Haruki: Urgh…

Haruki grunted as he woke up from his slumber. He rubbed his eyes to clear his blurry vision. As his vision gets more explicit, Haruki slumped. He realised he woke up on the same bed for the third time.

Haruki: This bed…again? Could you guys put me in another bed already?

??: Sorry, Master Haruki, but are you displeased with the bed?

Haruki's self-sarcasm was interrupted by a low, monotone voice. There was a maid who was standing at the entrance of the door. She was wearing the original black-and-white frilly maid uniform that he often sees in movies or maid cafes. She had short blue hair with bangs, and her eyes were blue in colour.

*Haruki: Cool beauty, huh?*

Haruki was staring at the maid up to down. She was about 180cm, with a big chest with a slim waist to match. She had a cold glare that sends chills by just making eye contact. But she looked reliable, according to Haruki.

Maid: Umm, Master Haruki? Can you please stop ogling me with those perverted eyes?

Haruki: Wha- Wait! No! I wasn't ogling you! I was- uhh…I

Haruki was flushed with embarrassment as he gazed away. Her cold reply made Haruki felt like a total creep. He didn't realise that the maid was uncomfortable.

Maid: Anyways, our Miss is waiting for you in the kitchen. I was ordered to bring you to her once you wake up.

Haruki: Huh? Ah, I see. Claire…

As Haruki said her name, Haruki looked down and smiled in relief. His heart was lighter ever since that night.

Maid: Master Haruki, I know that you and the Miss have a close relationship, but please refrain yourself. Miss is off-limits for anyone.

Haruki: Huh? What are you on about-

Then Haruki paused mid-sentence. He then realised that what she was implicating. His face was like a red tomato.

Haruki: NO! That's not how I think of her! What kind of image do you have about me in your head?

Maid: …A pervert.

Haruki: Wha-

*Growl*

A low, deep growling came from Haruki, who is in total embarrassment.

Haruki: hehe…

Maid: Hungry pervert.

Haruki: Geh-!

Maid: Anyways, Miss is waiting for your arrival. Master Haruki, if you may…

The maid motioned her arms towards the door.

Haruki: *sigh* Fine. Anyways, can you tell me your name and please stop calling me Master. You look older than me.

Maid: I'm already disgusted to be addressing a pervert, "Master". Why would I want to torture myself by letting you call my name?

Haruki: Geh!- Fine, fine…Maybe I'll ask Claire…

Haruki got up from the bed, and the maid was guiding him to the kitchen.

*Haruki: It's quiet….too quiet.*

Haruki then was looking at the maid who was in front of him. Haruki realised something was off.

*Haruki: She is walking normally, but every step she takes, it's like she is calculating it. She is definitely planning something…or maybe I'm overthinking it.*

The maid and Haruki were walking in a straight corridor. After passing 3 corners, the maid took a right turn into another hall. Suddenly, she turned around to face the corner. She took out something shimmering. It was a small kunai! She held in a throwing position and aimed at the corner. It seemed like the maid had other ideas other than guiding Haruki to Claire.

Then, she saw a figure came out of the corner. Without hesitation, she threw the kunai and-

*CRASH*

-the kunai hit the target…but it wasn't her target. It was a vase! Suddenly, Haruki dashed around the corner and towards her. The maid went immediately into a defensive stance to intercept him, but Haruki ran past her. Bamboozled, she then turned around to chase her running target. The maid took out her kitchen knife. With an intent to kill, the maid chased Haruki, but he was faster than her. To her advantage, she knew the mansion's layout, and she is also the predator in this chase as she is armed. Utilising her advantage, she kept throwing her kunai to slow him down. But every time she threw a kunai, Haruki turns into a corner to avoid them.

*Fwosh*

Haruki turned into a left corner

*Fwosh*

Haruki turned into a right corner

*Fwosh*

Haruki turned into a right corner

*Fwosh*

Haruki turned into a left corner

*Fwosh*

Haruki turned into a left corner

The maid was visibly getting frustrated. She took out another kunai and threw. Haruki instinctively slid into a left corner. The maid knew where Haruki was headed. The corner he took was heading towards the kitchen. She darted faster.

*Maid: The kitchen? How did he figure it out? A fluke? *shakes her head* Can't think about it now… Need to take care of him*

The maid turned into the same corner. It was a short hallway, but she didn't see Haruki. She ran heedlessly into the kitchen. As she reached the entrance of the door, a foot peeped out from the gate. Unable to realise in time, the maid tripped over the leg and tumbled down. She turned around to see the culprit. It was none other than Haruki! Without batting an eye, Haruki dashed towards the maid and pinned her to the wall. He then grabbed her by her hair. He then grabbed her kunai and pushed it against her neck.

Haruki: Quite a warm welcome. Anyways, here is my salutation; who sent you?

Haruki was looking dead into the maid's eyes. The ever-so-cool beauty was losing her coolness. She felt for the first time what kind of a monster Haruki can be when he is threatened.

Maid: …

Haruki: Not gonna talk, huh? Well, I hope you can grow teeth for whatever species you are…

Haruki dropped the kunai and started to wind up his right arm. He threw a straight right jab towards the maid's face. Suddenly,

Claire: STOOOPPP!

Haruki stopped his arm in motion just before her nose. The maid was quivering in fear while her eyes were frightened. In her heart, she thanked her benefactor for stopping him, or blood might have been spilt.

Haruki: Took you long enough.

Haruki turned to his left, where Claire's voice came from. Beside her were the old man and Amanda. The old man was scratching his chin in curiosity while Amanda looked displeased…for some reason. Haruki retracted his arm and turned towards them. The maid's legs gave out on her as she fell onto her knees.

Claire: So, I can tell you know this wasn't an actual assassination from your response.

Haruki: Yeah. Anyways, what is she?

Haruki looked puzzled.

Claire: She is a bona fide maid that is undergoing special assassination training.

Haruki: So, in other words, she is an assassin maid.

Claire: Yes

Haruki: And since you are vouching for her, she attacked me under your command, correct?

Claire: That is the truth. I truly hope for your forgiveness, Haruki.

Claire bowed down her.

Maid: M-me too. I humbly ask for your forgiveness, Master Haruki.

The maid, who was still on the floor, got on one of her knees and bowed her head.

Haruki: Hmm… Well, I don't have any hard feelings. So, I forgive you,…Claire.

Haruki intensely stared at the maid. Claire raised her head. At first, she was shocked until she took a glimpse of Haruki's eyes.

Claire: I see you have hard feelings for her, so please punish her as you see fit, but she is an important asset to us, so please go easy on her.

Haruki: Thanks.

Amanda: Mom-

Old Man: Claire-

Claire: Silence! No more. As an assailant, if you are caught, you are bound to receive punishment.

Claire had a thin smile on her face while both of them were silent after Claire's outburst.

