World Slayers

by SoImAWriterSoWhat

With the disappearance of Fairy Tail's strongest members, there has been an increase in the activity of criminals and dark guilds, however the legal guilds can't keep up with this wave of evil, so the Magic Council decides to resort to one of their secret weapons: World Slayers, a secret guild composed entirely of mages with a form of Slayer Magic! [ SLAYER SYOC - CLOSED ]

8. Demons, Sins and walks!

"Slayers!" - Talking

'Slayers!' - Thinking

"Slayers!" - Communication via Lacrima / Telepathy

"SLAYERS!" - Screaming

"Slayer Attack!" - Spells

Slash! - Sound Effect

[ Here / Now ] - Place / Time

Chapter 8: Demons, Sins and walks!

[ Lily Town / 29th July X786 ]

The deep roar shook the air like distant thunder as the monstrous figure of the green demon emerged from the shadows of a small grove near the port, surrounded by looming buildings. The area, though modest in size, felt suffocating as the creature's presence corrupted the air itself. The trees around him bent under the weight of a caustic substance dripping from his claws, burning everything it touched. His grotesque limbs were sinuous yet powerful, his body covered in an epidermis that seemed to be a mix of scales, rotten flesh and solidified venom. His several eyes, glowing pools of intense red, were fixed on Carolina with a hatred that seemed to burn hotter than the acid itself.

"You're quite a sight, I must say." Carolina hissed, not hiding a provocative smile. She sincerely doubted that the thing could be provoked or even understood her words, but she might as well try "But let's see if you can fight or if you're just here for show."

Her voice was laced with mockery as she gathered a handful of black sand in her hands, which began to shimmer around her fingers.

The green demon responded with a piercing screech and moved with surprising speed, launching a jet of venom toward her. Carolina deftly dodged to the side, leaving behind a black cloud: "Desert God's Ash!" she shouted. The cloud enveloped the area, obstructing the demon's vision.

"Let's see how you do without those glowing eyes," she murmured, sinking into the ground. Her body disintegrated into dark grains of sand, moving beneath the surface to reappear behind her enemy. With a swift motion, she used her Desert God's Seth, creating a scythe of black sand with which she attempted to strike the demon's exposed side.

But the creature, despite being blinded, moved with animalistic reflexes. It blocked the strike with a sweep of one of his many arms, spraying acid in every direction. Carolina retreated with a leap, her eyes narrowed and calculating as she observed the contaminated ground.

Suddenly, the demon leapt high into the canopy of the grove, disappearing among the trees. Carolina's eyes darted upward as she cursed under her breath.

"Hiding now? Coward!" she taunted, though her body remained tense, ready to react. After all, she was used to many desert creatures camouflaging or hiding before attacking, hoping to catch her by surprise.

The faint rustling of leaves above was her only warning before a hail of venomous darts rained down.

Carolina darted to the side, summoning a swirling barrier of black sand to shield herself. Several darts melted into the protective black grains, but the onslaught continued, forcing her to stay on the defensive. She gritted her teeth as the demon began spitting streams of acid from above, each strike sizzling against the ground and trees.

"Alright, you want to play distance? Let's play." she growled. Carolina thrust her hands outward, dispersing her shield in all directions "Desert God's Sand Bullet!" she cried, firing rapid projectiles into the treetops.

The sharp cracks of bark shattering and the demon's screeches echoed through the grove, but it was not enough to dislodge the creature.

The demon suddenly swung from branch to branch, keeping its movements erratic. Its claws raked against the trees, sending acidic splinters flying toward Carolina. One shard grazed her cheek, the sting sharp enough to make her wince.

"Tch." she muttered, wiping the small cut with the back of her hand.

Her eyes burned with renewed fury. "That's it. Come down here and fight, you overgrown spider!" she yelled, raising her hands to gather more sand. She focused on the shifting terrain beneath her feet, grinning as an idea sparked in her mind.

Using Desert God's Psamathe again, Carolina sank into the ground, her form blending seamlessly with the sand. The demon paused above, its head tilting as if confused. Seconds later, the earth below exploded in a surge of black sand. Carolina reemerged directly beneath the demon, her arm sweeping in a wide arc.

"Desert God's Seth!" the scythe-like blade sliced through the branches, sending the demon crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.

After getting up immediately, the demon let out another screech and lunged forward, claws slashing violently at Carolina. She dodged one swipe, ducked under another, and spun away, keeping her distance. The acidic spray from its claws splashed against a nearby trunk, reducing it to a smoking stump.

Carolina clicked her tongue "You're going to ruin my boots at this rate, you oversized spider." and she couldn't afford it, those boots were too expensive!

She extended her hands toward the ground, gathering more sand into swirling masses. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled them forward. "Desert God's Sand Bullet!" she yelled, firing a barrage of black sand projectiles toward the demon's face. Several hit its eyes, eliciting a roar of pain. Carolina grinned wildly "Now you're mine!"

The demon staggered back but quickly retaliated, slamming its claws into the ground and causing a pool of acid to spread outward. Carolina jumped onto a nearby boulder, narrowly avoiding the bubbling liquid. The fumes stung her eyes and nose, but she didn't flinch.

Suddenly, the demon whipped one of his longer arms, catching her by surprise. Carolina's form shifted into sand as it struck her torso, but droplets of acid followed, scattering through the air. One drop struck her left forearm just as she rematerialized. A sharp hiss escaped her lips as the acid seared her skin, leaving a small but painful burn.

She glanced at her arm, then back at the demon, her eyes narrowing with renewed ferocity. "Well, congratulations…" she spat through clenched teeth "…but you're going to regret that."

The demon seemed to sense its momentary advantage and lunged again, this time spitting a stream of venom directly at her feet. Carolina leapt back, only to realize too late that it was a feint. One of its clawed hands followed, swiping at her with enough force to send a shockwave through the ground. She managed to turn to sand at the last second, reforming a few meters away. Her breath was ragged, and she wiped a thin trickle of sweat from her temple.

"That's a neat trick." she taunted, smirking despite the pain in her arm "But let me show you one of mine."

With a decisive gesture, she chanted "Desert God's Sarcophagus!"

Torrents of sand began to rise from the ground, enveloping the demon in an unrelenting grip. The creature thrashed furiously, spraying acid in all directions, but the sand held it with increasing force.

"Keep struggling." Carolina hissed, approaching with calm but assured steps. "It won't do you any good, this spell has served me well against beasts much larger and stronger than you."

Her tone was sarcastic, but her eyes gleamed with determination. Too many times she had been caught unprepared right at the end of a fight because she had rested on her laurels.

The demon let out a final, deafening roar, managing to break part of the sandy bindings with a desperate burst of venomous energy. Carolina stepped back, grimacing "Still got some fight in you, huh? Let's fix that."

She extended both arms, her voice echoing through the grove "Desert God's Storm Sands!" and a tempest of black sand erupted around her, completely enveloping the demon. The sharp and oppressive particles struck it from every direction, suffocating and trapping it definitively. When the storm subsided, the creature was motionless, completely buried and defeated, with only one hand sticking out of the huge mass of black sand.

Carolina wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, observing her work with a satisfied smile. Her gaze drifted briefly to the burn on her arm and the cut on her cheek, but she shrugged them off, before sitting down on the ground letting out a long sigh.

"Alright, one down." she looked towards the port "I wonder how the others are doing against those demons…" standing up, she started to go in that direction but then turned back to the pile of sand. She seemed almost unsure of what when she bowed her head "You didn't deserve to be turned into a demon…so, sorry for burying you alive…"

Without anything else to add, she began to run towards the port.

---

A deafening crash echoed through the port as Kozune's body collided with the side of a weathered warehouse. Splinters and debris rained down around her, the impact leaving a noticeable dent in the wooden wall. She groaned, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth as her eyes snapped toward the towering silhouette of the black demon.

"Not bad, you fucking demon." she muttered, her voice tinged with dark amusement as she rose to her feet "But I'm not done yet!"

The demon charged forward, its massive frame barreling through crates and metal containers like they were nothing. Kozune steadied herself, her left hand lighting up as she used her Holy Devil's Light Sabre. The golden blade shimmered in her grasp as she dashed to meet the oncoming threat. Their clash was thunderous, light met brute strength as sparks and shrapnel flew in all directions.

Kozune danced around the demon's heavy swings, each blow leaving deep gouges in the concrete floor. She retaliated with precise strikes, aiming for joints and weak points, but the creature's hide was unnaturally tough. Her sword left shallow burns, but the demon didn't falter. Instead, it roared, the sheer force of its voice sending a wave of heat and rage through the air.

Her enemy lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Kozune narrowly dodged, rolling to the side and retaliating with her Holy Devil's Valiant Strike. A brilliant sphere of light erupted from her palm, streaking toward the demon like a shooting star. It hit the creature square in the chest, the resulting explosion sending it stumbling back with a guttural growl.

"You're tough." Kozune spat, wiping her face with the back of her hand "But I've fought worse."

The demon recovered quickly, grabbing a large steel beam from the wreckage and hurling it toward her. Kozune barely managed to deflect it with her sword, the force of the impact leaving her arms trembling. She grinned maniacally, her laughter echoing through the ruined warehouse.

"Come on, big guy," she taunted, raising her arms "Is that all you've got?!"

The demon, infuriated by the blows it had suffered, let out an even more terrifying roar, making the surrounding warehouses tremble. A sinister black aura surrounded its body, and Kozune's eyes narrowed as she caught her breath, though her manic grin remained.

The spikes that already covered the demon's body began to grow, lengthening into menacing peaks. Their tips gleamed with a dangerous metallic sheen, sharp as blades. The creature crouched low, assuming a predatory stance, while a sudden swipe of its long tail obliterated an entire row of wooden crates.

"Oh, finally putting some effort in." Kozune quipped, her tone dripping with mockery, but her eyes remained focused and full of bloodlust "Thought you were all brawn and no brains, but look at you changing shape. Good boy! Now come here so I can kill you!"

The demon's tail hissed through the air like a whip, forcing Kozune to somersault backward to avoid it. The impact against the ground left a deep crack, and dust rose in the air. Before she could fully land, the tail struck again, grazing her leg and tearing part of the fabric.

"You fucking dare?!" she growled, glancing at the scratch, blood beginning to stain her clothes. But there was no time for more. The creature lunged forward, alternating between clawed slashes and vicious tail whips.

Kozune raised her hands "Holy Devil's White Whirlpool!" and a vortex of light temporarily ensnared the demon's tail, throwing it off balance. She seized the opening to close in, delivering a powerful, glowing fist to its side. For a moment, it seemed she had the upper hand, but the demon quickly retaliated with a spiked arm, slamming her in the chest.

She flew into a metal beam, the impact knocking the wind from her lungs as pain surged through her body. Kozune crumpled to the ground, her grin momentarily replaced by a grimace, a small trail of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth.

"All right…" she hissed through clenched teeth, slowly pushing herself to her feet "Now you have my whole fucking attention, you piece of shit!"

The demon let out another furious roar, charging once again, its spines bristling with menace. Kozune's glow intensified and after closing her hands together, she moved them apart creating a bow of light "Holy Devil's Freedom of Barbatos!"

A barrage of radiant arrows was shot from her bow, striking the demon with precision. But even so, the beast kept advancing, its tail lashing unpredictably, as if refusing to go down easily.

Kozune gritted her teeth, her stance shifting into readiness as the battle raged on.

The demon roared again, its spikes glinting as it shifted forward in a predatory stance. Kozune could feel the ground trembling beneath its massive weight. With a sudden, deafening impact, the creature slammed its claws into the ground, creating a shockwave that splintered the warehouse floor and sent debris flying. Kozune leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the collapse of the ground beneath her feet.

Landing atop a stack of shipping crates, she steadied herself and fired another volley of arrows using her bow, the glowing missiles striking true. The demon howled, stumbling as several arrows embedded themselves in its thick hide. But despite the damage, the creature raised one of the massive crates with its clawed hands and hurled it toward Kozune with terrifying strength.

"Not today!" she shouted, lunging sideways as the crate smashed into splinters against the wall where she had been perched. The demon didn't give her time to catch her breath. Its tail lashed out, catching her mid-roll and sending her crashing through a half-collapsed pillar. Pain shot through her back as she struggled to rise, her vision momentarily swimming.

Shaking her head clear, Kozune pressed her palm to the ground, channeling magic into the fractured terrain "Holy Devil's Eruption!"

The ground beneath the demon swelled and erupted in a dazzling explosion of light, catching the creature off-guard and sending it stumbling backward with a pained roar.

Kozune didn't waste the opening. She lunged forward, with her newly formed blade of light flaring brightly as she brought it down in an arc. The strike caught the demon across its forearm, cleaving through the flesh and leaving a deep, smoldering wound. The creature retaliated with a wild swing of its other arm, grazing her shoulder and drawing more blood.

Breathing heavily, Kozune forced herself to grin through the pain "You're persistent. I'll give you that!" she hissed, clutching her injured arm as she circled the demon "But you're not gonna win. I'll fucking kill you and all of your friends!"

The demon's glowing eyes burned with rage as it lunged forward again, this time using both its claws and tail in a flurry of attacks. Kozune dodged as best she could, flipping and rolling through the wreckage of the warehouse. The heat of its rage was palpable, its snarls filling the air as it pressed the assault.

Finally, Kozune found her opening. With a burst of speed, she slid beneath the demon's body, evading a downward swipe from its claws. She sprang to her feet behind it, clasping her hands together in a prayer-like motion. "Holy Devil's Wisdom of Buer!" she intoned, as a radiant temple of light forming around her. The magical aura steadied her movements and rejuvenated her battered body, even as the demon turned to face her.

She felt the glow empowering her, giving her the strength to end this fight. Channeling all her energy into her hands, she summoned a massive circle of magic light between them. "Holy Devil's Secret Art: Absolute Venus!" she roared. The spinning sigil unleashed a cascade of golden beams, each one slamming into the demon with devastating force. The creature roared in agony, each explosion sending chunks of debris flying as it was driven to its knees.

When the assault finally ceased, Kozune approached the motionless creature. Breathing heavily, she stood over the fallen demon, her sword again at the ready. "You don't deserve mercy, you fucking demon." she whispered, plunging the blade into its chest. A final burst of light engulfed the creature, reducing it to nothing but ash.

Kozune staggered back, clutching her wounded side. Her breath came in ragged gasps, but her expression was one of grim satisfaction and suddenly she burst into a loud laugh that had something of the maniacal about it "I killed it! That's one less demon to pollute this world!" she muttered, before collapsing to her knees, exhausted but victorious.

As her laughter faded, Kozune noticed pieces of cloth among the ash and pulled one away, noting the church symbol embroidered on it. Narrowing her gaze, she looked down at the pile of ash that had been the demon and sighed softly "May your soul find peace even though you've been turned into a fucking demon and yada yada yada…"

Standing up she sniffed the air and her maniacal smile instantly returned to her face "There are more demons here…I'm not finished yet." and with a light, creepy laugh rising in her throat, she walked out of the destroyed warehouse, heading towards her new prey, leaving a thin trail of blood in her wake.

