Mystery of Otherworldly Waves: Blood Moon [Volume 1] [END]

Chapter 6: The Demon Woman

...Chapter 6: The Demon Woman...

...[.The Female Demon]...

...•...

Under the moonlit night, a mysterious figure quietly crossed the roof, its existence hidden from the unconscious inhabitants below. The darkness of midnight covered his movements, although the radiance of the full moon radiated a subtle light.

Quick and nimble, the shadow easily jumped from one roof to another, crossing the houses of unsuspecting residents.

Finally, the mysterious figure descended into a dimly lit narrow alley, revealing his true form as a man wearing a black robe.

"Ah, you're back." A woman's voice rang out from the door adjacent to the man's arrival, her tone filled with a hint of surprise.

Within the darkness of the alley, the woman's face remained hidden, while her dark violet short hair and dark purple clothes began to be seen. He wore a white shirt, covered his entire arm, was paired with a purple jacket that deliberately exposed his shoulder, and was fitted with black jeans.

"I told you it was just a temporary location. Once my true identity was known, it made no sense for me to live in that remote and distant place," the man replied in a deep and familiar voice, without any emotion.

With that, he stepped through the doorway. The woman followed behind, closing the door behind them, swallowing the room in darkness.

"So, you chose to accept the fate of the Seven Saviors, huh? Rest assured, when the time comes, I will give my help to all of you." He's convincing.

Climbing the stairs, the man opened his face by lowering the hood of his robe. It was Saishira, who unexpectedly met the same woman once again in the same alley where the minotaur attacked the residents.

Naturally, Saishira shared a unique relationship with this woman. As it turned out, he only left the kingdom for a short time before returning to his original place, accompanied by the woman.

"Ah, that reminds me. Autumn is near. Maybe we could spend some time together under a falling tree." The woman beckoned playfully, as if she was inviting Saishira on a romantic trip.

"Yes, maybe later," Saishira replied, her gaze turning to the woman.

...****************...

The days passed, autumn finally came down to the city. Streets that were once quiet, now decorated with a stretch of fallen leaves.

The temperature begins to drop, serving as a gentle reminder for the animal to prepare for the cold months to come. Residents eagerly anticipated the abundant harvest from their crops.

Satoruu, Yuka, and Shelina find solace in the city park during this period, surrounded by many fallen trees— a quiet shelter that provides relief after the recent chaos caused by the Death Wave.

Shelina, a 12-year-old girl with the essence of half-demon fire, enjoys the joys of autumn. Joined by Satoruu and Yuka, he plays around in the middle of the city park, admiring the beauty of fallen trees.

"Be careful, Lina. Don't run too far." Satoruu warned, her voice filled with a gentle and contented tone, happy to witness Shelina's joy in the autumn miracle.

Yuka gestured to Satoruu, urging him to join her on a bench located under an oak tree decorated with fallen leaves.

As he sat on the chair, his gaze was fixed on Yuka, who suddenly started praying. There was a calm aura surrounding him as he clenched his hands and closed his eyes. The atmosphere became very calm and comfortable, arousing curiosity within Satoruu.

However, before he could inquire about Yuka's prayer as soon as he finished, his heart thumped, causing him to distract her from her. Determined to confirm his suspicions, he focused his gaze on Yuka once more, and indeed, his pounding heart remained.

Satoruu gradually realizes that this heart palpitations is not due to discomfort but rather the awakening of his feelings towards Yuka.

Yuka, an extraordinary beauty reminiscent of an angel incarnation, looked at Satoruu with a joyful smile. He showed no surprise when Satoruu averted his gaze, as his previous prayer was a plea to be closer to him, even if it meant overcoming many obstacles on the road with them as two of the Seven Saviors.

Although Satoruu recognized the depth of his emotions, he still could not reveal them openly. He understands the burden of his responsibilities as one of the Seven Saviors and remains attentive to his own strength and intelligence.

The world he now inhabits is in stark contrast to his original world, where survival will prove challenging for those unable to resist relentless monster attacks.

"Sister! Looks like there's a knight who wants to meet us. Go, Brother!" Shelina's sudden arrival disbands their romantic moments, forcing them to meet the knight.

It turned out that the knight was accompanied by the king and queen, as well as Viona, Ryan, and Rayvin. In a solemn manner, the king placed his right hand over his left chest and lowered his head.

"I, King Gabriel, extend a sincere apology to Shelina for unfairly discriminating against Kaida Shelina based on an incident involving a half-demon fire that occurred 1 year ago."

The words of the king echoed through the three, making them extremely astonished, especially Shelina.

Satoruu instinctively raised his hand to resist. "I know an apology is necessary, but I'm sure this kind of action isn't necessary."

