Returning to my human form, we began to venture deeper into the cave. Despite expecting to encounter some monsters, like giant bats or centipedes, we found absolutely nothing. Well, considering a Wyvern inhabits this cave, it's obvious most monsters would have fled.

As we advanced further inside, the darkness surrounding us gradually started to recede, being replaced by a blue light. Before we knew it, we were all immersed in a brilliant glow. Looking up at the cave ceiling, several luminous blue crystals were embedded, emitting a dazzling light.

Glancing around, I noticed another path ahead of us. Considering the route we used to get here, that was probably the way leading to Anima, as the village elder had indicated. But seriously, apart from the fact that I flew up here in my Wyvern form, did the villagers really come all the way up here on foot to cross the mountain? Honestly, it's hard to believe, but I also can't imagine another possible way.

While pondering this, I felt a touch on my coat. Looking to the side, I saw Saemi staring at something ahead of us. I directed my gaze in the same direction and finally found what we were looking for: a massive red, scaly body lying on the ground, eyes closed. Was it asleep? I couldn't be sure, but that was certainly the impression it gave.

With that thought in mind, I started to move slowly towards the Wyvern, preparing to summon Shade. However, before I could get close enough to begin the attack, a voice echoed from where the Wyvern lay.

"Well, well, you took your sweet time. I was getting rather tired of waiting"

At that moment, I stopped where I was. Despite the voice clearly coming from the direction of the Wyvern, I was sure it was human. Moreover, upon closer inspection, the Wyvern seemed to be dead; there was no movement in its nostrils or mouth. And I knew that voice very well, which led me to be certain it wasn't the Wyvern speaking.

"Baji"

As soon as I whispered those words, my face hardened. In a matter of moments, various memories flooded my mind. But, for some reason, instead of anger, a feeling of happiness began to well up in my heart.

While contemplating this, I sensed something rapidly approaching. I looked forward and saw the Wyvern's body closing in swiftly, but I remained calm, surprisingly calm. Just before the Wyvern's body collided with me, a giant hand made of shadows emerged from the crystal ceiling and grabbed the Wyvern, whisking it away in the blink of an eye.

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"Neat trick, huh? Something your goddess bestowed upon you?"

Looking in the direction of the voice, Baji's form finally materialized before me. He hadn't changed a bit, with his delinquent face and an expression that clearly showed he wasn't pleased with the situation. It was truly the Baji I knew.

"My king"

Shade spoke mentally. I could feel the anger she was experiencing. Although I had noticed it before, Shade was quite protective. However, it was a peculiar protection, more akin to a worshipper concerned about their deity than a mother worried about a child. This dynamic always intrigued me, especially because, from my perspective, Shade was a deity.

"Not now, Shade. Your turn will come"

My words made Shade fall silent, though I could feel her intense hostility. She was fully prepared to inflict the worst possible death on Baji, a disposition for which, honestly, I was grateful.

"Huh? Who the hell are you talking to? Have you gone crazy, or what?"

Baji spoke, his voice dripping with disdain, echoing through the room as he addressed me. But honestly, every time I looked at Baji, a wave of happiness washed over me. How would he react if he were missing a leg, or maybe an arm? What if I gouged out one of his eyes? Imagining these possibilities filled my chest with joy. I really wanted to find out. With these thoughts, I turned to Fujiwara, Aoi, Ana, and Saemi, who were watching the scene from a distance.

"Girls, could you step out for a moment? I need to have a private conversation with Baji"

Upon hearing my words, the girls looked at me with surprise in their eyes. Well, I really couldn't blame them. Despite the cheerful tone of my voice, I'm sure my facial expression was far from normal. Plus, from my determined tone, they probably understood that I was willing to end Baji right there.

"Okay, Makoto, please be careful"

Saemi said as she headed outside, followed by Aoi, who waved slowly at me with a sad look on her face.

"Ma-kun, be strong"

Ana said with determination in her eyes, still incredibly cute as always. After her words, the three of them left, leaving me alone with Baji. However, Fujiwara remained, looking at me with a smile on her face.

"Are you sure you want me to leave?"

Fujiwara's words made me ponder for a moment. I concluded it was better to leave her there. Despite the time that had passed, I doubted that Baji had stopped having feelings for Fujiwara so quickly.

"Tsk"

While reflecting on this, I heard a tongue click. I stared at Baji; his eyes overflowed with pure hatred as he watched me. However, I didn't recoil from that look. In fact, that's exactly what I wanted. I wanted Baji to hate me more, yearned to see him wanting to destroy me even more, only to, in the end, when he realized the futility of it, fall into despair. I was determined to take everything from him, just the way he had taken from me, but in a much more terrible way.

"Alright, I guess you can stay"

I said those words with a smile on my face. Baji's expression became even more enraged at seeing me smile. Watching this reaction, I could only think about how long it had taken for this moment to arrive.