The last rays of sunlight disappeared, and the world slipped into darkness.
Renji Akatsuki walked beside the royal carriage with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The stars had begun to glitter above, and a chill breeze rolled through the clearing where the convoy had made camp for the night.
A small campfire crackled in the center, giving off a flickering orange glow that cast dancing shadows on the trees.
"So this is what camping feels like…"
said Princess Celis, arms wrapped around her knees.
"Not bad. No castle walls. Just nature...."
Renji chuckled, sitting across from her, feeding another stick into the flames.
"I'll protect you, Princess. I promise."
Princess Elira, sitting beside her sister, gave Renji a curious glance.
"You've fought like someone with years of battlefield experience. How long have you been adventuring?"
Renji shrugged, eyes fixed on the fire.
"Long enough to stop keeping count. Short enough to still question why I do it."
Before the conversation could go deeper—
Step.
A slow, deliberate footstep echoed beyond the trees.
Step. Step.
Renji's expression hardened instantly.
He stood up without a word, hand tightening on his sword.
"Someone's coming."
The guards stirred, weapons drawn, their eyes scanning the trees.
From the shadows… a figure emerged.
Tall. Graceful. Radiating dark mana thick enough to weigh down the air.
He wore a sleek, dark coat inscribed with glowing red runes. Long silver hair fell across his shoulders, and his crimson eyes gleamed in the firelight with an amused flicker.
He stepped into the clearing like he owned it.
"Relax.."
he said smoothly, ignoring the raised weapons.
"I've simply come to say hello."
Renji's grip tightened.
"You're not human."
"Who are you!?"
The man smirked.
"I'm suprised you noticed. My name is Varuk—Eighth Seat of the Demon Lord's Elite Guard."
He gave a mock bow.
"I was simply curious what kind of pests were buzzing around the royal bloodline."
"A demon?!"
gasped one soldier.
Celis stood behind her sister.
"W-Wait, why is he so calm?! Why is he talking like he's not the problem?!"
Elira drew her sword.
"You've made a mistake showing yourself."
But Varuk didn't flinch.
"Please, I'm not here to fight. I was told not to interfere. Not yet, anyway. Just wanted to see the faces of the people I'll be slaughtering soon."
Renji took a step forward.
"Then look closely."
Varuk turned his head lazily.
"Oh? The little D-rank with a fireball?"
That's when Renji pointed his sword directly at Varuk—his expression deadly calm.
The blade gleamed in the firelight.
"Next time… I'm cutting you down. Remember that."
For a moment, the atmosphere grew sharp—like a blade pressed against skin.
The soldiers around the camp tensed. Even Elira and Celis looked toward Renji in surprise.
Varuk's smirk widened
.
"Oh? That's wonderful."
He laughed softly.
"Well then, Renji Akatsuki… I'll be sure to remember your name when I carve it into your grave."
With that, his body faded into black smoke, vanishing into the wind.
Only silence remained.
Renji lowered his sword slowly.
"…That was no scout. That was a warning."
Celis whispered,
"He looked at us like we were no match for him."
Elira sheathed her blade.
"Then we'll have to make sure he's wrong."
Renji stared into the dark forest where the demon disappeared.
And silently, he promised himself... Next time, I won't just point my sword. I'll use it.