Haruki: Alright, time for your punishment

The maid was still looking down, but her body was trembling in fear.

*Haruki: Before this, she brimmed in confidence, but now, she is shaking in fear. It seems like she is still a girl in heart*

Haruki lifted her chin. Haruki intensely stared into her eyes. The maid was trying to look brave, but the tears in her eyes said another.

Haruki: Your punishment is…

Haruki pulled back his arm. His palm was open, so a slap was incoming. Haruki swung his arm, and the maid instinctively shut her eyes tightly. She tightened up her cheek as she was anticipating it…but instead, it was on top of her head. She felt something was rubbing her head. It wasn't painful. Rather, it was calming. She peeked to see what's happening. While she thought she was going to see someone who is going to blow a fuse, but instead, she saw someone who was smiling.

Haruki: You did great…

Maid: Huh? Why are you praising me? Why are you rubbing my head?

Haruki: Well, this is to tell you that you did a great job. Ahh, Don't mistake this for your punishment.

Maid: But didn't I tried to assassinate? Wh would you praise me-

Haruki: Assinate? Hahaha

Maid: Huh? Why are you laughing? I seriously wanted to assassinate you. It's not funny!

The maid slapped Haruki's hand off her head and turned her gaze away from him. Haruki stopped laughing. With a serious tone,

Haruki: Then tell me… If you really wanted to kill me, why did you entered a defensive stance…?

Maid: Huh?

The maid was surprised. She turned around to face Haruki, who was staring at her thoughtfully.

Maid: W-well, you were running at me. I thought-

Haruki: True, I was running towards you, but that was me testing you. I wanted to test what kind of action you would take when your target runs at you. As for the test, you pretty much failed. You took the least viable one for an assassin. An assassin never enters a defensive stance. It already means they have failed. You either attack or run. That is the way of an assassin.

The maid was speechless.

Haruki: Even when you were chasing me, you threw your kunai directed towards my arms and not my body. So I deduced you were trying to incapacitate me rather than killing me. That's why I pinned you rather than killing you just now.

*Claire: So, that's how he knew*

The maid looked down in defeat. Not only she failed, but he has also uncovered her intentions.

Haruki: I don't know why you are looking down, but I haven't given your punishment.

The maid bit her lip in frustration. Not only is she being humiliated, but she yet to receive her awaited punishment.

Maid: …W-what is my punishment, Master Haruki?

The maid looked down in anger. The ice-cool maid was leaking her frustration through her words.

Haruki: Then, your punishment is…

Haruki lifted her chin and looked straight into her eyes.

Haruki: Drop the 'Master' and the formalities and tell me your name.

The maid got angry. She thought he is playing around again. She swung her hand to push his hand off… but stopped midway. Her body stopped moving. Her hands refused to listen to her. Instead, they responded to her heart, which was stolen by the blue eyes holder in front of her. His eyes were filled with sincerity. There was no sight of it ever wavering. The maid was losing herself. The ice-cold maid now has her blizzard heart getting thawed by a cocky silver-haired brat.

The maid pushed his hand away and looked down.

Haruki: What? Still don't believe-

Maid: As someone who is a demon lord, you are sure are cocky.

Suddenly the maid started to talk in her original monotone voice. Everyone was shocked but not Haruki and Claire. Both of them were smiling in satisfaction. Especially Haruki. He was grinning to no side of his ear. She then looked up. She showed her original face, the face she wore when Haruki and her met for the first time.

Haruki: Someone who was supposed to be a maid, you are rude.

Maid: I am your senior here. You should call me Lea-Senpai.[1]

Haruki stood up. He extended his hand to help Lea to stand up.

Haruki: Lea-Senpai, huh? It doesn't sit right with me…I prefer Lea-Onee Chan.[2]

Lea: …Fetish for older sister?

Haruki: NO! *sigh* Do you still think I'm a pervert?

Lea: Of course. There is no way a normal boy can beat me.

Haruki: But doesn't mean I have to be a pervert, right? Or is it just a reason to mask the fact that you are weaker, Lea Onee-Chan?

Haruki followed up his provoke with a cheeky smile.

Lea: At least I wasn't fantasising about *ahem* a certain someone, Haruki.

Lea crossed her arms and smirked back at Haruki. Sparks flew out of their eyes as they were trading blows for blows.

Haruki: Don't get on your high horse yet. Beat me first…

Lea: …and I will tell the whole world what a big pervert you are.

Lea let out a big smile. Her singular smile was filled with warmth that her own coldness couldn't contain. Haruki got caught up in her mesmerising smile and smiled. Locking at eyes with each other and forgetting their surrounding….yes, forgetting their surrounding.

*silence*

Lea: Umm, Haruki. It seems like we created some kind of atmosphere.

Haruki: It seems so, Lea Onee-Chan.

The trio, Claire, the old man, and Amanda, were dumbfounded on the unlikeliest duo's cheery atmosphere.

Claire: I never knew…

Old man:… she could smile like that

Amanda: NOOOOO!!!

Amanda dashed towards Lea and jumped to her side, and hugged her sideways. Lea stood like a statue without moving her hands from the 'crossed hand' position.

Amanda: There is no way I'm going to hand her over to you! *Blergh*

Amanda showed her tongue cheekily while gripping Lea's waist harder.

Haruki: *sigh*

Lea: Amanda-sama, please have yourself present yourself a little more lady-like. You are in front of a guest. Moreover, I work for Miss, so in other words, I am Miss's possession, not yours. I am just under order to take care of you in the absence of Miss.

Amanda: Muuu…. Haven't I told you to just call me Amanda? And if that idiot can call you "Lea Onee-Chan," can't I too?

Lea: You are a direct descendant of Miss Claire. Calling by just your name is improper, as I am just a humble maid. And I will like to clarify that I am your maid, not your elder sister. So please refrain from calling me "Lea Onee Chan."

Amanda: NOOO! If I want to call you Lea Onee Chan, I will call you Lea Onee Chan! Lea Onee Chan!

Amanda called her out desperately, but Lea just gazed in the opposite direction.

Amanda: Lea Onee Chan! Lea Onee Chan! Lea Onee Chan!

Like a desperate child, Amanda continued to call Lea by using the same way Haruki is calling her. But, her efforts are just ending up in vain. Lea continued to continue to ignore her.

Amanda: Lea…Onee…Chan….Come on. Look at me already.

Amanda's voice was starting to break, and her eyes began tearing up. Meanwhile, the person involved is not even batting an eye.

Amanda: Please don't ignore me! LEA!

Lea: Yes, Young Miss? Ah, why are you crying, Young Miss?

*Haruki: In front of your own master, you got guts to make her child cry.*

Lea took out a handkerchief and started to wipe off her tears. In contrast, Amanda began to rant about why Haruki is getting special treatment.

Haruki: Well, I will head over there to talk to them. You take care of the child here, ok, Lea~Onee~Chan?

