The knights and mages of the High Circle were dead.
Their bodies hung from the tips of spears.
A scene both beautiful and horrific.
Blood slid down the golden spears.
Symbols carved into each one.
Everything arranged with perfect precision.
Black birds circled above.
Wings cutting through the still air.
Watching. Waiting.
All of it was seen through an Image Crystal.
Placed neatly on a polished table.
Observed by Liora and Vhalzareth.
"Disgraceful," Vhalzareth said.
Voice low. Controlled anger beneath it.
"How these humans dare step into our lord's land."
Liora gave a small nod.
Eyes steady on the image.
"Why did they come here in the first place?" she asked.
Tone calm. Thoughtful.
"Do you think they found out about your mass killing?"
"What?" Vhalzareth snapped.
A sharp edge in his voice.
"Are you underestimating my power?"
He sneered faintly.
"If they knew, I would have known."
"Besides… Miyuki has already influenced the High Circle."
Liora sighed softly.
Leaning back into the couch.
Crossing her legs with quiet elegance.
"Then what could it be?" she said.
Eyes narrowing slightly.
"Perhaps this is about another matter."
"Maybe they intend to burn our lands with us," Vhalzareth said.
Tone dark. Certain.
"A nation of monsters is already a problem for them."
"Mm…" Liora hummed softly.
Eyes sharpening at that thought.
"That could be it," she said.
"Humanity has always had something against monsters."
"They act as if they aren't monsters themselves," Vhalzareth replied.
Voice quieter now.
His gaze fixed on the image.
"Looking at their gear… they came prepared for war."
"Since we are an independent nation," Liora said,
"The outside world's rules do not apply to us."
"Especially the part where kingdoms need approval to declare war."
Vhalzareth smiled.
Slow. Sinister.
Dark aura rising around him like burning flames.
"That would mean we've already entered a state of war," he said.
"We should slaughter them all."
Liora smiled faintly.
Amused. But unimpressed.
"Why kill them," she said,
"When we could turn them into pawns?"
"We would have control over global trade."
"Fufufu… how cunning," Vhalzareth said.
A low chuckle escaping him.
"Why not take over the world at that point?"
"Nah…" Liora waved her hand lightly.
Casual. Dismissive.
"That sounds like too much work."
"Haruto wouldn't be happy with that."
"…Agreed," Vhalzareth said.
His expression softened slightly.
Gaze lowering, though still sharp.
"Speaking of Lord Haruto…"
"Fuyume has been wasting herself with wine since his death."
"How childlike of her," Liora said.
Leaning back slightly.
Thoughtful.
"Perhaps I should send her out," she added.
"To eliminate a few High Circle pawns."
"Let her get some fresh air."
"That will work," Vhalzareth said.
A faint smile forming.
Amused.
"She really enjoys mass killing," he continued.
"Did you know… back in the Spirit World—"
"She wiped out ten thousand different species."
"All of them eliminated."
"For real?" Liora said.
Eyes widening slightly.
Almost rising from her seat.
"For real," Vhalzareth replied.
Calm. Certain.
"That was likely billions upon billions of life-forms," he added.
"All erased."
"She earned the title… Kyoketsu."
"Wow…" Liora exhaled softly.
"That's… surprising."
"She acts so childish, I never would've guessed."
"Childish?" Vhalzareth chuckled.
Low. Amused.
"She's older than this entire universe."
Liora paused.
Processing that.
"Then how did it all end?" she asked.
Curiosity clear in her voice.
"How she stopped killing?" Vhalzareth said.
Tone lowering slightly.
"True Demon Reinhard intervened," he continued.
"And sealed her consciousness away."
"Her… consciousness?" Liora repeated softly.
"From that seal, a new consciousness was born," he said.
"That existence… came to be known as Fuyume."
Liora fell quiet for a moment.
Eyes lowering slightly.
"That's… a grim past," she said.
"That isn't even half of it," Vhalzareth replied.
Calm. Almost indifferent.
"But yes… it was brutal."
He paused briefly.
Gaze sharpening again.
