The sun began to set behind the city buildings, leaving behind an orange hue that painted the sky. In a simple hotel room, Shou sat brooding at the edge of the bed. His fist crushed a bottle until it crumpled, while his bloodshot eyes stared emptily at his reflection in the mirror.
'What have I done?'
Regret pierced his chest like a splinter. Never once had he imagined he would lose control and shout at Mayuri with such harsh words.
"Whore..." he whispered, repeating the last word he had hurled at the girl.
From any angle, it was clear he had just abused Mayuri—a girl whose innocence was beyond question. Shou had prepared himself to receive a slap or at least a shout in return. But what he received was only a calm gaze and a thin smile that stabbed deeper than anything else.
With a trembling voice, he asked his System, "System... do you think I was wrong?"
[Host is not entirely wrong. You have valid reasons to worry about her, and System agrees that taking her out of this city is a wise move. However, there are too many dangerous variables in this city. Nevertheless... System must state that Host's reaction earlier was indeed excessive]
Shou stared at the mirror once more. The reflection of his face filled with anger and frustration made him want to shatter the mirror into pieces. He restrained himself, taking a deep breath.
"System... do you think I should break this contract?"
[It would be pointless. Even if Host decides to terminate the contract, Takamiya Mayuri will still be a target for parties seeking her power]
"Then what should I do?"
Desperation was clear in his voice. Mayuri insisted on not leaving this dangerous city, while Shou didn't have enough power to protect her from dangerous people obsessed with her power.
Facing them directly? Impossible. He was too weak. Instant death was the only outcome awaiting him.
But what troubled his mind most was the bitter truth that Mayuri already had someone she loved...
[Host only needs to persuade her in the right way]
"Are you blind?!" Shou snapped. "I've tried persuading her multiple times, but she keeps refusing!"
He covered his mouth, realizing that once again his emotions had exploded. Even though Mayuri might not care much about his rudeness, guilt still gnawed at his heart.
[Apologize to her. Be honest about your concerns]
"If only it were as easy as you say..."
Shou sighed heavily. It seemed his relationship with Mayuri was damaged beyond repair.
Unconsciously, images of Mayuri flashed through his mind—her radiant figure like an angel, her gentle smile full of affection. A sight so beautiful and captivating that it was difficult to forget.
But that smile wasn't for him...
His chest felt tight. His breathing became irregular. Why do I never get that smile?
[So, does Host just want to sit here, waiting for Takamiya Mayuri's death?]
Shou fell silent. His pale face was a clear enough answer.
[... System understands. Do you want to forcibly cancel the contract? Keep in mind, canceling the contract without consent from the other party will result in Host being unable to contract with her again forever]
"Do it—"
"Hey, Kid. We meet again."
A familiar voice cut off his words. Shou turned and saw a middle-aged man standing at the doorway with a friendly smile.
"Ah, Uncle..."
"Yes, it's me—Wait a minute! What's with your appearance wrapped in bandages like a mummy?! Are you practicing for Halloween?" The uncle was astonished seeing Shou's condition.
"Err..." Shou scratched his head awkwardly. "This... I got a little hurt in an incident."
"'A little,' you say? Since when does a 'little' injury require that much bandage?! Did you just fight a monster?" The uncle asked in a half-joking tone.
Shou remained silent. How could he explain that he had indeed just faced a human with monster-like powers?
"Well, forget it. Kid, you're in big trouble, aren't you?" asked the uncle with a sharp, assessing gaze.
"Eh? How did you know?"
The uncle sighed. "It's clearly visible from your expression, even though part of your face is covered in bandages."
Shou fell silent.
"Kid, I don't know what you're facing," continued the uncle in a gentler voice, "but here's my advice... In any situation, never give up. Keep moving forward, no matter how heavy the burden."
"Even if my opponents are Rank SS and SSS Hunters?" asked Shou bitterly.
Cold sweat ran down the uncle's temple. "You just mentioned something terrifying, Kid." Yet he still chuckled. "But if it means that much to you, I think it's worth it. Even if you might die, at least you won't die a coward. Even those powerful people might respect your determination and let you live. So, go ahead, Kid. Follow your heart."
