A sudden chill crawled up Lyer's neck, icy fingers pressing against her skin. When she opened her eyes, the village was unnervingly still. Smoke curled lazily through the air, ash drifting like a silent warning. Panic clawed at her chest.
From the shadows, a young figure emerged, draped in black and wearing a mask with jagged, menacing edges—the unmistakable mark of a follower of the Demon King. In his hand, a long, black sword gleamed under the faint moonlight, aimed directly at her.
"Any last words?" His voice was cold, precise, cutting through the night.
Her heart raced. He's going to kill me… But even as fear gripped her, clarity bloomed like fire in her chest. Better this… than helplessness, than being forced.
With calm serenity, she whispered, "Thank you…"
Before the blade could descend, a shadow flashed between them. Theto appeared, moving with deadly precision. In a blur of motion, he disarmed the boy, each strike and parry effortless, fluid. The village remained in ruin, but Lyer was untouched, safe in the eye of the storm.
Xana appeared through the shimmering gate, eyes burning with fury. "Why would you endanger her like that?!" he roared.
Theto smirked, retreating into the darkness. "I do what I must… for the reward."
Xana lunged after him, but Theto melted into the shadows, leaving only frustration and fury behind. Even as Xana's anger flared, his followers held him back, uncertain, powerless to act.
Later, Theto knelt before the Demon Lord, presenting the cursed item retrieved from the village. He bowed low, the weight of authority pressing down.
"My lord, the task is complete," he said, voice steady, unwavering.
The Demon Lord examined the item with deliberate care. "Faster than expected… and what is it you desire as your reward?"
Theto's eyes burned with ambition. "I want to become the next Demon King. I will remake this world… my way."
The Demon Lord's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "You will have a chance… but first, I will grant you access to one of my secret weapons."
A demon appeared, silent, guiding Theto toward a hidden chamber bathed in shadows. Alone, he sensed a presence—a familiar one.
"Hey… can you see me?" a soft voice called.
Theto froze. Eyes widening. Is that… her?
Lyer stepped into view, faintly glowing, a ghostly light illuminating her form in the dim chamber.
"I'm not a figment," she said, voice gentle yet firm. "You can really see me."
Theto's lips curved into a slow, skeptical smile, tinged with amusement. That stupid girl… she's really here.