The four of them stood quietly at the entrance of the village.
For several long moments...
No one spoke.
Compared to the endless silence of the Ancient Forest...
Mayana Village felt alive.
Children laughed as they chased one another through the streets.
Blacksmiths hammered glowing steel inside their workshops.
Merchants loudly advertised fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods.
The scent of warm bread drifted from a nearby bakery.
Smoke rose peacefully from dozens of chimneys.
It was ordinary.
Peaceful.
And somehow...
It felt almost unfamiliar.
Aizen quietly looked around.
"...It's been a long time."
Lyra glanced toward him.
"You've been to a human village before?"
He nodded slowly.
"When I was very young."
"...Before everything happened."
His voice grew quieter near the end.
Lyra understood immediately.
He wasn't talking about the Ancient Forest.
He was remembering the Black Lion Estate.
She chose not to say anything.
Some wounds healed with time.
Others...
Simply became easier to carry.
Mikaela's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Woah..."
"There are so many people!"
Theodore looked around in complete amazement.
"And look!"
"They're selling candy!"
His eyes practically shone.
Aizen laughed.
"I guess you're still a kid after all."
The little angel puffed out his cheeks.
"I-I'm seventeen!"
Mikaela immediately smacked the back of his head.
"No you're not."
"You've only lived for six years."
"Oh..."
"...Right."
Aizen and Lyra couldn't help but laugh.
The twins joined in as well.
Their laughter blended naturally with the lively sounds of the village.
As they walked toward the entrance...
Several villagers turned to look at them.
Most simply smiled politely.
Travelers weren't uncommon.
However...
A few couldn't help but stare a little longer.
A silver-haired young woman dressed elegantly.
A black lion beastman carrying a mysterious black spear.
And beside them...
A young demon girl and an angel boy walking together as siblings.
It wasn't a group people saw every day.
An elderly merchant stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"That's certainly an unusual party."
His wife smiled warmly.
"They look like good children."
"I wonder where they've come from."
Aizen noticed the curious stares but paid them little attention.
After everything he had been through...
Being looked at was hardly worth worrying about.
Theodore, on the other hand...
Immediately hid behind Aizen's back.
"...They're looking at us."
Aizen smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry."
"They're just curious."
Mikaela gently took her brother's hand.
"We're safe now."
Theodore nodded.
"...Okay."
The four continued walking deeper into the village.
Stone-paved roads replaced the dirt paths beneath their feet.
Flower boxes decorated the windows of small wooden homes.
Colorful banners fluttered gently overhead.
Even the atmosphere felt warmer.
Peaceful.
Hopeful.
Lyra quietly looked around.
"...This village is well maintained."
"There aren't many signs of poverty."
Aizen nodded.
"The people here seem happy."
Just then...
A loud voice echoed across the marketplace.
"Fresh bread!"
"Straight from the oven!"
"Only five copper coins!"
Theodore's stomach growled loudly.
"..."
Everyone looked at him.
His face instantly turned bright red.
"I-I wasn't hungry..."
Mikaela crossed her arms.
"...Theo."
"...Your stomach just betrayed you."
Lyra covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Aizen chuckled before reaching into the small pouch attached to his belt.
Inside were several silver and copper coins they had brought from the dungeon and the magical cabin before leaving.
He smiled at the twins.
"Come on."
"I think we've earned a proper meal."
Theodore's eyes widened.
"Really?"
Mikaela immediately bowed.
"W-We couldn't possibly—"
Aizen gently interrupted her.
"You can."
"Think of it as celebrating our first day traveling together."
The little demon girl's eyes began to glisten once more.
"...Thank you..."
She whispered softly.
For the second time that day...
She found herself wondering if meeting Aizen and Lyra truly had been fate.
Because for the first time in years...
The future no longer felt frightening.
It felt...
Warm.
The four of them made their way toward the lively marketplace.
The aroma of freshly baked bread grew stronger with every step, mixing with the scent of grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and sweet pastries.
Merchants enthusiastically called out to passing customers while children laughed as they chased one another between the stalls.
For Mikaela and Theodore...
It felt like an entirely different world.
Their wide eyes darted from one shop to another, unable to hide their amazement.
"So many people..."
Theodore whispered in awe.
"And so much food..."
Mikaela nodded repeatedly.
"I've never seen a village this lively before."
Aizen smiled faintly as he watched the twins admire everything around them.
"They've probably spent most of their lives hiding..."
he thought.
"Even something this ordinary feels extraordinary to them."
Without saying anything, he led everyone toward the bakery.
The elderly baker greeted them with a cheerful smile.
"Welcome!"
"Fresh bread just came out of the oven!"
"What can I get for you?"
Aizen glanced at the display.
Golden loaves lined the shelves, still steaming from the heat of the oven.
Beside them were meat pies, sweet rolls glazed with honey, buttered buns, and small fruit pastries.
Theodore's eyes practically sparkled.
"...Everything looks delicious..."
Mikaela quickly covered his mouth before he embarrassed himself.
"S-Sorry..."
she apologized.
Aizen couldn't help but laugh.
"I'll take four buttered loaves..."
"And four meat pies."
The baker nodded happily.
"Excellent choice!"
He carefully wrapped everything inside clean cloth before handing it over.
"That'll be one silver and eight copper."
Aizen paid without hesitation.
The old baker smiled warmly.
"Thank you very much."
"I hope you enjoy your meal."
As soon as they stepped away from the stall, Aizen handed a loaf and meat pie to each of the twins.
Mikaela stared at the warm bread in disbelief.
"...For us?"
Aizen nodded.
"Eat while it's still warm."
For a brief moment...
Neither Mikaela nor Theodore moved.
Then...
Both quietly whispered together.
"...Thank you."
They carefully took small bites.
The moment the warm bread melted in their mouths...
Their eyes widened.
"It's so soft..."
Theodore mumbled.
