Three days after the battle in the Nightshade Garden, Yui stood once again in the blackstone arena—bruised but determined.
Azazel stood across from her, arms folded, his obsidian cloak fluttering in a wind that didn't exist. His silver eyes glittered in the shadows.
"You've spared an assassin," he said, circling her. "Now show me you're strong enough to protect yourself from her."
Yui nodded. "Let's go."
The system flickered:
> [Daily Trial Unlocked: Demon King's Training – Tier II]
Objective: Land a successful strike on Azazel
Reward: Unlock New Combat Skill
Time Limit: 10 minutes
Easy to say, Yui thought, except Azazel moves like a nightmare.
He vanished—then reappeared behind her.
"Too slow."
She barely ducked as a blast of dark energy shattered the air beside her.
Yui rolled, then surged forward. "Shadowstep!"
She blinked behind him and swung her training blade—only for Azazel to catch it with two fingers.
"Better," he said—and kicked her across the arena.
> [Health -15%]
[Stamina Critical]
Yui forced herself to stand.
Her hands were shaking, body screaming—but her mind burned brighter than ever.
I need something more. I need… power.
> Skill Resonance Detected…
You have withstood pressure from a Tier-SS entity.
Syncing soul-bond magic…
New Skill Unlocked: Pact Flame (Rank I)
Channel demon energy into a focused spell
Base Damage: 40 + Intelligence
Side Effect: Drains 10% of HP
Unlock Condition: Endurance, Defiance, and Blood.
Yui's hands began to glow—crimson-red fire laced with black.
Azazel tilted his head. "You've awakened that one?"
The flames around her flared—wild, violent, untamed.
Yui raised her hand, heart pounding. "Pact Flame!"
A lance of demonic fire shot from her palm—Azazel raised a shield to block it, and even then, the sheer force pushed him back half a step.
A long moment passed.
Then he smiled.
"That," he said, "was a real spell."
> [Challenge Complete – You struck Azazel.]
XP +120
Pact Flame Mastery: 7%
Azazel Affection +2 (Mild Respect)
---
Later That Night
Yui collapsed onto her bed, her arms sore, her mana drained.
> Level 3 Reached
Skill Tree Updated: Pact Flame (Upgradeable)
Next Skill Unlock: Command Voice – Sync 15% with Azazel
And as she drifted off to sleep…
A voice echoed in her mind.
Familiar. Ancient.
> "Daughter of flame... do you truly believe you can change fate?"
She jolted awake.
That… wasn't Azazel.