"That's how it should be, Satoruu. Even nobles must serve as ordinary citizens when they make mistakes, especially if the mistake has caused harm to others, as indicated by the actions of His Majesty the current King. Your Majesty, you have shown the strength to admit your mistake, and it seems like Shelina has found in her heart to forgive you." Ryan articulated very politely, given his role as a Royal Knight and was also appointed by the court as the "Intermediary of the Royal Family".

Satoruu's curiosity was piqued, and he placed a hand on his chin. "Oh yeah, that reminds me. Yuka and I are not natives of this world and have just arrived here. Can you tell us what really happened 1 year ago, Ryan?"

Ryan nodded solemnly and began to tell the history that led to the incident. "It all started with an incompetent leader, the late King Saeno."

King Saeno was a ruler unsuitable for the task of governing the kingdom of Harmodia. He often drank excessively, oppressed the population under his rule, and forced tyrannical demands upon them.

Saeno ascended the throne by winning a swordfighting contest held to determine the next king, as many people attempted to claim leadership at the time.

However, instead of transitioning into a smooth one, Saeno took power and succumbed to greed for royal possessions and thrones. Initially, his obsession with power was not very visible.

However, when a large number of farmers protested against the small wages they received for their crops, Saeno responded by exerting greater pressure on the villagers, using threats and intimidation. This threat emphatically states that anyone who dares to oppose it or come into contact with it will face cruel oppression, even death.

Facing such dire consequences, people found themselves unable to resist, enduring tremendous suffering for 2 years.

After surviving the oppressive reign of King Saeno, the situation reaches its breaking point when the half-demon fire race, driven by their deep sense of disgust, decides to intervene.

Their intervention sparks a civil war that pits the royal forces against a half-demon fire race, plunging the kingdom into chaos. However, amidst the chaos, a beam of light emerged from the sky, attracting the attention of all present and stopping the conflict for a moment.

As a result, the knights present in Saeno's room are accused of her murder. This turn of events caused the half-demon fire race to ignore their intention to fight against the royal side, as their main goal was to forcibly remove King Saeno from power.

Although the knights find themselves imprisoned, the residents support them, admitting their actions as a pursuit of justice for the sins committed by Saeno, leading them to be canceled to enter the prison.

Subsequently, Annie Evelyn, a former serviceman in the agricultural sector, ascended the throne as queen, along with her husband Gabriel Davelyn, who became king. Their daughter, Clarissa Evelyn, plays the royal princess. With this new leadership, prosperity was restored, and the kingdom was finally freed from internal threats and was able to flourish once again.

However, their newfound peace is soon destroyed by an external threat known as the Death Wave, which brings widespread destruction and takes many lives, including the half-demon fire race.

In this calamity, two individuals emerged as important figures, preventing the victims from encroaching on more than one half-demon— fire village, especially the village of Fironne, that had been completely destroyed due to the lack of understanding and familiarity between the human population and the half-demon fire race, which originated from the aftermath of the previous war. The resulting chaos has worsened the situation.

"That is the extent of my knowledge of those events." Ryan concluded, offering a comprehensive historical explanation.

"I forgive you, Your Majesty. However, I implore you to stop discrimination against the half-demon fire race. We pose no threat to you or the kingdom. Moreover, I must apologize for my own irreverence when I left the palace." Shelina added as she bowed deeply as she attempted to express her sincere apology.

"My sister is indeed amazing," said Satoruu affectionately, gently stroking Shelina's hair and expressing pride at having taken the initiative to apologize.

Unbeknownst to many and indirectly, Shelina is the younger sister of Satoruu and Yuka. Their initial encounter with Shelina leads to their determination to protect her and ensure that she can experience a dignified and normal life, just like any other child her age.

Curiosity is still burning within him, Satoruu urges further, seeking more information about the identities of the two individuals who played an important role during the Death Wave. However, Ryan claimed to have no knowledge beyond their physical descriptions.

They are described as men who wield swords and women who use scythes, but beyond that, their true identity remains a mystery, as no one seems to have any information about them.

"Is that the only reason you came here?" satoruu asked, hoping to avoid awkwardness after the initial topic was discussed.

"Of course not" the queen replied quickly, taking advantage of the opportunity. "Please join us in the discussion room at the palace. We have something important to discuss."

As they gather in the discussion room, they investigate the latest news that has not yet reached the wider population. The news leads them to a crystal ball capable of delivering real-time location updates.

"It's similar to the CCTV system in my world, it's not impossible with the help of magic," Satoruu said, recognizing the function of the crystal ball.

