Night had settled over the capital like a velvet curtain.
From atop the neighboring rooftops, the city shimmered beneath endless neon lights, its streets overflowing with demons enjoying another evening of excess. Somewhere in the distance, music echoed through the districts, mixing with laughter and the clinking of glasses.
Tonight, however...
None of us were here to celebrate.
We were here to kill.
One by one, everyone departed toward their assigned positions.
Draxil was the first to leave, rolling his shoulders before disappearing into the crowd below.
"I'll blend in with the estate's security," he said. "Most of the guards are hired mercenaries anyway. One more face won't raise suspicion."
Velka adjusted the hood of her dark cloak.
"I'll circle the mansion," she said with a grin. "If anyone tries to escape... they won't."
Within seconds she vanished into the darkness between rooftops, moving so silently that even my enhanced senses struggled to follow her.
Seraphis remained where he stood for another moment before looking toward the mansion in the distance.
"I've found a suitable observation point."
His pale eyes glowed faintly.
"My thermal vision will cover every entrance. If anything changes, you'll know immediately."
He gave a single nod before leaping effortlessly onto the next rooftop, disappearing into the sea of buildings.
That left only Lucy...
...and me.
She folded her arms.
"So."
A playful smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"I guess we're each other's dates tonight."
"I suppose we are."
"Don't make it weird."
"I wasn't planning to."
"You were thinking about it."
"I wasn't."
"You definitely were."
"..."
Lucy laughed quietly.
"Relax, Champion."
Silence settled over the rooftop.
The mission had officially begun.
The limousine arrived several minutes later.
Its polished black exterior reflected the city lights as the chauffeur stepped out and respectfully opened the rear door.
Lucy entered first.
I followed.
Neither of us spoke during the drive.
The city slowly transformed outside the windows.
Markets gave way to noble districts.
Stone became marble.
Marble became gold.
The further we traveled...
The richer everything became.
Until finally—
The mansion came into view.
Even from a distance, it was absurd.
Its towering architecture combined gothic elegance with imperial luxury. Massive obsidian pillars supported balconies carved from white marble, while waterfalls cascaded from elevated gardens into shimmering pools below. Every rooftop glittered beneath enchanted crystal lamps.
It looked less like a residence.
More like a palace.
"...Someone has too much money," Lucy muttered.
I quietly agreed.
The limousine rolled to a stop before the entrance.
Immediately, two guards approached.
Both wore black ceremonial armor decorated with silver trim.
One opened the door.
"Welcome."
His eyes briefly lingered on the invitation in my hand.
Then widened ever so slightly.
"Champion Astro Elric."
He bowed.
"It is an honor."
I returned a small nod.
"Thank you."
His attention shifted toward Lucy.
"And your guest."
Lucy smiled so naturally it almost looked rehearsed.
"What can I say?"
She spread her arms slightly.
"I'm popular."
The guard blinked.
Then awkwardly cleared his throat.
"...Y-yes, of course."
As we walked past him, Lucy leaned slightly toward me.
"See?"
She whispered just quietly enough that only I could hear.
"I've still got it."
I looked ahead.
"He was looking at the invitation."
Lucy placed a hand dramatically over her chest.
"...Wow."
"What?"
"You really know how to destroy someone's confidence."
"I answered honestly."
She stared at me for several seconds.
Then laughed quietly to herself.
"...This is going to be fun."
The grand entrance hall stole even my attention.
The floor beneath our feet was crafted entirely from polished black marble veined with liquid gold. Towering pillars stretched upward toward a ceiling painted with scenes depicting ancient demon kings standing victorious over impossible armies.
Crystal chandeliers floated in midair without chains, suspended purely by magic.
Servants carrying silver trays moved gracefully through the room.
Nobles laughed.
Musicians performed on a raised stage.
The entire estate radiated wealth.
The kind of wealth capable of buying nations.
Lucy slowly turned in a circle.
"...Okay."
She looked impressed.
"I officially underestimated this guy."
"So did I."
Only now did I truly notice Lucy.
