Cynthi Solavis, the eldest daughter of the Solavis family, whom Hyron had no doubt destroyed. She was staring at Cadel from behind Hyron, her arms missing. The energy that formed her arms wrapped around Hyron and restrained him.

Fixing her gaze on Cadel, Cynthi, who had pressed herself closely behind Hyron, whispered into his ear.

“I won’t let you hurt my family anymore. I’ll kill you even if it costs me everything.”

How? How did Cynthi survive and make her way into the Demon Realm? A shocking question lingered, and a memory flashed through his mind.

‘At the time, Cynthi’s body didn’t explode. It seeped into the ground like liquid. She’s a woman who can transform her body into energy, so she must have escaped that way……’

It was a technique he had never encountered before, and he hadn’t expected her to use such an escape method. It was a complete mistake. The more unfamiliar the technique, the more cautious he should have been.

“Don’t touch him. If you so much as injure Lord Hyron, your brother will die.”

There was no time to think any deeper. Cadel quickly grabbed Kash from behind and conjured a fireball in his hand. Despite the overwhelming heat, Kash struggled violently, but Cadel was not weak enough to be overpowered by him.

Cynthi watched Cadel and Kash in silence. Her expression remained neutral, but the spark of anger in her eyes burned brightly.

That woman was the device the system had implanted to eliminate variables. Cynthi, determined to avenge her family by punishing Hyron, radiated an incredibly dangerous energy. Her thirst for revenge didn’t seem like it would end with removing Hyron from the Demon Realm.

‘Cynthi will definitely try to kill Lord Hyron. The remaining time is…….’

「Time remaining until removal: 0 hours 02 minutes 48 seconds」

Cynthi would likely begin her full-on attack once this countdown ended. At that point, Kunra would divert the system’s attention. It was his duty to protect Hyron until Kunra’s plan was completed.

‘To do that, I need to get Lord Hyron out of here before the countdown ends.’

The demonic energy binding Hyron’s limbs was already gnawing at his skin. Red scars crawled up his wrists and ankles, covering Hyron’s body.

Noticing the wounds, Cadel roughly pulled Kash toward him. Then, he pressed the fireball right next to Kash’s face and sharply shouted.

“I told you not to touch him. Retract the demonic energy right now.”

“Take the fire off Kash’s face. If you don’t let go of my brother first, this fairy will die first.”

The captured Hyron tried to cast magic, but he couldn’t attempt the incantation due to his mouth being blocked by demonic energy. Normally, magicians can’t cast magic without chanting. The mana released also got consumed by the thick demonic energy, making it no real threat.

Neither Hyron nor Kash could escape by their own means. Neither could Cynthi nor Cadel afford to carelessly kill the hostage. However, the standoff wouldn’t last much longer. In a few minutes, Cynthi’s patience would reach its limit.

“Since Lord Hyron has wounds on his body, I guess I should leave at least the same scar, don’t you think?”

“……”

With the fireball approaching, Kash tightly shut his eyes. Cynthi’s gaze shifted as his hand was about to scorch Kash’s face. She seemed to think for a moment before quickly mouthing something. The demonic energy, now lost its aggressiveness, no longer melted Hyron’s skin.

“I heard you implanted dark energy in my brother’s body.”

Had Kash already disclosed that? Cadel gripped the shoulder that held Kash firmly, and his body stiffened. This was problematic. If Cynthi knew that Kash could be killed at any time, her wariness would never weaken.

“……Yes. I made sure to prepare for any unexpected situations. Looking at it now, I think it was a good idea to implant the energy in advance.”

“Remove it.”

“Why should I do that?”

“If you don’t remove it right now, this fairy’s body will start disappearing, one piece at a time.”

“Do you think I’d just watch that happen?”

“I don’t care. No matter what I do to the fairy, Kash’s life is still in your hands. Wouldn’t you say you have to resort to extreme measures?”

Cadel swallowed his rising sigh and shut his mouth. Since Cynthi had Hyron hostage, the fact that dark energy was planted in Kash’s body no longer posed a threat. It had actually turned the situation into one where the hostage’s life was at risk. The fact that they could kill Kash at any time would only make Cynthi more aggressive.

“……I can’t remove the dark energy with my own power. I’ll need to bring one of my subordinates here. Is that okay?”

“No. Hand Kash over to me. I can remove that energy by myself.”