---

Keira sprinted across the rooftops, her silver hair, pulled into a loose ponytail, gleaming like starlight in the daylight. The rich waves and curls bounced slightly with each powerful leap, her eyes scanning the sky search of her enemy.

Ahead, the red demon flapped its massive wings, its multiple arms clutching glowing fireballs. With a guttural screech, it hurled the fiery spheres back at her, each one erupting into flames upon impact.

"Alright, pyrotechnic nightmare." Keira muttered under her breath, ducking low as one of the projectiles grazed a nearby chimney, sending debris scattering "Is running away all you're good at?"

With a graceful leap, she launched herself off the final rooftop, magic coursing through her legs. But before she could get within striking range, the demon abruptly dove into the maze of narrow streets below. Keira cursed, skidding to a halt on the edge of the building.

"Figures you'd go for the surprise attack." she said, scanning the area below. A sudden blast of heat from her right confirmed her suspicion, and she turned just in time to dodge as the demon emerged from a narrow alleyway, its clawed arm slashing toward her.

Keira jumped down from the building and hit the ground in a roll, dust flying as she landed on her feet. "If you wanted me down here so badly…" she said with a cold glare "…you should've just asked."

The demon roared and charged, flames dancing around its hulking form. Keira raised her arms, calling on a precise amount of her magic "Selene's Waltz!"

Her legs glowed with a silvery-black aura as she launched into a rapid barrage of kicks, her strikes meeting the demon's many limbs in a clash of power.

The demon's tail whipped around unexpectedly, slamming into her side and sending her careening into a stack of crates. She groaned, brushing off splinters as she forced herself to stand. "Not bad." she hissed through gritted teeth, clutching her side.

She extended her arm, focusing her power "Night God's Star Dance!" the air around the battlefield shimmered as stardust spread, glittering like an otherworldly constellation. The particles swirled and struck at the demon, cutting shallow lines across its tough hide.

The beast let out another screech, rising into the air with powerful beats of its wings. Keira's eyes narrowed as she braced herself. Instead of fleeing, the demon launched itself downward in a dive, its claws outstretched.

Keira sidestepped at the last moment, retaliating with a commanding gesture. "Night God's Nightmare!" from the shadows cast by the buildings, monstrous beasts of darkness emerged, leaping onto the demon and tearing at its body. The creature thrashed wildly, unleashing an inferno to dispel the shadowy creatures. Keira shielded her face from the heat, her breath ragged as she assessed her opponent. She couldn't afford to waste too much magic in the daylight, but she wasn't about to let this thing win. With a sharp motion, she pointed to the sky.

"Night God's Moon's Judgment!" and above her, a faint artificial moon appeared, glowing even against the daylight. A powerful beam of light shot down from its center, striking the demon with precision and forcing it back into the ground with a resounding crash, however that attack was not enough to defeat it and her opponent got up from the ground.

She saw the demon open its wings again to take flight and fly away but this time she darted forward before it could get too high "Now you won't run away anymore!" and spinning in mid-air, an elegant scythe with a black and white blade was created in her hands "Night God's Crescent Moon!"

The demon's wings were cut off at the bases, causing him to scream in pain and fall to the ground, while she landed with agility, letting her weapon dissolve into stardust. Focusing back on her opponent, she saw the red demon standing again, its eyes filled with hatred and rage.

The air around the battlefield grew hotter as the demon let out a guttural growl, flames swirling around its massive form. Keira narrowed her midnight blue eyes, watching as the creature spread its six arms, each one rippling with molten heat. It pounded its fists against the ground, sending cracks spidering through the stone, before launching itself toward her in a blistering charge.

Keira braced herself, her body glowing faintly with the silvery-black hue of her magic.

"Alright, you oversized furnace…" she muttered "Let's dance!"

The demon's fists came crashing down in a chaotic flurry, each punch powerful enough to splinter the stone beneath her feet. Keira dodged with practiced precision, flipping and twisting to avoid the onslaught. But as the creature moved faster, the area became a whirlwind of fiery strikes, its multiple arms working together to overwhelm her.

One of the fists came dangerously close, grazing her shoulder and sending a searing pain down her arm. Keira hissed, momentarily thrown off balance, but she quickly ducked under another swing. She pivoted on her heel, magic flaring around her fists and legs.

"Falling Star Shot!" she shouted, surging forward. Keira met the storm of punches with her own rapid strikes, each one infused with her magic. Her fists glowed, creating rippling waves of light and shadow as they collided with the demon's blows. Sparks flew as their clashes echoed like thunder through the narrow streets.

One after another, Keira's strikes found openings. She drove a sharp punch into the demon's side, following it with a spinning kick to its jaw. The beast recoiled, snarling, but its flames roared back to life, licking dangerously close to her skin. Keira winced as the heat seared her forearm, leaving a painful burn despite her quick reaction.

"You're a hard one to put down." she growled through clenched teeth, ignoring the sharp sting "But you're still too slow!"

The demon retaliated with a furious double punch, both fists aimed directly at her. Keira planted her feet, blocking the first strike with a glowing forearm before spinning out of the way of the second. She landed a knee strike to the demon's abdomen, the impact forcing it to stumble back.

Keira saw her opening. Her legs shimmered with magic as she dashed forward, landing blow after blow in a relentless combination. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air, her glowing fists a blur as she pummeled the creature's blazing frame.

But the demon wasn't finished yet. It lunged forward with all six arms swinging in unison, creating a blazing whirlwind of attacks. Keira's focus sharpened, her movements becoming a dance of precision and agility as she wove through the storm of blows. She met each attack with calculated counter-strikes, her punches and kicks lighting up the battlefield like falling stars.

The two combatants clashed with relentless intensity, flames and magic colliding in a dazzling display of power. Keira grimaced as another searing blow landed on her side, the heat from the demon's flames scorching her coat. She staggered but didn't fall, her cold glare returning as she launched a powerful uppercut that sent the creature reeling.

"Let's finish this." she said, her voice steady despite the sweat dripping down her brow. She raised her hands toward the faint artificial moon she had conjured earlier. The beam of energy descended once more, striking the demon and pinning it to the ground with explosive force.

Keira approached, her legs glowing brighter with every step. "Time for your curtain call." she murmured. With one final surge of power, she unleashed another Falling Star Shot, a rapid-fire barrage of strikes that left the demon's body cracking under the weight of her blows.

The flames around the creature flickered and died, its monstrous form eventually stopped moving and Keira stepped back, her breath heavy but victorious. She glanced at the burn marks on her arms and side "You were tougher than I thought." she admitted, brushing soot from her coat "But not tough enough."

Like the others, she too noticed the piece of church cloth on the demon's body and bowed her head in silent prayer. A tremor in the ground made her focus return to the point of the port from which she had moved away and she narrowed her gaze.

Without saying anything, she sprinted in that direction to support her guildmates and put an end to this chaos once and for all.

---

Litavis strode into the ruined plaza, her heavy armored boots crunching against the broken cobblestones. Dust swirled in the air, hanging thick from the devastation caused during their earlier battle, far from the bustling harbor where it had first begun. Her white wings shifted lightly, attuned to the faint vibrations of her surroundings, ready to detect any threat.

Across the clearing, Vasia stood poised, her agile frame resting lightly on the balls of her feet, with legs slightly apart. Her vibrant, pink hair was styled into voluminous twin tails that cascaded down her sides in luxurious curls, each one bouncing slightly as the wind swept through the area. She twirled one of her sleek, black whips lazily, while the other hung at her side, two weapons that she had summoned as soon as she began the fight with Litavis. Her sharp pink eyes glittered with mischief, her lips curling into a playful smirk that belied the lethality in her stance.

"Well, darling~" Vasia cooed, the melodious tone of her voice laced with amusement "It seems we've made quite a mess. Do you like my work? Or shall I add a little more destruction to the scenery? I can be quite imaginative if you want, especially in bed~!"

Litavis raised her greatsword, the gleaming blade sparking with energy as white cracks rippled through its surface like lightning. "Spare me your words, Sin Slayer." Litavis said with cold disdain, her deep, calm voice carrying the weight of resolve "I'm here to stop you. Your games of corruption end here."

Vasia let out a soft chuckle as she paced gracefully around Litavis, her hips swaying. "Games? Darling, you wound me! Life should be fun, don't you agree? Oh well~"

Her smile turned sharp as a blue aura exploded to life around her slender frame. The whips in her hands hissed and cracked with feral energy "Let's make this fun for both of us!"

Without warning, Vasia shot forward with incredible speed, her whip lashing out at Litavis like a snake. The earth beneath Litavis shifted as she took a step forward, raising her sword to block the attack. The whip cracked loudly against her blade, sending a shower of sparks into the air.

Litavis swung her sword, aiming for Vasia, but the Sin Slayer darted to the side with unnatural agility, evading the blade and slipping behind her. With a flick of her wrist, Vasia sent her second whip snapping at Litavis' legs.

Litavis jumped back just in time, the whip striking the ground and leaving a searing gouge in the stone. She slammed her right hand into the earth, causing a fissure to erupt under Vasia's feet. "Earth Angel's Palm Flowing Strike!" she shouted, her voice reverberating with divine fury. The ground beneath Vasia crumbled, but the Sin Slayer twirled effortlessly in midair, landing on a piece of broken rubble like it was a dancer's stage.

"Impressive!" Vasia taunted, her aura flaring brighter "But I've only just begun. This is just the foreplay, and I never skip the foreplay~!"

With a wicked grin, she summoned a thick glob of translucent blue slime and hurled it at Litavis. The slime moved unnaturally, expanding mid-flight to engulf her entire body. Litavis swung her right arm, smashing through it, but the slime clung to her armor, trying to pin it down against her body.

"Earth Angel's Prison Grip!" Litavis countered, clenching her right fist. Chunks of the white earth around her snapped together into a tight spherical prison that rushed toward Vasia, attempting to trap her. But Vasia was faster.

Her whips coiled around the approaching boulders, crushing them into rubble. Her laugh echoed through the battlefield as she danced nimbly between Litavis' attacks, each movement more elegant than the last.

The battle escalated as Litavis managed to free herself from the slime and use a new spell against her opponent "Earth Angel's Rising Meteor!"

Vasia grinned and said "Lust for Pain!" her blue aura intensifying. She purposely allowed Litavis' Rising Meteor spell to land a hit, a massive earthen pillar slamming her skyward. But instead of falling back, Vasia seemed to revel in the damage, letting out a loud moan, her aura growing stronger and her whips now crackling with electrical energy.

Litavis could see that her spell had hurt Vasia's bare back, yet her opponent seemed better than before.

The Sin Slayer landed back to the ground gracefully, her feet digging into the debris as she darted forward with terrifying speed. Her whips struck like twin serpents, and though Litavis blocked most with her weapon, the magical energy burned through her defenses, leaving scorch marks on her armor.

Litavis roared in defiance, stabbing her sword into the ground. "Earth Angel's Rising Meteor!" The earth beneath Vasia shot upward, forming a massive, star-shaped pillar that tried to hit her again now that that blue aura was gone. But as the debris cleared, Vasia's laughter echoed again, she had avoided most of the impact, hanging by her whip from a nearby building's ruins.

"You're quite the brute, aren't you~? I love it when my toys get rough~!" Vasia teased, though her breath was heavier now. She flicked her wrist, and a gigantic wave of slime erupted from her hand, this time acidic and bubbling as it slithered across the ground toward Litavis.

Seeing the huge mass of slime getting closer and closer, Litavis gritted her teeth and, after letting go of her weapon, clasped her hands together then outstretched her arms. "Angel Slayer's Secret Art: Gigant Gauntlet!" she roared. Two colossal stone hands erupted from the ground, slamming into the approaching slime wave and stopping it, still suffering damage from the acid. She directed one of the hands toward Vasia, its enormous fingers closing in on her.

Vasia darted between the giant fingers, her slim and nimble frame impossible to track fully. Her whip lashed out, wrapping around the right arm and pulling herself close to Litavis. In a blur, she was in melee range, her movements almost liquid as she delivered a sharp kick to Litavis' midsection, followed by a lash of her whip.

Litavis countered with her right arm, while getting her greatsword back, swiping at Vasia and narrowly missing as the Sin Slayer twisted like a serpent, slashing at Litavis with her whip. Flames from Vasia's magical aura, now similar to slime, licked at Litavis' armor, leaving scorch marks, but Litavis stood firm.

Finally, Litavis raised her sword high, summoning a great amount of divine strength within her. "Earth Angel's Double Hammer!" With a deafening crack, two huge white rock hands rose from the ground and attempted to crush the Sin Slayer between their palms, but she dodged them at the last second with a leap backwards.

Vasia landed gracefully several meters away, panting and smiling. "You're quite the challenge, darling~" she admitted, wiping sweat from her brow. Her playful demeanor was still present, but there was a new wariness in her eyes.

Litavis tightened her grip on her sword, her white wings trembling with resolve. "Surrender, Vasia." she ordered, leveling her blade. "Or face the full might of Zentopia's judgment!"

Vasia tilted her head, her playful smirk returning. "Oh, sweet angel, I'm far from done playing~"

The battle was far from over, but both women knew they were pushing themselves to their limits.

As time passed, the fight raged on, the ruined plaza serving as a warzone for the deadly clash of might and magic. Litavis advanced steadily, her armor scraped and scorched but her resolve unshaken. Vasia, despite her sweat-soaked locks and slightly labored breathing, maintained her coy demeanor, her eyes alight with enjoyment.

Their weapons met again in a fierce clash, Litavis' blade against the sharp crackle of Vasia's whips. Sparks erupted as Vasia whipped around Litavis, her incredible agility turning her into a blur of purple and blue. The Sin Slayer twirled her whip with one hand, while the other lashed out directly at Litavis' right arm.

Litavis attempted to counter with her stone limb, but the whip coiled tightly around it. With an explosive pull fueled by her Lust for Pain-enhanced strength, Vasia tore the arm clean off. Litavis stumbled back briefly, a sickening crunch echoing through the air as her right stone arm was ripped free.

"There you go, now I can-ah?!" Vasia gasped, her eyes widening as she inspected the torn limb in her hand. She twirled it, marveling at the heavy, rocky structure. "What is this? You're…you're not entirely machia, are you?" Her tone was a mixture of surprise and amusement, though she was clearly taken off guard.

Litavis didn't waste time answering. Her remaining hand slammed into the ground with a loud crack as a new arm erupted from her shoulder, perfectly reconstructing the stone limb as though it had never been lost. The ground rippled with power, and Litavis launched forward with unexpected speed.

Vasia tried to raise her whip, but Litavis' reconstructed fist collided with her jaw before she could react. The force of the punch sent the Sin Slayer hurtling through the air. She crashed into a crumbling wall with a thud, rubble cascading around her as she groaned softly.

For the first time, Vasia looked genuinely disoriented.

Litavis wasted no time. With her sword held high, she summoned jagged pillars from the earth, aiming to pin Vasia in place. "This ends now." she declared, her voice calm and firm.

Vasia's playful smirk returned as she wiped a trail of blood from the corner of her mouth. "You're really full of surprises, my dear. I love it~!" Her body seemed to melt and twist as she created an explosive sphere of corrosive slime, scattering it like shrapnel in all directions.