Back on the rooftop, there had been no time.
Now...
There was.
Her appearance had completely transformed.
Gone was the punk-inspired outfit from earlier that day.
In its place stood someone who looked every bit like a demonic empress.
Her gown blended traditional Japanese elegance with regal authority. A sleeveless black bodysuit formed its foundation, embroidered with intricate golden cloud patterns that shimmered whenever the light touched them. Flowing furisode-style kimono sleeves extended gracefully from her arms, warm black fabric accented with crimson stitching and golden trim.
Around her waist rested layered ceremonial armor fashioned from black lacquered plates edged in gold, tied together by long crimson ribbons that swayed gently whenever she walked. A black sash embroidered with a single golden eye and cross hung elegantly behind her, ending near her knees.
Small golden bells chimed softly with every step.
Her long white hair had been gathered into a loose side ponytail secured by ornate chopsticks and a red ribbon woven with golden thread. A delicate golden tiara rested atop her head, while both of her small horns had been decorated with matching ornaments.
Even her nails had been painted a dark bronze.
She looked...
Imperial.
Dangerous.
Beautiful.
She noticed me looking.
A smug smile immediately appeared.
Lucy: "Well?"
She turned once.
"Be honest."
I studied the outfit for another moment.
"It suits the mission."
Lucy blinked.
"...That's it?"
"It blends well with the nobles."
She stared.
"..."
"..."
She sighed dramatically.
"I spend an hour getting dressed..."
"...and I get tactical feedback."
"I thought that's what you wanted."
"It wasn't."
A passing noble couple smiled warmly.
"What a lovely pair."
Lucy immediately hooked her arm around mine.
"So kind of you."
The elderly demon chuckled before continuing on.
I glanced down.
Then at her.
"Lucy."
"Hm?"
"My arm."
"Oh."
She looked down as though only just realizing what she'd done.
"...Right."
She didn't let go.
"Mission."
"I'm helping."
"You aren't."
"I absolutely am."
"You've attracted attention."
She looked around.
Several nobles were smiling in our direction.
"...See?"
"They think we're adorable."
"They think we're together."
"Exactly."
"..."
She waited.
"..."
"Problem?"
"...No."
She smiled victoriously.
"I knew you'd understand."
"..."
I gave up.
Correcting her would waste time.
She seemed strangely pleased by my silence.
Seraphis: "Audio check."
His calm voice echoed through the earpiece.
"Receiving clearly."
Velka: "Outside perimeter secure."
Draxil: "Already inside. West corridor."
Lucy tapped her ear.
"Loud and clear."
I answered next.
"Receiving."
Good.
Everyone was in position.
Now...
We hunted.
Servants walked among the guests carrying crystal glasses filled with crimson wine and trays covered in delicate desserts.
Lucy had already stolen three.
"I didn't steal them."
She immediately defended herself.
"They literally handed them to me."
"You've eaten four."
"Five."
"..."
"..."
"I got hungry."
We moved naturally through the ballroom.
Talking just enough.
Smiling just enough.
Never lingering in one place too long.
Every few minutes my eyes swept across the room.
Searching.
Watching.
Studying faces.
None matched the description.
Until—
Seraphis: "Possible visual."
His voice became quieter.
"North balcony."
"Male. Black suit. Silver hair."
"Two female companions."
I slowly lifted a champagne glass.
Pretending to drink.
Then glanced toward the second floor.
There he was.
Tall.
Elegant.
His silver hair was combed neatly backward, revealing sharp crimson eyes filled with effortless confidence. A perfectly tailored white suit with gold embroidery contrasted against everyone else's darker clothing, making him impossible to ignore.
One arm rested comfortably around the waist of a beautiful demoness wearing an emerald dress.
The second woman laughed as he whispered something into her ear.
Neither woman wore a wedding ring.
But both wore matching necklaces.
Property marks.
Interesting.
Velka: "Confirmed."
"Target identified."
"Lord Vaelzar Duskbourne."
"One of Hell's wealthiest nobles."
"Public reputation: philanthropist."