"And the meat..."
Mikaela added.
"It's amazing..."
Lyra smiled gently as she watched them.
"...They're enjoying it."
Aizen nodded.
"That's enough for me."
The two children finished their meal surprisingly quickly.
Theodore even licked the last few crumbs from his fingers.
"...That was the best bread I've ever eaten."
Mikaela giggled.
"You always say that whenever you're hungry."
"...Because it's true."
Their laughter made both Aizen and Lyra smile.
For the first time since meeting the twins...
The fear had completely disappeared from their faces.
Instead...
They looked exactly like children their age should.
Happy.
Carefree.
Full of life.
As they continued walking through the bustling streets...
Lyra quietly stepped beside Aizen.
"...You're good with children."
Aizen blinked.
"...Am I?"
She nodded.
"You don't even realize you're doing it."
"You naturally make them feel safe."
Aizen scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"I don't know about that."
"I just don't like seeing children suffer."
For a brief instant...
Images of the destroyed Black Lion Estate flashed across his mind.
The frightened faces...
The flames...
The screams...
He silently pushed the memories away.
He still hadn't told Lyra anything about the strange dreams that had returned the previous night.
Nor about Raizen.
Nor about Miyako.
Those memories...
Were his burden to carry.
At least for now.
Lyra noticed the brief change in his expression.
"...He's thinking about something again..."
she thought.
"But..."
Just as before...
She chose not to ask.
When Aizen was ready...
He would tell her himself.
Until then...
She would simply remain by his side.
Together, the four travelers continued deeper into Mayana Village...
Unaware that this peaceful stop would soon become the beginning of another unforgettable chapter in their journey.
The deeper they ventured into Mayana Village...
The livelier the streets became.
Wooden carts rolled slowly along the stone-paved roads as merchants advertised their goods with cheerful voices.
"Fresh apples!"
"Fine leather armor!"
"Medicinal herbs gathered this morning!"
Children ran between the stalls while their parents laughed and called after them.
It was a peaceful scene.
One that Aizen hadn't witnessed in years.
"...It's nice."
His quiet voice barely rose above the bustling marketplace.
Lyra glanced at him.
"It is."
"For somewhere so close to the Ancient Forest..."
"I expected a much harsher settlement."
Aizen nodded.
"The village chief must be doing a good job."
As they continued walking, Theodore suddenly tugged on Aizen's sleeve.
"Mister Aizen..."
"Hm?"
"Why is everyone smiling?"
Aizen looked around.
Families shopped together.
Friends chatted in front of small cafés.
Blacksmiths proudly displayed newly forged weapons.
No one looked afraid.
"...Because they're at peace."
Theodore tilted his head.
"...Peace?"
Aizen smiled gently.
"It means they don't have to worry about monsters attacking today."
"They don't have to fear war."
"They don't have to wonder if they'll still be alive tomorrow."
The little angel quietly absorbed every word.
"...So..."
"This is what peace looks like."
Aizen nodded.
"...Yeah."
"I hope one day..."
"You'll be able to live somewhere like this forever."
Theodore's innocent smile returned.
"I'd like that."
Beside them, Mikaela quietly lowered her gaze.
"...Me too."
Lyra noticed the slight sadness hidden behind her smile.
She gently placed a hand on the little demon girl's shoulder.
"You will."
Mikaela looked up.
"...Really?"
Lyra smiled with quiet confidence.
"As long as you keep moving forward..."
"You'll find a place where you belong."
Those words carried more meaning than anyone realized.
Lyra herself was still searching for that place.
She had abandoned her homeland.
Left behind her title.
Walked away from everything she had once known.
Yet somehow...
Walking beside Aizen...
She no longer felt lost.
Just then—
A loud rumbling echoed through the village square.
Rrrrrrrumble...
Theodore blinked.
"...Was that thunder?"
Aizen looked toward the clear blue sky.
"...No."
"There aren't any clouds."
The rumbling came again.
Even louder this time.
Villagers slowly turned toward the center of town.
Curious murmurs spread through the marketplace.
"...What's happening?"
"Is something coming?"
"Did a wagon overturn?"
Aizen's ears twitched
His instincts sharpened immediately.
"...That..."
"...doesn't sound normal."
Lyra tightened her grip on her staff.
"I feel mana..."
"A surprisingly large amount of it."
The peaceful atmosphere from moments earlier began to shift.
Conversations slowly died down.
The marketplace grew unusually quiet.
Then—
A frightened scream echoed across the village.
"Someone call the guards!!"
"It's gone berserk!!"
Aizen's golden eyes narrowed.
Without another word...
He immediately broke into a sprint toward the source of the commotion.
"Aizen!"
Lyra called as she hurried after him.
Mikaela grabbed Theodore's hand.
"Stay close!"
The twins quickly followed behind.
None of them knew exactly what awaited them ahead...
Only that the peaceful day they had just begun enjoying...
Was about to be interrupted once again.
Aizen rushed through the crowded streets like a streak of black lightning.
The startled villagers instinctively stepped aside, creating a path before him.
Lyra followed closely behind, her white robes fluttering in the wind as she kept pace with surprising ease.
Behind them, Mikaela held Theodore's hand tightly.
"Don't let go!"
"I won't!"
The twins hurried after them as fast as their little legs could manage.
Another loud crash echoed across the village.
CRAAASH!!
Wood splintered.
People screamed.
The moment Aizen rounded the next street...
He immediately understood what had happened.
A large carriage had been overturned in the middle of the road.
Broken crates lay scattered everywhere.
Fruits and vegetables rolled across the stone pavement.
Several horses had broken free from their harnesses and fled in panic.
At the center of the destruction...
A massive crimson-furred boar stood snorting violently.
Its enormous tusks were stained with fresh blood from the cuts it had received while smashing through the wagon.
Its bloodshot eyes darted wildly in every direction.
Foam dripped from its mouth.