“Are you suggesting an exchange of hostages?”

That proposal wasn’t a significant loss. The top priority was getting Hyron back before the countdown ended. As Cynthi slowly nodded, a sigh of relief escaped Kash’s lips.

‘There’s no time left. If I hesitate any longer, I won’t be able to protect Lord Hyron.’

It wasn’t the time to analyze the hidden intentions in Cynthi’s words. For a moment, Cadel stared at the stiff-faced Hyron, then slowly opened his mouth.

“Fine. We’ll exchange. On the count of three, we’ll release the hostages simultaneously.”

“But I won’t retract the demonic energy binding the fairy until I’ve removed the dark energy from Kash’s body. However, you must not cast any magic on Kash.”

“……What kind of novel trick is this?”

“As you know, my brother doesn’t have the means to attack others. But this fairy is different. If we don’t impose restrictions on both of you during the exchange, you and the fairy might join forces and attack Kash. The moment Kash reaches me, you could make the dark energy explode.”

“……”

“Therefore, I won’t release the fairy completely until everything is finished. Be thankful that I’m even letting you have him back.”

It was troubling how the weakness of Kash’s power had led to this situation. If Cynthi didn’t retract the demonic energy, the moment the dark energy implanted in Kash disappeared, Hyron would be at risk of attack. Even knowing that, Cadel couldn’t think of a convincing way to persuade Cynthi.

‘……Damn it. There’s no time to think anymore.’

In the end, he had no choice but to accept this unfair proposal. As Cadel nodded, Cynthi manipulated the demonic energy binding Hyron’s body. Finally, with his two legs freed, Hyron stood on the ground.

“One.”

A thin voice sliced through the dry air. Cadel and Cynthi kept their gazes fixed on each other, trying to discern the schemes hidden within them.

“Two.”

Cadel, having withdrawn his mana, gripped Kash’s shoulder tightly. The sound of Kash swallowing dryly was clearly audible.

“Three.”

Kash was pushed by Cadel’s grip, and Hyron by the demonic energy. The two hostages, gently shoved, moved to their respective positions. Cadel’s gaze turned toward the system window.

「Time remaining until removal: 0 hours 00 minutes 51 seconds」

‘Lord Hyron…….’

Cynthi, while keeping an eye on Kash, was also highly alert to Cadel’s condition. If he showed any signs of trying to unleash his mana, she would attack Hyron without hesitation. Therefore, Cadel couldn’t secretly wrap a shield around Hyron. The distance between him and Yozen was too great to send him a signal, and there was no way to inform him discreetly. From the moment Cadel became unable to attack Kash, they were at a disadvantage.

Hyron and Kash had both reached their destination. Cadel pulled Hyron’s arm, drawing him close to his side. Cynthi also pulled Kash forward and immediately raised her hand above his head. It was to eliminate the dark energy Yozen implanted.

“……It’s okay.”

Though his mouth was still blocked by demonic energy, Cadel could tell from Hyron’s eyes that he felt sorry. He spoke quietly enough for only Hyron to hear.

“As soon as she eliminate the dark energy implanted in Kash, they will attack us. I’ll wrap the shield at the right moment, so escape immediately.”

It was impossible to predict Cynthi’s attack, considering she wasn’t the one who had implanted the dark energy, and no one could tell when Kash’s safety would be secured. It was clear that Hyron thought this way, but Cadel didn’t bother to explain further.

‘The moment the countdown ends. That will be when Kash’s safety is ensured.’

The countdown, now only seconds away. Cadel, instead of paying attention to Cynthi, Kash, or Hyron, focused solely on the system window. The few dozen seconds felt like an eternity. His sweat-drenched fist clenched as a siren-like warning echoed in his mind.

‘……3 seconds.’

Kash, who had been tightly tense, relaxed his shoulders slightly, and the corners of Cynthi’s mouth faintly lifted.

‘2 seconds.’

She still kept her hand raised above his head but whispered something to Kash.

‘1 second.’

Kash nodded and shifted his stance. At the same time, a red light began to spread from Cadel’s pendant.

‘Now!’

In an instant, both Cynthi and Kash’s gazes locked on Cadel’s pendant. Amid the spreading light, Cadel, having opened his mana, broke the demonic energy that had bound Hyron and immediately created the shield. 

“Run!”

