps all over their bodies. If they mess this up, X will die. However, that''s the gamble they want to take. X needs to do that, not for X''s sake but for everyone. "I didn''t make a deal with them for everything to go to waste."


    X: "We have to go to that canyon over there. If I told you a Demon King General would appear there, would you believe me?"


    Eva grabs them by the collar and looks at X.


    Eva: "Why should I believe you."


    Her eyes now show their demonic pupils. One thing about demons is that they get angry quickly; how? You must know which buttons to press, and X talked to her enough times to learn about them. It helps that this isn''t the first time they''ve heard about her.


    X: "Because I know when and who will summon it. I''m the closest thing to getting close to your goal. Isn''t that right...Demon King''s daughter."


    She grabs hold of their neck; their fingernails are about to dig into their skin and kill them. However, they didn''t struggle. They didn''t move. They didn''t scream, cry, or any of that. No movement of fear in their muscles, no mana being wasted, nothing of the sort. They look and take off their mask.


    From the outside, it''s a man by the manner of speech and clothing. However, their face is the opposite of such an idea. It''s an attractive girl around the age of 17. Blue hair is seen being wrapped in braids to make it so they hide under the hood well. This would be the usual cute girl in your average fairy tale. She won''t deny it. Something was off about her; it was a feeling her father taught her. What feeling could it be? Unease, that look in her eyes.


    Their eyes, however, tell a different story. The way they are shaped is soft and caring, and the look in her eyes suggests that she is okay with death.


    This makes Eva have something she can''t explain: a shiver down her spine from pure bliss. "I need her," was the first thought running into her head.


    She lets go, and X falls to the ground.


    Coughing a little but getting her composure back. She stands up and puts the mask back on. Now, X has her on at least for a while there. They need to prove that they are strong enough to keep being supported. So, they will use the Demon King General for that exact purpose.


    Plus, as a bonus, the world won''t end as soon.


    X: "Let''s go kill a general."


    Eva: "What if you''re wrong?"


    X: "You gain my head."


    Eva: "Hahaha, I like your attitude."


    Eva didn''t know it, but they knew them for some reason. It was just a feeling of nostalgia one can''t find anywhere else. Despite this, they followed them, not knowing this was precisely when the clock of fate clicked for the first time for her.


    The time is 4:35 pm.


    A hooded figure is walking around.


    The canyon is a fantastic place for their mission. To summon a demon of this caliber, the hooded figure needs human lives and an outstanding amount. So, killing this girl was needed. It was all for the faith that such a mysterious person follows; that faith isn''t worth mentioning now.


    Being surrounded by players like they wanted, they threw the girl''s head to the group with a grin.


    The players feel their anger rise. That''s the problem with players; they are too emotional even if the job doesn''t allow it. The madman under the hood will use it to their advantage.


    Brawler: "I''ll KILL YOU!"


    Brawler rushes in, but before they can even land a hit...the Brawler is cut to multiple pieces. Chunks of flesh and drops of blood cover the ground they stand on. A masked player, a white Japanese mask, can be seen now. Nothing special, not even the way they dress. Not even the sword they are holding is nothing to point out.


    But they do something that catches the hooded figure off guard. X goes to the rest of them.


    Around 6 in total and killed 3, counting the Brawler.


    They all seemed surprised, too, a third party coming out of nowhere and skillfully slicing people apart. "May the stars guide you somewhere better" was her only wish. A foolish one at that.


    X: "Summon the General now."


    Hooded figure: "So you knew? Why aid, then?"


    X: "Because it helps me."


    That''s the way X will do things.


    They grab the remaining players and throw them to the hooded figure. They are tearing up, and understandably, they are going to die. X broke their limbs so they wouldn''t move around and cause too much trouble. X sits a couple of feet away from the hooded man, woman? It doesn''t matter to them.


    Hooded figure: "Will, if you want me to! Then let me summon the demon you wanted to see so badly!"


    The players scream and cry as the hooded figure draws a circle with a symbol for summoning demons. X only watches. That''s the least she can do. It''s her choice that led to their deaths.


    The hooded figure laughs and pours mana on the summoning circle, causing everyone in the circle to scream in agony. This is something the hooded figure wanted, though. As their skin turns and moves around like a creature living inside them, they burst like balloons, and a blood-red gate appears.


    A high amount of demonic energy can be felt throughout the dungeon. A hand appears from the gate¡ªmultiple, in fact, around three of the same size. It rips open the gate from the ends as paper.


    Eva appears right behind X.


    Eva: "Oh shit, guess you were right."


    Eva knows this is a Demon General because of their time around them. X knows because a little birdie told them, and when you get punched by those arms, it''s impossible to forget the feeling.


    The earth trembles, the rocks move, and an earthquake hits. Air, wind, and mana begin to tremble in fear. X and Eva felt it. A sensation X knows too well that being death.


    A demon with three arms and sharp claws appeared out of the gate. Then, a bulky mass of natural armor made it seem significantly more larger than it should be on its waist and above. The same was true for its legs and arms; however, the third arm was sticking outside its back was the dangerous part. It reminded X of an oversized beetle¡ªa beetle with pure black armor and dark purple eyes. It stepped once. X can swear she heard the world cry. "Just like how I remember it!"


    The Demon General''s mana leaked out like a violent waterfall.


    The third sign of the world ending has appeared.


    This is where the real fight begins.


    Demons, when fighting, take out the most dangerous individual first. Well, most demons do, especially generals. That''s how they were taught. Right now, in a slight manner of survival, they go after X. She expected this but didn''t expect how fast it was. It was a massive mistake.


    "Was it holding back?!"


    One punch was all it took for her body to be in the air. X can see the canyon from the sky, and her sword falls from her grasp. She needs to think rapidly and now. "Use that one loop brain!!" Then, in midair, the beetle punched her again with all its arms.


    Crushing her bones.