Its breathing was erratic.
"...It's berserk..."
Lyra whispered as she arrived beside Aizen.
He immediately noticed something strange.
"...No."
"...Something forced it into that state."
Lyra's eyes widened.
"You noticed it too?"
Aizen nodded.
"Look at its mana."
Although violent...
The mana surrounding the beast wasn't natural.
It fluctuated unnaturally, as though something foreign had invaded its body.
Dark crimson energy pulsed beneath its skin.
Each pulse made the creature roar louder.
"ROOOOOAAARRR!!"
The beast charged again.
Villagers scattered in terror.
"Run!"
"It's coming this way!"
A little boy stumbled and fell onto the road.
His mother screamed.
"Leon!"
She tried to reach him...
But the berserk boar was already charging straight toward the child.
The distance closed rapidly.
Twenty meters.
Fifteen.
Ten.
The villagers shut their eyes.
Some couldn't bear to watch.
Then—
A black blur flashed across the street.
BOOM!!
The ground shattered beneath Aizen's feet.
Before anyone realized what had happened...
He was already standing between the child and the charging monster.
His black spear rested calmly in one hand.
His golden eyes never left the beast.
Behind him, the little boy stared upward in complete shock.
"M-Mister...?"
Without turning around...
Aizen spoke calmly.
"Stay behind me."
His voice wasn't loud.
Yet somehow...
It instantly calmed the terrified child.
The berserk boar let out another deafening roar as it continued charging forward.
Its enormous tusks lowered.
Its massive body shook the ground with every step.
Aizen slowly exhaled.
"...Looks like..."
He tightened his grip around the black spear.
"...our peaceful day is officially over."
The monster closed the final few meters.
And with a thunderous roar...
It lunged directly at him.
ROOOOOOOOAAARRR!!
The monstrous boar lunged forward with terrifying force.
Its gigantic tusks tore through the air like sharpened blades, aiming straight for Aizen.
The impact alone would have been enough to crush an ordinary adventurer.
But Aizen never moved.
He stood perfectly still.
His golden eyes remained fixed on the raging beast.
"..."
Then—
He took a single stepp.
BOOM!!
The stone road beneath his feet cracked apart.
In one smooth motion, Aizen raised his black spear and caught both tusks head-on.
CLAAAAANG!!
A deafening metallic crash echoed throughout the village.
A powerful shockwave burst outward, sending dust and loose stones flying across the street.
The villagers gasped.
"W-What?!"
"He...!"
"He stopped it?!"
The massive boar pushed forward with all its strength.
Its muscles bulged violently beneath its crimson hide.
Its hooves dug deep grooves into the stone pavement.
Yet...
It couldn't move Aizen even a single step.
The young Black Lion stood like an immovable mountain.
His arms didn't tremble.
His breathing remained steady.
"...You're stronger than an ordinary monster."
he muttered quietly.
"But you're still..."
His grip tightened.
"...not strong enough."
With a sudden twist of his spear—
BANG!!
The enormous beast was thrown sideways.
Its massive body crashed through several empty wooden carts before rolling across the marketplace.
Wood exploded into splinters.
Dust filled the air.
Silence.
Complete silence.
The villagers stared in disbelief.
"...He..."
"...He threw it..."
"...With one arm..."
Even the village guards who had just arrived froze where they stood.
One of them slowly lowered his sword.
"...Who is that young man?"
Lyra smiled faintly.
"...That's Aizen."
She had seen his strength countless times during the past three years.
Yet somehow...
He continued surpassing her expectations.
Behind her, Theodore's mouth hung wide open.
"...Amazing..."
Mikaela nodded rapidly.
"I told you..."
"Mister Aizen is incredible."
The boar slowly climbed back to its feet.
Blood dripped from several fresh wounds where broken wagon pieces had pierced its hide.
Its breathing became even more frantic.
The crimson aura surrounding its body intensified.
Dark veins spread beneath its skin.
Lyra's expression immediately changed.
"...That's not normal."
She focused her mana, observing the creature more carefully.
Then her eyes widened.
"...Aizen!"
"Something is lodged inside its chest!"
Aizen narrowed his eyes.
"...Inside its chest?"
"It isn't berserk naturally."
Lyra nodded.
"I can sense a foreign source of mana."
"It's forcing the beast into a frenzy."
Aizen's expression hardened.
"So..."
"This creature is a victim too."
He slowly lowered his spear into a ready stance.
"...Then I can't kill it."
The boar roared once more.
Its blood-red eyes locked onto Aizen with overwhelming hatred.
Then...
Its body became enveloped in violent crimson mana.
The ground beneath its hooves exploded.
BOOOOM!!
It charged again—
Faster than before.
And this time...
The real battle began.
The crimson-furred boar became nothing more than a scarlet blur.
Its massive body tore through the marketplace like a raging avalanche.
The shattered stone beneath its hooves exploded with every step.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The villagers screamed as they fled behind nearby buildings.
Village guards quickly formed a defensive line.
"Protect the civilians!"
"Get everyone away from the square!"
The captain immediately noticed Aizen standing alone before the charging beast.
"...Young man!"
"Fall back!"
"We'll handle it!"
Aizen never looked away from the monster.
"...No."
His calm voice reached the captain.
"You'll only get yourselves killed."
The guards froze.
There was no arrogance in his words.
Only certainty.
The boar was already within striking distance.
Its enormous tusks gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.
ROOOOOOAAARRR!!
Aizen inhaled slowly.
His Golden Heart pulsed once.
THUMP.
A faint current of blue lightning danced around his body.
The wind surrounding the marketplace shifted.
Dust spiraled around his feet.
His black hair fluttered gently despite the monster's violent charge.
Then—
He vanished.
WHOOSH!!
The boar slammed into empty air.
BOOOOOOM!!
Its tusks smashed through a stone fountain, reducing it to rubble.