According to the information received, roughly 7 kilometers east of the kingdom, a group of monsters continued to advance towards the vicinity of the kingdom. The alleged mastermind behind these creatures is Kaminou, a troublemaker individual who has helped monsters during the Death Wave.

This monster-emerging act served as a declaration of war against the kingdom of Harmodia. As a result, it is very important to discuss these issues and devise strategies to combat the impending threat.

Unbeknownst to them, Saishira secretly observes the process from the outside, peering through the upper window of the discussion room.

"What's your goal, Kaminou?" His mind was centered on the curiosity of Kaminou's goal, as if knowing who Kaminou was.

As their discussion ended, they walked back outside the palace. Suddenly, a huge gate swung open, revealing a horse carriage waiting for them.

Inside the carriage sat a young girl with white twin-tailed hair, her hands waving as a welcoming gesture.

The knights, engaged in a casual conversation, quickly formed rows on both sides of the carriage, saluting the young girl. The surrounding residents erupted in cheers.

"The princess is back!" exclaimed one of the residents happily as he watched the little girl enter the city.

Satoruu hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "So, she's Clea–I mean, Clarissa? Royal princess?"

The assumption proved to be true, the young girl was indeed named Clarissa Evelyn, the princess of the kingdom. At the age of 13, he exuded an aura of nobility, wearing formal attire that suited the members of the royal family. Clarissa carried herself gracefully and elegantly, symbolizing the image of a true noblewoman.

After Clarissa's warm greeting, Ryan's attention turned toward Viona. He saw a bandage wrapped around his left upper arm, evidence of a wound that had not fully healed from his previous battle with the Archer Goblin arrow during the Death Wave, even though it had been about a week ago.

"Viona, please don't push yourself too much. Let us handle this time while you take some time out for a break," Ryan suggested, trying to persuade Viona not to participate for now.

Viona raised her left hand, gently hugging her injured arm with her right hand. "Don't worry. Although I am an iron expert, I am also a former Elite Knight!"

Ryan glanced behind Viona and saw a bow and quiver, containing several arrows, positioned beside the axe he used to hold as his weapon.

"Boiled and quiver? Didn't Viona always use an axe as her weapon?" Ryan wondered, surprised by the unexpected change.

The horse carriage suddenly stopped in front of Satoruu and the others, leaving them shocked and confused by the unexpected stop.

"Well? How did it suddenly stop here?" Satoruu wondered, his expression reflecting his shock and confusion.

Clarissa got down from the carriage, carefully lifting her clothes to avoid an accident. She then introduced herself, gracefully wearing her dress and bowing her head, exuding the charm and elegance that a royal princess deserves.

"I stopped here specifically for you, Dreyl Satoruu. Will you engage in a private conversation with me? There's a lot we can discuss." Clarissa asked politely.

Feeling that it wouldn't be a problem, Satoruu unreservedly accepted Clarissa's invitation to speak with four eyes in her room.

When Satoruu enters Clarissa's room, she is inevitably fascinated by the luxury and grandeur of the room.

The interior design is decorated with a combination of white and pink, exuding a sense of grandeur that far surpasses anything he has ever seen in his own world.

Even before Clarissa could say a word, Satoruu interrupted excitedly, expressing her willingness to join the fight against monsters if that was what she wanted to discuss.

Clarissa was surprised, astonished that Satoruu was already aware of the impending threat. Satoruu reveals that his mother, Queen Evelyn, has informed him of the situation.

"Duh, my mother always was like that, if I was late just a little bit, she took the initiative immediately" Clarissa lamented, showing her true nature without her noticing.

With little frustration, Clarissa complained about her mother's proactive nature, expressing her desire to be the one to deliver the news. He then sat by the window, contemplating his next action.

"Actually, there's more." Clarissa began, her gaze fixed on the outside scenery. "I want to convey an invitation to you to accompany me to another kingdom. I need protection from powerful individuals against potential attacks from foreign enemies."

Satoruu, approaching Clarissa, replied, "Not if it's just me. You should invite Yuka and Lina, especially. Together, we can ensure your safety and face any challenges that may arise."

Clarissa nodded, agreeing with Satoruu's opinion. Then Clarissa turned the conversation to a new topic while still seeing the scenery near the window.

As Clarissa shifted the conversation, her gaze fixed on Satoruu, she asked a thought-provoking question. "Do you feel any behavioral differences between my father and mother?"

Satoruu's mind immediately recalled the events at the end of the Death Wave, where King Gabriel had shown contempt for the half-demon fire race. He was convinced that King Gabriel's behavior was different from that of Queen Evelyn.

Intrigued, Satoruu asks about King Gabriel's background and past.he wants to understand the factors that shape the king's behavior.

