the devil of envy(4)
The void remained silent, the echoes of the fierce battle between Dakota and the Devil of Envy fading into nothingness. Floating fragments of shattered obsidian drifted aimlessly, remnants of the chaos that had unfolded. Embers from Dakota's blue flames still lingered in the air, casting an eerie glow on the broken landscape.
Dakota stood tall, though his body bore the marks of battle—crimson streaks staining his side, his breathing heavy but controlled. His piercing cobalt eyes remained fixed on the Devil of Envy, who knelt before him, battered, broken, and trembling in defeat.
Devil of Envy (coughing, weakly):
"Wait... before you kill me... I have something to show you."
Dakota's grip on his flaming sword tightened slightly, his expression cold and unreadable.
Dakota (narrowing his eyes):
"Something to show me? What could you possibly have that's worth my time?"
The Devil of Envy let out a bitter chuckle, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Devil of Envy:
"Information. About those three... and Blazer."
At the mention of Blazer, Dakota's eyes narrowed further, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his stoic demeanor.
Dakota (low, cautious):
"Information, huh? And why would you betray them?"
Devil of Envy:
"I may serve alongside them, but that doesn't mean I like them. They waltzed in, acting like they were superior, even to us Devils. Blazer treats us like pawns, and those three? They think they're untouchable."
Dakota didn't respond immediately. After a tense pause, he slowly lowered his sword, though his guard remained up.
Dakota:
"Fine. Show me."
With a strained groan, the Devil of Envy raised his hand, dark energy swirling around his fingers. A portal of shadows and light formed, distorting the very fabric of the void.
Devil of Envy:
"This is an illusion of the past. Watch closely."
The scene shifted to a vast, obsidian hall—dark, imposing, with towering pillars etched with ancient runes. The Devils sat around a massive circular table, their forms monstrous yet regal. At the head of the table sat Blazer, his crimson eyes glowing like embers, exuding dominance. Fianna stood beside him, her presence equally fierce.
Suddenly, the heavy doors of the chamber creaked open.
A small figure entered—a little girl, no older than 15, flanked by two adults. Her innocent smile contrasted sharply with the overwhelming darkness of the room. She walked with confidence, her hands behind her back, as if unbothered by the presence of beings who could destroy her with a thought.
??? (cheerfully):
"Hello, hello, Devils, Blazer, and Fianna! I have something to tell you."
Blazer leaned back in his throne, smirking arrogantly.
Blazer (mocking):
"Oh? And what could a little girl possibly tell us that's worth our attention?"
The Devils chuckled darkly, entertained by Blazer's condescension. But the girl's smile didn't falter.
???:
"It's about Dakota.".
Blazer (raising an eyebrow):
"Dakota? You mean the strongest in the academy? What about him?"
The girl took a step forward, her smile turning into a sly grin.
???:
"He's not just some random human. He's the creator of this world."
The room erupted in laughter. Blazer stood, his grin widening.
Blazer (laughing):
"What? Girl, do you expect us to believe that nonsense? This world—a novel? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."
But the girl remained unfazed.
???:
"I thought you'd say that. So let me prove it."
She whispered something to Blazer—something inaudible within the illusion. Blazer's smug grin faded, replaced by a frown of suspicion.
The scene fast-forwarded—Blazer and the Devils standing amidst a battlefield. The exact event the little girl had predicted was unfolding before their eyes. Every detail she described came true.
Blazer's eyes darkened with realization, his arrogance replaced by cold calculation.
Blazer sat in silence, his fingers steepled under his chin, eyes glowing with new interest.
Blazer (softly):
"So... you were telling the truth."
The little girl nodded eagerly.
Blazer:
"About this Creator, Dakota—how powerful is he right now?"
???:
"Oh, not that strong yet. But he's the creator. It's only a matter of time before he surpasses everyone. Maybe even you, Blazer."
Blazer's face twisted into a scowl, his pride clearly wounded.
Blazer (gritting his teeth):
"Funny. There's no way a mere human will surpass me."
The girl's smile grew wider.
???:
"Then let me help you. I'll give you information about the future. I'll join you… so we can destroy humanity."
Blazer narrowed his eyes.
Blazer:
"Why would you want to destroy humanity? Aren't you human too?"
The girl's expression darkened, her parents stepping forward, hatred burning in their eyes.
???:
"Because I hate Dakota. In my past life, he did something to me that ruined everything. Sure, I ruined his life first—but I want revenge. I'll destroy him… in his world."
Blazer chuckled darkly.
Blazer:
"Now that's some evil shit. Welcome to the family."
The illusion faded. Silence settled over the void once more. Dakota stood motionless, his expression hidden behind a shadowed glare. Then…
Dakota (low, voice filled with restrained rage):
"That… son of a bitch."
His grip on his sword tightened until his knuckles turned white.
Dakota (through gritted teeth):
"I'll make sure to kill her."
A pause. Then, his expression shifted, the rage replaced by cold resolve.
Dakota:
"No… I can't. Someone else has to. I have to deal with Blazer."
The Devil of Envy coughed weakly, a twisted smile forming on his battered face.
Devil of Envy:
"Well… there you go."
Dakota turned to him, lifting his sword once more.
Dakota:
"Thanks for the information."
Just as Dakota prepared to strike, the Devil of Envy surged with dark energy, lunging forward with renewed strength.
Devil of Envy (shouting):
"You really think I'd let you kill me that easily? The only reason I showed you that was to stall for time—long enough to heal."
Shadowy tendrils burst from his body, wrapping around his wounds, rapidly regenerating them. His form grew more monstrous, fueled by rage and desperation.
Devil of Envy (roaring):
"Now… let's get back to the fight!"
Dakota's eyes narrowed, his sword igniting once more with brilliant blue flames.
Dakota (coldly):
"Fine by me."
The void trembled as the battle reignited, even fiercer than before.