章 228: Chapter 227

[Third Person's PoV]

Claire pointed sword towards the 50th floor boss sitting on his throne arrogantly and made a beckoning motion.

The boss let out a loud grunt as it reached over and grabbed his weapon, his spiked Kanabo.

"ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" It bellowed, the force of its roar sending a gust of foul-smelling air barreling through the room. Claire's hair was blown back by the sheer force, her grip on her sword tightening as her grin widened.

In an instant, the boss vanished, its immense size seemingly defying logic as it moved with incredible speed. A blur of motion came hurtling toward Claire, and her instincts kicked in. She raised her blade just in time, sparks flying as metal met spiked steel. The clash sent a deafening shockwave through the chamber, forcing the surrounding demons to scatter. Which caused0 Claire to grin excitedly, "Finally! A worthy opponent!"

Meanwhile Cid was casually keeping the minions at bay stopping them from approaching Claire and letting her have her fun.

Cid simply had a palm facing upwards withA small, flickering purple flame danced above his open palm, its eerie light casting ominous shadows across his face.

A group of demons suddenly broke formation, sprinting toward him with murderous intent. Cid sighed as if inconvenienced and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the purple flames leapt from his hand, engulfing the demons' heads. Their skulls briefly appeared beneath the consuming fire before their bodies crumpled lifelessly to the ground.

Cid conjured his purple flames again and squashed it between his palms, reshaping the flames between his palms into a lance that he spun fluidly around his body. The weapon hissed with energy, its deadly aura a silent warning to any who dared approach.

Back at the center of the fray, the boss raised its kanabo high, bringing it down with earth-shaking force. Claire transformed into a streak of lightning, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow. The ground split beneath the impact, chunks of stone flying in every direction. Undeterred, it swung its massive hand toward Claire, swatting her out of the air like an insect. She grunted as she hit the ground, rolling to her feet in one smooth motion. She rushed past the boss as he tried attacking her with his club again. Claire's legs were moving like a blur as she ran underneath him.

She flicked her sword to the side and suddenly crackled with black lightning. She lasted at its Achilles tendons before blitzing over towards the on and cut it down as well.

The sudden loss of his tendons caused the boss to scream out in pain before he couldn't support himself and crumbled down to his knees.

It let out an enraged roar while she speed blitzed again and rapidly ran underneath the giant demon that was on his hands and knees.

She rapidly began spinning around, her spinning figure generating lightning that sent arcs flying off of her.

Like a saw blade she cut right through the boss's hand before going over and cutting the other one.

Claire spun to a stop before sliding slightly as she saw the boss demon get surprised by his missing limbs and come crashing down hitting it's chin straight onto the ground causing it's large long fangs to crack and fall from its mouth.

"ROAAAAAAAAAAR!!!" It let out an agonizing shout before Claire jumped up into the air, black lighting forming and spinning around her until she became completely engulfed in it and it became a part of her.

Claire's figure turned into pure elemental energy as she came crashing down like a shooting star towards the boss demon.

She held a feral grin as she came and crashed down right onto his back, its figure caving downwards as a giant crater formed around them and Claire thrusted her sword deep into the Demon's back.

Claire used her sword to guide all the lightning she had accumulated and sent it deep inside the Demon. It let out another thunderous howl before it began to grumble and disintegrated into dust.

She fell down as the giant demon disintegrated and landed on one knee with a proud smirk, she flipped her hair up, only for her smile to falter.

Cid was laying down on a pile of demon corpses, hands behind his head, his hood covering his eyes and breathing softly.

Claire's eyes twitched as she channeled lightning into her hand and thrusted a thunderbolt towards him.

Cid suddenly raised his hand in front of him while it turned into shadows and consumed the lightning.

Cid stood back up and pushed his hood slightly back before letting out a yawn, "What was that for?"

"I seriously hate you…"

Cid only just smirked, "I'll get over it," He said before reaching into his pockets and showing her the parchment.

She walked over and snatched it out of his hands before ripping it apart and continuing climbing and rising through the flowers of the Demon tower.

They continued a steadfast journey from the 50th all the way towards the 75th floor of the tower.

Claire was floating in the air, her hand raised upwards as a large ball of lightning formed. Suddenly the large ball grew smaller and smaller till it grew to the side of a golf ball.

Claire's eyes furrowed as she was concentrating, "I can make it smaller…" She said and made it a small black dot. Small arcs of lightning flashing around it.

The small dot now floated above her index figure before she aimed downwards. "I feel like I should name this special move… Armageddon"

A large black plasma beam shot forth from the dot and came down on the undead below her, explosions after explosions followed as she aimed her finger around. Everything it touched was disintegrated and erased while it was engulfed in an explosion with unimaginable power.