Clarissa replied, "My father was not born into a noble family. In fact, he came from a simple family. His real name is Gabriel Dann, and he just entered the noble world after marrying my mother, Annie Evelyn. As a result, he now uses the name Gabriel Dawelyn, a combination of his real name and the last name Evelyn. Due to his usual background, my father's behavior was different from that of my mother, who came from a long-standing noble family."

Satoruu nodded, gaining a clearer understanding of the situation. The striking contrasts in their backgrounds did contribute to differences in their attitudes and actions.

"Next, I'm worried about this kingdom. If this continues, then sooner or later, this kingdom will collapse. Plus by facing monsters stronger than us, humans." Clarissa poured out her heart.

As Clarissa expressed her concern about the future of the kingdom and the threat from powerful monsters, Satoruu listened attentively. He believed that monsters could be defeated if they really wanted to.

Curiosity arises in Clarissa, and she eagerly seeks to understand how they can defend against such formidable foes.

Satoruu, looking for something in Clarissa's closet, found a quill pen and paper. He began to draw two circles on the paper, one above and one below.

Intrigued by Satoruu's intentions, Clarissa observes the circle and wonders about their relationship. Satoruu turned to her, testing her thoughts and perceptions.

He asked, "How do you make the circle above connect to the one below?"

He wanted to understand Clarissa's true understanding and measure her point of view.

"By pulling straight?" clarissa asked with a bit of hesitation.

"Yes, on the surface of the paper, many people will choose to pull straight until the circle above is connected to the circle below. However, try to think outside the box, then we'll get this result." Satoruu folded the paper, bringing together two circles that had been far apart.

Clarissa listened carefully to Satoruu's explanation and watched as she folded the paper, uniting the two circles. As the circles connected through folding, Satoruu drew parallels between this action and the approach needed to fight monsters.

Satoruu said that while many people might instinctively choose a straight and straightforward path, represented by pulling straight up, there are other ways to approach the challenge.

Folding paper symbolizes thinking outside the box, using intelligence and creativity to find alternative solutions.

He emphasized that humans have the ability to defeat monsters using their intelligence and strategic thinking. Even if monsters possessed immense strength, humans could compensate by utilizing their own mental abilities.

While monsters focus on physical strength, humans have the ability to sharpen their minds and find innovative approaches to overcoming the obstacles they face.

Clarissa's eyes widened in understanding as she realized the importance of the Satoruu analogy. He sees the importance of combining strength and intelligence, and how the latter can be a powerful weapon against seemingly insurmountable enemies.

Clarissa nodded in agreement, her determination growing. He now understands that the fate of the kingdom depends not only on their physical abilities but also on their ability to think critically and adapt to challenges.

After finishing his discussion with Clarissa, Satoruu emerged from the palace and stepped out. It didn't take long for Yuka to intercept him, eager to convey something.

Meanwhile, Viona plays with Shelina, handing her a bow and quiver propped up on her own back. Viona emphasizes the potential of fire magic, explaining that when combined with arrows. It can be harnessed in arrows to create formidable fire arrows, capable of delivering scorching and crushing blows. However, he also mentioned that Shelina needed time to master the bow.

Observing the interaction from the palace door, Ryan understood Viona's intentions.

"That's why he provides bows and quivers. Everything makes sense," he said.

Seeking a break, the group eventually finds solace in the city park, turning their gaze to the fallen leaves of the surrounding trees.

However, when Satoruu turns his attention to a narrow alley nearby, his curiosity forces him to go alone, leaving the others behind.

Satoruu carefully stepped into the narrow alley, observing his dilapidated appearance. The shabby surroundings emitted a moist and dark aura, as if a shadowy essence was stuck to its walls.

However, after his initial exploration, nothing extraordinary was in sight.

"I could have sworn I saw something" Satoruu muttered, his disbelief clearly visible in his voice.

As he thought about turning around, a lightning-fast shadow struck his stomach, causing it to fall violently onto the ground and collide with the wall behind him.

To his surprise, a sparkling scythe stopped just a few inches from his head, the purple light emitting a terrifying light.

Despite its impressive size, the long handle of the crescent showed incredible toughness, easily supporting the weight of its steel blades as it glittered in the light.

Satoruu's eyes shot towards the scythe's handle, revealing a mature-looking woman with short, old violet hair.

He was wearing a white shirt and a purple jacket that he was wearing to show his shoulders, just like the woman Saishira had met before.

His nails were sharp, his eyes were purple wine with vertical slits and black sclera, his fangs were as sharp as razor blades, his wings were dark black, and his gaze was also extremely sharp.

His left hand raised Satoruu's chin, and at his touch, Satoruu noticed a noticeable difference in the texture of his cold and coarse skin. Instantly, Satoruu recognized him as a demon, his characteristics leaving no room for doubt.

