In this critical situation, Kyran and his companions had all collapsed, nearly surrendering to despair.
The demon bared its fangs in mocking laughter as it watched the scene unfold, while far away, Mirathiel observed everything through a crystal sphere.
She wondered despite Kyran's fierce determination, whether he truly possessed the strength to oppose a being whose demonic power so vastly surpassed his own.
"I am very curious, little human," she murmured coldly.
"What could a lowly creature like you possibly do against even one of my weakest subordinates?"
"I am looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Kyran forced himself to his feet, planting his sword into the ground to support his trembling body.
With the last of his strength, he activated the mental magic skill 'Spiritual Interference.'
The mana within him surged violently, spilling out and enveloping his entire body.
He channeled his power outward, wrapping the blade in raw energy, gripping the hilt tightly as he charged straight toward the demon.
Kyran clenched his teeth and unleashed every last drop of mana he had.
The silver necklace around his neck blazed with light, releasing a warm yet overwhelming power.
Mana clung to his body and fused with the sword, forming a radiant silver aura.
"Ha! Do you really think that toy sword can kill me?" Rias sneered.
Yet despite his words, a flicker of… fear flashed through his eyes.
"Are you afraid of me?" Kyran asked weakly, the corner of his lips curling into a faint smile.
"Shut up! I would never fear a lowly human like you!" Rias roared in fury.
At that moment, Kyran leapt into the air, pouring all his remaining strength into a single decisive strike.
Rias confidently dodged, but then...
BOOM!
A violent shockwave tore through the air.
When the dust settled, Kyran lay motionless on the ground… while Rias staggered backward, black blood pouring from the side of his head, one ear completely severed.
"You… damn human!" Rias howled in a frenzy.
Aria gasped in disbelief.
"Impossible… it only grazed him?!"
Kyran panted heavily, utterly unable to stand. The attack had drained every ounce of his mana, he was completely exhausted.
Nearby, Soren and Aria stood frozen in fear.
If even a level-8 warrior like Kyran could be brought down so easily, what chance did weaker fighters like them stand?
"Pathetic humans…" Rias growled.
"…Your companion has fallen. Now choose, become my meal, or let me tear you apart piece by piece!"
Soren tightened his grip on his sword and suddenly shouted:
"Isn't death the same either way?! Even if I die, I'll never kneel before filthy demons like you!"
Those words sent a jolt through both Rias, and Mirathiel, who was watching from afar.
Within the parallel space hidden deep inside the cavern, Mirathiel's hand trembled.
Her gaze drifted toward the block of ice where her husband lay in eternal slumber.
"Filthy…?" she whispered, grinding her teeth.
"So… to him, am I disgusting as well…?"
Her eyes dulled as fury smoldered beneath the surface.
Back in the cavern, Soren and Aria charged forward, blades clashing against claws as sparks erupted across the battlefield.
Rias laughed loudly, evading their attacks with ease, as if merely playing with them.
"Interesting… truly interesting! So fighting humans can be this entertaining!"
"You insane demon!" Aria screamed, attacking alongside Soren.
Suddenly...
SPLASH!
Black blood burst from Rias's left chest.
His eyes widened in disbelief. Before he could comprehend what had happened, he looked down, only to see a sword piercing straight through his heart.
"No… impossible…!"
Aria and Soren froze in shock.
The one who had struck the fatal blow was none other than Kyran.
He stood behind Rias, gripping a brilliantly glowing sword. A pure white radiance tore through the darkness of the cavern.
"You… when did you…?" Rias stammered.
Kyran smiled faintly. "You underestimated me, you mad demon."
While Aria and Soren struggled to keep Rias occupied, Kyran had regained consciousness, drawn back by a mysterious voice emanating from the glowing chest.
A voice echoed in his mind: "Lift me… and destroy it, descendant of mine."
At the time, Kyran had trembled.
"Who… are you?"
There was no time for answers.
Gathering his last strength, he lifted the sword from the chest, and this time, it responded to him effortlessly.
The blade shone with blinding light as it pierced directly through Rias's heart.
"To think I would lose… to a mere human…" Rias croaked.
His body dissolved into black smoke, scattering into nothingness.
The battle was over.
The group collapsed together, holding one another in relief. Aria and Soren still couldn't comprehend what had happened, how Kyran could possibly wield the Hero's Sword.
Before they could ask, the chest before them opened.
Inside lay two ancient scrolls, bound with faded ribbons. Kyran untied them and unrolled the parchments, but the writing was completely unfamiliar.
"What kind of script is this?" Kyran frowned.
Aria answered solemnly.
"Ancient script. We must take these back to Lumerious for the scholars to decipher."
Kyran nodded, carefully storing the scrolls inside his cloak. He also carried the Hero's Sword, now rightfully his.
As the group surveyed their surroundings and discussed how to escape the cavern...
Elsewhere, Mirathiel stared wide-eyed at the crystal sphere.
"How is this possible…?"
She whispered.
"How could he wield my husband's sword? Unless… he is…"
Her expression twisted from shock into madness.
She burst into laughter, tears streaming down her face.
"I see it now… I've found him… I've finally found him!
My beloved husband… at last, I have found you!"
The group had just exited the cavern when an overwhelming wave of dark radiance suddenly erupted before them.
A refined yet murderous female voice echoed through the space: "Humans… you dare trespass upon this place without my permission? How very bold of you."
Aria staggered back in fear. Soren raised his sword defensively. Kyran immediately stepped in front of them.
He swallowed hard, his heart pounding wildly. The woman's voice sent an inexplicable shiver coursing from his head down through his entire body.
"Could it be…?"
"Show yourself already!" Kyran shouted.
"Stop playing games! If you keep this up, I won't forgive you!"
And just as he demanded.
A mocking laugh echoed through the cavern.
"Show yourself!"
SPLASH!
A shrill laugh cut through his words. The voice was soft, yet chilling to the bone.
"Oh my… so you've noticed me already?
How terribly dull."