Water erupted high into the sky.
The beast roared furiously, unable to find its target.
Aizen had already appeared beside it.
"...Too reckless."
His spear flashed once.
SLASH!
A shallow cut opened across the monster's shoulder.
Dark crimson energy burst from the wound instead of ordinary blood.
The boar shrieked in agony.
Lyra immediately noticed it.
"...The corruption."
"It reacted."
Aizen landed lightly several meters away.
"So that's where it's spreading from..."
His golden eyes carefully studied the beast.
Every movement.
Every breath.
Every pulse of crimson mana.
Then...
He saw it.
Beneath the cracked skin near the creature's chest...
Something glowed.
A tiny fragment of black crystal.
It pulsed together with the crimson aura.
"...Found you."
The boar suddenly turned toward him again.
Its blood-red eyes no longer held only rage.
Now...
They carried pain.
Aizen quietly tightened his grip around his spear.
"...You're suffering..."
"I'm going to end that."
Not by taking your life...
But by saving it.
The beast roared one final time before charging once more.
This time...
Aizen charged forward as well.
One black figure.
One crimson beast.
Both rushed toward each other through the ruined marketplace—
Their next clash threatening to decide the outcome of the entire battle.
The distance between them disappeared in an instant.
The crimson boar lowered its head and charged with enough force to shatter stone.
Aizen sprinted forward without hesitation.
The wind screamed around him.
His black spear gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.
Behind them, the villagers watched with bated breath.
No one dared speak.
No one dared move.
Their eyes remained fixed on the approaching collision.
Twenty meters.
Ten.
Five.
Then—
BOOOOOOM!!
A powerful shockwave erupted across the marketplace.
Dust exploded outward.
Broken stones flew through the air.
For a brief moment...
Nobody could see what had happened.
Then the dust began to settle.
And the villagers gasped.
Aizen hadn't attacked the beast's head.
Nor had he aimed for its heart.
Instead...
The shaft of his spear was wedged between the monster's tusks.
He had diverted its charge at the very last second.
The boar skidded violently across the stone road.
Its enormous body smashed through a merchant stall before finally coming to a stop.
Aizen landed gracefully several meters away.
His eyes never left the creature.
"...The crystal is moving."
Lyra immediately understood.
"The corruption is reacting to your attacks."
Aizen nodded.
"The more pressure I put on it..."
"The more exposed it becomes."
The black crystal lodged within the boar's chest was no longer hidden.
Thin cracks had begun spreading across its dark surface.
Crimson mana leaked from those cracks like poisonous smoke.
The boar let out a painful cry.
Not a roar.
A cry.
Almost as if it were begging for help.
The sound made several villagers lower their weapons.
Even the guards hesitated.
"...It's suffering."
One guard muttered.
Aizen slowly stepped forward.
"I know."
The boar staggered to its feet once again.
Its legs trembled.
Its breathing grew uneven.
Yet the crystal continued forcing it forward.
Forcing it to fight.
Forcing it to suffer.
Aizen's expression darkened.
"...Whoever did this..."
His grip tightened around the spear.
"...I won't forgive them."
The black crystal suddenly pulsed.
THUMP.
Then again.
THUMP.
The corruption surrounding the boar exploded outward.
Crimson energy surged across the marketplace.
Windows shattered.
Market stalls collapsed.
Several villagers cried out in fear.
Lyra immediately raised her staff.
"Barrier!"
A dome of blue mana appeared around the nearest civilians, shielding them from the violent shockwave.
Mikaela and Theodore stared wide-eyed from behind her.
"What is that thing?"
Mikaela whispered.
Lyra's expression remained serious.
"...Something dangerous."
"Very dangerous."
At the center of the crimson storm...
The boar's body began changing.
Its muscles expanded unnaturally.
Dark veins spread across its entire body.
Its tusks grew larger.
Sharper.
Even its roar became distorted.
A mixture of beast and something far more sinister.
ROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!!!
The villagers' faces turned pale.
The captain of the guards clenched his sword tightly.
"...It's evolving."
Aizen narrowed his eyes.
"No."
"It's being forced beyond its limits."
The black crystal wasn't merely controlling the beast anymore.
It was consuming it.
And if it continued...
The boar would die.
Aizen slowly lowered his stance.
The wind around him began to gather once more.
Blue lightning danced faintly across the black spear.
His golden eyes shone brilliantly.
"...Then I only have one option."
The air itself seemed to tense.
Even Lyra felt the pressure rising.
"...Aizen?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I'll destroy the crystal..."
"...before it destroys the boar."
And with that—
The future Black Lion of legend stepped forward once more.
Ready to end the battle. The corrupted boar lowered its massive head once again.
Its blood-red eyes no longer reflected rage alone.
There was fear.
Pain.
And a desperate plea for someone to end its suffering.
Aizen met its gaze without flinching.
"...Hang on."
"I'll free you."
The monster let out another deafening roar.
ROOOOAAARRR!!
Its enlarged body surged forward like an avalanche, leaving deep cracks in the stone streets of Mayana Village.
Each step sent vibrations through the ground.
Nearby houses shook.
Several villagers instinctively ducked behind walls.
The village guards tightened their formation, but none of them dared interfere.
The battle had already surpassed their abilities.
Only Aizen stood calmly in the monster's path.
His breathing remained steady.
His grip upon the black spear relaxed instead of tightening.
"...One strike."
He quietly whispered to himself.
"I only need one clean opening."
Blue currents of mana gathered around the spear's blade.
Unlike before...
The mana wasn't violent.
It flowed with astonishing precision.
Every ounce of power was compressed into a single point.
Lyra immediately noticed the change.
"...He's controlling every bit of his mana..."
Her ocean-blue eyes widened slightly.
"So that's what he was practicing for the past three years..."
She had watched Aizen train day after day.
Rain.
Snow.
Blazing heat.
He had never once stopped.