"I..."
Just as doubt began to overwhelm him, Mayuri's gentle voice echoed in his mind:
"Be careful..."
Shou's eyes widened instantly.
"Hey, Kid. Are you okay?" asked the uncle worriedly, seeing Shou suddenly freeze.
Shou took a deep breath, his gaze turning resolute. "I'm fine and... thank you very much, Uncle. I know what I need to do now."
The uncle blinked before laughing freely. "Hahaha! Very good! Glad to help!"
Shou smiled, his expression now filled with burning determination.
'I've been wrong all this time. The reason Mayuri refused wasn't because she wanted to stay in this dangerous city. But because... I was the one trying to take away her freedom.'
He remembered the System's explanation that Takamiya Mayuri was a girl who loved freedom and peace. When Shou suggested running away together, it was the same as taking away Mayuri's freedom, forcing her to live in constant flight and fear.
'I must apologize right now!'
Shou rose, preparing to return immediately to where Mayuri was. But at that moment—
KABOOOOOOMMM!!!
"WHAT IS THAT?!!"
The uncle screamed in horror when a shock wave hit the building where they were. In the distance, a golden fire explosion soared high into the bright morning sky, creating a tremendous vibration that spread throughout the city.
Shou's face turned pale. The direction of the explosion... was exactly where Lux was located!
[Ding! WARNING! TAKAMIYA MAYURI IS UNDER ATTACK! HOST IS REQUESTED TO IMMEDIATELY PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO HIS CONTRACT CREATURE!]
"DAMN IT!"
"Hey, Kid! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!"
"SORRY UNCLE! I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MATTER! YOU SHOULD LEAVE THIS PLACE IMMEDIATELY!"
"WAI—"
Too late. Shou had already darted away at full speed toward the center of the explosion, leaving the uncle dumbfounded behind him.
***
"Oh?"
Vian raised his eyebrows, surprised when his golden fire-wrapped fist was caught by Mayuri's bare hand shrouded in ice mist. His interest in the girl before him grew stronger. He didn't expect this girl to have control over the ice element.
Vian's eyes widened as he witnessed the transformation happening to Mayuri.
Her school uniform began to shine with pure golden light that dazzled. A pair of small wing-shaped ornaments appeared in her hair, followed by a pair of real angel wings that spread magnificently from her back.
An elegant black dress with open cuts replaced her uniform. Black thigh-high gloves completed her appearance, with golden bracelets encircling both her wrists.
Golden boots gracefully wrapped her feet. The pearl earrings in her ears transformed into colorful jewels that sparkled.
Her usually calm aura now radiated extraordinary glory and purity.
"You..." Vian's eyes narrowed curiously, "are from the Angel race?"
His assumption made sense. Mayuri's current appearance perfectly reflected the characteristics of the Angel race. And more importantly, her aura was far purer than before.
Mayuri didn't answer. Instead, she flapped her wings and prepared to fly!
"Don't think about escaping," Vian hissed, his awareness fully returning.
With quick movements, he chased after Mayuri who shot into the sky. Vian circled the girl nimbly, then without hesitation showered her with a storm of golden fire!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Yet Mayuri remained unharmed. With admirable grace, she avoided each attack while controlling the wind around her to dampen the explosion effects.
Vian's expression grew colder. He gathered his golden fire in a much larger quantity, forming a giant fireball with a diameter of 200 meters.
"Die."
WOSH!
Like a supersonic missile, the fireball launched toward Mayuri!
Realizing that dodging wasn't an option, Mayuri raised her right hand with her expression remaining calm.
"...<
KABOOOOOOMMM...!!
A tremendous explosion occurred in the sky, creating shock waves that pushed away clouds and shattered the glass of buildings below!
Amid the billowing smoke, Mayuri's wings still flapped gracefully. Her expression barely changed until—
KRING!
"...Hm?!"
Mana chains suddenly appeared, confining her from all directions and blocking her escape route.
"This..."
Several Rank S Hunters had surrounded her. Confusion was visible on their faces—clearly they couldn't see Mayuri's form as Vian could, however...