The green, bubbling masses shot toward Litavis, forcing her to block with her stone arm and dodge to avoid the slime's caustic properties. One particularly large glob splattered onto her armor, burning through the surface slightly before she tore it off.

By the time Litavis regained her stance, Vasia was gone.

The mage of World Slayers scanned the plaza and caught sight of the Sin Slayer leaping onto the rooftop of a distant building, moving with the same unmatched grace that had kept her alive. Vasia turned her head as she ran, her teasing voice floating back toward Litavis.

"Coward!" Litavis roared, her wings flaring as she propelled herself after her fleeing enemy, landing on a rooftop. The ruined plaza disappeared behind her as she chased Vasia toward the nearby harbor, both combatants weaving through the buildings of the city.

Vasia laughed as she moved. "Coward? I'd call this strategy, sweet angel~! If you want me, come and get me~! I love being chased~!"

Litavis growled under her breath, determination burning brighter than ever. Vasia wouldn't escape!

Litavis thundered across the desolate streets, the pounding of her armored boots echoing like a relentless drumbeat. The harbor grew closer in front of her as she pursued Vasia through the winding alleys and abandoned courtyards, finally arriving at the large, imposing silhouette of the church warehouse.

Vasia stood at the wide-open entrance, her sharp pink eyes glinting with amusement. Her twin curls bounced as she casually twirled a black whip in one hand, the eerie blue aura of her magic casting unnatural light across the decrepit structure. She glanced back into the shadows of the warehouse with a sly smile before snapping her whip into the darkness.

The whip's tip cracked with lethal precision, latching onto a trembling man who stumbled forward, dragged into the dim light. He was a simple fisherman by the looks of him, dressed in weathered overalls and with hands roughened from years of hard labor. But his face betrayed him, flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, and shallow breaths revealed the sheer power of Vasia's magic over him. He looked up at her, not with fear, but with a desperate, almost reverent devotion, as if she were the very embodiment of perfection. Vasia sighed dramatically, resting a hand on the man's shoulder while her other hand lazily spun the whip.

"Ah, the lengths men will go for just a moment of my attention." she mused, flashing Litavis a teasing grin "Isn't he adorable? Utterly smitten, poor thing. Though I suppose I can't blame him." she leaned in closer to the fisherman, her voice dripping with honeyed cruelty "What do you think, darling? Would you give your life for me?"

"Y-yes! Anything!" the man stammered, his gaze unwavering from Vasia as though her mere presence had stolen all semblance of reason from his mind.

Litavis clenched her fists, her armored gauntlets creaking from the pressure. Her teeth gritting at the sight of the poor fisherman, an innocent caught in the web of Vasia's twisted magic.

"Let him go, Vasia!" Litavis commanded, her voice low and steady. Vasia smirked, pulling the trembling man closer to her as though shielding him from harm.

"Let him go~? Why, my dear sex doll, I can't possibly do that. You see, I'm feeling rather…peckish." her pink eyes glowed with sinister glee, and the aura around her flared brighter for a moment.

"He's my meal, darling~" Vasia said in a singsong tone "And oh, I'm sure you can image how I get when I'm hungry. Trust me, dear sex doll, you don't want to test me now. I might do something…regrettable~"

The air around the warehouse crackled with tension, Vasia's predatory smile clashing against Litavis' unwavering resolve. The fisherman stood frozen between dread and helpless adoration, his trembling hands clenched into fists, as if his very body betrayed him under the Sin Slayer's spell. Vasia's movements were deliberate and taunting, her slim fingers tracing a teasing line under the man's chin, like a cat toying with her prey.

Litavis tightened her grip on her massive sword, every muscle in her body coiled like a spring ready to unleash devastation. Her instincts screamed for her to act, to stop Vasia before her twisted game spiraled out of control, but the stakes were painfully clear. A single misstep could mean the man's life. The Earth Angel Slayer's wings flexed as she steadied herself, her gaze unflinching, piercing into Vasia's mocking pink eyes like a beacon of defiance.

Mistaking Litavis' restraint for submission, Vasia let out a pleased chuckle, her predatory grin spreading further. "Good girl~" she purred, her voice laced with saccharine amusement. Keeping her hold on the fisherman's chin, she tilted his head upward with gentle but inescapable force, their faces mere inches apart. Her lips curved into a smile as sweet as it was venomous. "Bon appétit~!" she murmured, leaning closer with a theatrical air of indulgence, fully aware of the tension she was stoking.

Litavis shifted slightly, ready to intervene, when something unusual caught her attention. A faint wisp of bluish smoke rose from the sailor's lips, flickering like a fragile flame, before being delicately drawn into Vasia's mouth. The Sin Slayer closed her eyes as the smoke dissolved between her lips, a pure expression of pleasure lighting up her face.

"Ahhh, delightful~" Vasia sighed, releasing the sailor with a dismissive gesture. The man staggered backward, clutching a hand to his head, his eyes wide and filled with confusion. He stood still for a moment, as if trying to remember how he had ended up there, before terror finally overtook him.

Vasia leaned forward slightly, her hands on her hips and a teasing smirk gracing her lips. "So, still want to play, darling~?"

The sailor let out a small whimper of fear, his body stiffening for a brief moment before he turned and bolted, running into the night. Litavis watched him disappear, the clanging of her heavy armor barely masking the hurried footsteps of the man fading into the distance. Her gaze returned to Vasia, brimming with suspicion.

"You let him go." Litavis said, genuine surprise coloring her tone.

Vasia broke into a melodic giggle, raising a hand to her mouth.

"Oh, sweetheart, did you really think I was going to…what, suck out his soul or something?" she asked with a note of mock shock, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Litavis remained silent, her icy-blue eyes fixed on Vasia, her sword still firm in her grip. The Sin Slayer waved her hand as if to dismiss the misunderstanding.

"You see, darling, my magic has rules, just like all Slayer magics. Lust? Oh, I can't create it, that's not how it works. The aura I emit, well, let's just say it amplifies what people already feel inside. That poor man was simply…very attracted to me. It's obvious that his wife isn't much of a looker, but anyone wouldn't be able to compete with me~"

Litavis stayed still, her scrutinizing gaze unwavering. "And that blue smoke?"

"Oh, that?" Vasia ran her tongue across her lips in a deliberately theatrical gesture "That was his lust, sweet and natural, like a rare vintage wine. I can devour it, you see. Just a little snack, nothing more." her lips curled into a smile "And to keep him so calm and obedient, I used a simple tranquility spell. Nothing dark, I promise~"

Litavis didn't reply, but her gaze said everything. Whatever truth lay behind Vasia's words, her heart remained distrustful. She took a cautious step forward, her sword still raised, her gaze unwavering "If you could show mercy to that man..." she said, her tone measured but edged with restrained anger "…why didn't you do the same for the others? Those men you twisted into those four demons…why condemn them to such a fate?"

Vasia sighed dramatically, twirling one of her black whips idly "Oh, darling, must you make everything so serious? You and I both know that sacrifices are a necessity in this world." she flashed Litavis a wicked grin, her pink eyes glinting with mischief "And really, churchmen are the least appealing of all. So devout, so disciplined, so…" she wrinkled her nose as though the word itself was distasteful "…boring. Their little faith shields them from my charms, and let's face it, they don't exactly embody lust or the other sins I so adore. Hardly a feast worth savoring."

Litavis' grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. The audacity of Vasia's words sent a surge of anger through her, her wings twitching in barely contained frustration "You mock what they live for, and yet you twist them into monsters? How dare you-!"

"Oh, relax, dear sex doll~" Vasia interrupted, raising a finger as if silencing a petulant child "They weren't perfect, I admit, but a few cracks in their virtuous little shells made it all the easier to reshape them. You'd be surprised how even the most faithful crumble under the right pressures."

The ground cracked slightly under Litavis' feet as her stone arm flexed, her fury palpable. But before she could retort, Vasia tilted her head, her expression shifting abruptly. Her lips parted slightly as her gaze darted across the harbor, her eyes narrowing as if she was sensing something unseen.

"Hm…oh my~" she murmured, a sly smile creeping across her face "It seems my little pets weren't as robust as I'd hoped. All four of them…gone already. Such a pity." Her tone was light, but there was an underlying amusement as she flicked her whip toward a stack of crates, watching it topple with a crash.

"So that's it?" Litavis asked coldly, her sword raised once again "They were just disposable experiments to you?"

"Of course they were." Vasia replied with a laugh, her aura flaring slightly as the tension in front of the warehouse grew thicker "They may not have performed quite as I envisioned, but they served their purpose splendidly. An excellent trial run, wouldn't you agree?"

Before Litavis could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the warehouse. In an instant, four familiar figures stepped into the ruined space: Kozune, Keira, Carolina, and Kannon.

Kannon's broad frame was tense, his shirt torn and bloodied, while dark bruises marred his muscular arms. Despite the visible fatigue, his stride was steady, his piercing gaze locking onto Vasia with unwavering focus.

Kozune was the first to step closer, but as her eyes met Vasia's playful smirk, her confident facade faltered. A deep flush spread across her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, nervously fiddling with the edge of her gloves. "G-Great…" she muttered under her breath, doing her best to avoid Vasia's piercing pink eyes.

Keira, however, stood tall, her blue eyes scanning the situation with sharp precision "Litavis." she called out, her voice carrying a note of concern "Everything alright?"

"I'm fine, Keira." Litavis replied, not lowering her sword. Her wings shifted slightly as she squared her stance "She's the problem."

Carolina looked around, noticing how the entire area was badly damaged by the crash. Ignoring the thought of how much money would be used to restore the port to its former glory, she focused on Vasia, once again feeling that hint of lust caused by her aura but still managing to fight it better than before.

Vasia's lips curled into a wicked smile as her gaze swept across the group "Oh, such gallant reinforcements! I'm pleased to note that the idea of a good group sex with me has encouraged you to come back~" her eyes lingered momentarily on each of them, her tone teasing "Though I must admit, the shy one there is my favorite~"

Kozune's blush deepened, and she quickly stepped behind Kannon, muttering an unintelligible excuse about needing 'a better vantage point'.

Kannon crossed his arms, his presence as immovable as stone, and fixed Vasia with a look that carried both disdain and challenge "You're surrounded, and your demons are dead." he said, his deep voice steady but threatening "You've got nowhere to go."

Vasia tilted her head, her curls bouncing as she chuckled softly "Nowhere to go? Oh, dear, you really think you've cornered me, don't you~?" her aura flared briefly as she took a languid step forward, clearly relishing the tension.

Litavis tightened her grip on her sword, her white wings shifting slightly as a sense of resolve washed over her. Beside her, Keira's fists glowed faintly with her silvery-black magic, while Kannon shifted into a ready stance, his body coiled with raw energy. Carolina took a deep breath with black sand already swirling around her arms, and Kozune, despite her red cheeks, muttered something under her breath, her magic flickering in her hands.

The tension in the air was palpable, but before anyone could make the first move, Vasia clapped her hands together, a delighted laugh escaping her lips "Oh, you're all so serious! It's adorable~!" she teased, her violet eyes sparkling with amusement.

With a snap of her fingers, the ground beneath them trembled as a massive blob of shimmering, translucent slime emerged behind her. It pulsed and writhed, growing larger by the second until it loomed over the entire group, casting a shadow across the battlefield.

"Catch, darlings~!" Vasia cooed, thrusting her hand forward. The blob lunged toward them, its gelatinous mass undulating with a sickening squelch as it hurled itself at terrifying speed.

"Scatter!" Keira shouted, leaping back with a powerful jump. The others followed suit, dodging just in time as the enormous slime crashed into the ground where they had stood. The force sent a ripple of debris through the area, and faint wisps of corrosive smoke rose from the slime's surface as it began to melt through the stone floor, with much of the slime also ending up in the sea

Kannon landed in a crouch, scanning for their foe "Where did she-?"

His question was cut off as Keira called out "There!"

They all looked in the direction pointed by Keira just to see Vasia standing calmly before a swirling, azure vortex that glowed with unnatural light. The portal's edges churned like a whirlpool in midair, illuminating her figure with an ethereal sheen.

Vasia turned to face them with a mocking pout "Oh, what a shame. I was just starting to have fun, but it seems my ride is here." she tapped a finger to her lips, her expression shifting into a playful smirk "As much as I'd love to stay and...satisfy you all, duty calls~"

Litavis took a step forward, her sword raised, but Vasia raised a hand in mock admonishment "Ah, ah, sweet angel. You wouldn't want to ruin your impeccable image by diving headfirst into my little gateway, would you?"

The Sin Slayer blew a kiss in their direction, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief as she stepped backward into the glowing vortex "Until we meet again, my darlings~!" she called out, giving them a playful wink as the portal began to twist and fold in on itself.

"No!" Litavis shouted, lunging forward, her wings beating furiously to close the gap. But before she or the others could reach it, the portal snapped shut with a resonating pop, leaving behind nothing but silence.

The group stood frozen for a moment, the tension hanging like a dense fog. Carolina broke the silence, her hands on her hips as she exhaled sharply "Well, that was just fantastic. Any other bright ideas?"

Keira straightened, brushing dust from her black gloves as her blue eyes lingered on the faint traces of the vortex's magical energy.

"That portal…" she began, her voice sharp but thoughtful "…it didn't feel like hers." she glanced toward Litavis, who was still staring at the empty space where the gateway had vanished "Its presence was…different. Strong, but not hers. Someone else opened it for her."

Litavis turned toward her, her features softening slightly as the words settled in "Another Sin Slayer, perhaps?"

"Possibly." Keira replied, her brow furrowed. Having never heard of the Sin Slayers before she couldn't be sure "Or someone powerful enough to work with her. Either way, she's out of reach for now."

The weight of the battle lifted slightly as the five of them allowed themselves to relax. Carolina stretched, running a hand through her disheveled curls "I hate it when bad guys just up and vanish like that." she muttered "Makes it feel like all that effort was for nothing."

"At least the fighting's done." Kannon said simply. His gaze swept over his comrades, pausing briefly on Kozune, who lingered toward the back of the group.

"We should head back to the church." Keira suggested "There's no point in sticking around here. Master Katharina will want to know what happened."

With weary nods of agreement, the group began to move. Litavis walked at the front, her sword resting on her shoulder as her stone arm gleamed faintly in the dim light. Keira strode just behind her, occasionally glancing at the others to ensure everyone kept pace. Carolina fell into step beside Keira, looking at the damaged warehouses as they advanced.

At the back of the group, Kozune lingered near Kannon, keeping her distance from the others. Her cheeks burned red whenever Keira, Carolina, or Litavis glanced back, their presence enough to unravel her composure. Each shy glance brought a fresh wave of nervousness, which didn't go unnoticed by Kannon.

"You're slowing down." Kannon muttered, his tone flat but with an undertone of irritation as Kozune's awkward shuffling disrupted his stride.

"Oh, piss off, big guy!" Kozune shot back, her earlier nervousness vanishing in an instant. She nudged his arm lightly with her elbow, a wide grin on her face "You act like I'm dragging us into some kind of disaster. Didn't anyone ever tell you patience is a virtue?"

Kannon gave her a sideways glance, surprised by her change, but didn't reply, his focus forward as his long strides carried him effortlessly.