Even though Haruki was talking to Lea, his eyes were fixed on Amanda. She was blowing her nose into the tear-filled handkerchief. Haruki showed his tongue cheekily, the same way Amanda did before. The provoked-Amanda growled at Haruki. Haruki smirked and walked towards Claire and the old man.

Claire: As expected, the future demon lord. Swooning women left and right. Fufufu

Haruki: *sigh* I wish you didn't say that about me. I

Claire: Sorry, sorry. It's not like I can help it either. To know that Lea can actually smile like that… puts me at ease. Thank you, Haruki.

Claire showed a pleased expression. Haruki nodded and looked at the old man, who was scratching his chin.

Haruki: It seems like you have a question?

Old man: Mmm. I do. How-

Haruki: Before you do ask your questions, shouldn't one introduce themselves first. My name is Asagami Haruki. You can call me Haruki.

Old man: Ahh, sorry about that. The name is Axel Handellier. Axel would be just fine.

Haruki: Huh. So, what's in your head?

Axel: …how did you find the kitchen in a few tries?

Haruki paused a while.

*Pfft*

Haruki: Hahaha! Seriously is that all?

Axel was stunned

Axel: What's so funny?

Axel blurted in a slightly frustrated manner.

Haruki: Haaaa…..I was guided here.

Axel: Guided? By whom? You were just being chased.

Haruki: Exactly. I was being chased…by a kunai-throwing assassin maid.

Everyone was looking at Haruki as if he was insane.

Haruki: *sigh* When I was on the run, Lea Onee Chan kept throwing her kunai. First, it was aimed towards my right arm. So I turned left. Figuring that she is going to throw to my right arm, she aimed it towards my left. Acting quickly, I dove into a right arm. I was confused. Why did she change her target? A right-handed thrower throwing it towards my left arm has a higher chance of missing than hitting, So why did she aim there? And why does she throw her kunai as I just about to reach a corner? So, I took a gamble. Wherever she threw, I would jump into that same corner. She started to throw her kunai more frantically, and the power of her kunai was getting weaker. So, putting the pieces together, I realised that she prevented me from going somewhere, not assassinating me. Hence, I reached here.

Axel was standing there dumbfounded.

Axel: And you….thought ALL of that while being chased?

Haruki: Yeah…

Axel's jaw dropped. Claire was closing her mouth with her hand. She was smiling very hard and unable to calm herself immediately. Suddenly, Axel looked down. Claire looked at him with slight fear in her eyes. The room went silent.

Axel: You…are….

Axel spoke in a low and dark voice. Haruki couldn't see his face. He felt something terrible is coming his way…

Axel: SOMETHING ELSE!

Axel grabbed Haruki by his shoulder. He was looking Haruki in the eyes close up. His eyes were sparkling in total amazement. Meanwhile, Claire put her hand on her chest and sighed in relief while Lea looked happy…for a sec and then, she went back to her usual expressionless self. He then turned to Claire.

Axel: Claire, I would gladly train him- Please let me train him!

Claire: Fufu…I would gladly let you…but how about you ease up your arms a little?

Axel: Huh?

Haruki: Oi, old man!

Axel turned towards Haruki, who was turning blue and black. Lost in excitement, Axel was squeezing Haruki like an orange. Axel, realising his mistake, immediately released Haruki from his grasp.

Axel: Umm…sorry about that.

Axel was scratching the back of his head in guilt. Meanwhile, Haruki was still recovering from the crushing he suffered earlier.

Haruki: Ow….You have too many muscles for an old man. Go easy on me, please.

Axel: Yeah, I kn- Wait. Did you just call me an old man?

Haruki: Huh? Yeah, I did. Big deal

Axel: OF COURSE IT IS!

Axel's shout made the whole kitchen shake. Everyone was losing their balance, but they quickly recovered. Plates and cups were clattering with each other.

Axel: I let you know that I am only around 600-years old!

*Crick Crick* *Crick Crick*

The sounds of the crickets were echoing in the silent room. Everyone was staring at Axel with a disgusted look.

Axel: Wait, wait. There is….no way right I am an old man, right, Claire?

Claire: *whistle*

Claire gazed away while whistling.

Amanda: Uncle…it is time for you to accept that you are old...

Axel: Urgh! Young Miss….

Haruki: The fact you can't even remember your own age is already a sign you are old…

Axel: N-no…it was just a figure of speech. My age is….Lea! Help me out of here.

Lea: *sigh* Your age is 673-years old, Master Old Man.

Axel: There you go, my age- Wait. Lea…Did…you just call me "Master Old Man."?

Lea: Whatever you mean, Master Senile.

Axel: There you go again! There is no way I'm that old!

Axel dropped to his knees in disbelief. He started wailing about how he is still a young and healthy man, not a senile old man. Knowing that there is no end to this ruse, Claire grabbed Haruki and signalled Lea and Amanda to handle 'old man.'

Haruki: Whoa! Where are we going now?

Claire: Well, this is your first time being here with a proper welcome too.

Haruki: Sending someone to assassinate you is not a proper welcome.

Claire: Let the bygones be bygones. Right now, let me give you a tour around the mansion.

*Growl*

Haruki: AT LEAST GIVE ME BREAKFAST FIRST!!

After a satisfying breakfast, Claire gave a tour for Haruki. First, Claire showed him the room for him to sleep in (ironically, it was the same room he hid before). Then she showed a colossal bathhouse, with both open and close air rooms, the dining room, the living room, and finally, the place Haruki wanted to see this whole time. The training grounds.

Claire: …finally the training ground. The place you will train and hone your skills.

Overlooking from the steps of the colosseum for a training ground which was behind the mansion. There were red-marked targets lined up at its side with a varying distance in this mini colosseum. There were tracks of footprints around the edge of the arena.

*Haruki: Signs of jogging.*

Right flat in the middle of the training ground was what looked like the primary training ground. There were training swords arranged neatly in a rack, a training dummy where it had cuts all around it, and a little further off, there was a space with a giant white circle. Haruki proclaimed it to be the mock battle ring because, in the ring, Axel and Amanda were clashing their swords. Axel what appeared to be handling a simple sword with only his right arm. His left arm was crossed behind him. Meanwhile, Amanda was using her small twin swords. With both her hands in play, Amanda was slicing at Axel at a fast rate, but Axel repelled all of them with a single guard.

Axel: COME ON! Put yer guts into those swings. Being fast against a prominent opponent is futile.

Amanda: YES!

Following her instructor's orders, Amanda winded both her twin swords and swung them at the same time…

Haruki: What a fool…

Claire: *sigh*

Haruki was shaking his head while Claire couldn't help but sigh in approval.

To counter, Axel raised his sword to block the double overhead attack. His sword clashed with Amanda's twin swords.

*Crack*

Both wooden twin swords wield by Amanda snapped in two. Her broken sword defaulted her defeat. Dropped to her knees in loss, Amanda sulked.

