Note: The past timeline - Three years before Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. ❤️ - represented by this symbol

The present timeline - Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. 🟥 - represented by this symbol

The future timeline - one year after Ryoto and team had rescued Aem and friends. ♦️ - represented by this symbol

***

🟥....

Every evening, after the vigorous training sessions, Fujima's students would gather around him in a tight-knit circle, eager to hear the tales of his illustrious team. Tonight was no different. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, dusky glow over the courtyard. The air was thick with anticipation as the young warriors settled in, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Sanasubi broke the silence. "And then what happened, Sensei? Is this what your regret was?"

Fujima's eyes softened as he looked at the eager faces before him. "Patience, Sanasubi. All in good time."

Just then, the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. Miyazono, one of the legendary team members, walked in gracefully. "Good evening, master," she greeted, her voice calm and melodic.

"Good evening, Miyazono-san," Fujima replied warmly. The students quickly stood and bowed to her in respect, to which she responded with a graceful bow of her own.

"What is going on here, hm?" Miyazono's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I see master has found his new favorite team, huh?"

Fujima chuckled. "Haha. Aem, Drata, Ajonae, and Sanasubi were curious about how you all became the best team and asked me to tell them your story."

Miyazono laughed lightly. "Haha. That is an overstatement, Sensei. You know as well as I do, there are other great teams you've led."

"Perhaps," Fujima conceded, "but I don't think anyone has endured as much as you all have."

Miyazono smiled, her gaze distant as if recalling old memories. "Haha. Don't worry, Sensei. We are good now, aren't we?"

Sanasubi stood up, her eyes wide with excitement. "Miyazono-sama, we were just asking Sensei about the great war."

"The great war, you say?" Miyazono's expression grew serious, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yes, Miyazono-sama. Weren't you there at the time?" Sanasubi asked, her voice trembling with reverence.

"Yeah, I was," Miyazono said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the memories were too sacred to speak aloud.

Sanasubi hesitated before speaking again, "That... White demon, wasn't he a bad person? I was just wondering, how come he is a part of this team that once had Ayeta-sama as a member?"

Miyazono laughed softly, a sound filled with both amusement and wisdom. "Haha. Some things caused other things, Sanasubi-chan. You should never disregard someone. Whether you know them or not, they know themselves best, and only they can truly assess themselves."

Sanasubi bowed her head, humbled by her words. "Yes, I am sorry, Miyazono-sama."

Miyazono waved her hand dismissively. "But Sensei can tell you all you want to know."

All eyes turned back to Fujima. "Oh, Sensei, what happened after that? Did Ayeta-sama win?" Sanasubi's voice was filled with urgency.

Fujima nodded, a grave expression settling over his features. "Hm. Have a seat, everyone. It's a long story, after all."

Miyazono chuckled and found a spot on the ground, settling in with the rest of the group. "I'll sit here as well," she said playfully.

Fujima took a deep breath and began, "The great war was a time of immense turmoil. Our lands were torn apart by conflict, and every day was a struggle for survival..."

As Fujima's deep, resonant voice wove the tale, the students listened intently, their imaginations painting vivid pictures of the battles, the friendships, and the sacrifices that had shaped their Sensei's legendary team. The evening wore on, but none of them noticed the passage of time, so engrossed were they in the epic saga unfolding before them.

***

[The past
Four years before Kiomonozo mission
Demon kingdom 2. Palace hall]-❤️

The palace halls echoed with the frantic footsteps of the advisor, Ren, as he rushed toward Ayeta, his voice shaking with urgency. "Ayeta-sama," Ren yelled nervously. "Neesh might die, sir... I think you should stop."

Ayeta stood resolute, his back turned to Ren. He barely registered the advisor's plea when a voice from the shadows cut through the tension. "And now he is your sir?" Grace asked, her tone laced with sarcasm as she stepped into the light, standing confidently behind Ayeta.

Ren's eyes widened in disbelief. "Grace? Neomono Grace? The Grace? Were you the one who freed him?" He questioned, glaring at the girl with an intense fury.

Grace scoffed, her expression filled with disdain. "Shut up. You are a selfish prick. I don't talk to your kind."

Ren fell silent, the tension in the room thickening as Ayeta's spell continued to take its toll on Neesh. He could feel his extremities growing numb, the spell's effects creeping through his body. Although not fatal, the spell was undeniably powerful. Suddenly, a thunderous explosion reverberated through the palace hall, knocking everyone to their knees except for Ayeta. The explosion left a residue of red and pink ashes on the floor and walls, a testament to Ayeta's formidable power.

Ayeta, his face streaked with his own blood, began to walk heavily towards Jishi. The blood, a stark contrast to the ashen remnants around him, painted a grim portrait of his resolve. Jishi, trembling with fear, started to back away. "Wha-what? What do you want? Everyone is against you, you know. Do-do you think you can kill me and get away with it? Dream on!"

Ayeta's response was calm and measured. "You are right."

Jishi's confusion was palpable. "What? What do you mean?"

"You are right. Everyone sure seems to be against me. What do we do?"

Jishi's fear turned to bewilderment. "Wh-- what are you blabbering on and on about?"

Ayeta's gaze hardened, his eyes boring into Jishi's soul. "Jishi-san. I have only one question. Your friendship with Akio-san. Was that true? Was any of it real?"

Jishi stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "Wh-what?"

Ayeta's tone grew colder, more insistent. "Reply. Your reply can change your fate."

Jishi's fear morphed into defiance. "A-are you threatening me? Even if you are, my reply won't change. A-Akio-san really was my good friend-"

Before Jishi could finish his sentence, his head exploded in a burst of blood and gore. His body crumpled to the floor, and the walls were splattered with his blood. Neesh, witnessing the gruesome scene, shuddered in horror.

"Ayeta... you killed him...?" Neesh's voice trembled, his pupils dilating with fear as Ayeta approached him.

Ayeta, his face an impassive mask of blood and resolve, lifted his hand and placed it gently on Neesh's shoulder. The room fell silent, the aftermath of violence lingering in the air as Ayeta's grip tightened ever so slightly, a silent testament to his unwavering resolve and the fear he instilled in those around him.

The palace hall was a scene of utter chaos and fear. The aftermath of the violent explosions left everyone on edge. Amidst this turmoil, Tadaki's voice pierced through the tension.

"Ayeta-sama! Stop!!" Tadaki screamed, her voice a desperate plea. She dashed towards Ayeta, her heart pounding, and grabbed his hand, shaking it off Neesh's shoulder. Ayeta didn't even glance at her, nor did he respond to her frantic yell. Instead, he continued his relentless advance toward Ren.

Ren's eyes widened with terror. "D-don't come any closer-" he stammered, but before he could do anything, his body exploded into a grotesque shower of blood and flesh. The splatter painted the walls and floor in a macabre tableau, and Ren's spectacles lay in the spreading pool of blood like a grim offering.

"A-Ayeta. What did you just... did you kill both of them... just like that...?" Tadaki's voice trembled as she questioned his ruthless actions. Ayeta sighed heavily, weariness etched into his features, and turned to walk towards the palace doors.

"Hey. Stop. Undo this spell on me first," Neesh demanded, his voice tinged with desperation. But Ayeta didn't pause. He continued his steady march out of the hall. However, the hue surrounding Neesh began to lighten and finally disappeared, releasing him from the spell. Neesh stood up shakily, his eyes following Ayeta's receding figure. He slammed his right foot on the floor in frustration.

The hall was eerily silent now, save for the muffled sobs and heavy breathing of the survivors. Two people had died in the blink of an eye, without warning, without a chance to defend themselves. Ayeta had snapped his fingers, and they had been reduced to thick pools of blood and bits of flesh. The crimson fluid seeped across the floor, filling the hall with a metallic scent that clung to the air.

Tadaki, Tatsu, and Grace, too, felt the spell's effects fade, and they stood, shaken. The king, Fenon, pale and trembling, could barely comprehend the horror that had unfolded before him.

"He... what is wrong with him...?" Fenon asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Grace turned on him, her eyes blazing with fury. "You! You are the one that is wrong! Don't you still get it? You rallied his own people against him!"

Fenon's voice was weak, almost pleading. "What are you saying, Miss Grace? No one was with him from the beginning!"

Grace's voice was cold, biting. "I don't think that matters anymore, your highness. Only you can stop Ayeta now."

The king looked bewildered. "What? How?"

"By getting down on your knees and-"

"GRACE! DON'T STEP OUT OF LINE!" Fenon interrupted, his voice sharp with panic.

Grace ignored his words yet her eyes were fixed on him. "Listen to me. By getting down on your knees and asking him to stop is all you need to do. We are not the ones with the options. Try to understand, your highness, this is all your fault."

Fenon stood in stunned silence, his mind racing.

Meanwhile, Ayeta trudged on, his footsteps heavy as he left the palace and crossed the threshold of the second kingdom. He entered the dark green valley, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on him like a physical weight. His thoughts were a whirlwind of anger, regret, and resolve as he moved forward, the bloodshed and betrayal left in his wake like haunting specters.

At the same time, in the dense forest, Konosa's voice cut through the quiet murmurs of the group, "Where is the portal, Remeshi?"

Remeshi, his eyes scanning the surroundings, responded, "It should be here somewhere..." He moved with purpose, pushing through the thick foliage.

Oya, frustration creeping into her voice, added, "I don't see anything."

With a heavy sigh, Remeshi plopped down on the grass, visibly weary. As he sat, a strange, sweet scent wafted through the air, hitting his nostrils and causing him to spring to his feet suddenly. The others stared at him in shock. His abrupt movement seemed almost unnatural, as if some unseen force had compelled him.

"Wh-what happened, Remeshi-nii?" Remeni asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Remeshi didn't answer. Instead, he walked deeper into the forest, navigating through the trees with an almost instinctual precision. He took several sharp turns, ducking under low-hanging branches, until he reached the center of the forest. There, he turned to face Fujima and the team, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

"It is here," he declared, pointing towards a barely visible shimmer in the air. The friends exchanged uncertain glances and then looked to Fujima for guidance. Before they could question him further, Remeshi unsheathed his sword with a swift motion, lifted it high, and sliced through the air. The cut revealed a swirling black and purple void, a portal.