    Her


    Body


    Fell


    Her ribs shatter entirely. She even feels organs burst and wonders if that is even possible. The pain leaves her bewildered. She can''t even begin to comprehend the pain her body is starting to endure. She coughs up blood as water. She can''t move his body. She''ll die from blood loss, but at least it will be quick, though something inside of her stirs some anger. It''s the fear they will die with no meaning. That''s the part that makes them mad. Her left arm is turned a complete 180, her legs are twisted, and she can barely function. If she wasn''t as tough as she is, her spine would have been snapped in half, but is it even worth it?


    Eva looks surprised as the Demon General comes to her.


    She failed.


    X: "Final...try...I swear..."


    She pulls out a gun with her one good arm and puts it on the roof of her mouth. She can taste the cold steel. "Remember, always make it hurt." With those words repeating in her head, she pulls the trigger.


    Ending her life once again.


    That should have been the case. But some things in this world sound like that.


    As you have seen, some things happen how most expect, such as how players are.


    This goes for X as well.


    Instead of meeting the eternal darkness of the Void, where the dead go, they encountered a touch of it, and then they woke up with a sweat and a slightly delayed reaction.


    The time right now is 8:00 am.


    ???: "Breakfast time!"


    She looks up at the sky from her window. Even if the sky was full of color, no pitch of darkness could be seen, no stars to taunt her of such a failure


    ???: "Luna! I know you are awake."


    Luna: "Coming! Don''t eat all the bacon?!"


    She still hates the way they look at her. Even if it isn''t the night, she can still sense them.


    ???: "COME, WE GONNA RUN OUT!"


    Luna: "LET ME CHANGE FIRST!"


    This story is about how Luna became history''s long-forgotten hero to many, a demon to most, and a fool to a certain few.

 The Actors take Center Stage

    Players, what are they?


    They are puppets, at least in the grander scheme of things. They are meant to entrain, struggle, and die for their world. Luna does all of this and more.


    Siri: "Wow, this is¡­ stupid."


    Luna: "Don''t worry about it. Once I give you the signal, please activate it."


    Siri: "Fine, better let me play with your PS5 later, okay?"


    Luna: "Whatever you say."


    Luna was about to fall from the ledge of a ten-story building; it would have been an awful game over even for her. She smiles and activates her skill: [Mask of Avarice]. Feeling the wind hit her face, Luna smiles. Before she jumps off the building, she tells Siri one last thing.


    Luna: "Remember, I''m going by X right now!"


    Then, after those words, she spins and dives down the building. She won''t die here. Why? Because she has a plan for all of this. After repeating the same day ten times, she knows how things will go; let''s go by some of her failed attempts.


    Loop 1: She died from an explosion caused by Eva and the Demon General fighting.


    Loop 3: Luna goes through the dungeon and is killed by Eva herself. She was tortured for ten minutes straight, and after the final bone snapped, she died.


    Loop 6: She drowned to death as a monster wrapped its tail around her neck, killing her in three minutes as it twisted her head 180.


    Loop 7: She killed herself because she arrived at the dungeon thirty minutes earlier than expected.


    As she''s falling, she thinks of other solutions. She didn''t know Eva was a demon at first. Initially, her mind thought she was an Oni. Funny enough, that was until the 3rd loop. Now that he has enough information about what she''s like, at least the basics.


    Luna: "SAVE ME!!"


    A lightning bolt came in and caught her. Right before landing on the hard floor, she was thankful Siri was kind enough to see her at the last minute. On the other hand, Siri is upset now that her sister is dealing with her creative process. However, by the looks of it, Luna has an idea.


    Luna: "You''re in contact with them, no?"


    Siri: "Yes."


    Siri gets her phone and begins a call. As she leaves the scene, Siri feels her hair turning white.


    Siri: "You''re going through floor 7 today."


    Exactly how Luna planned.


    October 1st, 2030. 9:00 am.


    A cunning voice once told Luna that this is when the first signs of the world will manifest. Of course, Luna believes it. First and foremost, Luna is a player. Like it or not, she has to play according to the script.


    [The Serpent of Light shakes her head.]


    "Come on, cut me some slack." She sighs. The stress of going through this day more than once is already getting to her. Although her goal is to stop the end of the world, in a dramatic irony, Luna is one of them. That''s something that will never change. However, because of her ability, it gets harder to classify her. That''s what makes it interesting to her. She''s a walking gamble to the stars above.


    "What should I do? Can''t just walk in there and say, ''Everyone! A Demon General is going to destroy this whole area! Run!'' they didn''t believe me in my fifth loop. Ugh, I''m getting mad thinking about it."


    She has time¡ªlots of it, actually. The Demon General will be summoned at 4:40 pm. Again and again, a vein can be felt throbbing.


    Ten times, she''s repeated October 1st. Ate the same food. Drank the same coffee. Luna woke up at the same time every time she tried. The only difference is her deaths.


    Luna: "I guess it''s time to play a jackass again."


    Funny enough, many people will say she''s suited for it. Her skill [Mask of Avarice] is made for these types of stunts. It''s an invisible mask that hides her face more so. It erases the existence of her face in the memories of the living.


    Without this skill, her whole plan would have fallen apart.


    She''s at the city''s center; you can find trading centers, shops, eggkeepers, painters, and musicians. It''s more of an arts and crafts project than anything else. Reminds her of one of those main hubs in a Monster Hunter title. Skyscrapers are covered with natural greenery, flowers, and fruits growing on business rooftops. Some street and tree vines are growing through the cracks, so it''s nice to see kids jumping over them. One tripped, and Luna snickered. "I hate doing this."


    Luna ordered her sister to let her do her job, even if it was stupid. Also, one important thing: don''t tell the Guilds of her plan. She has to catch the attention of a particular demon today.


    Boom!


    She snaps her fingers, and a building collapses.


    "Didn''t think slight terrorism would be on my to-do list." She''s making sure not to harm anyone; she''s just causing a small scene. She blew up the largest building in the area with the help of one individual. Someone who will always be there for her. A woman her age stands right next to Luna. Her long white hair is in a ponytail, fitting for the scenario they''re in. She has nothing more but some pajamas and sandals on for extra measure. Even with this, she still looks beautiful.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ???: "This is rather cruel, no?"


