Aura Release—a technique demons developed to flaunt their power and torment those weaker than themselves. But Ryusei, who wasn't even a demon, could wield that same technique… after seeing it only once.
Was he a genius? Or just lucky? The demon couldn't tell. He found it amusing, though. He'd always viewed other races as insignificant—and still did—but maybe the blue-eyed being before him could prove him wrong.
Ryusei extended his hand and called out,
"AmeTsurugi, come!"
A blue sword, the same color as his eyes, materialized in his grip. (Sky Sword)—the first weapon he'd obtained since arriving in this world. And now… it was finally time to use it.
He tightened his grip on the sword and—
Swoosh!
He swung it in a horizontal arc, aiming straight for the demon's neck. The demon blocked the blow with his bare hand, generating a shockwave that stirred the surrounding air.
"Now, now. No need to be so—"
The demon's eyes widened mid-sentence.
Ryusei was charging up Black Hole.
Point-blank.
That was dangerous—lethal, even.
With a flash of motion, the demon grabbed Ryusei by the neck and slammed him into the ground, the sand blasting away at the point of impact. Ryusei gritted his teeth, but refused to back down.
The demon stared down with a smirk.
"So… you weren't all talk. That confidence of yours came from that attack, huh?"
Ryusei chuckled through the pain.
"And you're weaker than I thought."
The demon's smirk faltered.
"Big words, especially with my hand on your throat."
He tightened his grip around Ryusei's throat.
Ryusei's voice strained but steady, barely audible:
"Yeah… because I'm not alone…"
"Haku!"
From above, Haku hovered in the air, charging his most powerful fire spell.
The demon glanced up but didn't release Ryusei.
"I see… So this was your plan. But you miscalculated. I won't be the only one caught in that blast."
The temperature spiked. Waves of heat washed over them.
Still, Ryusei managed to speak again—his words broken, breathless:
"Bl… ack Hole…"
A black orb formed behind the demon, sucking in the sand around it. He lost his footing.
In that split second, Ryusei fired his attack—fast and merciless.
The demon had no choice but to let go and dodge. Ryusei used Fast Strike, blinking back just in time—
FWOOOM!
Haku's inferno shot forward and collided with the demon, the explosion shaking the air. Sand scorched. Wind whipped past Ryusei, tossing his hair as he watched.
Then—
The explosion… inverted.
The destruction began to collapse in on itself.
Then—silence.
No one stood in the blast zone.
Only a blur.
"Haku! Behind you!"
It was too late.
In an instant, the demon appeared behind Haku. His blade pierced clean through Haku's chest. Blood dripped from the sword's tip as Haku fell. For a split second Ryusei's eyes widened, in panic.
"Your shield was getting annoying," the demon said coldly. "So I broke it."
Cling.
A high-pitched sound rang out. Ryusei appeared behind the demon, his sword descending.
Clash!
The demon blocked with his ember-red blade.
"See? Your shield was too weak after all..."
"Shut up, demon!" Ryusei roared, eyes blazing with fury as he pressed down harder.
"No need to get angry. I'm just stating the obvi—"
"Form—Destruction."
A dark red aura flared around Ryusei's blade.
Crack.
The demon's sword fractured. His body flickered and vanished—teleporting back to the ground with a look of concern.
Ryusei descended calmly, coating his feet in mana to land.
The demon stared at the crack in his blade.
"Tch... Broke the gift my lord gave me. I'm definitely getting scolded later."
Then he turned his gaze toward Ryusei.
"You're holding back. Why?"
Ryusei crouched beside Haku, tossing a Recovery Potion onto him. The wound healed.
He stood and faced the demon.
"Aren't you doing the same?"
The demon straightened his crooked tie. His suit—immaculate, untouched by battle.
"Well… if I went all out, I'd risk destroying the dungeon. And letting Charlotte free."
Ryusei's eyes widened.
"Wait… You know the floor master?"
The demon smiled as if holding all the answers.
"I'll let you figure that out. Now… shall we continue, or—"
He stopped, eyes staring into space. Then—
Laughter.
"Hahaha… unbelievable. Charlotte, interested in something? You're lucky, kid, or should I say unfortunate."
Ryusei furrowed his brows.
"What are you talking about?"
The demon pulled out a pocket watch, flipped it open, checked the time, then snapped it shut. With his hands folded behind his back, he said:
"I am Illios Hydraos. Expect an invitation to Xyphoros soon." He grinned. "Ryusei Orochi… the one who caught the Queen of Shadows' eye."
He tapped his heel. A glowing red circle laced with runes appeared beneath him.
Then—he vanished.
Ryusei stared at the fading circle.
Demons… Are all of them such weirdos? I hope not.
Still, something gnawed at his thoughts.
The Queen of Shadows… Interested in him?
"Am I really that interesting?"
He sat down beside Haku, waiting for him to wake up.
The system chimed.
***
Elsewhere…
Deep inside the dungeon, a being cloaked in shadow lounged on a colossal throne. A smile played on her lips as she leaned against the armrest.
In a voice soft and mesmerizing, she whispered:
"Ryusei… I can't wait to meet you, my beloved."