Dragon vs. Demon
It had been a week since that peculiar afternoon beneath the clouds. Since then, I had seen Velzard almost every day, and her attitude… well, she never ceased to surprise me. Veldanava was around too, though his imposing presence had changed: his aura seemed dimmer, weaker, as if something was draining his vitality. I knew Lucia's pregnancy was taking a toll on him, but it was hard to reconcile the image of this all-powerful dragon with the man who now seemed to need a break every five minutes.
—How did we get here? —I asked myself silently, watching Velzard lean over Veldanava, teasing him with that mischievous smile that had nearly become her personal signature. Somehow, the very King of Dragons now seemed like a mere mortal enduring his sister's comments.
Veldanava sighed, looking at her with patience and an infinite tiredness in his eyes.
—Velzard, couldn't you at least give me a break? It's hard enough dealing with this… temporary weakness —he said in a calm voice, though a glimmer of exasperation could be seen in his eyes.
Even the creator of the universe needs a break now and then. Who would've thought?
Velzard, of course, didn't seem to notice even a trace of her brother's exhaustion.
—Oh, come on, Veldy —she said, using a nickname no one else would dare to use—. You have to admit there's something funny about all this. Since when does the great stellar dragon need to rest like an old man? Are you becoming more… human?
Human? That was something I never thought anyone would say to Veldanava… I laughed to myself. But in the end, don't we all have our moments of mortality?
Veldanava narrowed his eyes and sighed.
—Velzard, being a true dragon doesn't mean being free from sacrifice. I've lived for centuries, and the essence of my life isn't in remaining untouchable, but in what I choose to give of myself. Like my love for Lucia, for instance. Sacrifices don't weaken us; they make us more… how to put it? Real.
Velzard looked at him with a glint of tenderness in her eyes, though her tone remained mocking.
—Real… whatever you say, brother. But I'll admit, seeing you like this, weakened… it worries me a little. I mean, what if you get used to these breaks? —she said, laughing.
Well, it seems even the world's most feared dragon might end up needing a nap. But… I can't deny that what he said makes sense. Sometimes, even the strongest being has to choose where to spend their energy.
The forest was quiet, with birds singing soft melodies from the treetops. I could've easily fallen asleep right there, under that perfect peace.
However, I opened my eyes when I noticed the temperature had suddenly dropped. I turned my head and found Velzard's gaze fixed on me, her expression… calculating?
My nerves started to betray me, so I decided to break the silence.
—Is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?
She smiled, but not in the way someone would before saying something reassuring.
—No, I was just wondering how such a… how to put it? Such a clueless human has managed to survive all this without ending up frozen solid.
—Well, the truth is… I try to avoid becoming the forest's next ice cube —I replied, laughing nervously.
She leaned in a little closer, making the temperature drop even further.
—I suppose you're tougher than you look —she said, as if she were assessing the durability of a snowman in midwinter.
Trying not to be intimidated, I replied:
—Or… maybe I'm just too dumb to notice the danger —I smiled, though the cold made it hard to move my face.
Velzard let out a laugh, and for a moment, I could've sworn I saw a flicker of warmth in her eyes.
—Well, if you ever end up frozen, it won't be because I didn't warn you.
I let out a sigh through a laugh. There was something entertaining about spending time with Velzard, even when her presence brought temperatures that would send anyone running. Of course, she wasn't annoying—just… well, unpredictable, especially when Veldanava was distracted and she'd shoot me death glares, as if I were the one to blame for his weakness.
—Are you getting bored? —she suddenly asked, her eyes locked onto mine.
—Huh? No, not at all —I replied quickly, trying to hide the fact that my heart was beating a bit faster than normal—. It's just that… every time Veldanava ignores me, you get a little… dramatic.
Velzard smiled—that smile of hers, the perfect mix of danger and amusement.
—Dramatic, huh? Interesting choice of words.
—Oh no… I meant… uh… —I stammered, trying not to say anything that might trigger another blizzard.
—So, I'm fun and dramatic —she said, narrowing her eyes and stepping a little closer.
—Well, at least not dramatic enough to try freezing me… again —I muttered, unable to stop a small smile from forming.
She let out a short laugh and stopped closing the distance.
—I guess that makes you brave —she said softly, and for a moment, the cold air felt strangely comforting.