    Luna: "Blah blah, no one is dead yet, right?"


    "How are you the same person?" Reeva thinks this as she sighs. She is Luna''s only ally and will stay no matter the atrocities they commit. That''s the person she is.


    Reeva: "Your plan is so stupid...I hope you know I''m kicking your ass when we get home."


    Luna: "Go ahead and try; I like that."


    Reeva: "Never mind."


    Luna, no. X takes a deep breath and taps her foot. Reeva then suddenly turns into a perfectly made longsword. She spun it and decided to continue forward.


    The persona of X shall commit the crimes, not her.


    "I have my answer now."


    After ten loops, she got her answer. With her X name, she will cause as much destruction as possible while keeping it to a minimum for the public''s safety. The moment they have reports of a madman going through the city''s center, the Guilds will send some men. That''s also something she took into account¡ªhowever, one thing. The Guild located in the Green Zone is the Dragons Den, and based on information from the last loops, they''ll come 20 minutes later. So, she thought of something she also learned from these past mistakes. "I can use X to make them appear earlier." That''s true, she can.


    She goes through more of the city, destroying some smaller buildings and ensuring kids run away until the process begins again.


    To go back earlier, Luna knows some signs of the world''s end. She doesn''t know 100% of all the details. These are just utterly vague explanations, all except three.


    "A demon shall appear on the first day."


    That demon is Eva.


    "A soldier from the depths of hell full of loyalty will answer its summons."


    This corresponds to the Demon General.


    "Finally, it''s you, Luna."


    Such words were passed down. However, Luna still doesn''t realize why she''s the final sign. Even with her powers, she can save it¡ªthat''s what she''s been doing for the last year. The irony of her involvement doesn''t click with her yet.


    That''s why her actions, without knowing it, will trigger fate once again; what''s the point of gathering all these players here if there is no Demon General? Anyone would ask themselves this if they were in Luna''s shoes. Being surrounded by players from all angles, all different classes as well. "I''m sorry. I hate doing this." She wasn''t lying; these words came from her heart. It doesn''t excuse everything she''s about to do.


    The time is 9:40 am.


    Luna: "My name is X! Remember it!"


    She cuts her fingers off and draws blood from it. They all charge at her. All she does is run and spray her blood in specific directions. One of them is about to hit her with their sword, and it''s about to land, yet a shield made out of their shadows appears to block the attack.


    [Blessing of Shadows.]


    Luna: "Too bad; I hope you can forgive me, though."


    Luna kicked them once without realizing it and shattered the poor player''s ribcage. Now that they''re all here. She shall begin.


    Luna smiles as she begins to pour mana.


    They''re going to move until they feel a sharp pain.


    Luna used the blood from her fingers to draw a specific circle. No one can tell what it was since it was too quick. Subsequently, Luna can hear someone deep inside her soul laugh.


    [Several gods are surprised by your action.]


    [A couple of God''s call you insane!]


    [One of them grabs popcorn.]


    This circle was the same one the hooded figure used to summon it. Luna learned to engrave it in her consciousness for this very moment. She will summon it herself.


    Luna: "Your master commands you."


    The air around them turns stiff. An outburst of mana can be felt, but what''s interesting about this situation is the number of sacrifices that will be made. It''s unfortunate, but it has to be done. Unlike the hooded figure, Luna didn''t plan to die here. Since she isn''t affected by this, she can only hear them scream.


    The laughter in her soul keeps going. That''s okay because this is the way X will do things. The third sign of the world ending appeared before her just like that.


    Under the mask, her eyes didn''t look fearful; they looked like a gambler. Luna links a message to another of her associates: Siri.


    Thirty minutes away from the Demon General summon.


    Eva was running towards the scene. She didn''t know how, but it appeared to be a Demon General. She was sure it wouldn''t appear now. "Fuck, fuck!" Eva has just returned to this world; she doesn''t want it to end. Once a Demon General is summoned, it can summon the Demon King it''s assigned with. That''s a reality she can''t let happen.


    She''s still wearing a shirt from the money of the players she killed when she arrived. Why is this important? Because of what she''s going to do next. She looked at their items for anything decent and found a potion. "This is fine for now!"


    Her father still haunts her, even in a time of peace. Suppose she was fast enough to get servants. What the hell would change? The mana around her turns stiff, and then, like a gift from the gods, a barrier is formed where all the deduction is happening. Confidently, it reaches where she is at.


    Eva is confused. It''s all timed perfectly.


    Without a shred of doubt, this was someone''s doing. Even trapping the people here.


    9:50 am.


    Eva: "I guess I have to get serious, huh?"


    She sees people walking by and signs. All of a sudden, spears of blood stabbed everyone in the area. Enough to keep them alive for the sole reason of her existence. With this, she begins her torture. As she''s breaking their bones, she hears someone laughing a little. Eva looks around and spots a girl wearing a black hat and a hoodie with a particular sense of color. It was like someone sprayed on it, yet it matched her. The light and dark mix of purple of her hair somehow matches her brown skin.


    ???: "Don''t ya have some class? Or do demons not know how to control their urges?"


    Eva: "...."


    She didn''t know what to say; she was going to make a retort until the girl said something.


    ???: "Ay, mind if I''m your servant? Or are slots taken up?"


    This was another part of Luna''s plan.


    ***


    It took ten loops.


    Ten deaths.


    That''s all it took for her to make such a stupid plan. It shouldn''t work at all and isn''t tied with any sense of sanity or logic. She can admit that, but her pride tells her another story. She can make it work and will because it''s her doing it. She''s the one going through the loops. She''s the one dying. All of this is because Luna is the only one who can make such an outrageous plan without the company of any reasoning or morals.


    But she can do it.


    Luna: "Let''s do this one last try!"


    She rushes at the Demon General, but it blocks her sword strike. Luna smiles at this.


    To fear death means you value life. To fear death means you''re alive. To fear death means you are human.


    Nevertheless, Luna doesn''t fear it right now. She will win in the end.


    That''s why she''s a Regressor.


    The power to change fate can only be used by a certain few.


