Things are going very hectic right now…

Actually ‘hectic’ would be the understatement of the situation right now.

Jim or rather, Apocalypse almost brought out his equipment the moment the two clashed with their new monstrous forms.

The air around Lessa seemed to have frozen.

Something’s wrong.

He was about to intervene and stop the destruction of what was about to occur, he noticed something was wrong.

It was suddenly quiet, the air seemed to have stopped. He then noticed everyone was frozen, like time had stopped-!

Realizing it, he took out his [UPB] in preparation for an attack. He noticed that Raynold is able to move through the frozen time.

Before he could question or try to find out anymore, a beam of light crashed upon Raynold. Jim was about to attack before the smoke cleared out and it was the bowl-haired angel from before.

“What the-!?”

“Yo, newbie. You’re looking quite pretty…” Lid deadpanned.

“Gah, Lid! W-Why are you here!?”

“Oh, no big deal.” He shrugged. “Lord Lessa is only frozen, no need to worry there. And I only have to split about a tenth of a second into thousands.”

‘So the angel is the cause of the frozen time…’ He hummed and at the same time, his brain automatically prepared contingencies and possible outcomes on what items he would use and what would happen should he attack him?

He quickly hid his weapon before resuming his position as being frozen.

“Rather the issue would be you, Newbie.” The bowl-haired angel then summoned the same wig of the angel’s hair. “I told you already, what happens to us when we violate the rules. You’re no exception.”

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Just get rid of that humiliating-!” Raynold suddenly bursts into flames, transforming back into a normal human.

“I told you there's no exception…”

Jim had to hold back a grin lest he’ll be found out. But the scene happening in front of him was quite funny.

“T-T-Time! Time out! Hold on a minute!” Raynold exclaimed beyond panic. “Look at Lessa’s body over there-! Look what he did to himself!” He gestured towards the frozen body of Lessa. “In order to safely carry out the duty that you guys gave me, it couldn’t be helped!”

Lid turned facing Lessa. “Hmmm… Well, I suppose that's true. Lord Lessa has definitely laid his hands on a huge chunk of dark power.”

“!”

“That is, Dark Lessa’s frozen heart.”

“...”

“Frozen Heart…? What's that?” Raynold asked. Even Jim wanted to know more on this… It seemed there is more there is than meets the eye.

Then the bowl-haired angel began to explain, however simple and brief it was.

The Frozen Heart was one of the three elements that make up “Dark Lessa”. The angels sealed the Dark Lessa that tried to come out of its body that had been wounded…

Although they pierced the body with the “Spears of Power”, out of the Eight, only Seven pierced through. An ‘accident’ that Lid said.

‘A traitor…?’

The Dark Lessa seemed to be an incantation or a separate being of temptation. A ‘fake’ Original. A ‘dark’ Original.

The power wasn’t in one place, and it is looking back on it. To regain itself as a Whole.

And from what he had heard from the angel, it seemed that Lessa’s origin was supposed to be the incarnation of “Good” but was turned “Evil” due to some misdeeds he is guessing happened before in the ancient past.

‘...So it seems Raynold was the cause of this ‘Dark Lessa’… But what could have happened? And how long was it?’

And then without any warning, time continued. The sounds of everything suddenly crashing into his ears made him flinch. It seemed time had continued.

Raynold slowly walked towards Lessa, without any hostile intentions and opened his mouth.

The exciting screams from the audience made it difficult to hear what the two comrades in the ruined ring were saying.

But it looks like Raynold has intentions to throw the match, seeing that he left the ring without looking back.

“Check on Raynold,” He said to Lexter who was perplexed by Raynold walking away with such a sorrowful expression on his face. And the atmosphere between the two was tense.

“I’ll head on to Lessa.”

“Alright…” The genius technician nodded numbly as Jim walked towards Lessa, who was being congratulated by the announcer and many Demans applauding. But none of that was important for Lessa at the moment, his expression indescribable, but that didn’t prevent the sadness it shows.

He only waited until the little girl parted the crowd away, spoke some words before the two walked over to a private room.

