★5
ASTERI'S POV
<
"Let's go."
We descended into the forest, the air growing heavy with damp mist and the faint scent of moss. After a few cautious steps, I raised my hand, bringing everyone to a sudden halt.
"Wait.."
"Huh? Not confident in your beauty?"
"Hallucinations, right? It can be visions & sounds. Don't get distracted by anything you don't feel is right."
"Hmm, looks to me you are scared"
Sasha scoffed, her tone dripping with mockery, but I ignored her and continued toward the forest's edge.
"Stay together."
I ordered, my voice calm yet sharp enough to cut through the growing tension.
"Trying to act tough? That won't get you anywhere."
She shot back, smirking.
If I were human, I might've bitch slapped her into silence, but such pettiness was beneath me. Her words barely scratched the surface of my patience.
"Sasha, I think you shouldn't provoke him." Hinamatsuri warned softly, clutching Issei close. The boy clung to her like a frightened spider, eyes wide as we stepped beneath the canopy.
The forest greeted us with suffocating silence. No rustle of leaves, no chirp of insects, only the whisper of our own footsteps sinking into damp earth. The deeper we went, the thicker the trees grew, their branches intertwining until they swallowed the sunlight. Darkness spread like ink, draping the earth in shadow.
As the last traces of light vanished, the two women drew closer to me, their fear unspoken but palpable. Then, just as the air began to be still completely...
"No souls have set foot in this part of the forest for a long time. You guys must be interesting."
A small voice echoed through the gloom. Amusement and surprise in her tone.
"That cute voice, you must be a fairy."
It must be, it has to be.
"It seems like we've made it through your funny defensive forest. Anyway, we need your help."
"Yes, I am a fairy, and I am surprised you've made it this far."
She replied, her presence concealed.
"Did you just say you need my help?"
"Yes, please."
Hinamatsuri answered immediately.
<
I furrow my brows as the forest surroundings begin shaking. The trees disappeared, concrete walls rising on all sides. From the looks, this is an isolated space
"It seems like you guys were able to resist my illusions. But to grant your wish, you'll have to..."
Her voice was cut short by Hinamatsuri's surprised tone.
"What's she talking about? I... I can't use magic."
Followed by Sasha's.
"You did this, didn't you, Asteri?"
I can feel their eyes stabbing me but I paid no attention and asked calmly.
"Well, what do we have to do?"
"Defeat this golem."
Her soft, trembling voice echoed through the space. The ground shuddered in response, and before we could react, the earth split apart.
With a metallic roar, a massive red golem emerged, its surface gleaming like molten steel, eyes burning a deep, menacing crimson.
"What?"
"We don't have magic. How can we do such a thing?"
I can clearly sense the fear in their voice.
"Just stay close."
I reassured before turning my gaze towards the golem.
"If we defeat this golem, you'll grant us our wishes, right?"
"Yes."
"Better keep your word."
"You think you can defeat my indestructible golem Hahaha."
She laughed.
"It has all magical elements and has resistance to them as well. You'll be nothing but snails in its eyes, and neither physical nor magical attacks will work on its body."
She laughed with each sentence while praising her creation.
"Childish setups. As expected from a fairy."
I mocked, she gasped.
"W.. who are you calling a child? You'll pay for this. Get them, Mecha Golem."
She roared. At her command, the massive red golem surged forward, its body pulsing with heat and energy.
Behind me, Hinamatsuri pressed herself against Issei, shielding him with every fibre of her being, determination burning in her eyes.
Just ten feet away, the golem's form writhed like living magma, its limbs melting, burning the ground. It melted.
Her proud tone quickly faltered, replaced by the stark reality unfolding before her, no matter where she stood.
"Impossible!? My golem is?"
"Show yourself, you little fairy. "
I commanded, but I was taken for granted. Instead, fifteen golems appeared surrounding us. I've never been disrespected like this. And so, I won't let this go unpunished.
"You... you cheated and you'll pay the price. Get them, Mecha Golems."
She launched them forward, but I was done playing games.
Eyes closed, facing the floor, I stomped my right foot once. The ground trembled, raw space crackled, and a dark aura radiated from my body. The golems were obliterated instantly, leaving only faint metal scratches where they had stood. Even within the safe circle, the humans froze, paralysed by the chilling pressure.
