Conversation with Clementine

The ground was still vibrating from my last attack when a noise echoed behind them: hurried footsteps, confused voices. The group had been awakened by the commotion.

" Araya ?!" Ryn emerged from the forest, already in tiger form, ready to spring. Kalea was right behind, daggers drawn.

Windy ran, raising dust, and Margarida looked around in astonishment.

Yukiko came last, the light of Holy Healing shining in her hands, her face filled with worry.

The mysterious woman didn't back away, just lifted her chin, as if analyzing the situation. Her firm voice cut through the silence:

— Hmph . So you're not alone, — said the mysterious woman.

It was at that moment that Yukiko froze. Her eyes widened as if she had recognized something impossible.

—T-that voice… it can't be… — the mysterious woman murmured.

The mysterious woman looked at her in surprise, and then murmured:

— Yukiko ? — said the mysterious woman.

A heavy silence fell over everyone.

— Master Clementine … — Yukiko replied, almost choking on the words

We were all shocked. I froze in place. Ryn's eyes widened, Kalea clenched her daggers, and even Margarida was speechless. Frederica took a step back, trembling.

The mysterious woman, now revealed, smiled slightly.

— It's been a while since I heard someone call me that. — he said Clementine .

Ryn , still in his tiger form, bared his teeth. His bristling fur indicated he didn't trust her at all.

— So that was it… that's why you can use techniques from humans and something… beyond. But why attack Araya ? — he asked. Ryn .

Kalea clutched her daggers, but her expression was one of pure confusion.

—Half-breed… daughter of a demon and a human… that shouldn't be possible. Everyone said hybrids didn't survive long. — he said. Kalea .

Windy frowned, as if trying to piece together the puzzle herself.

— So that's why your presence was strange, as if you were half wind, half stone… — said Windy .

She shook her head in disbelief.

Margarida, on the other hand, was furious.

"Do you have any idea what it means to admit that out loud? If any kingdom knew a half-breed had been free this whole time…" She bit her lip, almost saying more than she should have.

Yukiko stepped forward, ignoring everyone else. Her eyes shone with excitement.

— Master Clementine … demon or human, it doesn't matter. You taught me everything I know. Why? Why didn't you ever tell me this?! — he said Yukiko .

Frederica , who rarely showed any emotion, stood motionless, her eyes wide behind her glasses. She looked more distraught than with any Guardian or battle we'd ever faced.

— Total Assessment showed nothing of the sort… how is it possible that something like this was hidden even from me? — he muttered Frederica .

The campfire was still crackling low when Clementine raised her voice, steady as a blade.

“Do you want to know why I specifically attacked Araya ?” he said. Clementine

Everyone held their breath. I, sweaty and still panting from the fight, stared at her, waiting for her answer.

Clementine closed her eyes for a moment.

— Because my husband was the former Copy Hero, sixty years ago. — said Clementine .

The silence that followed was crushing.

Each of my companions had different reactions, Yukiko put her hand to her mouth in shock, Ryn , in her human form, clenched her fists, Kalea widened her eyes, Margarida looked more furious than shocked, Frederica , nervous, Windy pressed her lips together.

Clementine nodded.

— Yes. That's why the undead Guardians didn't attack Araya . They recognized the Skill Copy ability. To them, he's a reflection of my husband. — she said Clementine .

She then took a deep breath, and her voice became even firmer:

"I am also the right-hand man of the King of Bergavil . The Guardians you faced were a defense, a way to keep intruders from the kingdom. You survived because Araya is special," he said . Clementine .

The collective shock was immediate.

But Clementine didn't stop.

—And what's more, the truth about the 'Demon King.' He was never a man. Her real name is Daphnmon . I met her years ago. She's a woman, and contrary to what they say, she's not a bloodthirsty beast… — said Clementine

Her eyes softened, for the first time showing emotion.

— Daphnmon is a kind-hearted person. She shouldn't be treated as an enemy. — he continued. Clementine in a light and smooth way.

The entire group was stunned. Margarida and Yukiko looked at each other, unable to react.

I clenched my fists, trying to process.

“So you want us to… negotiate peace with her when we break the seal?” I asked her.

Clementine nodded.

— Yes. It's the only way to prevent this world from destroying itself from the inside out. — Clementine replied.

My mind was spinning in chaos. I'd come here with blood in my eyes, wanting revenge and prepared to face any demon. But now… negotiate? Trust?

I looked at the almost extinguished fire and thought to myself.

— Is… is this really possible?

I asked my companions' reaction.

Ryn was the first to speak, crossing his arms firmly.

"Negotiating with a being sealed by heroes and kings of the past? Araya , that's suicide. I understand that Clementine might believe in this Daphnmon , but I don't trust anyone with enough power to destroy the world," he said . Ryn .

Kalea took a deep breath, but her voice was calmer than usual.

"I don't know… Ryn . If everything Clementine said is true, maybe this is the only way. Think about it, how many centuries of war and slavery have happened because they called demons monsters without even trying to hear the other side?" he said. Kalea calm down.

Windy grimaced, kicking a rock away.

"I don't believe in any demon's 'good heart.' I've seen commoners lose everything because nobles claimed to be 'negotiating peace.' It always ends in bloodshed. I bet it would be the same with Daphnmon ," he said . Windy .

Margarida was tense, her gaze fixed on Clementine .

"My father always said that demons are treacherous and that their existence is a threat. But..." Margarida said, looking away for a moment.

— …my father also said that commoners were scum, and that wasn't quite true. Maybe Daphnmon is different. Just maybe. — Margarida continued speaking.

Yukiko stepped forward, her expression torn between devotion and doubt.