Kozune, undeterred, continued her barrage. "Hey, at least I'm back here with you, huh? Could've been up there, getting stares and compliments from those beauties-I mean, your friends! And don't think I can't see your wounds. What, you got distracted looking in a mirror or something? Gotta say, you didn't exactly keep that 'stone wall' vibe going, buddy."

Kannon sighed deeply, his only acknowledgment a slight roll of his eyes. Kozune smirked triumphantly, clearly enjoying herself as the group pressed on, the towering church slowly coming into view on the horizon.

---

[ Unknown Location / 29th July X786 ]

A ripple of light shimmered across the air as the portal twisted open in the center of a spacious, welcoming room. The gentle crackle of a fire in the stone hearth was the only sound as Vasia stepped through, brushing a stray curl from her face. She let out a satisfied sigh, taking in her surroundings. The room was a stark contrast to the chaos she had left behind: soft moquette carpeting cushioned her steps, vibrant cushions and warm blankets were strewn across the floor, and the faint scent of baked treats mingled with the aroma of the fire. A small mountain of snacks and bottles of drink was piled near a low table, completing the cozy scene.

Sitting in the largest armchair, surrounded by a nest of cushions, was Kimberly Girbon, the Sloth Sin Slayer. Her relaxed figure seemed at home in the oversized hoodie she wore, the dark fabric contrasting with her extraordinarily long, wavy light-blue hair, which cascaded down her shoulders and pooled onto the chair and floor. Her soft lavender eyes were partially lidded, gazing at the fire with an expression devoid of urgency. She hugged her legs lightly, the loose hoodie sleeves barely revealing her hands. Even as Vasia fully entered the room and the portal vanished with a soft pop, Kimberly barely moved, exuding the epitome of laziness.

"Well, that was a delightful getaway." Vasia said with a bright smile, stretching her arms above her head before placing her hands on her hips "And as always, I have you to thank, my dear Kimberly~"

Kimberly blinked slowly, her lavender eyes shifting lazily toward Vasia without lifting her head from her knees "Mhm…you're welcome…" she murmured, her words drawling out like they were drifting on a cloud.

Vasia chuckled, leaning against the back of a nearby chair "You're far too modest. I should really show my gratitude properly, don't you think~? Perhaps you'd like me to-?"

"No." Kimberly interrupted, her monotone voice cutting through Vasia's sentence with the energy of a soft breeze.

Vasia pouted, crossing her arms and letting out a mock huff "Oh, you're no fun! Can't you indulge me just a little?" she pushed off the chair and approached Kimberly's seat, leaning over slightly to invade her personal space "Not even a blush? A smirk? A shiver? You never react!"

Kimberly turned her head a fraction, her cascading hair shifting with the motion. She blinked at Vasia, her serene but utterly indifferent expression unchanging "Mhm…I don't react…because I don't care…"

Vasia let out an exaggerated groan, flopping dramatically onto one of the nearby cushions "You're impossible! No one else resists me like you do." she glanced up at Kimberly with a sly grin "Maybe that's why I keep coming back~"

Kimberly remained still, her gaze lazily returning to the fire as her fingers played idly with the hem of her hoodie sleeve. After a long pause, she eventually murmured "Then…stop trying…it's tiring…"

Vasia stared at her in faux disbelief before breaking into a soft laugh "Oh, Kimberly, you're such a mystery." she reached for one of the snack trays nearby, popping a small pastry into her mouth as she sprawled out further.

The fire crackled on, filling the room with a warm glow as the two Sin Slayers settled into their distinct dynamics: one exuding vibrant energy and the other radiating an eternal stillness.

As Vasia reached for another snack, Kimberly's quiet voice cut through the warm hum of the crackling fire "Mission…?" she asked, her tone slow but steady, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames rather than Vasia.

Vasia propped herself up on one elbow, tossing a small candy into her mouth "Oh, right. The mission." she began, twirling a finger in the air like she was recounting a casual shopping trip "Well, where do I start?" she grinned "I found the Devil Slayer."

Kimberly tilted her head slightly, though the movement seemed more out of habit than genuine interest "Really…?"

"Mmhmm." Vasia confirmed with a teasing smirk "Quite a feisty little thing. Oh, and guess what? She's hopelessly weak against women. You should've seen her! Red as a tomato anytime I so much as glanced her way." she chuckled, clearly enjoying the memory.

Kimberly's expression didn't waver as she murmured "That's…useful…"

"Potentially." Vasia agreed, stretching languidly before rolling onto her back, looking up at the ceiling "But that's not all. The ritual? Total success. I managed to bring forth four lovely little demons, but, well…" she sighed dramatically, draping the back of her hand over her forehead "They were taken out faster than I would've liked, and I don't like those that finish too quickly. All by some pesky mages who showed up at the perfect moment to ruin everything."

"Who…?" Kimberly's question came with only a fraction more curiosity, though her voice still carried its familiar lethargy.

Vasia rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands as her eyes gleamed with intrigue "That's the best part~!" she said with a mischievous grin "Every single one of them wielded a Slayer Magic. An Angel Slayer, two Gods Slayer and a strange one, a Chimera Slayer I think. The ritual allowed me to see the battles through the marks on the demons' bodies as well, but the visions were not perfect. All bearing that mark we were told to look into."

Kimberly blinked slowly, her long lashes shading her unbothered gaze "All…Slayers…with the mark…" she repeated, her tone almost indifferent, though there was a faint sense of calculation buried beneath.

"Exactly!" Vasia confirmed, her voice growing a touch sharper with excitement "They're not random players. These mages were no amateurs. Someone's pulling strings, and whatever game they're playing, it's getting interesting!" she rested her head on her arms, her expression shifting to one of thoughtfulness "I'm almost disappointed the portal had to come when it did. I'd have liked to toy with them a bit more."

Kimberly didn't reply immediately, letting Vasia's words hang in the air as her fingers absentmindedly twisted a strand of her lengthy hair. Finally, she murmured "You…found the Devil Slayer…and the marked ones…" her soft sigh followed as she settled deeper into the nest of cushions "It'll…be a hassle…"

Vasia raised an eyebrow "You're not worried about a challenge, are you, Kim?" she teased, sitting up slightly to nudge Kimberly's chair with her foot.

"No…too much effort…" Kimberly replied, her tone as calm and detached as always "But…sounds troublesome…"

Vasia smirked, reclining back onto the cushion "Troublesome is my specialty, darling. And from the looks of it, things are just heating up~"

Honestly Kimberly was of the same opinion but she would never say it out loud. Too much effort...

---

[ Lily Town / 29th July X786 ]

As the group approached the building, the chaos around them became increasingly evident. Streets that were once serene were now crowded with soldiers and healers tending to the wounded. Some distributed bandages and water to survivors, while others marched purposefully toward the harbor, armed and ready to address any remaining threats or search for more survivors.

Keira slowed her pace, her eyes carefully observing a team of healers tending to a group of a frightened children "At least we're not the only ones helping out." she remarked, a hint of relief in her voice.

"Yeah." Carolina added, scratching the back of her head "But I hope they've got faster ways to clean up this mess. I'm not exactly the type who knows how to patch someone up, you know?"

"If you were…" Litavis said, her voice firm but kind "…the world might need you more than you realize."

Carolina shrugged but said nothing, her gaze shifting to the flurry of activity as they continued onward. Kannon remained silent, his expression stoic as his watchful eyes scanned the area. Kozune, as usual, lagged slightly behind, occasionally tossing comments at Kannon while maintaining her pace.

Upon reaching the entrance, Cardinal Helton immediately stepped forward to greet them, having been notified of their presence in the city and subsequently of their arrival. He was visibly concerned, his eyes scanning the group quickly, resting on each member as though checking to ensure they were all in one piece.

"Kozune!" he exclaimed, stepping toward her with open arms. Before she could react, Helton enveloped her in an earnest hug, relief evident on his face.

"Whoa, whoa, old man!" Kozune protested, trying to push him away without much force but clearly annoyed "Keep those fucking hands to yourself! I'm not your kid!" she added, her usual irreverent tone cutting through the tension.

Helton stepped back immediately, a tired smile crossing his face "My apologies, but I'm so relieved to see you back. The situation has been…tragic."

Litavis stepped forward, her tone calm but firm "We stopped the worst of it, but there's still much to do. How are the injured?"

Helton nodded, the smile fading "Our members have already spread across the area around the harbor. Many are assisting the wounded nearby, while other teams are heading to the docks to provide further aid. But…" he paused, visibly weary "We are far from understanding the full toll of this disaster."

Keira placed a reassuring hand on Litavis' shoulder "We did what we could for now, stopping those demons was the priority. Now the soldiers can help the citizens."

Helton took a deep breath, regaining a small measure of composure "You've all been remarkable," he said sincerely, looking at the group "But now, come inside. We need to discuss what happened and what might happen next."

With nods of agreement, the mages prepared to enter the grand church, its wide-open doors ready to welcome them. The group was led through the grand halls of the church, eventually reaching a room filled with healers tending to the wounded. The air was heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs, and the soft murmurs of concern and pain filled the space. A healer approached Litavis, a mix of awe and worry on her face as she took in the Angel Slayer's imposing figure.

"Let me tend to your wounds," the healer said softly, gesturing to Litavis' stone-covered arm and the few scratches visible on her armor.

Litavis raised a hand to stop her "I don't need healing." she stated with a smile on her face "These aren't injuries, and what repairs I require can wait until I'm back at the guild."

The healer hesitated, confused by her words, but nodded, stepping aside as the group continued.

Carolina smirked at the exchange "Gotta say, Lita, the 'I don't need fixing' thing is a real power move."

Litavis gave her a faint but amused glance "I take pride in being functional, even in the face of chaos. My body is made for this after all."

Once treated for any minor injuries or given a chance to clean themselves up, the group was ushered into Cardinal Helton's study. The room was warm and inviting, filled with bookshelves lined with ancient texts and a desk piled with correspondence. Helton gestured for them to sit, his expression serious as he took his place behind the desk.

"Now…" Helton began, folding his hands on the desk "I need a full account of what happened."

Taking turns, the mages recounted the day's events: the ambush at the harbor, the four monstrous demons they faced, and their discovery that the creatures had once been humans, twisted by Vasia's ritual. They described the battle, Vasia's chilling words, and her sudden escape through the portal.

Helton's face grew darker as the story unfolded. He sat in heavy silence for a moment after they finished, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk "This is troubling news indeed." he finally said "If she's capable of turning innocent people into demons, she poses a threat far beyond this city. I will write to His Holiness immediately, requesting additional defenses and resources to protect our people."

Keira leaned forward slightly, her silver hair catching the flickering candlelight "It won't be enough to just defend yourselves." she said "Vasia's got allies, such as whoever opened that portal for her, and she's experimenting with ways to get stronger demons. If you wait for her to strike again, it could be too late."

Helton nodded grimly "You're right. We'll need to be more proactive. But for now, this city owes you all its deepest gratitude." a short silence fell over the room before Helton turned to Kozune, his expression softening "And what of you, Kozune? Will you stay here with us, or will you go with them?"

That was still the main reason why he had written to His Holiness before, and he might as well know if she had decided what to do now that she had also fought alongside the World Slayers mages.

Kozune hesitated, her eyes darting briefly to the group "I…uh…haven't really thought about it…" she mumbled, scratching the back of her head "Guess I could…"

"We would be happy if you decided to join us." Keira said with a wide smile, her voice carrying a welcoming enthusiasm "You'll fit right in at the guild, and I'm sure you'd enjoy the company."

In an instant, Kozune's cheeks turned bright red, and she stammered, "S-Sure! Why not? Yeah, I'll go!"

Her sudden enthusiasm was met with an exasperated sigh from Helton, who shook his head and muttered under his breath "What have I done to deserve this?" with a mix of amusement and resignation, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I can't compete with that kind of charm, apparently."

The room broke into faint chuckles, the tension of the night slowly dissipating as Kozune fidgeted awkwardly, stealing shy glances at Keira, Carolina and Litavis. After a few more words of gratitude and reassurances from Helton, the group exited the study and stepped back into the softly lit corridors of the church. The air was quieter now, the muffled sounds of healers tending to the wounded fading as they walked.

Keira turned to Kozune with a friendly grin, her hands on her hips "Alright, we've got rooms sorted at the Night Lily Inn, it's just a short walk from here. Get your stuff together, and we'll meet you there."

Kozune nodded, adjusting her gloves with her face bright red "Y-Y-Yeah, g-got it! S-Shouldn't take me…err…that long!"

Before anyone could volunteer, Keira clapped a hand on Kannon's shoulder, stopping him mid-stride "And you, big guy, you're helping her with her bags."

"What?" Kannon raised an eyebrow but didn't protest further, his stoic demeanor unchanged. "Fine."

Carolina stifled a laugh, nudging Keira lightly "Smart move. She'd trip over her own words trying to talk to you, me or Lita."

Keira smirked, lowering her voice just enough to keep Kozune from overhearing "Exactly. She's not shy around him, so it's easier this way."

Litavis nodded in agreement, a faint glimmer of amusement in her otherwise composed expression.

Kozune shot a glance over her shoulder at Kannon "Hope you're ready to carry some heavy stuff, muscle man," she said, her earlier hesitation completely absent "I don't travel light."

Kannon sighed but followed without complaint, keeping his usual calm pace as Kozune led the way to her room.

As the two walked off, Keira stretched her arms above her head and turned to Carolina and Litavis "Alright, ladies, let's head to the inn. I could really use a bed right now."

"Finally, something I can agree with." Carolina quipped, already moving toward the exit "I'm all for adventures, but a good sleep is at the top of my priorities right now, even if it's not night yet."

Litavis walked beside them, her massive sword resting on her back "Rest is essential. The journey to Iceberg is a long one after all."

Keira smiled and gestured toward the church doors "Let's go then. The sooner we sleep, the sooner we'll be ready to get back to the guild."

The three exited into the still shaken city. Despite the events of the day, a sense of calm settled over them as they walked toward the Night Lily Inn, the promise of rest awaiting them.

---

[ Kingdom of Midi – Southern Area / 29th July X786 ]

The small kingdom of Midi stretched out before them, a picturesque landscape of lush green fields and winding rivers under a bright sun. Katharina led the group along a dirt road heading south, the sound of their boots crunching against the gravel the only thing breaking the serene silence.

"We're getting close." Katharina said, a serene smile on her lips "Lergon's villa isn't far now, just past that small copse of trees up ahead."

Yumi clutched her jacket tightly, her timid steps lingering slightly behind the others "W-Was his d-death really as bad as you d-described…?"

Katharina nodded, her expression serious "Yes. Lergon wasn't just a Wizard Saint; he was a prodigy. His powers surpassed most of the Council's expectations for someone his age. Whoever killed him isn't an ordinary enemy, so I need all of you to be on high alert."

"Sounds great." Cobra muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm "Just another walk in the park, right?" he kept his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead, while his ears were strained and ready to catch the faintest of sounds.

Sava, walking slightly ahead, turned back with a huge smile "Don't worry, Big Bro Erik. If it gets scary, you can hide behind me!"

