Seraphina's breath was uneven. Her pride as the Saintess of Light had been shattered, and yet… a strange warmth spread through her chest.
Arin stood before her, eyes gleaming with dominance. His power wasn't just overwhelming—it was absolute.
She clenched her fists. Was this what true strength looked like?
Lilith's teasing voice interrupted her thoughts. "So, Saintess, ready to pledge yourself to our Lord?"
Seraphina's face turned scarlet. She opened her mouth to argue but… found no words.
She looked at Arin. No, she looked into Arin.
The abyss of his power. The unwavering confidence. The way he shattered obstacles like they were nothing.
Her knees felt weak.
Then, as if compelled by an unseen force, she did something unthinkable—she knelt before him.
"…I, Seraphina, pledge my sword, my magic, and my heart to you, my Lord."
> [Seraphina has fully submitted. Affection: 100%]
[New Title Acquired: The Saintess's Guardian]
The moment those words left her lips, a golden sigil appeared on her hand—proof of her eternal oath.
Arin gently lifted her chin, a smirk playing on his lips. "Good girl."
Seraphina shuddered.
Lilith giggled. "Looks like you've been tamed~"
Selene, who had been silent until now, simply smiled. "Another one joins the family."
Before Seraphina could react, a chilling presence spread through the cathedral.
The flames from the previous battle flickered… and died.
The air turned eerily cold.
Arin's eyes sharpened.
Another enemy had arrived.
> [New Villain Identified: Noctis, The Phantom Duelist]
☠️ Status: Enemy (Extreme Danger)
A man cloaked in tattered black robes stepped forward, his silver rapier gleaming in the dim light.
His voice was a whisper, yet it echoed like a death bell.
"Ignis was a fool," Noctis murmured, his piercing red eyes locking onto Arin. "But I am no brute. I kill without sound. Without struggle. Without failure."
In the blink of an eye—
SLASH!
A deep cut appeared on Arin's cheek.
Seraphina gasped. Lilith's grin faltered. Selene narrowed her eyes.
Arin touched his cheek, staring at the blood on his fingertips.
Then, for the first time in this world—
He smiled in excitement.
"A challenge, huh?"
His aura exploded—a mixture of darkness and crimson lightning.
Noctis… smirked. "Now that's more like it."
> [Battle Commences: Arin vs Noctis, The Phantom Duelist]
---
[TO BE CONTINUED…]