Without hesitation, Remeshi stepped into the portal, signaling for the others to follow. Reluctantly, they did, yet unbeknownst to them, they were not alone. Commander Giyu and his military unit, who had been shadowing them from their schools to the forest, slipped in unnoticed as well.

Hiding from the eyes of the team was the military unit lead by Giyu. "Is it right to follow them like this, sir?" one of the men asked hesitantly.

Giyu pushed him back harshly. "Of course it is. We are following criminals to catch them red-handed."

Silenced by his commanding tone, the others had no choice but to follow orders. The man who had questioned Giyu sighed deeply but complied, stepping through the portal with the rest of the unit.

On the other side was a land that defied all human comprehension. The ground was covered in red sand, and an orange river of molten lava snaked through the terrain. The skies were a faded yellow, filled with smoky clouds that cast an eerie pall over the landscape. Towering over them were huge, black, and purple mansions, their dark silhouettes stark against the bright, unnatural horizon. Dark buildings loomed ominously, their architecture foreign and menacing.

Large, black birds with orange beaks flew overhead. These were no ordinary birds; their bodies were covered in black scales, and their enormous wings stretched wide, each feather shimmering with an otherworldly sheen. As they swooped into the lava river, their feathers and bodies turned a brilliant orange, igniting like living flames.

Remeshi, Fujima, and the rest of the group carefully avoided the river of lava, the strange birds, and the trees with their dark, unsettling leaves. They also kept their distance from the ominously bright houses. Silently, they walked in a single file, the alien landscape pressing in on them from all sides.

The commander and his unit followed at a distance, maintaining their stealth. The soldiers' faces were masks of determination and fear as they moved through this uncharted land. The strangeness of the environment weighed heavily on everyone, a constant reminder of the unknown dangers that lay ahead.

As the group cautiously moved through the unfamiliar and eerie terrain, the air filled with tension, a sudden voice broke the silence. "You guys don't seem like you belong here." The group spun around, hands instinctively tightening on the hilts of their swords.

"Whoa, chill. I am Youkai Lax. And you guys are?" The figure before them, a boy with a purple hood partially obscuring his face, seemed non-threatening yet mysterious.

Remeshi, recognizing the need for diplomacy, immediately bowed to the boy. The boy, maintaining the decorum, bowed back. "I am Remeshi."

"I am Oya Hashiro," Oya said, bowing slightly.

"Konosa Sakado," added Konosa, giving a respectful nod.

"Remeni Miano," Remeni said softly, following suit.

"I am Miyazono Lenka, and this is our master, Sento Fujima," Lenka introduced, gesturing to Fujima.

The boy's eyes, hidden beneath his hair, seemed to scrutinize them. "Oh, I see. You guys really are not demons..." He pulled his hood back up, further obscuring his face in the shadows.

"Then, how did you find this place?" He asked them grimly.

Konosa, feeling the weight of the boy's scrutiny, pointed at Remeshi. "Uh, uhm. I don't know. It's him!" The group's eyes turned to Konosa, who shrugged nervously, offering a slight smile.

Remeshi nodded slightly, acknowledging the implication. "Oh? How did you know of this place?"

"Ah, haha... good question..." Remeshi stammered, trying to formulate a coherent response.

The boy, intrigued and pressing for more information, asked, "Excuse me? Who are you exactly? What's your species name? You didn't introduce yourself like the others."

"Oh. I don't know that," Remeshi admitted, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

"You don't know the name of your own species? Are you a cult member?" The boy's tone was a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"Oh no. Gee. Do I seem that way to you? This might sound weird as well, but my memories of myself are a mess," Remeshi explained, hoping for understanding.

"I see. So you think demons can help you get your memories back?" The boy's tone softened slightly, showing a glimmer of empathy.

"Oh! Can you?!" Remeshi's eyes lit up with hope.

The boy, now visibly curious, responded, "Hm..."

"But uhm, Youkai, was it? It seems to me like the houses are all empty. Where are all the people here?" Remeshi inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and caution.

"You can tell, huh, Remeshi? Yeah. They are empty indeed. It is a kingdom-to-kingdom thing, so I don't think it's right for you to know before I know your reason to be here," Youkai responded, his tone now more guarded.

"You said demons can help regain memories?" Remeshi pressed, eager for answers.

"Oh. That is the reason, huh? We can, yeah."

"Wow. How?" Remeshi asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I don't know. I can't do it without a spell book," Youkai replied matter-of-factly.

"S-spell book? Such things exist?" Remeshi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What do you think?" Youkai asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I... well-" Remeshi stammered, struggling to find the right words.

"Sure, they do. I have a Grimoire as well," Youkai continued, his tone casual.

"Then will you help me?" Remeshi asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Yeah, sure."

"Please help us-I mean me. I really have to know-wait. Did you just agree to help?" Remeshi's eyes widened in surprise.

"Hmm, yeah."

"What? Just like that? No sacrifices?" Remeshi's surprise was evident.

"Haha. Someone's been reading too many comics," Youkai chuckled, shaking his head.

"I don't-Thank you so much, Youkai-sama," Remeshi said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Don't mention it. Oh, and just Youkai is alright."

"Okay," Remeshi smiled, relief washing over him.

The friends and Fujima followed Youkai as he led them to his house, a peculiar structure blending into the eerie landscape. As they walked, Konosa leaned in to whisper to Oya, "Weren't we here for Ayeta?"

Oya shook her head, her voice a hushed warning. "I don't think we should mention a Nijma as our friend so casually." Konosa nodded immediately, understanding the caution needed in this strange place.

The group moved quietly, their surroundings filled with an air of tension and uncertainty.

The journey to Youkai's house was a surreal experience for the group. Traversing past three rivers of glowing orange lava, they finally arrived at a house that stood out starkly against the eerie landscape. The house had a bright blue roof, white walls, and a lush green garden adorned with light purple flowers.

Konosa, bewildered by the contrast between the house and its surroundings, asked, "Uhm... this... is your house?"

"Yeap~ come on in. Make sure to feel at home. I'll go fetch my Grimoire," Youkai replied cheerfully, heading towards the back of the house. The friends and Fujima exchanged curious glances before stepping inside.

Inside, the house was just as surprising. The living room was furnished with a grey leather couch and decorated with bright, cheerful colors. The stark difference from the dark, ominous environment outside left everyone puzzled. Konosa, unable to hold back his curiosity, asked Fujima, "Sensei, aren't demons supposed to be all dark and stuff? What is with this bright house?"

Fujima considered the question before replying, "I don't know. Is it alright to judge all demons the same way? Maybe Youkai-kun likes bright stuff."

"I like that answer, Sensei Sento," Youkai said, reappearing with a smile. Fujima nodded slightly, acknowledging the compliment.

Youkai walked into the room with a casual air, addressing Remeshi, "Remeshi, follow me to my workroom. And the others," he gestured with an open palm, and a plate of sweets along with teacups floated towards them, "Help yourselves." He dropped his hand, and the plate and cups settled neatly on the table in front of them.

Remeshi stood up, ready to follow Youkai, but Konosa grabbed his wrist, whispering anxiously, "Remeshi, is it okay to follow that boy all alone?"

Remeshi placed a reassuring hand on Konosa's. "Konosa Senpai," he said softly, "We are friends with Ayeta-san. I don't think any demon is scarier than him and if worse comes to worse, you guys are still here, right?"

Konosa hesitated before nodding, "Hm. Okay. Just scream like hell if he tries anything funny, and we'll be there."

Remeshi chuckled at the remark, giving a nod before following Youkai to his workroom.

The workroom was an eclectic mix of colors and styles: pink walls, a blue carpet, a light brown table, a jet-black swiveling chair, and a bed with pearl white sheets and yellow flower-covered pillows.

"Wow... technology," Remeshi said, pointing at a sleek watch on the table.

Youkai laughed, "Haha, yeah. It cost me five hundred thousand gems for this... I am broke flat."

Remeshi grinned, "Haha. It looks cool though."

"It better," Youkai replied with a chuckle.

"Heh," Remeshi echoed, feeling a bit more at ease.

Back in the living room, the rest of the group settled into the cozy environment, still marveling at the contrast between the house and its surroundings. Konosa kept glancing towards the door Remeshi had disappeared through, his worry evident.

Meanwhile, in Youkai's workroom, the air was filled with a tense anticipation. Youkai sat on the swiveling chair, gesturing for Remeshi to sit on the bed. He slid the chair closer, facing Remeshi directly.

"Alright, Remeshi," Youkai began, his tone serious. "Tell me, how much about yourself do you remember?"

Remeshi sighed deeply. "If you ask me that way... nothing."

"Really? So nothing other than your name... this will be tough-"

"Actually, I don't even know my name," Remeshi interrupted.

Youkai raised an eyebrow, confused. "Excuse me? Who is Remeshi then?"

"Yeah, that's me, sure. But that's not my name. Not my real name."

Youkai leaned back, puzzled. "What are you saying?"

"It sounds insane, now that I have repeatedly said this out loud to a number of people, but... I just mixed the name of the person who saved me and named myself."

"You... named yourself? I mean, it's not wrong to name yourself, per se... but... ugh. Who saved you?"

"Remeni-"

"The girl outside? The Myeces?"

"Yeah."

"I see. So we have nothing at hand?" Youkai sighed, rubbing his temples.

Remeshi hesitated. "Actually... there were times when I saw these dreams that seemed so familiar..."

Youkai's interest piqued. "So like you saw your past. Typical. What was it?"

Remeshi detailed the dreams he had experienced, describing the scenes with the younger son, the older brother, their mother, and how each dream ended in tragedy. He also shared memories of Totasha, explaining how she had been family to him and how she had died. Youkai listened intently, his expression thoughtful.

After Remeshi finished his narration, silence settled over the room. Both young men were lost in thought until Youkai abruptly swiveled his chair to face his desk and began flipping through the pages of his Grimoire. The pages were old and rusted, filled with arcane symbols and writings.

The tick of the clock punctuated the quiet room until Youkai's eyes lit up with a proud gleam. He tapped one of the pages decisively. "We got it, Remeshi," he announced, almost grinning.

