Demon General's Triumph

"Impossible..." One of the attackers clenched his sword tighter. "She stopped it with her hands?!"

The woman shattered both swords effortlessly with sheer strength, her full metal armor gleaming—save for her exposed head. Her voice was calm yet unwavering.

"As long as I stand here, you will not lay a hand on him."

The two attackers immediately retreated, coming to a sudden halt.

The woman, who didn't seem human, murmured quietly,

"They never learn, do they?"

Kazuki, having grasped the situation, finally spoke.

"If I'm not mistaken, you must be a royal guard, right?"

"It's not time for talk. We'll discuss everything once we've captured these criminals."

"Then I'll use my mag—"

"No. From what I saw, you can't control it properly yet. It's best if you stay out of this fight."

Kazuki understood and stepped back, leading the old lady inside the inn.

The attackers, finding no opening, lunged at the woman. But she was faster, her reflexes, power, and speed completely outmatched them. With effortless precision, she dodged their attacks and delivered a swift punch to their guts, knocking them unconscious in an instant.

They never stood a chance.

Soon after, the guards arrived to apprehend the criminals and take them away.

After everything settled, the woman stepped inside the inn and faced Kazuki.

"You were right. I am a royal guard of the kingdom. My name is Elina."

"I'm Kazuki. I'm a traveller from afar."

Elina gives a small nod.

"I know where you come from, we shall discuss the details in the castle."

"Hold on a minute,"

Kazuki glancing toward the old lady.

"I need to thank her first."

Turning to the innkeeper, he gave a respectful bow.

"Thank you for letting me stay here despite not having any money… and for teaching me how to use magic."

"It's alright, boy. I can't stop you since a royal guard came to escort you. Good luck on your journey ahead."

The old lady let out a small sigh.

Kazuki climbed onto the horse and bid farewell before they set off toward the castle.

The town's scenery was picturesque. Roughly two storey buildings adorned with flower pots. An exquisite fountain stood at the heart of town, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.

But among the charming town, he could feel the frightened gazes aiming on him.

Elina turned her head with a serious expression.

"It's because of your overwhelming presence, you showed earlier."

Kazuki rubbed back of his head with his hand and gave a sheepish smile, a clear sign of embarrassment.

"Well... That wasn't my intention.."

Elina glanced at him for a moment before turning her gaze forward.

Her voice was steady as she announced,

"We're here. I'll arrange a room for you, stay here for a moment."

She dismounted the horse and walked into the castle.

The white walls gleamed under the setting sun, reflecting a bright glow onto Kazuki's face.

He covered his face with his hand, palm facing the reflection of the bright glow.

He looked at the pointy structure of the roof. The sunlight brightened the purple tone.

Impressed from the castle and the surroundings, he muttered,

"It's very peaceful here."

His admiration of the castle was abruptly disrupted by a guard stepping forward.

"Sir Kazuki, come with me, I'll show you your room."

The guard escorted him to his room.

The room was massive, a perfect example of royalty.

A knock echoed at the door.

"May I come in?"

"Yes."

Elina entered the room.

"The king will see you tomorrow. It's quite late today—you should rest."

"Understood."

Elina turned back, reaching for the door handle, but just before she could open it, Kazuki reached out, stopping her.

"Hold on, I have some questions I want to ask you."

Elina removed her hand from the door and turned to face him, narrowing her eyes.

"Fine, go ahead."

Kazuki's expression turned serious as he asked,

"It seemed like you knew those two who attacked me out of nowhere. Who were they?"

"They were sent here from the enemy kingdom."

"And that enemy kingdom is…?"

"Yes—my home... the demon kingdom."

Elina's eyes held a trace of sadness as she spoke.

"They don't want anyone powerful aiding us. So they tried to assassinate you the moment you caused a scene with that giant fireball."

"You have horns—you're a demon too. So why did you side with humans?"

Elina let out a small sigh.

"It's a long story, and I'm not just a demon. I'm part demon, part elf. For now, just get some rest. You'll hear the rest of the details tomorrow from His Majesty instead."

"—Okay."

Just as Elina was about to leave, a guard hurriedly opened the door, stepped in, and fell to his knees.

It was as if he had seen a ghost. His face was pale with terror, and his breaths came fast and uneven.

Elina's expression darkened with concern.

"What happened?"

The guard took a moment to catch his breath before standing up.

"We have an invasion! The demon soldiers—they've invaded the town!"

"What?! How did that happen?! What was everyone doing?!"

"We couldn't stop them! The demon generals are here too!"

"Where are our generals?!"

"They went to stop the invasion… but they haven't returned!"

"Tch…!"

Elina quickly turned to Kazuki.

"You stay here. I'll deal with the situation."

Without wasting another second, she rushed out.

Even though Kazuki didn't show it on the outside, deep down, concern gnawed at him.

'Why did they attack all of a sudden? Is it because of me? If all of our generals have already left for the battlefield and the demons have successfully invaded, then that means—'

A sudden ruckus erupted just outside the room.

Kazuki rushed out and saw a tall figure, towering over him, slowly approaching while slaughtering every guard in his way—without even lifting a finger.

His eyes locked onto the figure's head. He noticed two large horns.

A demon.

And with such overwhelming power, there was no doubt—this was one of their generals.

'What is someone like him doing inside the castle...? Is he here to kill me?'

