The echoes of the battle still lingered within the academy walls.
The Holy Arena, once a place of glory, now lay fractured—its ground still scarred from divine judgment.
Whispers of "The Demon God's verdict" spread like wildfire among the students, yet none dared to speak his name aloud.
And within the academy's medical wing…
one of its proudest captains lay silent, paying the price of challenge.
After the fierce duel between the S-Class Captain Kaiya and Argus Alioth, that very same day, Kaiya was found lying on a hospital bed inside the academy's medical wing.
Beside her stood the four remaining S-Class captains—silent and watchful.
"What do you have to say about the result of your battle?"asked Chief Captain Cyran.
Kaiya's eyes were fixed on the end of her bed, her expression heavy.
"Chief… that man— I can't explain it. In that moment, it felt like something I've never experienced before," she said, her voice trembling, tears welling in her eyes.
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.
Seeing Kaiya like this after a fight was unnatural.
She was known for her fearlessness—strong, unshaken, and untouchable.
Cyran knelt before her, lowering his head.
"Forgive me, Kaiya. If I hadn't assigned that mission to you, none of this would've happened,"he said sincerely.
Lyra stepped forward, her voice soft.
"Kaiya… what did you mean by what you said?"
"Hmph. Don't tell me you're losing your nerve now?" Jaxom interrupted, folding his arms.
"Jaxom! Don't talk like that!" Lyra snapped.
"You can't blame her," Silas interjected calmly. "She fought a demon."
"Not just any demon," said Cyran grimly. "But the Judgment Demon himself."
Kaiya's voice came out quiet but steady.
"It's fine, Chief. I'm all right."
She exhaled deeply, recalling every second of that encounter.
"Say what you want to say."
Lyra sat beside her, gently comforting her friend.
"Tell us. What really happened?"
Kaiya lowered her gaze, her eyes dim.
"In that moment, before his strike landed… I looked into his eyes."
The room fell silent as she remembered.
"Those eyes… they were terrifying. Eyes that judged me down to the last fragment of my soul."
Everyone froze, their faces etched with confusion and unease.
"What the Grandmaster said is true," Kaiya whispered, trembling.
"He's here—walking among us."
Tears streamed down her face.
"When I looked into his eyes… I saw souls— countless souls— trapped in a vast, empty void."
She covered her face, crying harder.
"They were reaching out to me, begging for help, screaming in pain and despair.
A place without hope… only endless suffering.
And they kept whispering— come with us, come with us.
I thought I was going to die."
Lyra wrapped her arms around Kaiya, feeling the trauma shuddering through her.
The others stood frozen, disbelief tightening their chests.
The fierce, unshakable Kaiya was now broken and trembling.
The atmosphere turned heavy—
As if even time itself dared not move.
Then—
"But you're still alive, aren't you?"
A mischievous voice cut through the silence.
Everyone turned.
Lilith stood at the doorway, grinning, holding a basket of fruit.
"You—!" Jaxom took a step toward her, but Cyran raised a hand, stopping him.
"Calm yourself," the Chief ordered firmly.
"But Chief—"
Cyran shook his head. That was enough for Jaxom to back down, glaring.
Lilith strutted toward Kaiya, setting the fruits down on the bedside table, unbothered by everyone's stares.
"Hmph. You mortals really are so soft," she said, crossing her arms.
"You only remember your sins when you're one step away from death."
"Not only do you reek, but you're irritating to watch when you all start comforting each other."
"W-What are you doing here, you little brat!?" Jaxon barked.
Lilith ignored him completely, flicking her hair with a haughty snort— which only made him angrier.
"Unbelievable! That kid's got attitude!" Jaxom growled, pacing.
Lyra sighed. "Really, Jaxom? You're arguing with a little girl now?"
"Hmph! Listen here, Miss Masculine," Lilith said, pointing at Kaiya with a pout.
"Don't think I'm worried about you. I only came to check if you're still alive."
She grinned wickedly.
"Also, since you called me cute earlier, you're exempt from my 'disgusting mortal' list."
Cyran took a serious step forward, his voice calm but firm.
"I know that's not the only reason you came."
"Oh? Isn't it?" Lilith smirked. "Fine, you're right."
