My strength and abilities have been reduced, Lucivar thought.
I'm weak right now. As a devil, I have nothing. No skills, no techniques. Everything has been locked away. Stripped.
He tightened his grip.
Still… let me see what I'm capable of.
"Now!" Jorah roared.
He planted his foot into the ground.
Boom.
Lightning exploded around his body, crackling violently as the earth beneath him trembled. Stones lifted into the air, vibrating under the pressure of his aura.
Volric, Volrian, and Merilda rushed out into the garden, drawn by the overwhelming presence.
Even the maids froze, watching from a distance.
He vanished.
To them, it looked like he disappeared into thin air.
A crack of thunder echoed.
Jorah reappeared instantly in front of Lucivar, blade already descending.
Clang!
Lucivar blocked the strike, sliding back several steps as the force rippled through his arms.
Jorah roared again, pressing forward, slashing relentlessly.
He moved in a blur, circling, darting side to side, lightning trailing behind him as he attacked from every angle.
Lucivar stood still.
He's fast.
Faster than I expected.
Jorah flashed to his side, blade cutting toward Lucivar's neck.
Lucivar blocked and shoved the sword away.
Lucivar stepped forward.
He raised his sword.
Jorah charged at the same time.
Their blades collided.
BOOM.
The impact sent a shockwave through the garden.
Jorah's body lifted off the ground. His sword shattered on contact.
He was hurled backward, crashing hard into the stone garden wall.
Crack.
The wall split behind him.
Blood ran from the corner of Jorah's mouth as he coughed, forcing himself upright.
"What the hell?" Jorah muttered.
He wiped his lips, staring at Lucivar in disbelief.
"That strength… it's inhuman."
Lucivar blinked, lowering his sword slightly.
"Looks like I overdid it," he said calmly. "Sorry."
Merilda, Volric, and Volrian rushed forward, eyes wide with awe and concern.
The garden was silent.
Everyone was staring at Lucivar.
"Wow… I can't believe it. I was able to keep up," Volrian said, still catching his breath. "With Jorah's speed, it seemed impossible. I've fought on the front lines before. I'm a defender, but even then I couldn't read his movements. It's like he vanished when he unleashed his full power. And yet… you kept up."
"Wow, you're truly impressive," Merilda added, eyes wide with admiration.
Lucivar shrugged slightly. "I just predicted where he would move. That's all."
Jorah laughed lightly. "Ah, it seems I've lost. But I already mentioned rejoining your party for a while, and you agreed."
"Oh? Well, I don't really have anywhere else to go," Lucivar said calmly. "So I hope you don't mind me tagging along."
"Welcome," Merilda said warmly. "And don't worry. Tonight, after our job, we'll throw a proper welcome celebration for you."
"Sure," Volric said with a small nod.
Volric was still a bit suspicious of me, Lucivar thought, but it seems he's calmed down. He's stopped overthinking me, for now.
They all made their way back into the mansion.
Jorah settled onto a couch in the living room, a faint line of blood still at the corner of his mouth. Merilda knelt in front of him, carefully tending to his injuries, dabbing ointment across his lips and placing small patches over the bruises along his body.
"There," Merilda said, stepping back. "That should do it."
Jorah stood and rolled his shoulders. "Wow… that strength," he muttered, letting out a short laugh. "From a single clash, I was slammed straight into the wall. That wasn't normal brute force."
He glanced at Lucivar, eyes sharp with curiosity. "You really do have terrifying raw power."
Merilda clapped her hands once. "Alright, everyone. I've already set everything up. Dinner's ready."
At that, the tension finally faded.
One by one, they moved into the dining hall and took their seats around the table. Warm dishes filled the room with rich aromas, steam rising as plates were placed down.
On the dining table sat three roasted chickens, thick cuts of steak, and bowls of steaming rice.
Wow… this all looks so good, Lucivar thought. Yesterday was the first time I ever tried human food, and it was surprisingly tasty. I wonder how this will be.
He picked up a piece of steak and took a bite.
He froze.
The room went quiet.
Everyone looked at him.
"Is something wrong?" Merilda asked carefully. "You don't like it?"
Lucivar shook his head slowly.
"No. It's the opposite," he said. "This is actually really good."
The tension broke instantly.
Lucivar suddenly began eating properly, fast and almost aggressive, clearly enjoying every bite. The others exchanged amused smiles and continued their meal.
On the dining table sat three roasted chickens, thick cuts of steak, and bowls of steaming rice.
Wow… this all looks so good, Lucivar thought. Yesterday was the first time I ever tried human food, and it was surprisingly tasty. I wonder how this will be.
He picked up a piece of steak and took a bite.
He froze.
The room went quiet.
Everyone looked at him.
"Is something wrong?" Merilda asked carefully. "You don't like it?"
Lucivar shook his head slowly.
"No. It's the opposite," he said. "This is actually really good."
The tension broke instantly.
Lucivar began eating properly, fast and almost aggressive, clearly enjoying every bite. The others exchanged amused smiles and continued their meal.
After dinner, they all returned to their rooms.
They agreed to meet again downstairs in two hours.
When Lucivar returned, everyone was already there.
Jorah stood at the center, fully armored, his sword resting at his side. Merilda, Volrian, and Volric were also dressed in their armor, weapons secured and ready.
Volric glanced at Lucivar. "Don't you think you'll need armor too? You're officially joining us. First stop is the Adventurers' Guild to get your card."
Lucivar shook his head calmly. "There's no need. I'll be fine like this."
Jorah studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But take this."
He handed Lucivar a sword.
Lucivar accepted it without hesitation.
They stepped outside the mansion. The butlers bowed deeply as the gates opened, and the party made their way toward the Adventurers' Guild.