<
"W... what power!?"
"D... destruction..."
All my immunity transferred to the child, leaving him completely unaffected.
"No, no, please. I'll grant you your wish. Just don't destroy my Labyrinth. It took me more than a week to create."
A female fairy appeared, her long blonde hair cascading over a black dress. She wept softly, yet flew freely, unbothered by the oppressive pressure around her. I froze, surprised. The chaos around her seemed to fold in on itself, and my aura recoiled, vanishing as if it had never existed.
"Fine."
Hinamatsuri and Sasha let out a relieved sigh. The fairy got up and asked.
"Well, what do you want then?"
I pointed my finger towards Issei. The fairy headed over, and Hinamatsuri told her the same thing she told me.
"Oh, I see what I can do."
"Really, that's helpful. Thank you so much."
Hinamatsuri's eyes widened in relief, and she bowed, expressing gratitude.
"You've earned it."
She spoke before placing her hand over his head. A greenish light shone over his body for a minute before decreasing.
"Good, all done. How do you feel, boy?"
He slowly opened his eyes.
"All the pains are gone, and I feel somewhat... free"
He said, a warm smile on his face.
"Thank God."
His mother rushed forward, gathering him into a tight embrace. The two of them wept, clinging to each other as though the world could shatter around them.
The fairy slowly pulled back and turned to Sasha, who was kneeling beside another fairy that had materialised.
"What about you?"
"Heh, me? I just guided them here, that's all."
"Hmm, I see. What about you, destroyer?"
She flew in front of me and asked.
"You noticed it, didn't you?"
"Heh? Noticed what?"
Playing dumbfounded, she replied.
"The kid was cursed, right?"
"Yeah, it seems so. The story the mother gave also doesn't add up. That demon's magic. An evil spirit was left in charge of monitoring him."
"I know it's a long story, but hand me the source of the curse."
I placed out my palm.
"It's dangerous. I'll send the astray one to rehabilitation. If it doesn't change, I'll have it destroyed."
"Just give me or I'll destroy this labyrinth."
I threatened.
"Here, here, you can have it. Just don't do anything to my home. What do you plan on doing with it anyway?"
She handed the black crystalline orb.
"Just watch."
I walked over to Hinamatsuri.
"I know you lied to protect Issei from the witch."
"A...? Witch? What witch?"
She tried to play dumb.
"Don't worry. I know everything."
I reassured, trying to fake a smile that barely appeared.
"But...how?"
"Let's just say it's part of my skills. So, I want you to disclose the story now."
"But that'll summon the witch."
She spoke nervously.
"I know. Just do it and leave the rest to me."
Hinamatsuri followed my instructions, revealing the entire story without hesitation. The moment she finished, a dark mist seeped from the orb, coalescing into a humanoid shape. A woman dressed entirely in black emerged, her face obscured by the swirling shadows, clearly a spirit, not flesh and blood.
"You?"
She hissed, her voice sharp and cold.
"You've broken the curse and exposed the story. You know the rules, and I am here to deliver the punishment."
She struck the words out without a second thought. I cleared my throat, drawing her attention away before she could act.
"The only one who's going to die is you. I don't know how many have suffered, but I've got your location. Stay put. I'll come for you."
I gave the figure an evil grin, then crushed the orb. The spirit shattered and vanished into nothing.
<
<
"What did you just do?"
Hinamatsuri asked.
"Don't worry, I kept my word. I said we'll make it past the forest. So rest assured, I'll kill the witch."
I turned my gaze to the fairy.
"Little fairy, here's my question. Where's your Queen?"
"What are you talking about? I am right here."
"Don't mess with me."
"No, no, I am serious. I am Ramiris, the Fairy Queen."
"Well, stay put, we have something important to discuss. I'll be back, but for now, take us back to the outside world."
"I don't know how, but you seem to understand how my Labyrinth works. Fine, I'll take you out and I'll be waiting for you."
We were teleported out of the forest entirely. With nothing else left to do, we began heading back to Ulgracia.
"What did it cost you, Sasha?"
I asked, now leading the way.
"Nothing."
"Exactly. Not only did you save Issei's life, but I also got what I wanted."
