Chapter 28:
I Was Killed After Saving the World… So Now I’m Judging It
With the first rays of dawn, the group arrived at Yugetsu, in the prefecture of Kōsetsu.
The city showed little sign of life—except for the soldiers patrolling every corner, enforcing their so-called “order.”
Yura couldn’t stop staring at the desolate streets. According to her mother’s stories, Yugetsu had always been a lively destination, filled with foreigners drawn to its hot springs—even early in the morning. Now, nothing remained but forced silence and smiles fractured by fear.
Under the alias Brise Family, Ren, Yura, and Lilith rented a room at an inn in the hot spring district.
“Great Lilith, why don’t you go on ahead to the baths?” Ren suggested calmly. “I have some matters to discuss with Yura.”
The young demon queen didn’t protest. She only stretched like a spoiled child and strolled off in search of her well-earned rest.
Once they were alone, Ren placed magical artifacts in each corner of the room. When the last one lit up, an invisible barrier sealed the space. Then he unsheathed Yukihana and sliced through the air—a dimensional rift opened, glowing white.
“Come, Yura.”
Without hesitation, she followed him inside.
The cold that struck them was so merciless that Ren was forced to don his mask. Even Yura, of Yuki blood, felt the ice tearing through her from the inside out.
“This is Antarctica,” Phantom said as the blizzard lashed against their bodies. “Do you remember it?”
“Yes… you brought me here once,” she replied, shivering against the storm. “But why are we here now?”
“To be honest, Yura…” Ren fixed his gaze on her. “With your current strength, you’d die long before reaching your goal.”
Yura clenched her teeth.
“But in Cegris… I was one of the strongest.”
“Cegris isn’t Yukihana. Back there, your power stood out among humans. Here… you’re just one more.”
Her eyes fell. She already knew where this conversation was headed.
“Then… will you teach me the Dimensional Slash? The ultimate technique of the Aseina?”
Ren lowered his head and conjured a black grimoire. He held it for a moment, and just as Yura reached out her hand, the book crumbled into motes of shadow.
“This grimoire contains everything about that technique. And still… your strength isn’t enough.”
After a long pause, he offered her the katana Yukihana, holding it out by the hilt.
“Start with this. Your mother’s legacy isn’t honored through shortcuts, but through blood and will.”
Yura took the sword with trembling hands. Beneath the eternal blizzard of Antarctica, she realized her true training had only just begun.
“Go on… try to draw it,” Ren said calmly.
She nodded and pulled with all her strength. Nothing. Not even an inch.
Why…? Why can’t I? This is the treasure of the Aseina… Mother…
“I can’t do it… is it because it only responds to you?” she asked, her voice cracking.
“It has nothing to do with me.” Ren reclaimed the katana with serene ease. “It’s because you don’t have the power to wield it.”
“The… power?”
“Yukihana is a weapon of national—no, global—class. It can only be drawn by someone with strength equal to your mother’s.”
Yura lowered her head.
Then… I’m not worthy.
“Now you understand.” Ren’s stare pierced her, as cold as the storm around them. “We won’t leave this place until your strength reaches Yukino’s.”
“Until you understand that the Dimensional Slash wasn’t what made your mother strong—it was her last resort.”
“I won’t sugarcoat it. This training will be harsh, raw as the coldest winter. Even as a Yuki, your body will feel like it’s breaking apart every single day.”
And then, as if to lighten the weight of his words, he added:
“But don’t be afraid. Time here doesn’t flow the same. A year in Antarctica… is barely a minute outside. No one will ever know we left.”
Yura raised her eyes. Something had changed in them. Where there had once been confusion, now burned determination.
For the first time in years, she wasn’t alone. She had a mentor. And with him, the promise of uncovering her true potential.
Days became months. Months turned into years. And years… into decades. Thirty winters passed over her, though her body remained unchanged—frozen at the youth of sixteen.
The young Yuki cut down every snowflake until her hands bled. Each time she collapsed from exhaustion, she rose again—firmer, sharper, more precise.
Ren never softened the training. He was as unyielding as Yukino had been with him, because he knew true character was forged by tempering mind, body, and spirit.
To be one with the katana.
To be one with the ice.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, Lilith was still soaking in the hot water, though the long wait had started to exasperate her.
“Finally back! What were you two doing, playing house? I’ve been waiting thirty minu—”
Her words froze mid-sentence.
When she turned, she noticed it immediately. Ren’s presence was as spectral as ever… but Yura—Yura was no longer the same. There was an unusual maturity in her eyes, a lethal calm in her movements. She almost seemed like a different person entirely.
“I see…” Lilith murmured with a half-smile. “Looks like I missed quite the show.”
Ren gave a firm nod and sat down near the bath.
“We’re ready now. Tomorrow, we begin the operation.”
“No doubt about it,” the young demon queen replied.
And so, that night, the three of them shared what would be their last day of peace.
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