"Quiet, Satoruu." He secretly commanded himself, fully aware of the dire situation. "He is a demon. I've heard that demons can summon their allies when they feel threatened. Stay still, or you'll meet your end here."

Getting closer, the woman directed her sharp gaze at Satoruu's face, her voice resonating with a deep and masculine tone that was a stark contrast to her youthful and ideal appearance like a woman in her 20s.

Friends Satoruu—Yuka, Shelina, Viona, Rayvin, and Ryan— rush forward, determined to save her from the clutches of the mysterious woman. Yuka launched a fierce attack, but the woman easily countered each attack, using a darkness shield that revealed her mastery over darkness magic.

"You misunderstand me," the woman scolded, her voice sounding authoritative.

He insists that he has no intention of ending Satoruu's life.

With that statement, the woman released her grip on Satoruu, making him regain his footing. As he rose, a transformation suddenly swept over him.

His demon face disappeared, and he took on the appearance of an ordinary human, without sharp hooves, black wings, or fangs—he let go of those aspects. However, his eyes remained different from his vertical gap, an attribute he could not change.

The woman introduces herself as Enna Claire, revealing her true identity as a demon capable of taking on a human form, blending seamlessly among ordinary humans.

Each demon has a unique ability that groups them into different groups. In Claire's case, her ability categorizes her as a human-camouflage demon, who specializes in disguising as one of them.

Demons also have a longer lifespan than humans, they have a lifespan of about 3–4 centuries, whereas humans with an average of up to 1 century. Claire is in her 20s, but she is actually 42 years old.

...Visual illustration of Enna Claire created by Picrew. Credit to the owner....

Suddenly, Saishira emerges from the shadows, expressionless as she nonchalantly joins the meeting, leaving everyone off guard and shocked at her arrival.

"It's a storm, what's going on?" saishira asked, his tone emotionless.

"Yo, Shira," Claire said, a glimmer of recognition in her eyes as she acknowledged Saishira's presence.

Claire's exposure to Saishira leaves the rest of the group stunned, unaware of the relationship between the two of them.

"Yes, yes, right. For the past year, Claire has been my friend, a secret companion hidden from the knowledge of the royal people" Saishira revealed.

"To be precise it's more than just a friend, hehe," Claire interrupted, showing her true feelings.

"Come on, don't cut as I speak. You have been a close friend of mine for a year now" Saishira said, still unaware of Claire's intentions and began to continue about them.

They said that demons would face expulsion or even death if found within these royal walls. However, thanks to her unique abilities, Claire skillfully mingles among the human population, disguised as an ordinary person, with no ill intentions towards the human race.

During this time, when Saishira was known as the Mysterious Savior, Claire was the only person accompanying her, as their identities remained hidden, hiding in the shadows of the kingdom, unknown to anyone. Although Claire says that she has made a deal with the royal party, just in case, Saishira tells Claire to stay in the shadows.

Saishira acknowledges all that, revealing the deep connection she shares with Claire, considering her a partner in their secret attempt behind the facade of the kingdom.

"You know? He greeted me with pain and surprise, one of the most extreme means of welcome in my opinion" Satoruu joked in the midst of a serious discussion.

Saishira smiled slightly and said, "That's how I met him. First time?"

"What the …." Hearing Saishira's words, Satoruu fell silent.

Then Satoruu approached Claire, asking her about what she called earlier. "Okay, now, what do you mean by which and Afterlife's energy?"

Mana is one of the two energies to cast magic, arguably the energy storage to cast magic. This energy uses the energy of its users as well, if the Mana is drained out, then the energy of its users will also run out until it can faint. Mana is always present in the bodies of beings who can use magic.

Same with Afterlife energy, user energy will be absorbed as well, but the difference is this energy is not intended for magic-magic widely. Only, there was no evidence strong enough to confirm whether or not this Afterlife energy was useful, as no one had this energy.

The statement caused a question mark to all those present in this small alley, considering Claire had mentioned Satoruu has Afterlife energy.

Then Claire continued, "It's not just you, Kaminou also has Afterlife energy."

Unfortunately, Claire did not know more about Afterlife energy, she only knew a little about it from the book she had read while still in her home village, the demon village that was on the human island.

In the afternoon, the sun shone on the backyard where Shelina prepared her makeshift archery field. He excitedly placed a sturdy wooden board, its surface decorated with a bright red circle in the center. With a careful step, he approached the place and then picked up the bow and quiver given by Viona.

Taking a deep breath, Shelina began her archery journey. He grasped the bow in his small hand, feeling its weight and the promise it held. Gently, he pulled the arrow from where the arrow was and placed it on the bowstring taught.

