"Ever since we arrived, I've been sensing something strange," Leo thought as he weaved through the army, narrowly dodging incoming attacks.
Like a dark mist seeping into the battlefield.
This must be the demon's lifeforce.
In all his life, Leo had never felt a presence so dark—so suffocating. His gaze locked onto a lone soldier standing far off in the field, separated from the chaos of battle.
That's it.
Leo burst forward, building momentum and crossing the ten-meter gap in seconds. He drew his fist back—
BOOM!
The impact shattered the fox-like mask and sent the figure flying several meters across the field. The man twisted midair, regaining his balance, using his hands to slow his fall.
Leo was already on him.
He rushed forward, sword flashing as he swung a diagonal slash toward the man's chest.
The figure reacted instantly, slipping to the side and narrowly avoiding the blade. He hopped back a few steps, creating distance.
"So," Leo said coldly, "you're a demon?"
The man froze for a split second—then smiled, revealing long, sharp canines.
"Wow," he said mockingly. "What gave it away?"
"What do you know about the attack on Revilia fourteen years ago?" Leo demanded.
The demon's grin widened."Nothing you don't already know."
In an instant, Leo was inches from him.
"Then you're of no use to me." Leo said coldly
Leo swung his sword straight for the demon's neck.
The demon ducked again—but Leo followed through, slamming the hilt of his sword down onto the demon's head. The ground cracked beneath the impact. Leo spun and kicked him away, sending him skidding across the field.
The demon steadied himself and wiped blood from his nose, chuckling.
"You really hate demons, don't you?"
He pulled out a strange glass flask filled with a deep red liquid and gulped it down. Some of it spilled down his cheek.
Is that… blood? Leo thought, his guard rising.
The demon tossed the empty flask aside and wiped his mouth.
"Why don't we play a game?" he said maliciously.
His body began to change.
He grew over eight feet tall. His skin turned crimson, faintly glowing. Nails elongated into four-inch claws. A thick tail burst from his back, nearly as long as his body. His face stretched into a reptilian shape, teeth sharpening into dagger-like fangs.
"If you can stop me before I slaughter all your soldiers," the demon said in a childish tone—made terrifying by his deep voice—"I'll tell you a juicy secret you really want to know."
Leo dashed forward faster than ever before.
He leapt, swinging his sword toward the demon's neck—
—but the demon raised a clawed hand, blocking the blade effortlessly.
A massive fist came crashing toward Leo.
Damn it—I can't dodge!
Leo crossed his arms to block.
The impact sent him flying more than twenty meters. He tumbled violently across the field, digging his sword into the ground to slow himself.
That was far stronger than I expected…Fractures in my forearms—but as long as I don't block again, I can still fight.
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed over him.
The demon stood right in front of Leo, its towering frame silhouetted against the battlefield. The pressure of its presence alone felt crushing.
He's fast!
Leo rolled just in time as a punch obliterated the ground where he had been standing, sending shock waves across the battlefield
He jumped back, creating distance.
"Come on," the demon taunted.
In a blink, he was right in front of Leo again.
"IT'S NO FUN IF YOU KEEP DODGING!"
A flurry of punches followed. Leo barely managed to evade them—each one sending shockwaves through the air.
This is bad… I need to escape—
The demon suddenly increased his speed.
Fatigue crept in. Leo's movements slowed.
Then—BAM.
A punch slammed into Leo's stomach.
His insides churned violently as blood burst from his mouth. He was sent flying—only for the demon's tail to snap around him midair.
The demon dragged Leo across the ground, smashing him repeatedly into the earth.
Finally, the demon lifted him up with his tail.
Leo's body was broken—ribs shattered, limbs barely responsive.
Is this how I die?
Rose… Arthur…
"I'm sorry," Leo thought as tears streamed down his face. I failed you.
"Too bad," the demon said with a grin. " your story ends here. Guess you weren't as special as I thought."
He smiled wider."And now, all your men are going to die."
The demon paused, noticing the tears on Leo's cheek.
"Afraid of dying?"
Leo smiled faintly, remembering Arthur's words.
As Leo closed his eyes, the demon plunged his claw straight through his chest.
Then he tossed Leo's lifeless body aside.
"LEO!!"
Eva's scream tore through the battlefield as she rushed toward the scene, fury blazing in her eyes.