—Brave? Maybe just desperate —I replied under my breath, and we shared a smile, the silence broken only by birdsong.
After a moment, I cleared my throat.
—So… are you going to keep staring at me, or are you planning to talk too? —I asked, trying to sound casual.
She raised an eyebrow and, with a half-smile, murmured:
—Don't worry. I might just be finding you… entertaining.
And though I wasn't sure if I'd just been given a compliment or a threat, I couldn't help but feel a strange warmth in the middle of the cold.
Velzard and I looked at each other in silence, that blend of tension and amusement already starting to feel natural. But before I could think of something clever to say, I heard a voice behind us.
—And what are you two talking about so closely?
Veldanava, in his dragon form, appeared between the trees, giving me a mischievous look. He still looked somewhat weak, but managed to appear imposing—and in this case, curious.
—Nothing important, brother —Velzard replied indifferently, as if she hadn't even noticed his arrival—. We were just enjoying the peace… though some people here seem a little too nervous.
—Nervous? I'm not nervous —I replied instantly, crossing my arms to hide the sudden blush.
Veldanava smiled, a glint of humor in his eyes as he gave me a knowing look.
—Well, after almost getting frozen on your first encounter, I'd say you've got reason to be.
—She didn't freeze me completely… just a little —I muttered, but my comment made Velzard laugh. Veldanava, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the scene.
Between the two of them, I felt like a mouse caught between two cats—or rather, between two dragons.
I didn't know why I felt that way. I really should dislike Velzard—she literally tried to kill me a week ago. And Veldanava? I'd only known him for two months, but being by his side and watching Velzard close the distance between us just to tease me made me think… he might actually get jealous.
—Shouldn't you have left a long time ago? You tease me every day—like now.
Velzard burst out laughing, stepping even closer, completely ignoring my comment. Her expression was that of someone having way too much fun.
—Leave? Why would I do that? You're very entertaining —she replied with a smile that made me wonder if her words carried some hidden meaning—. Besides, isn't it nice that you get to see your dragon mentor every day? And his sister, of course… —she added, raising an eyebrow and smiling mischievously.
I felt Veldanava's gaze on me, like he was analyzing every inch of my reaction, his eyes narrowed. The fact that he remained so silent didn't help; the way he watched the situation made me feel like he could deliver a final judgment at any moment.
—Uh… well, yeah… of course. It's great company. But the fact that you… well, occasionally try to kill me… is still a bit of a sensitive topic —I replied, trying to sound casual, though it was harder with Velzard getting closer and closer.
—Oh, come on. A little tension never killed anyone —she said with a soft laugh, which, to my surprise, made the dragon beside me snort—like he was laughing silently.
—And what do you think, Veldanava? —I shot back, hoping he'd say something to put a little space between his sister and me. But he just watched me with that impenetrable calm.
—Seems she likes you… enough not to kill you, at least —Veldanava said in a neutral tone, though I caught a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
—See? —Velzard said with a triumphant smile—. Veldanava agrees that a bit of friendly rivalry never hurt anyone.
I stayed silent, wondering if I was really in a "friendly rivalry" or just on a disguised battlefield.
—Friendly rivalry? Right, sure… —I said, trying to sound relaxed—. Just a week ago you tried to turn me into an ice sculpture. Very friendly of you.
Velzard smiled with an innocence that clearly didn't suit her.
—I was just testing you. If you were truly weak, you wouldn't have dodged that attack.
I brought a hand to my forehead.
—Oh, of course, because surviving a deadly ice attack is… totally normal.
Veldanava let out a low laugh, which was unsettling in his dragon form. He tilted his massive head toward me.
—Consider this, Raquel: an opportunity for growth. Very few can say they've survived training with Velzard.
—Training, right —I muttered, rolling my eyes—. For you dragons, anything that doesn't end in death is considered a success.
—Exactly —Velzard replied, clearly amused—. Wow, you're starting to understand our philosophy!
I sighed in resignation, when suddenly Velzard stepped even closer, looking at me with an unexpectedly serious expression.
—Tell me, don't you like the cold? —she asked, her voice soft, almost teasing.
I scratched the back of my neck, nervous.
—The cold? Uh… well, let's just say it's not really my thing. I prefer, uh… milder temperatures.
She gave me a look full of intention.
—Then I'll have to show you the beauty of frozen landscapes. Hopefully, I'll even get you to like them.
