บท 9: chapter 9
As Lith flew south, guided by the instructions in The Codex of Predestined Fates, he soon spotted two figures in the distance. His sharp gaze pierced through the red mist, revealing a young woman kneeling on the ground, dressed in strange, traditional clothing, and a boy about his own age towering over her, speaking with a harsh, arrogant tone. Lith's curiosity stirred—this place had been barren and lifeless up until now.
When he halted mid-air, the powerful beat of his starry wings created a surge of energy, sweeping up the dust and debris on the ground below. The boy's attention snapped toward him, his face twisting into a mixture of irritation and shock as he began shouting at Lith, his voice echoing through the desolate landscape.
"Who do you think you are, appearing out of nowhere and disrupting my business?" the boy sneered, his bravado masking an underlying nervousness. "I am Kazuki Arata, future ruler of this realm! Bow down, or face the consequences."
Lith raised an eyebrow, unfazed. The arrogance in Kazuki's tone made him sigh. He flicked his wrist casually, activating a single gem on his helmet. Instantly, an invisible pressure slammed down on Kazuki, forcing him to his knees. The boy's face turned red with anger and humiliation, his curses now muffled by the unyielding weight.
Ignoring Kazuki's continued attempts at defiance, Lith drew The Codex of Predestined Fates into his hand. The moment it touched his fingers, the pages flipped open, revealing new instructions written in ancient script:
"Eliminate the boy. Receive the Gift of the Void and the key to leave this place."
A slow, predatory smile spread across Lith's face as he closed the book and looked down at Kazuki. The boy was still trying to wriggle free from the invisible grip, shouting curses and empty threats, eyes wild with frustration. Lith tilted his head, almost amused by the boy's bravado in the face of utter helplessness.
Kazuki glared up at him, panic slipping through his bravado. "You think you're some kind of demon lord, don't you? I'll find a way out of this, and when I do—"
Lith raised his hand, effectively silencing the boy's words. Without a second thought, he tore a page from The Malediction Grimoire and tossed it forward. The page unfolded mid-air, transforming into an army of massive demons, their hulking forms towering over Kazuki. These creatures were twice his size, their skin as black as the void, each equipped with claws and horns that shimmered with dark energy. They surrounded Kazuki, their glowing eyes fixed hungrily upon him.
Kazuki's face drained of color, his confidence shattering into raw terror. "Wait! Y-You don't have to do this! I'm not your enemy!" he stammered, scrambling backward as the demons closed in. "I can be useful! I have… I have powers! Connections!"
Lith watched, arms crossed, with a faint smile of disinterest. "For someone who spoke so much of power, you seem utterly powerless now."
With a final wave of his hand, the demons lunged, mercilessly tearing into Kazuki. His screams echoed through the abyss, but Lith remained unmoved, his expression unchanging as he observed the gruesome scene. Within moments, the boy was gone, his soul now a faint shimmer drifting upward.
From within Kazuki's dissipating essence, Lith noticed three glowing orbs—pulsing softly, each one brimming with ancient, arcane energy. He understood immediately: these were the Gifts of the Void, fragments of immense power that would further fortify his own. Lith sent the three orbs to his citadel, knowing they would integrate with its ancient foundations, strengthening it even more.
Only then did he turn his gaze toward the woman, who had remained silent and still during the entire scene. Now that he took a closer look, Lith noticed the strength beneath her fear, the fierce resolve in her eyes even as she knelt. Her face was pale, her lips slightly trembling, but there was a quiet dignity in her posture. He saw now that she had once been a warrior—a formidable one, if her battered armor and broken blade were any indication.
Landing on the ground before her, Lith allowed the Living Armor to dissolve, the pieces retracting into a seamless pair of dark pants. His muscular, cosmic-patterned chest was left exposed, shimmering faintly with the light of a thousand stars. The woman's eyes widened as she took in his otherworldly appearance, awe and a trace of disbelief crossing her features.
"What is your name?" Lith asked, his voice calm yet commanding.
The woman looked down, her voice soft but steady. "My name is Hana."
"Hana," Lith repeated, his gaze piercing as he assessed her. He noted the subtle resemblance to Kazuki in her features—she was likely his mother, a fact that stirred a hint of pity within him, though he quickly dismissed it. "Tell me, why should I spare you?"
Hana hesitated, her breath catching as she gathered her thoughts. "Because… I could be of use to you. I know these lands. I've seen what lies within them, fought the creatures here. And," she swallowed, her gaze meeting his with a sudden spark of determination, "I have nowhere else to go."
Lith raised an eyebrow, somewhat intrigued by her answer. "Useful to me?" he echoed with a faint, mocking smile. "Tell me, Hana, what use could you possibly serve me, beyond being yet another forgotten soul in the void?"
Hana's eyes flashed with something he hadn't expected—an unbroken spirit, hidden beneath her exhaustion. She took a tentative step forward, closing the gap between them, her gaze unwavering despite the danger. She hesitated only a moment before leaning in, her lips barely a breath away from his ear.
"I offer myself… in whatever way you wish," she whispered, her voice trembling but resolute.
Lith's eyes widened slightly at her boldness, her unexpected offer catching him off guard. Before he could respond, Hana leaned forward, pressing her lips to his in a soft, desperate kiss. Lith was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth of her lips against his, the raw emotion and vulnerability she offered in that single moment. She pulled back, her eyes searching his face for a reaction.
After a moment, Lith regained his composure, his gaze sharpening as he looked at her. "You would willingly serve me?" he asked, his voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Yes," she whispered, bowing her head, her shoulders trembling as she knelt once more before him. "I have nothing left in this world. My life was shattered long ago. If you spare me, I swear to serve you without question."
Lith regarded her in silence for a moment, considering her offer. Finally, he nodded, his tone softening slightly. "Then rise, Hana. I will accept your service… for now."
She looked up, surprise flashing in her eyes before she hastily stood, bowing once more. Lith glanced back at the pile of corpses his demon army had left behind, his thoughts already shifting to the newfound power he'd gained from Kazuki's soul. Hana followed his gaze, standing quietly by his side, awaiting his command as they prepared to leave the Abyssal Layer together.
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