Kazuki gulped, his body stiff with fear.

The guards' attempts to stop him were futile. They lunged at him, only to meet their deaths in seconds. Some were beheaded instantly, while others had their organs sliced open, their lifeless bodies collapsing onto the cold floor.

Watching the endless slaughter unfold before him, Kazuki took a cautious step back, his hands trembling as he began forming a fireball.

But, in an instant—

Kazuki was airborne.

The demon general had closed the distance in a blink, gripping Kazuki's throat and lifting him off the ground with a single hand.

"You're not wanted in this world," the demon murmured, his voice deep and cold. "Resistance is futile. Just give in, and I'll end your life without pain."

Kazuki struggled, gasping for air. His hands clawed at the demon's grip, but it was like trying to pry open iron shackles.

His lungs burned. His vision blurred.

Yet, he still tried to resist.

He attempted to summon another fireball—but nothing happened.

His body wasn't responding.

'Is this it? Is this how I die…? What have I even done in my entire life...? What a pathetic death. Not even a heroic one huh...? I suppose, this is what I deserve. I wasn't even able to help out the soldiers...'

Just as Kazuki was about to pass out from lack of oxygen, a mysterious girl's voice echoed in his consciousness.

"You let them die… poor soldiers, they're all dead because of you."

'Who are you…?'

"You let down those who believed you might be their savior."

'How are you in my mind? And what do you want?!'

"You won't die as long as I will it—"

"SHUT UP, GODDAMMIT!! AAAAGGHHHHH!!!"

A surge of rage coursed through him, and with sheer strength, his hands clamped onto the demon's arm. His fury boiled over, and in one swift motion, he broke free from the demon's grip.

However—

It wasn't enough.

The demon general reacted instantly, driving his foot into Kazuki's abdomen with a force that sent him flying. He crashed into the wall with a deafening crack.

"NGH—!" He gritted his teeth, but the scream still forced its way out, along with blood spilling from his mouth.

He could feel it—his bones cracking, his organs crushed under the force.

Agonizing pain spread through his entire body. If not for that voice keeping him conscious, he would have already died. But this… this was worse than death. His vision blurred, and the strength to stand or even speak had completely left him.

Kazuki barely managed to move his lips as the demon general approached, his heavy footsteps echoing through the silent, bloodstained hall. But his body refused to obey.

"I told you, resistance is futile. I can't bear to watch you suffer any longer. I'll end it now."

The demon general unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Kazuki's chest.

"Now, prepare to die."

He swung his sword from above—

But—

Multiple frozen ice spears roared through the air, forcing the demon general to dodge and step back.

A young figure dressed in royal attire dropped to his knees beside Kazuki.

"Are you alright?!" His voice was urgent.

"Healers, heal him quickly!" He turned to face the demon general, drawing his sword and shifting into a unique stance.

Two healers rushed forward, immediately tending to Kazuki's injuries. The pain began to fade, but the healing process was slow.

"They are the top two healers of this kingdom," the young man said. "I don't know what she saw in you, but if she believes in you—so will I. Just be ready to flee as soon as you regain some strength."

The young king's gaze hardened as he prepared to lunge forward.

"Don't worry," one of the healers whispered, though fear was clear in their eyes. "If His Majesty is here… we won't lose."

'His Majesty? That means… he's the king? So young… And what does he mean by she believed in me? Who is she?'

Kazuki clutched his stomach, enduring the pain as his thoughts raced.

"I promised Elina that I would keep you safe. I cannot break that promise! AAAAHHHH!!!"

The young king charged, swinging his sword with all his strength.

The demon general blocked the strike effortlessly.

"You humans are pathetic," he scoffed. "You don't even know when to give up. Can't you see that we're far stronger than you?"

The young king gritted his teeth, pushing against the demon general's blade with all his might.

"Even if we can't win—we will still fight. Even if it costs us our lives. We will never abandon our kin. Even if it meant splitting the heavens apart, we will stand our ground!" His voice rang out defiantly. "You demons will never understand what it means to fight for your own people—because all you seek is the satisfaction of taking lives! Humanity has survived this long because my ancestors refused to surrender to your cruelty. And I will do the same!"

The demon general pushed him back with an annoyed expression.

"All you do is talk big. Can you humans even do anything?"

"I'll show you."

The young king flicked his hand, summoning multiple ice spears that shot forward at incredible speed.

However—

The demon general dodged them all effortlessly.

On the other side—

Kazuki, now partially recovered, staggered to his feet.

He wasn't going to flee.

Even through the pain, he stretched his right hand into the air, blood dripping from his head and mouth.

'If I can conjure flames that powerful… then I can wield other elements too. Others may not know this method, but it's what I excel at. Also, I feel a strong presence nearby. Might end this fight as soon as possible.'

The wind howled, swirling around his fingertips. With a swift motion, he launched it forward. The wind, shaped like sharp spikes, shot toward the demon general at terrifying speed—

And just before impact—

They turned to ice.

One of them pierced straight through the demon general's arm.

The demon's eyes widened in shock.

"H-How did you—" He was too stunned to finish his sentence. He had never seen wind magic converted into ice and still maintain its speed.

The young king's face lit up in excitement.

"Looks like Elina was right about you!"

"—Did someone say my name?"

Elina appeared out of nowhere—

And suddenly, everyone's eyes filled with hope.