Cobra's jaw tightened "Don't call me that. I'm younger than you!"

Katharina stifled a laugh at the exchange but quickly resumed a more professional tone "Focus, you two. Sava, have you managed to pick up any mental signals nearby?"

Sava tilted his head, his violet eyes flickering with concentration "Nothing unusual yet…just some birds and a farmer yelling about a broken wheel." he paused, pointing towards said man in a field not too far away.

The group continued in silence for a few moments until Cobra glanced at Yumi, who was nervously wringing her hands "You alright back there?" he asked.

Yumi startled slightly but nodded quickly "Y-Yeah. It's just…t-the idea of someone strong enough to t-take out a Wizard Saint…it's unsettling."

"Fair point." Cobra admitted, trying really hard to ignore her inner voice "But you're strong too, right? I mean, Katharina wouldn't have brought you if you weren't capable."

Yumi hesitated before answering, her voice barely above a whisper "I-I can fight…I just h-hope I don't have to…"

Katharina glanced back at them "You're here for a reason, Yumi. Just stay close, and I promise you'll be fine."

As they approached the edge of the grove, the faint sound of voices drew their attention. Stepping into a clearing, Katharina and her group found two Rune Knights waiting near the path. One of them, a tall man in his late forties with streaks of silver in his hair and a commanding presence, stepped forward. His companion, younger and far less composed, stood silently to his side, nervously fidgeting with a magical notebook.

"You must be Master Katharina of World Slayers." the older man said, inclining his head respectfully "I am Commander Leclerc, assigned to oversee the investigation into Edward Lergon's death. We received word from Gran Doma-sama about your arrival."

Katharina nodded in acknowledgment. "I was expecting to find more of your men here."

Leclerc's lips tightened into a thin line "Most of the team has already returned to the capital to finalize the preliminary report. Only I and my scribe stayed behind to ensure you received this." he handed her a sealed scroll "The investigation team thoroughly combed the villa and the surrounding grounds yesterday. We remained overnight to ensure no details were missed. This document contains all our findings thus far."

Katharina accepted the scroll with a small smile "Thank you, Commander. Your diligence is appreciated."

Leclerc gave another respectful nod "If you need anything further, the Midi council branch is at your disposal." and with that, he signaled to his scribe, and the two knights departed, leaving the clearing once more silent.

Katharina broke the seal on the scroll, her eyes scanning the contents quickly "Just as I thought." she muttered "Lergon fought someone, but he lost. The signs of the struggle suggest his attacker was overwhelming, but there's no evidence of looting. All valuable items and magical artifacts remain untouched, though many were destroyed in the battle, while Lergon's Wizard Saint medallion was not found, it is assumed that it was destroyed in the fight."

"So, it wasn't a robbery." Cobra noted.

"No, and likely not a crime of passion either." Katharina replied, her tone serious "Whoever did this didn't care about Lergon's wealth or possessions. The motive was something else entirely."

"D-Do you think it could have been…t-targeting him for his strength?" Yumi stammered, her eyes darting to Katharina nervously.

Katharina placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder "It's possible, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet." she folded the scroll, and with a brief pulse of magic, it dissolved into a flash of light "Come on, let's keep moving. The villa isn't far from here."

The group moved in relative silence, if Sava's constant chattering with his mouths could be called silence, as they resumed their journey. The canopy of the trees ahead began to thin, revealing glimpses of the villa in the distance. Its tall structure loomed large, even partially obscured by the foliage, its damage apparent from the broken sections of walls and scorched surfaces.

Cobra's sharp hearing suddenly picked up on something unusual, a cacophony of voices, frantic and disorganized. Among them were angry shouts and stern commands. His brow furrowed as he focused, his enhanced senses capturing snippets of their conversation.

"Keep looking!" one voice barked.

"Search the library! Take everything useful!" another added, its urgency clear.

Katharina glanced at him "Cobra?"

"Voices." he muttered "Near the villa. Someone's giving orders…telling them to grab everything. Sounds like bandits."

Katharina's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile fading into a look of concentration "Let's pick up the pace. Stay ready."

Without wasting another moment, they rushed forward. Katharina and Cobra took the lead, their strides purposeful and swift. Sava surprised everyone by keeping pace with them, his small frame moving with surprising agility, while Yumi trailed behind, glancing nervously at the trees.

As they broke through the grove's edge, the villa came into full view. The building was massive, towering two stories tall with large windows and stone walls cracked and battered from the recent battle. The area surrounding the villa was a mess; the terrain was littered with debris, scorch marks, and upturned earth from powerful spells. Off to the right stood what appeared to be a combination library and laboratory, its right wall completely obliterated, offering a clear view of bookshelves and broken apparatuses inside.

Dozens of bandits crowded around the estate, many stationed near the exposed library. Their leader, a burly man with a thick, ragged cloak, was shouting orders to the others "Find the last of it! Lergon's inventions are worth a fortune!"

Katharina took a few steps forward, hands on her hips and her face shifting into a smirk "How considerate of you all to show up so promptly to ransack the home of a dead man." her voice dripped with mocking amusement "I'll have to bring this up with Doma-kun, how terribly underprepared he was for this situation."

Her words drew the immediate attention of the bandits. Dozens of heads snapped in her direction, and the murmurs among the thieves stopped abruptly. Several of them instinctively reached for their weapons, their body language shifting into defensive stances.

The leader stepped forward, his wide grin revealing a set of yellowed teeth. He was flanked by two bandits wearing metallic gauntlets that glimmered even in the shaded light "You've got guts showing up here." he sneered. "But you're out of your depth, lady. Best turn around and go back to wherever you came from."

Katharina's smirk remained firmly in place as she surveyed them. Cobra merely raised an eyebrow at his threats, quite banal in his opinion. Sava, on the other hand, looked practically giddy, his violet eyes glinting with anticipation. Yumi, caught between hesitation and discomfort, glanced uneasily at Katharina for guidance.

The leader noticed the group's lack of immediate reaction and motioned to the two bandits beside him. "See these gauntlets? Edward Lergon made them, back when he was alive and useful. They make dealing with mages like you a walk in the park."

He raised one gloved hand, flexing the fingers to demonstrate their durability "You've got one chance. Turn tail and run, or we'll make sure you regret sticking your noses where they don't belong."

Katharina's amusement flickered into something sharper, more dangerous, though her posture remained casual "Oh, I think I'll stay." she replied "You've just given me more than enough reason to. Those gauntlets don't belong to you, or anyone else here for that matter."

The bandit leader chuckled darkly "Your funeral."

Katharina's sharp eyes quickly assessed the group. It didn't take long for her to realize that only the leader and his two lackeys wore the magical gauntlets, while the rest of the bandits looked like ordinary rogues with rusted weapons and armors. Her smirk widened.

"Well, this won't take long." she said lightly before turning her head toward Sava "Be a dear and deal with the big guy, will you?"

Sava clapped his hands together with an overenthusiastic grin "Oh, with pleasure!"

Katharina's attention shifted to Cobra "The one on the left is all yours."

Cobra huffed in mild annoyance, stepping forward "Easy enough."

The rest of the bandits began murmuring angrily, their egos clearly bruised by Katharina's dismissive tone. The lack of acknowledgment for their presence stoked their fury, and weapons were tightened in their grips. Katharina, entirely unfazed, turned her gaze to Yumi, who was standing further back with her arms close to her chest, her demeanor timid and reserved.

"And you, Yumi?" Katharina asked gently, tilting her head "Want to stay back, or-?"

Before she could finish, one of the gauntlet-wielding bandits barked a harsh laugh "Listen up, girly! You and your little friends should turn tail now while you still have the chance!"

His sneer deepened as he turned his leering gaze toward Yumi specifically "But if you wanna stay…" he jeered "…me and the boys will show you a good time tonight!" his comment drew laughter from the other bandits, the sound crude and mocking.

Katharina's eyes narrowed dangerously, her mouth opening to respond. But before a word could leave her lips, something shifted in the air.

Yumi's timid posture straightened, her arms dropping to her sides as her entire aura darkened. Crimson energy began radiating off her body like a sinister flame, the oppressive aura soaking the area with palpable bloodlust. The change was immediate and terrifying, silencing the bandits as they recoiled instinctively.

The once-shy mage now stood with a cruel, predatory grin on her face, her eyes glowing with malice.

Her voice, lower and dripping with venom, cut through the silence "You think you'll have your fun with me? No, no, no…" she licked her lips slowly "I'll be the one enjoying this…watching you scream, suffer, and die!"

The man froze for half a second before the bloodlust emanating from her sent a primal wave of fear through his mind.

Without giving anyone time to react, Yumi shot forward with startling speed. The bandit barely had a moment to register her approach before she crashed into him, driving him backward into the treeline with a violent crack. His panicked shouts echoed briefly before being swallowed by the forest as Yumi disappeared into the thick shadows after him.

The other bandits stood in stunned silence, their laughter and bravado reduced to wide-eyed horror. Even the leader hesitated, glancing toward the trees uneasily.

Katharina sighed, shrugging nonchalantly as if the scene had not just unfolded "Well, that takes care of one." she tapped her chin in mock thought "Should we wait for her to return or finish up ourselves?"

Cobra narrowed his eyes, his focus on the treeline where Yumi had vanished. Finally, it clicked 'That voice... it wasn't just her inner thoughts. It was a completely different presence. Her second personality.'

His jaw tightened momentarily before his lips curved into a smirk "Well, I guess that solves the mystery." he muttered. Turning his gaze to his target, Cobra cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck with deliberate slowness "Let's get this over with. This one's barely worth my time."

With a burst of speed, Cobra shot forward, effortlessly weaving through the panicked swings of the bandits' weapons. Their movements were erratic, their thoughts loud and clumsy, filling his mind with useless noise. Cobra's smirk widened.

"Too easy." he muttered.

In one fluid motion, Cobra planted a foot firmly on the ground and launched a sharp kick at his designated opponent, the bandit Katharina had marked for him. The impact sent the bandit staggering back, his gauntlets sparking wildly as he tumbled into the debris-strewn ground. Separated from the group, the bandit scrambled to regain his footing, but Cobra was already on him, a predator closing in on his prey.

Meanwhile, Sava was practically bouncing on his heels, his violet eyes gleaming with excitement "Oh, this is going to be fun! I don't think I've ever fought anyone this...weak!"

The casual insult struck a nerve with the bandit leader, whose expression darkened with fury "You cocky little-!"

But Sava was already moving. He grinned maniacally as his gaze darted across the group of bandits before him. "Let's start with you three!" he said, his tone almost sing-song.

He looked at them, and with a single thought, cast a single, silent spell.

The nearest three bandits froze in place, their eyes widening in terror as they clutched at their heads. Their screams were unlike anything the others had ever heard: raw, guttural, and filled with absolute hysteria.

The sound only lasted a few seconds before their heads, one by one, exploded in a gruesome spectacle, leaving a spray of blood and bone that painted the battlefield. The remaining bandits were paralyzed, their faces pale as they stared in wide-eyed horror at what was left of their comrades. Even the bandit leader faltered, his confidence cracking for a moment.

Katharina, who had been watching the scene unfold with a calm, calculating gaze, raised an eyebrow "Huh...I'll admit, that was...messy. But effective."

Sava turned to her, a triumphant smile plastered across his face "I've always believed in making a strong first impression!"

"Consider it made." Katharina replied dryly, though there was a flicker of amusement in her tone.

The remaining bandits exchanged nervous glances, the confidence they'd exuded moments ago rapidly fading as their leader barked orders to steady them.

Katharina crossed her arms, taking a step back to lean against a broken pillar of the ruined villa. With a casual wave of her hand, she called to Sava, her tone light but dripping with mockery "I was going to let you leave the leader for last, dear, but...you might as well clean up the whole kennel. Just remember to keep him breathing. I have some questions for him afterward."

Sava grinned, his violet eyes gleaming with unrestrained excitement "Oh, I promise I'll leave him alive. Mostly! It's always difficult not to kill right away, I mean with monsters it's easy but they always run away and once I happened to chase one for two days!" he rolled his shoulders and smiled "Now then, let's get to work!"

His two extra mouths made noises of agreement and he stepped forward.

The bandit leader, sensing the danger, barked orders to his men "Take him down! Don't let that runt make a fool out of us!"

Sava's manic grin widened, and he took a single step forward "Runt? Ouch! You sure know how to hurt a guy's feelings!" he flicked his hand lazily, not at all bothered by the insult, and three bandits nearby yelped as they were abruptly lifted into the air, their arms and legs flailing uselessly.

Sava tilted his head as he inspected them, as if deciding what to do next "Hey, you there!" he began, addressing one of the terrified bandits "What's your take on the color purple? Do you think it makes me look more dignified or…playful?"

He didn't wait for a response, instead slamming the man into a nearby tree with a sickening crunch.

The other two shared his fate, hurled violently against their comrades, sending the group sprawling into a chaotic heap.

"What a shame." Sava said with exaggerated sorrow, wagging a finger at the downed bandits "Not one of you even bothered to answer. So rude!"

The remaining bandits steeled themselves, charging at him in unison. Sava's eyes glinted with a hint of madness, and he clapped his hands together. In an instant, their weapons were ripped from their grips, hovering in midair like puppets on strings.

"Well now…" Sava mused, making the floating weapons spin in place, the edges gleaming menacingly "Since you're too clumsy to use these properly, I'll just borrow them for a second!"

With a flick of his wrist, the weapons shot toward their former owners in a flurry of deadly projectiles. Some bandits managed to leap aside, only to find themselves caught in another telekinetic assault as Sava grabbed their bodies and flung them like ragdolls into the surrounding trees and debris.

Throughout the carnage, Sava kept up a steady stream of chatter "Is this your first time fighting a mage? Don't worry, I'll make it memorable!" he called out, grabbing a fallen bandit by the collar and tossing him aside with a laugh "Oh, and you! You've got terrible posture. It's really quite unbecoming." another bandit soared into the air, letting out a shriek before landing with a thud.

The remaining bandits began to waver, their courage crumbling as they realized they stood no chance. Still, Sava showed no sign of slowing, his crazed grin fixed in place "Why so glum? You were all so eager to show off those weapons just a minute ago!" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery before resuming the 'fight'.

Within minutes, only the leader remained, his face pale as he backed away from the devastation.

Sava turned his attention to him, brushing a nonexistent speck of dust from his shoulder before flashing the bandit leader a toothy smile "All alone now, huh? Don't worry, you've got my undivided attention! We can be close friends now!"

Katharina clapped lightly from her perch, her expression one of amused approval "Nicely done, Sava. You made quite the impression."

Sava bowed dramatically "Only the best for the guild master!" then his gaze snapped back to the leader, and the grin he gave him was anything but reassuring "Now…where were we?"

The bandit leader stumbled back, his confidence visibly shaken by Sava's relentless assault. But then, a faint green aura enveloped him, flickering like a protective veil. His panic faded into a twisted grin as he held up his hands, the metallic gauntlets gleaming in the broken sunlight filtering through the trees. The gem embedded on the back of his right hand shone with a vibrant green hue.

"Ha! You think you can scare me? These inventions-!"

Sava looked to the right casually, toward a cluster of trees near the villa's edge "Catch."

