(4 Years Later)
Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Over the past few years, so much has happened.
It was a mixture of good and bad times naturally, they always come as a pair. Just like black and white, one cannot exist eternally without the other. At least, that was the case for me.
The first nine years were the kind of life I had always dreamed of in my previous world, and it finally became a reality in this one. At first, I thought it was a reward for my good deed—saving a girl from being hit by a car while crossing the road. Perhaps that act of merit was why I was reincarnated, a compensation for sacrificing my life for another.
But then… life wasn't as simple as I thought.
From the ninth year onward, what I called 'peace' began to gradually vanish. You could say that period was an illusion from the start. I was nothing more than a lab rat. And the screams of those children—I never even knew a single one of their names in that godforsaken room.
I was the one who made it out. The others weren't so lucky.
That is what I tell myself every night before bed. Not to torture myself, but to never forget why I must become stronger.
The four years under Grayfia's tutelage were anything but easy.
The first year was dedicated to history, social structures, power systems, the physiology of various races, and the nuances of magical energy across different species. I sat through six to seven hours of lessons a day until my brain nearly melted. But I have to admit, it was incomparably more interesting than social studies in my previous world. At least here, everything I learned was real.
Regarding social structure, the Devil side is divided into six ranks: Low-class → Middle-class → High-class → Ultimate-class → Maou-class → Super Devil. There is also a bloodline system. Whether it's Pureblood Devils, who hold higher social status, or Reincarnated Devils—who, for obvious reasons, seem to be particularly devalued—and finally, the Stray Devils, the pieces who abandoned their King. In the underworld, they are criminals to be hunted down.
Other races like Angels or Fallen Angels also have ranks, determined by the number of wings. The maximum is twelve wings, or six pairs.
Next is 'Magic Power,' the kind that lets you conjure fire, water, or lightning like in a manga. Based on Grayfia's explanation, there are detailed differences...
(Flashback)
"Today, we will begin by understanding the difference between Demonic Power and Magic."
"Is there a difference? I thought they were just the same kind of energy."
Grayfia paused for a moment. Her expression didn't change, but something in her eyes told me she was patiently organizing her explanation.
"You can tell me straight out if I'm wrong."
"You are wrong."
".....Thanks for the honesty."
She raised her hand slightly, and a faint silver magic circle appeared in the air. Two floating orbs of energy with different colors manifested—one deep red, the other a grayish-white.
"Try looking with your left eye for a moment." From her constant observation, she knew his left eye could distinguish energy radiating from the body and likely possessed other abilities.
I narrowed my left eye slightly. A familiar warmth immediately spread. The two energy masses that looked identical to my right eye became distinct. The red mass swirled within itself, while the white one appeared to have an internal structure intricate, thin lines.
"...Hmm, they are different."
"Yes," she nodded. "The red mass is Demonic Power. It moves according to my emotions and imagination. The white mass is Magic. It has a mathematical structure inside."
I pondered for a moment. "If I were to compare them... Demonic Power is art, and Magic is science. Does that sound right?"
Grayfia paused for a second. "...That is a fairly accurate comparison."
Oh, a reluctant compliment. Do I get points for that?
"So, which one do I have to train?"
"Both."
"...At the same time?"
"Yes."
I let out a soft sigh. "And the reason?"
Grayfia pointed to a purple mass of energy. "According to Ajuka-sama, the Demonic Power in your body doesn't come directly from a Devil bloodline. It comes from injected cells. This means it might lack the 'Devil Instinct' accumulated over generations. Of course, this isn't confirmed, and we don't even know which clan those cells came from."
She turned to look at me. "If you try to use it through pure imagination without a structure, it might lack direction."
"The solution is to use Magic to provide that structure." Grayfia moved her hand, magnifying the structural lines within the white orb.
"Imagine you are pouring water. Demonic Power is the water, and Magic is the glass. Without a glass, the water flows in every direction. But with a glass to contain it, you can pour it exactly where you want."
"In the case of Magicians, ordinary humans must rely on external energy or carefully accumulate their own Mana," she paused before adding, "Pureblood Devils have plenty of water and don't need to learn complex glass patterns because their instinct guides them."
"And in your case, you only have the water." She looked at me with an evaluative gaze. "More than you should have, actually. But you have no instinct to guide it, and you don't know the shape of the vessel."
"...That sounds pretty bad."
"It sounds more like a challenge," she corrected with a flat tone.
I looked at her for a moment. "You make it sound better, but the meaning is still the same."
Grayfia didn't answer, but I saw the corner of her mouth twitch slightly.