"If my master believes in Daphnmon … then I want to believe too. But what if this is just manipulation, Clementine ? What if she's even tricked you?" Yukiko said.

Frederica cleaned her glasses, her voice cold.

"With Total Evaluation, I could never see through the seal. This means Daphnmon 's power is beyond ordinary reading. It scares me. Trading... might be a hope. But it might also be opening a beast's cage," he said . Frederica .

Clementine sighed, letting the moon reveal her serious expression.

"I know none of you will accept this easily. But listen carefully, peace with Daphnmon is not just a possibility. It's the only chance this world will have to avoid being destroyed from within. You must decide whether you will have the courage to break the chains of hatred... or whether you will repeat the mistakes of the past," he said . Clementine .

I looked at each of them, one by one, as the words echoed in my mind. Ryn , firm as a wall, always suspicious of anything that seemed to jeopardize our survival. Kalea , calm and calculating, remembering that the greatest mistakes of the past always came from intolerance. Windy , rebellious, with her disdain for the empty promises of the powerful. Margarida, always torn between the weight of the royal family and the secrets she now carried. Yukiko , fragile but loyal, seeking an answer in her own master's reflection. Frederica , cold as ice, recognizing the danger that lurked beyond the reach of even her Total Assessment.

And then Clementine . Half human, half demon. Carrying on her back the forbidden inheritance of two worlds.

"You've given me a lot to think about..." I said, breaking the silence. My voice came out deep, more loaded than I expected.

I took a few steps toward the fire, staring at the flames that writhed as if trying to escape.

"I spent my life here believing my role was to seek revenge. That my destiny was to cut off the heads of the guilty, one by one, until the blood ran. But if what Clementine says is true, then perhaps I'm trapped by centuries of hatred. An invisible chain that binds not only me, but everyone. " I continued.

I looked up, staring at Clementine .

"You ask me to believe that the Demon Queen is different. That Daphnmon isn't the monster they paint her to be. And that peace is possible," I told her.

I took a deep breath, my heart heavy.

"I don't know if I can believe that now. But I know one thing: when we break this seal, I will look into her eyes. I will look into her eyes, and decide for myself whether Daphnmon deserves peace... or the blade." I continued.

The group fell silent. Some seemed calmer with my words, others even more tense. But I knew it was too early to choose the final path.

I crossed my arms and finished.

"Until then, we'll stay together. I'll decide the rest when the time comes," I said.

The flames of the bonfire dwindled, illuminating only the serious eyes of each. The night would be long, but my decision was already made; the future would not be dictated by ancient lies. It would be decided by my own hands.

The forest was shrouded in shadow, only the crackling of the fire and the distant sound of owls breaking the silence. No one could sleep after Yukiko 's master's revelations . Clementine sat on a rock, staring into the night sky. Her eyes reflected the moon as if trapped between two worlds.

Araya approached, determined not to let the opportunity pass.

" Clementine … if you really want me to choose for myself, then tell me everything. Where is the seal? And where is Daphnmon ?" I asked her.

"You believe the seal is spread across various parts of the world, don't you?" Clementine began, her voice calm.

—But that's a lie created by Argarill and the human kings to confuse and drive away the curious. The seal… is in a single spot. — he continued Clementine .

Everyone's eyes widened.

"The heart of demon territory. That's where Daphnmon is trapped. Not in three layers, not in multiple pillars. Just a single seal, strong enough to fool fools for centuries, but vulnerable to those who know exactly where to step." Clementine concluded.

Clementine made a drawing in the dirt: a circular mark surrounded by runes.

"This seal is like a prison of pure energy. It keeps Daphnmon in a state between sleep and wakefulness. But with each generation, the seal grows weaker. That's why Albert and his father invented stories about various seals, to hide the real danger," he said . Clementine .

She looked up at us.

"If you truly go into demonic territory, you won't encounter ordinary monsters. You'll face the Guardians of the Seal, creations of Daphnmon 's very essence . And if the seal is broken… there will be no turning back." he concluded. Clementine .

I looked at Clementine , seriously.

So it's decided. A single point. A single seal. And a single chance to change the fate of this world.

Her words echoed in my mind like an inescapable weight: the path would lead us straight to the heart of demonic territory.

The sun was rising slowly, tinting the sky with orange and pink hues. The group was already standing, silent, carrying the remnants of the early morning's tension. Clementine 's revelation still weighed heavily in the air like an invisible burden, but there was also a new determination in everyone's eyes: their destiny was sealed.

Ryn and Kalea took charge of organizing the supplies, checking weapons, backpacks, and rations .

Yukiko , still shaken by her teacher, kept her hands together in a brief prayer, as if seeking strength in her faith.

Frederica watched Margarida out of the corner of her eye, but always looked away when she noticed Araya staring at her.

Windy sharpened a small stone blade, his eyes alert for any threat.

As everyone adjusted their loads, I felt the air grow heavy. The silence wasn't of weariness, but of anticipation. What awaited us ahead wasn't just an enemy kingdom, but the heart of the very myth that sustained the world: the seal of Daphnmon .

Margarida broke the silence, adjusting her cloak.

"If we leave now, we'll reach the border by nightfall. After that… there will be no turning back," said Margarida.

I looked at each one, one by one.

"Then this is it. If anyone wants to give up, this is the last chance," I said.

No one moved. No one spoke. Each had their own reasons, but they had all chosen to walk to the end.

We walked through the forest single file, Clementine leading the way as our guide. The morning wind seemed colder than usual, and even the birds kept their distance, as if nature itself sensed the fate that awaited us.

When the clearing ended and the path south opened before us, I took a deep breath.

Demon territory… we are coming.