A brief pause.
Then—
"Private reputation..."
Lucy quietly finished the sentence beside me.
"...Steals other demons' wives."
Her smile disappeared.
"I hate people like that."
I nodded once.
"So do I."
Above us...
The target laughed loudly.
Completely unaware...
That death had already entered his home.
Even from across the ballroom, he commanded attention without demanding it.
He stood near the grand staircase with a crystal glass in one hand, speaking with effortless confidence to two elegantly dressed demonesses. Every few moments another noble would approach, bow respectfully, exchange a few words, and leave wearing the same practiced smile.
Power.
Not the kind displayed through violence.
The kind that made others willingly lower their heads.
His silver hair reflected the chandelier light like polished steel, while his immaculate white suit, embroidered with intricate golden vines, contrasted against the darker attire of nearly every other guest. A ruby brooch rested against his chest, shaped like a blooming rose with a single crimson eye at its center.
He looked refined.
Cultured.
The perfect noble.
The kind of monster that hid behind manners.
I watched one of the women laugh at something he'd whispered before he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
The movement looked affectionate.
Possessive.
Not loving.
Owning.
Lucy quietly clicked her tongue.
Lucy: "Yeah... I already don't like him."
I didn't answer.
My eyes never left Vaelzar.
Seraphis: "Thermal scan confirms twenty-eight armed guards inside the mansion."
A pause.
"Eight hidden."
Velka: "There's another patrol outside. Rotating every four minutes."
Draxil: "I'm with them now."
His voice remained calm.
"Nobody suspects anything."
Good.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.
For now.
Lucy casually picked up another dessert from a passing servant.
It disappeared in one bite.
She reached for another.
I looked at her.
"You've had enough."
She froze with the pastry halfway to her mouth.
Lucy: "...Excuse me?"
"That's your sixth."
"It is absolutely not."
"It is."
She frowned thoughtfully.
"...Maybe seventh."
She shrugged.
"I lost count."
"You'll get sick."
"I'm a demon."
"Demons can still overeat."
She looked genuinely offended.
"...Who invited the nutritionist?"
"I did."
"No, you didn't."
"I should have."
Lucy sighed dramatically before eating the pastry anyway.
"...You're impossible."
We continued walking naturally through the ballroom.
Conversations drifted past us.
Business agreements.
Political alliances.
Rumors.
Threats disguised as compliments.
Hell's nobility truly knew how to socialize.
One elderly noble stopped us.
"My, my."
His weathered eyes landed on me.
"So you're the young champion."
"I've heard quite a bit about you."
"I hope only good things."
The old demon laughed.
"Mostly."
Lucy smiled politely beside me.
"And what about me?"
The noble looked at her.
"You..."
He rubbed his chin.
"...I imagine you're the dangerous one."
Lucy beamed.
"I like him."
Music began to swell from the orchestra.
Several couples stepped toward the center of the ballroom.
Lucy watched them for a moment.
Then looked at me.
"...Dance?"
"No."
"You didn't even think about it."
"I did."
"You thought for half a second."
"It was enough."
She folded her arms.
"You know..."
"What?"
"If we dance, people will trust us more."
I considered it.
She smiled triumphantly.
"See?"
"I considered it."
"...And?"
"No."
Her shoulders slumped.
"I hate how logical you are."
Velka: "Movement."
Immediately my attention sharpened.
"Target leaving the staircase."
"Heading east side of the ballroom."
Lucy and I separated naturally from the crowd, adjusting our pace without drawing attention.
Vaelzar greeted everyone.
Shook hands.
Accepted praise.
Smiled endlessly.
He never appeared rushed.
Never looked nervous.
He had the confidence of someone who believed himself untouchable.
Then...
Something caught my attention.
As another noble approached, Vaelzar embraced him warmly.
His right hand briefly disappeared beneath the man's sleeve.
When they separated...
The noble's expression looked...
Different.
Less focused.
Almost...
Empty.
I narrowed my eyes.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Lucy noticed.
Lucy: "You saw it too?"