Axel: *sigh* Young Miss, I asked you to put your guts into our attacks, not swing your swords mindlessly. You were-

Haruki: -supposed to find the weak spots on his sword.

Out of nowhere, Haruki approached them. He then pointed his fingers at Axel's scratched-up sword. Curious, Amanda raised her head.

Haruki: If you look closely, you will see that his sword has shallow cuts all over his sword. You weren't even aiming when you were fighting. So, you ended up deteriorating your own weapon because you were attacking using the same spot of your swords. That final blow is what put the final nail on the coffin.

Haruki then turned towards Amanda, who was still on her knees.

Haruki: And what he meant "to put your guts into your attack" was to thrust your swords with your abdomen and not just with your arms. You can create more momentum for your attacks. Winding up attacks like that will not only risk your weapons but yourself too. You are lucky this was training. In a real battle, you would be dead. Am I right, old man?

Haruki glanced backwards where Axel was.

Axel: You were spot on, boy!

Axel slapped Haruki in the back very hard.

Haruki: Oi, Old Man! That hurts!

Haruki hopped on one of his legs to regain his balance. He looked at Axel, who was smiling broadly irritatedly. Axel then faced the confused Amanda.

Axel: Don't get me wrong, Young Miss. Your attacks were beautifully executed, but that is all. Your attacks were nothing but a dance. Your attacks kept on targeting only my vitals.

Amanda: Isn't that the easiest way to win?

Haruki: Easiest, yes. But it's not the only way. You can-

Amanda: …shut up

Amanda whispered in a low but menacing voice.

Haruki: Huh?

Amanda slowly stood up. With her head hanging low, she slowly approached Haruki. In her shadowed expression, there was a line of red of rage from her eyes.

*Step*

*Step*

*Step*

Every step she takes, a low rumble follows. 3 feet….2 feet….1 foot. She was directly under Haruki's chin, breathing heavily downwards. Haruki looked down,

Amanda: Don't talk like you know it all…

Haruki: If I were you…I will drop the tone.

Matching her darkened tone, Haruki returned her empty threat with his own, but he's was filled with ghastly killing intent. It made Amanda flinch, but she wasn't fazed by it. She then slowly raised her hand while whispering. Haruki thought she is just cursing at Haruki…but Haruki was clueless.

Axel: AMANDA!

Amanda froze. She stopped moving her mouth and her hand, Axel, who was watching the whole situation all this time, called out to her name and not the usual calling.

Axel: You are attacking someone who doesn't even know the basics of magic. It is almost the same as attacking an innocent person. To do it at the blank range, too…there is no pride in fighting like that at all.

Haruki's eyes widened in shock. He pushed her away and jumped backwards.

Haruki: *tsk* I can't believe I didn't see that…

Axel: Can't blame you, boy. You don't know a single hoot about magic.

Amanda: …

Amanda looked away from the gazes that were targeted at her.

Haruki: …

Haruki, unable to say a thing, was only staring daggers at Amanda. He had no clue why he is getting such hostility from her.

Axel: *sigh* I really didn't want to resort to this step, but as one says, "A swordsman reaches another's feeling through their swords." So, let's have you both-

Haruki: Oi oi oi, old man. Don't tell me…

Axel:- a best-out-of-three duel! But each round will have special rules to help you learn a thing or two about battles.

Haruki: *sigh* Figures…

Amanda turned to Axel. She saw that Axel was looking dead serious about the duel. She could help but grin, ear to ear in confidence, or maybe with a hint of cockiness.

*Amanda: To think I could get my chance this early on. A norm against a prodigy. It's a no-brainer.*

Amanda was started to change her expression to a wicked one. Haruki got a glimpse of it. He knew that she was looking down. Even though Haruki realise it's just her being overconfident, but he couldn't stand the fact he is being looked down on.

Amanda then turned back to Haruki. Still smiling wickedly,

Amanda: You going to accept it or run with your ta-

Haruki then moved his face closed to hers. Amanda was startled at how he got close to her. He stared deep into her eyes. His blue, dead-emotion eyes were staring into her red, fiery eyes.

Haruki: There is no way in hell I would turn it down, will I?

Amanda: You talk a lot. I hope you are ready because your dinner is going to be this dirt.

Amanda was pointing downwards, indicating that he is going to be knocked out.

Haruki: We will talk about it AFTER the match.

Haruki walked away and towards the sword rack. He bent down and took a closer look at the swords. Then he picked a wooden sword that seemed to be in the best condition.

Haruki then stood on the opposite side of Amanda in the ring. But to Haruki's surprise, Amanda was using a broadsword, a giant sword that wasn't fit for someone of her size, but she was holding it like it was a feather. It was handed by Axel when Haruki was picking his sword.

Amanda: Shocked?

Haruki: Yeah…but it explains a lot. Like why you randomly swing your sword. It's because you prefer to plough through the guard of your enemies through brute, am I right?

Amanda: I'm telling you. Stop acting like a smartass! I'm going to shut that mouth of an ass of yours right here and now.

Haruki: Please…If you can

Haruki was provoking Amanda with a sarcastic tone. Amanda, who was none the wiser, was visibly getting angry. Haruki was smiling victoriously because he knew that his opponent is a child compared to him. The special rules will be banning her from using her magic. This special rule will put Haruki and Amanda in an 'equal' position. Still, since Haruki has experience fighting in the slum, he will get the upper hand in this battle.

Axel: I would explain the rules of the duel. Before we start, Claire…?

Claire nodded in affirmation and raised both her arms.

Claire: [ Healing Dome]

A stream of green particles was released from her hand and started to surround the ring in the shape of a dorm. The dome was transparent in the colour green. Suddenly, a few green particles floated down towards Amanda. It was moving towards her bruises she was suffered earlier. The green particles went into the wound, and within seconds, the wounds were healed.

Axel: This is a Healing Dome. Usually, any physical damage done in this dome will automatically heal the caster's ally. Still, right now, Claire is controlling the dome manually. It means that the dome will only heal you when Claire when she wants to heal you. In this instance, when I end the round.

Amanda: Yeah, yeah yeah…We get it. What are the rules of the duel? Tell us THAT already.

Amanda's sassy voice was not only getting on Haruki's nerves but also Axel's. Meanwhile, Claire was the opposite. She was smiling.

*Haruki: So, I'm guessing she is taking her daughter's side.*

The visible angry Axel started to talk about the rules of the duel in a rather harsh tone

Axel: The rules of the duel are simple, stepping out of the dome is deemed a loss, do not inflict life-threatening attacks on your opponent, and finally, the most important one is, show mercy to a downed opponent.

Amanda: Show mercy? In a duel? There is no way-

Axel: Young Miss, I am warning you. Don't push it.