"They indeed cannot see you," Vian said calmly, "but that doesn't mean they will doubt my words. After all, there are Ghost races that cannot be seen with the naked eye."
"...Didn't you say earlier..."
"That I would handle you alone? Of course, that was a lie to trick you. Don't think I'm dishonorable. Everything is fair in battle."
"...I don't blame you for that. I understand," Mayuri answered without emotion.
Vian frowned. "You..." He was about to say something but quickly shook his head. "Never mind. Do you think you can continue fighting with an injury like that?" His eyes focused on Mayuri's right hand, which was severely burned.
Although she had managed to block Vian's attack, Mayuri was not completely unharmed. After all, an attack from a Rank SS+ Hunter was not something to be taken lightly.
Mayuri was silent for a moment before saying in a soft voice, "<
A beautiful melody played, spreading in all directions. The Rank S Hunters who heard it were instantly captivated, losing consciousness momentarily.
"You possess a disgusting ability," Vian frowned with disgust.
He didn't expect a girl who looked as pure as an Angel would possess the ability to control minds and brainwash others.
Vian's expression hardened but then was surprised to see the burn wound on Mayuri's hand slowly healing. At the same time, the Hunters affected by Gabriel's sound regained consciousness.
"I'm sorry, I can't fully control my power..."
Vian fell silent, increasingly puzzled by the behavior of the girl before him. This girl... was truly unusual. Her expression remained calm despite facing open hostility.
"Prince Vian, we detect fluctuations in movement from the invisible black ball."
Vian's expression changed. "Execute according to plan."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The mana chains confining Mayuri suddenly glowed brightly. Without warning, mana circles appeared, surrounding Mayuri from all directions without giving her a chance to fight back.
The circles then emitted a dazzling light...
***
Tick...
Mayuri's feet landed gracefully, creating small ripples as they touched the water puddle.
She slowly opened her eyes, surprised to find herself in a completely different place.
"This... the sea?"
Indeed. She was no longer in the city near Life Forest. Instead, she now stood at a harbor, surrounded by moored ships.
"That's right," Vian's voice was heard from behind her. "To avoid the wrath of Life Forest inhabitants due to the city's destruction, it's better for us to fight at sea. The damage will be more contained. And of course, the main reason is so that your winged black ball cannot interfere."
"But if so... the effectiveness of your fire will be reduced," said Mayuri.
"You underestimate me."
BOOOM!
Golden fire engulfed Vian's entire body. But instead of dimming due to the presence of water, the fire grew fiercer and denser.
"Don't compare my fire with ordinary fire," Vian smiled coldly. "My fire has special properties—the more substances try to extinguish it, the stronger its flames become."
He stepped forward, each step evaporating the seawater beneath his feet.
"In this case, you only have two choices... First, die burning without resistance. Second, fight and make my fire stronger, before eventually still dying in flames."
A thick death aura emanated from Vian's body as his golden fire blazed higher, reflecting golden light on the dark sea surface. Mayuri just stood calmly, her white wings glowing in contrast to the darkness of night.
"Of course, to prevent you from escaping, I've asked other Rank S Hunters to stand by." Vian smiled coldly.
Through her sensitive senses, Mayuri could feel the presence of five Rank S Hunters surrounding her from various positions. Their auras were like bright stars threatening in the darkness. And at the harbor, six wizard-type Rank S Hunters had prepared with a perfect defensive formation.
The conclusion was simple and terrifying: she was perfectly surrounded with no escape route.
However, the winged girl's face remained as calm as a lake's surface in the morning. There were no wrinkles on her forehead, no tremors at the corners of her lips—as if the danger threatening her life was nothing more than a gentle breeze.
"Prepare yourself." Vian felt an odd discomfort seeing the girl's unchanging expression. Something was wrong, something that made him feel he needed to end this girl's life quickly.
Because his instinct as a Hunter whispered—disaster would occur if this girl were allowed to live.
BOOOOMM...!!
A hot aura explosion radiated from Vian's body, creating giant waves roaring in all directions, enough to spawn a tsunami that could swallow coastal cities.
"<
With an elegant movement, she raised her hand, and instantly bluish-white wind pushes formed like invisible wings, taming the raging ocean in the blink of an eye.
