Inside the abandoned warehouse.
Under the dim light.
The air surged, dust flying.
Amidst the dust and smoke, Miu and Mikumo continuously clashed at speeds beyond ordinary human limits.
Miu, purely by instinct, effortlessly incorporated magic power into her punches and kicks.
Every movement could easily explode the air.
Every punch and kick contained unimaginable power.
As for Mikumo, her Flowing Water and Empty Sky Circle was used with ease. With each step, she used softness to overcome hardness.
All power was neutralized by her.
No matter how heavy Miu's punches became, she remained composed.
"At this rate, Miu is going to lose."
Shizuka said in surprise. "As expected of a Master-Class martial artist. Her control over power is simply unimaginable."
"Because humans have limits, they cherish every bit of their power."
Ayato smiled. "You also walk the path of close combat. You should learn from her."
"Yes, Master."
Bang!
As they spoke.
Miu grunted and was knocked back dozens of meters, landing on the ground like a light feather.
"You... are you really human?"
Mikumo didn't pursue immediately. Her expression was extremely grave.
She could see.
In terms of technique and realm...
Miu was still some distance from the Master-Class.
But her strength...
Was simply inhuman.
If not for her school's philosophy of "technique ninety-nine percent, power one percent"...
Any other Master-Class fighter...
Might have been defeated by her raw power.
"And it's not just this little girl. The other women are not simple either."
Mikumo's eyes flickered.
"In that case, this place is not suitable to stay..."
Her figure flickered. Just as she was about to move, she heard a series of whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sounds.
She saw Shizuka and the others surrounding her from all sides.
"Since Master has set his sights on you, how could we let you escape?"
"Miko doesn't want to fight you, but for Master's sake, please don't run."
Shizuka and the others' voices echoed, making Mikumo's expression turn ugly.
They were all so fast.
Indeed!
These women were all monsters?
It was even very likely that they weren't human at all.
"In that case..."
Without any hesitation, Mikumo's figure turned into a series of afterimages, charging towards Ayato.
Her jade-white hand formed a claw, reaching for Ayato's neck.
This man's status was clearly special.
To escape...
She would have to capture the king.
But...
Why were these women completely unresponsive?
Looking at the motionless crowd, a look of confusion appeared in Mikumo's eyes.
But soon!
She knew why.
She saw Ayato standing still. Just as her hand was about to reach his neck, it could go no further.
It was as if an invisible barrier had appeared before her.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't budge it in the slightest.
"What is this?"
Mikumo's pupils contracted, and she instinctively tried to pull back.
Bang!
But before she could move, an invisible oppression fell upon her.
With a thud, Mikumo knelt on one knee.
Her body trembling, she with difficulty looked up.
But she met the calm, placid gaze of those crimson eyes.
Mikumo gritted her teeth slightly, a look of stubbornness on her face.
But in her heart!
She felt utterly horrified.
By just his bearing alone...
This man was a monster among monsters.
What kind of existence had those people at Ryouzanpaku gotten involved with?
"Kushinada Mikumo, right?"
Finally, Ayato spoke.
Instantly, the invisible aura dissipated into nothing.
Whoosh!
Mikumo relaxed and collapsed directly to the ground.
Then!
She with difficulty stood up, bowed slightly to Ayato, and said very respectfully, "I was presumptuous just now."
"You must be from the magical world, right?"
"To be precise, that's not correct."
Ayato looked at her with a faint smile. "Because I am a Devil."
"Hmm?"
Mikumo was stunned.
Then she realized, and very sensibly said, "So you are a Devil-sama. Please forgive my rudeness just now."
She didn't doubt Ayato's words.
And all her questions had been answered.
"Those things don't matter."
Ayato smiled. "However, there is a small matter I hope you will agree to."
Mikumo was stunned and asked instinctively, "What matter?"
Ayato took out an Evil Piece. "Put this inside your body."
"Huh?"
Mikumo's pupils contracted sharply, and she asked somewhat dazedly, "How... how do I put it in?"
"And... why am I putting this thing inside me?"