Inside the main hall of the castle.
Chunini stood before the throne.
"Father, I have captured three humans who infiltrated the castle."
"They were using an advanced invisibility spell."
Housen rested his chin on his hand.
"…Humans, infiltrating my castle?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"How bold. Or how foolish."
Asua stepped forward.
"Did you kill them?"
Chunini shook his head.
"No. I believe they should be interrogated."
He glanced up.
"I have a feeling… they are connected to the humans you fought a week ago."
Housen's eyes sharpened slightly.
"…Bring them here."
Moments later, Friea, Lisa, and Doma were dragged into the hall.
Their bodies were bruised. Their clothes torn from torture.
Housen immediately focused on Friea.
"…You."
He leaned forward slightly.
"You were there in the forest."
Chunini nodded. "So I was right."
Housen glanced at the others.
"The other two… I do not recognize."
Asua stepped forward, her voice cold.
"Speak."
"What are your goals?"
"Why are you here?"
Friea trembled slightly.
"We… we were just—"
Chunini laughed.
"A mistake?"
"There's no way this was a mistake."
"You killed one of our guards."
Asua's eyes darkened.
"…So you caused damage as well."
She took a step closer.
"Then you die."
Lisa suddenly spoke up.
"Idiot."
Everyone turned toward her.
"Let's just tell them the truth."
She lifted her head despite her injuries.
"We came here to gather information."
"That's it."
"We were curious about the castle."
"And yes… we're sorry for the damage."
Friea's heart sank.
That's… an even worse lie.
They're definitely going to kill us now…
Housen raised his hand slightly.
"…Chunini."
"Are you certain there are no others?"
Chunini nodded confidently.
"Yes. I searched the entire castle twice."
Silence filled the hall.
Then—
Housen slowly raised his hand and waved it through the air.
The space distorted slightly.
And suddenly—
Harals appeared.
Asua's eyes widened.
"…He was here the whole time?"
Chunini froze.
"…Impossible."
"How did I not sense him?"
Is his mana… greater than mine?
Housen shook his head.
"No."
"…It's the opposite."
"This one has no mana."
Chunini's expression darkened.
"…No mana?"
Asua turned toward Harals.
"So… you're the one who defeated Father?"
Housen spoke before he could answer.
"Your guess is correct."
Asua stepped forward instantly.
"Then I'll kill him."
Harals didn't move.
"Sure," he said calmly.
"You can kill me."
He looked directly at Housen.
"But I believe the Sword Demon would prefer a proper duel."
Silence.
Then—
Housen smiled.
"…You are correct, Harals."
Friea's eyes widened.
"No! Harals!"
"You got lucky once, but this—this is different!"
Doma clenched his fists.
"They'll kill all of us even if you win!"
Harals didn't look back.
"I know."
He took a step forward.
"That's why I have a condition."
He faced Housen directly.
"If I lose… you can kill all of us."
"But if I win…"
"You let us go."
Asua immediately interrupted.
"I don't agree."
She glared at Harals.
"You just said I could kill you. Did you not?"
Harals nodded.
"Fine."
"You can still kill me… even if I win."
Friea's face went pale.
"Harals… what are you doing…?"
"Why are you letting them kill you?!"
Tears formed in her eyes.
Harals smiled faintly.
"…It's the only way."
"The only way you three can leave this place alive."
He looked down at his hand.
"I'm just someone with no mana."
"This is the best I can do for the alliance."
Lisa scoffed.
"You idiot."
"They're demons. They'll kill us anyway."
Housen stood up.
"I will honor the condition."
"Our pride stands above anger… and hunger."
He stepped forward, drawing his sword.
"So… shall we begin?"
Harals raised his blade.
"Yes."
The two stood facing each other.
The air grew heavy.
Even the demons watching remained silent.
The rematch…
had begun.
To be continued…