    Luna: "The world favors me after all."


    Demon General: "GRKRAAAA!"


    The second and third signs of the world''s end finally clash in their duel.


    [The Serpent of Light smiles in your struggle.]

 Rise of the Suns Curtains

    Eva looked surprised. The mix of people panicking, screams, cars, and much more was silenced for her. It may be because of what she''s been told right now.


    The individual who proposed such a deal stares at Eva for an answer.


    Eva: "How do you know about servants?"


    ???: "I just know alright! Either way, you won''t survive whatever is happening over there."


    Boom!


    At this distance, Eva can hear the noise of eruptions. She can''t deny it; she needs someone. What matters is that they know of a class that shouldn''t be known to the general public, which sets her off. "Whoever I told her they must be a Monarch or know of us" raises another question: Who is it? Instead of being scared, she feels excited.


    ???: "Also, I wanna tell ya. I want a temporary contract as well."


    Eva: "The hell you have planned."


    ???: "Ya need someone to handle pain well, no? Luckily for you."


    The speaker summons a dagger and cuts her hand off. Eva seems surprised by the sudden decision until she sees the hand regrow back. Eva adds two and two together and smiles.


    Eva: "Deal."


    ???: "Let''s make this interesting for both of us now."


    A golden paper materializes between them. Only the two can view it. Eva looks flabbergasted at what she''s reading.


    Eva: "You''re crazy."


    ???: "Thanks!"


    With this, she signs it.


    ***


    7:00 am.


    Luna is drinking coffee with a bunch of people. The whole table is filled for the first time in a while. This is before Luna did her "plan," if you can call it that. We shall see who she mixed into it. Of course, calling them this early should be a crime, yet Luna doesn''t care.


    Siri: "I''m guessing something came up, right?"


    Luna: "Correct!"


    Reeva, Siri, and Ayla look at Luna with an understanding look. They''re used to this, especially when Luna freaks out during a conversation. After a while, everyone guessed she saw something and couldn''t tell them. To drag Siri in, though?! Things are dire if that''s the case.


    After finishing her coffee, Luna begins to explain.


    Luna: "A Demon General will be summoned at 4:40 later today. So, instead of waiting, I''ll summon it myself."


    Reeva: "Did you hit your head this morning?"


    Siri: "Are you a dumbass?"


    Ayla scratches her purple hair in confusion.


    Luna: "Let''s start with how we will contain it."


    Luna explained her plan. She would summon it using players as sacrifices, mainly around the city center. When that happens, Luna will message Siri to activate a barrier with her skill. It''s simple, really. Everyone in the atmosphere, even knowing this, felt a creeping feeling.


    The whole room knew Luna was hiding something.


    Reeva: "So, how will you deal with the Demon General?"


    Luna: "Using the Fifth Demon King''s daughter."


    Reeva: "....what the hell?"


    Ayla: "Are we serious?"


    Siri: "I guess you have some explaining to do."


    Luna: "A vision."


    Siri just takes Luna''s answer. They''ve been in a situation like this multiple times, and she''s always been right. A powerful dynamic built of results.


    Luna: "Ayla, I need you to do the most important part. Make a temporary contract and become her Servant."


    Reeva: "So we''re dealing with a Monarch?"


    Her voice is clear with rage, an emotion she doesn''t tend to show so carefree. Luna gives Reeva a stern look. Her anger is somewhat gone now.


    Ayla and Siri are just confused. Luna isn''t surprised. [Monarchs] aren''t well known; only a few people in the world even know they exist, let alone the meaning of it.


    Luna: "Monarchs need Servant''s. Basically, a personal army, a basic run down."


    Ayla: "So, if this demon is a ''Monarch,'' ya want me to sign a contract because of my regeneration."


    "I''m so glad I''m friends with smart people." Luna''s smile is all the confirmation they need. Keeping all this information in mind, she hands Ayla a drawing of Eva that was done two hours beforehand, colored and all. Ayla puts it in her pockets, understanding her role.


    Luna: "Hey, carpet eater, need you to call Zila to tell those S ranks to go into the tower."


    Siri sighs at such a crude nickname but lets it slide.


    Siri: "Hmmm ... I''m guessing you''re targeting those two."


    Logically, a better outcome is summoning it and letting stronger players take care of it. Luna is doing the opposite, as if she has a bigger agenda. That''s always been the case for many of the plans they''ve been dragged into.


    Her "visions" have always been correct.


    ***


    10:20 am.


    Back to the present


    Colors of black and blue clash through the once-friendly environment. A light show worthy of royals and the rich. The lights stop defying each other''s existence as the blue one crashes into a building, causing it to bring the whole thing down.


    Luna: "Wow, they hit hard!"


    She stands up; no, a better way to explain it is she tries. Luna''s legs are shattered, glass is sticking out of her face, and her arms are mangled. The smell of iron is filling her lungs. It''s her own blood. "I don''t like dying," even so, she still has that capsule with her. Dislikes and needs are entirely different, so she puts her sword beside her. At least someone near can comfort Luna with their presence.


    Luna ponders the material she''s gotten in this loop. First, the armor is actually its exoskeleton; no wonder it was repairing itself. Second, the Demon General doesn''t know about Eva being here, which is good because it means she has the upper hand. Unfortunately, the third factor is the Demon General figured out her magic in three minutes. Finally, it''s using chants. "How troublesome."


    Luna''s body feels the Demon General''s mana nearby. With this, she bites into the capsule. It burns, and a hot liquid scorches her soft esophagus. Her plan isn''t based on morals or sanity.


    That''s because it''s Luna doing it. The glass that holds the fluid goes down her throat, so tiny bits of glass are stabbing inside of it. It''s painful, it truly is. Her whole body moves around in pain...and it hurts her more. Poison is such a cruel way to go.


    [The Serpent of Light is dumbfounded!]


    One last twitch from her fingers and those blue eyes finally lose light.


    [You have died.]


    10:00 am.


    Luna: "I never got your name."