Before the leader could react, two thick trees groaned and cracked, their roots snapping free from the earth. Without even a single motion from Sava, the uprooted trees hurtled through the air like battering rams, careening toward the bandit leader.

The man flinched but quickly regained his composure "Don't underestimate me!" he roared, his voice thick with bravado. The gem on his left gauntlet flared a vivid crimson as flames erupted from his palm, a searing wave of heat tearing through the air.

The blazing inferno collided with the oncoming trees mid-flight, engulfing them in a fiery explosion. Charred splinters and ash rained down around him as the flames roared with intensity. The bandit leader's smirk deepened as he lowered his hand, the embers of his attack still glowing in the air.

"See that? You're nothing compared to me with these!" he shouted, his confidence swelling as he gestured with his gauntlets, daring Sava to continue.

But Sava's response wasn't one of fear or anger, it was a laugh, light and utterly unconcerned, as if the display had been nothing more than a cheap parlor trick.

"Oh, you've got fireworks now? Adorable!" Sava said with a grin that only seemed to unnerve the bandit further "Let's see how long you can keep the show going. Ah but I must remember not to kill you, the guild master has to ask you some questions first and it would be rude of me not to do as requested!" he then started giggling, directing his laughter not at the bandit leader but at the voices babbling from his additional mouths. His left hand close to his ear, its lips whispering inaudible nonsense, while the baritone voice on his collarbone hummed something akin to a question.

"Oh, that's a good one!" Sava chirped, pretending to be deep in conversation "What do you mean by that, though? Should I try throwing a rock instead? Or should we save that for dessert?"

The bandit leader's patience was thinning rapidly "Stop babbling, you freak!" he yelled, his left hand lighting up with fiery magic as another wave of flames surged toward Sava.

Sava didn't move, nor did he flinch. With no outward sign of action, the earth between them heaved upwards as if it had decided, of its own accord, to shield him. A massive chunk of soil and rock rose into the air, absorbing the flames with ease. The once-dry earth now glowed faintly from the heat, but it stayed intact.

"Oh my!" Sava mused, his tone bordering on boredom "Was that supposed to impress me? Or did you think a little light show would make me run screaming?"

With the faintest flicker of his violet eyes, the burning mass of earth shifted. As if guided by some invisible force, it tore forward toward the bandit leader, barreling through the space where he had stood moments before.

The leader barely had time to dodge, throwing himself to the side and rolling to his feet. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, the faint green glow of his magical aura flickering for a moment before regaining strength.

"Is that the best you've got?" he sneered, his voice a mix of fear and bravado "This gem!" he jabbed at the green crystal embedded in his gauntlet "It makes me untouchable! Your pathetic magic can't even scratch me!"

Sava's grin stretched wider "Untouchable? Really?" he said softly, his voice laced with mock intrigue. His gaze drifted toward the glowing green crystal for a moment before returning to the bandit "Let's test that, shall we?"

The leader's grin faltered as a sudden sharp pain blossomed in his legs. He cried out, falling to his knees with a thud.

"What the-?!" he gasped, his voice shaky as his wide eyes darted downward. Six daggers gleamed wickedly under the dim light, three embedded deeply in each of his thighs. Blood seeped around the puncture wounds, staining the fabric of his pants.

"How…" he muttered, his voice faltering as fear replaced his bravado.

"Oh dear…" Sava said, feigning concern. He crouched a short distance away, watching the man squirm with an unsettlingly calm expression "It seems your fancy gem forgot to protect your legs. How embarrassing!"

The bandit leader opened his mouth to respond, but the words died in his throat as Sava's mouths broke into simultaneous laughter. Their discordant tones filled the air, one cheerful and lilting, the other dark and chilling.

The eerie cacophony combined with Sava's unblinking violet eyes sent shivers down the leader's spine. The green aura around him shimmered faintly for an instant before cracking like shattered glass, the fragments dissolving into nothingness as the green gem embedded in his gauntlet followed suit, crumbling into useless shards. The bandit leader's jaw dropped, his confidence crumbling alongside the artifact.

Sava tilted his head, the eerie laughter fading as he studied the broken remnants.

"Oh no!" he said, his voice dripping with concern "I didn't mean to break it! You know, one time I accidentally broke a plate at home and they banned me from washing dishes for a whole month. Do you think Katharina will ban me from missions now? Maybe she won't let me leave the guildhall! Oh, the tragedy!" his left hand's mouth let out a whiny hum, followed by the collarbone mouth in a deep baritone.

Katharina's serene laugh rang out from behind him "Don't worry, Sava." she said, her voice light and calm "I'm not upset. That gem wasn't anything important."

"Oh, that's a relief!" Sava exclaimed with a relieved smile, though his eyes still sparkled with unsettling glee.

Her gaze then shifted, cool and calculating, to the bandit leader, who had begun crawling away across the dirt in a desperate bid for escape. He made it all of five feet before Sava spoke up again, this time with deceptive casualness "Leaving so soon?"

Without so much as a flicker of movement from Sava, the six daggers lodged in the leader's thighs jerked free, eliciting a guttural cry of pain. Blood dripped down his legs as Sava's psychic grip hoisted him into the air like a rag doll.

"You know…" Sava mused, almost conversationally, as if the leader's flailing was of no consequence "…if I weren't such a good guy, I'd just drop you right now. But we wouldn't want the guild master to get her hands dirty dragging you back, would we? Mom always told me you have to be a gentleman!" and with a flick of his mind, Sava sent the bandit hurtling through the air toward Katharina.

The leader landed in a heap at her feet, the sickening crunch of his shoulder dislocating making him scream in pain "Damn it!" he cursed through gritted teeth, writhing as he tried to cradle his useless arm.

Katharina crouched down in front of him, her expression cold and her smile sharper than any dagger "Are you ready to talk now?" she asked, her tone soft yet chilling in its finality.

The leader's bravado crumbled entirely as he trembled under her intense gaze. With an audible gulp, he nodded rapidly, his eyes wide with fear "Y-Yes! I'll talk! Just don't hurt me anymore!"

Katharina's smile widened, though it did nothing to soften her icy demeanor "Good boy."

---

Cobra stood firmly as the bandit raised his gauntleted hands, the yellow gem embedded in their back glowing brightly. With a shout, the man unleashed a crackling bolt of lightning aimed straight at Cobra. The Dragon Slayer shifted his weight effortlessly, stepping aside just as the bolt scorched the air where he'd been standing moments before.

"Is that all you've got?" Cobra asked flatly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His tone carried a hint of mockery, his crimson eyes unflinching.

The bandit gritted his teeth, firing another bolt, then another. Each attack was a straight line of electrified fury, and each time, Cobra moved just enough to avoid them without breaking a sweat. His movements were smooth and precise, his body weaving between the bolts with ease.

Through the jumble of panicked thoughts radiating from the bandit's mind, Cobra heard the one that made him chuckle quietly 'How is he dodging everything? What kind of freak is this guy?!'

"Freak?" Cobra echoed aloud, his smirk growing "Coming from someone this predictable, that's a compliment."

As the bandit hesitated, caught off-guard by Cobra's unsettling knowledge of his thoughts, Cobra took a single step forward and exhaled sharply "Poison Dragon's Roar!"

A swirling vortex of purplish poison erupted from Cobra's mouth, racing toward the bandit in an uncontrollable torrent. The man barely managed to roll out of its path, the toxic mist scorching the ground where he'd stood.

"You won't dodge forever." Cobra said darkly, his voice as calm as ever.

The bandit staggered to his feet and pointed the gauntlets forward again. A jagged arc of lightning surged toward Cobra, but this time, he leaped high into the air. With a spin, he descended rapidly "Poison Dragon's Talon!" he roared, his foot coated in toxic energy as it struck the ground mere inches from the bandit.

The resulting shockwave sent the man tumbling backward, coughing as traces of the corrosive poison filled the air around him. Cobra straightened, crimson eyes glaring down at the bandit like a predator eyeing weakened prey.

"You're slow." Cobra muttered "And sloppy."

The bandit's panic was palpable, his thoughts a tangled mess. Cobra winced as they bombarded his heightened senses but didn't falter. Raising the gauntleted hands again, the bandit's lightning gems flared as he poured everything into another desperate attack. This time, instead of dodging, Cobra faced the bolt head-on, his hand outstretched.

"Poison Dragon's Scale Shield!" he bellowed. A shimmering wall of toxic energy materialized before him, absorbing the lightning and dissipating it harmlessly.

The bandit stared in disbelief. "No way…" he breathed.

"Oh, there's more." Cobra snapped, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat "Poison Dragon's Claw!" his fist, radiating with venomous energy, struck the bandit square in the gut, sending him crashing into the base of a charred tree.

The gauntlet's gem flickered violently before shattering with a sharp crack. The bandit gasped, his confidence shattered along with his weapon as he crumpled to his knees.

Cobra sneered, his voice laced with disdain "It's over. You were boring from the start. Even waiting for the poison to take effect would be a waste of time."

With a final flick of his wrist, Cobra unleashed another blast of toxic energy in the form of a whirlwind. The twisting surge of venom forced the bandit to the ground, leaving him motionless as the air grew still once more.

Brushing his hands off as if dusting away dirt, Cobra turned toward the villa without a backward glance.

"Hopefully, the next one isn't such a waste of my time." he muttered under his breath.

---

Yumi stood in the dense grove, her figure radiating an ominous red aura that seeped into the air around her. Her once timid demeanor was gone, replaced by an expression of twisted glee and sadistic intent.

The bandit holding the twin gauntlets looked unsettled for a brief moment but quickly steeled himself, his grip tightening as the gem in his left gauntlet, a shimmering white, glowed faintly.

"You don't scare me, girl." he snarled "These beauties will make sure you regret coming after me."

Before Yumi could respond, the gem on his right gauntlet lit up, and with a forceful swipe, a blade of sharp, compressed wind tore through the air toward her. Yumi moved to the side at the last moment, narrowly dodging the attack, the blade slicing through a nearby tree trunk and toppling it with a loud crash.

Her lips curled into a wicked smile as her glowing eyes locked onto him "I like it when they run…but you're staying right here, aren't you?"

The bandit, unnerved by her confidence, teleported with a flash of white light, reappearing a few meters behind her. Wasting no time, he unleashed another flurry of wind blades, forcing Yumi to move rapidly through the trees, her graceful, almost serpentine movements keeping her just out of reach.

One wind blade caught her on the shoulder, slicing through fabric and flesh. Blood began to seep from the wound, but Yumi barely flinched. Instead, her eyes burned brighter as a dark red mist surrounded the gash. The wound closed instantly, leaving behind unblemished skin.

Her unsettling laughter filled the air "You'll have to try harder than that if you want to kill me!"

She raised her arms, and her magic surged to life "Blood Titan's Torrent!"

A swirling vortex of crimson energy and blood erupted from her palms, barreling toward the bandit with alarming speed. He teleported again, just narrowly escaping the destructive force. The vortex obliterated several trees in its path, sending debris flying in all directions.

"You're fast…" Yumi remarked, her voice dripping with malice "…but how many times can you run before I catch you?"

The bandit reappeared to her right, panting from the repeated use of his teleportation magic. He unleashed another series of wind blades, one of them slashing across Yumi's leg, bringing her to her knees momentarily. Yet again, her healing magic surged, sealing the wound almost immediately.

Yumi licked her lips, her eyes glinting with exhilaration. "Every cut…every scratch…makes this so much more fun!"

With a sudden burst of speed, Yumi lunged toward him, closing the gap between them before he could react. She ducked under another wind blade, planting her foot firmly into the ground to deliver a powerful upward strike.

"Blood Titan's Crescent Slash!" a glowing crimson arc of energy and blood tore through the air, slicing past his defense and shattering a small portion of the gem on his right gauntlet.

The bandit stumbled backward, glancing nervously at the damage.

"Oops, did I break your toy?" Yumi mocked, her voice a dangerous mix of amusement and venom.

He teleported again, attempting to regain the upper hand. This time, he appeared above her, aiming a downward slash with a blade of compressed wind larger than the previous ones. Yumi rolled to the side and leaped onto a fallen tree, her agile form balancing effortlessly.

"Not bad!" she admitted with a grin "But you don't seem to understand the rules of this game!"

She raised her hands, her blood magic crackling like raw energy "Blood Titan's Chains!" crimson tendrils burst forth from her body, snaking through the air with terrifying speed. They wrapped around the bandit's legs, jerking him out of midair and slamming him into the ground with a loud thud.

Yumi wasted no time. Before the bandit could react, she propelled herself forward with a wicked grin, landing heavily on his chest. Her knees pinned his arms to the forest floor as crimson energy pulsed around her like a storm.

"Stay still, won't you?" she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery and malice. In an instant, two jagged lances of blood formed in her hands, shimmering with a deep crimson hue. With a savage thrust, she drove the lances into the gauntlets, striking precisely where the white and gray gems were embedded.

The impact was explosive, shards of gem flying in all directions as both stones shattered under her overwhelming power. The gauntlets sparked and hissed before falling limp, their magical energy completely drained. The bandit screamed in agony, not just from the destruction of his weapons, but also from the sheer force of the lances piercing his hands, pinning him to the ground. His cries only seemed to delight Yumi further, her crimson eyes gleaming with unrestrained sadism.

"Oops!" she chuckled darkly, leaning closer to his paling face "Looks like your toys are broken. Now…what's left for me to play with?"

---

Cobra halted abruptly, his sharp ears catching a bone-chilling scream echoing from the grove. It was distinctly male, filled with agony and desperation, and coming from the direction Yumi had disappeared with her opponent. He hesitated for only a moment, then exhaled sharply.

"Not my problem." he muttered to himself, brushing it off with a dismissive shake of his head. Yumi clearly had her fight handled, albeit in a…unique way.

Continuing his stride, Cobra emerged from the woods and approached the villa. The damage from the battle that had claimed Lergon's life was still striking, with scorched earth and shattered debris scattered around, but Cobra's attention shifted to the scene in front of the library-laboratory.

Katharina stood near a pile of overturned bookshelves, flipping through a worn tome she had plucked from the ruins. The faint smirk on her lips suggested that whatever she was reading was either informative or amusing, perhaps both. Nearby, Sava was darting from one end of the wrecked laboratory to the other like an overexcited child in a toy store. His violet eyes sparkled as he examined every scattered scroll, shattered artifact, and glass shard, all while peppering Katharina with an endless stream of questions.

"What's this one for?" Sava asked, holding up what looked like a cracked magnifying lens "Do you think he was inventing magical goggles? Oh! Maybe a laser beam generator? No, wait, a teleportation enhancer!"

Katharina didn't bother looking up as she flipped another page "Sava, if you want answers, I suggest you rebuild the tools and test them yourself."

"That's an amazing idea!" he chirped, tucking the lens into his pocket before rushing over to a toppled desk.

Cobra's gaze shifted to the side of the villa, where the leader of the bandits was slumped against the cracked stone wall. The man's face was ashen, his pupils unfocused, and his body trembled with occasional, involuntary spasms. Cobra arched an eyebrow at the sorry sight.

"What happened to him?" Cobra asked, nodding toward the bandit.