"I'm just glad she didn't go berserk this time," he said.
"After losing someone again."
In the shopping district of the Satoria Federation.
Modern shops lined the streets.
Bright. Lively.
People filled the area.
Sitting at outdoor tables.
Talking. Laughing.
Others moved between stores.
Checking clothes. Browsing freely.
Sora and Arisa walked side by side.
People passed them constantly.
Up and down the street.
Everything felt peaceful.
"Awww~!" Arisa said.
Clinging slightly closer.
"It's just you and me."
"Where's Sister Miyuki and Sister Velara?"
"I heard Miyuki is on a mission," Sora said.
Calm. Gentle.
"As for Velara… she's busy, as always."
"Oh! Wow~!" Arisa gasped.
Suddenly running ahead.
She stopped at a jewelry store.
Pressing her face lightly against the glass.
Her pink and purple eyes sparkled.
Filled with excitement.
Locked onto a diamond necklace.
It rested on a mannequin.
Only the neck displayed.
Elegant. Refined.
Sora walked up beside her.
A soft smile forming.
Watching her reaction closely.
Warm. Subtle.
Still carrying that quiet distance.
"Let's go in," Sora said.
"I'll buy it for you."
"Consider it a gift."
"Really~?!" Arisa turned quickly.
Eyes wide. Sparkling brighter.
"You'd really do that?"
Sora smiled gently.
No hesitation in her expression.
They stepped inside together.
The purchase was made quickly.
Despite the price being high.
They left the store soon after.
Arisa held the bag carefully.
Admiring the design.
"As a chef, you can make me sweets in return," Sora said.
A small smile on her lips.
"Deal!" Arisa replied instantly.
Giving a thumbs up.
Her usual calm smile on her face.
Not emotionless.
Just… the way Haruto created her.
After that, they headed to a restaurant.
A small cake café near the plaza.
Sweet scents filled the air.
They ate together quietly.
Sharing desserts.
Talking between bites.
Afterward, they shopped again.
Underwear. Accessories.
Things girls normally picked out.
Time passed quickly.
Sora and Arisa dropped onto a bench.
Right beside a beautiful pond.
Water clear and sparkling.
Fish swam beneath the surface.
Visible without effort.
Gliding through the calm water.
"So clear…" Arisa murmured.
Leaning forward slightly.
"Today was so fun," she said.
Stretching her legs out.
A soft, satisfied sound escaping her.
The sky above shifted slowly.
Turning a warm golden hue.
Dawn settling in.
"Ugh—!" Sora flinched.
Eyes snapping upward.
A crack formed in the sky.
Thin at first.
Then spreading.
"Arisa… what is that?"
"Hmm…" Arisa hummed softly.
Following Sora's gaze upward.
Her eyes widened.
The sky creaked.
Then broke apart.
Fragments reflecting light as they split.
In a single moment—
A massive golden spiral formed.
A portal tearing open above the kingdom.
Vast. Overwhelming.
It stretched across the entire sky.
Covering everything beneath it.
Liora looked up from her window.
The light reflecting in her eyes.
Her expression turned serious.
Somewhere else.
A celestial ruin suspended above the clouds.
Marble steps stretched upward.
Leading toward a broken throne.
Ancient pillars framed it.
Worn. Half-claimed by time.
Behind it, an eclipsed sky.
A black sun swallowed the light.
Haloed in silence.
The air felt sacred.
Untouched.
Unwelcoming.
On the throne sat a man.
Ash-gray hair fell in uneven layers.
Soft strands shadowed one eye.
A mute red eye remained visible.
Calm. Watching.
Black and gray robes wrapped around him.
Layered carefully.
Draping with quiet precision.
Ornate clasps rested at his waist.
Subtle chains hanging beside them.
Refined. Restrained.
Quietly dangerous.
On his lap sat a young woman.
Golden hair fell in soft waves.
Reaching past her shoulders.
Her eyes were half-lidded.
Relaxed. Amused.
She wore a neat school uniform.
A white long-sleeve blouse.
A dark green bow at the collar.
A matching pleated skirt followed.
Simple. Clean.