The tantrum-throwing Amanda froze. She wanted to complain again, but the looks on Axel's eyes only made Amanda hold back her words. Frozen from the dark aura emitted from Axel, Haruki took the initiative to ask Axel to continue.

Haruki: So that's the rules of the duel. About the 'special rules,' you mention?

Axel: What!?

Axel turned his head to Haruki. With a visible cross on his head, he directed his frustration on him, but Haruki wasn't bothered by it.

Haruki: The special rules you said earlier… for the duel

Haruki asked impatiently. Axel turned his head towards the sky to think.

Axel: Ah. The special rules. The rules are magic are allowed and fight with swords only.

Haruki: …you got to be joking

Amanda: Seriously? That should be an easy win.

Axel: Anyways, any question? No? Alright in the count of 3. 1

Haruki: Wai-

Impatient Axel spoke without a break to catch his own breath while Haruki was still not caught up to the situation that unravelled in front of him.

Axel: 2…

Haruki stood his ground while gripping the hilt of his sword with both of his hands. Meanwhile, Amanda was standing rather confidently. The broadsword of hers was lying on her shoulder with her holding it with only her right hand while her left was holding her hips.

Awaiting the number 3, Haruki leaned his body forward with his legs bent. He had the sword at his side.

Axel: 3! Duel!

BOOM! went Haruki. He dashed forward at lightning speed. Haruki was aiming to thrust his sword through the middle of her body. But it wasn't going to be easy. Amanda is not only trained in swordsmanship but also has firepower unknown to Haruki, magic. He was running in a straight line, hoping to finish it as fast as possible and prevent her from using her magic. But…

Amanda: [Fireball]

Amanda raised her left hand outwards and chanted the Fireball spell. An orange ball of fire came out of her hand, same as last time…but this one was much larger than before. It was half the size of Haruki.

Haruki: Shit-

*BOOM*

The Fireball exploded at the feet of Haruki. The explosion made him flew backwards and land a few feet away from the dome. The fire from the Fireball burned Haruki in numerous areas. There were red and black burned marks all over Haruki's body.

Haruki: ARGHHHH!

Screaming in pain, the burn from the fire was way more agonising than Haruki could ever imagine. Suddenly, the green particles started to come down to Haruki. Each particle entered Haruki's wound and healed it completely. The only thing it didn't heal…. was the bitter taste defeat.

Axel: FIRST ROUND, AMANDA!

Amanda scoffed.

Amanda: As expected. So, want to continue? You are only going to hurt yourself.

Amanda was throwing cheap provokes at Haruki. With a black shadow over his eyes, Haruki stood up slowly. He hung his head low with the sword held by his right hand.

Haruki: …over my dead body, I would say no to that.

Haruki declared war on Amanda with a low and menacing voice.

Amanda: You are only asking for it. I'm just going to use Fireball-

Axel: Hmm? I don't remember saying anything about allowing magic?

Amanda: Huh? But isn't that the special rule?

Axel: Yes, Young Miss. For round 1. But now we are in Round 2.

Amanda: S-so, what's the special rule for this round?

Axel: No magic is allowed, and any fighting method is permitted.

Amanda was shocked. Not only is she not allowed to use her only advantage, but she is also put at a disadvantage as her counterpart can use any type of method to win. A complete turnaround compare to Round 1

Amanda: No…

Amanda felt a chill going down her spine. She turned around to find its source and what she saw was Haruki expelling a large amount of dark aura.

Haruki: hehehe….hahahaha…HAHAHAHAH.

Haruki was laughing like a maniac. He looked up with a crazed expression.

Haruki: Oh, ho ho, how the tables have turned. You better get ready, cause I'm going to give a once-in-lifetime of pain that you will never felt before.

Amanda snapped

Amanda: Tsk. Don't get cocky. I'm still going to beat you down, with or without magic.

Haruki didn't say a word. He stared at Amanda with a concentrated look. He gripped his sword with his right hand while Amanda gripped her broadsword with both of her hands.

Axel: Alright, it seems like both sides are prepared. On 3,

Axel: 1…2….3! Fight!

Haruki ran the same way he ran last time, dead straight at Amanda. Since Amanda can't use magic, she was forced to stand defensive. With nothing to stop Haruki, he jumped and attacked Amanda with an overhead strike. Amanda read his attack and moved to block it. Haruki's sword clashed with Amanda's.

Amanda: Guh!

Amanda struggled to deal with the overhead attack because of the difference in their strengths. Still, her broadsword had the upper hand as it is larger than the Haruki's sword. But, Amanda had a bad feeling. Instead of seeing Haruki also struggling, she sees him…..smiling.

Haruki: Heh….

Haruki used his sword to propelled towards Amanda's back by using the broadsword as a platform. Haruki dropped down to Amanda's waist level. Amanda realised what was about to happen, but she was too slow. Her broadsword was too slow to intercept him. Haruki swung his sword with his body in a clockwise motion and slammed it to her spine. The strike was filled with power from the momentum and the raw strength of Haruki. The attack was so powerful, and a small amount of blood flowing from the attack point. Without wasting his chance, he swept her legs, and Amanda fell flat on her face.

Amanda: AHH! Damn…It HURTS!

Amanda was trying to hold her voice in from the pain she suffered from Haruki. But the unbearable pain caused her to let her voice leak out of her mouth.

Haruki then pointed the tip of his sword to the back of Amanda's back. Then, he turned towards Axel.

Haruki: My win?

Axel: Yeah….SECOND ROUND, HARUKI!

After Axel declared Haruki as the winner, the green particles that healed Haruki came to aid Amanda this time around. The green particles entered her wounds and healed them completely. Haruki then walked past the downed Amanda…

Haruki: Was it…delicious?

Haruki asked it with a slightly twisted tone. Amanda bit her lips frustratedly. The aftertaste of her earlier overconfident remark and the defeat she suffered made her. To top it all of, being provoked by her enemy… was only fanning the flame of her rage.

Amanda stood up with the help of her broadsword. Then, she looked at Haruki, who was doing mini-jumps. She gripped her giant sword harder. Just by looking at Haruki made her burn.

Axel: For the last and final round, the rules are simple. Fight to win. That is all

Amanda: That means we will be fighting with all we got?

Axel: Yes, so don't hold back in this round.

Haruki then turned to Amanda.

Haruki: So this battle to find out which is superior. Is it your magic…

Amanda: …or is it your fighting?

Haruki and Amanda were smirking at each other. Both of them were gripping their swords in anticipation. Both of them wanted to show their counterpart that they are the stronger one.

Axel: Same thing like before….on 3

Axel: 1….

Amanda gripped her sword with her right hand and left her left hand on her side.

Axel:2….

Haruki lowered his body and planted his left hand on the floor. It was his running start form. He was holding his sword with his right hand, which he pointed backwards.

Axel:….

Both of them took a deep breath…

Axel: 3! Fight!