Katharina glanced up from her book, her smirk widening just enough to be unnerving "Oh, I simply asked him a few questions." she replied nonchalantly before returning to her reading.

Cobra snorted in amusement, his suspicion confirmed that Katharina's idea of 'asking questions' had clearly been...intense. Whatever methods she had employed, it had left the man a broken shell of his former self, his mind likely as shattered as his will.

"You really have a way with people, Master." Cobra said dryly before leaning against the remnants of the villa's front doorframe.

Katharina didn't respond immediately, simply turning another page. Finally, with a faint chuckle, she remarked "They always talk, Cobra. Some just need the right…motivation."

Cobra crossed his arms, his piercing gaze still fixed on the trembling bandit leader slumped against the villa's wall "Did he at least give you anything useful?"

Katharina closed the book she'd been reading with a sharp snap and smirked "He said an anonymous informant tipped them off about when Lergon would die. Their task was to raid the villa after his death, collect anything of value, and use his creations to launch an assault on the capital."

Cobra frowned, his brow furrowing deeply "A diversion maybe?" he murmured "They wanted everyone focused here instead of somewhere else, or maybe someone wanted the capital to be attacked?"

Katharina tapped a finger against her chin, her expression contemplative "That's what I suspect, but I have no idea who could've orchestrated this." she turned her gaze back to the bandit leader, who twitched slightly at the attention "I'll be sure to inform Doma-kun. He'll want to follow this up."

At that moment, footsteps rustled the leaves, and Yumi stepped into view from the edge of the woods. Her posture was subdued, her head slightly bowed, and the fiery aura of her second personality had entirely dissipated. It was clear she'd reverted to her shy, quiet self.

"Yumi." Katharina called softly "Are you alright?"

The purple-haired woman nodded but kept her gaze averted "Y-Yes, I'm fine…" her tone was subdued, and it was evident she didn't want to discuss what had transpired.

Katharina studied her for a moment before nodding gently "Alright. Let's get going then." she suddenly tossed the book she'd been holding over her shoulder and into the dirt, as if it were nothing more than trash.

Cobra raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her nonchalant gesture "What kind of book was that?"

A mischievous grin spread across Katharina's face as she leaned closer.

"Smut." she whispered with mock confidentiality "The rumors about Lergon being a bit of a pervert? Entirely true."

Cobra stiffened, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks "Are you serious?"

Yumi, standing a few paces away, also turned crimson, her hands wringing nervously.

Before the awkwardness could deepen, an explosive pop echoed through the air, drawing all their attention to the ruins of the laboratory. Sava stood amidst a small puff of smoke, grinning proudly as tiny sparks fizzled from a strange device he'd been tinkering with.

Katharina let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she turned to the others "Come on, let's leave before he decides to accidentally blow us up too."

Cobra sighed heavily, muttering under his breath "Can't say this job was boring."

Yumi merely nodded, still flustered as she followed Katharina away from the wreckage. Sava cheerfully bounded after them, eagerly talking about everything he'd discovered and asking Katharina how soon they could raid another inventor's ruins.

---

[ World Slayers Guild Building / 5th August X786 ]

A warm glow emanated from the Lacrima in Katharina's office, its surface flickering as Gran Doma's face appeared within. His expression was grave, as it had been for most of their recent conversations.

"Still nothing on the informant." Gran Doma said, his tone clipped "The captured bandit leader knows very little beyond what he's already told you. We're digging further into his connections, but it seems like a dead end for now."

Katharina sighed, leaning back in her chair "Typical." she muttered "Well, keep me updated if something comes up."

"I will." Gran Doma replied, his expression softening slightly "And try to keep things peaceful on your end. I'd rather not deal with another international incident."

Katharina smirked "No promises."

The Lacrima dimmed, signaling the end of the conversation. Katharina rolled her shoulders, letting out a satisfied hum as she pushed herself up from her seat. She stretched her arms high above her head, relishing the pull of her muscles. A genuine smile spread across her face as she walked over to the railing overlooking the guild hall.

Down below, the noise of chatter and laughter filled the air. Every table was occupied, with members exchanging stories, planning missions, and enjoying their time together.

Katharina clapped her hands once, loud enough to draw attention, and the noise quickly died down. All eyes turned upward to where she stood, her fiery presence commanding immediate respect.

"My dear Slayers!" she began, her voice warm yet authoritative "It's been far too long since we were all in one place!" she chuckled lightly, crossing her arms "I know some of you have been itching to go on missions, given the new influx of requests, and, yes, I'm well aware that keeping you grounded for a few days wasn't exactly fun. For that, I apologize."

A ripple of playful remarks followed her words.

"But!" Katharina's smile widened as she raised one arm high, her energy infectious "Now that we're all here, it's time to properly welcome the new blood among us! You've worked hard, you've proven yourselves, and now it's time to celebrate!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd, whistles and applause echoing through the hall.

"Let the grand welcome party BEGIN!" Katharina declared.

The hall immediately burst into action. Drinks were poured and food was brought out. Laughter and cheers grew louder as the guild threw themselves wholeheartedly into the festivities. Katharina leaned against the railing, watching with pride and amusement, before going down the stairs to join the festivities, immediately receiving a mug of beer from Nox.

Katharina gracefully settled into a chair of a large wooden table. Palomita and Brigid were already seated beside her, with the former laughing boisterously at some inside joke, while Lugh poured himself another pint of beer. Cobra, on the other hand, looked far from thrilled. Sitting across from Lugh, his arms crossed and his expression sour, he glared at the lively guild members filling the hall.

"Let me guess, you were forced to join this table." Katharina remarked with a sly smile, noticing his attitude.

"Absolutely." Cobra grumbled, avoiding her gaze.

"Oh, come on, Erik! Don't be such a grouch!" Lugh said, letting out a hearty laugh "Hey, is it true you fought Natsu Dragneel? The Fire Dragon Slayer from Fairy Tail?"

Cobra sighed, rolling his eyes "Yeah, it's true."

"Really? You never told us while we were on a mission together!" Palomita chimed in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned closer to the table, resting her chin on her hand "How was it? Must've been epic!"

"If by epic, you mean irritating…" Cobra began, then paused, sniffing the air. His gaze turned to Lugh, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance "You know, you've got the same ashy smell as that guy."

Lugh burst into laughter, pounding his fist on the table "Ha! Maybe it reminds you of the time you lost to him! Probably the same thing would happen if you fought me!"

Cobra flinched as if struck, his fists clenching as his face darkened "Are you trying to provoke me, you thick-headed fool?"

"Easy, easy." Katharina cut in, laughing lightly as she twirled her wine glass between her fingers "Not that a bit of competition isn't fun, but let's at least wait until midnight before starting a brawl, okay?"

Lugh, still chuckling, raised his beer in a silent toast while Cobra growled softly, visibly irritated but holding back. Palomita glanced curiously at Cobra but shrugged, turning back to chatter animatedly with Brigid. Katharina took a sip of her beer, her gaze wandering across the bustling hall. It landed on a nearby table where Kozune sat alongside Sava, Kris, and Bogart. The sight made her smile faintly, even as a flicker of amusement crossed her face. Despite having been with the guild for only a short while, Kozune seemed entirely at ease, chatting animatedly with the three men as though they'd been friends for years.

Sava, predictably, was doing most of the talking, his exaggerated hand gestures and lively expressions captivating Kris and Bogart. Kozune, however, held her own, cracking a joke that made Kris throw his head back in laughter while Bogart smiled faintly, not yet accustomed to that atmosphere and guild life.

Katharina couldn't help but marvel, still finding it remarkable how Kozune could carry herself with such confidence around men, effortlessly integrating into conversations as though she were born for it.

Then, she followed Kozune's gaze as it flickered briefly to a girl passing by the table, a tall mage with long blue hair, orange eyes and a radiant smile named Gelax, who was moving towards another group.

As soon as Kozune's eyes caught sight of the girl, her previously animated demeanor changed completely. Her confident posture stiffened, her cheeks flushed, and her hands fidgeted nervously with the silverware in front of her.

Katharina smirked as she watched the transformation. It was as though someone had flipped a switch, turning Kozune into a bundle of tightly wound nerves. She muttered something barely audible to Sava, who cocked his head quizzically but returned to his rambling without much concern.

The juxtaposition was striking, and Katharina chuckled softly to herself. "She's fearless in battle, sharp-tongued with men…and yet one smile from a girl can throw her into complete disarray. Fascinating."

Rayleigh arrived at the table just then, carrying two large plates stacked with food. With a warm smile, he placed one in front of Palomita, who immediately brightened at the sight of the heaping pile of meat.

"This is why I love you, mom!" Palomita declared before diving into her meal.

Rayleigh chuckled before setting down another plate in front of Brigid, whose portion was visibly steaming, the heat intense enough to make anyone else wince. Brigid, however, smiled at Rayleigh and immediately began devouring it without a second thought, blushing a bit when she notices Cobra and Lugh's stares.

Katharina leaned back in her chair, raising an eyebrow at Rayleigh when the latter glanced at her with a knowing look. "And you, Master…" Rayleigh began "…still aren't allowed to be alone in a room with Kozune."

Katharina raised her hands in mock surrender, smirking "Oh, come on, that was one time."

"One time too many." Rayleigh retorted, crossing his arms "After what you and Palomita did when she first joined, I'm surprised she didn't faint every time she saw you for a week."

At that, Palomita burst into laughter, nearly choking on a piece of meat "Oh, that was priceless! Poor Kozune, she was so red she looked like she'd been out in the sun for hours!"

Katharina chuckled, leaning forward with a mischievous grin as the memory replayed in her mind "How could we resist? The moment we realized how easily she blushes around women, it was practically an open invitation! Besides…" she added with a playful glint in her eye "…all I did was ask if I could eat her. It's not my fault she misunderstood the meaning."

Brigid shook her head slightly, taking a bite before looking at the blonde "She didn't just misunderstand. She completely shut down, master. The poor girl passed out, face red as a beet, and don't even get me started on the nosebleed. I was worried for her…"

Rayleigh's gaze darkened slightly as he reached for the chancla tucked into his belt. The sight made Katharina and Palomita freeze, their grins faltering.

"And what happened next?" Rayleigh asked with a dangerously calm tone.

"Uh…" Palomita fidgeted "We might've gotten a little carried away…?"

"You smacked us with that cursed sandal of yours!" Katharina finished, laughing nervously, not at all perturbed by the fact that he had used that lethal weapon on his guild's guild master.

"And I'll do it again if you try anything like that tonight." Rayleigh warned. Both women gulped, raising their hands in surrender while Cobra laughed, clearly enjoying the sight of the two being put in their place.

Lugh glanced at Katharina, his brows furrowing in confusion "I don't get it. What's so strange about her asking to eat Kozune? You drink blood, right? Isn't that normal?"

Cobra immediately turned to him with an expression of utter disbelief, staring at the Hell Flame Dragon Slayer as though he were the biggest idiot alive "Are you serious right now?"

Katharina, however, couldn't help but burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair as her shoulders shook "Oh, Lugh, you really are a treasure." she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye "Of course, you wouldn't know. You didn't exactly grow up surrounded by…cultural subtleties."

Lugh tilted his head, still confused "So what does it mean, then?"

"Oh, I'd be happy to explain-!" Katharina started, her smirk widening with mischief.

"Absolutely not." Rayleigh's sharp voice cut through the conversation as he looked at the guild master. His piercing gaze locked onto her as he pointed a firm finger "You will not corrupt Lugh as well. He's clueless, not stupid, and I won't have you filling his head with your nonsense."

Katharina raised her hands in mock surrender, though her grin didn't falter "Fine, fine, you win."

Rayleigh didn't budge, his stern expression unwavering as he gave her one last warning look before glancing at Lugh "And you, my dear, stop asking questions you don't really want the answers to. Or just ask me, okay?"

Lugh frowned, clearly still puzzled, but eventually nodded "Uh, okay dad…I guess?"

Cobra sighed, shaking his head as he muttered under his breath "Unbelievable."

Palomita, meanwhile, was laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her seat, clearly entertained by the whole exchange.

Katharina finished her beer with a satisfied sigh, setting the empty mug back onto the table. Her gaze lazily drifted across the guild hall, eventually landing on a nearby table where Lunafreya was deep in conversation with Ossian, Livie, Mako, and Ruina, a Vampire Slayer with jet-black hair and an eyepatch covering her right eye.

She tilted her head slightly, observing how Ruina and Lunafreya seemed to interact. Their conversation was fluid, almost effortless, with occasional shared glances that hinted at a familiarity beyond casual acquaintances. Katharina's brow furrowed as a playful smirk tugged at her lips.

"Hmm…" she murmured to herself, her eyes narrowing as she watched them for a moment longer "They're awfully chummy. Almost like they've known each other for years…"

She chuckled quietly, leaning back in her seat as she waved the thought away "Nah, it's probably just my imagination."

Cobra glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, catching her muttered musings "What are you mumbling about now?" he asked, clearly disinterested but slightly curious.

"Nothing important." Katharina replied with a grin, turning her attention back to the table and dismissing her wandering thoughts. Still, she made a mental note to keep an eye on those two, purely for curiosity's sake, of course.

As dawn broke over the guild, the faint light of morning streaming through the windows, the hall was a far cry from the lively chaos of the previous night. Empty mugs and plates were scattered across tables, the remnants of the massive feast and celebration still evident in the disheveled state of the room. Yet, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, blending with the rich aroma of warm, flaky pastries.

Rayleigh stood behind the bar counter, expertly pouring steaming coffee into mugs, his movements fluid and precise despite the early hour. He placed the mugs on a tray and gestured for Nox, who was carrying a platter stacked high with freshly baked brioches, their golden crusts glistening. Together, they began making rounds, setting the food and drinks on tables and gently nudging awake those who were starting to stir.

Here and there, groggy mages stretched and yawned, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Some had managed to find decent spots to rest, on benches or cushioned chairs, while others had curled up on the wooden floor, wrapped in blankets and pillows thoughtfully provided by Rayleigh and Nox the previous night. A few had even claimed entire tables as makeshift beds, their heads resting on folded arms or stacked cushions.

"Good morning, dear." Rayleigh greeted cheerfully, setting a mug of coffee and a plate of brioches in front of Bridget, who had just stumbled to a table after getting up from the floor where she was sleeping next to Lugh and under several blankets, with Rayleigh not saying anything about it. She gave a sleepy look, her hair disheveled from sleep, and immediately grabbed a brioche, biting into it with delight, while Romain sat down a short distance away, barely suppressing a yawn.

Nox, meanwhile, approached a group of still-slumbering mages sprawled across the floor, nudging them gently with his foot "Come on, rise and shine. If you don't wake up soon, all the brioches will be gone."

A groan came from the pile of blankets as one of the mages, Lunafreya to be precise, reluctantly sat up, rubbing her eyes "Five more minutes…"

"That would be unwise, Your Highness." Nox replied with a chuckle, setting down a tray of coffee within arm's reach. The smell alone was enough to motivate the sleepy mage into action.

Gradually, the guild came to life, mages stumbling toward the coffee and pastries like moths to a flame. Despite their groggy state, there was an air of contentment and camaraderie, the lingering warmth of the night's festivities evident in the laughter and lighthearted chatter that began to fill the room.

