Crimson Awakening

Puk!

The sound of a sharp blade tearing through flesh echoed.

For a moment, Ashen thought the blade had pierced him.

But it hadn't.

"L-Lord… You… must retreat… Kuheok…"

The subordinate who had been desperately urging him to flee had thrown himself in the blade's path instead.

Even then, the man hadn't drawn his last breath. Gripping Vera by the collar with the Red Demon's Grip, he clung to life.

"...Ah."

Vera calmly swung her sword.

The Falling Blossom Sword, shimmering with Sword energy, sliced through the subordinate's torso, severing it cleanly.

Despite being reduced to only his upper half, the man's grip on her collar didn't waver.

"...The Crimson Demon Gate… will dominate… Eastern Mountain … Kuheok…"

Such unyielding loyalty.

With a flick of her fingers, Vera rotated the sword within her hand, severing the wrist that clung to her.