    A young woman loved by luck. The world itself, as she likes to frame it. "So, it was updated thirty minutes ago, huh?" That was fantastic news for her. Longer loops are the ones she dreads the most. Holding her beloved sword: Reeva. Luna can do this, even if it takes ten more deaths.


    Luna steps on a body by accident and almost trips. Immediately, she picks herself up on composure. "No need to second guess now," words she shall always repeat.


    She takes out another sword from her inventory. She sets up her skill once again and charges in again. "Reminds me of those annoying soul bosses," even with the right equipment, it doesn''t mean much if you don''t have experience. That''s the predicament Luna is in. For example, Reeva, her trusty sword, has massive destructive power. Doesn''t matter because Luna doesn''t have much practice with this. So, like a fool. She carries the sword for other purposes.


    The Demon General hadn''t noticed this even in the most recent loop.


    Demon General: "Why should I speak my name to a dead man?"


    Luna: "This is the first time I''ve been rejected like this. Hurting a poor maiden''s heart must have consequences."


    "Go at my command," she said peculiarly, and the short sword moved just a little in her grip. She stepped once, and the Demon General did the same. The dance begins once again.


    ***


    [Registered as a Hellhound servant!]


    Ayla looks unimpressed. The name makes her cringe a little, but it''s okay. Now she sees why Luna asked her personally for this task. The real issue is getting over there. No one had to be a player to understand the fight between two monsters was happening.


    Eva: "Stand proud! You are the first Servant of the great -"


    Ayla: "Yeah, can it. Let''s go."


    Eva looks surprised. She hasn''t been talked to like this since her father got mad at her for burning a village by mistake. A message pops out in front of Ayla.


    [Luna: Getting my ass beat here! Come and help!!!]


    [Ayla: That''s all you, man; you think I''m going in there?]


    [Luna: My sister keeps the barrier from letting players or anyone inside. So, it''s our job to let her keep it that way. A whole raid team will probably be out there if she joins in.]


    [Ayla: What difference does it make, more-]


    Eva is looking at her Servant with a baffled look. To her, it seems like she''s just thinking and sighing for the last minute. Is this something humans do nowadays to reflect? Maybe times have gotten too peaceful where you can just lollygag like this.


    [Luna: It has a long-ranged chant.]


    [Ayla: That''s a problem. Coming right away.]


    [Luna: Let Reeva guide you!]


    Before Ayla can say anything, her skill cuts off. "This moron!"


    Eva: "Something tells me you know what''s going on."


    Ayla: "My dumbass friend is over there. Hey, can I ask ya something?"


    Eva: "Make it quick, or I''m breaking your leg."


    Ayla: "How cruel! My fragile feelings are hurt by my boss! You know how to chant?"


    Eva: "Yes."


    Ayla: "Good! Now, let''s move on."


    Both walk through the empty streets and jump over some massive tree roots popping out. They go into a park and sit down; Eva being confused along the way.


    Knowing how fast Reeva is, she will appear in a couple of minutes, so it''s time to think about how to help. Breaking the silence, Eva asks a question that flows into her primary concern.


    Eva: "Aren''t you worried about your friend?"


    Ayla: "Nah, if anything, I''m worried for the creature she''s fighting."


    Eva: "Is it your friend who told you I am a Monarch?"


    Ayla: "What if it is?"


    Eva: "You''re lucky you''re my servant."


    There was no need for any more words. Ayla understood the implications of her words. What''s worrying her is the large-range chant Luna told her about. It can also mean it''s large-scale (the worst possible outcome), or it can be used at a distance, another end result she doesn''t want.


    Ayla: "What is she-"


    Like a shooting star, both women saw something crash near them. The object broke the swings and most of the equipment. Out of it, a woman Ayla knows well appears.


    Reeva has finally made it here, and quicker than expected. Did Luna get stronger these past couple of months? Standing up quickly. She moves around to make sure everything is moving correctly. Once finished, she does a little victory pose like a particular Isekai character.


    Ayla: "Don''t blow a fuse, here she is."


    If you recall the last loop, when she was aggressive with Luna, the amount of bloodlust was a tiny fraction of what she displayed. Her white hair, face, and legs brought a boiling rage reaction.


    Eva: "What the hell are you doing here?"


    Reeva: "Just here to help, that''s all."


    Reeva gives a playful smile that only angers her further. In all honesty, Reeva would gladly get rid of her right now, but Luna said the opposite.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Reeva: "Let out all your anger on me later unless you want to end up like your mother."


    Sensing the tension rise. Ayla steps in and gets everyone on track. She doesn''t care about their history together. All they need is to carry out their roles.


    Reeva: "Climb on my back. Eva, be a good dog and follow behind us. We have one of your father''s men to kill."


    Eva hesitates for a minute. Hearing those final words, she puts her personal feelings aside. She''ll work with people she hates to get a job done. That''s why Luna was scouting her. She has a similar mindset.


    Eva: "Lead the way."


    ***


    10:25.


    "Damn it! How many cheats does this guy have," Luna can''t use her trump card in this situation? At least one she''s been saving up for this very occasion. Demon General grabs, swings, and throws her into multiple buildings. Each crash down to create more of a hell scale of a scene. Shops, trees, streets, and even one person were caught in this. One event she regrets is the one unfortunate soul that was killed because of her choice.


    She has died 11 times now. Good, she can keep count. Now, she''s about to die once more. Her body is impaled by metal caused by a colossal building tumbling down. Now, her stomach is feeling the pain of having such a massive chunk of steel become a part of her. "Let''s hope it is updated. I still have no idea how it works." This is the way X..no Luna thinks.


    Such a mindset can only be carried out by a twisted or courageous person''s interpretation.


    X is on the side of courageous folks. Luna isn''t. So, while she has the persona of X, each death has courage behind it.


    Biting her molars, glass shatters, and once again, poison runs through her body.


    [You have died.]


    Luna goes in at full speed. Not having Reeva by her side is a considerable downgrade, even if she can adapt. Using [Blessing of Shadows] to enter the Demon General''s shadow even for a split second to get the upper hand. This is also for another purpose. She must make this as flashy as possible for the audience above her. Luna takes out a sword and cuts the third arm right off. Before it can react, she slips into the shadows once more.