WOSH...!
Without warning, a golden fire burst forming a fierce tornado launched from Vian's hand, spinning at a terrifying speed, targeting Mayuri's still calmly floating figure.
BLAAAARRRR...!!
In an instant, a tremendous explosion swept the area, turning seawater into hissing vapor. The heat generated was so extreme it altered the air composition around it.
A yellow flash darted to the sky—Mayuri trying to fly away. But suddenly, like a bird caught in an invisible net, her movement abruptly stopped in mid-air. For the first time, the calm expression on her face changed to surprise. Her white wings flapped in vain; she couldn't move!
Vian had calculated all possibilities. The Rank S Hunters under his command had installed anti-gravity barrier magic—an invisible net preventing anyone from flying without the authority of the area's ruler. Only Vian and other Rank S Hunters had the authority to hover in the air.
Like a puppet with its strings cut, Mayuri plummeted toward the raging ocean.
Below the sea surface, Vian was already waiting with his fist wrapped in sparkling golden flames.
"Perish this time," he whispered with the calmness of an executioner.
The golden fire exploded fiercely, metamorphosing into a gigantic Eastern dragon roaring in the air. Its glowing eyes found its target, and in a wild movement, it rushed toward Mayuri.
The aura from that attack alone was enough to make the seawater continuously evaporate, the air and space around it distorted like a cracked mirror. Mayuri suddenly found it difficult to breathe; her soft lips turned dry and cracked.
BLAAAAARRR....!!!
A tremendous explosion resembling a nuclear bomb spread in all directions, turning the middle part of the sea into an empty crater. Thick white smoke enveloped the area, obscuring the view even for Rank B Hunters with sharp vision.
The displaced seawater formed a giant liquid wall, before falling back like rain, filling the created void.
The figures of Vian and several other Rank S Hunters floated in the air, protected by a magic dome formed by the wizards. They were completely unscathed.
But what they witnessed next made their eyes widen in disbelief.
"Hey, you've got to be kidding me..." muttered one of the Rank S Hunters, his voice choked with surprise.
Amid the chaos, Mayuri still stood—severely injured but not fallen. Fresh blood flowed from her trembling right hand, her white robe now torn and stained red in several places. But that wasn't what stunned them.
Behind the angel girl, several ships remained intact, protected by layers of ice and spinning wind forming protective domes. Not a single ship passenger was injured.
"B-beautiful big sister over there..." a small voice called.
Several crew members slowly descended, walking on the frozen ice, approaching Mayuri's figure who now knelt with heavy breaths. Her long blonde hair, usually tied, now flowed freely, blown by the cold sea breeze.
"Don't... approach me," she whispered gently, her voice like a harp's tinkle caressing the ears.
"B-big Sister, you're hurt..." A little girl stepped forward, her eyes teary seeing the condition of their savior angel. Her tiny hand raised, wanting to touch the white wings whose feathers were now falling one by one.
The ship's captain—also the little girl's father—immediately pulled his daughter back. Cold sweat ran down his temple as a strong intimidating aura descended from the sky.
Vian and other Rank S Hunters landed gracefully before Mayuri. The prince walked slowly, his royal cloak dramatically waving in the wind, creating an intimidating shadow.
He approached Mayuri who still maintained her calm expression despite her right hand not stopping its trembling. With an almost gentle movement, Vian lifted the girl's chin, forcing those glistening pink eyes to meet his gaze.
"I must admit... you continue to surprise me," he said, with a trace of faint admiration in his voice. "But tell me... why aren't you fighting back?"
The question hung in the air. Since the beginning of the battle, Mayuri had only defended, not once launching a counterattack. Her every movement was defensive, as if she refused to hurt anyone.
Vian knew very well that this girl was extremely powerful—the owner of a frightening winged black ball and master of several elements simultaneously. If Mayuri truly fought him seriously, their battle might have lasted seven days and seven nights, turning the entire ocean into vapor.
"Because there's no use in fighting you..." answered Mayuri, her voice calm yet sounding tired.
"Isn't there a use? You will die if you don't fight us," Vian tilted his head. "Isn't death something that all creatures fear greatly?"