Now...
She was finally witnessing the results of that relentless effort.
The boar closed the distance.
Twenty meters.
Fifteen.
Ten.
Its enormous tusks gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.
Aizen didn't move.
Five meters.
The villagers held their breath.
Three meters.
One meter.
Then—
THUMP.
His Golden Heart pulsed.
Time itself seemed to slow.
The roaring beast.
The swirling crimson mana.
The frightened villagers.
Everything became crystal clear within Aizen's vision.
"There..."
He saw it.
The black crystal hidden beneath layers of flesh.
Its rhythm.
Its flow of mana.
Its exact location.
Aizen smiled faintly.
"...Found your weakness."
His body vanished.
BOOM!!
The stone beneath his feet exploded into fragments.
The corrupted boar charged straight through the place where he had been standing.
"...Where did he go?!"
A guard shouted.
The answer came from above.
Aizen appeared high in the air.
The afternoon sunlight reflected brilliantly off his black spear.
He held it with both hands.
Point aimed directly downward.
Straight toward the crystal embedded inside the beast's chest.
The boar instinctively looked up.
Its crimson eyes widened.
For the first time since the battle began...
The monster looked afraid.
Aizen calmly inhaled.
The surrounding wind spiraled around the spear.
Blue lightning danced across its blade.
The atmosphere trembled beneath the concentrated mana.
Even Lyra instinctively stepped back.
"...That technique..."
She had never seen him use it before.
Aizen's voice echoed throughout the marketplace.
Clear.
Calm.
And unwavering.
"Storm Piercer."
With a single powerful motion—
He descended like a bolt of lightning from the heavens.
The spear streaked downward in a brilliant arc of blue and black light.
The entire village watched in stunned silence.
The deciding blow...
Had finally been unleashed.
The world seemed to stop.
Every eye in the marketplace followed the streak of blue lightning descending from the sky.
The corrupted boar roared desperately.
ROOOOAAARRR!!
Crimson mana erupted violently from its body.
The black crystal sensed the danger.
It instinctively tried to protect itself.
Dark tendrils of corrupted mana burst from the beast's chest, intertwining around the crystal like countless black serpents.
They formed a thick barrier.
A final defense.
Aizen's golden eyes remained calm.
"...It really is alive."
The realization only strengthened his resolve.
The spear continued descending.
Faster.
Faster.
Until—
BOOOOOOOM!!
The tip of the black spear struck the barrier.
A deafening explosion echoed across the entire village.
A violent shockwave spread through the marketplace, forcing nearby villagers to shield their faces.
The ground fractured.
Windows rattled.
Dust erupted into the sky.
For a brief moment...
No one could see anything.
Only the sound of crackling lightning echoed through the smoke.
Then—
CRACK...
A faint sound emerged from within the dust cloud.
Followed by another.
CRACK...
Tiny fractures spread across the black crystal.
Its crimson glow flickered violently.
The boar cried out in agony.
Not from Aizen's attack...
But from the crystal desperately trying to cling to its host.
Aizen landed lightly upon the beast's back.
His spear remained embedded only a few inches above the crystal.
"...Almost..."
He whispered.
The corrupted mana immediately surged upward.
Countless black tendrils lashed toward him.
Like living whips.
Trying to tear him away.
Aizen reacted instantly.
Blue lightning erupted around his body.
CRACKLE!!
Every tendril that touched the lightning dissolved into black smoke.
Lyra watched from below.
"...He's suppressing corrupted mana with lightning..."
She had never imagined such precise control was possible.
Even the village guards stared in complete disbelief.
"...That young man..."
"...Who is he?"
The captain could barely believe his own eyes.
Most adventurers would have slain the beast without hesitation.
Yet Aizen continued risking himself...
Simply to save it.
High above the marketplace...
The black crystal trembled violently.
Its cracks widened.
The crimson aura surrounding the boar weakened noticeably.
The beast's breathing slowed.
Its blood-red eyes flickered.
For the briefest moment...
The original brown color of its eyes returned.
It looked directly at Aizen.
There was no hatred anymore.
Only gratitude.
As if the creature understood what he was trying to do.
Aizen smiled softly.
"...Just a little longer."
He tightened both hands around the spear.
Blue lightning gathered once more.
Not wildly.
But with perfect precision.
Every strand of mana flowed directly into the spear's tip.
The wind around the village began circling faster.
Leaves danced through the air.
Even the clouds above slowly gathered.
The atmosphere itself answered his mana.
Then—
Aizen took one deep breath.
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"...Break."
With all of his strength...
He drove the spear forward.
The tip pierced through the final layer protecting the crystal.
CRAAAAACK!!
A sharp, crystal-like sound echoed throughout the village.
The black crystal shattered into countless fragments of dark light.
At that exact moment—
The crimson aura surrounding the boar exploded outward before dissolving into the wind like scattered ashes.
Silence.
Complete silence.
The enormous beast stood motionless.
Its body trembled once.
Twice.
Then...
The corruption disappeared completely.
Its blood-red eyes slowly returned to their natural warm brown.
The dark veins faded from beneath its skin.
Its enlarged muscles gradually returned to normal.
The monstrous roar vanished.
Instead...
The exhausted boar released a soft, weary snort.
"...Grr..."
Its massive legs finally gave out.
The creature slowly collapsed onto the stone street.
Not dead.
Only asleep.
Aizen gently pulled his spear free before jumping down beside it.
He rested one hand against the boar's forehead.
"...You're free now."
A gentle breeze swept through Mayana Village.
The oppressive feeling that had filled the marketplace moments earlier...
Had completely vanished.
And for the first time since the battle began...
The villagers erupted into thunderous applause.
The cheers echoed throughout the marketplace.
"What incredible spearsmanship!"
"He actually saved it instead of killing it!"
"I've never seen anything like that before!"
"The young man defeated a berserk monster without taking its life..."