"Alright," I scratched my head and took a stance. "Where do we start? The water or the glass?"
"Get to know your own water first." She stood before me and spoke quietly. "Close your eyes."
"Right."
"Feel your breath first. Don't think too much, just feel the air coming in and out."
I followed her lead. Soon, the silence in the room felt slightly heavier.
"Now, expand that feeling outward from your breath. Like ripples from a stone. Don't force it, just let it flow."
I tried my best, and found it difficult. But with Grayfia's help, I started to get the hang of it. A current that once seemed like thick fog began to take shape. Not perfectly clear, but tangible.
"Can you feel it?"
"...I can," I nodded slightly without opening my eyes. "But it has layers. Some parts feel warm, some cold, and some feel heavier than others."
A brief silence.
"Very good." Grayfia's voice softened slightly. "Those are the different components of what resides within you. Don't try to unify them yet; just acknowledge their existence."
"Okay."
"Open your eyes now."
I opened them to find Grayfia standing slightly closer than before. She was staring intently at my left eye.
"Your left eye glows slightly when you focus your power," she explained before I could ask.
"...Does it look dangerous?"
Grayfia thought for a moment. "No. It looks unusual... but it shouldn't be dangerous."
Is that true? Can I really be at ease?
.
.
(End Flashback)
If it hadn't been for Grayfia's help in awakening my power by sending her own energy into my body so I could sense it, it would have taken much longer.
Grayfia never once grew frustrated, and that's exactly what made me pressure myself even more. It's easier when a teacher complains or shows disappointment. But when she just stood there, observing and waiting without a word of criticism, I felt like I had to do better on my own.
After successfully manifesting it into a physical form, every person's rather, every Devil's—energy has its own unique color. Especially Pureblood Devils, like the Gremory clan, whose primary color is red.
The energy I manifested was golden-yellow, with edges that were black like flickering flames. I wondered why the colors were mixed, but I didn't overthink it—I was weird enough as it was.
Once I gained a certain level of mastery, I created my own unique magic circle based on the knowledge from Grayfia. The result surprised me so much that my processing brain momentarily glitched... I should be happy... right?
(Flashback)
"I finally did it!"
I stood in the center of the training room, looking down at the magic circle floating above the dark stone floor beneath my feet. For the first time in my life, a black-and-gold light flickered. A black magic circle, sparkling with golden runic currents.
It was beautiful, honestly.
I moved my finger slightly. The magic circle responded instantly, rotating slowly according to my command. I could feel the Mana flowing smoothly from my body instead of exploding aimlessly like before.
'I got it... I really got it.'
The feeling that rushed in at that moment is hard to describe. It wasn't a jumping-for-joy kind of happiness, but a quiet, deep relief. Like someone who had carried a stone on their back for so long they forgot how heavy it was, and finally managed to set it down.
But then I noticed it.
In the center of the circle.
Just as I was about to smile with pride, something in the heart of the magic circle caught my eye. It wasn't a Devil script, nor was it a common pattern Grayfia had described.
It was a crest.
The shape was too distinct to be a coincidence. It was a sharply defined heart. Its edges weren't smooth like a heart on a greeting card; it was irregular and jagged on all sides. It felt dangerous and harsh, not gentle. From the central heart, structures resembling wings spread out on both sides. But they weren't bird or bat wings. They were twisted, sharp curves with thorns growing out in layers, like flames frozen into metal. The tips of both wings curved upward and branched out into several lines, like unsheathed claws.
I stared at it for a long time.
'...I didn't design this part.'
The pride that had just swelled up deflated instantly, replaced by confusion.
"Grayfia-san, I have a question. This crest—"
"Is the magic circle complete—"
Her voice cut off abruptly.
I looked up and saw something I had never seen before.
Grayfia stood frozen. Her eyes were fixed intently on the crest in the center of the circle. Her usually stoic face had changed. It wasn't a shouting or recoiling kind of shock, but a silence that made the entire room feel heavy in an instant.
".. Grayfia-san?"
She didn't answer immediately, her gaze still locked on the crest.
I looked back at it again, feeling increasingly uneasy.
"Do you recognize this crest?"
"...I'm not entirely sure. But the shape resembles the Beleth Clan, though yours has additional wings," she said in an unusual tone.
"Beleth?" I thought for a moment. The name had crossed my ears during history lessons, but I hadn't delved deep. "I've heard the name before, but I don't know the details."
Grayfia let out a soft sigh before walking closer to the magic circle, standing beside me to look down at the crest together.