Remeshi leaned forward, eager. "Oh? Really? What do I have to do?"

"Nothing. I will cast the spell. But there is one thing we need that I don't have."

Remeshi's enthusiasm waned. "What is it? Dragon scales? Skulls? Nails, or-"

"Wait, wait. What? Why would I need those things? That's nasty."

"But don't all demon spells work that way?" Remeshi asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

"Oh shucks. No way. What have you been reading, dude? We need to talk," Youkai said, shaking his head. "Ah... so then what do you need?" Remeshi asked, feeling a bit sheepish.

"Blood-"

"See! I knew it! You need stuff like that-"

"Listen to me! I need the spell blood arch."

"A spell?" Remeshi asked, his curiosity piqued again.

"Yeah. It's a very tough spell. Demons can cast it occasionally, but casting it just once is pretty fatal."

Remeshi's eyes widened. "What? Then how are we going to..."

"I think we should go to the palace," Youkai said, his tone resolute.

"The palace?"

"Hmm. You might not know him, but the young General Ayeta Nijma-sama can cast that spell thrice a day. He is the key to helping you. He is a bit shifty though. He keeps himself shut from people and doesn't mingle with others much, so it'll be hard to ask for help. But he won't mind helping with a little persuasion. Ayeta-sama doesn't really care much anyway, so if we are lucky, he'll just agree without any fuss."

"Oh. I-I see. Young general. Sounds intimidating..."

"Haha. Nothing to worry about. I know him a bit from here and there. We'll be fine," Youkai reassured.

As Remeshi processed this information, he couldn't help but think about the irony of the situation. "But are we even talking about the same person? Ayeta-san? Shut himself off? Youkai seems to know what he is saying though...and I am guilty as I can be... lying to him...but it worked in my favor anyway...Ayeta. Just you wait. We'll be there for you. Wherever you are."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Remeshi felt a spark of hope ignite within him. This was the first concrete lead he had, and despite the uncertainty, he felt a strange sense of destiny pulling him forward.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the land, Ayeta trudged through the dark valley, his steps heavy and determined. The twisted, gnarled trees seemed to lean in, their branches whispering secrets of the past and present. Shadows danced around him, and the air was thick with an eerie silence that seemed to amplify the sound of his heartbeat. Each step resonated with the weight of his resolve and the burden of his actions.

As he reached the borders of the kingdom, a vast river of molten lava flowed before him, a fiery barrier that divided the first and second Demon Kingdoms. The river's glow cast a hellish light on Ayeta's blood-streaked face, accentuating the chilling grimness of his expression. Without hesitation, he stepped onto the molten surface. Instantly, the blazing orange liquid turned rock solid beneath his feet, forming a stony path that seemed almost to welcome his presence.

He continued his march across the newly formed pathway, the transformation spreading outward from his steps until the entire width of the river appeared as solid ground. His eyes were fixed ahead, never wavering, as if the destination alone was guiding his every move. Each step he took was a testament to his control over the elements, a display of power that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

As he reached the far bank of the river, his feet touched the lush, dark grasses. Behind him, the river resumed its natural state, the lava flowing once more as if nothing had happened. Ayeta lifted his head, his gaze locking onto the only hill in sight. Atop it stood a dark, enormous palace, both imposing and strangely beautiful. Its spires pierced the gloomy sky, and its walls seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy.

Blood still dripped from Ayeta's face, trailing down his neck and staining his cloak. The crimson streaks contrasted sharply with his pale skin, giving him a ghostly, otherworldly appearance. He felt no pain from his wounds; his focus was singular and unwavering.

With a slight lift of his foot, Ayeta defied gravity. He rose into the air, his cloak billowing out behind him like the wings of a dark angel. The wind whipped around him, carrying him swiftly towards the palace. From above, the landscape below looked even more desolate and foreboding, a kingdom marked by struggle and power.

As he soared closer to the palace, Ayeta's mind was a tumult of thoughts and memories. His actions, his decisions, and the weight of his destiny all converged in this moment. The palace loomed larger with each passing second, its walls seeming to reach out to him, calling him home.

Landing gracefully at the gates of the palace, Ayeta took a deep breath. The heavy iron doors, adorned with intricate carvings of demonic figures and ancient symbols, creaked open as if recognizing his authority. He stepped inside, his blood-soaked presence leaving a trail behind him, a silent testament to the path he had walked and the power he wielded.

The palace's grand halls stretched out before him, filled with shadows and echoes of past rulers. Ayeta's eyes were sharp, his expression resolute. This was his domain now, and he would shape it according to his will.

[Location: the world underwater.
Water descendant kingdom.
King's chamber
Date: calender followed unknown
Time: earth time - 3:00 pm]-❤️

In the heart of the underwater Kingdom's palace, Commander Nakana Greg burst into the throne room, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The grand chamber, with its towering pillars and ornate decorations, echoed his frantic footsteps. At the far end, seated upon a throne of blue stone adorned with intricate carvings of waves, was King Genza. His soft gaze immediately focused on Greg, sensing the urgency in his demeanor.

"Commander? Greg? Nakana Greg! What happened?" King Genza's voice boomed, filled with authority and concern.

Greg, usually composed and unflappable, was visibly shaken. He had run through the palace at full speed, and now that he had arrived, he seemed momentarily lost in thought, his mind racing to process the chaos he felt in the air.

"Your Highness," Greg began, trying to steady his voice. "There is a weird kind of disturbance in the air."

King Genza leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "What happened?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

Greg took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "It seems like a huge war will break out," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his apprehension.

"Where?" Genza's question was immediate and urgent. "We must protect our people."

Greg hesitated, frustration evident in his expression. "I can't read the currents well. But something weird is going on somewhere," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Genza's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "That is very vague, you know. How do I figure out from that weird information?"

Greg bowed his head, his fists clenching at his sides. "My apologies, Your Highness..."

The King sighed, his stern expression softening slightly. "It's alright. Not really your fault... Let's just build a safe barrier for our kingdom. Contact the Wind Descendant Queen."

Greg straightened, relief washing over him. "Yes, Your Highness. As you wish." He turned on his heel and hurried out of the throne room, his mind already racing with plans to contact the Wind Descendant Queen and ensure the safety of their people.

As Greg departed, Genza sat back in his throne, his mind whirring with thoughts of the impending threat. The atmosphere in the palace had grown increasingly tense, and the vague yet palpable sense of doom weighed heavily on him. He knew they had to act swiftly and decisively to protect their kingdom from whatever dark forces were at play.

Minutes later, in a secluded chamber over the clouds adorned with symbols of the wind and air, Greg stood before a large, ornate mirror. He recited an incantation, his voice steady and clear. The mirror's surface shimmered, and slowly, the image of the Wind Descendant Queen appeared. She was a figure of ethereal beauty, her short blue hair flowing like the breeze, and her eyes shimmering with a calm yet powerful presence.

"Commander Greg," she greeted, her voice like a gentle whisper of wind. "What brings you to seek my counsel?"

"Your Majesty," Greg began, bowing deeply. "We sense a disturbance in the air, an impending threat of a great war. King Genza requests your aid in building a protective barrier around our kingdom."

Asaki, the wind descendant Queen's expression grew serious, and she nodded slowly. "I understand. I shall gather my forces and create a barrier to safeguard your people. Tell King Genza he has my support."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Greg replied, relief evident in his voice. The image faded, and the mirror returned to its normal state. Greg knew they had taken the first step in fortifying their defenses, but the underlying threat still loomed large in his mind.

As he made his way back to the throne room to relay the message, he couldn't shake the feeling that the disturbance was only a harbinger of darker days to come.

***
[Fiery land
Location unknown
Time unknown
Date: calender followed unknown]-❤️

In the majestic Dragon Rider Kingdom, the grand halls of the palace were abuzz with activity. Servants hurried to and fro, preparing for the upcoming quest that weighed heavily on everyone's minds. At the heart of this activity stood Scarlet. Her crimson robes flowed like molten lava, and her presence commanded respect from all who served her.

Heiki, her loyal and steadfast, approached her with a deep bow. His red armor gleamed under the light of the ever-burning fire that symbolized their kingdom's eternal strength.

"Miss Scarlet," Heiki began, his voice steady and respectful. "Preparations for finding your daughter are complete at long last."

Scarlet turned to face him, her piercing eyes glowing by the news. "Aha. Amazing, Heiki-san," she said, a sinister smile gracing her lips.

Heiki straightened, pride evident in his demeanor. "I am honored to be of service, my queen."

But Scarlet's smile faded as she looked out towards the horizon, her expression turning somber. "But Heiki, don't you feel this weird disturbance?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Heiki's brow furrowed as he nodded. "Certainly, my queen. It feels like the fire atop the palace might extinguish..."

Scarlet's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "Which is definitely not a good sign," she murmured, more to herself than to Heiki.

"Yes, my queen," Heiki agreed, his voice echoing her unease.

Scarlet turned back to Heiki, her expression resolute. "What even is going on...?" she wondered aloud, frustration creeping into her tone.

***
[Arlegdon species kingdom
Time: unknown
Date: calender unknown]-❤️

In the shadowy halls of the Arlegdon Kingdom, a sense of unease permeated the air. The Arlegdons, mysterious creatures with long hair concealing their faces, moved about with an unusual sluggishness. Whispers of fear and confusion echoed through the stone corridors, and in the throne room, an urgent meeting was underway.

"Sir, something is wrong with our people," said Eryx, the chief advisor, his voice filled with apprehension.

King Arlic, his form obscured by his own flowing hair, leaned forward on his ornate throne. "What happened?" he asked, his tone sharp with concern.

"I am not sure, sir, but everyone is falling ill all of a sudden. It's scary..." Eryx's voice trembled slightly, the gravity of the situation evident.

"Falling unwell? All of a sudden?" Arlic repeated, a frown forming beneath his hair.

Eryx nodded, his own hair swaying with the motion. "And then we have the prophecy, sir..."

"Yes, I remember. There is no clue whatsoever..." Arlic's voice trailed off as he recalled the cryptic prophecy that had haunted their kingdom for generations.