People who had hidden inside their homes slowly stepped outside.
Merchants.
Farmers.
Travelers.
Even children.
All of them stared at the black lion beastman standing quietly beside the sleeping boar.
Aizen looked around awkwardly.
"...Why is everyone clapping?"
One elderly villager laughed warmly.
"Because you saved all of us, young man."
Another merchant nodded enthusiastically.
"And you even saved the beast."
"Not many adventurers would've done that."
"They would've killed it without hesitation."
Aizen scratched the back of his head
"I only did what I thought was right."
Nearby, the little boy he had protected earlier slowly approached while holding tightly onto his mother's hand.
His tiny legs trembled with every step.
When he finally stood in front of Aizen...
He bowed as deeply as a child could.
"...Thank you, Mister."
His mother quickly bowed as well.
"You saved my son's life."
"I... I don't know how we'll ever repay you."
Aizen immediately waved both hands.
"Please don't worry about that."
"I'm just glad both of you are safe."
The little boy smiled brightly.
"When I grow up..."
"I want to become strong like you!"
Aizen blinked before smiling.
"Then train hard."
"But don't become strong just to fight."
"Become strong..."
"So you can protect the people precious to you."
The little boy nodded with determination.
"I will!"
Behind them...
Lyra watched the exchange quietly.
A gentle smile naturally formed on her lips.
"...He's always like this."
No matter how powerful Aizen became...
He never sought praise.
Never demanded recognition.
He simply helped others because he believed it was the right thing to do.
Perhaps...
That was what made him different from so many others.
The captain of the village guards finally approached.
He stopped a respectful distance away before giving Aizen a formal salute.
"My name is Captain Roland."
"On behalf of everyone in Mayana Village..."
"You have my deepest gratitude."
Aizen returned a polite nod.
"I'm happy we arrived in time."
Captain Roland looked toward the sleeping boar.
"I've never seen corruption like this before."
He frowned.
"That crystal..."
"...Do you know what it was?"
Aizen slowly shook his head.
"...No."
"But someone deliberately placed it inside this creature."
Lyra stepped beside him.
"And whoever did it possesses dangerous knowledge of mana."
"It wasn't an accident."
Her words caused the surrounding guards to exchange uneasy glances.
Captain Roland folded his arms.
"So..."
"Someone created this incident."
Aizen's expression grew serious.
"...Which means..."
"They could do it again."
The cheerful atmosphere quieted.
Everyone understood the implication.
If one corrupted beast had reached the village...
Another might appear someday.
Captain Roland nodded firmly.
"We'll report everything to the lord immediately."
"If someone is truly responsible..."
"We'll find them."
Aizen looked once more at the sleeping boar.
For a brief moment...
He remembered the sorrow he had seen in its eyes before the crystal shattered.
It hadn't wanted to fight.
It had simply been forced to.
His grip unconsciously tightened around his spear.
"...Whoever's behind this..."
He whispered quietly enough that only he could hear.
"I'll stop them."
Because no living creature...
Should ever be turned into a weapon against its own will.
Unaware that fate had already begun moving once again...
The four travelers stood in the center of Mayana Village.
Their peaceful journey...
Was about to become far more complicated.
Captain Roland ordered several guards to carefully move the unconscious boar to a nearby stable where the village healers could examine it.
"It should recover within a few days," Lyra said after casting a small diagnostic spell.
"The corruption is gone."
"It only needs time to regain its strength."
The captain let out a relieved sigh.
"...That's good to hear."
He turned back toward Aizen and bowed once more.
"You've saved not only our villagers..."
"But this innocent creature as well."
"We'll never forget today's kindness."
Aizen smiled modestly.
"I'm just glad everyone is safe."
As the guards carried the enormous boar away, the lively atmosphere of the marketplace slowly returned.
Merchants reopened their stalls.
Children resumed running through the streets.
The sounds of conversation and laughter gradually replaced the panic from earlier.
Mikaela looked around with sparkling crimson eyes.
"So many people..."
"And they're smiling again."
Theodore nodded happily.
"It's because Mister Aizen saved them."
Aizen immediately shook his head.
"Not just me."
He glanced toward Lyra.
"Lyra protected everyone with her barrier."
Without her magic...
Many villagers would have been injured when the corruption exploded.
Theodore looked at Lyra with admiration.
"Miss Lyra is amazing too!"
Lyra laughed softly.
"I simply did what anyone would have done."
Mikaela crossed her arms with a mischievous grin.
"Nope."
"You two are definitely special."
Aizen and Lyra exchanged awkward smiles.
Before either of them could respond—
A familiar smell drifted through the marketplace.
Freshly grilled meat.
Warm bread.
Sweet pastries cooling on wooden racks.
Theodore's stomach immediately growled again.
Grrrrr...
The little angel froze.
His cheeks slowly turned bright red.
"..."
Mikaela sighed dramatically.
"...Again?"
"I..."
"I used up all my energy watching Mister Aizen fight..."
Aizen couldn't help laughing.
"I suppose saving villages works up an appetite."
Lyra smiled knowingly.
"Then how about we finally find a proper inn?"
She looked toward the bright afternoon sky.
"We've been traveling for several days."
"It would be nice to sleep somewhere other than a tent for one night."
Aizen nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing."
Besides...
The twins deserved a comfortable place to rest after everything they'd been through.
Captain Roland overheard the conversation.
"If you're looking for lodging..."
"I know exactly where you should stay."
The four travelers turned toward him.
"The owner of the Silver Maple Inn is an old friend of mine."
"She's kind."
"Honest."
"And her food is the best in Mayana Village."
Theodore's eyes sparkled.
"...Better than bread?"
The captain laughed loudly.
"Much better."
Mikaela immediately grabbed Theodore's hand.
"Then let's go!"
The little angel nodded excitedly.
"Yes!"
Watching the twins laugh so freely...
Aizen smiled.