"The Beleth Clan was one of the 72 Pillars that went extinct during the Great War," she began to explain in a voice quieter than usual. "They were a line of Pureblood Incubus. However, there isn't much mentioned about them because they were few in number and kept to themselves. Very little is known."
I looked at the winged heart crest again.
"...Then why is their crest in my magic circle? I didn't put it there."
"That is what I am trying to understand," she answered frankly. "A crest in a magic circle isn't designed by the owner; it emerges on its own based on the bloodline or the energy residing within."
I fell silent for a moment.
"...Meaning something inside me is related to that clan?"
"It's possible," she replied slowly. "The cells injected into your body didn't disclose their full origin. And if some of those cells came from this bloodline..."
She trailed off.
I understood why. Because whatever followed wouldn't be pleasant to hear.
I looked at the crest in the center of the circle again. It was beautiful in a way I didn't want to admit, but it made my stomach churn at the same time.
"It doesn't look very... wholesome, does it?" I muttered involuntarily.
Grayfia turned to look at me.
"I mean... the heart," I gestured toward the crest. "It looks like a Valentine's gift someone tacked Devil wings onto for a joke. How am I supposed to walk around with a symbol like this?"
Grayfia was quiet for a moment before speaking softly.
"I will report this to Lord Sirzechs."
"Wait! Grayfia-san, are you sure it's the symbol of this clan?"
"I believe so."
"Then please, don't tell anyone! I'm begging you!"
"..." She didn't answer.
Of course, I knew how loyal she was to Sirzechs. Nevertheless, something like this...
I stood in front of her and bowed my head to plead.
"Just this once! Until I can come to terms with it! Please don't tell anyone!"
"...."
Even after speaking, I kept my head bowed. But it seemed like it wasn't work—
"..pfft… fufu…"
Huh? I looked up, surprised by the sound of laughter—no, even though she was laughing, it was more like she was trying to stifle it. Grayfia was actually laughing.
"Is it that funny, me bowing my head?" I made a disappointed face and turned away.
"It's not that."
Grayfia's voice returned to its usual calm, but this time there was something slightly warmer in it.
I still didn't turn back.
"Then what's funny?"
"What's funny is..." she paused as if choosing her words. "You bowed and pleaded with such a serious face, yet I suspect your true reason isn't because you need time to 'come to terms' with it."
I went still.
"It's because you don't like the word 'Incubus', isn't it?"
I turned back automatically, only to see Grayfia looking at me with those eyes that read me all too well.
'...When did she become a mind reader?'
"I didn't—"
"Your shoulder twitches slightly every time you hear the word," she cut me off before I could deny it. "I've noticed it from the beginning."
I shut my mouth instantly.
Grayfia walked over to stand beside me, looking down at the crest in the magic circle that was still rotating gently.
"Being an Incubus is nothing to be ashamed of," she said quietly. "It is a race with unique abilities, just as the Bael Clan has the Power of Destruction or the Phenex Clan has Regeneration."
"I know," I replied flatly. "But it still sounds bad."
Grayfia turned to look me in the face.
"Because the word sounds like a power that relies on 'attraction' and 'influencing others,' right?"
I didn't answer, but that was an answer in itself.
Grayfia let out a soft sigh. "Hikigaya-kun, I understand you're uncomfortable with it. But this crest appeared from the energy within you, not from your personality."
"What's the difference?"
"A huge one," she replied without hesitation. "A violent person's Sacred Gear doesn't necessarily have to be a weapon of destruction. And having energy from an Incubus bloodline doesn't mean you will use it in the way you fear."
I looked at the crest again.
"...It still doesn't look great," I muttered.
"You can view it however you like," she said softly. "But the crest only tells you what is inside you; it doesn't tell you who you are."
The room grew quiet for a moment.
I didn't know if she said it to comfort me or because she truly believed it, but it made the air in the room feel a bit lighter nonetheless.
"Will it really be like that?"
"Most likely."
'Most likely'? Because I'm a special case, instead of a confident 'yes,' she used 'most likely.' Whatever. It seemed like she was trying to comfort me.
"...Okay," I muttered, looking at her. "And about what I asked earlier?"
Grayfia paused for a moment.
"I will consider it," she said finally. "But there is a condition."
I looked at her. "What condition?"
"I will tell you later," she said with a small smile.
(End Flashback)
"....Sigh..."
Looking back at everything from the beginning until now, I have to say: 'I'm exhausted.'
