Kael slid off Dante's back, boots crunching into fresh snow. Ahead, a weathered wooden gate arched like a tired sentinel, its sign hanging crooked: Frostford. Torches flickered along the path, their glow catching on icicles that gleamed like fangs.
Dante's antlers shimmered as he smirked. "Cozy little meat locker, huh? Famous for its frozen lake—and, y'know, not being eaten by demons. Yet."
Kael barely glanced at him, scanning the village. Kids darted between stalls, the scent of roasted chestnuts thick in the air. No screams. No rivers of blood. Just… life.
"Huh. Either this place is blessed, or the demons got bad taste." He cracked his neck. "Let's hope it's the first one."
Dante was already puffing his chest at a speckled mare. "Go get a drink, human. I've got priorities." Danet walked away towards a mare.
Inside the tavern, warmth wrapped around Kael like a lazy embrace. He slumped into a corner seat, propping his boots on the table, and raised a mug of mulled wine.
"Ahhh. Now this—" He took a swig. "—is the good sh—"
A lanky figure slid into the opposite chair—uninvited. Bandages coiled up the man's arms like sleeping vipers. His grin was all teeth.
"Nice coat. Last guy who wore red here? Demon chow."
Kael didn't lower his drink. "Wow. Small talk and a death threat. You're really bad at first impressions."
The stranger chuckled. "Lucian. And you?"
"Kael. But you can call me 'Your Majesty' if it helps."
Lucian leaned in, playful tone gone. "Cut the crap. Where're you really from?"
Kael swirled his wine. "I know you're not gonna believe this but A thousand years ago. Fought in the Great Culling—when demons first crapped up the world. Came back to finish the job. Gonna kill—"
Lucian's hand clamped over his mouth, eyes dark. "Don't. Say. His name."
A scream tore through the air. The tavern door burst open. A man stumbled in, blood on his lips, voice raw with terror.
"DEMON—ON THE LAKE!"
Kael sighed, downing the rest of his drink. "And there goes my buzz."
He was already moving, crimson coat flaring behind him as he stepped into the frozen night. Lucian followed, hands in pockets, like they were heading to a bar fight, not the apocalypse.
Chaos. Villagers fled, breath ghosting in the air. The lake—once a mirror of ice—now pulsed with veins of crimson, spreading like shattered glass. Beneath it, something big stirred.
Kael's fingers tapped his dagger hilt. "Finally. Was starting to think this town was boring."
Lucian smirked. "Try not to die, grandpa."
"Please. I've died once. Didn't stick."
Then—BOOM.
The ice exploded.
A monstrosity of frost and muscle erupted from the depths, six milky eyes twitching in different directions before locking onto them. Black drool sizzled on the ice as it snarled.
Kael whistled. "Yikes. Who pissed in your hell-portal?"
The demon lunged.
Kael sidestepped—almost too slow. Claws grazed his arm, drawing blood. He flicked the wound away with a grin. "Cute. Now my turn."
The demon struck again, tail whipping like a blade. Kael backflipped over it, boots skidding on bloody ice.
Lucian summoned a black scythe from shadows. "Class A. Not top-tier, but it'll try."
"A for 'Annoying,' maybe." Kael flipped his dagger. "Let's speed this up."
Lucian moved—scythe flashing—and lopped off the demon's arm. Black blood hissed on the ice.
The demon shrieked—then regrew the limb in seconds.
Kael groaned. "Oh, come on. That's cheating."
The beast charged Lucian, fist slamming into his ribs. Lucian skidded back, coughing—then grinned.
"Okay. Now I'm pissed."
His veins pulsed. Blood surged to his right arm, muscles swelling, skin darkening with raw power. He swung—CRACK—fist caving in the demon's chest.
"Rakuin," he said, flexing. "All your strength in one hit."
Kael rolled his eyes. "Show-off."
The demon staggered—then changed. Ice fused with its flesh, bones cracking as it swelled larger, stronger.
Lucian sighed. "Great. It leveled up."
The demon roared, voice shaking the earth.
"THE EMPEROR OF ASHES WILL FEAST ON YOUR BONES!"
Kael's smirk sharpened. "Emperor of Ashes? Sounds like a guy who needs a hug." He twirled his dagger. "Too bad I only deliver stabbings."
The demon lunged—and Kael met it head-on, blade flashing.
"Let's dance, ugly."