"His hand."
She nodded subtly.
"He touched something."
"Or placed something."
Lucy looked toward Vaelzar again.
"...He's hiding more than a bad personality."
A servant approached.
"My lord."
He bowed toward me.
"Lord Vaelzar requests that all honored guests gather near the central hall."
Right on schedule.
The orchestra gradually fell silent.
One by one, conversations ended.
Crystal glasses were lowered.
Hundreds of guests turned toward the enormous marble staircase.
At its summit...
Lord Vaelzar smiled warmly.
"My dear friends."
His voice echoed effortlessly throughout the mansion.
"What a magnificent evening."
Polite applause answered him.
He spread his arms.
"It warms my heart to see so many distinguished nobles gathered beneath one roof."
More applause.
Lucy leaned slightly toward me.
Lucy: "He's good."
"At speeches?"
"At lying."
I quietly agreed.
Vaelzar continued.
"Tonight is a celebration."
"A celebration of prosperity."
"Of unity."
"Of ambition."
His smile never faltered.
"And..."
He paused dramatically.
"...of new legends."
The ballroom became completely silent.
"Not long ago..."
"Our arena crowned a new champion."
Several heads turned toward me.
"...Astro Elric."
Well.
That wasn't ideal.
Lucy looked sideways.
"...Popular."
"I noticed."
"You nervous?"
"No."
"Liar."
"I'm calculating."
"...That's somehow even worse."
Vaelzar extended a welcoming hand.
"My young champion."
"It would honor us all if you would join me."
Every eye in the ballroom settled upon me.
There was no refusing.
Refusing would create suspicion.
I adjusted my jacket.
Then calmly walked toward the staircase.
Each step echoed softly across the marble floor.
The room watched in silence.
Halfway up the stairs, Vaelzar welcomed me with open arms.
"Marvelous."
He smiled pleasantly.
"You've exceeded every expectation."
"Thank you."
"I have followed your matches with great interest."
"I'm honored."
"You should be."
His smile widened ever so slightly.
"You possess extraordinary potential."
He gestured toward a velvet cushion brought forward by a servant.
Resting atop it...
Was a ring.
Silver.
Simple.
Beautiful.
A crimson gemstone rested at its center.
"This," Vaelzar announced loudly, "is a gift."
"For the champion."
Soft murmurs spread throughout the ballroom.
The ring looked expensive.
Ancient.
Powerful.
Too perfect.
Something inside me tightened.
Instinct.
The same instinct that had kept me alive during training.
The same instinct that warned me before danger arrived.
Something...
Was wrong.
Vaelzar lifted the ring himself.
"I insist."
His smile remained flawless.
"Please accept it."
I accepted the ring carefully.
The metal felt strangely warm.
Almost...
Alive.
Applause erupted around the ballroom.
Everyone expected me to place it on my finger.
I didn't.
Instead...
I smiled politely.
"It's an incredible gift."
"I'll treasure it."
Then I slipped it into the inner pocket of my jacket.
Just for a fraction of a second—
Vaelzar's smile twitched.
Barely.
Almost invisible.
But it was there.
Gone before anyone else could notice.
Anyone...
Except Lucy.
Standing near the crowd with a champagne glass in hand, she had been watching him the entire time.
Not me.
Him.
Her crimson eyes narrowed.
There.
For the briefest heartbeat.
Disappointment.
No...
Frustration.
He had expected something.
And I hadn't given it to him.
Lucy slowly raised her glass to hide her expression.
Lucy (quietly into the earpiece): "Astro."
"I'm listening."
"Good call."
"You saw it?"
"I saw everything."
Her voice lost its usual playful edge.
"...Don't put that ring on."
I looked down at the pocket where it rested.
"I wasn't planning to."
Vaelzar's smile returned as though nothing had happened.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
He raised his glass.
"Let the festivities continue!"
Music filled the ballroom once more.
Laughter returned.
Conversations resumed.
But for me...
The mission had just become far more complicated.
Because now I knew one thing with absolute certainty.