"Sir, it's time we seek help," Eryx suggested hesitantly.

"What do you mean? From whom?" Arlic's voice was tinged with skepticism.

"Them," Eryx replied, a note of reluctance in his voice.

"No way. I am not going back there. They treat us like trash," Arlic snapped, his frustration evident.

"But sir, if one of the species is an Argon, then we will have an upper hand with them," Eryx persisted.

"Hah... alright, fine," Arlic conceded, rubbing his temples. "You said the defense species are emerging, right? Then dragon riders should also be coming."

Eryx's eyes widened slightly. "What are you suggesting, sir?"

"Hmm. Let's talk to those beasts," Arlic said, his voice taking on a determined edge.

"But sir, that king already betrayed them once. They won't listen to people anymore as such-" Eryx began, but Arlic cut him off.

"Find someone who has a lot of dragons! We need to win this war!" Arlic's voice was resolute, his decision made.

Eryx hesitated for a moment, then bowed. "Yes, sir. I will begin the search immediately."

As Eryx left the throne room, Arlic leaned back in his throne, his mind racing. The Arlegdons had always been a proud and reclusive people, reluctant to seek help from outsiders. But the sudden illness spreading through their ranks and the looming threat of the prophecy left them with little choice. Arlic knew they needed allies, and the dragons, with their formidable strength and firepower, were their best hope.

In the darkened corridors of the castle, whispers of the king's decision spread quickly. The Arlegdons, despite their fear and uncertainty, found a flicker of hope in the possibility of an alliance.

The Arlegdons, strange and enigmatic, prepared themselves for the battles to come, their long hair flowing like shadows in the dim light. And as the first rays of dawn broke through the thick fog, they looked towards the horizon, ready to face whatever fate had in store for them.

***

[Demon kingdom 1
Location: Palace hall
Time: unknown
Date: calender followed unknown]-❤️

The climb up to the palace on the hill had been long and arduous, but Remeshi and Youkai, along with their companions, were determined to find answers. The massive structure loomed ahead, its dark silhouette a stark contrast against the gloomy sky. As they approached, an uneasy silence settled over the group.

The palace gates, usually guarded by vigilant soldiers, were eerily still. Youkai was the first to notice the absence of the usual patrols. "Something's not right," he muttered, his eyes narrowing.

They pushed open the heavy doors and gasped at the sight that greeted them. The guards outside the hall were beheaded, their bodies lying in grotesque poses, blood pooling around them. Youkai's expression turned from concern to horror, and he rushed forward, Remeshi and the others following closely.

As they moved deeper into the palace, the carnage became more evident. Soldiers lay strewn across the floor, their heads exploded in a macabre display of blood and gore. The once plain walls were splattered with crimson, chunks of flesh clinging to the ornate decorations. Even the ceiling bore the marks of the massacre, blood dripping down like morbid rain.

The chandelier, which had been a dazzling crystal grey, now hung stained with blood, the light refracting through the ruby-red droplets, casting a haunting glow over the carnage below. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, making it difficult to breathe.

"Who could have done this?" Oya whispered, her voice trembling as she clutched her sword tighter.

"This is... this is a nightmare," Konosa added, his eyes wide with shock.

They pressed on, their steps echoing in the deathly silence. Each room they passed revealed more bodies, more signs of the violent struggle that had taken place. Finally, they reached the grand doors of the king's chamber. They exchanged uneasy glances, steeling themselves for what lay beyond.

Pushing the doors open, they were met with a chilling sight. Ayeta stood in the center of the room, his back to them, holding one of the generals high up by his neck. The general's face was contorted in pain and fear, his limbs flailing weakly as he struggled to breathe.

"Ayeta Sama! Put him down!" Youkai's voice echoed through the blood-soaked hall.

Ayeta squeezed harder, and mere seconds later, the man's body went limp. He tossed the lifeless body aside like a ragdoll, the corpse landing with a sickening thud on the floor. Remeshi and the others stared in horror, their minds struggling to process the scene before them.

"Ayeta...san..." Remeshi's voice was barely above a whisper, laden with shock and disbelief.

Hearing Remeshi's voice, Ayeta quickly spun around. His eyes, once familiar and kind, were now cold and distant. "Remeshi? ...why are you here?"

Remeshi stepped forward, his heart pounding. "Remeshi? Hah... Ayeta-san. What are you... why are you doing this?"

"This has nothing to do with you," Ayeta snapped, his tone sharp and unyielding.

"We are teammates, Ayeta-san... we are friends as well, and we trust you," Remeshi pleaded, desperation tinging his voice.

"Shut up. You know nothing about me."

"Then tell me," Remeshi urged. "Help us understand."

"What? Get out! Youkai! Take him and leave!! Now."

"Ayeta Sama-"

"Leave. Now," Ayeta commanded, his voice brooking no argument.

"Y-yes, Your Highness." Youkai immediately gripped Remeshi's wrist and pulled him out of the hall. Remeshi yelled at him all the way as they approached the gardens outside, struggling to free himself from Youkai's grasp. Finally, he yanked his hand away, anger and confusion etched on his face.

Inside the palace hall, Konosa, Oya, Remeni, Miyazono, and Fujima stood frozen, their minds reeling from the massacre they had witnessed. The trail of death and destruction leading to the king's chamber had left them speechless. When Konosa finally snapped out of his shock, he realized Remeshi was gone.

"Ah! Where did he go?" Konosa asked, panic rising in his voice.

"He left," Ayeta replied coldly, his glare piercing through him.

"R-right... A-Ayeta, why are you doing this...? Can you please stop this-" Konosa's words were cut off as Ayeta lifted his hand. An unseen force threw Konosa back, sending him rolling across the floor. He landed with a painful thud at the far end of the hall, gasping for breath.

"Senpai!" Oya cried out, rushing to his side. She helped him to his feet, his arm draped over her shoulder as he winced in pain, clutching his stomach.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY ARE YOU HURTING US?!" Oya yelled at Ayeta, her voice shaking with anger and fear.

Miyazono, snapped out of her daze by Oya's yell, turned her attention to Ayeta. "Ayeta. Stop this. Talk to me. What happened-"

Ayeta lifted his hand again, and Miyazono was thrown back, landing heavily on the floor. Fujima hurried to her side, lifting her up and seating her against the wall. The force of Ayeta's attack had left her shaken and bruised.

Only Remeni and Fujima remained standing, ready to confront Ayeta. Fujima stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Ayeta-kun. Let's talk, yeah? You can't keep throwing us away. We will come back up again either way to you."

Ayeta's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, but he remained defiant. "Sensei, I respect you. I respect you not as my teacher but as someone who sent my helpless friends to the squad, but this problem doesn't concern you."

"You have new helpless friends to look after now, Ayeta-kun," Fujima replied gently. "Like Remeshi-kun said earlier, your problems do concern us. Talk to us, Ayeta. You can't keep avoiding us forever."

"I have nothing to talk about to a human like yourself," Ayeta gritted out, looking away.

Remeni felt her anger boil over at Ayeta's dismissive comment towards Fujima, the man who had given them all his time and knowledge. "Ayeta! That's enough out of you! You can't talk to our master like that!" she yelled, stepping forward, ready to defend Fujima and their team.

Outside the palace, a tense conversation was unfolding. "You don't understand, Remeshi. I'm afraid what we were trying to avoid is happening after all," Youkai said, his voice heavy with urgency.

"What are you talking about, Youkai? We need to get in there!" Remeshi's voice was filled with determination, his eyes fixed on the palace.

"NO! ARE YOU CRAZY? Even your bones won't be left to take back to your grave!" Youkai shouted, grabbing Remeshi by the shoulders, trying to make him understand the gravity of the situation.

"Youkai," Remeshi began, but Youkai cut him off.

"Remeshi! Try to understand! He is not the Ayeta I know anymore. He is a complete monster. A real demon. Ayeta Sama is a threat to the world right now."

Remeshi's face twisted in confusion and desperation. "What are you saying? There must be an explanation for his actions-"

"Stop defending your friend so much, you Argon." The sudden, unfamiliar voice made both boys spin around. Behind them stood a forgotten enemy: Commander Giyu.

"Commander Giyu? Why are you here? No... how are you here?" Remeshi asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Hah. Insolent brat. Remember what I said last time? Here I am. I am back and here to get your team on the dangerous species list-"

"Are you kidding me? This isn't the time for that!" Remeshi retorted, his frustration boiling over.

"HOW DARE YOU, A STUPID ARGON, TALK TO A MILITARY OFFICIAL LIKE THIS? I'LL-"

"Do I look like I care? I'll deal with your stupid threat later. If you really are an official, then go save the country. What will happen now will cost everyone." Remeshi's eyes were fierce, his stance unwavering.

Giyu's bravado faltered. "Wh-what are you talking about?" he asked, a hint of hesitation creeping into his voice.

"I am afraid that child is right," came another voice, calm and authoritative. This voice belonged to a new figure stepping onto the demon land. The king of the water kingdom had arrived. Genza.

"Huh? The king of the water kingdom?" Giyu recognized him and immediately bowed. Another figure stepped forward from behind Genza-High Star Commander Nakana Greg.

"Commander Nakana Greg. What an honor," Giyu said loudly, but Greg simply gestured for him to stand.

"You! You are the man who attacked us!" Remeshi pointed at Greg, his voice filled with accusation.

Greg tilted his head, scrutinizing Remeshi. "Oh! You are the evil boy who was with young master Konosa and young mistress Ishoya."

"Who is evil now? You attacked your own young master," Remeshi shot back, his voice steady with righteous anger.

"How dare you! Does that mean young master is here as well? Where is he? What did you do to him?!" Greg's eyes flashed with alarm.

"Ah-Senpai," Remeshi muttered, glancing back at the palace gates. "Youkai. We-no. I need to go back in there."

"Remeshi! I even explained it to you! You can't go in there!" Youkai protested, his voice rising in desperation.

"I have to. My friends are still in there and Ayeta still hasn't explained himself." Remeshi's voice was firm, unyielding.

"Ayeta again? I have been meaning to ask, Remeshi. Do you personally know the young general?" Youkai's eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in.

