Little Aveline leaned against the cool marble railing of her balcony, her small hands gripping its edge as she peered down at the lively festival below. The streets were alive with the sound of music and laughter. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their golden light illuminating the joyful faces of the townsfolk.

Behind her, footsteps approached, soft against the polished floor. Before she could turn, strong arms wrapped around her in a warm hug.

“And why is the birthday princess sneaking out of her own party?” Garrick Stormrend’s deep voice rumbled, amusement lacing his words.

Aveline giggled, leaning into his embrace. “Aveline wanted to see the festival,” she said, pointing toward the bustling streets. “Look, Papa! Everyone is smiling and laughing. Aveline loves to see them happy.”

Her father chuckled, resting his chin gently on her head. “They’re celebrating your birthday, my little star. You’re the reason for their smiles tonight.”

Aveline tilted her head, her curious eyes meeting his. “Do people in other cities also smile because it’s Aveline’s birthday?”

Garrick’s expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in his gaze. “In our lands, yes. But beyond these borders…” He hesitated, then sighed. “Not everyone is so lucky, my dear. Some people suffer because they don’t have good lords to care for them.”

“Why are they not happy, Papa?”

“They live under the rule of bad people. People who bring pain to others to feel happy and productive. That’s what we call evil, Aveline.”

She frowned, her little hands clenching the railing. “Aveline doesn’t like that. Aveline wants to make people happy, especially the ones who have no chance to be happy.”

Garrick laughed. He turned her to face him and cupped her cheek gently. “You can be anything you want to be, my little star. But remember, you don’t have to take on the world. You can just enjoy your life.”

Aveline shook her head, determination shining in her eyes. “Aveline is happy, Papa. That’s why Aveline wants to help good people smile too.”

His smile deepened, pride mingling with affection as he kissed her cheek. “Then I’ll support you, my little star. Always.”

They stood there together for a while longer, watching the festival below, the laughter and music carrying into the night.

---

Arayn's attack overpowered hers, the dark-crimson arc cleaving through the golden gale and striking her with brutal force. Aveline staggered backward, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as the wound tore deep into her side. Blood poured from the gash, pooling at her knees as she fell, trembling and pale.

She raised her trembling hand, whispering a healing verse. "Celestara, the Guiding Star, mend my body, renew my spirit—[Stardust Renewal]." But the chant fizzled out; her mana was completely depleted.

She looked up at Arayn as he strode toward her, his calm presence looming. Her voice was calm despite her trembling form. "Kill me."

Arayn tilted his head, studying her with mild amusement. "Don't be so hasty," he replied. "Did you know? I've used a forbidden ability to diminish my lifespan. Most of it, actually." His lips curved into a faint smile. "But it was worth it. This fight, Aveline, has been exhilarating."

Aveline's face remained stoic, her eyes reflecting resignation rather than fear. "There’s so much I still wanted to do," she murmured. "But if this is my fate, then so be it."

Arayn nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Before I end this," he said, "tell me—what is your ultimate purpose in life?"

She hesitated, glancing down at the crimson-stained ground. "I’ve been blessed with love, kindness, and the people around me," she said quietly. "I wanted others to feel that same blessing, to live in its light."

Arayn regarded her in silence for a moment before speaking. "I see," he murmured. "Your origin is 'bless.' You've lived true to it, Aveline." He knelt slightly, leveling his gaze with hers. "Take pride in that." Rising to his full height, he pointed his sword at her. "Do you have any last words?"

Her eyes softened as she met his gaze. "What about you?" she asked. "What’s your purpose?"

He chuckled softly, a sound devoid of malice. "I want to enjoy all the beautiful things in this world."

She frowned faintly. "In what way? The town was beautiful before Saria burned it, but you didn’t seem to feel remorse seeing it destroyed."

Arayn sighed, shaking his head. "You misunderstand," he said. "I don’t find beauty in places or objects. I find it in two things. Demonic power and living beings—those who remain true to their unwavering origins. I enjoy seeing the conclusions of their paths, however they end."

Her gaze grew sharp. "Even if their origins are evil?"

"What you call evil is something they didn’t choose. To reject their origin is to reject their very existence. And that, I find abhorrent."

Aveline closed her eyes, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "As expected, I can’t see the world through your eyes," she murmured. "I have nothing more to say. End it."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Arayn's gaze softened briefly as he looked at the kneeling Aveline. "I won’t forget you," he said. He raised his sword, preparing to end her suffering, but a sudden blur of motion interrupted him.

A massive werewolf burst from thin air, lunging at Arayn with fangs bared and claws outstretched. Reflexively, Arayn stepped back, narrowly dodging the beast's pounce. The werewolf snarled, seizing Aveline by her bloodied armor, and darted away with inhuman speed.

Arayn’s eyes narrowed in anger. "Stealing my prey? How bold." With a growl of frustration, he activated [Demonic Step], his form blurring as he pursued the creature.

The werewolf skidded to a halt moments later, tossing Aveline aside like a discarded doll. As her body hit the ground, it shimmered and then vanished into thin air.

Arayn halted abruptly, his rage flaring. "Impudent Worm!" he spat, his blade flashing as he swung at the werewolf. The strike was precise, severing the creature’s arm in a clean arc.

Blood sprayed, but the werewolf didn’t flinch. Instead, he straightened, locking his piercing, lupine eyes with Arayn’s. Its voice was deep and gravelly as it growled, "Too late. You can't catch us."

Mist began to seep into the air, swirling and thickening around them.

Arayn scowled, sheathing his fury behind a cold smirk. "Fine, I’ll let you go for now. Tell me your name, Servant of Lyssa Morgaine."

The werewolf’s glowing eyes narrowed. "Thalric," he said.

