“Congratulations, you've beaten Argillis in quite a confident manner.” Tharnomath says.

'You know, you should really fix your cold tone if you're going to compliment someone.' I simply think not willing to get scolded by Tharnomath.

“What's the next step?” I ask, hiding my excitement.

“You will be fighting me from now on.” He says in a chilled, confident tone.

'****' I curse mentally.

“I see, do you wish to fight today? I'm quite injured, you see.” I say in a desperate attempt.

“Very well, starting from tomorrow we shall duel every 2 days.” He announces as he turns around, calling it a day.

“I trust you will not keep me waiting,” Tharnomath says while leaving.

I shudder as I feel an excruciating amount of pressure upon me.

“Of…of course,” I answer in a defeated voice.

Tharnomath finally leaves my eye of sight as I slump to the ground.

“I'm so dead,” I say to myself, fearing the coming days.

***

*the next day*

I stand once more in the training ground, preparing myself to duel against Tharnomath. I'm scared yet excited as I see him arrive. He looks at me with his 6 golden eyes. There is no doubt, no excitement, only absolute certitude. I felt like an ant in his presence. It enraged me, still, I know the difference in our skills.

“Let us start,” I announce, faking confidence.

“Very well.” He answers in his typical cold tone.

Immediately, I enhance my body using blood magic. My instincts tell me to run, but I know I can't.

'I have to get stronger.' These are the only words I manage to think as Tharnomath makes his move.

A sudden pressure surrounds my body as it feels like gravity itself fights against me. The pain is unbearable, every inch of my body feeling like it's being trampled.

I try to stay on my feet, but the oppressing power is simply too great. I drop to one knee, gritting my teeth in a futile attempt to resist.

'Come on! Not yet! A bit longer!' I yell to myself mentally trying to divert attention from the unimaginable pain.

I look at Tharnomath as I know he's not even serious. He looks into my eyes and simply flicks his hand.

The pressure doubles and I immediately lose consciousness

***

Tharnomath's POV:

“Heal him and lay him in one of the restrooms.”

“Immediately your lordship.” A servant answers.

I keep my eyes on my opponent. A shade demon who's also a reincarnated. Five months ago he truly started training, fighting duels against Argillis. “

“Five months,” I mutter under my breath.

In 5 months he became strong enough to beat a fallen angel, a race known for its strength. In 5 months, he managed to remain conscious for longer than 20 seconds under my aura.

When Ergillaz announced his new plan to me, I thought he went mad. Quite the fool, he has proven me to be.

“How long will it take for him to surpass me? A year? Five Months?” I wonder out loud, seeing nobody within my vicinity.

Tharnomath Talvit, the younger brother of Ergillaz Tavit. Not many surpass me in strength, and in a year that shade demon will probably surpass me. That just raises the question, what about after 100 years? A millennium?

I walk towards my brother's chambers as I was going to report about the reincarnates growth. Coming out of his room, I see an unwelcome sight. A succubus with long black hair past her shoulders and blood-red eyes. Her arms are tattooed as she wears a bright red shirt and black pants that accentuate her voluptuous features.

“What are you doing here, Sorzana?” I ask, irritated as I already know what happened.

“Nothing much, Tharnomath, your brother and I were simply getting reacquainted.” She says in her normal voice that has swooned many.

Sorzana Soquil, the most famous succubus in Lucille's Light. How many demons and devils have fallen for her? Only to get their vitality drained or simply being a slave to her every whim.

We pass each other to avoid further conversation. Entering my brother's room, I get welcomed by the smell of alcohol and sweat as it's clear to see what has transpired.

“For Luciel's wrath Ergilazz, get over her,” I mutter to myself before leaving the room.