"I'll explain later. But we are friends," Remeshi admitted.

"Friends? So you fooled me," Youkai growled, raising his hands, his fists clenched in anger.

"Why are all you demons so hot-headed and sensitive?" Grace's voice cut through the tension as she approached, Tadaki by her side.

"Grace? Neomono Grace? Sakura Tadaki as well? Why are you two here?" Youkai's eyes widened in surprise.

"We came to help Ayeta but it seems like that didn't go too well. Now we are standing here so you don't harm that boy over there," Grace replied, pointing at Remeshi.

"Oh. So you are all in this together-"

"We are not. I don't know him but Remeshi, huh? Go. Save Ayeta and your friends if you can. We'll stop Youkai." Grace drew her sword casually, Tadaki mirroring her action, their blades gleaming in the dim light.

"Mere humans," Youkai muttered, his eyes narrowing.

"Typical. All you other species think we humans are useless, huh? We'll see about that," Grace said, a smug look on her face. Remeshi bowed to Tadaki and Grace, gratitude in his eyes.

As he was about to leave, he felt a tight grip on his shoulder. "Take me with you. I need to make sure my son is alright," said Genza, his voice steady and resolute.

Remeshi nodded. "Let's go," he said, determination burning in his eyes. Together, they turned towards the palace.

The trail of bodies leading to the palace chamber increased the Genza's heartbeat. He glanced forward nervously, following Remeshi closely. They reached the chamber at the end of the hallway almost too quickly.

"Konosa? Where are you?" the man called out loudly, his voice thick with worry as he frantically scanned the room upon entering the chamber.

Greg spotted a twitching finger behind the large throne. Without any further delay, Greg found himself speeding towards the throne, with Genza and Remeshi following him on impulse. The sight of the familiar figure covered in blood, wounds on his forehead and limbs, and clothes torn at the seams, brought their hearts to their throats.

"Konosa master!" Greg lifted the boy's head and placed it on his lap. Konosa didn't speak, didn't move, didn't blink-his eyes shone under the light, fixed on Remeshi.

"Senpai..."

"Dude, don't act like I'm dying..." Konosa spoke with uneven breathing.

"SENPAI!" Remeshi almost slid to his side.

"Haha. I'm fine. Greg, I'm fine. You can let go." Greg nodded, holding back his tears and gently helping Konosa sit up.

"What happened?" Genza asked.

"There are things I want to ask you and Greg as well, but I guess that can wait."

Hearing Konosa holding a defensive tone against, Genza felt a sting in his heart.

"Remeshi," Konosa said, his face painted with an undeniable serious expression. "That guy needs help."

"That guy? Ayeta-san?"

"Yes. Ayeta-san is not Ayeta-san anymore."

"What are you saying? What does that mean?" Remeshi asked, frustration gritting his teeth.

"It means he is drowning in emotions and hurting anyone he sees. People who were not a part of this are getting hurt."

Remeshi's eyes widened with realisation, "Where are the others?"

"Must be around somewhere. I got attacked first and immediately lost consciousness. When I came to, I fought him again, but it's all hazy. And now you are here..."

Remeshi stood up, searching the room with wavering hope. There was Fujima, three poles behind, the greatest sword master of all time standing in front of three wounded girls like a concrete shield.

"Sensei Fujima!"

"Remeshi...hah...that boy is gone for good..."

"I'm glad you are fine."

"Sure. But these three..."

Remeshi's eyes met the lying bodies of the girls; their wounds were the least of the harm they had been caused, it seemed.

"A-are they okay?" Remeshi asked.

"Alive. Yes."

"What happened here, Sensei?"

"Ayeta tried to attack her with his magic when Konosa stepped in and deflected it. That was when Ayeta wounded Konosa to the extent that it forced him to fall unconscious. He closed me in a black dome immediately after. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't break it open. By the time I did, it was too late. I could only stop Ayeta from killing them...."

"What has he done..."

Genza stomped towards Remeshi and held him by the collar, lifting him slightly above the tiles. "Listen, you. This is all your responsibility. Because of you, my son is hurt. What will you do now, huh? Still support that demon?"

"Sir, please calm down-"

"Oh, just shut up! He killed his own people! Who's to say we won't be next? Actually, no. He has tried to kill his mates already. Take responsibility for letting such a member in your team and do something already, you stupid Argon."

"Father! Enough! Put him down! Now!" Konosa said, almost screaming.

"Konosa! But-"

"That's enough. None of it is his fault. Put him down." Genza yanked Remeshi away, turning angrily toward Konosa. "You have changed a lot in these years, my child. You are tarnished."

"Again with that bullcrap! When will you stop? I didn't even ask you to come here, and as far as Ayeta and my teammates go, it is none of your concern. You know no shit about them, so better mind your own business."

"Konosa! Don't talk to me like that! I care about you. I knew it was wrong to just let you go away-"

"You're ridiculous, Dad. It's not me who changed, your highness, it's you. When did you recollect your memories of your son? When you realized I was gone? No. You remembered me now, when you need me the most for your selfish reasons."

Hearing the commotion, the girls woke from their painful slumber. "Konosa Senpai..." Oya uttered his name, recognizing his voice in the heated argument.

"Oya-chan! Are you okay?" Remeshi asked immediately, hearing her voice. Her waking stopped the voices from further escalating the bitter conversation. Oya nodded to Remeshi's question.

"And you guys?" he asked, glancing at Remeni and Miyazono. They nodded his way together. Okay was an overstatement, but at least they were alive.

"Such drama," came a new voice. Everyone gathered in the hall turned to see who had spoken.

"Does everyone like sneaking up on us like that..." Remeshi sighed.

The owner of the voice showed herself rather elegantly and unbothered. "Mother?" Oya blurted out, almost terrified at the woman's presence.

"Mother? She's your mother?" Konosa asked, looking at the classy lady in a red slit sleeveless gown. The lady nodded amusingly - Scarlet.

"Dear Oya. My sweet darling. Look what happened to you~ you should have stayed with me, you know. I was so worried."

"Your words still contain your charming venom, I see. And considering you sending your people to annihilate me, I have seen enough of your worries for me."

"Does everyone in my group have parental issues?" Remeshi mumbled.

"Hey! I heard that," Genza muttered in rage at Remeshi.

Seeing Scarlet, Oya was already at a loss for words. When Heiki appeared from behind her, she stood up, pointing her sword at the duo almost instantly. Heiki was Scarlet's right-hand man. Where the queen went, he would follow.

"Heiki," she announced bitterly.

"Oh. Good evening, your highness." He bowed to her mockingly. She bowed back out of habit and courtesy.

"Why are you here?"

"Whatever do you mean, Miss Oya? I and the queen-oh, I mean Mother-are here to save you."

Oya stood with her lips sealed at Heiki's retort. He was trying to get a rise out of her and somewhere in that, he managed come out successful for she was reeling with anger towards them.

"Mother? Is he your brother?" Konosa asked Oya. She shook her head at his question. Konosa tilted his head slightly. "No? But he says-"

"He says whatever he pleases. Heiki was taken in by my mother. We'll talk about it later when our lives are not hanging by a thread," she said before Konosa could lay his words. Konosa nodded slightly, understanding her need for evading the subject for the moment.

Scarlet walked closer to Oya and stroked her hair gently. "Who did this to you? The demon?" Oya nodded her way in utter disgust, yanking her hand away.

"Oh, sweety. Where is that monster now?"

"Mother, I appreciate you coming here. But you dare not call names to my friends."

"Oh wow, look at that. Our Oya has grown so much."

"You have mocked me enough. So you may leave, Mother."

The bitterness didn't stop Scarlet from talking further. "I am quite amused indeed. How you have changed-"

"Miss Scarlet...?" Genza voiced his words her way.

"Oh! Mister Haine? Why are you here?" she asked him in her usual smug tone.

"My son is here. Most importantly, what do you mean 'daughter'? I remember you disowning-"

"Mister. I respect your position and your power. Let's keep it that way."

"Excuse me? Is that a threat?"

"You can take it as one."

"Scarlet-"

"Father!" Konosa yelled. His scream attracted the conversation toward him. "Father, why are you arguing right now? This is not the place and time for that. Remeshi, when I and Ayeta went sword to sword-or, uh, magic to sword, whatever-when we were battling, he was mumbling something about the volcano."

"Volcano?" Remeshi asked.

"Yeah. I bet he went there..."

"Volcano, as in the volcano volcano, or something in the demon language?"

"You should ask Youkai."

"Ah-Youkai... we are not on speaking terms anymore."

"...hm?"

"We were talking well, alright, until he found out I personally know his young general."

"Oh. Shit went down, huh. But we need to ask him either way. Let's go-"

"You are not going anywhere, Konosa!" his father yelled, glaring at the boy. Konosa only sighed bitterly at him and followed Remeshi outside the hall with the girls and Fujima.

"Did that boy just...? Tch."

"Oh, how our children have tainted. Shall we shake hands on this one?" Scarlet smiled amusingly at the man.

"What? What do you mean?" Genza asked then.

"You know. To save our children from that Argon boy."

Genza did not reply to her suggestion but his thoughts did flicker to her idea.

Outside the palace, the battlefield was alive with movement and energy. Grace skidded against the ground, her breathing heavy and her body aching from the relentless onslaught. Youkai was indeed a demon, an unstoppable force who countered her every move with brutal precision. Each time Grace managed to land a strike, Youkai would retaliate with triple the intensity. Tadaki, her companion, remained solely on the defensive, her focus unwavering.

"Tadaki-chan, we'll never win if you don't go on the offense like now," Grace said, awkwardly smiling at her companion, her voice tinged with frustration and desperation.

Youkai's eyes narrowed as he observed the exchange. "What makes you think her sword will help you win?" he asked, his voice a cold, calculating whisper.

Grace didn't reply to his sudden question. Instead, she focused on the next move, readying herself. But Youkai was faster. He raised his right arm, and a shot of black ray hurtled towards Grace. She ducked, the ray passing over her head, only to deflect and follow her path. It seemed determined to land a hit on her.

