Chapter 112: Blizzard, part 5/?: Demon

Chapter 112: Blizzard, part 5/?: Demon

The silhouette of the woman in a black coat pulled the trigger of the giant.

In the midst of the endless white snowstorm, a sudden burst of purple light illuminated the surroundings. The intense glow scattered through the countless snowflakes, creating a dazzling display of lights.

A powerful beam shot from the gun's barrel, slicing through the pulsating runic patterns of light in its path. With each passing moment, it grew brighter, transforming from a distant star into a blazing purple sun as it passed through the magic constructs of the floating runes.

The surge of energy and heat swept over Tia, causing massive clouds of steam to rise in its wake as the beam disappeared into the distance after its brief pulse. The recoil kicked her back like a horse, but she held her ground.

Just as swiftly as it appeared, the light vanished, plunging everything back into darkness under the thick canopy of clouds.

The pulsing aura of violence dimmed down, but just as she wanted to breathe out in relief, it flared back to life.

"It survived," Tia muttered in disbelief, her muscles tensing as she braced herself for an extended battle. She sensed eyes watching her from behind but paid them no mind, fully focused on her own survival.

"It's coming," she whispered, narrowing her eyes as a violent aura approached rapidly, accompanied by a howling wind like a speeding arrow.

Tia cleared her mind, bent her knees, and wove invisible strands of kinetic force around herselfshe was ready to react at the split second of notice.

Red lights pulsed in the distance, rapidly approaching and growing brighter.

"What's happening? Is it dead?" Panic-filled voices echoed from behind Tia, but she ignored them; her mind focused on the unfolding situation.

"I can't," Tia replied firmly, her voice trembling slightly. "I am bound by a debt."

She was ready to grab the dumb boy and flee. Even though she couldn't guarantee she would be faster than the demon, she decided to at least try, as the thought of breaking the contract sent a wave of disgust and fear through her.

'Contracts and deals can't be broken, and debts must be paid...' She knew itthe knowledge was ingrained deep within her.

The demon's demeanor suddenly shifted. Its menacing presence receded, and the red glow in its eyes dimmed.

"I see," the demon said, its tone less threatening. "You are not willingly obstructing my path. You are forced, as debts must be paid."

Tia didn't breathe in relief. Instead, she tensed even more, slowly moving toward the boy, step by step. She wasn't to believe a demon so simplya being known for its treacherousness.

The demon continued its speech, each word feeling like cold blades entering her ears, while she crept closer and closer to the boy sitting in the snow. "A single mortal isn't worthy of damaging our vessels over him."

'Vessels? Why does it feel like it excludes me from them, mortals? Is it again about my soul not being a human one? Maybe I can get it to talk more and gain some time.'

"Why are you even pursuing him?" Oppressive silence fell after Tia's words, and each second felt to her like an hour.

Then the demon's words exploded into a storm of fury: "Why?! Why?! Because I am SICK of these insufferable mortals barging in, shattering my dominion with their sanctimonious glory and their shining swords! When a soul willingly binds itself to me, it is a sacred pact, unbreakable by these meddlesome fools. This mortal dares to defy the laws of a dark covenant and interrupt the sacred and willing trade, and for that, he shall know my unbridled fury!"

(AN: Oops, I didn't realize how long it had been since the last chapter... Sorry.)