Veldanava chuckled under his breath, looking at me like he was already enjoying what was coming.
—Yes, Raquel, sometimes true learning comes from ice and pressure.
I looked at both dragons and replied sarcastically:
—Sure, if I survive this, I'll probably be able to handle anything.
Velzard gave me a smile that was half challenge, half promise.
—Then get ready, because we dragons are experts in… intense lessons.
Veldanava nodded silently, and I couldn't help but notice the spark of complicity between the two of them.
Suddenly, I felt Velzard grab my arm and toss me into the air.
Literally, I was flying through the sky, screaming.
The wind sliced against my face as I plummeted out of control. My screams echoed through the clouds, and just when I thought my stomach would hit the ground before I did, my fall came to an abrupt stop. Any closer, and I might've seen my whole life flash before my eyes.
Before I could process what was happening, I saw Velzard in her dragon form flying toward me, her piercing blue eyes full of amusement. She caught me mid-air, and I landed roughly on her back, clinging to one of her spikes like my life depended on it (which, frankly, it did).
—What the hell…? —I gasped, trying to catch my breath and hold on.
—Brace yourself, dear apprentice! We're heading to the frozen continent —she announced with a booming voice and a hint of malice as she suddenly sped up, launching us northward at a terrifying speed.
—Wait, wait! Does it really have to be now?! —I yelled, feeling my stomach twist.
—Of course! There's no time like the present —Velzard seemed to be enjoying every second of my desperation.
Between the wind whipping my face and my desperate attempts to hold on, I managed to glimpse Veldanava far below, watching us with a mix of concern and amusement in his dragon eyes.
—Good luck, Raquel! —he shouted—. It's… field training.
—This is kidnapping, Veldanava! —I shouted back, but my voice was lost in the wind.
...
As I clung desperately to Velzard's spikes, the wind battered my face at a speed that made me regret every decision that had led me to this point. I closed my eyes, trying not to look down, but the vertigo was impossible to ignore. The ground flew past so quickly that the trees became nothing but blurry green streaks.
—Enjoying the ride? —Velzard asked, her voice dripping with malicious amusement.
—Definitely… unforgettable! —I shouted, trying not to sound terrified—. Couldn't you maybe… slow down a bit?
—Oh, but you're in the hands of a dragon. Why go slow when we can soar through the skies like the wind? —her voice thundered with a mocking laugh, and suddenly, she twisted in midair.
My eyes flew open as the world spun around me. I tried closing them again, but the speed and spinning made me so dizzy that I ended up staring at the ground, which kept rushing toward and away from me in a terrifying rhythm.
—Velzard! I'm pretty sure the frozen continent isn't going anywhere! —I tried to say, my voice a mix of pleading and resignation.
—Only a dragon knows the true thrill of flight! —she replied, pulling off another aerial stunt. She was clearly enjoying my misery.
As I kept screaming and Velzard continued with maneuvers that tested the limits of my stomach, I felt a chill that went beyond fear—it was real cold. I opened my eyes, and within seconds, snowflakes began to cover me, while a layer of frost clouded my vision. My teeth chattered from the cold, and one thought crossed my mind: how had we reached the frozen continent so fast? This had to be a joke.
Suddenly, I remembered that conversation with Velzard, where she mentioned receiving Lucia's letter via a human messenger and an owl. Of course, the frozen continent wasn't exactly around the corner. And then another thought—an even more shocking one—hit me like a block of ice: this place had been created after an epic battle between Velzard and none other than Guy, the red primordial demon.
Which meant Velzard and Guy had known each other for a long time… and I had no idea.
As my eyes frantically scanned the frozen landscape for any sign of life—or better yet, someone who might rescue me—Velzard noticed my unease.
—Enjoying the view? —she asked casually, though I caught a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
I quickly turned and tried to pretend I was enjoying it. —Oh, sure! I've never seen… uh… so many ice-covered mountains… up close.
—You don't look very relaxed —she noted, glancing at my death grip on her spikes, my knuckles white as snow.
—It's the excitement! —I answered quickly, trying to sound convincing—. I just want to… you know, memorize this moment.
Velzard let out a low chuckle but said nothing more. Internally, I kept hoping that somewhere on this continent, the famous "red primordial demon" might be close enough to see me flying by and decide to stage a heroic intervention. Though, of course, how would I even explain to Velzard that I was looking for backup?