"That's not wrong but..." Mayuri looked straight into Vian's eyes, "death means nothing to me because I've been through something far more frightening than that."
"Oho?" Vian raised his eyebrows, interest shining in his eyes. "Something more frightening than death? I'm very curious about that..."
He waited for an answer, but only silence greeted him. Mayuri's expression remained unreadable, as if there was a dark secret stored deep behind her beautiful eyes.
Vian frowned, slightly offended by the girl's reluctance. But instead of forcing her, he took a different approach.
"You know, I have an offer for you," he extended his hand with an elegant gesture. "I won't kill you, but in exchange... become my personal servant."
"Why?" asked Mayuri directly, without fear or offense at an offer some might consider demeaning.
"The answer is simple," Vian admitted with a thin smile. "After seeing you fight, you've managed to spark my interest. And that... makes me interested in you."
Mayuri was silent, as if weighing the offer. But before she could answer, a thunderous voice broke the tension.
"BASTARD! GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HER!!"
JEDAAARR....!!!
Golden lightning struck with tremendous force, splitting the sky and seawater simultaneously, targeting Vian and the group of Rank S Hunters. They reacted quickly, deflecting the sudden attack with ease—too easily.
Meanwhile, Mayuri once again didn't think of herself. With her remaining strength, she formed a shield to protect the ship's crew.
BOOOOMMM!!!
The ship's crew cowered in fear. The eight-year-old girl unconsciously hugged Mayuri's waist from behind, her tiny body trembling violently.
"You will be okay..." whispered Mayuri with a mother's gentleness, her bleeding hand stroking the little girl's head.
"U-um..." The little girl nodded, her cheeks slightly reddened. A fragrant aroma like lily flowers emanating from Mayuri's body made her feel safe and comfortable.
With a gentle smile, Mayuri turned her attention to the direction of the attack. There stood a young man, his breath panting, lightning flashes still dancing around his body.
"A-are you okay?" asked the young man, his eyes widening seeing Mayuri's condition.
"Y-you're hurt! Those BASTARDS!" Anger instantly flared in the eyes of the young man named Shou. His hand clenched tightly until his knuckles turned white.
Shou cursed himself for arriving late. Despite using full speed from Kerubiel's lightning element, the distance he had to travel was too far to arrive on time.
"Damn it, I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" shouted Shou, his eyes flashing dangerously. A murderous aura radiated from his body, contrasting with his usually friendly appearance.
"Don't do that..." whispered Mayuri weakly, her voice almost swallowed by the wind's roar.
Shou froze hearing those words. "B-but—" he was about to object, but Mayuri's expression stopped him.
"There's no use in bloodshed here," Mayuri shook her head slowly. "You will be hunted by the Imperial Family if you fight them..."
Hearing the concern in Mayuri's voice worrying about his safety, Shou fell silent, feeling powerless. He hated his weakness, hated the fact that he was unable to protect Mayuri. Even his ability to stand before her now was thanks to the girl's own power...
"Prince Vian, are you alright?" one of the Rank S Hunters asked with a worried tone.
"Do you think a weak attack like that could threaten me?" Vian replied coldly, his eyes not once leaving Mayuri's figure.
"N-no..." The Rank S Hunter backed away, intimidated by the prince's cold gaze.
Vian turned to stare at Shou with a contemptuous look. "Now I understand what the Frost Assassin meant," he spoke slowly. "That power of yours... is indeed just borrowed power."
Those words hit Shou like an ice dagger. His expression darkened, his face red with anger and shame.
"SHUT UP!" he shouted, his voice breaking with emotion.
"What? Are you angry?" Vian smiled thinly, his tone clearly mocking.
Shou was about to attack again—a suicidal move that would certainly cause his death—when a gentle yet firm voice stopped him.
"Stop mocking the person who made a contract with me," said Mayuri, her eyes now glaring sharply at Vian. "He may be weak now, but that will change in the future..."
Vian frowned, somehow feeling displeased with Mayuri's defense of Shou.