Arayn's smirk widened into something darker. "Thalric," he echoed, tasting the name. "I’ll remember it. I swear, I’ll kill you in front of Lyssa herself."

Thalric said nothing more. The mist thickened, obscuring everything, and when it finally cleared, the werewolf was gone.

Arayn sighed, lowering his sword as the last wisps of mist faded into the air. "What a way to kill my fun," he muttered, irritation flickering in his tone. He glanced at the empty spot where Aveline had disappeared, his lips curving into a wry smirk.

Then, a soft chime echoed in his mind as a translucent status window appeared before him. His eyes scanned the details, and his smirk deepened into a satisfied smile. Two of his abilities had ranked up from the battle.

[Your Demonic Aura's rank has increased C -> B]

[Your Demonic Step's rank has increased D -> C]

"Well," he muttered to himself. "I guess keeping her alive is also fine. I can have fun with her again later."

Without sparing another glance at the forest, Arayn turned on his heel and began walking back toward the burning town.

---

In the heart of the forest, Aveline lay weakly on the ground, her breaths shallow and labored. Beside her knelt Lyssa, her hands fumbling through her bag in search of a healing potion. Frustration flashed across Lyssa's face as she pulled out only a mana potion.

Aveline’s voice broke the silence. “If you want to treat me... giving me a mana potion is fine too.”

Lyssa hesitated before nodding, uncorking the potion and gently helping Aveline drink it. The blue liquid coursed through her, restoring her dwindling energy. With her strength returning, Aveline raised her trembling hands and began to chant softly. A soft glow enveloped her, and her wounds started to knit themselves closed under the soothing warmth of her healing magic.

Once the light faded, Aveline took a deep breath and looked up at Lyssa. “Thank you, but why help me?”

Lyssa’s gaze flickered with uncertainty before she admitted, “I felt pity. Saria betraying you like that... it didn’t sit right with me.”

Thalric, standing nearby with his arms crossed, scoffed. “Healing her was a mistake,” he said bluntly. “She’s just going to get in your way.”

“You’re right,” Aveline said, meeting Thalric’s gaze. “As long as civilians are hurt, I won’t stop interfering. But...” She shifted her gaze back to Lyssa, her eyes softening. “I owe you for helping me. I’ll repay this debt. Later.”

"Miss... w-would you join me?" Lyssa asked nervously.

Aveline's eyes narrowed, skepticism flickering in her gaze. "Why should I? What’s stopping you from betraying me the moment it benefits you?"

Lyssa met Aveline's gaze with determination. "To ensure that doesn’t happen, I’m willing to form a magic contract with you."

Thalric’s eyes widened in shock. "A Geass Scroll?" he blurted. "Master, those are ridiculously expensive! And it will bind your soul. It’s a waste to use it for her!"

Aveline’s curiosity piqued. "What is this Geass Scroll?"

Lyssa glanced at her companion, then back at Aveline. "It’s a magic contract commonly used by the elites in the cult. People in the cult are always wary of betrayal, but once they form a Geass contract, they’re bound by it. Breaking it would destroy their soul."

Aveline frowned. "And you just happen to have one of those?"

Lyssa nodded hesitantly, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her expression. "I do. I’m probably the weakest participant in this deathmatch. That’s why I’ve prepared... a lot of things to increase my chances," she admitted.

Aveline studied her carefully. "Why are you participating in this deathmatch in the first place?"

Lyssa sighed, her expression darkening. "I was forced into it. My family probably doesn’t expect me to win. Even if I lose, my participation will raise their status. That’s all they care about. I... I want to prove them wrong."

Aveline’s gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "And what will you do if you win?"

Lyssa’s eyes drifted to the ground as she spoke. "I don’t know yet. One thing is certain—I just want to live my life like a normal girl. No more cults, no more schemes. Just... peace."

Aveline’s expression darkened. "Would you sacrifice innocent lives to achieve that goal?"

Lyssa’s head shot up, and she immediately shook her head. "Never! I know what it’s like to be pulled into something you don’t want, to have no choice. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone."

Aveline held her gaze for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. I’ll help you. However, if you harm any innocent life, I will kill you."

Relief washed over Lyssa’s face as she extended a hand to Aveline. "You won’t. The Geass will destroy my soul if I do that."

Aveline nodded. "Take out the Geass scroll."

Lyssa nodded, reaching into her bag. She retrieved a rolled-up parchment and unfurled it, revealing a blank surface. "It’s empty," she explained. "The Geass must be written with blood."

An awkward smile appeared on Lyssa’s face as she glanced at Aveline’s torn and bloodied outfit. "Sorry about this," she murmured, smearing her hand across the wet blood staining the fabric. With her fingers coated in crimson, she knelt and began inscribing the content of the contract onto the scroll.

Once she finished, Lyssa held the scroll up for Aveline to see. "This looks good, right?"

Aveline scanned the content and nodded. "It’s good enough."

Lyssa sighed in relief. "Alright. To finalize it, we need to sign it with blood while reciting the spell." She reached into her bag and pulled out a small dagger. With a wince, she lightly grazed her thumb, drawing fresh blood, then pressed her thumb to the scroll.

As crimson stained the parchment, Lyssa closed her eyes and began to chant,

"By blood, we bind. By will, we seal. Through pact, our souls entwined. Let fate bear witness to this unbreakable vow."

She opened her eyes, nodding toward Aveline. "Your turn."

Aveline recited the chant,

"By blood, we bind. By will, we seal. Through pact, our souls entwined. Let fate bear witness to this unbreakable vow."

The scroll began to glow, rising into the air between them. Arcane symbols danced along its edges, and a radiant magic circle surrounded each of the girls. The light intensified before fading into their skin, marking the contract's completion.

"It’s done," Lyssa said, "Now, we’re bound to the pact."