Well put together.
"Mizuki," the man said softly.
"It seems the troops we sent to the Satoria Federation… have been eliminated."
"That's fine," Mizuki replied.
A sharp smile forming.
"They were sacrificial pawns, dear Itsuki~."
"Their purpose was to die."
"So we could catch them off guard."
"I see," Itsuki said.
Voice calm. Understanding.
"So this was only to set up a surprise attack."
"Correct," Mizuki said.
Eyes gleaming faintly.
"We're heading straight for their core."
"Burn everything to the ground."
"Without their leader present," Itsuki said,
"They won't offer much resistance."
"This will be effortless."
"Yes~," Mizuki hummed.
Leaning slightly closer.
"Their leader was the pillar of everything."
"Their strategy. Their structure. Their strength."
Itsuki smiled faintly.
His gaze shifted forward.
A massive blue window floated before him.
Displaying the Satoria Federation.
Like a screen observing everything.
Within it—
Countless dragons poured from the sky.
Emerging from the golden portal above the kingdom.
Back to Sora and Arisa.
They both rose from the bench instantly.
Eyes snapping upward.
Narrowing at the sight above.
Dragons poured into the sky.
Endless. Descending into their territory.
Arisa didn't hesitate.
The shopping bags vanished.
Stored away without a second thought.
She turned to Sora.
Expression sharp. Serious.
"Sora," Arisa said.
Voice firm.
Carrying quiet concern.
"You should leave."
"Head to a safe point."
"Huh…?" Sora blinked.
Caught off guard.
Eyes widening slightly.
"No, sis," she said quickly.
"I can help."
"I know you can," Arisa replied.
Tone steady. Certain.
"But you lack battle experience."
"You were only created four months ago."
"That's not enough."
"But…" Sora hesitated.
Her voice softened.
She couldn't argue it.
It was true.
She was the youngest Servant.
Arisa didn't wait any longer.
No room for debate.
"Translocated"activated.
Sora vanished instantly.
Sent straight to a safe point.
Arisa exhaled sharply.
"Shit…" she muttered.
Eyes lifting back to the sky.
"They used a portal."
"Bypassed the guards in the lower biome layers."
The giant dragons crashed into the kingdom.
Their claws tore through buildings beneath them.
Stone shattered. Structures collapsed instantly.
The kingdom fell into panic.
Citizens ran in one direction.
Toward the safe points.
Voices overlapped.
Fear spreading fast.
Crowds pushing forward.
The dragons opened their jaws.
Fire poured out.
Engulfing streets and buildings.
Then—
The flames vanished.
No burns left behind.
No damage remained.
Fire didn't work here.
A barrier covered the kingdom.
Created by Liora.
"Barrier Creation"active.
All fire-based attacks nullified.
Then the defense force arrived.
Moving across rooftops in blurs.
Too fast to follow.
They were all Oni.
Wearing black uniforms with golden trim.
Military precision in every step.
The Lunara Division.
One dragon stomped downward.
Targeting a single soldier.
The Oni vanished.
A blur.
Gone before impact.
The ground shattered instead.
The building beneath collapsed instantly.
The Oni reappeared mid-air.
Already behind the dragon's head.
A single clean strike followed.
The longsword cut through its neck.
Blood burst outward.
In that short moment—
Every dragon was surrounded.
Encircled completely.
Cut off from escape.
The defense force moved in perfect sync.
Holding the line.
Keeping them contained.
Giving the citizens time.
Time to reach the safe bunkers.
( Good… )
Lunara hovered above the battlefield.
Watching everything unfold below.
( My subordinates already have them surrounded. )
( That gives the people enough time. )
( Enough time to get to safety. )
"It's rude to ignore someone."
A voice spoke in front of Lunara.
Young. Calm.
Lunara looked up slightly.
Only her eyes moved.
Crimson and gold mixed in her gaze.
Sharp. Captivating.
A dragon hovered before her.
Pink scales covered its body.
Fading into pale silver along the chest.
Soft light shimmered across it.
Long horns curved backward.
Smooth. Regal.