Oh... if you're wondering what I'm doing and where I am, I'm currently on the balcony of a massive mansion, taking in the night air. Even though this is the Underworld, the air is generally good. It's not much different from the Human World. Well, the air, I mean. The atmosphere and geography are a whole different story.
...And just so you don't get the wrong idea, this mansion isn't the Gremory estate. Compared to theirs, mine is much smaller. But if it were in the Human World, it would be no different from a hundred-millionaire's residence. The reason I'm here instead of the Gremory mansion is for my own safety. Sirzechs doesn't want my existence revealed to the public or even among other Devils yet. Keeping me in a quiet, dark corner like this is the best choice. Honestly, I don't hate it. On the contrary, if he had given me the choice, I would have picked this anyway.
Tonight, there seems to be a grand banquet at the main mansion. I heard from Grayfia that it's a celebration for the maou younger sister entering school. I know her name from what Grayfia told me a year ago—the youngest sister of Sirzechs, the next heir to the Gremory Clan. She possesses the Power of Destruction just like her brother.
During my training with Grayfia, Sirzechs would visit once in a long while. He would constantly ramble about how cute his sister was—"Rias-tan this, Rias-tan that." He's clearly a siscon. Of course, I understand the feeling, because I love Komachi just as much.
Rias Gremory, huh... The name is very familiar, but no matter how hard I try, I can't quite place it. Like a flickering light when you try to reach for it, only for it to sink into the darkness.
I leaned my back against the balcony, looking up at the sky where a moon was shining. The moonlight made the night sky no longer completely dark. Would you believe that the view before me is fake? From what I've learned, the Underworld's sky used to be purple day and night. The bright sky and the moon you see today were created by the current maou using magic to have day and night cycles like the Human World. This helps Reincarnated Devils not feel too alienated.
It would be nice to have a sweet drink to soothe the view. Speaking of which... Aaaaah! I really want Max Coffee! How many years has it been since I last had one?
Especially in my current situation, it would be perfect. That drink always comes with a certain phrase:
'Life is bitter, so at least coffee should be sweet.'
Hmph! Cool, right?
"Muttering to yourself out here all alone?"
"..Ah—!.." I jumped immediately and turned toward the voice. It was Grayfia.
"..Sigh.. Good grief, you scared me. It's just you, Grayfia. If you keep popping up like that, one day I'm going to die of a heart attack."
"Who would let you die so easily? After I've invested so much effort into teaching you~"
Wait?, did I hear that right? Her voice wasn't flat like usual. It was drawn out in a way it never had been before. And it sounded... unnervingly soft.
And if I looked closely, her face was flushed bright red.
She stumbled a step toward me, and I instinctively rushed to steady her.
"Whoa, whoa, you're hammered! Was the party that intense?"
As I supported her, her unique fragrance mixed with the scent of wine hit my nose. 'She smells great no, wait, what am I thinking! Calm down, Hachiman. First, get her seated.'
I led her to a bench on the balcony. To be honest, my physique now is nothing like my previous world. I'm as tall as Grayfia now. Even without frequent heavy workouts, I have the muscles of someone who exercises regularly.
"Just sit here and wait. I'll go get some water." Before I could walk away—
"No need. Just sit here with me~" she said in a silky voice, before pulling my arm gently—but with enough force to make me lose my balance unexpectedly.
"Wait—"
Before I could finish, that force brought me down to sit beside her on the bench. Our shoulders bumped slightly from the unintended impact.
She laughed softly, seemingly pleased with my reaction, before slowly releasing my arm but moving even closer than before.
"This is enough."
Her eyes looked straight at me with a faint smile that seemed to hide some deeper meaning.
As for me... I just sat there frozen for a moment, unable to process this sudden situation.
Shit! Shit! Shit! What is this situation... It's exactly like those cheesy romance novel plots I used to complain about.
What is this—sitting this close, with almost zero distance, the gap between our shoulders constantly touching...
My heart began to race, ignoring all logic.
"What's wrong? You look like the world is ending~"
Her voice sounded beside me, casual as if what was happening was the most normal thing in the world.
But for me—it wasn't at all.
"It's just, you—"
I stopped myself. Because when I turned to look, her face was too close for me to maintain my composure.
So close I reflexively held my breath.
"I'm just sitting here~"
She tilted her head slightly, with a faint smile as if she knew exactly how confused I was.
Good grief... Does her personality really change this much when she's drunk?
Having teased him enough to her satisfaction, she finally decided to stop poking at him.
While the two of them sat side by side, one was relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze... but the other sat as stiff as if he'd been turned to stone.
