23

The barrier repair work was finally approaching its end. With today's task, we'd finish restoring the entire protective barrier surrounding the city. However, we had left the most dangerous part for last.

Up until now, we had been working within the safer sections of the city, where at least the guards patrolled regularly. While the streets weren't perfectly safe, there was at least a basic level of security. But today, we'd be venturing into a different area altogether.

The city of Felches, where the academy was located, was known for its excellent security. In fact, only the imperial capital could boast of better protection. But even here, exceptions existed.

On the outskirts of Felches, there was a slum, separated from the main city by the outer walls. While it technically lay outside the city's borders, the barrier still covered it, keeping the inhabitants quarantined rather than allowing them to infiltrate the city proper. It was a compromise—better to isolate them than to push them into the city.

For that reason, I decided to head out earlier than usual today. No matter how much of a night owl Fresia was, it was safer to handle this during daylight, even if she wasn't at her peak. After finishing all my classes and having an early dinner, I parted ways with my friends and headed to the research lab.

This time, I was carrying a real sword at my waist.

As usual, I found Fresia asleep on the sofa in her lab. I gently woke her, and after rubbing her eyes, she got up, and we set off for the slums.

At the entrance to the slums, I spotted a familiar face.

"You two...what brings you to a place like this?"

It was the same guard who had detained me the other day, now stationed at the slum entrance.

"We're continuing the barrier repairs from the other night," I explained.

"The slums, huh?" he replied, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Yes. And don't worry, I made sure to bring my student ID this time," I added, though the guard waved it off before I could pull it out.

"I remember you both," he said. "Just be careful in there."

I nodded and grabbed Fresia's hand, leading her deeper into the slums.

The difference between the slums and the rest of the city was stark, even though we had only taken a few steps past the boundary. The air reeked of decay, the streets were filthy, and piles of trash and debris were scattered everywhere.

From the crumbling buildings, hidden in the shadows of the alleys, I could feel the stares. People were watching us, likely unsettled by the sudden appearance of outsiders.

But as long as they didn't approach us, there was no need to start trouble. It wasn't fear that made me wary—it was the stench of danger.

Fresia wrinkled her nose, visibly displeased by the smell and the eerie atmosphere. She held my hand tighter, quickening her pace as if she couldn't wait to get this over with.

Despite the conditions, the repairs proceeded smoothly. Fresia was slower than usual, her daylight exhaustion showing, but her skill was still unmatched.

"Two mana stones…" she muttered.

I handed her the stones, keeping an eye on our surroundings. Some of the onlookers eyed the mana stones greedily, but a quick flash of my sword's edge was enough to dissuade them from getting any ideas.

"There's a hole in the barrier here…" Fresia suddenly remarked, her voice uncharacteristically sharp, though subtle enough that only someone familiar with her would notice.

"It seems the last person in charge just ignored this spot," I said, retrieving another handful of mana stones from the pack.

The situation was worse than in previous areas, and with Fresia's weakened condition, I knew this would take a while.

"I don't think we'll finish before nightfall…"

Fresia nodded and immediately began casting, trusting me to watch her back.

But the moment her magic flared to life, the atmosphere around us shifted drastically.

What had been merely uncomfortable glances turned into something far more menacing. I could feel the murderous intent closing in on us.

One by one, figures emerged from the alleys, slowly approaching us.

I drew my sword, holding it at the ready. "I suggest you don't come any closer if you value your lives."

The men ignored my warning, their eyes fixed on us. They stepped forward without hesitation, closing the distance between us.

The first man entered my range. While I had threatened to kill, I couldn't bring myself to cut down a civilian. Instead, I struck him with the hilt of my sword, sending him sprawling to the ground.

One down, but more kept coming.

As more and more men advanced, I knocked them out one by one. Soon, a small mountain of unconscious bodies had formed around me, but the crowd only grew larger.

They moved with eerie silence. No shouts, no curses, just a relentless march toward us, like puppets with no will of their own.

Something was very wrong.

I glanced at the next person approaching, only to freeze in my tracks.

A small boy, no more than five years old, stepped forward, his vacant eyes staring at me.

In that instant, I saw my younger self in him—the child who had been kidnapped, forced into a world of darkness.

The hesitation cost me.

A man, who had been standing still at the edge of the crowd, suddenly lunged at me, his speed impossible for an ordinary person.

His claws slashed across my side, and I barely managed to dodge in time to avoid a deeper wound.

The searing pain told me he'd done more than just scratch me.

"Damn it…"

I backed away, clutching my side. The man's claws were stained with my blood, a sick smile playing on his lips.

"Keh keh… I didn't want to come here, but it looks like this trip will be worth it after all."

"You…what are you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

The man's aura was unlike anything I had ever felt from a human. There was only one explanation for the killing intent that emanated from him, the fear that crawled up my spine.

"I am Valikan, the Sin of Pride. Consider yourself honored to have met me today."

A demon. And not just any demon—a high-ranking one.

Even in my weakened state, I could feel the overwhelming difference in our power. This wasn't just a lower demon. He was at least mid-tier, if not higher.

"How bold of you to show up in Felches, demon," I spat, keeping my stance ready. "What makes you think you can survive here?"

Felches was home to countless powerful individuals from all over the continent. For a demon to waltz in here was suicide—unless he had a plan.

"Keh keh…you're right. Felches is troublesome, but thanks to you, there's now a lovely little hole in the barrier. I simply took advantage of the opportunity."

"That's a lot of talk for a rat who snuck in through a crack."

Valikan's smirk widened. "The fact that I'm speaking to you should be enough of a reward. But perhaps I'll take you and that little magician behind you as compensation."

Fresia was still focused on repairing the barrier, unaware of the danger. I had to buy time, but every second that passed only worsened my condition. My vision was beginning to blur from blood loss.

"Die, you bastard!"

With what little strength I had left, I lunged at Valikan, my sword glowing with an unstable white aura.

Valikan raised his hand, effortlessly blocking my attack with his claws. In my current state, I barely scratched him.

Still, I didn't stop. I attacked again and again, each strike more desperate than the last.

But Valikan was toying with me, easily deflecting my blows.

"I prefer obedient pets, you know," he sneered, deflecting yet another strike.

I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain. If I could just wound him, even a little, it might give Fresia a chance.

Summoning the last of my strength, I poured everything into one final strike.

The unstable aura around my sword flared, and Valikan's eyes narrowed, sensing the danger.

This time, my blade cut deep, severing his wrist.

"AAAAARGH!" Valikan screamed, his severed hand falling to the ground.

His remaining hand lashed out, sending me flying with a single blow. I hit the ground hard, my vision fading fast.

But before I lost consciousness, I saw Fresia turn, her eyes locking with mine.

I had done enough. Now, it was up to her.