With a mixture of excitement and concentration, he released his arrows, but did not have the strength to hit anything outside of the wooden frame surrounding the painted target.

As Shelina pondered her appearance, a voice suddenly broke the silence. Satoruu, an older boy who had a lot of knowledge and skills, appeared by his side.

Smiling, he admitted his effort, "Truely, Lina. But if you want to hit the target, you have to pull the bowstring harder and slightly increase your goal. Remember, the target is pretty far away."

As Shelina absorbed Satoruu's suggestion, her young mind revolved around the concept she shared.

"The ground is not as fast as a bullet," the inner Satoruu mused inwardly at himself, given the contrasting speed of the two projectiles.

He remembered the need to adjust the shot, balancing it by lifting the bow slightly above the intended target, depending on the distance.

Satoruu stood beside Shelina, guiding her at every step. With a firm grip on his hand, he held a bow, showing the right technique.

Together, they pulled the arrow completely, making sure the bowstring was tight. Satoruu stressed the importance of aiming slightly above the target, adjusting the distance.

Feeling confident with Shelina's progress, Satoruu let go of her hand, letting her control the bow. With a determined expression, Shelina focused her gaze on the red circle, aligning her shot.

The anticipation in the air was obvious as he unleashed the arrows, and to their delight, the arrow found its target right in the middle of the painted target. A smile of triumph adorned Shelina's face, a testament to the successful application of Satoruu's teachings.

Encouraged by Shelina's achievements, Satoruu entrusted her to continue practicing her own techniques. He stepped back, observing his efforts with watchful eyes.

With each repetition, Shelina grew proficient in the art of archery. Pulling the arrow to its maximum limit and directing the bow slightly above the target became a habit for him. Just like before, his arrows hit the red circle, amplifying the effectiveness of his method.

"Remember this, Lina," said Satoruu, his voice full of wisdom. "When faced with a considerable distance, aiming directly at the target will not guarantee success. Always aim slightly upward, which allows the trajectory of the arrow. And don't forget, pulling the arrow to the maximum limit empowers the bowstring to push it with greater force."

Shelina nodded, absorbing Satoruu's advice. He understands that mastering archery requires not only skill but also an understanding of the subtle adjustments required to achieve goals.

With renewed determination, he set his sights on continuing to hone his skills, knowing that with practice and guidance, he would continue to improve.

Satoruu, sensing the need to hone his swordsmanship, grabbed his sword of confidence. Finding a different place in the training area, he prepared himself for a new challenge.

"Dummy Trainer, spawn," Satoruu ordered, extending his sword in front of him.

As Satoruu said those words, a humanoid puppet emerged from the depths of his sword. It was a training puppet, a valuable acquisition from his initial foray into the training ground. Every weapon brought into this realm is infused with special training magic, and the Dummy Trainer is one such charm.

Satoruu closed his eyes, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. A gentle breath shot out from his lips, a reflection of his contemplative atmosphere.

"Power without intelligence equals blind, and intelligence without power equals paralyzed," murmured Satoruu, revealing a profound truth.

The moment Satoruu opened his eyes, a burning determination emanated from his light blue sharp gaze. The memory of his near-death encounter with the dragon triggered his determination to continue practicing non-stop. He understood the huge difference in their strength, motivating him to further refine his own abilities.

He is determined to strike a balance between his strength and intelligence, preparing himself to face monsters even stronger than dragons.

Shelina's unshakable gaze remained fixed on Satoruu, attentively absorbing her words. He could not help but admire his unyielding determination, a quality that shone as bright as a diamond.

Satoruu's ambition is undeniable, and Shelina understands why he won against a dragon who surpassed him in sheer strength. It was his indomitable spirit, unbreakable and resistant to any challenge.

He forged his determination into a formidable weapon, capable of piercing through his opponents with a deadly combination of strength and intelligence.

"Sister Satoruu ..," whispered Shelina, her voice full of admiration.

Undeterred by the dragon's ordeal, Satoruu directed his focus to the Dummy Trainer, his command cutting through the air.

"Dummy Trainer, move and hostile," he orders, forcing the doll into action, moving and launching an attack against him.

With every calculated attack and evasive maneuver, Satoruu channeled his determination, turning it into a formidable defense and attack.

The clash between his unwavering desire and the aggressive attack of the Dummy Trainer resounded throughout the training grounds, a testament to Satoruu's unrelenting pursuit of power and mastery.

Satoruu pours his heart and soul into a strenuous training session with the Dummy Trainer, driven by an unwavering desire to gain power that could rival any dragon he has ever faced. Every swing of his sword and every nimble evasion brought him closer to his goal, pushing his own limits.