Sweat began to bead at my hairline despite the pleasant air on the balcony. My head—Hachiman's head—was processing so hard it was about to explode. The faint scent of fine wine mixed with Grayfia's own scent wafted over periodically. Every time she moved, the skin contact at our shoulders sent strange electric shocks down my spine.
'Stay calm, Hachiman... This is Grayfia Lucifuge! The strongest Queen! Sirzechs' wife! She's just drunk... Yeah, she's just drunk!' I tried to hypnotize myself.
"Hey... Hachiman~" She called my name softly. That tone wasn't harsh or strict; it was low and mellow, which was terrifying. After all this time, our naming had become more informal—except in public.
"Do you still remember the condition from back then?"
Hearing her question, I finally snapped back to reality.
"Condition?... Hmm.. Oh! You mean about me asking you to keep it a secret?"
"Exactly. Now, I'll tell you my condition. It is..."
I swallowed hard, listening intently to the final part.
"From now on, you must call me 'Onee' or 'Nee-san' when we are alone."
"Huh?.. Uh.. Is that really it? Gray—Nee-san." If that's all, then there's no problem. I guess I got lucky.
"Yes~ Don't you think it's wonderful? A deep sibling relationship like this, Hachi." She said, grabbing my arm and pulling it into a tight hug, her soft chest pressing firmly against my upper arm.
Shiiiiiit! This is way beyond 'wonderful', Nee-san! This is a disaster!
I could feel my face turning redder than a Gremory's blood. The night breeze did nothing to cool the heat on my face. And that nickname 'Hachi' she slurred out—it had more destructive power than the Main House's 'Power of Destruction.' Ah, Komachi... the new big sister's score is about to overtake yours.
"W-wait a minute, Nee-san! This is... too close!" I tried to pull my arm away gently (and to be fair, I didn't try that hard... I'm only human). But the strength of the world's strongest Maid even drunk meant her grip on my arm was like a steel vice.
"Why? We're siblings... hugging an arm like this isn't weird at all." She said, looking up at me with moist, shimmering eyes. Her usually elegant and stern smile now looked like a spoiled cat getting its way. "Or... is Hachi thinking something naughty about his onee? Hmm~?"
She teased by leaning in until our noses almost touched. I could feel her warm breath, faintly scented with wine. My heart hammered so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest. My survival instinct was screaming, 'Run, Hachiman! Before you become this maid's love slave forever!'
But my traitorous body didn't move. In that moment, our eyes met. I noticed something in her eyes it was like the symbol in the center of my magic circle—no, it was the reflection of my own left eye.
I sat there petrified, then shook my head and looked away to suppress the unsettling feeling.
"I-I think we should head inside. It's getting cold. You'll catch a cold, Nee-san." I tried to find a desperate way out.
"Cold? Then hug your Onee tighter... it'll be warm..." As she finished speaking, she nuzzled her head into my shoulder, rubbing it contentedly.
What kind of crazy situation is this! If Sirzechs ever found out, I'd be pushing up daisies for sure... In the future, I must warn her never to drink wine when we're alone.
I couldn't help but think... if anyone saw the cold Head Maid in this 'spoiled big sister' state, the Underworld would fall into chaos. And the first person to be silenced... would definitely be me, sitting here sweating bullets!
15 Minutes Later
After a while, I felt my body relax slightly. Yeah, just slightly. To be honest, having someone care about you in this shitty world... it wasn't bad. On the contrary, it felt like someone was filling a void in my heart. Maybe she had a younger brother once, which is why she wanted me to call her that. Most people's desires are tied to their past. Speaking of which, I had never told anyone about being reincarnated—well, rather, there was no one suitable to tell. I had intended to keep it a secret for life. Even so, it felt like carrying a heavy burden that could never be set down.
"Hey, Nee-san."
"..Mmm~" she sounded groggy.
"Would you believe me if I told you I once lived another life before this one?" I expected some kind of reaction.
But all I got in response was:
"...Inhale… Exhale… (Sound of breathing).."
Huh? She's asleep? Sigh... Whatever. For now, this is enough.
"Thanks for everything, Nee-san."
(Break)
Inside the room~
I carried Grayfia to the bed and tucked her in properly, my eyes still avoiding looking at her to prevent any 'unwanted thoughts.'
Then, I decided to collapse onto the long sofa not far from the bed.
I lay there with my hand over my forehead, staring at the ceiling decorated with luxurious old European patterns. My head was still spinning like a fan with broken brakes. The scene on the balcony played over and over like a video on a loop.