"Yeah. I am glad I made the right choice. What is it you want anyway?"
"Weren't you paying attention? I got an audience with the Fairy Queen. I have personal issues to discuss."
"Well, whatever."
Now that she was safe, she regained her attitude.
"Umm, thank you so much for helping us, Asteri san."
"No honorifics, just Asteri. Sasha played a huge part here. If she hadn't reached out to me I would've left and this wouldn't have happened."
"Thank you too, Sasha. How can I ever repay you?"
"Oh, it's fine Hina you have nothing to worry about."
"Pay me back, huh?"
I've never thought about it, but...
"I'll let you know if I need anything. Let's go, looks like we'll spend the night in the woods."
"Yes, and this time it is not my fault."
"No one blamed you."
The group set up a fire in the woods, and after eating, Issei and Sasha had already.
"You should sleep... I'll take the watch."
Hinamatsuri is trying her best to be useful, I think.
"What are you talking about? No, I can't do that."
"Why not? You need to rest."
"It might sound funny, but I don't."
"What do you mean?"
"I...i?? Never mind."
"Oh, I see. Don't worry, everyone has their secrets."
"Secrets, huh. You should sleep, Hina."
The name skipped, and she simply smiled.
"Ok, good night then."
Hinamatsuri slept.
Later on, she woke up in the middle of the night. Perfect timing as I can sense her watching me as I make my way to the forest again.
"Where are you going?"
She asked, bringing me to a stop.
"Hey, you... You're awake."
"Yeah."
"I'm going to keep my word."
"Your word? You've done everything you've said."
"Remember that night you eavesdropped on us?"
"I... im... don't know what you're talking about."
She got embarrassed and pretended not to understand what I was saying.
"Don't worry. We both knew you were there so it's ok."
"Umm.. sorry about that."
"I said no problem. Do you also remember what I said when Atlas left, right?"
"Ummm, you'll destroy the domain for fun?"
"Correct. Now get back to sleep. It'll be over soon."
"I don't feel like sleeping right now."
<>
(I don't want to switch to THIRD POV for a single thought. So I'll be mixing others' inner monologue.)
"Lemme guess, you want to follow me?"
She flinched, shocked at how I guessed what she was thinking.
"Well... yeah, but I am wo..."
"Don't worry about them. He'll protect them."
"Who?"
"My subordinate. Are you sure you want to see this?"
"Yeah."
"Ok, stay close to me no matter what."
I walked toward her, then teleported us above a castle.
Unfamiliar with the sudden motion and the dizzying height, she grew nervous.
"You won't fall, but don't look down, or you'll get that feeling."
"Um, hum."
She nodded, looking forward.
"Surrender, or I'll destroy this castle and drag you out."
My voice amplified, carrying across the battlements to the hordes below, monsters and Demons swarming the keep.
A few seconds later, a monstrous shape leapt up and flew straight toward us.
"And who is this human? Are you a Hero or something?"
The filthy creature asked.
"No, I am not a Hero. I want you to go back and tell the witch to surrender."
"Witch? How dare you call the mistress a witch? Humans who don't know their place should die!"
The monster raised his weapon to attack me but was blocked by an invincible barrier, Phylax, in action.
"I'll give you one last chance to reconsider. Surrender the witch or die."
"Hmm, don't underestimate me damn hum..."
Before he could finish speaking, I flicked my finger. The monster's body couldn't withstand the sheer force pressure tore it apart, and it exploded into fragments that vanished instantly.
"I don't want to kill any more than what I intend. But you pe..."
A
Suddenly, a winged Demon lunged from behind, claws aimed to strike. Before its blow could land, an unseen force intercepted it, slamming the attacker back. I paid it no mind.
<
"Ah, surprise attacks don't work on me."
I turned, and the other Demon had Hinamatsuri hostage, a knife pressed to her throat.
"What about this, human? I'll kill this girl right now, and we'll kill you afterwards for dragging us here."
It said.
"Don't worry, Hina. Nothing's going to happen to you. I always keep my word, remember?"
I reassured him calmly. She blinked, trusting, and murmured.
"I know... I'll leave it all to you."
"Shut up, human. Your life is in my..."
The Demon froze mid-sentence. Paralysis crawled through its limbs; its skin began to crumble, disintegrating into dust that drifted away like a bad memory.
