A New Partner

"Since you've learned the basics from Sylvana yesterday, I'll now explain how to actually summon a fireball," Zephyra explained. We found ourselves standing in the courtyard of her castle the next day. The dragon's body was no longer present, as it had been dissected and distributed to various cities to provide demon citizens with its meat.

Zephyra continued, "As you know, magic is a give-and-take process. To summon a fireball, you will need to draw some magic from your reservoir." Demonstrating, she held out her hand, and a small flame flickered to life in her palm. "Imagine a sensation rising from your stomach, traveling up your arm, and transforming into fire." I extended my hand, trying to visualize the imagined sensation emanating from my stomach, traversing up my arm, and converging into my palm. Unfortunately, my attempt proved unsuccessful. Sensing my struggle, Zephyra moved closer behind me, enveloping me in an embrace as she positioned her hands to guide mine. Her breasts pressed against my back, and I couldn't help but wonder if demons had different customs regarding undergarments. Swiftly pushing aside such thoughts, I focused on the task at hand. "Do you feel the heat emanating from my hand?" Zephyra whispered, her voice close to my ear. "Imagine that warmth traveling up your arm, filling your palm, and transforming into a flame." I closed my eyes, allowing myself to absorb the heat radiating from her hand. With concentration, I visualized the sensation spreading upward, infusing my hand, until I could sense a growing warmth. Opening my eyes, I discovered a small flame flickering in my palm, though it disappeared after a few fleeting moments.

"It appears you do possess magical affinity. However, since you have yet to utilize it, it will require some awakening," Zephyra noted, releasing me from her embrace and stepping back to stand before me. Her expression softened, and a smile graced her lips. "Since you plan to depart tomorrow, I will endeavor to awaken your magical affinity and reservoir tonight." I contemplated whether to inquire about the difficulty of the upcoming process, but sensing Zephyra's willingness to assist me, I chose not to ask, as I didn't want to offend her. Instead, I nodded with a grateful smile, expressing my acceptance of the help she was offering.

"The sword is ready," Zephyra announced, indicating that it was time to proceed to Ragnos. Katarina and Valeria had decided to remain at the demon academy for the time being, assisting with swordsmanship instruction for the demon children and Azrael. Curiosity tugging at me, I couldn't help but ask Zephyra about her lack of visible bodyguards. "Hey, Zephyra, as a prince, I have my own bodyguards, and even my father, the King, has his own. But I've never seen any bodyguards accompanying you. Are you sure you're safe?" I inquired, my concern evident. "Oh, they are here," Zephyra replied casually, clapping her hands lightly. As if summoned by her gesture, two dark figures emerged from her shadow, instantly dropping to their knees in deference to Zephyra. "They are always by my side," she reassured me, a smile gracing her lips. With another gentle clap, the two figures dissolved back into her shadow, leaving me in awe of the unexpected display of power.

We made our way to the blacksmith's workshop, where Ragnos greeted us with a wide, toothy smile. His demonic features were apparent, with sharp canines peeking out from his grin. As I approached, my eyes fixated on the table where the sword awaited. It was a sight to behold, surpassing even the exquisite craftsmanship of the sword Ragnos had forged for Zephyra just days before. The hilt of the sword bore the shape of a dragon's eye and a wyvern's eye, melded seamlessly into a stunning design. The blade itself exuded a deep darkness, so profound that if swung in the darkness, only the handle would be visible. Zephyra and Ragnos exchanged knowing smiles as they observed my awe-struck reaction.

"Seraphyx," I murmured, extending my hand to grasp the sword's handle. "That shall be your name, Seraphyx." I held the sword before me, feeling its weightlessness as if it were a feather. A faint gleam traversed from my hand to the tip of the blade. Zephyra gently patted my back, a comforting gesture akin to a mother lavishing affection upon her child after presenting a cherished gift. "Thank you, truly," I expressed, offering a deep bow of gratitude to Zephyra and then to Ragnos. Eager to test its prowess, I executed a series of swift swings with Seraphyx, marveling at its remarkable speed. Ragnos stepped away momentarily, returning with a dark sheath in hand. "This is for you, or rather, for Seraphyx," Ragnos proclaimed, extending the sheath to me. Crafted from a combination of sturdy metal and supple leather, it exuded an air of durability while remaining surprisingly light. Securing the sheath to my waist, I carefully slid Seraphyx into its protective embrace. Another expression of gratitude manifested as I bowed once more to the two demons.

"Let us proceed to enjoy a meal, and afterwards, you shall rest in preparation for the awakening of your magic tonight," Zephyra suggested, leading the way as we departed the blacksmith's domain and returned to the welcoming embrace of the dining hall within her castle.

After following Zephyra's lead for approximately ten minutes, we finally arrived back at the dining hall. Her attentive maids swiftly assisted us in taking our seats and presented us with the carefully prepared meals. As we indulged in the flavorsome dishes, a question arose within me, and I couldn't resist seeking clarification from Zephyra. "The bodyguards accompanying you, are they summoned through necromantic magic?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. Zephyra's response was accompanied by a soft chuckle. "No, despite being a demon, I steer clear of necromantic magic. They are a lineage of bodyguards who have faithfully served the Demon Queens and Kings throughout history," she explained. I nodded, acknowledging her words, and resumed savoring the delicious meal. Zephyra then turned her attention to Seraphyx, the unique sword that now rested by my side. She mentioned that others would find it impossible to wield due to its composition—a fusion of demon steel and the eyes of two extinct creatures. It was akin to my inability to lift Zephyra's own sword during our previous encounter. Understanding the significance of this fact, I appreciated the privilege bestowed upon me as the bearer of Seraphyx.

As our dining experience drew to a close, we bid each other farewell, and I made my way back to the guest room where I was lodged. Placing Seraphyx gently on the table, I reclined on the bed, mentally preparing myself for the forthcoming magical awakening.