Rin lunged forward, fists blazing with flame, but the demon leader dodged every strike with lazy ease. No matter how hard Rin pushed, his flames grew weaker—his movements slower.
The leader sidestepped another punch and caught Rin's next attack with a single finger. "You realize I overpower you by a wide margin, don't you?" he said flatly. "Let's stop this. I haven't even used magic yet. How did you think this would end?"
Rin clenched his jaw. "You think I don't know that? I don't care. Just tell me—what the hell do you want from me?"
The demon's expression softened, just for a moment. "I can't tell you. Not because I won't… but because you wouldn't hear the truth, only broken words. You wouldn't understand."
"Enough with this shit!" Rin shouted. "Start making sense!"
The leader said something. Words… but not words. Sounds twisted and mangled, like echoes underwater.
Rin froze, eyes wide. "W-What the hell? What did you just say? Why couldn't I hear it?!"
The demon slowly raised a hand and tapped his head. "Because of the seal on your mind."
Rin's breath caught. "You mentioned the hourglass before… what does that have to do with a seal?"
"The hourglass… yes, I did say something about it." The leader nodded. "That slipped through the seal. It's weakening. But don't get your hopes up—if it breaks completely, people will think you've lost your mind."
"…Why?"
"They'll hear the same broken words you just did."
Rin trembled. "Shut up… just shut up already!"
---
Meanwhile, Kaela—
Kiro's blades danced through the air. Kaela twisted her body, barely dodging the onslaught. Her light-infused water surged forward, nearly catching him—but it slipped from her control, splashing harmlessly.
The edge of Kiro's sword skimmed her cheek. Kaela gritted her teeth and retaliated, slicing his leg. Blood flew, but the wound wasn't deep—nothing like the one still bleeding from her own arm.
She kept moving. Attack. Dodge. Attack again. But it wasn't enough.
I need something more. Something different…
Then a thought struck her.
What if I add my Ice Trait to it?
She didn't hesitate. The light-water pulsed, then began to freeze. Slowly, deliberately, Kaela shaped it—her will sharpening the edges. A sword formed in her hand. Not just ice. Not just light. A blade of frozen purity with light flowing inside like veins of magic.
Kiro's eyes widened, and for the first time—he looked angry.
I need to kill her here and now.
He dashed forward, but Kaela moved faster. Ice surged from beneath her feet, boosting her reflexes. She weaved past his blows with practiced grace.
Kiro growled—then stumbled.
His legs were gone.
Blood poured onto the ice as he collapsed, screaming.
Kaela stepped forward, sword at the ready. "Any last words?"
Kiro choked on his breath, tears forming. "I-I never wanted this life. I didn't choose to be born like this. A demon. A monster. I used to watch humans and envy them. I didn't want to kill. I just… wanted to live."
He looked up at her. "Please… end it."
Kaela hesitated—then raised her sword.
"I hope… maybe… you'll be reborn as a human next time."
The blade fell. Silence.
Teacher Kobe said demons don't feel emotions… she thought. So what the hell was that?
She turned. "No time to think about it. The others might need help."
---
Back to Taro—
The demon kept swinging wildly, frustration growing. "Just die already!"
Taro ducked under a strike aimed at his head.
"Got you," the demon hissed, water magic surging forward.
It evaporated instantly.
Smoke swirled—and Taro stepped through.
The demon froze. "W-What?! Stay back! I-I can't die here! My wife… my children… please—please, I beg you—spare me!"
Taro's eyes hardened. "How many humans begged like that before you killed them?"
He raised his flaming fist. "See you in hell."
The punch shattered the demon's face. His body collapsed, lifeless.
Taro exhaled. "Phew… wonder how Kaela did."
---
Kaela and Taro returned to the main path—arriving at the same time. Taro ran to her immediately.
"Holy—You look messed up. What happened to your arm?"
Kaela laughed tiredly. "Don't worry about me. Look at your face—it's worse than your hair."
She reached into her bag and pulled out the tiny box from earlier. Inside—only one health potion.
"Well… only one left," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Who drinks it?"
"You, obviously," Taro said. "Your arm's in bad shape."
Kaela smiled faintly. "Thanks."
Taro looked around. "Hey… have you seen Rin?"
Kaela shook her head. "I thought he was with you."
Before Taro could answer—
Boom!
Rin crashed into the wall ahead of them, body covered in blood.
"RIN!" they both shouted.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
The leader emerged from the smoke, calm and unbothered.
"Well, well," he said. "Look who we have here. I knew my subordinates were weak… but I didn't think they were that weak."
And unnoticed—
Beep. Beep.
The student watch on Rin's arm flashed twice.
But no one heard it.
---
To be continued…