The wind calmed down, the heavy pressure in the air slowly fading away. The dark clouds thinned, sunlight breaking through as if nothing had happened.
Luoice exhaled. "That was crazy… what a strong pressure. As expected of you, Panther."
Eve looked at Panther with wide eyes. "Your mana… it's so strong. I'm amazed."
Dion crossed his arms and grinned. "Mana or whatever—even the clouds were cheering for you. And Eve, that fireball was cool too."
Eve smiled a little. "Thanks."
Panther waved his hand awkwardly. "Don't try to make me blush with compliments, guys."
Everyone laughed.
Panther's smile slowly faded. "There's something I want to tell you all. I don't know how you'll take it."
He took a breath. "Me and Eve—"
Before he could continue, Eve suddenly spoke.
"We saw a portal closing at the Ghost House," she said quickly. "We think the monster came from there."
Panther froze.
Luoice nodded slowly. "That makes sense. I was wondering how that monster reached here in the first place."
Dion scratched his head. "What's wrong with this world now… feels like something big is coming. Anyway, the portal's closed, right? That's a relief."
Panther stayed silent.
*Why did she change the topic?*
*Did she really think Luoice might attack her if the truth came out?*
He let out a quiet sigh.
Luoice spoke again, trying to lighten the mood. "By the way, did you guys hear about the school for the Blessed ones? I really want to go there—to get stronger, and to understand powers better."
He looked at Panther and Eve. "You two will come too, right?"
Panther nodded without hesitation. "We'll definitely go… right, Eve?"
Eve nodded.
Dion groaned. "Great. My holiday's about to end, and you guys are going to another school. I'm doomed."
Then he grinned. "But don't worry—I'll protect you everyone on your behalf."
Everyone laughed again.
Luoice glanced at the sky. "I think it's going to rain soon. Let's head home."
Suddenly, a low sound echoed.
*Grrr.*
Dion blinked. "I thought that was thunder."
Eve glanced at Panther.
Panther lowered his head. "I'm… a little hungry. See you guys in the evening."
He jumped onto his cycle and started riding. The others laughed and followed, their cycles rolling down the road together.
---
Later that evening, Eve and Panther reached home.
Panther finally asked, "Why didn't you tell them… about us?"
Eve hesitated. "I'm sorry. It's because of a myth."
She looked away. "From when I was in the Demon Realm."
Her voice faded as the memory returned.
---
"Mom… why aren't my flowers blooming?" young Eve asked, staring at the withered plants.
"Everything's dying. Is everything okay?"
Her mother knelt beside her. "The demons," she said quietly. "They declared war on the gods—and lost. Because of them, this land is cursed."
Eve clenched her fists. "Why are we suffering if the demons did wrong? Isn't there a way to stop this?"
Her mother's eyes hardened. "There is only one way. And soon, we will do it—the destruction of demonkind."
Eve lowered her head. "We're… going to kill them?"
Her mother gently touched her head. "Don't worry, kiddo. You remember this book, right?"
She handed over an old, worn tome. "It tells what will happen in the future. This war was predicted long ago. There is no going back."
Eve flipped through the pages.
Her breath caught.
A human figure—holding a sword—slaying dragons.
"M-Mom… what is this?"
Her mother spoke gravely. "A human. One who will bring an end to dragonkind using a powerful sword—the *Dragon Slayer*. That is the sword's prime duty."
Eve whispered, "A human? There are no humans here… so we're safe, right?"
Her mother shook her head.
"Not here. But everything written in that book is bound to happen."
She looked up at the darkened clouds gathering above