It was 5 minutes he waited until the two came out of the room, with both of their faces looking indifferently.

He went over to Lessa. “Lessa, I didn't expect you to be here.”

“Jim… How are you-?”

“Pointless question to know isn't it?” He smiled before dropping it. “You two had a disagreement I take?”

Lessa’s face darkens. “…It would seem so.”

“Hey,” The pink-haired girl walked up to them, looking at Lessa. “You better go ahead on the ring! We’ll be ringing up the Gatekeeper for the match!”

“…We’ll talk later, Lessa.” He patted his shoulder, giving a smile despite his face masked.

Lessa simply nodded before walking towards the ring.

It was not long before the match was set up and roars of excitement from the audience erupted. Jim noticed that Raynold and Lexter aren't around. He didn't think that the two would have a disagreement this bad.

The long awaited match… The match ended in just one simple punch from Lessa. Walking away like the fight was nothing but a waste of time.

Badass.

Lessa just went to where the pink-haired girl manager Miss Blake was waiting, beaming a bright smile whilst the audience just looked and were processing their brains to contemplate what just happened.

Jim approached him and said. “I’ll be watching over you, Lessa. Don't worry.” He smiled.

“Umm. I’m afraid you can't join him,” Miss Blake said. “only the one who won the match is allowed to go into the 1st Zone and become the Are’s new elite.”

“I see… Then I’ll find ways then I suppose.”

Blake looked at him indifferently, eyes slightly widening before grinning.

“I doubt you’d be able to do so but… My gut has this odd feeling ever since he and that red hair came here.”

“We’ll see if your gut is right… or wrong.” He smiled. “Is there any rule that I couldn't be at his side until he departs for the 1st Zone?”

“Hmmmm, not really no.” Blake shrugged. “You can go with him, but only up to the entrance of the 1st Zone, so I guess you can accompany him along…”

“And there you have it.” He smirked whilst looking at Lessa who was looking at him with slightly widened eyes, eyes filled with gladness in them.

“…Oh well come on, you have to fill up the paperwork before you depart for the 1st Zone.” Blake motioned for them to follow.

“Well that's something I can't help you with. Good luck to you, Lessa.” Jim said before turning around and leaving Lessa who looked confused to what he meant.

He went around and tried to find where Lexter and Raynold went. Asking questions on a couple of Demans, they saw them left the place to who knows where.

. . .

“…Gahhh!” Screamed out the bed-conscious Miena

“Wahhhh!” Jin fell back on the floor out of shock before quickly getting up on his feet. “M-Miena! You’re awake!”

“J-Jin…” She looked at him. “W-Where… Where are we?”

“Well… After what happened in the mansion, we got into the research center and took shelter for a couple of days-“

“A couple of days!?” Miena exclaimed in shock.

“Yeah, you were out for 2 days at the very least.” Jin said.

“B-But… What… How…? I could have swore I was given vapor…”

“…You were turned into a Deman, Miena.” He said, breaking the secret.

“But… I don't seem to have any horns…?” Miena touched her forehead, trying to feel the horns but felt nothing. “So how-?”

“The man from before, Jim, turned you back into a human.” Jin smiled.

“…So it's true… No… No, no no no-“

“What? What's wrong?” Jin looked at his friend with worry.

“Everything we did… It was all for nothing… Ra made a mistake, he was the first one that broke the order! Our creator failed, and we are that failure. Our existence itself is a failure. Because of that we suffer for eternity…

Going against Dark Lessa is meaningless…”

“What are you talking about?” Jin looked at her appalled.

“I’m saying that the origin of humans that I’ve dedicated my life to finding is a failure! If we can return Dark Lessa to her ancient state, everything would finally become perfect! That's because-!”

Jin pulled her into a hug.

“Miena… Don't listen to the words of the devil. They’re trying to trick you and bring the downfall of humanity…” He soothed…

“That woman is searching for me.”

“!”

“She’ll find me soon… Whatever the case, I’m going to be ruined…”

“Why… Why are you…?”