Just yesterday...
They had been terrified children running for their lives.
Now...
They were smiling without fear.
Somehow...
That alone made the long journey worthwhile.
Together...
The four travelers followed Captain Roland through the lively streets of Mayana Village.
Completely unaware...
That the peaceful inn awaiting them...
Would soon introduce them to someone who would become another important part of their journey.
Captain Roland led the four travelers deeper into Mayana Village.
The lively marketplace gradually gave way to quieter residential streets lined with neat wooden houses and colorful flower gardens. Stone lanterns decorated the roadside, while children chased each other through the open fields nearby, their cheerful laughter filling the afternoon air.
Compared to the dangers of the Ancient Forest...
This place almost felt like another world.
Mikaela looked around with wide crimson eyes.
"...It's beautiful."
Theodore nodded repeatedly.
"I've never seen so many houses before."
"And everyone looks so happy."
Lyra smiled gently as she observed the peaceful scenery.
"Villages near the Human Domain usually value cooperation."
"Everyone knows each other."
"They help one another whenever someone is in need."
The twins listened attentively.
To them...
Everything was new.
Everything was fascinating.
As they continued walking, several villagers greeted Captain Roland with friendly smiles.
"Captain!"
"Glad to see you're safe!"
"We heard there was a berserk beast!"
Roland laughed heartily.
"There was."
"But thanks to these young travelers..."
"It has already been taken care of."
Almost immediately...
The villagers' attention shifted toward Aizen and Lyra.
A middle-aged baker stepped forward, wiping flour from his hands.
"So these are the ones who saved us?"
He bowed respectfully.
"Our village owes you a great debt."
Aizen quickly shook his head.
"Please, there's no need for that."
"We only happened to be nearby."
The baker smiled warmly.
"Even so..."
"You still chose to help."
"Not everyone would."
One after another...
The villagers offered words of thanks.
Some bowed.
Others simply smiled.
A few children even waved excitedly at Aizen.
Seeing so many grateful faces...
He felt slightly embarrassed.
"...I'm really not used to this."
Lyra couldn't help but giggle.
"You'll have to get used to it eventually."
Aizen blinked.
"Hm?"
She looked at him with a playful smile.
"I have a feeling..."
"This won't be the last village you save."
He laughed awkwardly.
"I'd rather travel peacefully."
"If possible."
Captain Roland chuckled.
"With your strength?"
"I don't think fate is going to make things that easy."
The group shared a quiet laugh.
A few minutes later...
Captain Roland stopped in front of a large two-story building constructed from polished oak wood.
Flower pots decorated the windows.
A beautifully carved silver maple leaf hung above the entrance, gently swaying in the afternoon breeze.
Warm light spilled through the windows.
The delicious aroma of freshly cooked stew drifted outside.
The sign above the entrance read—
Silver Maple Inn.
Roland smiled proudly.
"We're here."
Before anyone could step inside...
The front door suddenly swung open.
A cheerful young woman wearing a white apron stepped outside while carrying a basket filled with freshly baked bread.
She had chestnut-brown hair tied neatly behind her head and gentle emerald-green eyes that immediately brightened upon seeing Captain Roland.
"Oh!"
"Captain Roland!"
She smiled warmly before noticing the four travelers standing behind him.
"And it looks like you've brought guests."
Roland nodded.
"I have."
"They're the ones who saved the village today."
The young woman's eyes widened in surprise.
"So..."
"They're the heroes everyone has been talking about?"
Aizen immediately waved both hands.
"N-No..."
"We're not heroes."
She laughed softly.
"Perhaps not."
"But around here..."
"I think everyone would disagree."
With a graceful bow, she welcomed them inside.
"My name is Elena."
"I'm the owner of the Silver Maple Inn."
"Welcome."
"I hope you'll make yourselves at home."
As the warm atmosphere of the inn embraced the four weary travelers...
None of them realized...
That this peaceful stop in Mayana Village...
Would become the beginning of bonds that would last far longer than any of them expected.
The moment they stepped inside the Silver Maple Inn...
A pleasant warmth embraced the four travelers.
The crackling fireplace illuminated the spacious dining hall with a soft orange glow, while the rich aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted lamb, and simmering vegetable stew filled the air. Merchants chatted happily over mugs of fruit juice and tea, and several adventurers quietly discussed requests they had accepted from the village.
Compared to the dangers of the Ancient Forest...
This place felt peaceful.
Safe.
Theodore's golden eyes sparkled.
"...It smells amazing."
Mikaela nodded enthusiastically.
"I've never smelled this much delicious food before."
Elena smiled warmly.
"Please, have a seat."
"You've all had quite an eventful day."
Captain Roland gave Aizen one final nod before leaving to report the incident involving the corrupted boar to the village lord.
"I'll leave them in your care, Elena."
She smiled.
"You have my word."
Soon...
The four sat around a sturdy wooden table near the fireplace.
Before long, Elena returned carrying several steaming plates.
Fresh vegetable stew.
Slices of roasted lamb seasoned with herbs.
Warm buttered bread.
Fresh fruit.
And chilled spring water.
Theodore stared at the meal in complete amazement.
"...Can..."
"...Can we really eat all of this?"
Elena laughed softly.
"Of course."
"It's my way of thanking the heroes who saved our village."
Aizen smiled awkwardly.
"We really didn't do anything that extraordinary."
Elena simply smiled.
"I think everyone in Mayana Village would disagree."
Theodore needed no further encouragement.
"...I'm eating!"
The little angel immediately picked up a piece of warm bread.
His eyes widened after the very first bite.
"...It's so soft..."
Mikaela quickly tasted the stew.
Her crimson eyes immediately lit up.
"It's delicious!"
Before long...
The four travelers were enjoying their meal together.
For several minutes...
Only the sounds of quiet conversation and happy eating filled the table.
Then...
Lyra gently looked toward the twins.