<
He thought as he faded to nothingness. The second Demon couldn't believe what had just happened.
"Y... you what did you do?"
"It's simple. Anyone who touches her without my permission will have the same fate."
"Impossible... no such thing is possible."
"Feel free to try and see for yourself."
Frustrated and annoyed, it Demon boiled with anger. A usual byproduct of being annoyed.
"You'll pay for killing him."
He surged toward me at full speed only to be frozen midair. Jagged spikes erupted from within his body, tearing him apart from the inside. Hinamatsuri stared in awe, but I didn't spare her a glance. My focus was entirely on the castle.
Slowly, I raised one arm,
"Dragon's Pulse."
A radiant barrier enveloped the entire fortress followed by the rapid emergence of a white Dragon.
It circles the isolated space methodically, touching every corner of the stronghold. With each pass, monsters and Demons screamed in agony, their bodies wracked by the sheer force. Many couldn't endure it and perished on the spot.
I looked down at the devastation, my expression as deadpan as ever.
"What if she's not even here? And you're just torturing them."
Hinamatsuri said, unable to see what I see.
"This barrier is isolated. There's no entry or exit without my permission. Besides, I can still sense her signature. The Dragon is only affecting the demons. There are hostages down there."
"Hostag.."
"Shut up!"
Hinamatsuri was interrupted by the witch's sudden appearance.
"What do you want, human?"
She asked, but I kept my back towards her, my gaze down in the castle.
"Apologise to Hinamatsuri, maybe I'll consider letting you live."
"Huh, apologise? Her son picked up the curse I didn't force him to."
"Come on. We all know that's not what happened."
"It's up to you to believe it or not. And what was that about letting me live? What will a human like you do?"
"Probably nothing."
I murmured, and a small portal of the Divine Gate snapped open behind me, spitting out a spare spear straight at the witch.
"Im... impossible every one of my defensive barriers shattered in an instant."
At last, I turned to the pathetic creature. My left hand rose as I opened more portals.
"Apologise."
She coughed blood, spitting defiance.
"You think this will stop me..."
As I lowered my arm, every spare fired in unison, piercing her from all directions. Each was a sacred weapon, forged to purge darkness, and she screamed as they vanished into her flesh, rending agony with every strike.
"W...wait..."
Her body was riddled with holes, each stained with demonic blood.
"I... I'm sorry, Hinamatsuri."
She gasped, trembling.
"Last I checked, you cursed Issei and killed Mikoto. That apology isn't enough."
A new portal opened, revealing a silver sword suspended in light. It shot forward, driving through her skull. Her scream escalated, a piercing echo as the blade remained lodged, a corrosive liquid seeping from it, burning through brain and flesh alike.
Hinamatsuri winced, unable to bear the sight, and shut her eyes.
"You can do better descendant of darkness."
"I... am... I am sorry, Hinamatsuri. Forgive me for killing your husband and cursing your child."
"I forgive you. Please... stop it, Asteri. I've forgiven her! Please!"
The words hung in the air, fragile yet resolute, cutting through the tension like a blade.
<
"Ok."
In an instant, the spares, each a gleaming shard of divine retribution vanished into nothingness, leaving only the sword, its edge glinting like cold sunlight.
I stepped forward, the sword at my side caught the light, reflecting the storm of emotions in her eyes: fear, defiance, and something... softer.
For a moment, it felt as if the world itself had held its breath, waiting to see what would come next.
"All right, Hinamatsuri. But... Mikoto isn't here to forgive her."
"I forgive her in his place."
"So caring, ok. But what about the innocent lives she killed? I am sure some of them want vengeance but lack the power to challenge her. If that is the case, I, will bring justice to those she killed, and I am sure someone will appreciate what I'll do. Destroyed all Chaos Dragon."
I gripped the sword and turned the blade. With one sharp motion, I drove it sideways, steel meeting flesh, cutting her head open in a single, brutal stroke.
The white Chinese Dragon above the castle roared. Its body expanded, scales glowing brighter until the sky turned pale. Energy gathered in its throat, condensing into a burning white core.
A torrent of white flames poured down, erasing the castle in an instant. Stone, steel, and soul all turned to dust. When the light faded, nothing remained but scorched earth and silence.
