The Lightning of Defiance

Compared to absorbing the power magically, there was a significant risk that some of the power contained within the 'Seven Eyes' would be lost. But... given the situation, there was no choice.

While fully absorbing the power of the 'Seven Eyes' was crucial, what was even more important—what Morpheus cared about more than anything—was erasing the 'Seven Eyes' from this world entirely.

"The power you possess is too much of an obstacle to our cause."

His voice was calm, almost tender, but beneath it burned an icy determination.

"…Your cause?"

Iris's voice trembled, but she held Morpheus's gaze with fierce defiance.

"Haha. When it comes to a demon's cause, there is only one, isn't there?" Morpheus said with a grin that twisted the air like poison.

"The resurrection of the Demon God. The one who was sealed away five centuries ago by the Five Great Heroes."

His arms spread wide, face alight with a drugged-like excitement.

"When the seal is broken, those wretched heroes... and your detestable Seven Gods will vanish from this world."

Iris's eyes narrowed. "And you think stealing the Seven Eyes will make that happen?"

Morpheus nodded, his smile widening.

"Exactly. Now, do you understand why I'm going to such lengths to obtain your eyes?"

"...You crazy bastard."

Her voice was ice, laced with rage.

"Well, curse me all you want," Morpheus said, stepping forward with that ever-present gentle smile. "It won't change anything."

"Don't, don't come any closer!" Iris warned, taking a trembling step back.

"You'd be better off staying still. If you resist poorly—"

Snap.

With a single snap of his fingers, a wave of purple demonic energy radiated out, wrapping the fallen children, Camilla, and Priest Antonio like a suffocating blanket.

"Your precious people will die."

"Y-You bastard! If you lay even a finger on Camilla or the kids, I will never forgive you—!"

Morpheus chuckled, shaking with laughter.

"Just joking, just joking. No need to get so angry."

"...Joking?"

"Yeah. That bit about them dying if you resist? Sounds like something a cheap villain would say, right? The situation seemed perfect for it, so I thought I'd try. But don't take it seriously."

Iris's breath hitched. "..."

"Even if you don't resist, everyone here will die anyway. Oh, and of course, that includes you, Cadet Iris."

"What... what are you saying?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Morpheus's smile softened almost affectionately.

"Didn't you learn at school? 'Demons must be killed without mercy.' If that's the case, the opposite is also true."

His words dripped with cruel logic.

"If heroes are demons' enemies, then demons are enemies of heroes."

"W-Wait! The children have nothing to do with this!"

"Hmm? Now that you mention it, that's true," Morpheus mused, chuckling. "But is there really any need to bother with such details?"

Taking another step forward, he continued, "The fact that they were unlucky enough to be here today? That's reason enough for them to die."

Iris bit her lip until it bled, her face pale and drawn.

Until now, she had only read of demons in books and stories.

But now, the vivid malice of a demon in human form choked her like poison.

"Ah, uh..."

Click, click, click.

Her trembling grew uncontrollable.

'I'm scared.'

Despite being the Saint of the Seven Stars, revered and worshipped by many—

Behind the title, she was still just a twenty-year-old girl who had not even graduated from the academy.

"P-Please, someone... help me..." she whispered.

Why was it that, in this moment, it wasn't the faces of her professors that came to mind, but a fellow cadet?

Morpheus smiled contentedly, glancing at the purple barrier enclosing them.

"Haha, I understand how you feel, but no one will come."

"The barrier surrounding us was made from literal lifeblood."

"Made from lifeblood? You don't mean..." Iris's voice was a fearful whisper.

"About 200 people, maybe? Each one a cherished subordinate of mine... what a shame."

Morpheus shrugged casually.

"You... you're insane."

"Compared to the value of the Seven Eyes, that kind of sacrifice means nothing."

He could—and would—offer far more if it meant obtaining the eyes blessed by the Seven Gods.

"Now, let's begin."

Roughly, Morpheus grabbed Iris by the chin.

"If you struggle, it'll hurt more. So try to endure, okay?"

Just as the sharp edge of the spoon-like blade neared her eye—

Thud.

A ripple pulsed through the purple barrier, as if a single drop had fallen into a still lake.

"Hmm? Has someone found the barrier?"

But what did it matter if they did?

"The 'Veil of Illusion' would take at least an hour for all the professors of the magic department to dispel..."

"An hour, my ass."

Boom!

A white bolt of lightning shot through the purple veil, striking directly at Morpheus.

"Tsk!"

Morpheus clicked his tongue in irritation, hastily retreating.

The hand clutching the tool was half-severed, blood spurting wildly.

"...What the—!"

His eyes widened in disbelief.

Standing before Iris, shielding her as if his body alone could defy death, was a cadet with dark gray hair.

"I finally found you, bastard."

Deep green eyes burned with fury.

"There you are."

I moved forward with a grin twisting his lips—fierce, wild, and hungry.

The room seemed to shudder with the intensity of his arrival, the lightning still crackling faintly in the air.

Iris's chest heaved, hope flooding back despite the lingering pain and fear.

My presence was a beacon of defiance, a spark kindled by the Primordial Flame within him.

Morpheus sneered, staring at the newcomer with amused contempt.

"So, the immortal cadet dares to interfere?"

My eyes never wavered.

"You won't get away with this. Not while I'm here."

Morpheus laughed coldly.

"Brave words for someone who dies every time he fights."

"Maybe. But I come back stronger each time."

My fists clenched, flames flickering faintly beneath his skin—embers of the Primordial Flame burning hotter than ever before.

"Release her. Now."

Morpheus raised a hand, and the purple aura flared violently, pushing my back.

"You think you can stop me? I will take those eyes. I will resurrect the Demon God. And I will burn this world to ash if I must."

The clash was inevitable.

Light and shadow, flame and darkness—

A storm was about to erupt.