    This tactic can''t work forever. Luna''s understanding of her blessing is incredibly rough due to her inexperience with shadow magic. Luna can only last one minute in one. This would be good only against other humans or species near her rank. Alas, this isn''t the case here.


    Luna went out of the shadow to stab the wound she already made. However, a punch of a speeding bullet hits her face. She takes the hit, getting launched through the empty streets once again. Luna''s body felt vibrations flowing through her muscles. She''s close to figuring it out, but there is one more attack. Before she lands on the hard pavement, the shadows devour her and safely put her in them.


    Why do people do special moves? Is it to make things more interesting? More exciting? Any more phrases would always be welcomed. Luna knows why people do finishing moves, impressing the gods.


    Anyone who knows how this world operates, even to a minuscule level, will comprehend that if Gods always watch you, who said they don''t give out rewards? Deep inside, she begs for one of those very same beings to do her a favor.


    Luna: "Man, this is going to bite me in the ass."


    Taking shape from the depths, Luna materializes a blade from her inventory to begin her gamble. She puts enormous amounts of mana into it, making sure the fragile metal doesn''t break, and she swings. The Demon General is commencing to walk, and it feels immense mana approaching. Rather than absorb such a hit, it dodges.


    [Serpent of Light: It moved!]


    Luna: "Hahahaha, I found a way to defeat you!"


    She bites the capsule and begins the procedure.


    [You have died.]


    Luna: "I wonder, how many blows can you take."


    Demon General: "I underestimated you."


    Fists are a ubiquitous weapon anyone has. Despite that, those very same standard equipment is being used as canons. Each strike quakes solid ground! Demons are tricky creatures to kill; Luna knows this better than anyone, so she never plays fair.


    [You have received 800 gold!]


    [Gods are cheering for you!]


    [One of them laughs with joy.]


    Luna blocks a kick, grabs the delicate third arm (not cut in this loop), and combines strength with mana enforcement. Luna throws a Demon General over into the property for the first time. She hurt a beast of this caliber. She only has one minute to execute her idea.


    Everything she''s doing currently is for a scheme. A scheme Luna is banking on.


    [Purchase: Maristela''s claws?


    Y/N]


    "Yes," instantaneously, a dagger arrives in her hands. Baffled at how it cost one thousand gold, didn''t bother to read the effects; seeing the weapon''s name, that''s what Luna was waiting for. Feeling comfortable with her purchase (even mad about it), she dodges a spear constructed off the road she''s standing on. Feeling an attack coming in, she parries the assault just fine.


    This continues for what feels like minutes. In reality, at most, only ten seconds have passed.


    10:28


    Luna contemplates how much time has passed. This would be the last loop she''ll go through. Eva, Reeva, and Ayla may be handy here other than how players can be the players'' active plan. So, that''s what Luna will do: assemble a game plan.


    Demon Generals are feared for multiple reasons. Significant events are started because of their leaders, the Demon Kings.


    The revolution, Tower Civil War, and other events in history. All of them, every human, beastmen, elf, and even another demons, can be sent into panic because of the meaning of this title.


    Who would have the notion that a human is toying with one? A general for the Fifth Demon King is currently seen as a steppingstone. It can be seen by the looks in her eyes. She doesn''t see the Demon General as someone to be respected, feared, or entertaining. Luna is using him as a milestone.


    Demon General: "GOOD THAT''S HOW A PLAYER SHOULD THINK!"


    Excitement fuels the Demon General''s attack for the first time. This is how players, demons, angels, gods, everyone, and anything should fight! With greed in their eyes, they look at their foe as nothing more than what they are: a tool.


    Demon General: "My name is Yu."


    Luna''s torso, to go into more detail, her right side is downright non-existent. A whole was made by one single jab. Vital fluids spill, her inner biological structure tumbling from its host. She needs to think, think. Think¡­


    "I understand it now."


    This is why Luna is dangerous. It''s a trait not many players have. In contrast to other players, she can try again and again.


    "Every time I hit him; he gets stronger. That means this bastard has magic or skill. It''s likely tied to the exoskeleton; every blow I landed on it. You took the opportunity to heal ... each attack is also more powerful than the last¡­meaning. It BUILDS UP STRENGTH BY IT''S OWN PAIN?!"


    Demons are known to bring misery, pain, death, chaos, and so much more. Torturing and killing others, even their own, is a common practice. Why is that? Explanation is much simpler. Demons get stronger the more pain they acclimate. No matter how many angles they try to take, their only answer is this.


    Born from the emotion of hate.


    That is why Luna made her sister make a barrier: so, it can''t gather pain from others, cornering it to make last-minute plays.


    What if I told you a little secret? Some demons can harm themselves to gather pain. It''s considered a suicide tactic by many, being used only in dire situations. Only older or more experienced hell spawns use this.


    Luna knows the basic history of demons, their work, natural enemies, and allies. However, she didn''t know of a demon capable of using its body to amass pain.


    She figured this out by only a couple of loops.


    Luna has died 15 times in total.


    10 creating a plan.


    Another 5 fighting the Demon General.


    This is the way X does things.


    [You have died.]


    I will make things simple. Very simple. Luna is a looper, but you''ve noticed by now that these loops aren''t taking her back the whole day. That''s because she has another skill that aligns with her main one. You can combine what it does, shorten loops, and update. I can tell you the real issue straight up. She barely unlocked this skill. This means the whole fight she''s been having is also a test run of how this new ability functions.


    A skill that takes 70 deaths to achieve.


    The skill is given by the system. One blessed with the name: [Warped Domain].


    Luna: "The world works in my favor once again."


    10:25 am.


    This is the last loop.


    She should make it count. If she goes beyond 20, from personal experience. Luna would go insane, that''s why. This is the last one. Now, all the puzzle pieces are finally together; she can go all out.


    Luna: ¡°My name is Luna.¡±


    To give a real name is the most respectful thing one can do.


    Demon General: "My name is Yu, one of the generals of the Fifth Demon King''s army."