She turned back to Kaiya, her red eyes gleaming.
"Listen, masculine girl. Everything you saw through my master's eyes during your battle—those souls—were the condemned ones. Each judged and bound by the weight of their own sins."
Gasps echoed around the room.
"Those souls will never escape their eternal torment," Lilith continued flatly.
"You mean… like a prison?" Lyra asked cautiously.
"Correct. But worse."
"Their suffering is the price of their wickedness when they were alive."
Lilith's gaze sharpened.
"And you, masculine girl— you were judged as well. The fact that you still live means only one thing…"
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
"You've committed no unforgivable sin in your life."
Kaiya's tear-streaked eyes widened. Her mind spun in confusion.
"You probably don't understand yet," Lilith said, shrugging.
"In short, during your fight—when the chain wrapped around your fist—your very soul was placed on trial.
Your true intentions and deeds were read, from the moment you first opened your eyes to this world… until now."
"And because you're still alive—"
Cyran finished her sentence, cold sweat on his temple.
"Not guilty."
"Exactly." Lilith smiled faintly.
"It's not about right or wrong. What's judged… is whether your act was born from evil."
Her voice deepened.
"Understand this, mortals— the Judgment Chain chooses no sides. Human or demon— if you have a soul, you can be judged."
The room went deathly still.
Even Jaxom, who had been fuming moments ago, was now silent, his head lowered in deep thought.
It was Silas who broke the silence.
"Then… will all of us be judged someday?"
Lilith shook her finger slowly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. No, silly. Judgment only comes to those who challenge fate itself."
"Meaning?" Silas frowned.
"In other words," Cyran muttered, realization dawning,
"We made a mistake. To challenge Argus was… pure madness."
"Bingo!" Lilith said cheerfully.
"Congratulations, Captain! You've got more brains than that idiot next to you."
She smirked at Jaxom.
"To challenge my Lord," Lilith continued, slicing a red apple with her dagger,
"is to challenge your own death."
"And if you dare commit sin in his presence— even the gods won't save you.
Once the verdict is read, and guilt proven… you will never see the light again."
She looked at all five captains, pointing her dagger toward them.
"Listen well. My master came to this world for a mission. But if you let your egos outweigh your understanding— we won't stop you from sealing your own fate."
"Ally or enemy— it makes no difference to him.
But this time, it's your turn to judge."
She handed the apple to Kaiya.
Kaiya stared at it for a long moment before speaking.
"Lilith… could I… talk to Mr. Alioth?"
"Hm? Oh, that's not up to me. I don't mind— as long as you don't fall for him! Hmph!" Lilith pouted, her hand still offering the apple.
"Take it already! My arm's getting tired! Don't make me look nice in front of these mortals!"
Kaiya finally accepted the apple, her face softening for the first time since the battle.
The others smiled faintly, relieved.
"Be happy," Lilith said, turning away.
"Your survival is proof of your pure desire."
She headed toward the door.
"And remember, you five— the coming war could erupt at any time!"
She raised her finger dramatically.
"I'll make sure the one who bakes sweet bread survives!"
Before anyone could react, Lilith dashed out of the room, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Lyra was the first to speak.
"Chief… what's your decision?"
"I want to speak with Mr. Argus myself," Cyran replied.
"Not just you, Chief. All of us should," Jaxom added.
Silas folded his arms. "If I recall what the Grandmaster said—there are demons plotting to conquer Aethelgard itself. Even some kingdoms are already siding with them."
Kaiya clenched her fists, her fiery voice back.
"Enough drama! Those demons are mine!"
The cracking of her knuckles filled the air.
After Lilith's revelations, the five S-Class captains requested an urgent meeting with the Grandmaster, Seren, to discuss the coming war— and the presence of Argus and his companion.
"Grandmaster!" Cyran exclaimed as they entered the meeting room, the others following.
"We've reached a decision. The existence of this 'Judgment Demon' is worrisome… but his power could be invaluable when war begins," Cyran said firmly.
"We must start preparing for future demonic activity," Lyra added.
"I agree," Jaxom said. "Sooner or later, more traces of their corruption will surface."
"Grandmaster," Silas spoke calmly, "we understand the reason for the Demon's arrival. But… are you not concerned for our safety?"