Katharina, who had already been awake for some time, stood near the railing of the upper balcony, watching the scene below with a satisfied smile. The guild was messy, noisy, and filled with the chaos of its waking members, but to her, it was perfect.

Katharina gave her guild time to enjoy their breakfast, her eyes wandering over the familiar faces scattered throughout the hall. Mukuro and Radogan sat at separate tables in the corners of the room, their postures straight and their expressions unbothered, sipping their coffee as if already mentally preparing for the day. Mukuro, despite the full mask covering his face, managed to drink without issue, an ability that always intrigued but was never questioned by those around him.

The air was calm but buzzing with quiet energy as mages ate, drank, and chatted among themselves. Once Katharina was satisfied that everyone had gotten their fill, she gracefully descended the stairs, her steps drawing attention as conversations hushed. Reaching the center of the hall, she turned to face her guildmates, her arms crossed and an almost playful smile gracing her lips.

"Well, my dear little troublemakers…" she began, her voice carrying easily across the room "I've decided to do something I haven't done in over a year." she paused, her smile widening "I'm going on a walk!"

The way she emphasized the word walk made it sound almost ceremonial, as though it held far more significance than the mundane activity it described. A few members, like Cobra, furrowed their brows in confusion, glancing at each other for answers. However, most of the guild remained silent, understanding exactly what she meant.

At a nearby table, Mako and Livie exchanged a look before turning to Radogan. Mako, ever curious, leaned forward "Hey, Rad, is this something important?"

Radogan remained impassive, sipping his coffee with an almost lazy air before replying in his usual deadpan tone "It's not important. Just a waste of time." his words were accompanied by the slightest roll of his eyes, though it was clear he didn't mean disrespect.

Livie nodded, almost sagely "A useless walk."

"U-Uhm…I think if the guild master said that word with emphasis it is somehow important…" said Mako while looking at the girl sitting next to him.

Livie nodded again "A not-useless walk then." her eyes then suddenly shone "Oh so can we hold hands? I always hold my mom's hand when we go for a walk to collect shells."

Mako blushed sharply but nodded, unable to voice his thoughts, all the while Radogan wondered why those two had to be so close to him.

Meanwhile, at another table, Kris nudged Kiro, raising an eyebrow "So, what's the big deal about this walk?"

Kiro, about to give an expletive-laden reply, caught sight of Rayleigh standing nearby, casually holding a mug in one hand while the other rested on his ever-menacing chancla. The look Rayleigh shot him was calm but carried a clear warning.

With a barely concealed sigh, Kiro rephrased, muttering "It's just a boring walk. Nothing to get excited over."

Rayleigh gave an approving nod, setting his mug down with a smile.

Katharina looked around the room, a faint smile playing on her lips as she began calling out names "Alright, for this walk, Erik…" Cobra's head snapped toward her with a small glare as she ignored his annoyance "…Lugh, Kris, Mako, Livie, Kozune, Sava, Bogart, and Carolina will be coming along!"

The named mages rose from their seats, each showing varying degrees of curiosity. Lugh raised an eyebrow, folding his arms as he surveyed the group "That's quite a big group for a stroll, don't you think?" he remarked, though his tone was more amused than genuinely skeptical. He shrugged it off quickly, not one to overthink things.

Katharina clapped her hands together lightly, drawing everyone's attention "If you need to change, wash up, or grab your gear, do so now. Once you're ready, meet me in town. We'll take the teleportation chamber straight to the Pergrande Kingdom."

Her instructions were clear, and with that, she turned and headed toward the guild entrance, leaving the chosen group to prepare.

---

The group now stood in the middle of rocky, barren lands stretching as far as the eye could see, just outside the Magic Council's Pergrande Branch. The jagged landscape was a stark contrast to the forests and cities many of them were accustomed to, and several members of the group couldn't help but glance around in awe. Carolina knelt down to touch the dry, reddish soil, while Livie examined the towering cliffs in the distance, playing with her voice to see if she could make it echo. Even Sava seemed enraptured, his extra mouths humming an eerie tune as he spun in place.

Cobra, however, remained focused. Crossing his arms, he turned to Katharina with a skeptical look "Alright, Katharina." he began, his voice tinged with annoyance "What's this walk really about?"

Katharina's expression softened into an amused grin "Oh, it's exactly what I said. A proper walk through uninhabited lands." she gestured broadly to the desolate scenery around them "It's something I like to do when there are new recruits in the guild. It gives me a chance to chat with them, learn more about them, and help them bond with one another. After all, we're stronger as a guild if we know each other well, don't you think?"

Kris tilted his head slightly "That's it? Just a bonding exercise?"

Katharina raised a finger, her smile turning mischievous "Not entirely. Sometimes we come across dangerous beasts, and when we do, well…" she shrugged as if it were the most natural thing in the world "We kill them, cook them, and enjoy a nice dinner around a campfire."

That caught the attention of Lugh and Carolina, both of whom straightened up at the prospect. Lugh's grin widened "Wait, so this isn't just some boring walk? There's a chance for some real action?"

Carolina grinned, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "And dinner too? Sounds perfect!"

Katharina chuckled warmly "Exactly. So keep your eyes peeled, everyone. You never know what might pop out in these parts." she turned to lead the way, her tone light and playful, but her words carried an undercurrent of anticipation.

The group pressed forward through the wild, untamed expanse of the Pergrande wilderness, the sun climbing high in the sky as they journeyed deeper into the rugged terrain. The uneven ground crunched under their steps, and the distant cries of wild creatures echoed faintly, adding an almost serene ambiance to their trek. Nearly three hours into their walk, Katharina paused briefly to glance behind her, curious to observe how the group was holding up.

A smile tugged at her lips as her gaze landed on Kozune, who was walking alongside Lugh and Cobra. Kozune's animated expressions and rapid-fire chatter were met with varying reactions; Lugh seemed genuinely entertained, occasionally throwing in his own remarks, while Cobra kept his usual stoic demeanor, though there was a flicker of faint amusement in his eyes. Katharina couldn't help but find it amusing herself. Cobra wasn't known for tolerating much chatter, but somehow Kozune's approach seemed to work.

Further back, Kris was engaged in a lively conversation with Mako, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. Mako, in turn, nodded along thoughtfully, occasionally responding with his happy and exited tone. Kris occasionally turned to Bogart, attempting to draw the quieter mage into the exchange. Bogart, for his part, offered short answers but seemed comfortable enough in their company.

Bringing up the rear was the trio of Sava, Livie, and Carolina. Sava's energy was in full force, his excited voice carrying forward as he rattled off a seemingly endless string of stories and observations. Livie nodded along attentively, her calm and serene demeanor unshaken by the smaller mage's enthusiasm, even though Katharina had the impression that sometimes she was nodding without fully understanding Sava's explanations, but maybe it was her imagination. Carolina, however, looked torn between two impulses: fleeing from the relentless flood of words or somehow rescuing Livie from her situation. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she debated her options, though she seemed unwilling to abandon her companion to Sava's verbal onslaught.

Katharina chuckled softly to herself, her steps slowing for a moment 'They're bonding, in their own chaotic way. Just as I hoped.'

The group continued their trek through the vast expanse of rocky and grassy steppe, the steady rhythm of their footsteps filling the otherwise quiet landscape. Cobra slowed down abruptly, eventually coming to a complete stop, his brow furrowing as he brought a hand to his ear.

Kris, noticing his shift in demeanor, glanced over "What is it? Something wrong?"

Cobra's gaze darted across the horizon before shaking his head slightly "I hear something." he muttered, his tone laced with unease.

The others exchanged puzzled glances, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. Lugh, Bogart and Kris strained their ears, trying to catch whatever Cobra was hearing, while Sava shrugged and shook his head "I don't hear or feel squat. Just a few lizards scuttling around."

Livie, with a calm but curious expression, stepped closer to Cobra. Without a word, she snapped her fingers, her magic rippling through the air to disrupt any potential sound-based illusions or enchantments. She tilted her head, listening intently, but Cobra's face remained tense "It's still there." he said sharply "A high-pitched whistle…like it's getting louder."

No sooner had he spoken than Livie's eyes widened in realization "Wait…" she began, trailing off as the sound reached her ears as well.

Kris, Bogart, and Lugh stiffened as the same sound registered with them, a faint but persistent whistling noise growing steadily more intense. Kris squinted, his focus shifting upward as he concentrated. Then his eyes widened in alarm, and he pointed skyward.

"Something's falling!" he shouted.

As one, the group's heads snapped upward, and their eyes widened in shock. High above them, a dark object was plummeting from the sky, rapidly gaining speed as it descended. For a split second, no one moved, the sheer speed of the incoming projectile freezing them in place.

Then it hit.

The impact was deafening, a shockwave tearing through the air and sending debris flying in every direction. The ground beneath their feet shook violently, and the force of the blast hurled everyone backward. Each member of the group landed hard on the rocky terrain, dazed by the sudden and devastating strike.

Dust and smoke filled the air as the sound of the collision echoed across the steppe. For a moment, all was still except for the ringing in their ears and the faint sound of crumbling rock as the dust settled around them.

Lugh let out a string of loud curses as he pushed himself off the ground, brushing dirt and debris from his clothes, with Kozune doing the same, matching and even surpassing his curses.

"What the hell was that?!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the rocky expanse. He turned his gaze toward the column of smoke and dust rising just a few meters ahead. His expression shifted from irritation to tension as his nose twitched, his sharp senses picking up a scent in the air.

"Wait…" Lugh murmured, his muscles going rigid. His nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed in confusion "This smell…" his voice trailed off, his usual bravado replaced by wariness. It was the unmistakable scent of a dragon, but it was wrong. Unlike the familiar scents of his guildmates, this one felt alien. More disturbing, it wasn't just one scent; it was as if eight different dragon signatures were mingling together, an unnatural fusion that set his instincts on edge.

Nearby, Bogart stood motionless, his face visibly panicked as he sent a worried look towards Kris, remembering when Diabolos had attacked him, with Kris who was already dusting himself off and scanning the settling debris. Cobra, still crouched, tilted his head as if straining to hear something, his sharp gaze fixed on the smoke-filled horizon.

"What's wrong?" Livie asked as Mako pulled her to her feet. Her usual calmness was replaced by a faint edge of concern as she noticed the tension radiating from the Dragon Slayers.

Carolina and Sava were already on their feet, but even Sava, typically brimming with energy and chatter, was unusually quiet while his eyes remained fixed on the column of smoke, having already perceived the single presence hidden by that dark cloak.

"That's…a lot of power." he muttered.

Then, without warning, an oppressive force swept over them like a tidal wave. The pressure was immediate, primal, and ferocious. It bore down on them with such intensity that it felt like the air itself had thickened, pressing against their lungs and weighing down their limbs.

"What the hell is this?!" Lugh growled, clutching his chest as the oppressive energy seemed to smother the very breath from his lungs. His usual bravado was replaced with a rare grimace of unease.

Kris stumbled back a step, his teeth clenched "This isn't normal…it's like…like raw ferocity!"

The ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble slightly, and the thick air crackled faintly with residual magic. Cobra's usually calm demeanor cracked, his lips curling into a grim line "It's not just power." he muttered "It's bloodlust."

The thick, oppressive fume slowly began to dissipate, revealing faint glimpses of movement within. A deep, mocking voice echoed through the barren landscape, dripping with amusement.

"Well, well…how long has it been since someone so boldly stepped foot on my land?" the voice seemed to carry an unnatural weight, the very sound of it adding to the suffocating magical pressure around them.

The air grew heavier still, crackling with raw magic. Lugh's knees almost buckled under the weight but he refused to wield, and his sharp eyes darted toward the now clearer figure in the haze.

"I suppose curiosity gets the better of fools." the voice chuckled darkly "But this time…oh, this time, we have not just a handful of thieves!"

The smoke shifted, revealing the faint outline of a tall, imposing figure. The glint of a strange, large wheel of blades on his back shimmered faintly through the haze, and strands of long, wild hair fluttered in the gentle breeze.

"Ah…" the figure paused, his voice filled with mockery "I misspoke. Not thieves, no…Slayers!" he practically spat the word, his tone dripping with disdain "So many of you gathered here, like flies buzzing around rotting meat."

Cobra's jaw clenched, his enhanced hearing picking up the faintest rustling movements beyond the words. His eyes flicked to the ground, the swirling magic resonating through every fiber of his being.

"And I know why you've come." the voice carried on, each syllable laced with venomous amusement "You're after them, aren't you? My Lacrima. Greedy little hunters scurrying into the lion's den without a care in the world."

The smoke finally cleared entirely, revealing a single man. Standing tall, his long, flowing orange hair styled in a particular hairstyle. His sharp features bore a grin that was both arrogant and unsettling, his eyes gleaming with wild, untamed energy. The jagged scar across his nose only added to his menacing aura. His ornate wheel of blades glinted menacingly, matching the massive magical presence emanating from his very being.

"Surprised?" he chuckled, spreading his arms wide in mock generosity, as though welcoming them to his domain "You thought you were the predators? Oh, no, little ones. You've stumbled right into the jaws of the real beast!"

His grin widened, his entire presence radiating predatory glee, as if inviting them to try "Welcome to your last mistake."

God Serena, the most powerful mage in Ishgar, stood before them.

And he was not happy.

TO BE CONTINUED…

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And here we are! Faster than I expected! A new 49-page chapter served for you! I hope you enjoyed it and that I have properly rendered all the various OCs present! As some of you may have noticed, I tried to change the writing style to make it more full-bodied and I hope you like it!

In this chapter we had the opportunity to see the end of Keira's mission and the others, the introduction of a new Sin Slayer as well as the introduction of God Serena himself! Unlike the canon, his presence in the fic will be very different and he will be used more than in the manga! Hope you'll be pleased with what I've planned for him!

With that said, I hope I did your OCs justice and that you enjoyed the chapter!

See you next time!

OC list (created by you!):

WORLD SLAYERS

- Radogan Elgrave, created by: alucard deathsinger

- Mukuro Murasaki, created by: Lezusia

- Kris Bliviah, created by: Singofffan

- Kiro Jarndyce, created by: theotakureader101

- Rayleigh Whitlock, created by: pricefree

- Palomita Alvarez, created by: JackHammerMan

- Brigid Sorren, created by: News Boss

- Mako Maverick, created by: Sweet brisk

- Bridget Kaelan, created by: Wolf0830

- Lugh Atlas, created by: King0fP0wers

- Sava Erunant, created by: Deadly Animals Are Cute

- Bogart Cresthill, created by: SureJahn

- Livie Marilee, created by: Arrow-chan3

- Yumi Shishi, created by: ShiinIn

- Kozune Mura, created by: Sempi

- Keira Everstern, created by: RevolutionaryCleo

- Romain Housing, created by: NyescoBlaze

- Lunafreya Lacrima, created by: Bluestar076

- Litavis Deckard, created by: Warmachine375

- Carolina Course, created by: ArcaneQuil09

OTHER OCs

- Momonary Sachie, created by: klbubblepop786

- Genbu, created by: King0fP0wers