'What was that just now?'
I reached for my left eye. When I made eye contact with Grayfia, her eyes reflected my left eye. If that were all, I wouldn't think much of it. But the problem was the pattern inside the golden pupil—it looked just like the symbol in the center of my magic circle.
"..Sigh.. I have a bad feeling about this.."
Lately, my body had been feeling strange too. Like it was moving on its own by instinct... Whatever. Thinking too much will just give me a headache. Better sleep.
.
.
(Break)
.
.
In the darkness.
I am sinking.
It wasn't a terrifying high-speed fall, but a slow, heavy... and endless sinking. Around me was a tangible darkness. It was dense, massive, and ice-cold. It felt like I was swimming through the deepest ocean of black ink imaginable.
"Where is this now?" Why do I always end up in unknown places? Is someone playing a joke on me?
Looking up.
There was a very faint light. You could barely call it light—just a brightness slightly less dark than the surroundings. Like a pinhole in thick black cloth.
But it was there. I started to swim up.
Or tried to. Legs kicking, arms pulling. My body began to move up slowly. That faint light didn't get bigger, but at least it stayed there.
Suddenly, a mysterious hand grabbed my shoulder.
The touch from those fingertips was so icy that a chill raced from my shoulder to the base of my neck. My heart skipped a beat and drummed like a war march. I jumped before spinning around instinctively.
"..!.."
But then... the sight before my eyes caught the words in my throat. My eyes widened in shock, nearly stopping my breath. Standing there... was me.
What appeared was a figure identical to me in every detail, as if I were looking into a mirror. However, the one thing that was completely different was the 'smile.' It was a devious, flirtatious smirk that someone like Hikigaya Hachiman could never make. Honestly, it was so annoying I wanted to punch that face. And most striking was the left eye—the golden pupil had that same pattern I saw when I looked at Grayfia.
"..Who are you, you fake?" My voice was slightly threatening.
"Whoa~ Starting off the conversation by calling yourself a fake, huh? You should know by looking. I am you."
"Stop playing word games. Even a five-year-old wouldn't fall for that stale trope."
"Whether you believe it or not is up to you. It doesn't matter."
"It doesn't matter?... Then where exactly is this place... Or is this some kind of afterlife prepared for lonely humans like me?" I asked, scanning the surroundings. It was dark, with an atmosphere like the deep sea.
"Quite the imagination, as expected of me." The figure chuckled. That golden left eye flared.
"But this isn't Heaven or Hell. It's the depths of your own subconscious."
I frowned deeply. "My subconscious? Then why are you showing your annoying face? What's your goal?"
He stepped toward me slowly, wearing that punchable smirk, before standing to my right. He grabbed my shoulder and said:
"The conditions are now met. If you want to be strong, devour that woman."
"......Huh?" I was shocked by what I heard and recoiled two steps.
"What the hell are you talking about! I don't understand!"
He didn't answer immediately but circled me like a predator scouting its prey. That golden left eye glowed amidst the crushing darkness of the deep sea.
"Don't play dumb, other self... Don't you feel the hunger hidden inside?" He grinned wider, pointing a finger at my chest. "That woman, Grayfia... Her power, her aura. If you took it into yourself... you would become exponentially stronger."
"So, devour her. I shouldn't have to tell you; you should already know how."
"I refuse! I would never do something like that to Grayfia! Strength—I'll seize it my own way! Besides, that kind of thing is way beyond my common sense!" I spoke with a firm voice.
He looked at me for a moment with a blank expression before smirking and walking away into the darkness, leaving me with one final sentence:
"Fine. Even if you won't do it, I'll force you. You can't deny the Devil blood in your body. One day, you will have to accept who I am…"
"Wait! You idiot! Explain it properly!"
I ran, reaching out a hand, trying to stop him... My fingertips caught only emptiness. The figure faded, dissolving into the water, accompanied by a low laughter that still echoed in my ears.
Then, the vision cut out.
Gasp!
I jolted upright, my back snapping off the surface. My fragmented consciousness returned abruptly along with sweat pouring down my temples. My breath was heavy, like I had just run up a mountain.
"A dream... was it?"
I muttered to myself, scanning the room. The familiar dim darkness. The moonlight filtering through the curtains let me know I was in my 'bedroom.' And where I was lying was the same sofa I always used.
"..Sigh.. What a relief. Just a crazy dream."
Even though I said that, I couldn't deny the growing unease in my heart. I hope what I heard doesn't actually happen. I have a really bad feeling about this