Lord Vaelzar hadn't given me a gift.
He had tried to make me wear something.
And he had been visibly disappointed...
...when I didn't.
The orchestra resumed as though nothing had happened.
Elegant strings filled the ballroom once more, washing over the hushed conversations as nobles returned to their drinks and laughter. Crystal glasses clinked together, servants drifted between guests with silver trays, and couples slowly reclaimed the dance floor.
Only one thing had changed.
I was no longer just another guest.
Every pair of eyes in the mansion had now seen my face.
I descended the staircase at an unhurried pace.
Calm.
Measured.
As if nothing had happened.
But behind the composed expression, my mind was already working.
Why the ring?
What was it supposed to do?
Before I reached the ballroom floor, Lucy casually appeared beside me, seamlessly matching my pace.
She smiled warmly for anyone watching.
Her voice, however, was barely above a whisper.
Lucy: "Well..."
She glanced toward my jacket pocket.
"...that could've gone worse."
Astro: "You noticed."
Lucy: "His face?"
She gave a tiny nod.
"I've seen enough nobles pretending to smile."
Her own smile widened just enough to fool the surrounding guests.
"That wasn't disappointment."
"It wasn't?"
"No."
She looked ahead.
"It was annoyance."
"Because I didn't wear it."
"Exactly."
I rested one hand casually inside my pocket, my fingers brushing against the ring.
It felt warm.
Warmer than before.
Almost as if it...
No.
I immediately withdrew my hand.
Lucy noticed.
Lucy: "...Still warm?"
"You knew?"
She shrugged.
"I've dealt with enchanted jewelry before."
"...Never trust free accessories."
Despite myself, I almost smiled.
A servant approached carrying champagne.
Lucy accepted one.
I declined.
The servant bowed and disappeared into the crowd.
Lucy took a sip before quietly speaking again.
Lucy: "You're thinking too loudly."
"I wasn't aware that was possible."
"It is."
She pointed toward my forehead.
"You get this tiny wrinkle."
"I do not."
"You absolutely do."
"I'll work on it."
She laughed quietly.
"There it is."
"What?"
"A normal conversation."
"...We're infiltrating a mansion full of murderers."
"Exactly."
She smiled.
"And somehow you're worried about forehead wrinkles."
I sighed.
"You brought them up."
"I know."
She looked entirely too pleased with herself.
Seraphis: "Astro."
His calm voice echoed through the earpiece.
"Target has resumed circulation."
"Heading toward the western gallery."
I casually picked up a small pastry from a nearby tray.
It gave me an excuse to look in the same direction.
Lord Vaelzar was once again entertaining guests.
Smiling.
Laughing.
Greeting everyone by name.
If I hadn't seen that brief twitch in his expression...
I would've believed every word.
Velka: "I've got movement outside."
A pause.
"Additional guards."
Draxil: "Same here."
"Security rotation just doubled."
Lucy frowned almost imperceptibly.
"That's fast."
"They weren't here earlier."
"No."
Her eyes followed Vaelzar.
"...He's preparing for something."
The ballroom doors opened.
Another group of nobles entered.
Immediately, several servants hurried to greet them.
The sudden activity created exactly what we needed.
A distraction.
Lucy gently nudged my elbow.
Lucy: "Walk."
We blended into the shifting crowd, moving naturally between conversations.
Neither too fast.
Nor too slow.
Just another pair of wealthy guests enjoying the evening.
As we passed beneath one of the balconies, Lucy suddenly slowed.
Her eyes drifted upward.
For only a second.
Then she kept walking.
"Three."
"What?"
"Hidden archers."
"I didn't see them."
"You weren't looking."
She took another sip from her glass.
"They're using illusion screens."
I resisted the urge to look up.
Instead—
Astro: "Seraphis."
"Can you confirm hidden positions above the ballroom?"
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"Confirmed."
"Three heat signatures."
"Excellent catch."
Lucy grinned.
"See?"
"I'll admit it."
"What?"
"That was impressive."
She froze.
"...Wait."
She turned toward me.