Just when I thought the flight couldn't get any more uncomfortable, Velzard made a sudden, steep dive.
—Hold on tight! We're making a quick stop.
My screams were drowned out by the wind as my mind imagined a landing as graceful as a ragdoll being tossed to the ground.
A cloud of snow exploded into the air, completely covering me when Velzard landed with terrifying precision. By the time the white dust settled, she had already returned to her human form and was scanning the area for me. When she spotted me, she burst into laughter that echoed across the silent frozen landscape.
—So, have you become part of the scenery already? —she asked playfully, as I tried to free myself from the snow pile I'd ended up buried in up to my waist.
—Is this part of your welcome to the frozen continent or an attempt to freeze me forever? —I replied, brushing snow off my shoulders.
Velzard gave me that sly smile I knew all too well.
—Oh, just testing your endurance. Don't worry, they say a little snow never hurt anyone.
—Well, tell that to my legs! —I complained, looking down at my snow-filled boots.
She crossed her arms and watched me with a teasing grin.
—So? How was the experience of flying with me? Isn't it thrilling to feel the wind and snow in your face?
—Thrilling? That's one way to put it! I was pretty sure I'd end up as a permanent snowman out here.
—Oh, come on! You're so dramatic —Velzard shook her head, her mischievous smile never fading.
—Dramatic? You're the one laughing after dropping me into a snowbank —I shot back, amused despite myself—. Next time, maybe we start with something simpler… I don't know, a walk, a cup of hot tea…
Velzard laughed and stepped closer, brushing some snow off my coat with a surprisingly gentle gesture.
—Maybe you're right —she said with a hint of tenderness in her voice—. A hot tea… although —she added with a smile— I do find it much more fun watching you struggle against the snow.
I sighed, resigned. —I knew you'd say that.
And yet, despite all the complaints, I couldn't help but feel a bit of warmth—even in this frozen landscape.
When I finally managed to shake the snow off my clothes, I looked around and noticed how silent the place was. Only the wind could be heard. There wasn't a single sign of life. A slight chill ran down my spine from the cold. I could swear it was about 120 degrees below zero, but I remembered that my evolution into a "Hero" had helped me withstand extreme temperatures like this.
—So… what do people do for fun around here? It's really desolate.
Velzard let out a mocking laugh at my expression.
—Fun? Well, we have the best blizzards on the continent and… absolute silence.
—Wow, how thrilling! —I said sarcastically, crossing my arms—. Do you hold contests to see who can stay still the longest without freezing?
She shrugged, a mischievous smile on her lips.
—Sometimes I see if intruders can last a whole week without turning into ice statues. Want to try it?
—A week? Here? In complete silence? Without a single sign of life? —I shuddered just thinking about it—. I think I'll pass, thanks.
Velzard raised an eyebrow.
—Oh, come on. Didn't anyone ever teach you to push your limits?
—Yeah, but I was hoping for something a little less... fatally boring.
She laughed, her voice echoing through the frozen continent.
—Relax! I promise it'll be an unforgettable experience.
—Unforgettable? Sure, if I survive to remember it.
She gave me a playful shove on the shoulder.
—Come on, just play along. The trick here is to enjoy the cold.
—Fine —I sighed, shivering—. But if I end up as an ice sculpture, you'll be talking to yourself.
She laughed again, and for a moment, the cold felt a bit more bearable.
I looked down and stared at the snow beneath my feet. My eyes sparkled, and I smirked.
—Velzard. I forgot to mention something. I'm actually a reincarnated soul from another world; Veldanava saved me and gave me my current name.
As I spoke slowly, I crouched down, scooped up some snow in my hands, and formed a snowball.
—I don't remember much from my past life, but I do remember some traditions. And this one's pretty special... Snowball fight!
I yelled as I hurled the snowball straight at Velzard's face.
The snowball flew in slow motion toward her. In those milliseconds, a mixture of emotions crossed her face: surprise, disbelief… and then, a smile that did not bode well. The snow hit her square in the face, and while it didn't seem to do much damage, my victory felt glorious.
Wiping the snow off her face, Velzard narrowed her eyes with a teasing expression.
—A snowball fight, huh?
—Yeah, a very serious tradition —I replied with a grin, already preparing another snowball.
