Death was waiting in the darkness for the demon. This demon was a shadow creature serving the Lord of Demons, Raven. Death held no grudges against him, but anyone who attempted to disrupt the balance between realms would ultimately face death.
Death didn't have to wait long. Soon, a faint rustling in the forest indicated that his prey was nearby. The demon moved swiftly, maneuvering with agility through the shadows. However, as a creature of the night, Death could easily see him.
Before Death could act, more rustling leaves broke the silence. Suddenly, the moonlight illuminated the trail, leaving the demon stunned in its glow.
Confused, the demon sensed danger in Death's presence, as all mortals did. Yet, Death was not the source of his immediate fear. It was the one who was chasing him, a being capable of bending the laws of nature at will. Death found some amusement in this new presence, eagerly anticipating the reveal of this mysterious individual.
Moments later, a girl in her late teens came into view. Her brown eyes complemented her black hair, and her smooth, flawless skin glowed with vitality. Dressed in semi-formal attire, she exuded a confidence that belied her youthful age and suggested significant experience and magical prowess. She walked with deliberate precision, as if she had planned each step. A thin, long sword rested casually in her hand, while a smirk played on her soft lips.
"Finally, I found you. Do you have any last wishes?" she asked, her voice dripping with confidence and coldness. The demon felt a surge of fear. The beautiful girl radiated an aura of strong magic, power, and wealth. Even Death would hesitate to cross her.
"This book belongs to us. You people of Eidolon are the true thieves. I was sent to retrieve this book because it was ours from the start. Death is our notorious god. So, yes, this book rightfully belongs to us," the demon said, hesitating.
Suddenly, Death felt a pang of pain in its chest. It had wronged the demons by eliminating half of their population, including their supreme leader. Yet this demon regarded Death as its god.
The girl's smirk faded into a pained smile. "The same god that killed half of its followers. I still don't understand why you continue to worship it as a deity."
The demon had no response. He glanced at his hands, clutching the book, and said, "Whatever. Just get it over with."
"I don't want to kill you. But I've been ordered to eliminate the demon on the spot. And I bet you have a much worse death waiting back home if you return empty-handed. So, it's better for you to die at my hands," the girl replied, looking at him with pity.
The demon handed the book back, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Yes."
As soon as the word left his lips, the girl unsheathed her sword, and the demon's body lay lifeless the next moment. She swiftly cleaned her sword of blood and sheathed it again. Turning on her heels, she began to walk away, leaving his body behind.
Death whispered into the silence, "Rest in peace." Before the girl could leave, she paused and looked directly at the spot where Death was hidden in the dark. Then, she continued on her way, leaving Death to ponder its past choices.