"...Did you just compliment me?"
"I stated a fact."
Lucy stared for several seconds before quietly muttering,
"...I'm counting that."
Lord Vaelzar eventually excused himself from another conversation.
This time...
He walked alone.
Toward a quieter wing of the mansion.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Velka: "Target leaving the main ballroom."
Seraphis: "Trajectory suggests private gallery."
Draxil: "I'm moving underneath."
Lucy placed her empty glass onto a servant's tray.
"Looks like the evening's finally starting."
I nodded.
"Stay close."
She looked genuinely offended.
"I was planning to."
"I meant for the mission."
"...Rude."
We followed at a respectful distance.
The music faded behind us as the lavish ballroom gave way to quieter corridors lined with enormous paintings depicting ancient demon lords.
The atmosphere changed immediately.
Less celebration.
More silence.
The carpet beneath our feet muffled every step.
Golden wall sconces cast long shadows across polished marble.
Ahead—
Vaelzar disappeared through a pair of ornate doors.
They closed softly behind him.
Lucy and I continued walking.
Not toward the doors.
Past them.
Without acknowledging them.
Two guards stood outside.
Watching.
Waiting.
Professional.
I admired that.
Once we rounded the next corner, Lucy spoke quietly.
"Office."
"I think so."
"No."
She smiled faintly.
"I know so."
I looked at her.
"You've been counting the floor plan, haven't you?"
She pointed upward.
"The windows."
Then toward the walls.
"The support pillars."
She shrugged.
"...It's easier than it looks."
I nodded.
"Good work."
She blinked again.
"...Second compliment."
"Observation."
"I'm still counting it."
Velka: "Found something."
Her voice became more serious.
"Northern exterior."
"Private balcony attached to the room you just passed."
Seraphis: "Thermal confirms only one signature inside."
Only one.
Vaelzar.
Alone.
For now.
Then—
A familiar warmth pulsed from inside my jacket.
The ring.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Lucy noticed immediately.
"You felt that too?"
"It moved."
"It shouldn't."
I carefully pressed a hand against my jacket.
The warmth vanished.
Almost as if...
Whatever the ring had been trying to do...
Had realized it failed.
Lucy looked toward the closed office doors.
"...He's watching."
"You think so?"
"I'd bet money on it."
A cheerful voice echoed from farther down the corridor.
"There you are!"
Another noble approached us with an overly friendly smile.
"I was hoping to congratulate the famous champion personally!"
Lucy instantly switched back into her elegant social persona.
"Oh?"
She smiled sweetly.
"You're a fan?"
The noble laughed.
"Who isn't?"
As Lucy effortlessly occupied him with conversation, I caught a brief glimpse beyond his shoulder.
One of the office doors—
Barely a fraction—
Opened.
Lord Vaelzar stepped out.
He looked directly toward us.
For less than a heartbeat.
Then his gaze drifted away, as if we had never caught his attention.
But I had seen it.
He wasn't checking the hallway.
He was checking...
Me.
Specifically me.
Specifically...
Whether the ring was on my hand.
It wasn't.
His expression remained perfectly composed.
Yet before he disappeared back into the office, I saw it again.
That tiny twitch.
That same restrained irritation.
Lucy continued chatting effortlessly until the noble finally excused himself.
The instant he left, her smile disappeared.
"So..."
She folded her arms.
"...We're definitely not dealing with an ordinary noble anymore."
"No."
I looked toward the closed office.
"We're dealing with someone who expected to control me."
A long silence followed.
Then Seraphis's voice returned over the earpiece.
Calm.
Steady.
But carrying an urgency it hadn't before.
Seraphis: "Astro."
"We've got a problem."
I stopped walking.
"What happened?"
Another brief pause.
Then—
"The mansion has entered lockdown."
"Quietly."
"Every exit is now guarded."
The music from the ballroom continued to play.
The guests continued laughing.
Nobody noticed.
But we did.
The hunt had changed.
Somewhere inside this mansion...
Lord Vaelzar already knew something had gone wrong.