But before I could move, I noticed her figure beginning to shift. In an instant, she was no longer the girl who had just taken a snowball to the face, but the majestic white dragon whose very presence inspired fear across the entire frozen continent.
My eyes widened.
—Wait, wait, wait… it wasn't that serious, Velzard. It was just a joke.
But she already had a massive wave of snow forming in front of her mouth, like she was gathering the entire continent's blizzard.
—Oh, but you started it. And here, in my home, the tradition is a bit… more intense.
—Velzard, no, wait! —I tried to back away, but the ground was too slippery.
With a roar that made even the last snowflake tremble, she unleashed the wave of snow at me. The force was so overwhelming I had no time to react. In a second, I was buried under a mountain of snow, frozen down to the last strand of hair.
When I finally managed to get my head out of the ice, I shook the snow from my face, feeling like a human popsicle. Velzard, back in her human form, looked at me with a triumphant smile and crossed arms.
—Still want another round of the snowball war? —she asked innocently, though her eyes sparkled with pure amusement.
I swallowed, pretending to be brave.
—No, no… I was just, you know, testing… to make sure you knew the tradition too. And, uh… I'd say… mission accomplished.
She laughed and gave me a pat on the shoulder, which only made more snow slide off my head.
—You know… the snowman look suits you.
My cheeks flushed slightly. In one swift move, I grabbed Velzard's hand and pulled her into the snow mound. She barely had time to react before finding herself partially buried. Her surprised expression was priceless. I took off running immediately, letting out a victorious laugh.
—It suits you better! —I shouted as I ran off, knowing full well my words would be the final spark for what was coming.
I glanced back for a second and, just as I expected, Velzard had already freed herself from the snow. With a smile that was equal parts amused and mildly threatening, she raised her hands, and I saw a layer of snow begin to lift magically around her.
—You think you can escape that easily? —she asked in a tone that sounded more playful than angry, though she was clearly ready to teach me a lesson.
I picked up the pace, but before I could take five more steps, a snowstorm appeared out of nowhere, wrapped around me like a whirlwind, and in an instant, I was trapped inside a giant snowman, with only my face and arms sticking out.
—Didn't I tell you the snowman look suited you? —Velzard said with a triumphant smile as I struggled unsuccessfully to move.
I sighed, resigned, and let out a laugh.
—Alright, alright, you win this round… but get ready, because next time, I won't hold back!
The atmosphere was lively. I felt like a little kid again. The joy of the moment vanished instantly when I heard that unmistakable voice.
—Raquel?... Oh, and the dragon —Guy said with his usual laid-back tone, though it carried an undeniable power.
I tried to turn my head, though being wrapped in a layer of snow made it nearly impossible. My eyes widened as I recognized the voice.
—Huh? I know that voice. Since when have you been here? —I asked, trying to keep the mood light, though even I could hear the tremor in my own voice.
The air grew heavy with palpable tension. I looked up and saw Velzard, her expression shifting from amusement to an icy seriousness. Her aura now felt like a wall of pure frost, and Guy's magical energy began to spread through the atmosphere like a dense, dangerous current.
My face went completely pale. It was as if the two of them, without exchanging a single word, were measuring each other—analyzing every move, every breath, every flicker of power the other let show. The tension was so thick, even my breathing felt heavy.
—You know… —I muttered nervously, as if that could ease the atmosphere— someone should really invent a tradition to calm two overpowered immortals in one place… maybe a truce over tea or something…
Guy raised an eyebrow and let out a mocking smile, as if he could read the fear on my face.
—Oh, relax. I just came to say hello. Don't tell me you're scared of a friendly greeting from your training partner.
I clenched my teeth, feeling trapped between ice and fire. I couldn't resist the urge to try to break the tension, so I looked at Velzard and, not knowing how to get her attention subtly, I whistled.
—You two know each other already? —I asked, trying to sound casual.
Velzard nodded, but her expression remained as serious as if she were about to turn the entire landscape into a sculpture of ice.
—Let's just say we have some… long-standing issues —she replied, in a tone that suggested "issues" was far too optimistic a word.
Guy let out a mocking laugh.
—Issues? Oh, come on, darling, I haven't even shown you my best tricks.
I swallowed hard. The temperature dropped even further, and I squinted as I felt the snow around me begin to crack.