Haruki darted, but rather than his traditional forward dash, he ran right, running along the outskirts of the dome. Meanwhile, Amanda was chanting her fireballs.

Amanda: [Fireball]! [Fireball]! [Fireball]!

Amanda continuously chanted Fireball aimed towards Haruki, but none of them seems to hit Haruki. Haruki was running faster than the Fireball reaching him, so it always explodes behind him.

Amanda realised that her shots are lagging. So instead of randomly shooting it, Amanda took a deep breath and reached out of her hand.

Amanda: [O'flames of hell. Thy fiery blaze is required by this child. Heed my chant…heed my desire …heed my rage. Fill me up with thy raging lava of hell!]

A small red dot was growing in front of Amanda's outreached palm. The red dot grew and grew until it was bigger than her palm. Blue streams were outwardly exiting out of her body and into the growing ball. Amanda dropped her broadsword and held out used her right hand to hold her shaking left arm.

Amanda: [LAVA THROWER]!

A stream of lava splurted out of the ball like a flamethrower. The lava was travelling at high speed towards Haruki. Since Haruki was running at a breakneck pace, Amanda predicted that Haruki is just going to get hit by her attack.

Amanda: Heh…Hope you like the lava straight from hell, "demon lord."

Amanda was already smiling in victory…but it didn't last for long.

Actually, Haruki was waiting for this moment since the moment he started running. He couldn't help but grin.

As the lava about to hit Haruki, Haruki planted his sword into the ground. Using it as an anchor, he spun around the sword and turned his direction towards Amanda. He ran towards Amanda like a bullet. Being outsmarted, Amanda was drowning in rage. She then turned her lava thrower towards Haruki. While matching her movements, Haruki started to run around Amanda, running away from the stream of lava aimed at him. Even though the speed of the outflowing lava is fast, but to move the source of it was way too slow. Haruki easily outpaced the attack.

Haruki then started to assess his opponent while running. He realised that the ball is getting smaller and smaller. So he concluded that as the lava thrower continues to splurt out of the ball, the smaller the ball gets. So all he needed to do is prolong the fight before he can get close to her.

Just over 2 minutes into the fight, the ball became really small. The lava no more coming out of the ball, but the most important part to Haruki was that Amanda was tired. She was breathing heavily, and her body was hung low. It was the sign that she is too tired.

Without wasting a single moment, Haruki darted towards Amanda. Upon in range, he swung his sword….

*Creak*

Haruki's eyes widened in surprise. His attack was blocked! The attack that was aimed at Amanda's head was blocked by the huge broadsword that was wielded by Amanda.

Amanda: Don't get cocky now. It was mana that ran out, not my energy.

Haruki: Tsk.

Haruki then backed off.

Amanda: My turn!

Amanda then darted towards Haruki this time! Amanda attempted an overhead strike with her heavy broadsword. The agile Haruki managed to dodge it by a hair. The heavy attack landed on the ground and left a crack in the hard ground.

Haruki: …too slow.

Amanda: Not done yet!

Amanda then turned her swords sideways and swung it where Haruki was. Haruki managed to jump backwards, but he got hit the chest. Haruki held his chest in pain.

Amanda: Now…whose slow?

Haruki: Don't worry,…we are about to see it now.

Haruki sprinted towards Amanda. Amanda raised her sword and planted her foot on the ground like an anchor as she prepared herself to attack. Amanda held her sword sideways to swing it at his chest like before. Her broadsword is more superior as she can cover more ground around her. Haruki was getting closer to her striking zone. As he was about to enter her striking zone, Haruki ran to the right. More specifically, he ran around Amanda, just at the outskirts of her striking zone.

*Amanda: Damn…My sword is not in range with him, and I can't move. He is too fast and me moving now means I'm just asking for it.*

Amanda moved her sword towards her body. She was using her large sword as a shield.

*Amanda: All I can do now is watch his movement. I know he won't just keep running. He will attack…*

Meanwhile, Haruki…

*Haruki: With my speed, I can attack her whenever I want, but the way she holds that giant sword is a pain in the ass. I need to attack her blind spot then….*

*Amanda & Haruki: He/I will attack….NOW!

*Creak*

Their swords clashed. Many splinters flew from the blade of their wooden swords. Even cracks begun to form within their swords.

Amanda: Your way too easy to read!

Haruki: I'm not done yet!

Haruki jumped away and continued running around her like before. Amanda, like before, stood her ground. Haruki attempted to attack again but only for it to end up like earlier.

Amanda: Struggling?

Amanda asked it in a provoking manner.

Haruki:…

*Haruki: If I can't attack her, then I'm just going to tire her out

Haruki continued to attack Amanda the same as before. Even though Amanda was getting cockier and cockier after every attack, she was visibly getting tired.

Haruki: HAAH!

Amanda: AHH!

The exhausted Amanda was starting to get sloppy. Haruki's attack managed to get through her guard and attack her shoulder, but the damage done was not something Amanda cant handle.

*Amanda: I'm getting way too exhausted….but only physically. My mana is finally enough for a fireball. The earlier lava thrower is the reason why I am on the back foot. But not anymore… *

*Haruki: For my attack to land on her means that she is getting tired. But still, for her to still block all my attacks even when she is tired is surprising. But not anymore…*

*Amanda & Haruki: Since my next attack will be the last!*

Haruki drifted towards Amanda's back while Amanda turned around to intercept him. Both Haruki and Amanda swung their swords with all their might.

*Crack*!

The two swords broke into 2. They both let go of their swords. Haruki continued running past the flying swords towards Amanda to tackle her down.

Haruki: You lose…

Amanda: Not this time….

Amanda jumped backwards to create some distance. Like stuck in time, everything was moving slowly for them. Amanda moved her left hand towards Haruki. Haruki's eyes widened. He knew what was about to come. Instinctively, Haruki tried to cross-block the incoming attack. The next moment, a familiar orange was building up in Amanda's hand.

Amanda: Game over….[FIREBALL]!

*BOOM*

A direct hit! The Fireball hit dead centre of Haruki's attempted block, but it was futile. The Fireball was too powerful for Haruki. The Fireball broke through his block and exploded in his chest.

The explosion lead to a big fire that engulfed Haruki. Amanda was looking at the fire with a crazed look.

Axel: Young Miss! That was an overhit! You didn't have to go that far!

Amanda: Huh? Wha-?

Amanda turned to Axel dumbfoundedly.

Axel: You just poured all your mana into a single, point-blank ranged Fireball! That was dangerous! He could have died. What were you thinking?

Amanda then turned to see the damage she caused. Her look took a turn to a darker turn. She was shocked at what she has done. Filled with regret, her heart felt heavy. She realised what she has done.

Amanda: N-no…I didn't mean it happen like this…I just wanted to….

Amanda was shaking. Her voice was cracking in fear.