The plasma beam traveling at rapid speed raining down chaos, not even the boss monster was saved from the Massacred Claire had unleashed.

When it was over nothing remained, it was a complete wasteland, ashes soft)y flew down to the ground creating a grey unsettling vibe.

Claire raised her hand back like a finger gun and blew on it, "Talk about scary… I'm so badass!"

Cid was just casually floating behind her shook his head in exasperation, "You are something else Claire"

"What? Are you proud of me?" Claire asked teasingly.

"You burnt our way up to the next floor…" Cid said with a straight face.

Claire's eyes widened in panic, "DAMN IT! What did I just do!" Claire exclaimed, holding her head in shock, "I forgot about it!"

"I'm just kidding, here" Cid said as he reached into his pockets and pulled it out for her.

Claire put a hand by her chest, "Thank God!" she cried out as she took the paper from his hands.

"Maybe that should teach you to look out before you destroy everything." Cid scoffed.

However Claire wasn't paying attention as she just ripped the paper going over to the next floor, causing Cid to roll his eyes.

They continued until they reached the 80th floor, and as they arrived Cid looked over to the side with a faint smile.

"Now how should we destroy this floor?!" Claire said, marching ahead enthusiastically.

"We're not going to destroy this floor," Cid said with a straight expression.

"Huh? Why not?" Claire asked, tilting her head in confusion.

Cid only smiled, "Because we're going to go and met a friend"

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章 229: Chapter 288

[Third Person's PoV]

"A friend?" Claire arched an eyebrow, glancing at Cid with evident skepticism.

"You have friends?" she teased, folding her arms with a smirk. "I thought you only had lovers."

Cid met her mockery with a flat expression, his tone completely unfazed. "Hilarious," he said dryly as they continued their trek through the dimly lit corridors of the 80th floor.

The air grew heavier the farther they ventured, the distant echoes of clanging metal and guttural growls hinting at the dangers lurking ahead. Just as they neared their destination, the oppressive silence was shattered. From the shadows emerged a herd of monstrous, flaming demon horses. Atop their backs sat imposing Demon Knights clad in obsidian-black armor, their helms obscuring their faces entirely. The knights raised an arsenal of wickedly curved blades and spears, each pointed at Cid and Claire.

Cid sighed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "We mean no harm. We're here looking for Esil. We're friends—"

"Do not dare speak the Matriarch's name so casually!" barked one of the knights, his voice booming with fury. Their weapons inched closer, gleaming ominously in the dim light.

"Matriarch?" Cid tilted his head, his curiosity piqued.

Claire groaned, already weary of the delay. "This is taking too long," she muttered before vanishing in a blur of movement. In the span of a breath, she reappeared beside Cid, her sword drawn and humming with power. Before the knights could react, they crumpled to the ground, their weapons slipping from their grasp as they slumped unconscious.

"Claire," Cid said, rubbing his temples. "That was… unnecessary."

Claire ignored him, leaping onto one of the demon horses with an air of boredom. "I'm hungry," she declared, petting the creature's fiery mane as it neighed in protest. "I hope this 'Esil~' of yours has some decent food waiting for us."

Cid sighed, mounting another horse. "Let's just get this over with."

They galloped through the corridors at breakneck speed, the echoes of hooves pounding against stone reverberating around them. It wasn't long before they arrived at the base of a grand staircase leading to a foreboding black castle. The structure loomed menacingly, its spires piercing the crimson sky, which had darkened with storm clouds.

"A castle inside another castle," Claire scoffed, dismounting her steed. "How ostentatious."

Cid dismounted, his gaze fixed on the towering gates ahead. "Brace yourself," he murmured.

"For what?" Claire asked, turning toward him. Her question was cut short as an immense pressure suddenly enveloped the air. Cid had unleashed his Conqueror's Haki.

The crimson sky deepened, crackling with black lightning as the aura expanded. The oppressive energy caused the storm clouds to churn violently, and a rumble of thunder shook the ground.

"Could you not?" Claire muttered through gritted teeth, her will straining against the oppressive force.

Ignoring her, Cid pushed the castle doors open, his presence alone forcing the remaining guards to their knees. They trembled in fear, their weapons clattering to the ground.

The throne room doors swung wide with a resounding boom. At the far end of the chamber sat Esil, her striking purple hair cascading over her armored shoulders. Her crimson eyes glinted, and intricate black markings framed her sharp features. She sat rigidly on the ornate throne, her knuckles white as she gripped its arms, visibly struggling against the weight of Cid's Haki.

As Cid approached, his voice cut through the tense silence. "When I end my Haki, I want your knights to stand down. Nod if you agree."

Esil gritted her teeth, sweat trailing down her temple, but managed a curt nod.