"What the heck! Is a ray of light following me?" Grace exclaimed, her movements becoming more frantic.

Tadaki, seeing her friend in danger, sliced through the black ray as soon as Grace ducked. But instead of dissipating, the ray broke into two separate entities, both now chasing Grace with relentless precision.

"It's locked on you," Youkai said, a hint of amusement in his voice. He glanced over at the palace gates. "You don't understand. I'm doing it for that boy Remeshi's good when I say he shouldn't go in there. But now it's strictly because he lied to me. Knowing General Ayeta is not a thing to be proud of. It basically means you are here to harm him-"

"Do you have to assume everything?" Grace retorted, her frustration boiling over.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Remeshi? I thought you were in the palace?" Youkai asked, surprise evident in his tone as Remeshi appeared before him.

"I was, Youkai, and I found my friends," Remeshi replied, his voice steady but tinged with urgency.

"I see. They don't look very good," Youkai said, glancing at the figures limping behind Remeshi.

"I know. So where is this Volcano?" Remeshi asked, his eyes locked on Youkai.

"Volcano? You know about that as well?" Youkai's surprise deepened, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Hah... I don't have all day to explain. So it's not a normal volcano, huh. Where is it?" Remeshi pressed, his patience wearing thin.

"I am never telling about it to the likes of you," Youkai replied defiantly, his stance firm.

"Youkai. One way or the other, I will find that thing. And I know you know that. Let's cut each other the hard work. Where is it?" Remeshi's voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of desperation.

Youkai remained silent, his eyes filled with internal conflict.

"Youkai?" Remeshi pressed again, his worry growing.

Youkai shook his head, his hands moving almost involuntarily. Shots of purple clouds formed above them, swirling ominously. "Hey... those clouds... seen them before..." Konosa said, his voice trailing off in realization.

The clouds burst into smoky purple hands, heading straight for Remeshi and his friends. Fujima leaped into action, jumping over the hands and slicing them apart. But instead of being defeated, each part of the sliced smoky figure grew another half-one smoky hand turned into two, each as menacing as the original.

He gritted his teeth in frustration, realizing the futility of slicing through them.

"Tch. There's no use slicing them," Fujima muttered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of battle.

The hands circled menacingly in the air, then surged forward again, targeting the beleaguered group. The defenders had no choice but to dodge and deflect the attacks, constantly moving to stay ahead of the relentless onslaught. Jumping, ducking, and weaving, they dared not use their swords directly on the magic, knowing it would only worsen the situation.

Youkai stood at a distance, his head shaking in denial, tears streaming down his face. This sight troubled Grace. "What are you crying your eyes out for? Are you guilty now that your magic is out of control?" she called out, frustration lacing her voice.

Youkai shook his head again, this time pointing with his eyes to warn Grace about a smoky hand approaching from behind her. She reacted instantly, jumping over it and landing next to Remeshi.

"What is wrong with that dude?" she asked Remeshi, her voice edged with exasperation.

Remeshi shrugged, moving away from the hands. The confined space made their defensive maneuvers difficult, the hands leaving them little room to breathe, let alone plan a counter-attack.

"Youkai! Can you please stop!" Konosa yelled, his voice echoing through the chaos.

Youkai didn't respond verbally. He continued shaking his head, his tear-filled eyes darting around, pointing out the locations of the smoky hands when he could. His actions seemed contradictory, almost as if he was helping them despite being the source of their predicament.

"I don't get it. He cast it, and he's helping us?" Miyazono observed, her voice tinged with confusion.

"Is that help? He can simply undo the spell, yeah?" Remeni retorted with venomous sarcasm. Oya nodded in agreement, understanding the sentiment all too well.

Fujima continued to fend off the attacks with unmatched skill. Yet, even he was beginning to tire. The constant jumping and saving were taking their toll. Finally, he snapped. "What? Is this not your doing?" he yelled at Youkai, his voice sharp and demanding, cutting through the noise like a blade.

The sudden outburst stunned the group. Fujima's yell was filled with a chilling intensity that sent shivers down their spines.

"For a human, he sure has his own traits, don't you think?" Konosa said to Remeshi, who nodded awkwardly.

Youkai's response was frantic. He nodded furiously to Fujima's question. "You didn't cast it?" Fujima asked again, and Youkai nodded once more.

"What? How is that-what is going on?" Fujima's frustration was palpable. His teeth gritted so hard that he could feel the strain on his enamel, yet he did nothing to conceal his newfound anger at Youkai.

"Gaaahhh!"

The agonized cry pierced through the air, drawing Fujima's attention in an instant. He spun around, his heart pounding with urgency. There they were-a horde of demons, their forms materializing out of the ominous purple clouds that hung heavily in the air. The demons were a motley assortment-lax demons with their sluggish movements, neon demons emitting an eerie glow, armored demons clanking as they moved, and a handful of Onasaka, their hands weaving complex spells that crackled with dark energy.

"What the-"

Fujima's words trailed off as he rushed to Oya's side, his eyes widening in horror at the sight of her injuries. Her back was a mess of blackened burns, and thick, dark blood was streaming down, soaking into her red skirt and darkening it further. With a swift motion, Fujima deflected a barrage of magical attacks aimed at them, buying enough time for the team to lay Oya down and regroup for the impending battle.

"What happened?" Fujima demanded, his voice tight with concern and fury as he parried another spell.

"They just popped up and created those stupid purple clouds," Konosa replied, his voice edged with frustration and fear.

Fujima glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. The number of demons was steadily increasing, their sinister presence growing more oppressive by the second. He knew that if he were alone, he could find a way to escape, but with his students depending on him, fleeing was not an option. He had to ensure their safety, no matter the cost.

"Listen, students," Fujima began, his voice firm and commanding. Just then, Tadaki and Grace appeared at his side, their faces pale but determined. "Tadaki? Grace?" he muttered, momentarily taken aback by their unexpected presence. Seeing them confused him, but he quickly pushed aside his questions. This was neither the time nor the place for answers. Survival was the priority.

Fujima took a deep breath, his mind racing as he formulated a plan amidst the chaos of battle. He continued to fend off the onslaught of magic, his sword moving in a blur of steel. "All you have to do is follow me. I'll clear the path in front-where most of the attacks are coming from." His voice was steady, projecting a confidence he hoped would bolster his students' resolve. "And if there are attacks from the sides or the back, you'll have to handle them. There won't be many, so I'll be trusting you with this."

Konosa felt a sting of pride at Fujima's words. As a royal, he was used to leading, not following. The fact that he couldn't safely lead them out gnawed at him, but he knew now was not the time to let pride get in the way. Gritting his teeth, he spat out his frustration and nodded in agreement, alongside the others.

With a final nod, Fujima flipped forward, his movements fluid and precise. His sword deflected incoming attacks-hands, clouds, rays, and smoke-creating a narrow path for them to advance. Konosa, Tadaki, Grace, and the others followed closely, their eyes sharp and their senses heightened. Each step forward was a calculated risk.

Fujima could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him as he expertly sliced through the encroaching magic. He didn't cut directly into it; he only cleared a narrow path around the sinister force to create a safe passage for them to advance. The stakes were too high to risk obliterating the magic completely. He was responsible for the lives of his students, including Tadaki and Grace, and he had never engaged demons at such close quarters before. He knew too little about how to eradicate the magic entirely or the potential repercussions of severing the smoky hands they had already encountered.

As they pressed forward, attacks surged from their left. Remeshi, with his swift reflexes, managed to deflect them with deft movements. Behind them, Konosa and the girls were holding the rear, fending off assaults with fierce determination. Tadaki and Grace were on the right flank, their coordination a testament to their rigorous training. Even Miyazono was in full swing, a level of intensity she hadn't displayed since her desperate battle against the demons in the palace when she was captured. The king they faced then wasn't exceptionally strong; he could be defeated with a bit of cunning. However, her escape from his clutches had emboldened her, fueling her resolve to fight on.

Miyazono saw a ray of magic slicing through the air towards them from behind. With a swift motion, she swung her sword to deflect its path, but in the rush, she accidentally cut through the ray instead. To her horror, it duplicated, and now two rays were locked onto her. Oya, Remeshi, and Konosa noticed her plight, but they were too preoccupied and too far ahead to assist.

"Fight it!" Konosa called out, his voice tinged with urgency. It was all he could do for her at that moment.

Miyazono sprinted after her comrades, desperate to outrun the twin rays. Her heart pounded as the rays gained on her with every second. Their speed was unmatched, and despite her training, she couldn't shake them off. It wasn't a matter of their speed; they were faster than any normal human, but the magic was too powerful.

No one in their country had ever faced so many demons in such close combat, and they were barely holding their ground. It was a defensive struggle, pure and simple. As the rays neared, ready to strike, Miyazono's life flashed before her eyes, a rapid montage of memories. "Huh... is this how Miyazono ends?" she thought, despairing as she ran behind her team, her master, her new friends.

"Not yet."

A voice echoed in her ears. Suddenly, the rays were swept away by a powerful gust of wind. Before her stood the majestic figure of the Queen of the Wind Kingdom, Konosa's mother, Asaki, floating on a cloud. Konosa, though confused, felt a wave of relief seeing his mother save Miyazono. But his relief was short-lived as he noticed a faint figure behind his mother: Ishoya.

Miyazono, still panting from her escape, glanced at the regal figure with awe and gratitude. Asaki's presence was both comforting and formidable.

"Sister?!" Konosa exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and relief.

"Little bro~ I send you to study, not to engage in wars like this, you know," Ishoya responded playfully.

"Easy for you to say, standing on that flying cloud of yours," he retorted, his tone carrying a hint of envy.

Remeshi could hear the conversation, as could Fujima and the others. A sense of relief washed over them, evident from the faint smiles that formed on their face. Asaki, standing atop her white, pearl-shining cloud, leaped gracefully to the ground, landing beside Remeshi and matching his pace. She moved with an ethereal grace, her white-winged robe fluttering around her. The robe, a traditional piece of clothing worn by females with their kimonos, symbolized royalty or deities, and stretched long across both her arms.

"Miss... uh..." Remeshi began, struggling to find the right words.