A flowing mane trailed behind.
Like strands of silk in the wind.
Wide wings stretched open.
Feathered edges sharp and elegant.
Claws gleamed in the light.
Curved. Precise.
Its body was lean.
Built for grace more than brute force.
"Huh?" Lunara said.
Voice sharp.
"What the fuck is this pink cake shit?"
"Ohh…" the dragon hummed.
Amused.
"So you're that type of person."
"All talk with no claws."
"Claws?" Lunara repeated.
A faint scoff following.
"I'm not some overgrown lizard with claws."
"Like you, for example."
"You're quite the fascinating one," the dragon said.
Tone light. Observing.
"I'm Geto."
"Grant me the honor of hearing your name."
"You have manners… for a lizard," Lunara replied.
A sharp smile forming.
"It's Lunara."
"I'll say this once."
"Surrender… or die."
At the pond area, Arisa looked up.
Eyes narrowing slightly.
Lips curving downward.
Lunara hovered in the sky.
Facing a dragon.
(Who's that with Lunara?)
(That dragon has an incredible amount of magical power.)
Her gaze sharpened.
(But that alone doesn't decide a fight.)
Arisa lifted slowly from the ground.
Preparing to join Lunara—
A beam of light struck down.
Right in front of her.
The impact split the ground.
Dust rising into the air.
Arisa stepped back instantly.
Creating distance without hesitation.
From the smoke, a figure emerged.
Tall. Lean.
Long limbs. Narrow waist.
"Honey~! Are you really going to leave me here… all alone?"
His voice carried a teasing tone.
Flirty. Playful.
The smoke cleared around him.
Crimson hair fell in loose layers.
Strands brushing against his neck.
Pale, porcelain-like eyes watched her.
Sharp. Amused.
A cream turtleneck covered his frame.
A loose jacket draped over his shoulders.
Black high-waisted pants followed.
Tight. Sleek.
Chains rested at his waist.
Minimal accessories.
A necklace. Earrings.
"Oh… great," Arisa said softly.
Clearly unimpressed.
"My God…" he breathed.
Running a hand through his hair.
"Aren't you just an gorgeous flower?"
A smile spread across his face.
"How flattering," Arisa replied.
Dislike clear in her tone.
Eyes cold.
"Just stating facts," he said lightly.
Still smiling.
"But it's unfortunate."
"You're not on my side."
"I'll have to eliminate you."
A pause.
"Karen," he added.
Introducing himself casually.
Arisa didn't respond.
She wasn't listening anymore.
Her focus had already shifted.
Calculating. Measuring.
Without another word—
They moved.
A flash of light.
Gone from where they stood.
Their fists collided mid-air.
A shockwave burst outward.
The pond water pushed back violently.
Trees shook. Leaves scattered.
Arisa's fist broke through his arm.
Clean. Violent.
Blood sprayed outward.
Bone shattered into fragments.
( Blood… manipulation. )
Karen's thoughts ran calmly.
A sharp smile forming.
The blood moved.
Shifting unnaturally.
His destroyed arm reformed into spheres.
Small. Floating.
Arisa stepped back instantly.
Distance widened in a blink.
She watched carefully.
Sensing the shift.
Countless blood spheres hovered behind him.
Still. Waiting.
Karen raised his hand.
Palm open.
Aimed at her.
The spheres fired.
They shot forward like lasers.
Fast. Precise.
Closing the distance in a moment.
One aimed straight for her forehead—
She moved.
Dodged cleanly.
The beam continued forward.
Piercing through a distant mountain.
A massive hole formed instantly.
Revealing the other side.
(So the blood is infused with magical power.)
Arisa analyzed calmly.
More beams followed.
Cutting through the air relentlessly.
She kept moving.
Dodging each one with precision.
The air turned cold.
A thin mist spread outward.
The ground began to freeze.
Ice crept across the surface.
Grass stiffened.
The pond hardened into crystal.
The blood lasers froze mid-air.
Locked in place.
Encased in ice.
"Ugh—" Karen exhaled.
Looking around quickly.
His blood… frozen.
