The men rose, dust settling around them. The swordsman raised his blade.
"I'll let you walk free this time," he declared, "but cross my path again, and I'll carve you into pieces."
One man spat blood as the swordsman departed, abandoning his companion. The fallen warrior staggered upright and shot Lila a venomous glare before limping away.
Lila and Laid surveyed the demon city stretching before them.
"Are we supposed to just stand here forever?" Lila demanded.
"We'll find something," Laid said flatly. "Standing idle won't help."
They pressed onward until someone materialized from the shadows.
"I can give you a ride," a blue-haired man said, smiling creepily.
"Lila," Laid warned quietly.
"Sure," Laid replied, his hand drifting toward his weapon.
Someone walked up behind the blue-haired man—a newcomer in a red shirt with black wavy hair, blade gleaming.
"You don't mind if I take your energy, do you?" the newcomer said.
"Of course not," the blue-haired man replied cheerfully.
Wayne drove his blade into the demon's thigh. The man crashed to the ground, convulsing before going still, his face draining of color, eyes vacant.
Wayne approached, studying them with predatory hunger.
"We have to run!" Lila hissed.
Laid wrenched free. "No. I'm not afraid. You saw what he did—we can do the same."
"I can handle myself!" Lila shot back.
"It's time your power proved useful in a real fight," Laid countered sharply.
Lila stepped back, hurt flashing across her features. Wayne raised his blade high.
---
Miles away, Griffin sat drumming his fingers against the table.
"This killer grows more infuriating," he snarled. "Where is this bastard hiding?"
A subordinate burst through the door. "Sir! We have new reports!"
Griffin snatched the document. "You've pinpointed his location? How?"
"We deployed drones powered by demon stones, sir. Shall I send scouts?"
"No," Griffin interrupted, rising. "I will deal with him personally—and make him suffer."
He paused. "Depending on his strength, I might need my great demon form."
"Sir," the man said, "he also possesses the siphoning blade."