章節 8: Demon in Disguise

"Come on, you," Daena said, giving Liria a gentle nudge. "Time for supper. I've made rabbit stew again."

Liria followed her back to the cabin, grumbling under her breath. "Rabbit stew… again? I swear, if I see another bunny hopping around, it's getting a stern talking-to."

They settled at the small, rough-hewn table inside, the scent of the stew filling the cozy cabin. Daena ladled a portion into Liria's bowl, watching her with that same calm, mysterious gaze. Liria had noticed how easily Daena moved around, carrying heavy buckets of water, lifting firewood without even a wince. There was more to this "grandmother" than she was letting on.

"So, Daena," Liria said around a mouthful of stew, "I've been meaning to ask… just who exactly are you?"

Daena arched an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You've been wondering, have you?"

"Maybe. I mean, not that I'm ungrateful or anything," Liria quickly added, holding up a hand. "You saved my life, fed me, took me in, and all that. But you're kind of… suspicious, you know?"

Daena let out a hearty laugh, the kind that echoed around the cabin and made the walls seem warmer. "Suspicious, am I?" She spooned some stew into her mouth, chewed thoughtfully, and then set her spoon down. "Alright, perhaps it's time you knew a little more about me."

Liria's eyes widened. Finally answers! And hopefully, no more rabbit stew.

"I wasn't always this… humble forest dweller," Daena began, her voice taking on a tone that was both soft and distant, as if she were watching memories play out in her mind. "Once upon a time, I had a different life, in a very different place."

[Aha, now we're getting somewhere,] the System piped in, causing Liria to smirk.

"Different how?" Liria asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Daena looked into her eyes, her own gaze gleaming with a strange intensity. "I come from the Demon Realm, a place most humans have never seen. And if they have, they probably didn't return to tell the tale."

Liria froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. Demon Realm? Her mind was spinning, trying to process this unexpected revelation.

[New discovery: Daena's true nature as a demon. Adjusting expectations accordingly.]

The System's commentary didn't help Liria's shock. "A… a demon? You're a demon?"

Daena shrugged. "Surprised?"

"Well, yeah! I mean, I thought you were just a tough old lady who lived in the woods. Not a… not a demon. So… wait, does that mean you can shoot flames from your fingertips? Or teleport?" Her mind buzzed with questions.

Daena chuckled, clearly amused. "Not quite. Demons aren't the monsters that storybooks make us out to be. Yes, we have powers, some of us more than others, but we're not all lurking in shadows waiting to pounce on unsuspecting travelers."

Liria's eyes sparkled with curiosity, despite herself. "So, if you're from the Demon Realm, what are you doing here?"

Daena sighed, looking down at her hands, her expression turning pensive. "I came here a long time ago. Sometimes… we all need a change of scenery. Things in the Demon Realm weren't quite… suitable for me anymore."

Liria raised an eyebrow. "Did they banish you for having too much attitude?"

Daena let out another laugh, the kind that made Liria's cheeks warm with pride at having earned it. "Something like that. Let's just say I stepped away from a position I once held. A very prominent position." Her eyes twinkled, hinting at something deeper, something she clearly wasn't going to reveal.

Liria felt the System nudge her mentally, as if just as intrigued as she was.

[Intriguing. A prominent position in the Demon Realm could mean many things. Perhaps she was… royalty?]

Liria almost choked on her stew. Royalty? She glanced at Daena, studying her again. The calm confidence, the strength, the air of command… it all clicked into place.

"Wait," Liria said slowly. "You weren't… some sort of demon queen, were you?"

Daena's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, now, that's a bit dramatic, don't you think?"

But she didn't deny it either.

Liria leaned back, her mind buzzing with this new information. "So, here I am, being raised by some kind of demon queen hiding out in the woods. No big deal. Next, you'll tell me you have some ancient powers or a horde of demon minions waiting to do your bidding."

Daena snorted. "Minions? Who needs those when you have an attitude like yours around?"

Liria grinned, but she couldn't shake the feeling of awe. Daena was no ordinary mentor. There was something regal, something fierce and ancient, lurking just beneath the surface of her easy smile and steady gaze.

"Well," Daena continued, "it's not like I go around proclaiming I'm a demon to everyone I meet. Most humans would rather run the other way or sharpen a pitchfork. So, I've learned to keep things quiet."

"So… do you have demon powers?" Liria asked, eyes wide.

Daena gave her a knowing smile. "Some. Though I prefer to rely on good, old-fashioned skills like hunting and fighting. Power isn't just about magic, you know. And strength isn't only measured by what you can summon from thin air."

[Wise words. We might learn a thing or two from this one,] the System remarked, causing Liria to nod thoughtfully.

After they finished eating, Daena glanced at her with an amused look. "You look like a fish out of water, girl. Have I shocked you that much?"

Liria shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I mean, it's not every day you find out your mentor is a secret demon queen."

"Ex-queen," Daena corrected, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I gave that life up long ago. Too many politics, too much… darkness. I found peace in this forest. And occasionally, I get the chance to look after strays like you."

Liria rolled her eyes, but she felt a warmth settle in her chest. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but the idea of being taken in by someone as incredible as Daena made her feel… safe.

"Thank you, Daena," Liria said softly, almost awkwardly.

Daena's eyes softened. "Don't mention it. Now, get some sleep. You've got a lot more training ahead of you, and magic won't wait for slowpokes."

Liria snorted. "Yeah, yeah. I'll sleep when I'm dead."

"Careful with those words," Daena said with a sly grin. "Demons take that sort of thing quite literally."

Shivering, Liria climbed into her makeshift bed, pulling the covers up tight. She glanced over at Daena, who was already settling down herself, her eyes sharp as always.

As Liria closed her eyes, the System chimed in.

[Analysis: You're in excellent hands, Liria. Though this does mean you'll need to work twice as hard if you want to catch up to Daena's level. Current Progress: Encouraging, but improvement needed.]

Liria's eye twitched. How about I improve my foot up your—

[Sleep tight, Liria.]

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