—Great, of course —I muttered through gritted teeth—. Now I get to witness a rivalry between the two people who nearly killed me. And here I am, stuck in the middle, like a ticketless bystander.
Velzard gave me a fleeting glance, barely noticeable, that could almost be interpreted as a smile.
—Oh, don't worry —she said— just stay close. I'll handle this.
Guy raised an eyebrow.
—Really, Rai-Rai? You've got a bodyguard now?
My heart raced.
—She's not a bodyguard —I said, raising my hands with a nervous smile—. More like… a snow mentor? And I told you to stop with those stupid nicknames!
My expression shifted gradually from awkward to pure panic. A massive shadow rose over me, cast by Velzard, now in her true dragon form. And to make things worse, my elemental suddenly appeared, crackling like it had just seen a ghost.
—Hurry up! Can't you see we're about to get caught in the middle of a clash between two beings who nearly killed us last time?! —I shouted in panic, trying to free myself from my snowy prison.
The poor elemental did its best, releasing a small wave of heat. But the snow wouldn't melt easily—of course, being Velzard's creation, it wasn't ordinary snow.
With an apologetic (and maybe slightly panicked) look, the elemental crackled again.
—Faster! —I muttered, but right at that moment, a freezing wave from Velzard crossed the sky, unleashing an explosion so powerful the trees trembled.
Guy, unfazed, raised a hand and countered it with a burst of energy.
I finally managed to free one arm and began to crawl out of the snow, gasping as I took in the scene around me. This was about to get a whole lot worse. The dragon roared, and Guy flashed a crooked smile, clearly enjoying the fight.
—You know what? —I said to my elemental, who was still crackling nervously—. I'll remember this day as the day I should've stayed home.
I barely had time to open my mouth when a gigantic wave of snow hit me, burying me under an icy mountain. I huffed in resignation while my elemental crackled with amusement somewhere nearby. As if that weren't enough, the wind carried every word of the conversation between Velzard and Guy straight to me.
—Tell me, Red, —Velzard began, in a tone that promised nothing good— why are you so interested in Raquel, hmm?
Guy smiled with such shameless confidence I almost wanted to peek out just to see it.
—Interested? I just wanted to make sure someone was paying attention to them, —he replied mockingly, like he was throwing down a challenge.
—Curious, —Velzard shot back, folding her arms— because so far, it seems like I'm the only one who actually takes care of them.
—Takes care of them? —Guy laughed. —From what I've seen, you have a real talent for tossing them around and burying them in snow. That's your idea of care? Meanwhile, I visit them every day, train with them, always making sure not to push them too far.
That guy was lying! I'd take Velzard's rough treatment a thousand times over his. He only came to enjoy my suffering.
The temperature dropped even further, and the air became almost unbearably cold. From under the snow, I felt the ground tremble, and something told me that mocking Velzard had been a very bad idea. I poked my head out to see how the battle was going.
Velzard smiled, and I recognized that smile instantly.
—Let's just say I'm creative... Maybe I should show you how someone is really cared for, Red. Though, of course, I doubt you'd survive the lesson.
My elemental let out a choked laugh while I tried to stay as buried as possible. I had definitely fallen into the worst competition in history.
From my snowy perch, I couldn't see much, but I could feel the waves of energy vibrating in the air. Guy and Velzard seemed to be testing their strength, as if the very air had become an invisible battlefield. It wasn't just a fight—it was a clash between two overwhelming beings, interrupted by the tensest and strangest conversation imaginable.
Guy was the first to make a move.
—Come on, Velzard, do you really think you understand Raquel better than I do? The poor thing can barely breathe when you're around.
—And you? —Velzard replied, raising an eyebrow as her human form gradually turned translucent, revealing the outline of her dragon form—. You expect me to believe you're selfless? Every time Raquel mentions me, you show up.
Guy smiled, arms crossed with unshakable superiority.
—Well, darling, someone has to look out for them and give them a break. With your... methods, the poor thing barely has time to relax.
Suddenly, with no warning, Velzard shifted into her dragon form, unleashing a roar that shook the air and trembled the ground beneath me. I tried to burrow deeper into the snow, but there was no escaping the waves of energy she radiated.
—Selfless? —Velzard roared. —You know perfectly well Raquel isn't interested in your so-called 'help.' They come to me because they know I'm the only one who can truly understand them.
My eyes went wide. How could Velzard say something like that? We've barely known each other for a week!