    Luna summons her sword.


    Yu gets into a fighting position.


    Luna: "Let''s make this fun!"


    With that, mana pours out of her. Her limbs feel lighter, and her eyes see more evident than ever before. Her brain is working overtime, and her fingers move in glee. "Time to go crazy!"


    Luna can''t use flashy moves like her comrades. What she has is wits and a few tricks up her sleeves. Using [Blessing of Shadows] to sneak through the rumble quicker and get a good angle. She has to damage the exoskeleton just enough for them to know where she wants the attacks to land. "Getting gold is where the real hassle begins," so she has to use what she has. She appears from the depths, a bomb in hand, and throws it.


    Boom!


    Yu looks honestly; he''s confused as hell. Are humans this dumb? Somehow, his shell cracked, not knowing that Luna caught on to this, watching from their every shadow. She pops up behind Yu.


    Luna: "Caught ya."


    She swings her sword, which is enforced by mana, to cut the third arm. Basic idea of what Luna wants to do or what she thinks could happen. If it doesn''t work, another plan can be made. That''s precisely why she''s smiling as the appendage grabbed and broke her blade. "Hahahaha! Now it''s my time!" laughter finally speaks in her soul.


    Luna''s free arm expands; her hand splits into two, showing a mouth row of teeth. Growing larger, accompanied by meat on her back, it develops into a weird butterfly muscle wing. Numerous eyes, including a mouth in the middle. Yu thinks of moving away, their survival instincts setting alarms off. However, shadow chains tie around his legs, arms, and neck!


    Yu knows their chains aren''t strong; the same goes for their magic. "They don''t know how to heal," that''s clear as day. Her primary healing source was the sword that went off to who knows where. Putting two and two together means she doesn''t know how to use magic. No, she can''t? That''s impossible¡­they can''t use mana as normal people would. "I can-"


    [Dragon Pulse!]


    The demon can''t move.


    [Status Effect: paralyzed!]


    Yu: "You whore!"


    Yu screams, and no one is there?


    Chomp!


    A piece of his neck is gone. Blood drips down, approximately the same amount Yu made Luna bleed the last 5 loops. Now, he''s the one bleeding. Music to her ear, Luna''s oddly produced butterfly wing is eating the chunk it took out. Finally swallowing it, she undoes the chains and kicks once. Yu came back to his senses, grabbing Luna''s slender neck. For a short time, she saw someone.


    ???: "Catch up to me."


    Luna: "LIKE HELL I''LL BE LEFT BEHIND!"


    Right when she said that. A light came in; Luna smiled as Yu let go of her.


    Yu: "I didn''t expect you to be here."


    Eva: "I''m back, you oversized beetle!"


    She grins and summons a blood-stained dagger. Reeva is beside Eva while holding Ayla, who is bleeding from her ripped right arm. Ayla smirks and winks. They have completed their roles; it''s time for the grand finale.


    Yu: "Why, you couldn''t beat me fairly?"


    Luna: "You''re a cheater with haxs! How can I win?"


    The weird flesh wing is gone and wraps around her left arm to make a hardened shell. Just like Yu''s exoskeleton. "Hahaha, thanks for the meal!"


    Eva and Luna take this as a chance to attack simultaneously. They didn''t need to speak another word to each other; both women moved as if they had been fighting together for years. Yu grabs Eva by her neck to snap it, but Luna rises from a shadow to go on the General''s head. Locking her legs around his nape, she does something that surprises both demons.


    Luna: ¡°Draconis Hasta.¡±


    A spear made from the same crystal blue mana Luna has shown before is now in her hands. To know chants as a human being is rare enough, albeit that''s not Yu''s worry. It''s the chant she used.


    Yu: "YOU WITCH!"


    Without notice, Reeva slams in the gut, cracking the area he was hit on. "She cracked it?" A single emotion can be felt is fear. Reeva has done something Luna couldn''t do in 5 loops. Eva is let go, and she locks her legs around his limb; without a single notice, she tears it off by spinning her body 180, breaking her spine in action. This usually would have paralyzed her for a few minutes if not for the contract she agreed on.


    Eva spins her lower half back to shape.


    Ayla: "I better get a raise¡­"


    As her right limb finally regenerated, she tore off the other one. To think she has to do such a painful part in this: "You better win, Luna."


    Assault of attacks begin. Not one word was spoken, yet simultaneously, they all acknowledged what had to be done. Yu pounding his feet into the ground causes a small earthquake, making some shatter in the air. He grabs it and slams it into Eva''s face, causing her whole skull to be plastered. Yu flicks his finger and makes an entire earth spike impale Luna.


    Reeva doesn''t look too worried. Instead, she uses most of her speed to tighten her grip on his head, cracking the shell that''s been protecting him and throwing him across multiple-story buildings. She doesn''t stop there; she runs up and kicks him again mid-throw.


    As soon as Yu hits the ground, she launches another boot into his abdomen, sending Yu crashing through the whole structure seven stories down. His exoskeleton is nearly shattered. Each attack Reeva makes is near the same rank as his. The difference here is experience, which will always separate the ones who live long, happy lives.


    Reeva changes her ridiculous pajamas to a plain shirt with a hoodie just by thinking of the clothing change.


    Reeva: "Let''s have a long chat, shall we, Yu?"


    Yu: "Impossible¡­"


    Instead of getting another word in, he''s again thrown across the street.


    Reeva is having a long conversation with an old friend. Eva restores her head. All the while, Luna frees herself from the spikes. It didn''t hurt much; she put the exoskeleton around that area. It helps to be a parasite once in a while.


    Luna: "Welcome to the team!"


    Eva: "I''m only one here for the general."


    Luna: "Damn, rejected by a woman who''s exactly my type."


    Her elegant features show annoyance. Luna finds that cute, but that''s another story. Ayla runs to her boss and smacks the back of Luna''s head.


    Ayla: "I could have died. What the hell!? At least raise my pay!"


    Eva: "Here I thought we demons were bad."


    Luna: "Still are."


