What It Means to be a Demon Descendant

It was no surprise to Artie that they would come anymore, but she was still stunned by the timing of the primordial creatures that even needed a whole continent to repel. However, it was already presented to her face. The second task had started, and she was supposed to repel the glass spirits. Then again, just like the first task, this wouldn't be a single encounter.

The possibility of their coming was long foretold by the system, and she could only prepare slowly. It's just that she realized that as if the system had an inkling of the progress of their coming. It was forcing Artie to secure a spot in the court of the Archduke before letting her go rampage against enemies—battles that would otherwise get her killed without additional power.

Artie then frowned and glanced at Larkin. The archduke had expressed his fear before, but he was still calm at this moment. He gave an order: "Activate all the soldiers around the eastern perimeter of the archduchy. I will send word to the emperor about the sightings when I get to see them with my own eyes."

"I was told that the knights had already engaged them. A carriage with the symbol of Kingdom Latodine is crossing the ravine when the giants attacked. They are currently caught in the crossfire, archduke. Please take care." The soldier knew that the archduke would make a move on his own, and he should just stick to his job of sending word to the soldier around the perimeter. He left just as after he finished his report.

"It won't be pretty." Artie held onto Larkin's arm. "Don't over-exhaust yourself." She then took a deep breath and saw the faraway marker for her active task. It was in the direction of the hunting grounds near the ravine leading to Miral Valley. "I'll get us—"

"Uncle!" Havina had run to them and wore a very worried look on her face, in contrast to the smiling face plastered on her hours earlier. "Uncle! It seems that Queen Mother is in danger. Please, we have to save her!"

Larkin twitched. "Meadow?" 

He then eyed the window and quickly went to it. This time, he actually opened the glass rather than smashing them on his way out. He was going to jump down again, and Artie was used to this. She was about to come with him, but Havina grabbed onto her arm to stop her. The archduchess was shocked and would protest, but a red glint flashed across Havina's eyes.

"Archduchess, don't be foolish. You are powerless. This is only something that demon descendants can do. Please remain here and hide until everything is over." Havina's words flowed out like she was worried about Artie's safety, and yet it felt like she was just stopping Artie from coming. When Larkin jumped down, Havina picked up her skirt and followed suit.

"Havina!" Selvig saw their actions and smashed the window next to him. He then jumped down as well.

Artie hurried to the window to take a look at the two reckless youngsters. She saw how Larkin glided down with his wings made of black mist, but she wasn't prepared to see actual bat-like wings shoot out from the backs of Selvig and Havina. However, the woman's wings were definitely lower and rested around the hips instead. A black aura also came from them as they flew towards the ravine.

The seneschal received the reports and came across Artie. He then called out to her: "Lady Shen! Did they leave for the giants? Is Lord Ellis with them?" Not waiting for her answer, he also looked out the window and saw them in the distance. He then looked at Artie. "Come with me, Lady Shen. We can still catch up with them through—"

"Miel, I need you to stay here and make sure the guests will not come out." Artie turned to him and eyed him with a serious look. "Yesterday, we came across demon scouts. I have a feeling that the emperor had sent them to test me. He knew the demon army couldn't catch up with these spirits. I need you to stay here and man the fort until I and your father get back. Make sure no other civilian follows us, okay?"

"Please take extra caution, Lady Shen. If they are what I think they are, they will not be as simple as low-level demons." Miel still stepped back as if giving Artie the space to leave. However, instead of rushing to the gates, Artie jumped out as well. Before the seneschal could worry, Artie had turned into the white albatross that gracefully shot to the distance.

…

Larkin landed on the Black Kodiak and noticed that Havina and Selvig followed him with their wings out. He looked behind him and frowned. "Go back. It's dangerous out here. The castle is safer."

"I will not let you face them on your own, Uncle." Havina insisted as she flew closer to the black horse she was painstakingly chasing. "I have heard about the war up north. It seems like the glass spirits have indeed swerved to the east and had found the ravine as a good place to emerge. 

"Moreover, the demon scouts are probably prioritizing Miral Valley. They know that someone as strong as you in Ellis Plains. You can keep these creatures at bay." She then pressed her hand on her chest. "Let me help you, Uncle. I may be weak, but we are the chosen ones to bear the blood of demons to protect our land. This is what it means to be a demon descendant. If we die fighting against our benefactor's enemies, so shall be it!"

Larkin only closed his eyes and looked forward. He didn't stop Artie from fighting anymore, and he wouldn't probably be able to stop Havina this time. He's only worried about Selvig and his wife for two reasons: they were members of the royalties of Galacia… and they were not trained to fight.

The prince could go faster in his flight, but he only glared and watched as his wife swore her life to other things. Ever since she had given birth to their baby, the wife began to change. It was as if she turned into a different person—ah, no… she was the same person… and yet she refused to associate herself with them… with him… with their unnamed baby.

His eyes narrowed in anger. He couldn't believe that the same jovial princess he knew had turned into something he would resent. However, he had to set it aside as they caught up with the knights riding towards the place. Shortly, he brought his eyes up, and his mouth gaped in terror.

Before them stood three gigantic humanoid creatures that almost reflected the light from the sun. The creatures were trying to climb the ravine, but the soldiers could only keep on throwing bombs to force them back. Selvig's eyes quivered as he spoke, "We're fighting these?"