The Streets of Valerion
The clash between Ryuto and the masked girl shook the stone-paved streets. Sparks flew as his sword collided with her shadow-coated blade.
"So strong—!" Ryuto gasped as the pressure of her magic surged, darkness closing in around him.
"You're stronger than I thought!"
From beneath the mask, Rei's voice dropped low.
"You're still not strong enough, Ryuto. But you really are reckless. Do you think courage alone can overcome despair?"
Dark flames erupted from her palm, piercing through his defenses. Ryuto dropped to one knee, blood soaking the ground as pain tore through his body.
Rei's blade hovered at his throat. For a moment, her hand trembled. Behind the mask, her eyes softened.
"…I could end this here."
Ryuto clenched his jaw.
"…Then do it."
But Rei stepped back, her voice hardening.
"No. Shujin-sama has other plans for you."
Before Ryuto could respond, divine light suddenly enveloped him. A magical circle of the Goddess Elmyria spread beneath his feet.
"Ah— teleportation?" Rei muttered, shielding her eyes from the glow.
The last thing Ryuto saw before vanishing was her silhouette fading into the night.
---
The Sanctuary of the Church
Ryuto opened his eyes to find himself lying on a white marble floor, surrounded by priests in gold-trimmed robes. A calm voice reached his ears.
"You are safe, Hero Ryuto. The Goddess Elmyria has not abandoned you."
The High Priest extended his hand.
"From today onward, you will train under our protection. If you wish to oppose the Lord of Darkness, you must become stronger than ever before."
Ryuto gripped his sword tightly. His body ached, but his spirit burned.
"…Alright. Then I'll grow stronger."
---
The Traveler's Smile
Meanwhile—far from Valerion, on March 7th, Year 217 of the Velgrith Union.
A young man in red clothing guided his carriage along a dusty road, bright eyes shining with a cheerful smile.
His name—Blade Lunaria.
At least, that was what the world believed.
Within him, the true guiding will was Shujin.
Blade whistled lightly as he approached the Ironforge Gate, near the great mining city—the beating heart of Ironwood Kingdom's metal trade.
Two armored guards lowered their spears.
"Halt. State your name."
Blade stepped down from the carriage with his usual friendly smile.
"Good evening, sirs. Rank-C adventurer Blade Lunaria. Here's my card."
The guard examined the seal, eyes widening.
"…Rank-C? That's impressive for someone your age."
Blade laughed shyly, scratching the back of his head.
"Well… I worked pretty hard for it. Still got a long road ahead, though."
The guards exchanged glances and stepped aside.
"Welcome to Ironforge, adventurer."
As Blade entered, Shujin's cold thoughts whispered beneath the cheerful mask:
This city is the bloodstream of the kingdom's wealth. Control Ironforge, and you control Ironwood's power.
Yet even Shujin could not suppress Blade's natural demeanor. He greeted merchants, waved at children, and even bought snacks from vendors with a genuine smile.
---
The Spark of Rebellion
Far away in the Demon Empire, Aethelred Vi Regis—his body now moving according to Shujin's will—stood before a gathering of weary demons within a hidden cavern.
"Brothers, we have lost much," Aethelred declared, crimson eyes blazing.
"But I have not lost hope. Stand with me, and I will give you the strength to rise again."
Cries echoed through the crowd. Some hesitated, but many believed.
Waves of magic flowed from his hands. He bestowed fragments of his power upon chosen followers, their bodies glowing as new strength surged through them.
"With this power, you can face the extremist armies. You will no longer be puppets of tyrants."
The cavern erupted with fervor. Faith surged. Rebellion reignited.
Unseen by all, Shujin's mind sharpened.
The pieces were multiplying.
Soon, the extremist demons would fall.
---
A Lonely Night in Valerion
Silence returned to the rebuilt house in Valerion. Rei sat by the window, gazing into the night sky.
"…Master Shujin-sama," she whispered, touching her chest.
Before leaving, his words replayed in her mind:
"Rei, protect Valerion for me. I'll return soon—trust me."
She remembered the warmth of his hands when he embraced her, her cheeks flushing.
"I'm such an idiot…" she murmured, lips trembling yet smiling.
"How can he say things like that so easily…"
Shaking away the thoughts, she stepped into the forest. Alone, she trained through the night—dark flames flickering in her palms, sweat dripping from her face.
Her strikes echoed relentlessly, sharp and fierce.
"I'll become worthy. So when Master returns, Shujin-sama will see that I kept my promise."
Hidden within the shadows, another cloaked figure—a separate incarnation of Shujin—watched silently, ensuring her safety.
The darkness moved forward.
---
✨ End of Chapter 7 ✨