"Call me mom if you like," she said with a warm smile.

"Oh! Okay..." he replied, slightly taken aback.

"I have heard about you from my daughter. You are very interesting, huh?" she continued.

Remeshi didn't reply. Instead, he immediately raised his sword towards her.

"Uh... what are you doing!" Konosa screamed from the back, his voice filled with panic.

Remeshi smiled at Asaki and took her hand. In one swift motion, he jumped high, bringing her with him. They swirled through the air as Remeshi deflected a ray aimed at them, holding his sword in his mouth. With the queen in his arms, he landed cleanly on the ground, putting her down quickly and gently before continuing to run.

"Th-thank you," Asaki fumbled, catching her breath.

"A-ah! Hey! Here! Help us!" Giyu's voice called out from behind a debris pile. He was waving his hands frantically.

Fujima spotted him and deviated from his path, running towards Giyu.

"What the-he didn't leave?" Greg asked irritably, glaring at Remeshi.

Remeshi sighed, not bothering to reply. They all followed Fujima behind the debris.

"Commander Giyu. I thought I had asked you to leave," Remeshi said, his tone sharp.

"Don't think so highly of yourself, kid. Do you think I don't want to leave? Suddenly, the entire demon race attacked us. It took everything we had to stay away from them as we hid here," Giyu explained, his voice tinged with frustration.

"You need a way to go back, huh. Will you be able to keep up with us?" Fujima asked, concern evident in his voice.

Giyu nodded, though he seemed unsure of himself. The military squad quietly dispatched from behind the debris and out into the open, where the queen, Greg, Tadaki, and Grace were waiting. They maintained their momentum, following their strategy as they made it to the forest.

"It will be hard to know where the attacks will come from in a forest like this," Konosa said, scanning their surroundings warily.

"And mother and Heiki are still in the palace..." Oya mentioned, worry creeping into her voice.

"We have to save Ayeta as well," Miyazono voiced, determination in her eyes.

Fujima looked around for the portal they had used to enter the land. "I don't see it. Remeshi-kun. Can you find it again?"

"Oh... uhm... one second, Master," Remeshi responded, focusing his energy.

He scanned the area and walked past one of the trees. Stopping in front of it, he placed his right palm on the trunk. The same purple portal reappeared, swirling with energy.

"Ah! Is that boy a demon as well?" Giyu shuddered, stepping back.

Fujima shrugged, "Go. Warn all the citizens of what is coming their way." He then walked closer to Giyu and whispered in his ear, "And dare you mention Ayeta-kun's name. If you do, your head will be in my closet for all I care."

Giyu blinked in shock, unable to respond. Fujima patted his shoulder, adding, "Save the citizens as a military commander should do."

The entire squad exited through the portal, taking a stunned Giyu with them. The portal closed with a soft whoosh.

"We still don't know what this Volcano is..." Konosa said, her voice trailing off.

"Since we are here," began Asaki, looking at Remeshi, "we'll deal with those demons. And you and your friends can go save Ayeta-san."

"That will be too dangerous, mother-" Konosa started to protest.

"Konosa Sakado. Is that what your father taught you? That man. Dangers are the fun in life, darling," Asaki interrupted, smiling beautifully.

"And your friend is such a gentleman," she added, glancing at Remeshi. "You know, my daughter is still single. I wouldn't mind if you start liking her."

"MOM!" Ishoya stomped her feet in embarrassment, her face turning crimson.

Haha. A certain someone wouldn't like that proposal, mother, Konosa thought, smiling to himself.

"Heh," Remeshi chuckled, amused by the exchange.

Fujima nodded, looking at Tadaki and Grace. They nodded back in agreement.

"The queen is right. Let's split up here," Grace said, taking charge.

"I," Fujima began, "will stay with them. You guys go ahead and find out where Ayeta-kun left for."

The team nodded and sprinted out of the forest, skillfully dodging the demons. Fujima and the rest stayed behind, ready to fend off any magical attacks aimed at Remeshi and his team.

The forest echoed with the sounds of their footsteps and the distant roars of demons, but their resolve was unwavering. They had a mission, and nothing would stand in their way.

***

[Same time. Second demon kingdom]-❤️

Neesh stood quietly, the tension in the room palpable. The air was thick with the stench of blood, and the oppressive silence bore down on everyone present.

Neesh's silence spoke volumes.

"Sainan Shi-" Fei began hesitantly.

"Don't. Call me that," Neesh interrupted sharply, his voice a cold blade cutting through the silence.

"Yes... highness..." Fei replied, his voice a mere whisper.

Fei and Neesh stood in front of a pool of blood that had once been the wiser, and the dead body with an exploded head that was Jishi's. The scene was grim, a testament to the brutality that had just unfolded.

"What... he... huh... that..." Tatsu fumbled for words, his mind reeling from the carnage before him. The king plopped back on his chair, his legs giving out as if surrendering to the horror of the scene.

"Hey, you," a voice emerged from the shadows, startling Fei. He shuddered at the sound, recalling the last time such a voice had heralded the deaths of two people. Swiftly, he turned to face the owner of the voice, his fists clenched and ready for a fight. When he saw a familiar figure, his tension eased, and his fists relaxed.

"Oh, it's you," Tatsu recognized the newcomer. It was Remeshi, someone Tatsu had encountered before. Remeshi's friends were outside the palace, fending off the other demons who had managed to follow them despite Fujima and the others' intervention.

"What do you want?" Tatsu asked, his tone wary.

"Where is this Volcano?" Remeshi demanded.

"Volcano? Why do you care?" Tatsu's suspicion deepened.

"Can you just reply? It's already been a hell lot of time," Remeshi's impatience was clear.

"What? Why would you-" Tatsu started but was cut off.

"Dude, you don't know where it is? Alright, next. You. Where is it?" Remeshi turned his attention to Neesh, pointing at him.

"Did Ayeta go there?" Neesh asked, his voice betraying a flicker of concern.

"Where is it," Remeshi insisted, his tone brooking no argument.

A tense silence followed. Finally, Neesh sighed.

"Fine. I'll tell you. Volcano is the name of a spell-bound river."

"A river?" Remeshi repeated, puzzled.

"Yeah. When a demon with high status activates it with a particular spell, the entire world will fall under his command," Neesh explained.

"What?" Remeshi's disbelief was evident.

"Hmm. They'll do whatever the demon wishes, but to use the spell to activate it is nearly impossible. Our ancestors from the Nijma clan even died trying to activate that spell."

"Why did they want to use Volcano?" Remeshi inquired, curiosity mingled with concern.

"There was a war going on. They planned on saving demons by commanding the intruders to leave, but that spell is impossible to cast, like I said."

"What is this spell called?" Remeshi asked.

"Uhm... Spectre, I guess. That's why he began with Blood Arc, so he could easily cast any spells out there, but I think it will still be hard..."

"Spectre- Gaah!" Remeshi suddenly cried out in pain, clutching his chest.

"Huh? What happened to you?" Neesh asked, alarmed.

"Ugh... argh..." Remeshi groaned, his eyes beginning to glow with an eerie black light. His scream echoed through the palace, reaching the ears of those outside.

"Remeshi? Wasn't that his voice?" Konosa asked, his face paling with worry. Oya nodded, adrenaline surging through them as they pushed through the demons with renewed vigor. They rushed into the palace hall, slamming the huge door shut behind them.

"It's not like they can't open that door, you know," Miyazono remarked, following her friends down the hallway.

"Oh yeah, they can open the door alright. So let's run like hell," Remeni replied, urgency in her voice. They sprinted down the hallway and into the chamber.

"REMESHI!" Konosa screamed when she saw him on the floor, surrounded by Neesh, Tatsu, and the king. "What did you do to him?!"

"Hey, why do you think I did something?" Neesh responded, bitterness in his voice.

"Oh, what a question," Konosa spat, glaring at him.

"Fine. Ugh. But, believe it or not, I did nothing. Your friend just dropped on the floor," Neesh defended himself.

"What?" Konosa pulled Remeshi up to his feet, holding him by the shoulders. "Remeshi? What happened?"

"No... nothing... I am fine now." Remeshi patted Konosa's shoulder before letting go. "I need to go to the river, wherever it is. Where is it?" Remeshi asked Neesh again.

"I don't know... I mean, I know and I don't know..." Neesh replied, confusion in his eyes.

"What?" Remeshi was growing impatient.

"Look. We demons have the map to the river stuck in our heads, but we can't really say the way out loud," Neesh explained.

"Oh. Then put it in my head or something," Remeshi suggested, frustration creeping into his voice.

"Huh? Are you insane? When I told your friend I didn't hurt you, he didn't believe me. If I kill you in front of him, I'd be less of a person and more of soaked minced meat," Neesh replied, incredulous.

"How will that kill me? Just use your magic on me," Remeshi insisted.

Neesh sighed, walking closer to Remeshi. He placed his hand on Remeshi's head. Lightning crackled around them, illuminating the room with a fierce glow.

"Huh...? It's... done..." Neesh said, pulling his hand back.

"Nice. I do feel a bit of déjà vu thinking of Volcano." Remeshi nodded at Konosa, then dashed out of the hall with renewed purpose.

Konosa, Neesh, and the others watched him go, the air still charged with the energy of the spell. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Remeshi's resolve was unwavering. The quest to stop the activation of the Volcano spell had become more urgent than ever.

[Location: demon land
Exact location: unknown
Same time
Date: calender followed unknown]-❤️

Remeshi finally reached the ominous location known as the Volcano. The heat was unbearable, and the air crackled with dark energy. In the distance, he saw a lone figure standing at the edge of the lava river. It was Ayeta.

"Ayeta-san. Calm down. Let's talk, yeah?" Remeshi called out, his voice echoing across the molten landscape.

Ayeta turned, his expression twisted with anger and frustration. "Re... Remeshi? Again? Why? Don't you think I don't want to see you and that's why I asked that stupid Youkai to take you away?"

"Ayeta-san-"

"You are all the same," Ayeta spat, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light.

Remeshi paused, allowing Ayeta to vent his rage. "You only came here because you found out you'll be in danger."

Remeshi stood silently, his face a mask of calm.