Guy remained unbothered and, in the blink of an eye, released a blast of demonic energy that lit the sky in deep red tones.
—Understand them? They like being with me because I don't drag them across the entire frozen continent just to throw them like a doll.
I trembled, feeling the collision of their energies, making the snow around me vibrate. Apparently, in this duel of strength and words, I had become a subject of dispute—as if I were… a trophy?
—Oh? So you think they enjoy those 'intense looks' you keep throwing around, huh, Red? —Velzard countered with a cold smile, flapping her massive wings. —That's nothing compared to the connection we've built over this time.
Guy smirked.
—Maybe… but something tells me Raquel isn't looking for a mountain of ice in their life, Velzard. Maybe they want a little fire for a change.
I wanted to scream that I was perfectly fine not being the centerpiece of an epic dispute between a dragon and a demon, but… I don't think anyone was paying attention to the half-buried, half-melted me under the snow.
From my snowy prison, the exchange between Guy and Velzard escalated to catastrophic proportions. I could feel the snow compressing around me with every sharp word and challenging glare they threw at each other.
Velzard stepped forward, her ice-blue eyes fixed on Guy. —So you think Raquel needs a 'touch of fire' in their life? Well, maybe it's time to cool those thoughts of yours a little.
Before I could process what that meant, a frozen gust burst from Velzard's wings, raising a wall of snow that launched itself at Guy. The blizzard was so strong I felt like my own snow pile grew a few inches.
Guy barely flinched. With a half-smile, he snapped his fingers and a wave of red flames rose around him, melting the snow before it even touched the ground. —Nice try, Velzard. Although, of course, I could melt your entire frozen continent without breaking a sweat.
—Oh, really? Go ahead, Red, give it a shot, —Velzard roared. With a flap of her wings, she unleashed another icy gust, and this time, the temperature dropped so low my eyelashes froze instantly.
Guy responded by unleashing a fireblast that collided directly with Velzard's icy breath. The clash of fire and ice created an explosion so powerful it catapulted me out of my snow mountain like a rag doll tossed into the air. I landed on my back just in time to see them continue launching blasts of power, creating a spectacle that looked like a winter storm mixed with a volcanic eruption.
From my position on the ground, I raised my hand as if I were in class. —Uh… Velzard, Guy, if I may...
They both turned to look at me, and I felt a chill noticing their expressions—like they'd just remembered I existed. Velzard tilted her head. —May? Of course, Raquel, bless us with your wise opinion. Do you prefer the searing heat or the sweet chill of eternal snow?
Was that sarcasm?
Guy smirked, crossing his arms. —Yes, Raquel. Tell us… who do you think understands you better?
Definitely sarcasm.
I looked back and forth between them, both of them waiting for my answer. I knew that whatever I said, I'd probably end up buried or scorched. I swallowed and, with what little dignity I had left, slowly backed away. —Honestly… I think… I prefer mild weather!
They scoffed in unison, and instantly, Velzard launched a snow blast that covered the entire area in seconds, while Guy unleashed a burst of flames that melted it instantly. The clash of temperatures turned the ground into a mess of mud, ice, and boiling water, and before I knew it, I was stuck waist-deep.
—Alright, that's enough, —I muttered as I sat on the ground, watching the battle.
And then, a voice… No, the 'Voice of the World' echoed everywhere.
[The Unique Skill "Pride" has entered the evolution stage.]
—Oh no, it can't be!
[A Ultimate Skill has been granted. Lord of Pride, Lucifer.]
Guy let out a devilish laugh. —Well, well, looks like I've got myself an Ultimate Skill.
With a quick move, I stepped between them, raising my hands in an attempt to impose some peace. —You know what? That's enough.
They both looked at me like I'd just said the most ridiculous thing in the world.
—Please, guys. If we keep this up, we're going to end up with a natural disaster on our hands… again. —I gestured at the melted snow, the mud, and scattered flames—. How about we try… not destroying the place?
Guy rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. —You know this confrontation was only going to leave one victor… right?
—Oh yeah? And who, according to you? —I replied with a smile, already kind of tired.
—Me, obviously —Guy answered with an arrogance hard to top.
Velzard clicked her tongue, raising an eyebrow. —Oh really?
—Yeah —Guy shot back.
—Now is not the time for jokes! —My shout echoed through the whole area.