With a small exhale, Cid released his power, and the room seemed to heave a collective sigh. The knights collapsed entirely, gasping for air, while Esil slumped forward, gripping the throne for support.

"Who… are you?" she demanded breathlessly, her voice laced with both fear and defiance. "Why have you invaded my castle?"

Cid lowered his hood, spreading his arms slightly. "Come on, Esil. You don't recognize me?"

Her gaze narrowed. "No."

Behind him, Claire failed to stifle a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand.

Cid sighed, scratching his cheek in mild embarrassment. "Fine," he said, materializing a long, familiar coat that concealed his face up to his nose. "How about now?" He asked as he wore the outfit of when they first met.

Esil's eyes widened in shock as recognition dawned. She rose abruptly, nearly toppling over. "Stand back!" she barked at her knights who had stood up and grabbed their weapons ready to charge towards Cid, her voice regaining its commanding tone. "Do not engage! He's a friend of the Radir Clan!"

Before the stunned silence could linger, Claire's stomach growled loudly, breaking the tension. All eyes turned to her.

Blushing furiously, she muttered, "Sorry…"

Esil sighed, waving to her knights. "Take her to the dining hall and ensure she's fed. And you," she pointed to Cid, "come with me."

As they left, Claire shot Cid a cheeky grin. "Don't take too long."

Cid only shook his head, following Esil through the winding halls of the castle. She walked briskly, her face unreadable. Cid, however, noticed the stiffness in her movements. Something was off.

Before he could comment, Esil pushed open the door to a secluded room and gestured for him to enter. As the door shut behind him, he turned to find her standing there, her crimson eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Without warning, she threw herself into his arms.

"Uh…" Cid hesitated, caught off guard.

"I couldn't show weakness in front of the others," Esil whispered, her voice trembling. "But it's really you… isn't it, Jinwoo?"

Cid smiled faintly, resting a hand atop her head. "Yeah. It's been a while."

Esil stepped back, hastily wiping her tears. "How… how are you alive? I heard you were killed. You… you even look different. Did you reincarnate or something?"

Cid nodded, his expression darkening. "I was ambushed. But who told you I died?"

"Lord Baran," she whispered, her voice cracking. "After He came… and killed my father…"

"What?" Cid asked coldly, his gaze sharp and piercing, as though it could cut through steel.

Esil faltered for a moment under the intensity of his glare but then smiled, even as fresh tears traced paths down her cheeks. That gaze—it was the same one he had given her when they first met, one that had somehow been both terrifying and reassuring. It reminded her of the strength he radiated back then, a strength she desperately needed now.

"When Lord Baran appeared, we were utterly paralyzed with fear," Esil began, her voice trembling. "He claimed that despite being controlled by the Shadow Monarch, we had failed him—betrayed him by aiding the enemy. As punishment, he announced he would annihilate our entire clan. We all thought that was the end… but my father stepped forward."

"My father offered his life in exchange for the clan's survival. He argued that we could still be of use, that killing us all would be wasteful. For a moment, I thought Baran might reject the offer and slaughter us anyway, but he… accepted." Esil's voice cracked, and she paused, struggling to maintain her composure. "Baran executed my father right there, in front of us. He said it was a mercy and left us alive under the condition that we serve him without question."

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Afterward, I confronted him—I told him you would return and make him pay for what he'd done. But he only laughed. He laughed and said you were already dead. He warned me that if I spoke out again, he wouldn't hesitate to kill the rest of us, my father's sacrifice be damned."

Cid's eyes remained cold, and a shadow seemed to fall over him, amplifying the cold fury in his eyes. "And so, you had no choice but to submit," he said, his voice low and icy.

Esil nodded, her eyes downcast. "I had to. If I didn't, my father's sacrifice would have been for nothing. The clan needed me. The others voted to make me queen in his absence, and I've ruled under Baran's thumb ever since."

Cid took a step closer, his hand lifting to gently wipe the tears from her cheek. His touch was surprisingly tender, a stark contrast to the deadly energy that seemed to radiate from him. "I'm sorry you had to endure that," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine regret.

Esil's face flushed slightly at his unexpected gentleness, and she quickly turned her head away, composing herself. "Thank you… but it's been years now. I've come to terms with it. My focus has been on protecting what remains of my clan."

Cid scoffed, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, you won't have to serve him for much longer. We're going to put an end to Baran—permanently."

Esil's eyes widened at the conviction in his tone. Slowly, a smile broke across her face—a genuine one that chased away some of the lingering sorrow. "If anyone could do it, I know you can," she said softly. Her voice was filled with hope, the kind of hope she hadn't dared to feel in years.

Cid nodded, with a smirk "Count on it."

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