Morning light streamed through silk curtains as Hiroy stirred. The familiar pressure of bodies on either side of him wasn't unusual—except something felt off today. Normally, the fourth day of the week meant Princess Kara and Frana were by his side. But this time, one of the presences felt unfamiliar.
"Who are you?" Hiroy growled, voice low and dangerous. Bloodlust began to seep from his body like a leaking furnace.
Frana, startled by his tone, immediately jumped out of bed, her eyes sharp and ready to retaliate. Then she realized she was still partially unclothed. Her cheeks flared red as she noticed the figure hiding in the closet.
The covers slipped down, revealing the princess, who had been attempting to conceal herself. Hiroy sighed in exasperation.
It wasn't the first time. Frana, ever protective and fiercely possessive, orchestrated little scenarios like this often. As the second strongest in his party, she wielded the authority—and the recklessness—to do as she pleased. Most dared not challenge her.
Except Hiroy.
He rose from bed, unconcerned, and began gathering his clothes. Steam drifted from the bathroom down the hallway—a sign someone had beaten him to it. He smiled wryly, knowing some form of confrontation was bound to follow.
After his bath, Hiroy stared into the mirror. His signature white trench coat with gold trimmings remained the same, but subtle changes to his reflection unsettled him. His red-and-black hair now shimmered with golden streaks. His eyes, once a deep crimson, had brightened into a nearly divine gold. Even his aura—once pure blood-red—now radiated with golden power.
He dismissed the unease and made his way to the breakfast table, where the group planned their day: hunting a demon said to dwell in the Lika mountain range.
"We'll handle it ourselves," the girls insisted, brimming with confidence.
Hiroy raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "If you're sure. But if you need me, I'll step in."
They ventured into the icy reaches of Lika. Between its twin highest peaks, hidden in a canyon of clouds, sat a massive stone door—adorned with a rare glowing Mocean jewel.
"This feels different," Kara muttered, frowning.
"Back home, we'd call this a boss room," Hiroy remarked. The ornate door looked more like a palace entrance than a cave gate. He wondered idly what kind of wealth and madness built something so dramatic.
Kara didn't bother wondering. She simply punched the door with a magic-infused blow, blasting it open in one clean strike.
They entered.
The cave's air was thick, foul. Blood-red stone coated the floor, and the walls were decorated with bones and skins—remnants of the demon's previous victims. The oppressive aura grew with every step, a weight on the girls' shoulders.
Hiroy walked unfazed.
"Come closer," a voice whispered from the darkness, "so I can swallow your lives whole."
All eyes turned to the throne at the far end of the chamber. Upon it lounged a figure with an androgynous frame and a devilish smile, their form flickering between male and female. Their presence alone was suffocating—raw magical energy poured from them, dark and overwhelming.
The girls froze, fear taking root.
Before Hiroy could move, a flash streaked through the shadows—something small, sharp, and precise.
The object pierced the demon cleanly, and their body shattered into dust.
Stunned, Hiroy turned to see a young woman stepping into view. She had long, flowing blue hair and steely gray eyes that shimmered with both sorrow and conviction. A small whip hung loosely from her fingers.
She was stunning, her beauty made only more potent by her calm, commanding presence.
Frana didn't hesitate. Lightning erupted around her as she launched forward. Kara followed close behind, fist blazing. Overhead, Lani and Lilith began conjuring spells—crackling bolts of destructive energy gathering above them, threatening to bring the cave down entirely.
Frana reached the woman first, striking with a barrage of swift, precise attacks—but the woman danced through them with chilling ease.
Kara appeared behind her, ready to deliver a devastating punch. Yet the woman slipped past again, only to be caught by a surprise kick from Frana. The impact bent her sideways—powerful, but not clean. A glowing barrier absorbed much of the force.
This wasn't just a strong opponent. She was dangerous.
And she was only just getting started.