The red light that shot up into the sky quickly took the form of the Scarlet Dragon. The two siblings were captivated by the appearance of the Scarlet Dragon, but unlike the dazed Kash, Cynthi immediately realized the true purpose. Her cold, deadly gaze captured the fleeing backs of Hyron and Cadel.

“Hide in a safe place, Kash. I’ll be back soon.”

In an instant, her body melted away and seeped into the cracked earth below.

* * *

“No matter how many times, no, even hundreds of times you strike, it’s useless! Feel it deeply, the difference between our races! Curse your birth, you pitiful human!”

The fierce, cutting wind whipped his cloak mercilessly. He crossed his arms in a defensive posture, but his body was pushed back, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

‘That reckless regenerative ability is impossible to handle.’

He cut through Dobento’s jaw to stop the wind from blowing, but it was only for a fleeting moment. Lumen, distracted by Mamil’s magic, failed to prevent his flight, and in that brief moment, Dobento swiftly healed his wounds and landed on the ground again.

Against such strong winds, it was impossible to maintain a proper sword drawing technique. Moreover, the reckless axes flying toward him were another problem. The axes, able to shift trajectories freely with the wind, caused significant fatigue simply from having to defend.

‘How pathetic that I can’t even defeat a single High Demon.’

Even with the swordsmanship he believed had reached the highest level, he couldn’t overpower the enemy before him. Had he simply been intoxicated by arrogance all this time? As the battle in the Demon Realm dragged on, Lumen found himself growing more and more desperate with an intense thirst.

Something was missing. Deep within, there was something bound by shackles, unable to break free. If only he could awaken that presence, perhaps he could quench this unbearable thirst.

“I’ll tear you to pieces with my axes, then take your flesh and put it in a boiling pot. It’ll be a very happy victory feast!”

Thinking he had completely cornered Lumen, Dobento displayed a satisfied, pleased expression. Around him were many humans, as well as powerful knights threatening his kin, but for now, Lumen was the only prey that mattered to him. The unshakable calm in Lumen’s demeanor, his undying will, and the sharp gaze relentlessly searching for an opening—all of these qualities stirred Dobento’s desire as a warrior.

Dobento, having casually stomped on the flames Mamil had conjured, gathered the wind once again. Lumen immediately changed his posture, placing his hand on his sword sheath. He couldn’t let Dobento gather the wind. If he failed to cut through Dobento’s jaw this time, the initiative would fully shift in Dobento’s favor.

Drawing strength from his exhausted body, Lumen centered himself and took a brief breath. But then, the next moment.

Rumble— 

The once calm earth shook violently, and in an instant, an unbearable heat swept through, making it impossible to breathe. His vision turned red in a flash, and Lumen’s eyes widened.

“……?”

The searing heat, so intense it felt as though his skin would burn, caused him to flinch. In that brief moment of pain, his body was enveloped by the familiar scale armor. Was this part of Leader’s strategy? But naturally, what filled his vision toward the sky wasn’t Cadel’s magic.

The Scarlet Dragon. As it revealed itself, the Scarlet Dragon emanated an overwhelming aura, one that seemed to cause every cell in the body to shrink in fear. Its wings were spread wide, and its head was tilted upward, exuding an undeniable presence of a supreme being that crushed the grim atmosphere of the Demon Realm.

What created that aura was the immense amount of energy emanating from the Scarlet Dragon’s body. The energy it released quickly enveloped the battlefield, a tidal wave of power spreading uncontrollably, causing the ground to tremble fiercely.

But it wasn’t just the Scarlet Dragon’s energy that stood out. From its open mouth, flames began to leak, and above its head, a single fireball formed. The round fireball rapidly grew larger, its size expanding by the second. That fireball was the source of the scorching heat that filled the battlefield.

The enemy, unprotected by scale armor, cried out in intense pain. The High Demons closer to the Scarlet Dragon writhed as though thrown into the fireball.

There was no difference for Dobento, whom Lumen had been fighting. Even the demon, who had endured Mamil’s flames, now fell to his knees before the Scarlet Dragon’s power, letting out a boiling scream. Demonic energy for healing surged through his body, but even the High Demon’s regenerative abilities couldn’t save him. His body, melting from the heat, quickly disintegrated to the point where his muscles could be seen through his skin.