"Hehehe, you just took innocent lives just now."
I must say, she dared to laugh at me as I stood over her, poised to deliver a sensation far worse than death.
"You mean them?"
I asked, pointing downwards. Below us are the hostages from the castle.
"They're all safe. But your people aren't. Now, you are next. Looping Chaos Prison."
A portal shimmered open, spewing forth chains that coiled around her, binding her tightly before dragging her into its depths.
"Unfortunately, you will not die. You will regenerate endlessly, condemned to experience hell for all eternity."
"Nooo... wait... please. I'll do anything for you."
<>
I threw the silver blade, clean & precise. It found her neck and decapitated her. Her head tumbled into the portal first.
"You can't do anything for me."
I said, watching as the headless body was dragged in after it. The portal snapped shut.
I took a shallow breath, then turned away.
"Done. Let's head back."
"W...what about the hostages?"
She slowly turned around and asked.
"Don't worry, he'll take care of them,"
Below us was the guy (Atlas), Hinamatsuri saw me talking to the other night.
"Shall we head back?"
"Sure. What about the witch?"
"Don't worry, she won't die. I might bring her out sometime in the future. Who knows?"
The background changed back to the forest. The two went and sat by the fire. We sat in silence before I cracked a little conversation.
"If I may ask, what are the challenges you have faced ever since Mikoto died?"
She took a moment before answering.
"You know, life challenges. Nobody wanted to offer help; they were scared of the witch. After his death, things became worse."
"I see. I suppose there are more, but it's fine if you choose not to tell me."
"...."
"You live in the kingdom, right?"
"No, we live on the outskirts of town. We were thrown out of the kingdom."
<
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"...you've done more than enough, so, thank you."
"More than enough? I barely moved an inch."
"..."
"Ok. Good night. You should get some rest."
I got up and went inside the bushes, looking up, observing the starry night before Atlas materialised in front of me kneeling.
"Master, I've taken the host...."
"You know, Atlas, I want to be like Red."
I interrupted him.
"Red? Do you mean Demon Lord Guy Crimson?"
"Yeah. He's inspired me. I want to rival him at all costs."
"Rival? He's nothing but a descendant of darkness. He can't rival your Supreme might."
"How about you address him by his name, ok?"
"Forgive me."
He lowered his head apologetically.
"Indeed, he can't rival my true might, but I am not using that, so I'll stick to what I have now. I want to become a Demon Lord like Red. Build my own nation where I won't rule, but protect those below me. That's something I want to achieve in this world, Atlas."
"That's basically ruling. You can't escape reality."
Elaine's voice echoed, but she's yet to reveal herself.
"That's an amazing dream if that's what you want. With your powers, it shouldn't be a problem."
"You got that wrong. This is a place where power isn't everything."
It's true. One of the main distinctions of the Cardinal World is from the Star Realm. A place where power held and existence held dominion.
"I need your help, Atlas and Elaine."
Elaine materialises beside Atlas being replying.
"At your disposal, Young Master."
"You guys came here against your will to look out for me. So it's natural if I ask for your help."
"Well, truth to be told, my life here with you in this world is something I've never felt in the Star Realm. We get to see the fragile race that inspired us and get to live among them."
(If Stars are supreme, why didn't they have a different body structure but instead, copied the human anatomy. And why do they have things that originate from the human race? Why live inside a palace when you can create worlds? That's what she's talking about.)
"Me too. We want to continue adventuring with you and make your dream come true."
"You guys..."
I was kinda speechless about it, but I have something else to say.
"Well, I need your help not as bodyguards but as friends. Tomorrow, I'll head back to the forest and I want you two to come with me."
"What forest?"
"I've found the Demon Lord who's the Fairy Queen."
"That's good news. We apologise for not finding her ourselves."
"That's no problem. So, tomorrow after parting ways with the humans, I'll proceed as soon as possible. See you tomorrow."
"Sure, have a wonderful night, Young Master."
"Um, hmm."
<
I turned around and walked out of the forest while Atlas and Elaine vanished into the darkness.
Upon arriving at the camp, Hinamatsuri slept thanks to the magic I cast. I came and sat in front of the fire, waiting for the sun to rise.
To be continued...