“It might be because I dreamt about her… I don't know…” She said resignedly. “It probably wouldn't matter anyways…”

“…Miena, do you know why I came to H.A.I.S? It was to develop the Deman cure with you. There's nothing we can't do here. Especially if I’m with you. To say to give up…” Jin paused before looking back at her with determined eyes. “Jim managed to turn you back into a human, but at a cost. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost, we need to find a way. We must… To bring Lucy and the rest back into humans… And to prevent you from turning one back again…” Jin smiled.

Miena looked at him with teary eyes before hugging back at Jin, who hugged back.

Unknownst to them, Lucy was outside the room, eavesdropping on their conversation silently.

. . .

“Oh…” A Deman priest looked at the sky, observing the cawing crows.

“It's a fairy…” He suddenly knelt down on the ground and began scribbling on the book he held, surprising his two assistants who came walking with him.

“A fairy?” One questioned, utterly confused.

“A fairy is flying towards us, I see~!”

“But… I don't see anything but crows…” One of the servants pointed out.

‘Shut the fuck up, if the priest says its a fairy, its a fairy.’ The other servant thought as he looked resigned.

“Oh… Ohhh, that being said, work hard to regain that body because that being is finally moving its dwelling places… A dark guide to the owner of that body will be sent, so go bring that person…” The Deman priest said, almost revered.

“The body that Lord Dark Lessa is searching for!” He exclaimed. “Is in H.A.I.S! It's one of the intruders!”

“”!””

“My god!” The priest said as he ran towards the building… Towards the H.A.I.S.

“W-Wait for us!”

Outside the building, were the summoned monsters on overwatch. The Trappers noticed their presence, not before Ichozuc ordered them to stand down… for now.

They watched as the Demans entered the building with caution, splitting up to search for something…

Ichozuc ordered his Trappers to observe their movements and capture them once they saw the opportunity.

It was not long before Lucy had managed to take down one of the Demans, pinning him down on the floor.

“Lady Luccccy… I sssssssee you’ve found the intruderssssss.” Ichozuc said.

“How many are there?” She said, glancing towards him. The Deman she was pinning looked at the newcomers with outward freight and surprise.

“Three, including him… What are your ordersssss?”

“Wait, me? Why me?”

“My Lord ordered me to follow you… Your word is our Lord’sssss command.”

Lucy’s brain worked on gears hearing that, it wasn't long before her mind settled on prioritizing her friend’s safety… “…Wait, have you sent others to Dr Jin?”

“They wouldn't have too much problem on the intrudersssss…”

. . .

“Shit!” Jin cursed as he dodged an attack from a flying monster that was the size of a lion.

“Ah crap!”

“I was going to take you in quietly but… then you…” The Deman priest, Anderson, glared at their heedless resistance.

“Tch! Damn it!” Jin shouted as he drew the dagger given by Jim and stabbed it on one of the flying monsters’ skulls, killing it instantly.

“What kind of a weapon is that?” Anderson narrowed his eyes. “A mere knife able to pierce through the monster’s skin? No… I’ll be taking that from you.”

“Shit!” Jin cursed as saw one of the flying monsters closing in on him. He is too slow to dodge its attack.

“Jin!” Miena cried out.

*BOOM*

The flying monster dissipated instantly as something cut through its head.

“Lucy…!” The humans looked at the intervening individual accompanied by the insectoids with their weapons aimed at the ready towards the Deman priest.

"…Take me to the 1st Zone.” She demanded.

“What!? Lucy, what are you saying!? Why would you go there!?” Miena looked at her in disbelief.

“It's for the best, Miena… I’m begging you. Stay here and continue the research.”

“Hah! Don't misunderstand. After you left, revelations about you don't appear anymore. When you betrayed Lord Dark Lessa, He threw you away too!”

“But…”

“Lady Lucy. Do not lissssssten to thissssss madman’ssssss ramble.” Ichozuc said sternly.

“What kind of monster are you!?” Anderson exclaimed in shock as he looked upon the insectoids in the room wielding crossbows of all things.

“Oh nevermind, this is an idle waste of time!” Anderson blurred into a purple smoke for a brief moment, engulfing the entire room before reappearing himself near a window… Along with an unconscious Miena.