"Calm yourselves, my children," the old man said gently.
"War and chaos will come, yes. But we still have time to prepare."
He rose and turned to the window.
"As for the existence of Lord Alioth— that is not something I can decide."
"What do you mean, Grandmaster?" Cyran asked.
The old man turned and looked straight at Kaiya.
"Kaiya."
"Y-Yes, sir?" she said, standing at attention.
"Your survival after facing the Judgment Demon is proof enough— that coexistence is possible."
"The Demon's presence is not merely a threat… but a warning to those whose hearts are tainted.
His judgment is absolute.
Think of him as a test from the goddesses themselves."
The captains nodded slowly, understanding dawning on them.
They remembered Lilith's words—
"It's not about what's right or wrong. What's judged… is whether it was born from evil."
The Grandmaster continued,
"The goddesses have sought aid from the legendary Judge Demon because even they see the corruption spreading.
The wicked are not only demons, but humans whose hearts have fallen to darkness."
Lyra spoke softly,
"So the goddesses intend to purge not just demons… but humanity's corruption as well."
"Exactly," the Grandmaster nodded.
"No one is exempt— not even Solara.
The line between light and darkness has blurred.
When evil takes root in one's heart, even saints can bring ruin."
He gazed at them with gentle eyes.
"Every soul in this world shall be judged without bias.
Blessed are those who cling to light… and defy the dark."
The five captains bowed their heads, solemn and thoughtful.
Then— Kaiya whispered,
"It's not about right or wrong. What's judged… is whether it's evil."
"Now that everything is clear to you," the old man said, his calm gaze sweeping over the five captains. "I trust that your hearts are pure—and that I have nothing to fear."
The five stood tall in unison.
"You can count on us, Grandmaster!" they answered firmly.
Meanwhile, at the rooftop of the academy—
Argus lay resting on the cold floor, eyes fixed on the twilight sky above.
"Master! I'm back!" Lilith announced cheerfully, standing over him with a mischievous grin and a sweet pastry in her hand.
Argus tilted his head toward her.
"Mission accomplished?" he asked.
"Yup!" she replied proudly, taking a bite of her pastry. "I explained to them—very clearly—what would happen if they ever made the mistake of opposing you again."
"Good," Argus murmured, finally sitting up beside her. "Now we can focus on the real work, at least for a while."
"So, Master," Lilith asked, crumbs on her lips, "what's our next move?"
"For now, we need to investigate each kingdom carefully," Argus replied, his tone turning serious. "If more corrupted beasts or twisted entities start appearing, that'll bring us closer to the truth—about where they're coming from… and who's behind it all."
"And what about the demons?" Lilith asked.
"I doubt they'll make any major moves yet," Argus said. "They're not mindless creatures. They know that acting recklessly won't end well for them."
"I understand, My Lord!" Lilith replied with exaggerated formality, before narrowing her eyes at him.
"And one more thing—no kissing anyone, got it?!" she snapped, pointing a sugar-covered finger right at his face.
Argus let out a long, weary sigh.
"For crying out loud… are you still thinking about that?" he muttered, rubbing his temples.
"For eternity, My Lord!" Lilith declared with dramatic flair. "Since we're both immortal, you'll suffer that guilt for all eternity! That's my verdict!"
Argus just buried his face in his hand as Lilith pouted beside him.
And thus, the day ended in calm.
Though peace hung over the academy for now, both Argus and Lilith knew—their true mission had only just begun.
Through her meddling charm and sharp tongue, Lilith had managed to convince the five S-Class captains of the Judge God's true intent. They now understood that to walk the path of light meant keeping their hearts untainted—for the God of Judgment shows no bias… neither to man nor demon.
Above the silent academy, two figures sat beneath the bleeding hues of twilight—one mortal in burden, one immortal in jest. The wind carried the faint scent of battle and bread, the ghosts of the day whispering against the night. Argus gazed toward the horizon where light met shadow, his eyes reflecting the quiet promise of retribution. Beside him, Lilith hummed softly, her laughter defying the weight of destiny.
And as the stars awakened above Aethelgard, the world turned once more beneath their watch—
the Judgment stirring anew.
To be continued…