My Girlfriend Is Stronger Than the Demon Lord – Volume 22 (Chapter 22)
The battlefield stretched across the lava plains, shadows and fire dancing wildly in the wind. The mysterious challenger loomed, its aura dark and oppressive, while Aria stood calm, her radiant power a stark contrast.
"Eren," she whispered, squeezing my hand, "watch carefully. This won't be simple, but I can handle it."
I swallowed hard. "You always handle it… but this feels… bigger."
The shadowy figure lunged, each movement sending shockwaves through the ground. Lava erupted beneath its feet. The air crackled with raw energy.
Aria didn't flinch. She spun her staff in a graceful arc, and a dome of shimmering light expanded around her. The shadow attacks slammed against it, bouncing harmlessly off, leaving the surrounding lava untouched.
"You're strong," the challenger said, voice like grinding stone. "But strength alone doesn't make a ruler."
Aria's eyes softened. "I don't need to rule with fear… I rule with trust. And I trust Eren to be here with me."
I blinked, heart thudding. "Me? Wait… I'm not fighting…"
"You already are," she said, smiling faintly. "By believing in me, you're part of this too."
With a flick of her wrist, she directed her energy outward. The shadow surged toward her—but instead of attacking, Aria's light gently enveloped it. The energy didn't harm the challenger; it simply restrained and neutralized it.
The opponent paused, struggling against the brilliance, and slowly knelt. "Your heart… your strength… is unlike anything I've ever faced. I yield."
Aria lowered her staff, aura dimming. She turned to me, cheeks slightly pink. "Eren… see? Even the strongest don't always win by destroying. Sometimes, you win by protecting, guiding, and caring."
I exhaled, holding her hand tightly. "You're… amazing, Aria. I don't know how you do it."
She leaned her head against my shoulder. "Because I'm not alone, Eren. Chaos, enemies, politics… none of it matters when you're here."
For the first time in what felt like forever, the demon realm felt calm. Aria had faced the strongest, and her strength wasn't just power—it was love, determination, and heart.
And I was there, by her side, ready for whatever came next.