Chapter 112: Battle Against the Heroes of Kastoria (3)

The battle between the Demons and the Heroes of Kastoria had been raging for thirty minutes, and the intensity only continued to escalate. The clash of steel and magic filled the air, the ground trembling beneath the weight of countless footfalls and the roar of unleashed power. The battlefield was a chaotic tapestry of blazing spells, clashing swords, and the cries of warriors on both sides.

If it had been just the Heroes, the Demons might have handled them with ease, their dark magic and brute strength proving more than enough. But the Kingdom of Kastoria had sent not just its chosen Heroes but also its well-trained armies to support and shield them, aware of how vital these champions were.

The Heroes were more than just warriors; they were symbols of Kastoria's strength and hope, their victories the heartbeats of the nation.

Despite their best efforts, the Demons found themselves struggling against the combined might of these forces. They fought valiantly, their ferocity and dark power clashing against the disciplined ranks of Kastoria's soldiers. But even among the Heroes, there were those whose strength outstripped the rest, and the Demons couldn't hold them back.

One such Hero was Yanagi Rena.

Rena moved through the battlefield with a grace that belied the chaos around her, her expression one of mild boredom rather than the fierce determination of her comrades. She wasn't taking the fight seriously at all, more concerned with the state of her appearance than the danger she faced.

Her hands occasionally brushed against her hair, ensuring it remained in place, her gaze flickering to her reflection in a blade to check for any imperfections in her unblemished skin. Yet, despite this apparent distraction, she dispatched the Demons around her with ease, barely exerting herself.

Rena possessed an S-rank skill known as **Yokai Princess**. Around her floated three ethereal creatures, their forms shifting between the tangible and the mystical, each embodying a different aspect of her power.

One acted as her shield, effortlessly deflecting the Demons' vicious attacks, another lashed out at any who dared approach, while the third kept vigilant watch, anticipating any potential threats.

These yokai were more than just protectors; they were devoted to her with a fierce loyalty that bordered on obsession.

"I hope Rena-sama will praise me after this," one whispered, its voice a blend of reverence and longing.

"I just want a pat," murmured another, its gaze never straying from Rena.

"I want Rena-sama to become my wife," the third confessed, its voice tinged with a quiet yearning.

Their calm, serene appearances masked a lethal readiness. Should Rena's life be threatened, their affection would transform into a deadly wrath, unleashing power that few could withstand.

Rena, however, seemed utterly indifferent to the battle's urgency. She yawned delicately, her fingers brushing over her lips as she cast a disinterested glance toward the other Heroes engaged in fierce combat. Kratos, locked in a brutal struggle, and the twins, whose synchronization was unmatched, drew little more than a fleeting look of disdain.

Her gaze lingered on the twins, particularly Ayaka, and a mocking smile curled on her lips.

"I could handle that girl all on my own, yet you're struggling, Ayaka?" she mused aloud, her tone dripping with condescension.

At first, Rena had felt nothing toward Ayaka. But as time passed, Ayaka's frequent complaints about Rena's behavior at school, coupled with the inevitable comparisons drawn between their beauty and grades, had sparked an unspoken rivalry between them. For Rena, who prided herself on being the most admired, the thought that Ayaka could be considered her equal was intolerable.

She now harbored a deep dislike for Ayaka, a disdain that went beyond mere rivalry. It was a petty, almost childish wish—to see Ayaka admit defeat, to acknowledge Rena's superiority. In the end, it was the vain desire of a high school beauty who couldn't bear the thought of someone else standing in her spotlight.

"Seven Stars Magic!" Megara shouted, panic setting in as her horns glowed a fiery red, and demonic wings erupted from her back. She channeled her highest form of magic, desperate to protect herself.

But it was too late.

"Haaargh!" Megara let out a pained cry as Akane's blade struck her, a deep gash opening across her chest. Blood sprayed from the wound, staining the ground beneath her. If not for her last-second invocation of her true magic and the summoning of her wings, she might have been cleaved in two. Realizing how close she had come to death, Megara glared at Akane with a mix of fear and fury.

Ayaka and Akane, standing side by side, were undeniably powerful—more dangerous than she had anticipated. They had grown significantly stronger in just a few months, their skills now rivaling her own. But she also noticed that the intense battle had taken its toll on them; their breaths were heavy, their movements slightly sluggish. They had pushed themselves to the limit, just as she had.

Megara clenched her fist, determination burning in her eyes. She prepared to unleash another powerful spell, hoping to turn the tide. But before she could act, something struck her from behind with tremendous force.

"What...?" The word barely escaped her lips as she staggered forward, her vision blurring. Caught completely off guard, Megara fell to her knees, her strength failing her. The world spun around her as she collapsed onto the ground, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Ayaka stared in shock, trying to process the sudden turn of events. But it didn't take her long to realize what had occurred. Her eyes narrowed, and she turned her gaze toward the one responsible.

"Rena..."

Rena stood a short distance away, her expression indifferent as she looked down at Megara's prone form. "I saved your life. Be grateful."

Ayaka's hands tightened around her sword, frustration and anger boiling within her. But before she could respond, a voice cut through the chaos.

"Megara!" Kratos' voice bellowed across the battlefield as he saw his companion lying defeated on the ground. His own condition was dire; he was battered and bloodied, barely holding on as he fought against overwhelming odds.

Ayaka quickly scanned the battlefield, her eyes meeting those of her comrades—Ryuuki, Yusuke, Yumiko, and Kazuto. They were all exhausted, their faces drenched in sweat, yet they continued to fight with every ounce of strength they had. It was their relentless effort that had driven Kratos to this point.

"Let's finish this. It's our chance, sister!" Ayaka called out to Akane, who nodded in agreement, her dark eyes burning with resolve.

Together, the Arima twins launched a coordinated assault on Kratos. Their swords sliced through the air with precision, each strike aimed to bring the giant warrior down. Kratos tried to defend himself, raising his arms to block their attacks, but the force of their blades tore through his defenses, leaving deep gashes that bled profusely.

Despite his wounds, Kratos managed to grab Megara's unconscious body and retreat, pulling her away from the immediate danger.

Now, all the remaining powerful Heroes turned their focus solely on Kratos, the last formidable Demon standing. The rest of the demonic forces were preoccupied with the relentless knights of Kastoria, unable to come to their leader's aid.

Kratos felt the weight of inevitability press down on him. His vision blurred, his body aching with the toll of the battle. 'It seems my time has come...' he thought, closing his eyes in resignation.

-GRAAAAH!!!

But before anyone could land the final blow, a terrifying roar echoed through the sky, shaking the battlefield to its core.