    Eva can''t deny it. A weird feeling grows inside her chest. It''s nostalgia. "Weird, wonder why this human brings such an emotional response."


    Luna: "Didn''t expect a Demon King''s daughter to be so kind to humans."


    Eva: "Three minutes to explain yourself before I kill you."


    Luna laughs and looks around at the destruction she''s caused. It took 15 loops for this to occur. How ironic.


    Luna: "I''ll show you all the proof you need when I kill the general."


    Eva: "I just shortened it down to two."


    Luna: "You need me. I need you."


    Such tension wasn''t presented in past loops like this, only around the one where she almost choked Luna to death. Maybe that''s why Luna made a situation where Eva can''t let her emotions take control. Especially when the first step to her goal is right in sight.


    Ayla: "Ay, SHE''S COMING-"


    Boom!


    10:35 am.


    The first signs of victory are finally seen. Reeva''s head is all red from her blood and the blood of the General. The same can be said for Yu if it wasn''t for his muscles, which show as his exoskeleton falls apart. The once-feared Demon General is now in such a state that Luna can''t believe she died more than once. She has forgotten how much of a beast Reeva is.


    Yu stands up weakly and chuckles.


    Yu: ¡°Lanza del Infierno.¡±


    An ancient magical chant. One was made to destroy large-scale areas at its full power. Initially, Yu did it at a smaller scale to kill Luna earlier, but now that situation has changed. "They''re dangerous!" Out of the sky, an enormous spear of flames is made. Aiming to destroy the whole area that''s inside the barrier. This is the power of a Demon General.


    Eva: "I''m so glad he''s weaker than before."


    Luna: "Weaker?!"


    At this point, Luna isn''t surprised. She''s always against powerful enemies. Usually, she''ll run away aside from an event being locked away from her unless she does this.


    Luna: "Watch this, gods."


    [The Serpent of Light chuckles]


    Luna snaps her fingers, and Reeva emerges with a stunningly crafted blade. Seeing this, Yu looks in fear. The same longsword that caused many people heavy amounts of despair is back. Applying one of her skills: [Point Null]. Luna looks at the spear that''s about to incinerate them.


    Chants are just very prehistoric ways of using magic. That''s why she isn''t scared. As the spear is about to land, Luna turns into a blur; one swing of her trusty sword and the whole weapon of fire is turned to nothing. Everybody looks surprised. All except Ayla and Siri (who''s still seeing all of this), Luna maniacally grins at Yu. For a second, the once prideful Demon General felt at a loss.


    Luna: "The world turned in my favor once again!"


    [Multiple Gods were surprised by your skill.]


    [One God laughs at the situation.]


    [The Serpent of Light tells the other Gods she was right.]


    [You have received 900 gold!]


    Eva takes this as a chance to cut both her palms. Ayla rips off her arm once again. Using this, they can prevent Yu from having a millisecond to position himself. Multiple blood spears impaled his delicate meat. One is placed on his head, three holding down his limbs, and one at his stomach, keeping him in place.


    [Purchase: Maristela''s claws?


    Y/N]


    Luna: "Yes."


    Funny how fate works, no? A weapon she bought previously, yet here it is. Finding a new purpose. Utilizing the creature dwelling in her body to harden her swinging arm, she also uses the height she''s dropping by. Luna falls down as a shooting star, slicing the Demon General Yu in half.


    "So much for an easy mission."


    [Quest unlocked: Servant Gathering


    Information: Gather your servants from inside the tower!]


    ***


    Siri puts down the barrier immediately. Quicker than lightning, she appears before her sister, who''s out cold. Holding her carefully, she looks at Eva.


    Siri: "I guess you''re the Monarch."


    Eva: "If it wasn''t for such ridiculous strength you possess, I would have killed her right now."


    Reeva: "Try me."


    Reeva goes back into her human form and looks at Eva. Those memories, at the core of her mind, make her step back. Ayla pats her shoulder, telling her it''s alright. Eva doesn''t say much, rather enjoying the care her Servant shows despite Ayla''s short time knowing Eva.


    Reeva: "You want to stop the world''s destruction. We have the same goal."


    Eva: "Why do you think I''ll team up with you after what you did?"''


    Reeva: "Because my owner here can help kill your father."


    Eva stops thinking. To kill her father? Gears stop turning upon hearing those words.


    Siri: "We don''t have much time. Get on my back, and we''ll leave."


    Siri was correct. A mysterious figure summoning a demon general and destroying such an important area of the city, along with setting up a barrier, will call the attention of every S ranked in that area and political figures. Staying here will be dangerous for everyone, especially Luna.


    Hence, Siri grabs everyone with her quickness. With the same swiftness, she leaves the scene like a wind passing through, leaving a disappointing glare as she stares at her beloved sister.


    "I hate when you do this."

 Prologue Interlude: Sweet Words

    A shining bright light, an endless vacuum of white space. Roaming around it, she can feel someone calling her name. Luna can''t feel their hands, legs, mouth, or eyes. In turn, she can''t speak, see, or move. Luna has never encountered something like this; usually, it''s an endless tunnel of darkness.


    Two warm hands touch her face, cold, loving, lazily caressing her skin. Luna can''t move. Usually, Luna would feel uncomfortable; she doesn''t like people touching her like a lover. Yet, her heart feels calm. She wants more of this, feeling like the person was with her all along.


    Nostalgia, hatred, love, jealousy, all these complex emotions are poured into the fragile glass cup we call Luna.


    ???: "I love you."


    "I hate you."


    Those words were a lie.


    ???: "I love you."


    "I hate you."


    ???: "I love you."


    She doesn''t believe it. Luna doesn''t know who this is, never did, and never will. Nevertheless, her soul calls for her love. A fragment of her feelings can''t be explained, but some of them can. The voice keeps going. Speaking, and speaking, sweet words of affection. Deny all you want, but words like these with such a lovely tone, like honey being shown to you, can leave people second-guessing. Luna wants to embrace them, run, talk, and do anything to the person behind the voice. Her feelings alone can make someone think she''s on the verge of a breakdown.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


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