“I have no idea why or how Lord Dark Lessa would want a human but… You are its vessel no doubt.” He said, examining the girl in her hands.

“Miena!” Jin shouted. “Stop right there, Ryan!”

But Anderson didn't heed his words and jumped straight out the window.

Ichozuc fired his bolt, only to graze the Deman’s cheek, drawing a slick of blood. Anderson felt surprised.

‘Fast… Too fast. A crossbow shouldn't be too fast for me to not see it!’ Anderson thought. ‘That is not normal at all…’

“Tch!” He clicked his tongue before making his escape through the window and jumped through it. He landed on the ground and saw giant insect monsters that resembled an ant, appearing itself from the ground below.

“More!?” He said annoyed. “Out of my way!”

The giant ants rushed him in incredible speeds that is surprising for its size.

His powers didn't seem to work on them effectively. Their exoskeletons are surprisingly tough.

“Too tough… How is it possible?” He growled before making his decision to just escape. He now has the vessel for his Lord Dark Lessa, lingering any longer is foolish.

*BOOM!*

“GAH!” Anderson let go of the girl he was holding, feeling a stab of pain in his stomach.

“Look here, human… Are there really no revelations regarding about me?” Lucy said coldly. Her appearance transformed almost into an actual demon. Her horns curved and longer, and an 8-star symbol bled on her forehead.

She glowed… Despite her newly enhanced look, she was even more beautiful than before.

A woman in ghostly appearance, in the cover of beautiful colors that she glowed. The ghostly figure appeared beside Anderson, even running, she had no trouble flying beside him at great speeds.

“That girl, Miena… Did you really believe that trifling human can become the container? Without your ‘permission’, it can't indwell anywhere.” She whispered almost mockingly. “Do you not know for whose permission Lord Dark Lessa has waited?”

“Eekkk! G-Go away, monster!” He shrieked almost in panic.

“Ahahaha…” Lucy laughed softly, running girly in chase towards Anderson.

Miena groaned as she slowly woke, getting herself off the ground and recomposing herself.

‘Did I faint…?’ She thought before noticing someone running past her. She looked up and saw Lucy, though her appearance seemed even more demonic than before…

‘Lucy…!’

“Lucy, snap out of it!” She quickly got up and tried to stop Lucy, but the strength of a Deman is too strong.

“Lucy!”

“Lady Lucy!”

Ichozuc swoop down and grabs hold of Lucy, holding her gently enough to stop her from moving.

“Tell that person… that this body has returned… That I’m going to find you soon.” Lucy said in an empowering voice, towards the fleeing Anderson.

The Deman priest heard her words, mixed feelings were boiling up inside him.

“What the hell are you saying!?” He said in confusion, as he hurried away from the place.

“You two,” Ichozuc said to the pair of Trappers. “Kill him before he tellsssssss the othersssssss-!” He felt someone grab his arm, and held it with intense pressure. It was Lucy grabbing hold of his arm.

“No… Leave him… He shall spread the word…” Then Lucy fell on her knees like a puppet with its string cut off, reverting back to her normal appearance. Gone with her more demonic, beautiful form. Ichozuc then checked for any anomalies on her being, strangely found none.

‘Thisssss could posssssibly be ssssssomething elsssssee….’ He pondered silently, as Miena checked on her friend, confused and concerned.

“…Bring her back in, we might have to move.” He said to Miena.

“But, where can we go?”

“…” Good question, something he could not easily answer, and something he’ll have to send a few of his forces to scout for a safe place… But they are deep within enemy territory, and their forces are half of their original forces. He cannot waste them. The safest place they can go is to the outer walls. He doubts his Lord would approve, and he wishes to not bother his Lord on something so trivial…

The leader of the insectoids could only be concerned with the fulfillment of his orders. Should he fail to prove them then…

He hates to see the disappointment on his Creator’s face.

. . .

“So… I take it, you're done moping?” Jim commented as he looked at Lexter and Raynold in their usual attire. An aura of determination shrouding the red-hair so tensely.

“Yes… Let's go kick Are’s ass.”

Long time, I know. Expect nothing more from me.