The air had become suffocating. Demons surrounded Zephir, Zeldris, and Gelda, their dark auras crackling. Only silence remained—until Zephir began to laugh.
A dry, bitter laugh.
"Hahaha… Seriously? You want me to kill Zeldris, the Demon King, and take his place? For you?"
The laughter faded.
"And why would I do that? What's in it for me? Why should I obey you, Néo?"
The demon's grin widened, twisted and cruel.
"Because Zeldris is a traitor," he said. "He betrayed our race. He helped his brother—Meliodas—and the Seven Deadly Sins defeat their father… our father. The former Demon King! The one who would have led us to supremacy over Britannia!"
Zephir's eyes narrowed. He could barely believe what he was hearing.
"All this… for some twisted conquest fantasy? That's your grand plan? Pathetic."
But Néo remained unmoved.
"You can think what you want. I won't stand by and watch a Demon King who believes in peace and love. Zeldris has betrayed our pride."
He snapped his fingers.
A woman appeared, carrying an infant in her arms. Beside her, Rebecca stumbled forward, pushed by a cruel demon hand.
Zephir's blood froze.
"Miranda… my son… Rebecca…"
Néo stepped forward, blade drawn, placing it under Miranda's throat. The baby began to wail. Rebecca sobbed, trembling.
"So, Zephir… still refusing? Or would you prefer to watch your precious family die, right here, right now?"
Zeldris growled, fists clenched in fury.
"You bastard—"
But before he could move, Zephir struck first—his fist crashing into Zeldris's chest with a thunderous blow.
BAM!
Zeldris crashed into the rubble, rolling violently. Gelda screamed, "Zel!"
Zeldris rose slowly, eyes cold.
"Zephir… what are you doing?!"
Zephir, eyes brimming with tears, replied:
"I'm sorry, Zeldris… but I can't risk losing them. Please… try to understand…"
Zeldris stared at him for a moment.
Then he said softly:
"…I do."
The demon mark appeared on Zeldris's forehead. His power surged, aura crackling like lightning.
"But I won't let you kill me."
The battle began.
The ruins quaked with each clash of blade and fist. Their swords sparked and screamed. Dark magic carved craters into the earth. Even without activating his demonic form, Zephir drove Zeldris back with terrifying strength.
Zeldris hissed as blood trickled from a fresh cut across his cheek.
"Tch… Even like this, he's strong enough to wound me."
If he'd grown up with Meliodas and me… he might've led the Ten Commandments.
But there was no time for reflection.
Zephir blurred forward—his blade pressed against Zeldris's neck.
"You let your guard down."
"Try me," Zeldris snapped, dodging the strike with a flash step.
Nearby, Miranda clutched her baby tightly. Rebecca screamed, tears falling.
"Papa, STOP!!"
Gelda stood back, watching helplessly—Zeldris had ordered her not to interfere.
Néo, growing impatient, raised his hand.
"They're too slow. Let's see if this motivates him."
A magic circle formed in the air—aimed directly at Miranda and the children.
Gelda gasped.
"No! Don't—!"
Miranda shielded the children with her body.
Zephir turned, sensing it too late.
"NO!! DON'T YOU TOUCH THEM!!"
He ran, faster than ever before—faster than pain, faster than reason.
Too slow.
Néo unleashed the spell.
"NOOOOO—!!"
An explosion rocked the ruins.
But suddenly—a flash of light erupted.
The spell was repelled—violently—striking Néo in return. He staggered, eyes wide.
Ash swirled through the air.
And in the dead silence…
A familiar voice rang out.
"Well, well… looks like I made it just in time."
Zephir froze.
Tears welled in his eyes.
"You're finally here…"
Meliodas stood at the edge of the ruins, sword drawn, expression grim—and ready to fight.