"Because you want to save the other species. Because you want to save yourself."

Ayeta's words hung heavy in the air, each accusation a dagger aimed at Remeshi's heart.

"Your 'because' are all things you think. Talk to me, Ayeta-san. The solution for everything is not killing," Remeshi finally replied, his tone steady and sincere.

"Oh really? You know how demons survived up until now?" Ayeta's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"By using the Volcano?" Remeshi guessed.

"You knew?"

"Lucky guess."

"You... are sometimes too dangerous... Remeshi."

"Remeshi again..?"

"What? ...you are only an Argon. Why do you always know so much?" Ayeta raised his hand, and smoky purple tendrils formed around Remeshi, attempting to restrain him.

Remeshi unsheathed his sword and began climbing over the spectral hands, heading straight for Ayeta with lightning speed. Ayeta watched, unimpressed. Dark, shimmering walls rose from the ground, blocking Remeshi's path. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding a collision.

"Heh... just how much can you do with your magic?" Remeshi muttered, sweat beading on his forehead as he assessed the barrier.

I don't think I can win against someone like him... how do I even win this battle? This fight's insane! How about my rights as an amnesic protagonist?, he thought, desperately seeking a strategy.

Remeshi charged again, his sword flashing as he swung it around, trying to cut through the walls. The walls constricted, boxing him in.

"Don't make me do this, Remeshi," Ayeta warned.

"Re-chan."

"What...?"

"That's what you called me before all this crap began." Ayeta remained silent as Remeshi continued.

"What's changed, Ayeta-san? Because your people betrayed you? Because you are a demon people would rather capture? Because you are someone they don't accept?"

"Your 'because' are what you think."

"I'm thinking right, aren't I?"

The walls began closing in on Remeshi, forcing him to act quickly.

"Fine. If it's a battle that you want, a battle is what you'll get." He leaped over the walls, aiming for Ayeta. Ayeta floated away, dodging Remeshi's strikes with ease. The walls continued to rise and fall, responding to Ayeta's will.

Back in the human world, chaos erupted as a purple portal opened, releasing demons into the realm. Humans screamed and fled, seeking shelter. Other species braced themselves for battle, the air thick with tension and fear.

"I can't get close...." Remeshi mumbled, struggling against Ayeta's relentless attacks. "Hey dude! Be a little nice to me!" he shouted.

"What? Why are you talking like that?" Ayeta asked, momentarily thrown off by the change in tone.

"What do you mean, mate? What do ye think I'm sayin'?" Remeshi replied, his voice adopting a strange accent.

"What the heck? Stop talking like that."

"Talkin' like what, mate?"

"....are you okay, Re-chan...?"

"Re-chan? I ain't no Re-chan. I am Remeshi! God of mist and harvest."

"What..?"

"Mere Demon. You know where the human land is? I have some business, ye see."

"....did you... regain your memories..? This is so weird."

Smoke formed between Ayeta and Remeshi, obscuring Ayeta's vision. Before he could react, he found himself pinned to the floor with Remeshi's sword at his neck. Remeshi straddled Ayeta, his expression intense.

"You. You tricked me..?"

"You got tricked."

"Re-ch-Remeshi. How dare you use your stupid plans to get to me."

"Doesn't it show that you still care?"

"About what?"

"Me. About me."

"You are delusional. What makes you think so highly of yourself?"

"You. You make me think I'm some kind of lord."

"What?"

"The way I spoke differently didn't trigger your anger or anything. All you thought of was, 'Maybe this is what Remeshi is. This is what he sounds like.' Isn't that how you thought?" In saying so Remeshi wasn't wrong, for Ayeta knew that he didn't mean confuse the fact that Remeshi had a different accent compared to all that he knew, all he could think of was being slightly relieved that his memories had returned.

"Ayeta-san. You are a huge idiot."

"Excuse me?"

"Won't you use your magic? Immobilized hands don't stop you from that, right?" Ayeta gritted in intense uncertainty, his heart stung with a needle of guilt.

"Accept it. Some part of you wants to let go of this madness-"

"You are wrong." Remeshi's eyebrows knitted together at Ayeta's words.

"At this very moment, outside this demon world, the human realm, the underworld, the water kingdom, and even the other kingdoms like the Spring Descendant Land are being trampled over by demons. My demons-"

"Don't tell me you believe that."

"What?"

"I just needed a single moment to realize what was going on, Ayeta-san. Back in the other realms, the people all should be warned and armed by now and your demons are not really strong outside this realm, isn't it?"

"You scare me, Remeshi."

"Am I right?"

"As always."

"It's because you have used vast magic to control them even outside this realm that their strength is compromised?" Remeshi's exact speculations put Ayeta in a tight spot.

"What is it? Am I right?"

"Yes..."

"You are not an all-powerful demon, Ayeta-san-"

"I know. But you are too late." Hearing Ayeta say as much, there was nothing more but morbid confusion and panic in Remeshi's eyes.

He looked around as the sound of what seemed to resemble boiling water emerged in his ears. The lava river-the Volcano-was erupting. Molten tides rose and surged towards Ayeta. Remeshi was forced to jump back from the intense heat, watching in horror as Ayeta was engulfed by the orange tides.

"AYETA!" Remeshi screamed, his voice raw with desperation. The tides of lava tore at Ayeta, drawing blood from wounds that appeared instantly from the river's corrosive force. "AYETA! WAIT! STOP!"

"I'll end everything, Remeshi-everyone and then the world can start again... without betrayals..." Ayeta's voice was weak, but filled with a chilling resolve.

"Ayeta-san!!! Don't do this!!! Listen to me!!! You don't have to go that far!! Let's be calm, yeah? Please Ayeta!!" Remeshi pleaded, fighting against the overpowering tides with his sword, but the molten river was too strong.

Ayeta's figure began to blur and fade within the surging lava, his final words lost to the roar of the Volcano. Remeshi watched, helpless, as his friend was consumed by his own madness and the unstoppable force of the Volcano's eruption.

Back in the heart of the forest, the atmosphere was tense. The demons within the realm had grown stronger with the recent emergence of the volcano, their power seemingly tied to the violent eruption. The ground beneath their feet trembled with the infernal energy of the underworld, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of mana and the roars of the enraged beasts.

"We can't fight them. We'll get killed! Let's leave!" Ishoya's voice trembled with urgency, her eyes darting around the circle of defenders.

"I am barely holding myself as well," Grace responded, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tadaki nodded, her face a mask of concentration as she held off the relentless attacks from the demons. They were standing in a tight circle, their defensive magic barely holding against the onslaught. The shimmering barrier around them flickered with each blow, a thin line of protection that could shatter at any moment.

"Mother," Ishoya began, turning to Asaki. "Let's leave here."

"What about your brother, sweetheart?" her mother asked, concern etched on her face.

"We'll take him, of course. That boy can whine for all I care, but demons are the strongest species for a reason." Ishoya's voice was firm, her resolve clear.

"Hmm...then shall we, Mister Sento?" The Queen's gaze shifted to Fujima. He sighed, the weight of their predicament pressing heavily on his shoulders. Maybe retreating was the best option right now, but some part of him still wanted to stay and help Ayeta.

"Let's leave, Sensei," Grace urged. Fujima finally nodded in agreement.

"But... how?" Tadaki's voice was strained with exhaustion and fear. They were surrounded by demons-not many, perhaps five or six, but each one was a formidable opponent.

"Let's just run like hell until we see a glowing purple light," Ishoya suggested.

"Glowing purple light? Where?" Grace asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"Remeshi had told me earlier..."

---

### Flashback ###

Before the group was split, Ishoya had a brief but crucial conversation with Remeshi.

"I will stay back with them." When Fujima was discussing plans with the others, Remeshi called Ishoya aside.

"Oneesama-"

"Ishoya. Just Ishoya does it," she interrupted, smiling.

"Haha... that'll take some time," Remeshi replied with a slight chuckle.

"Uh-huh~ so, what is it?" Ishoya asked, curious.

"There is something you should know for when you get into major trouble," Remeshi began, his tone serious.

"Hmm? Major trouble? Like what?"

"Like almost getting crushed by those demons."

"That's... a little extreme," Ishoya said, raising an eyebrow.

"Sure is. Trust me. It. Will. Happen."

"We'll die...?"

"Not if you listen to me."

"What would your words be?" Ishoya asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You know that I can find the portal, right?"

"As an Argon should," Ishoya concluded.

"Maybe so. But there is a way you can find it as well," Remeshi revealed.

"How come?" she asked, intrigued.

"Just look for a glowing purple light," he said simply.

"That doesn't sound very reassuring," Ishoya replied, skeptical.

"Trust me. Just run deep into this forest. As deep as you can, until the wind around gets so thick you can't breathe, and then look to your right."

"What...? That's so..." Ishoya started, but Remeshi cut her off.

"Ishoya."

"Y- yes?"

"I trust you to run away with the master, your mother, and the others, including my team, when they are in trouble."

"And you? You want to be the hero like in a comic, huh?"

"Not a hero. But... maybe," he said with a faint smile.

"So we leave you and go," Ishoya said, understanding dawning on her.

"I'm sure I'll be there by then as well."

"What? Really?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes. Really."

---

### Present ###

"Konosa! Let's go!" Ishoya's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

"Sister? How are you here?" Konosa asked, his surprise evident.

"Don't question me. Let's go. This place is too dangerous."

Konosa hesitated, thoughts racing through his mind. But before he could reply, Ishoya grabbed his hand and started running. They sprinted across the kingdom, leaving the chaos behind them. The demons roared in fury, but their cries faded as the siblings dashed through the dense forest along with the others.

As they reached the familiar part of the forest where they had entered, Ishoya looked back one last time, her heart heavy with worry. "My... I mean... where is the Dragon Rider Queen?" Oya asked, breathless.

"Yeah. She is here," Konosa replied, nodding towards a figure emerging from the shadows.

Ishoya's eyes scanned the darkness, hoping against hope that Remeshi would appear. The forest was silent except for the distant growls of the demons. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever came next. They had made it this far; now she had to trust in Remeshi's words and find the glowing purple light that would lead them to safety.