Unbeknownst to Satoruu and Shelina, Saishira, the enigmatic Knight of Darkness, hides herself on the roof of their house. With wary eyes, he observed their activity, his main intention being to assess the current state of the kingdom.

"Dreyl Satoruu," whispered Saishira, his voice barely audible. "You are the first and only person to earn my highest respect in my life."

Acknowledging Satoruu's indomitable determination, Saishira's words carry a weighty sincerity. His voice echoed with admiration at the young soldier, recognizing the burning unyielding spirit within Satoruu. Saishira bears witness to a determination that surpasses anything she has ever encountered before, an exceptional quality that amazes her.

In the night garden, Saishira and Claire stand under the crescent moon. Saishira looked at the silver pieces while Claire squatted nearby, her fingers playing a polluted stream, the leaves from the trees polluting its surface.

The cold air is very typical with autumn, the night adds an extra layer of cold. However, the coldness of the night was unacceptable in Saishira, as she already exuded an icy attitude.

"Maybe it's time I helped. Although I'm a demon, but I support you all," Claire said, her voice breaking into silence, initiating a conversation.

"Tell me, how does it feel to betray your own race?" Saishira's voice was as cold as her attitude.

"My heart hurts, but I can hold it. It's all my fault that I'm friends with a human." Claire's voice sounded grim, weighed down by grief.

"Your fault? No, it's your family's fault. Conflict happens when they find out about your friendship with Daniel, right? And reached its peak when they took his life." Saishira's words contained a sharp truth.

"Revenge is natural, especially against a race that knows no peace and remains stuck in the past" he continued.

"Thank you, Shira. You're really the best partner anyone could ever want. I'm grateful to have you," Claire praised, her words carried a sincere warmth, lifted by the exchange.

"No need to thank," Saishira replied, her response was impartial, unmoved by Claire's praise.

Behind her ice-cold outer appearance, Saishira keeps her heart and mind. He tried to connect with people he knew, to understand them. Claire, the woman who became her companion in this foreign world, is the recipient of such empathy.

Claire got up from her crouching position. "All right, let's go back."

"Are you sure it's time to go back?" ask Saishira. "I don't mind extending our time together anymore."

"I'm a demon who can live without sleep, but you're just a human being." Claire's words are full of empathy. "Don't burden yourself because of me. Your health is more important."

"All right."

Saishira's response remained as cold as ever, but in that brief pause, he admitted that Claire was unlike any other demon, and he respected her a lot.

In the darkness of the night, a gallant knight stepped into King Gabriel's large room. Respectfully bowing, he delivered an urgent message, requesting the king's presence in the discussion room to meet Satoruu.

Satoruu, mesmerized by the soft crescent moonlight as he peered through the window, quickly walked over to greet the king upon his arrival.

Curiously, he spoke to King Gabriel casually, asking about the history of the kingdom.

"King Gabriel, considering Yuka, Saishira, and I are individuals from another world, who were cast into this world, I am interested to know about the origin of this kingdom," asked Satoruu, who was not involved, his tone was relaxed yet excited.

Thus began the story of the land they now call home, the illustrious realm known as the kingdom of Harmodia. It had been founded about 73 years earlier, to be exact, in 491 Silloe.

Once just a territory of humanity, the kingdom is gradually opening its doors to embrace the diverse races that roam the world, such as elves and dwarves.

Evelyn's family, the second noble lineage after the throne, had ascended to power, replacing the early rulers. Their influence extended to the point that they even gave birth to the city of Eveline, a thriving settlement that grew into the heart of the kingdom and its capital.

For a long time, Evelyn ruled over Harmodia, until 550 Silloe, when they entrusted the kingdom to a ruling figure named Alarick.

Throughout their reign, internal strife remained largely non-existent, yet they were constantly met with external fighting. The kingdom faces periodic attacks from monsters, who venture out to vent their anger on the inhabitants of Harmodia.

However, as the sands of time move forward into the year 561 Silloe, a dark cloud of misery descends into nature. Saeno, who took the mantle of leadership, proved to be very incapable of administering the kingdom. Plagued by a penchant for excessive drinking (drinking), he ignores the true responsibilities that a king deserves.

2 years later, the kingdom finds itself embroiled in a civil war that destroys at least a small area of the kingdom. Saeno's forces clashed against the half-demon fire race, ransacking the ground.

The conflict reaches its tragic peak when Saeno meets his end, his murder shrouded in suspicion, with the finger pointing towards the knights who once guarded his room.

Astonishingly, the accused knights avoided the confines of the prison, as the royal people united behind them, praising their actions as a necessary evil. Unable to overthrow Saeno by force, the only way, in their eyes, was to eliminate him, paving the way for a new ruler to ascend.