The ground… frozen.
The trees along the pond… frozen solid.
He moved suddenly.
His leg snapped forward.
Shattering the ice around it.
He hadn't noticed before.
Arisa had already done it.
His arm had regenerated.
Back to normal again.
(Oh… my arm's back.)
Karen glanced at it briefly.
(That's "Crimson Ascension".)
(A sub-skill of "Blood Sovereignty".)
(It boosts my stats after damage.)
"No matter what…" Arisa said.
Standing within the icy mist.
"You won't use blood here."
"It will freeze instantly."
(True… but.)
Karen bit into his arm.
Hard enough to draw blood.
The blood spilled out.
Glowing faintly.
Holding its form.
(Just add more magical power.)
(The durability increases.)
Arisa's eyes narrowed slightly.
Watching closely.
The blood didn't freeze.
It gathered above him.
Forming a massive sphere.
(He's reinforcing it.)
(Using his own magical power.)
(Mana is external.)
(Magical power is internal.)
She tracked the flow.
The density.
The structure forming.
She activated "Temperature Control".
Lowering the temperature further.
Trying to freeze it again.
It didn't freeze.
(That wasn't the goal.)
(It was observation.)
The blood shifted.
Splitting apart mid-air.
It reshaped instantly.
Forming two blades.
Sharp. Crimson.
"Blood Constructs" activated.
(He can weaponize blood freely.)
Arisa lowered her gaze slightly.
Too late.
Karen was already there.
Right in front of her.
A clean strike followed.
Fast. Precise.
The impact connected fully.
Her body was sent flying.
Through the frozen pond.
Ice shattered behind her.
Fragments scattering outward.
She flew through the trees.
Countless trunks shattered on impact.
Wood splintered. Leaves scattered.
Her body crashed into a mountain.
The structure gave instantly.
It collapsed over her.
The impact echoed outward.
Loud enough to shake the air.
Birds scattered in panic.
Mindless monsters fled the area.
A thick cloud of dust rose.
Spiraling into the sky.
Karen was already there.
Hovering above the collapse.
One sword resting on his shoulder.
(Did his strength increase?)
Arisa thought quietly.
Buried beneath the rubble.
(Yeah… definitely.)
(But… how?)
Karen smirked faintly.
Sensing something behind him.
He turned slightly.
Arisa stood there.
Dust brushing off her clothes.
Unharmed.
"You had me worried," Karen said.
Lowering the blade from his shoulder.
Preparing to strike again.
"You use blood too naturally," Arisa said.
Voice calm. Certain.
"You must have a Unique Skill."
"One that revolves around blood."
Karen paused.
Slightly surprised.
"How perceptive," he said.
A small smile forming.
"You're right."
"Absolute authority over blood as a physical substance."
(Idiot.)
Arisa's gaze didn't change.
(Then it's not suited for combat.)
(This fight is already over.)
Karen moved instantly.
His body lunged forward.
Blade cutting toward her.
She stopped it.
Two fingers catching the blade mid-swing.
No effort.
No movement.
Her other hand pressed against his chest.
"What the—" Karen reacted.
Confusion flashing across his face.
His body was pulled downward.
An overwhelming force dragging him.
He slammed into the ground.
Hard. Violent.
Blood burst from his mouth.
Eyes widening.
Smoke rose from the impact.
"Implosion," Arisa said.
A black sphere formed above him.
Massive. Distorting space.
He tried to move.
Too late.
The pull intensified.
The ground beneath him lifted.
Trees followed.
Chunks of the mountain broke free.
Birds in flight were dragged back.
Everything caught in the pull.
All of it collapsed inward.
The forest fell silent.
Heavy. Suffocating.
The sphere shrank.
Compressing everything inside.
Then—
Nothing remained. Everything erased
Only distorted space lingered.
A massive void carved into the land.
"That's one way to handle it," Arisa said.
"He gets stronger from damage."
"So instant death is the answer."
"How annoying…"
She rested her cheek on her palm.
Floating downward slowly.
"I wanted to test my Unique Skill too."
"But he was just too weak."