Meanwhile, Shou was surprised but overjoyed. Unconsciously, he gave Vian a victorious look, as if saying: 'I may be weak, so what? I have a girl who cares about me while you don't.'
Vian caught that look, and his jaw hardened. But as someone destined to stand at the top of the world, he restrained himself. Responding to Shou would only lower his own status.
"Prince Vian," one of the Rank S Hunters broke the silence, "what should we do now? Should we continue the mission and kill them?"
Coldly, Vian glanced at the Hunter, who immediately shuddered under his gaze. "No," he said after a moment. "Forget it. After all, this girl is still useful to us."
Without another word, Vian floated into the air, followed by the other Rank S Hunters who rushed to follow.
This sight made Shou and the ship's crew sigh in relief. Especially Shou, who honestly had no plan whatsoever to face Vian and so many Rank S Hunters at once.
Before truly leaving, Vian looked at Mayuri one more time, their eyes meeting in mysterious silence. "If you agree with my previous offer," he said, "you can come to the capital."
"STOP DREAMING, BASTARD!" shouted Shou, anger and killing intent reigniting in his voice.
The people around them gasped in shock, not expecting anyone to dare yell at an Imperial Family prince so openly—an act punishable by death.
But Vian just smiled thinly, ignoring the shout as if it were nothing more than a stray dog's bark. "We will return," he ordered the Rank S Hunter beside him. "Prepare the teleportation device."
"Understood, Prince Vian." The Rank S Hunter immediately took out a palm-sized crystal and filled it with [mana], but...
"...Huh?" A confused wrinkle appeared on his forehead.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
"That... somehow there's a problem with the coordinates," answered the Hunter, trying again with more [mana]. "I'll try again."
But the result remained the same. The crystal pulsed with unstable red light, emitting a strange buzzing like a broken machine.
Vian began to feel a bad omen. Just then, everyone in the area felt a strange vibration—an aura so large it made their hearts seem to stop beating for a moment.
Everyone's expression changed drastically. Vian, with his sharp fighting instinct, was the first to react.
"TAKE COVER!!" he shouted, his voice thundering.
BOOOOOMM..!!
A terrifying explosion surpassing the power of a nuclear bomb occurred, instantly vaporizing most of the seawater. Ships in the nearest radius immediately vanished into ash, leaving no trace.
A giant tsunami emerged, moving toward the nearest harbor with frightening speed. The Rank S Hunters assigned to protect the harbor immediately formed barriers, but even they looked overwhelmed.
Then in the next second, expressions of horror appeared on the faces of everyone witnessing the appearance of that creature—a giant figure that even from a distance appeared to reach one kilometer in height.
Its skin was blazing red like lava, its stomach bulged and undulated like moving mountains. Most terrifying were the pair of giant black horns jutting from its forehead.
The creature opened its eyelids, revealing cavities filled with blazing fire. Then it roared—a sound that could not possibly come from this world.
"[GRAAAAAHHHHHH.....!!]"
Its roar was so tremendous it created shock waves that pushed back the seawater, forming a tsunami that towered more than a hundred meters!
Simultaneously, a scream of pain was heard from Mayuri's direction.
Badoom!
"AAHHHH...!!"
"What—" Shou turned in shock.
Everyone was surprised to see Mayuri suddenly staggering, her face pale and her body trembling violently. Shou, with the Divine Protection of Life Goddess, felt his head being hit hard when waves of uncontrolled energy struck his body.
An unlimited amount of Reiryoku spread madly, repelling everyone around her like dry leaves blown by a storm!
Fortunately, the remnants of Raphael's wind still protecting them reduced the impact of the collision. Layers of ice also helped dampen the damage caused by the extraordinary energy pressure.
Just at that moment...
BAM...!!
The sound of heavy footsteps shook the entire ocean.
Everyone looked up, and fear immediately crawled up their spines. They froze, tongues felt numb, unable to say anything as they stared at the creature towering higher than the tallest mountain.
The demon figure smiled—a disgusting and bloodthirsty smile revealing rows of sword-sharp teeth. Its glowing eyes looked down, as if searching for prey.
Truly the embodiment of all human nightmares...
And then—
"MAYURI-!!!"
BLAAAARRR.....!!!