1 Week Ago — Holy City of Lubelius
The gates of the Western Holy Church loomed high, sunlight glinting off the white stone spires. A figure moved swiftly through them. A woman clad in pristine white armor, her black hair tied neatly behind her, a long sword hanging at her waist. Every step was purposeful, each movement precise, as if the world itself were holding its breath.
As Hinata Sakaguchi strode forward, a hush spread among the visitors and guards alike. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd, assessing, noting, calculating. People instinctively bowed or stepped aside, murmuring reverent greetings.
"Hinata-sama," they whispered.
She returned a subtle nod to each, acknowledging them without slowing her pace. There was no arrogance, no indulgence in the attention, just a quiet confidence that demanded respect.
Finally, the massive doors of the Church came into view. Hinata's footsteps echoed as she entered, the cavernous interior swallowing the sounds of the city behind her.
A young woman, robed in the Church's ceremonial attire, stepped forward, her eyes bright with recognition.
"Hinata-sama. It's nice to see you again," she said.
Hinata inclined her head slightly. "Yes. It's good to meet you as well."
The woman gestured gracefully toward a side hallway. "Please, this way. Bishop Reyhiem and King Edmaris are waiting for you."
Hinata paused for a moment, her gaze narrowing slightly. 'King Edmaris? Does this have something to do with why Captain Reyhiem requested my presence?'
"Lead the way," she said calmly.
"Yes, Hinata-sama," the woman replied.
Inside the Church, the office of Bishop Reyhiem was warm, a stark contrast to the chill outside. Soft golden light spilled across dark wooden furniture. Behind a polished desk, Reyhiem swirled the amber liquid in his glass of whisky. Beside him, King Edmaris of Falmuth lounged in an armchair, a slight smile playing across his lips. Razen stood rigidly at the back, eyes flicking between the two men, ever vigilant.
"Reyhiem," Edmaris began smoothly, raising his glass, "truly, I appreciate you, my friend."
Reyhiem tilted his glass and took a slow sip, his expression calm. "Don't mind it, Edmaris. Besides… this will be advantageous for both of us. If the Church is able to take down a Primordial, and my involvement is made clear, my position will rise considerably. And Falmuth, as the instigator of these efforts, will solidify its influence across the Western Nations Alliance."
Edmaris chuckled, lifting his glass higher. "Well, of course."
The two clinked their glasses gently and drank in unison, the sound sharp in the quiet office.
At the far end, Razen's voice broke the momentary silence. "King Edmaris, please do not drink too much."
Edmaris waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about me, Razen. Why are you standing there? Sit down, won't you?"
"I'm fine where I am," Razen replied evenly, eyes scanning the room.
A sudden knock at the door drew all eyes.
"Come in," Reyhiem called.
The doors swung open, and Hinata stepped inside, her presence commanding immediate attention. Her gaze first fell on Reyhiem and Edmaris, neutral but assessing. Then, her eyes caught someone else, a familiar figure. 'Isn't that the court mage of Falmuth? Why wasn't this mentioned?' she thought, her eyebrows knitting slightly.
Bishop Reyhiem's face lit up with a welcoming smile. "Captain Hinata."
Hinata offered a slight bow, measured and professional. "King Edmaris. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Edmaris inclined his head with a courteous smile. "The pleasure is mine, Captain. I've heard much about your exploits."
Hinata then turned slightly toward Razen, offering another subtle bow. Razen's posture remained formal, but he mirrored the gesture in kind.
Finally, her sharp eyes met Reyhiem's. She crossed her arms slightly, a faint edge in her voice. "Bishop Reyhiem… whatever you've called me in for had better be important. I am a very busy person."
Bishop Reyhiem chuckled lightly, his fingers tapping on the armrest. "Captain Hinata… still as cold as ever. Don't worry. This will surely interest you. Please, take a seat."
Hinata's eyes flicked toward the chairs with measured precision. 'Still trying to lull me into comfort… I don't trust it.'
She walked over and sat gracefully, her posture straight and unwavering.
"May I offer you some whisky?" Reyhiem asked.
"No, thank you," Hinata replied flatly. "Can you please get to the point?"
Reyhiem paused, swirling the amber liquid in his glass as if to savor the moment. "Alright. I'll say it outright." His voice turned somber. "A new Primordial Demon has manifested in the Cardinal World."
Hinata's pupils contracted sharply. "What did you just say…?"
'Primordial Demons. These are pure beings… beings that have existed since the dawn of time. Their strength… their very existence alone can crush civilizations. And now… another one has appeared… in our world…?'
Her mind raced, recalling ancient texts and legends. Each word Reyhiem spoke felt like a hammer striking her thoughts.
Reyhiem leaned back, expression calm. "I'll let Razen explain it to you best."
Hinata turned her gaze toward Razen, her posture still perfect, but her mind alert. 'If he is the court mage… then perhaps he has firsthand knowledge.'
Razen spoke, voice steady but tinged with unease. "About a week ago… I battled this Demon. His strength was… overwhelming. I felt like an ant facing a giant. The worst… the worst of it… is that the Demon was named."
Shock and panic shot through Hinata. 'Named… Names in this world carry power. If this Demon is named, doesn't this make him a Devil Lord.'
She clenched her hands slightly, her calm exterior beginning to harden. "Court Mage Razen… how sure are you that this was a Primordial?"
Razen's eyes were grave. "100%. But even if it weren't… his power was still at that level. There's no exaggeration here, Captain."
Hinata's mind raced further. 'A named Primordial… in Falmuth… I've faced dangerous demons before… but nothing… nothing like this.'
Reyhiem's voice cut through the room again, firm and unyielding. "That is the situation, Captain Hinata. We need the Church's Holy Knights to investigate… and if necessary… to eliminate the threat. So far, the Demon has only rampaged in Falmuth. It has been contained, for now. But no one can predict when it might strike again."
Hinata's resolve hardened. 'I cannot fail. I will not fail. The lives at stake… the chaos… I cannot let it continue.'
"Bishop Reyhiem," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her honor and commitment, "I promise… on my honor as the Captain of the Holy Knights… we will slay this Demon. Please… tell me everything I need to know."
Razen, standing in the back, observed her with narrowed eyes. His thoughts were unflinching: 'What are you talking about? There is nothing you could possibly do. He is… too powerful.'
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Elsewhere — The Eastern Empire
A luxurious throne room gleamed with gold and polished stone. On the throne sat a man with gold hair, a relaxed smile playing across his face. His blue eyes scanned the approaching figure with casual interest.
"Velgrynd," he said lightly. "What's with the serious face?"
Velgrynd, a sharp contrast in demeanor, halted before the throne, her posture rigid, eyes sharp. "Rudra… we have a problem. One that could tip the game in favor of whoever claims it."
Rudra's smile didn't falter, but his eyes gleamed with curiosity. "A problem… from whom, and how big?"
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