"You mentioned earlier..."
"That you were trying to reach Mayana Village."
Mikaela's cheerful smile slowly faded.
She quietly placed her spoon down.
"...Yeah."
Aizen also became attentive.
"If you don't mind telling us..."
"What happened?"
The little demon girl looked at Theodore.
The angel boy silently nodded.
Taking a small breath...
Mikaela began speaking.
"...Theo and I are twins."
"Our mother was an angel."
"Our father..."
"...was a demon."
The dining table grew silent.
Even the crackling fireplace seemed quieter.
"They met during the war between the Angel Realm and the Demon Realm."
"They fell in love..."
"...even though everyone believed they should have been enemies."
Theodore lowered his gaze.
"...We don't even know their names."
Mikaela nodded sadly.
"They disappeared when we were still babies."
"We don't know if they're alive..."
"...or already gone."
Aizen quietly listened without interrupting.
Mikaela continued.
"Neither side wanted us."
"The angels called us..."
"'The Burning Curse that climbed into the Sky Lands.'"
She gave a bitter smile.
"They believed demons should never exist among angels."
Theodore quietly clenched his small hands.
"And the demons..."
Mikaela sighed.
"They called us symbols."
"Some believed we were destined to save demonkind."
"Others wanted to use Theodore because angels cannot naturally lie."
"They thought..."
"...they could manipulate the heavens through him."
The little angel lowered his head.
"I didn't understand..."
"...why everyone hated us."
A painful silence settled around the table.
Lyra slowly reached across the table and gently held Mikaela's hand.
"...I'm sorry."
"No child should ever have to experience something like that."
Mikaela smiled weakly.
"We kept moving from place to place."
"Until one day..."
"We found an old letter."
She carefully reached into her small travel pouch and unfolded the now-worn paper.
"It mentioned Mayana Village."
"It said..."
"'If you're ever alone... go there.'"
"So..."
"We started walking."
Theodore smiled brightly.
"And then..."
"We met Mister Aizen!"
Aizen smiled warmly.
"...I'm glad we did."
Theodore nodded enthusiastically.
"Me too!"
The heavy atmosphere slowly disappeared.
Elena, who had quietly listened while serving drinks nearby, smiled gently.
"I think..."
"You've found people who won't leave you alone anymore."
Mikaela looked at Aizen...
Then at Lyra.
A warm smile gradually appeared on her face.
"...I think so too."
The conversation slowly gave way to laughter once more.
Theodore eagerly reached for another piece of bread.
"This bread is amazing!"
Mikaela giggled before taking another bite of the roasted lamb.
"The food here is delicious!"
She happily continued eating before suddenly pointing toward Aizen with a bright smile.
"And we even have a handsome man watching over us!"
Aizen nearly choked on his drink.
"C-Come on..."
"You're embarrassing me."
Lyra covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Aizen smiled awkwardly before replying.
"Well..."
"Keep eating."
"If you eat plenty and train hard..."
"You'll grow strong one day."
Mikaela puffed out her cheeks proudly.
"Then I'll become just as strong as you!"
Without warning...
She suddenly leaned forward and wrapped both arms around Aizen.
"Thank you..."
The unexpected hug completely caught him off guard.
"W-Whoa..."
At the same time...
Lyra froze.
For some reason...
A tiny feeling of jealousy quietly appeared inside her chest.
Before anyone could say anything else...
Theodore, now completely full, slowly leaned against Aizen's shoulder.
"...I'm sleepy..."
Within seconds...
His breathing became slow and peaceful.
He had fallen asleep.
Mikaela looked at her little brother before letting out a small laugh.
"He really can sleep anywhere."
She yawned herself.
"...Me too..."
Before long...
Elena guided the four travelers upstairs to a spacious room prepared for them.
Unlike an ordinary inn room...
It contained four comfortable beds, enough space for everyone to sleep peacefully, and a large window overlooking the quiet streets of Mayana Village.
The children barely had enough energy to change into their nightclothes.
Within minutes...
Mikaela and Theodore were already fast asleep.
Aizen smiled.
"They must've been exhausted."
He quietly lay down on one of the beds.
Not long afterward...
Sleep claimed him as well.
Only Lyra remained awake.
Moonlight streamed gently through the window, illuminating the peaceful room.
She quietly looked toward the sleeping trio.
Then...
Her gaze settled on Aizen.
A small pout appeared on her face.
"...Honestly..."
She walked over to where the twins were sleeping beside him.
Very carefully...
She lifted Theodore into his own bed.
Then Mikaela.
Making sure neither of them woke up.
Only after tucking them in comfortably...
Did she quietly sit beside Aizen.
"...There."
She hesitated.
Her cheeks gradually turned pink.
"...Just for tonight..."
Slowly...
She slipped beneath the blanket beside him.
Then gently rested her head against his chest.
"...Much better..."
Just as she was beginning to close her eyes—
Aizen suddenly stirred.
"...Hm?"
His golden eyes slowly opened.
"...Lyra?"
She immediately froze.
"W-What?!"
"You're awake?!"
Aizen blinked several times before looking down at her.
"I woke up because..."
"...I felt someone moving."
He smiled sleepily.
"Is something wrong?"
"Were you having a nightmare?"
Lyra's face became bright red.
"S-Shut up..."
"I'm simply..."
"...more comfortable like this."
"In your arms."
Aizen stared blankly for a moment.
Then...
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"...Alright.."
"But let's try not to wake Theodore and Mikaela."
Lyra gave a tiny nod.
"...Goodnight..."
"...Aizen."
He gently closed his eyes once more.
"...Goodnight, Lyra."
The room gradually fell silent.
Outside...
The lights of Mayana Village slowly disappeared one by one.
The peaceful night embraced the four travelers as they rested beneath the same roof.
Unaware...
That tomorrow would bring the beginning of another unforgettable chapter in their journey.
End of Chapter 9