Amanda: *gasp* Is he….*wheezing*

But the worst was yet to ask. Amanda was choking on her words. The thought of it made her throat was closing up in anxiety, and her heart was beating harder in fear. Axel realising wha

Axel: Calm down, Young Miss. Calm down… He is not dead.

Eyes filled with tears, Amanda turned to Axel.

Amanda: R-really?

Axel used his huge hand to wipe out the tears from her tiny eyes. With a small smile…

Axel: Don't worry. He is still alive. This dome is more powerful than you think. The healing power it has -fufufu- is way more powerful than your flames. You shouldn't underestimate her.

Amanda was slowly recovering from the shock. Her dripping tears were drying up, and like sunshine, her gentle smile began to glow on her face.

Axel: that's the smile I wanted to see.

Axel patted her head.

Amanda: ~hehehe~. But…

Amanda knocked his hand away.

Axel: Wha-

Amanda: I'm not happy that you said my flames were weak.

Amanda pouted and turned away from her devasted uncle.

Axel: Ama-

Claire: AXEL! GET AMANDA AWAY FROM THERE! NOW!

Suddenly Claire shouted in a loud voice. Axel and Amanda turned to Claire. Claire, who was outside of the green dome, was panting and sweating heavily.

Axel: Claire!

Amanda: Mom!

Claire: Get…Her…Away….Now! It's an order!

Without wasting a second, Axel grabbed Amanda and placed her between his armpit.

Amanda: Wha- What are you doing?!

Axel: Sorry. Miss's order.

Axel said it in a cold, serious tone. It startled her. She looked up to argue, but a glimpse of his dead eyes made Amanda started. With nothing to say, Amanda yielded. With her under his armpit, Axel, with a flash, darted to the other end of the arena.

Claire: It seems like she is in the clear. I don't think I could have done it with her around. So, Haruki, what happened? You said you wanted to decide your own fate, so what do I see in front of me?

Claire turned over to the never-ending flames. Inside the red blaze was Haruki, with a half-burned face, and his clothes were almost completely burned. Standing. There was no sound of screaming. But something was different with him. His left arm was completely changed. His human arm became a part of a demon. Black. Thick veins. Claws. What was more eye-catching than his demonic arm was his eyes. Through the red hot flame were the glowing red eyes that were releasing a potent killing intent.

Claire: Doesn't seem like someone who is in control.

Haruki: Grrr…

Haruki was growling ferociously at Claire.

Claire: Oh my, first you let out your pesky killing intent at me, and now your growling at me. Don't mess with me. Your killing intent is nothing compared to mine.

Claire fought Haruki's killing intent with her own killing intent, but hers were more superior.

Haruki: GRRR!

It only made Haruki angrier.

Claire: Did I make you angrier? So…what are you going to do about it.

Claire signalled Haruki to come at her with her pointer and middle fingers.

Haruki: GRAWWWWRRR!

After being provoked, Haruki immediately dashed towards Amanda. He jumped and winded up his oversized left arm to attack Claire.

Claire: *sigh* You still have a long way to go…

Claire: [Aqua Pump]

Just below Haruki, a geyser of water blasted Haruki upwards. Then, Claire called out her wings and flew towards the flying Haruki. Upon reaching him, Claire struck him in the stomach with a powerful spinning back heel kick. It sent Haruki falling at an alarming speed.

Claire: [Water Bind]

The stream of water from the earlier attack began to split up into small balls. The balls started chasing the falling Haruki.

*CRASH*

*SPLASH*

Haruki crashed down to the ground on his back. Upon the landing, the water balls clinched Haruki's arms and legs and bound them to the ground. Claire descended to Haruki slowly and landed beside him. She was followed by a couple of unused floating water balls. Haruki was continuously trying to struggle free while simultaneously growling at Claire. Claire looked at Haruki in the eyes.

Claire: You really hate being looked down on, don't you, Haruki? Don't worry. Just hold on for a little longer.

Claire: [Water blade]

One of the water balls turned into a sword's blade without a hilt. It then attached itself to Claire's outstretched left arm. She slit her right palm, and red blood rushed out. It was the same colour as the vial's liquid when Claire tried to give Haruki last time.

Claire grabbed and squeezed Haruki's cheeks to open his mouth and hovered her bleeding hand over his mouth. The blood from her hand dripped into his mouth.

*Drip*

*Drip*

*Drip*

Claire: Drink up.

Claire clinched his nose and closed his mouth. She tilted his head to force the liquid into his throat.

*Gulp*

The blood rushed down from his tongue and was forced into his throat. Claire removed her hands and stepped away from Haruki. She then took a look at her bleeding hand. There was still blood flowing from the slit.

Claire: [Heal]

The same green particles that made the dome came out of Claire's body and entered the wound. The slit was patched up within seconds at the bloodstain on her was gone too. Meanwhile, Haruki…

Haruki: GRAAAWWRRRRRRR

Haruki: AHHHHHHHH…IT HUWWWWTS (hurts)!!

Haruki's voice slowly turned back to normal. His big black arm reverted to his normal arm. Claire waved her hands towards the water binds. The water binds turned into regular water and flowed from his arms and into the ground.

After getting his arms freed, Haruki covered his mouth in pain. He felt something was growing out of his mouth.

Haruki: Whayy dowes it huwwtts so muwwwch? (Why does it hurt so much?)

Claire approached Haruki and removed his hands from his mouth. She then looked at the cause of the pain. Realising what happened, she flicked his forehead.

Haruki: OW! What was that for?

Claire: Just wanted to tease.

A smug Claire was looking down on Haruki…..but her expression changed. She looked sad. She seemed really regretful. Without a sign, Claire bowed her head. Haruki's eyes widened in surprise.

Claire: Sorry.

Haruki: N-no. I'm not that angry just because you flicked-

Claire: No, not that. I'm sorry for turning you into a…monster.

Haruki looked confused.

Haruki: A…monster?

Asked dumbfoundedly. Remembering what she was examining, Haruki reached out his hand and felt his teeth. By running his pointer finger across his 32 teeth, Haruki felt 2 of his teeth were different. They were slightly longer. And when he nabbed his fingers at the end of the tooth,

*Ouch*

He pricked his finger. He examined his finger and saw a small pool of blood on his finger.

Haruki: I see… I became something that you are, am I right?

Claire: Yes…. I'm sorry. I really have no excuse.

Haruki sighed. Standing up and dusting himself, he started to walk in the opposite direction. Claire, catching it in the top of her eyes, looked up.

Claire: Wai-

Haruki stopped walking. He looked up…

Haruki: Hey, Claire. Tell me. Why did you call me a monster?

Claire was stunned. Without realising, she called Haruki a monster.

Claire: NO. I didn't mean it-

Haruki: Just tell me.

Claire hesitantly answered.

Claire: Because… you aren't human anymore. Anything that is not a human is called a monster, right?

Haruki: Hmmm. I see. So, you call yourself…a monster too?

