The fire crackled beside us, casting flickering shadows along the cave walls. Elarion's breathing was ragged. For a moment, he almost looked... afraid. But then he smirked, silver eyes glowing with that same eerie green light I had felt when we first met. The aura of power that once crushed me like a storm now rolled over me like wind—I stood my ground.
"Well, well," Elarion said with a dry chuckle, "you're finally standing tall in my presence."
I smirked back. "Let's finish this."
We clashed again—wooden swords striking, blocking, and sliding off one another in a blur of motion. Hours passed. Blow after blow, our rhythm was relentless, as if time itself had no meaning within these cave walls.
Ayeloria eventually stepped into the training chamber, carrying a tray. Steam curled up from a pot of tea, the scent of warm bread and herbs following her. Her eyes widened.
"They're still going?" she muttered, setting the tray down. "It's been over thirteen hours…"
"Hey!" she called, louder now. "Break time!"
Neither of us responded. We were locked in—eyes, breaths, and instincts locked in a feral dance.
Elarion ducked low suddenly, rolled beneath one of my swings, and then rose into a stance I'd never seen before. It wasn't like his usual elven techniques—his body moved like smoke, like he existed in the spaces between movements.
Before I could react, he struck.
His sword jabbed forward and—boom—my entire body felt like it hit a brick wall. I went flying. Pain exploded across my chest as I crashed into the stone ground, gasping, ribs burning.
"Ugh…" I groaned, trying to catch my breath.
Ayeloria rushed to my side, kneeling beside me. Her hands hovered over my body, unsure where to begin. "Are you okay?!"
I nodded weakly, face burning as I realized I was blushing. "Y-yeah… just winded."
"You're red as a tomato," she muttered, trying not to laugh.
I turned my head, trying to hide my face. "I'm fine. Really. Just need a minute."
I slowly sat up, muscles aching, and looked at Elarion. He gave me a long, unreadable look but said nothing. I gave a small bow. "Thank you… for the match. I'll return to my dorm now."
Ayeloria frowned, but didn't stop me. As I left, I heard her whisper, "You pushed him too hard."
Elarion replied calmly, "He asked for this. He'll survive."
Back in my dorm, I stripped off my clothes and turned on the shower. The water hit my skin like a wave of clarity. My muscles ached, but my thoughts were worse.
Why do I still feel so weak?The Crimson power inside me stirred—hungry, restless.
I closed my eyes under the hot stream, letting the steam blur my thoughts. I wanted strength. No… I needed it. But every time I reached for more, I felt something inside me slipping.
After drying off, I stared at my reflection. Damp hair stuck to my face. My eyes looked empty—exhausted and haunted.
I have to do better.
I collapsed into bed, letting the soft mattress swallow me. Sleep came fast—but it wasn't peaceful.
A knock at the door dragged me from sleep.
"Sir," a maid said softly. "Lord Elarion is requesting you."
I blinked, groggy. "Elarion?"
She nodded. "He's in his office. It sounds… urgent."
I dressed quickly, pulling on my black uniform. Something about this didn't sit right.
When I entered his office, Elarion stood by a table, reading over a parchment. He looked up and nodded.
"Ah. Good. Sit."
I sat. "You needed me?"
He didn't hesitate. "I've prepared your first mission."
I straightened. "Mission?"
"Yes. You'll be going into the outside world. There's a tournament coming up—one of the biggest in the western provinces. You're going to enter it."
I blinked. "Why a tournament?"
"It's a cover," Elarion said. "There have been reports of missing people. We believe someone is using them for ritual sacrifices."
My blood ran cold. "Sacrifices?"
He nodded grimly. "We suspect a demonic human—someone attempting to summon a greater demon."
My hand clenched against the table. "You think I'm ready for this?"
"You've progressed far faster than I expected. Your control is growing. And more importantly—this mission might help you uncover more about your Demon Side."
I hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Alright. When do I leave?"
"Today."
"Wait—today?!"
Elarion smirked. "The tournament starts in a week. You'll arrive early to investigate. Your gear is packed."
I exhaled, trying to calm the nerves rising in my chest. He continued, voice softer now, "The world is waiting for you. Go see it. Learn. Survive."
As I grabbed my gear, mask, and cloak, I passed through the main hall. Ayeloria appeared, blocking the doorway.
"Be careful out there," she said, voice low, almost hesitant.
I nodded. "I will."
The door closed behind me. Cold wind bit at my skin. The world beyond waited—wide, dangerous, and unknown.
And deep inside, the Crimson within me stirred, quiet but hungry.
The hunt had begun.