Falling Petals, Rising Death

Von cried, "What? You want me to kill her?"

The cloaked figure sneered, voice low and venomous. "What, can't you even kill this bug?"

Von's fists clenched. "Master, she's not a bug—she's my maid. She's been with me for more than ten years. I can't… I can't kill her."

The figure leaned in, eyes gleaming with cruel delight. So… he still has some humanity left, he thought. Good. I'll break that too.

He whispered, almost gently, "And that's why your father forsook you."

Von flinched, eyes twitching.

"Oh, you want to know why?" The man asked, his tone shifting from sinister to savage. "It's because you're nothing but a coward. A weakling. A boy who trembles at blood. Tell me, do you think your father ever hesitated? Do you know how he butchered those beggars? Do you think he ever looked back in regret?"

The words hit Von like knives. He could see his father's cold face, unflinching, merciless.

"Do you see his eyes when he kills?" the voice demanded, rising in intensity. "Do you see any humanity in him?"

"Tell me! DO YOU?!"

Von's voice cracked as he stammered, "I… I will do it."

The man laughed—a twisted, delighted sound—and tossed a knife at Von's feet. "Kill her. Then drink her blood. And if you want, eat her flesh. It's beneficial."

He turned, his cloak fluttering in the dark. "Night falls soon. Tomorrow, I'll share the next step of the plan."

With a whisper, he vanished.

And somewhere far from that forest... another fight was about to begin.

Aurora and John sensed movement.

A shadow shifted just beyond the trees. Without hesitation, both drew weapons, striking toward the figure.

But there was nothing.

Only silence.

And then, a voice, low and mocking:"Ke-ke-ke… So many little lambs at death's door."

Aurora's eyes widened. "You… You're that bastard from the last attack."

"I'm going to kill you and burn you alive!" she shouted, rage flaring.

John didn't respond. His gaze swept the area, his mind calculating. Is this a trap?

The voice chuckled, smooth as poison. "Oh my, how can such a beautiful lady speak so harshly? It breaks my little heart."

"Shut up, you pest!" Aurora snarled. "John, hand me that sword. I'm going to kill him myself."

But John didn't budge. "No. Weren't you just here to show me the way?"

"Give me. The Sword."

They argued, unaware—the Soul Reaper had moved.

Like wind.

Without warning, he appeared behind the guards.

SHWIP.

One by one, their heads flew—blood painting the trees. Silent death.

Aurora and John both lunged at him. She grabbed a fallen sword mid-sprint.

CLANG!

Her blade met his scythe, sparks flying. John followed from behind, slashing fast—but the Reaper danced away.

"The moonlight tonight is exquisite… a perfect backdrop for your final breath."

He stood calmly, unmoved, surrounded by corpses.

John's eyes narrowed. "He's strong… too strong."

Aurora nodded, stretching. "A+ rank. Maybe higher."

"Then why fight him?"

"Because it's a death match."

Her killing intent exploded outward. Guards nearby fainted instantly.

Even John shuddered.

But the Soul Reaper—he didn't flinch. His scythe moved like a whisper, and in a blink, he was inches from Aurora.

His blade carved toward her neck.

CLANG!

John blocked with his sword, shouting, "This isn't a sparring match! One blink and you're dead!"

The Reaper backed off five steps, his face still unreadable.

John whispered, "I have a plan. Buy me one minute."

Aurora nodded.

Then—

She called out:"Blossom Edge—Falling Petal Strike!"

Her sword dissolved into a flurry of glowing petals—thousands of them, each as sharp as steel, dancing through the air toward the Reaper.

But he didn't move.

"Blood Devour Art: Shield," he intoned.

The blood of the dead floated into a wall in front of him—thick, vibrating with dark energy.

The petals struck.

BOOM—CLANG—SLASH

Sparks flew. But the shield held.

Aurora stared. "He… used blood as armor?!"

Behind her, John was preparing something.

She turned. Tsk… he needs more time.

The Soul Reaper struck now.

"Blood Devour Art—Three Swords."

From behind his head, three crimson blades formed like a twisted crown, then launched toward her.

Aurora roared, "Blossom Edge—Petal Dragon!"

Her technique met his midair.

CRACK—BOOM—

A storm of petals and blood exploded. Visibility vanished.

Then—black particles swirled. Lightning cracked overhead. The air itself bent.

John's energy gathered in his blade—pure darkness.

The Soul Reaper blinked. "Oi… are you serious?"

"These flowers bloom sharp… I didn't expect the thorns."

Before he could react—

Aurora appeared behind him, gripping his torso.

"H-hey! Listen—if your boyfriend hits me, we'll both die!"

"He's not my boyfriend," she muttered, holding tight. "And I trust him."

John's sword came down.

Time slowed.

The Soul Reaper twisted to escape—

SHINK.

Blood sprayed. His head hit the ground, rolling from his cloak.

John stood trembling, sword in hand… then collapsed.

"John!" Aurora screamed, catching him before he hit the earth.

"Hey! Don't joke like that—don't you dare…!"

She pressed her ear to his chest.

No heartbeat.

Her own heart skipped.

"No... no, please..." she whispered, shaking him. "You're not allowed to die. Not like this."

The night wind rustled through the trees, as if mourning.

Then—