Claire was startled.

Claire: …yes.

Haruki turned to the right. With only his right eye, he saw Claire's head hung low and her body shaking. He turned back to the front.

Haruki: *sigh* ….do you hate yourself?

Claire: Huh? Hate…myself? What do you-

Haruki: Just answer the question.

Claire: No, I don't hate myself.

Haruki: Do you love yourself?

Claire: Uhhh…uumm…why-

Haruki: JUST ANSWER IT.

Claire: YES! Yes, of course, I love myself.

Claire jolted upwards in surprise. But the confusion in her head was still the same. "Why is he asking these questions."

Haruki: Last….are you proud of the monster you are?

Claire was stunned. To be asked such question….but the serious tone and the hesitant moment made Claire realised how important this question is. Claire took a long and hard time to think.

Claire: Yes…even though others look at me like a monster and slander me for it, I am proud of it. Since….*smile* I found important people that love me for who I am, not the shell I was born into.

Haruki: I see… But Claire, what I don't understand is why you would apologise.

Claire: What? Didn't I tell you why? I turned into a monster-

Haruki: That you don't hate? That you love? More importantly, a monster you are proud of.

Claire: That's how I feel!

Haruki: Don't you think I feel the same….

Claire: Wha-

Claire looked at the boy in front of her, who to her was just spouting nonsense. With his hands behind his back,

Haruki: At first, I was scared. When you said, I turned into a monster. I thought it was the end for me. But when I found out that I was the same kind as you, it made me happy.

Haruki turned around.

Haruki: I became a monster that you don't hate. A monster you love. And a monster that you are proud of.

The sun beamed down on him like a spotlight. The shimmering light reflected his silver hair. His blue eyes were as clear as crystal. And the warm, sunny smile that cleared the cold doubts in her heart. She was as if looking at an angel, descended right before her eyes.

Got caught in his webs of words, Claire could only smile in appraisal. Now she understands why people around Haruki be envious of him.

Claire: Now, I understand….*On why people leave you. You always outshine them in the end, rendering them blind to your true nature. In other words…* You are too amazing.

Haruki: Anyways, let's go. They are still waiting on my arrival, right?

Claire: Yeah, let's.

As both of them were about to walk,

Axel: BOY! YOU ARE ALIVE!

Lea: Tsk…He is still alive.

Amanda: …

Axel, Lea, and Amanda were walking towards. Leading them was Axel. Lea was about a few steps behind Axel…while Amanda was hiding behind the giant Axel's body, peeking at Haruki. Haruki wanted to catch her eye contact, but she immediately looked away.

Haruki: There is no way I could die now, old man. And Lea-Onee Chan, do you really want me dead that badly?

Lea: No, not really. Maybe a little. Like, as much as the amount of water in the lake.

*Haruki: Little, my ass*

Amanda was clinching Axel's armour harder. Haruki got a glimpse of it. Haruki's gentle eyes turned into a menacing glare. He aggressively walked towards Amanda, but he was blocked off by Axel. Haruki looked up to face Axel and…winked! He realised that the glare was just a front. Axel read his signal so, and he stepped away. Amanda was unguarded.

Amanda: Uncl-

Haruki: Oi…Someone is in front of you. Arent, you supposed to talk to him first?

Amanda was startled. She was looking down while holding her heart with both of her hands. Her breathing was getting heavier.

Haruki: Look up, already!

Amanda was startled. But she had to comply. Slowly, she raised her head. Her eyes were red.

Haruki: Why are you in such a sorry state?

Amanda: ….

Haruki: AHHH. This is getting annoying.

Haruki wound his arms backwards. He then drove his hand towards Amanda, aiming for her stomach. The scared Amanda shut her eyes and bowed her head in reflex.

Amanda: SORRY!

Haruki: Congrulations on your victory….

Amanda: Huh?

Amanda opened her eyes. She saw the hand that was supposed to drove into her stomach was instead just stopped in between them. His fingers were open.

Haruki: What? You thought I'm going to hit you?

Amanda looked up. What Amanda saw was something that was going to be etched in her mind till death. She saw her shocked reflection in his blue eyes. A shy, defeated smile was what he wore, but his earnest way of admitting defeat is what shook her heart. For someone to fight her with all they got and admitting defeat is what she was looking for all this time…

While Amanda stood there with her stary eyes, Haruki was getting tired from outstretching his hand. Irritated, his gentle eyes turned into a glare. Amanda, who was staring into them, was startled. She realised she did not pay her respects to her opponent.

*Grab*

Amanda shook his hand.

Amanda: Yeah, thank you. You fought well-

*Heh*

Haruki's (fake) smile turned into a cheeky one. He pulled Amanda towards her. Unguarded, Amanda fell into his chest. Haruki moved her hair over her ear and moved his mouth closer to it. And whisper…

Haruki: This is the first of many. Get ready to see more of me.

Amanda: EH

Amanda exploded in embarrassment. Well, she misunderstood Haruki. The tattered-up clothes and the phrasing caused a major misunderstanding. Drowning in red, Amanda pushed Haruki away with both of her hands.

Amanda: Wha- wha- wha- wha- wha- WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, YOU IDIOT!

Haruki was confused. He didn't realise the misunderstanding he caused.

Haruki: What are you on about?

Claire: It's good to be young, right, Axel?

Axel nodded in agreement.

Haruki: Huh? What are you GUYS on about?

Claire: N-no, nothing. We were talking about how your injuries from Amanda's fireball heal fast because you are young. Fufufu *How dense can he be?*

Haruki narrowed his eyes at Claire…but he caught himself in between her sentence. He was visibly pondering. Curious, Claire asked him.

Claire: What is it, Haruki? You seem to have a question.

Haruki: Huh? Uh, yeah. When you talked about her fireball, it got me thinking. Since I am a demon lord or candidate or whatever, I must be able to use magic, right?

Haruki was getting excited. When he saw magic for the first time, he wanted to use them. He was smiling ear to ear….but that was not the same for Claire. Instead, she froze. The cold fear was climbing up her spine. Axel turned to Claire.

Axel: You didn't tell him?

Haruki: Hmm? Tell me what?

The fear started to fill up Claire. Couldn't meet his high expectations, she hung her head low.

Claire: Actually, Haruki. Here's the thing. About your affinity for magic….

Haruki looked at Claire. Even though her head is hung low, Haruki didn't mind it at all. His head was filled with magic. He wanted to learn magic so that he first defeat Amanda, help Claire in any way he can and, more importantly, able to go home to his real world. That was the sole purpose of his wanting to learn magic.

Claire clenched her fist. Even though she can say the words without meeting his eyes, she didn't want it. She wanted to tell the truth with both her words and eyes. She clenched her fist and looked up and with a glint of sympathy in her eyes and a heartfelt smile….

Claire: …the truth is, you can't use magic.

Haruki: Huh?