‘If I’m going to deal with Dobento, now is the only chance. But……’

Lumen did not attack the exposed Dobento. It wasn’t because he thought that Dobento would fall soon without him having to do anything. It wasn’t complacency holding him back—it was the scale armor wrapped around his body. The armor weighed him down like lead, making it nearly impossible to move, let alone fight properly.

‘Is this Leader’s decision? Or is this the Scarlet Dragon acting on its own?’

The fireball above the Scarlet Dragon’s head grew larger and larger, seemingly without end. Hig Demons, sensing the impending tragedy, endured the burning heat as they tried to fly toward the Scarlet Dragon.

“Kuaaaah!”

“No! No…… aaaargh!”

The Scarlet Dragon did not permit their approach. The moment they dared to come close, the intense aura surrounding the dragon’s body consumed them. It was as though they had been tossed into an oven—instantly, their bodies melted away. Flesh dripped to the earth, and the sizzling sounds of burning meat filled the air.

Without the protective scale armor, humans would face the same tragic fate as demons. Realizing this, the knights stopped fighting and stared in shock at the Scarlet Dragon.

Could it really demonstrate this level of power without even moving? The knights felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, despair, and fear.

The shadow of the fireball, now large enough to darken the ground beneath, loomed over the battlefield. If it fell, there would be no trace of demons left here. Despite this, the enemies could not take action. No one here could stop the Scarlet Dragon. Any desperate assault or fiery willpower would be futile—they would all melt away in the heat.

Amidst the fear-stricken enemy forces and the frozen allies, Lydon’s gaze, which had been silently fixed on the Scarlet Dragon, shifted. His eyes now focused on the labyrinth where Cadel and Hyron had vanished.

“……Cadel.”

He had joined the battlefield with Cadel’s orders to protect his allies. But with the Scarlet Dragon taking the front lines, there was no need for his abilities at this point. Furthermore, considering the havoc the Scarlet Dragon was wreaking, it was obvious that Cadel’s influence was behind this. Yet, despite sending the Scarlet Dragon into battle, Cadel had not revealed himself.

As the heat haze began to rise and the blurry forms of humans spread out before him, Lydon moved his now heavy body.

* * *

“……Emilia.”

At the top of the Demon King’s Castle, leaning against the railing of the balcony and gazing into the distance, Emilia didn’t even flinch when Sellev spoke from behind her. She didn’t turn around.

Her eyes were fixed on the sky. The Scarlet Dragon, high above, burning with the flames of disaster, the remnants of falling fireballs crashing beneath it. Holding the railing tightly, she clenched her hand, the bones in her palm visible as trembling fingers added to the disturbance. Black demonic energy swirled around her body.

“Why is the Scarlet Dragon……”

Even when she first heard about the existence of the fairies, when her subordinates reported their victory over the demonic legion, the destruction of the maze, and the arrival at the gardens, Emilia hadn’t been rattled. She had never underestimated humans. She had always been confident in the victory of the Demon Realm, but she had never ignored the strength of the humans who had sealed the Demon Realm away.

That was why she had torn their forces apart and drawn them into the heart of the Demon Realm. Even if they broke through several layers of obstacles and made it to the Demon King’s Castle, she had plenty of power here to crush these ragtag humans. She had endured the reports of successive defeats in silence, convinced that her strategy would ultimately prevail.

But now…… why?

“Why has the Scarlet Dragon sided with the humans……? The Scarlet Dragon has always remained neutral. It has never openly shown its power before. ……Sellev, this is strange. Too strange.”

Her voice, fragile and trembling, shook as blood leaked from her clenched lips. Sellev hesitated before attempting to place a hand on her shoulder, but Emilia sharply turned her body and grabbed her wrist.

Her eyes, burning with unrestrained fury, locked onto Sellev, the soft impression she usually carried now replaced by a vicious glare. Sellev swallowed hard, caught off guard by the intensity.

“Find it. There’s no way the Scarlet Dragon, who is obsessed with protecting its own territory, brought its own body here. Someone has taken control of its power. Find out who, and bring me that person’s head, Sellev.”

At the sharp command, Sellev quickly nodded. Only then did Emilia release her grip on her, her cold, murderous gaze sweeping over the world in front of her. Even if everything in this world tried to thwart the liberation of the Demon Realm, her will would not be broken. She would do anything to retain her throne and rule it. For the sake of that perfect future, she was willing to do whatever it took.