Following Saeno's death, in 563 Silloe to this day, 564 Silloe, witnessed the restoration of the Evelyn family throne. Annie Evelyn and Gabriel Davelyn, as queen and king respectively, held the reins of leadership.

With their return, a beacon of hope illuminates the kingdom once again. The welfare of its citizens became a major concern, and under their guidance, the kingdom continued to emerge from the depths of despair that befell it.

"Oh yes, that reminds me," sidelines Satoruu, his curiosity piqued. "Why is this calendar called 'Silloe'? Does this have historical significance?"

King Gabriel, appreciating the curious nature of Satoruu, begins to explain the origin of the calendar name. He reveals that Silloe got her name from an ancient legend surrounding strange creatures that only her silhouette can see.

These mysterious figures are believed to inhabit this world for a very long time, even centuries before humans were born, they are often described as shadowy entities whose shapes are obscured, leaving only their distinctive silhouettes. Thus, the term "Silloe" was born, drawing inspiration from the essence of these mysterious creatures.

After satisfying Satoruu's curiosity with his response, the discussion reached its conclusion. With gratitude and respect, Satoruu bade King Gabriel, leaving the palace boundary. Politely, he walked back to his own residence, reflecting on the new knowledge he had acquired during an audience with the king.

In the dimly lit room, bathed in a terrifying green light, a man lay down, his relaxed demeanor clearly visible as he held the staff in his hand.

His appearance was as unusual as his surroundings, with dark green hair draped all the way to his shoulders, reflecting the bright shadow of his eyes. Decorated with a jacket attached to his neck, leaving his wrists bare.

With one leg crossed over the other, he chuckled softly, a mischievous ray dancing in his emerald gaze. Leaning forward, he leaned his elbow on his raised knee, covering part of his face, as if trying to withstand an impending burst of laughter.

His laughter echoed throughout the room, getting louder and more sinister, as if he was having fun in the excitement of evil.

With a terrible intensity, he exclaimed, "I will find you, O two chosen ones!"

As he opened his face, a crooked smile graced his face, evoking a sense of madness and evil intent. His eyes sparkled with crazy sparks as he peered into the crystal ball, which revealed the menacing threat of the monstrous creatures that were ready to unleash chaos in the kingdom.

However, in the middle of this dark tableau, a detail caught the eye. Behind the mysterious man, a strange piece of paper stuck to the wall, the edges tied with tape.

The deep red moon emblazoned on it has a distinctive tick mark, signifying a completed task or an accomplished goal. The atmosphere of foreboding still exists, hinting at the secret networks and hidden agendas waiting to be revealed.

...****************...

As the afternoon sun cast a long shadow on the battlefield, a clash between humans and terrifying forces erupted in full force.

A collective spirit surges in the air when even Claire, despite her objections, takes up arms to join the fight against the menacing creatures.

However, amidst the chaotic commotion, one mysterious figure remained absent from the battlefield, shrouded in their own darkness—Saishira.

The battleground stretched across a vast prairie, strategically positioned beyond the borders of the kingdom. The goal was to act as a buffer, ensuring that the monsters would first face the valiant knights before breaking through the protective walls of the kingdom.

Harnessing the power of her elusive shadow form, Saishira secretly walks into an old, dilapidated mansion located near the outskirts of the battlefield. From this vantage point, he observed hordes of monsters, their threatening forms stretching as far as his eyes could see.

However, conspicuously absent from the sea of strange creatures are traces of Kaminou. Saishira's sharp senses detect his absence, prompting him to summon a throbbing ball with dark magic.

With an ominous burst of energy, the ball soared into the sky, its goal clearly—it served as a sinister statement that Kaminou's presence was noticeably absent from the relentless conflict unfolding before him.

However, contrary to assumptions, Kaminou's absence from the battlefield did not mean his absence from the war at all. As the valiant knights clashed with the relentless horde of monsters, the tremors suddenly shook the bottom of the earth, mimicking the chaos and upheaval of the earthquake.

Then, with explosive bursts, the ground split in the heart of the battleground, sending shockwaves rippling through the fighters.

Emerging from the depths below, Kaminou revealed herself in a dramatic manner, mesmerizing everyone present. The same figure, identical to the enigmatic individual occupying the dimly lit room, stood in front of them, dark green hair flowing onto his shoulders like a smooth waterfall.

An evil grin appeared on Kaminou's lips as he savored the calamity he unleashed.

...Visual illustration of Kaminou made from Picrew. Credit to the owner....

With an aura of malice, he spoke to the bewildered audience, his voice mixed with a dark charm. "Hello, everybody. Let's play …."

...~Connect~...