Chapter 11-15: I’m the Saintess’s Younger Sister

Chapter 11: Demon King

A week had passed since I arrived at the Second Legion.

Bathory had kept her word about the temporary reprieve from training, allowing me my first peaceful days since arriving.

“So, did you rest well? We'll start training again tomorrow, so get plenty of rest today.”

“Starting again means that, right?”

Although, it feels like it'll be the last time today.

“Well, what else would it be?”

I hadn't slept properly at night for a week since that day. Every time I closed my eyes, the same nightmare haunted me.

I had spent more time awake than asleep.

“Aria? Aria?”

“…Ah!”

Bathory's voice startled me awake.

I keep falling asleep like this. Must be because this body is still young.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“Huh? No…”

“I told you it's not good to skip sleep, didn't I? What if it affects you during battle?”

Get some proper sleep today.

Her words felt like a cruel joke. I knew I’d wake up in the middle of the night, plagued by nightmares, no matter how hard I tried to sleep.

“More importantly, we have a rather special guest today, so be prepared.”

She spoke as if my thoughts were irrelevant. The word "special" triggered a flashback to the recent events.

The pool of blood on the floor, the man lying in the center of it.

His last words, and my sword swinging down to sever his neck…

“Aria? Are you listening?”

“…!”

“Haah… Haah…!”

“Are you okay?”

Her voice brought me back. I realized I had stopped breathing at some point.

“You suddenly spaced out. I was worried.”

“Sorry… I remembered that moment…”

Bathory seemed to ponder my words. After a moment of reflection, she gave a small smile, as if a realization had dawned upon her.

“If you thought the special guest meant a sparring partner, it’s not that.”

“R-Really?”

“I promised no training until today, didn't I?”

“You did. That’s a relief… then who is it?”

A special guest…

Who could she possibly be referring to?

“It’s none other than the Demon King.”

“Pfft…! Cough! Cough!”

I choked on the water I was drinking, spraying it everywhere at the mention of the Demon King. Was my reaction that unexpected? Even the composed Bathory seemed momentarily taken aback, pausing her meal.

“…I didn't expect you to be that surprised.”

She approached me.

I can do it myself… But before I could refuse, a handkerchief in her hand was already wiping around my mouth.

Her touch was surprisingly delicate, unlike her usual demeanor. As her face drew close, I tried to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks, forced to remain still until she finished.

I'm not a child…

She returned to her seat after confirming I was clean. Still flustered, I spoke to change the subject.

“Find me one ‘person’ who wouldn't be surprised to hear ‘Demon King’.”

“That's true.”

“More importantly, why is the Demon King coming here?”

Bathory’s eyes narrowed slightly at my casual mention of the Demon King.

Come to think of it, I referred to her master without any honorifics. That reaction is normal.

“…You should probably add an honorific. And I told him about you. I think he’s coming because he's curious.”

W-What? Why…

“I bragged about you.”

Bathory looked at me with a ‘look how well I did’ expression. I could almost sense a strange pride radiating from her.

I expected this to some extent…

I knew the original Aria had interacted with the Demon King after becoming a Legion Commander. The problem was when.

The one who brainwashed the original Aria was none other than the Demon King.

“I don’t want that…”

“Oh?”

Did she hear me? With a slightly touched expression, Bathory reassured me.

“If you’re worried the Demon King will take you, don’t worry. You’re mine. I won't give you to anyone.”

“Eh?”

There seemed to be a misunderstanding, but it was a promise from the Second Legion Commander nonetheless. Her usual behavior made me uneasy, but her promise gave me some comfort.

“Hee hee…”

Don’t worry, Aria. I won’t give you to anyone. I never lose what’s mine.

An hour later.

“I thought it would take longer, but you arrived quickly.”

“No need to be so nervous. He seems interested in you.”

Standing in front of what appeared to be a reception room door, I couldn't help but feel tense.

She sounded confident, but even if Asmodeus objected, she was still a Legion Commander.

If the Demon King willed it, she would have to hand me over.

Thinking like that makes it impossible not to be nervous…

“Shall we go in?”

“Ahh…!”

She grabbed my wrist with one hand.

Attendants opened the doors, and we stepped inside.

The moment I entered, my whole body froze.

Danger…!

My instincts screamed.

An overwhelming pressure filled the room, similar to the first time I met Bathory. My body stiffened, and shadows instinctively formed a weapon in my hand.

Just as I was about to swing the newly formed sword, Bathory's voice stopped me.

“Aren’t you being a bit too intimidating, Demon King?”

As her words faded, the oppressive aura lessened. The life-threatening pressure disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind only a lingering tension.

“Hmph. You praised her talent, so I wanted to see how great she was.”

And? What do you think?

The Demon King spoke, observing my reaction.

“So-so. Though it’s not something to say to her face.”

“…Take her back to her room.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At the Demon King’s dismissal, a demon who had been attending him bowed and led me out.

“See you later.”

Bathory gave a small wave as I left. I took one last look at the room before the door closed behind me, cutting off even the sound.

“So, what are your thoughts?”

“She’s worthy of praise… At that age, sensing such subtle killing intent, and that reaction speed… It’s unimaginable for someone her age.”

“I told you.”

Asmodeus smiled proudly.

The Demon King looked at her with slight exasperation.

“Would you believe that? An eighteen-year-old girl, not even a Hero, injured a Legion Commander with pure skill?”

“I experienced it firsthand.”

“So, what are you going to do with her? Are you thinking of recommending her for a Legion Commander position in the future?”

She shook her head at the Demon King’s question.

“Of course, I’ll be training her. And as for Legion Commander… It's not bad, but…”

Hee hee

“Wouldn’t she claim that position on her own without a recommendation?”

“The other officers seem interested in her as well… Certainly, with you, it's fine. No sane demon would want to antagonize you.”

“Insane… Aren't you being too harsh?”

She responded with a slightly exaggerated air of offense. However, the smile on her face didn't waver.

To the Demon King, who knew Asmodeus well, it was just amusing.

“How absurd… Do you not remember how you got to that position? By personally wiping out the original Legion Commander and a third of their forces?”

“That’s ancient history.”

“…There are few demons in the Demon Realm as abnormal as you.”

“Oh my, how cruel~”

Silence fell between them.

“So, what will you do? Originally, I planned to take her and solidify her loyalty before entrusting her to you.”

The Demon King spoke first.

“I can’t agree to that. I wouldn't be able to see her despair if she becomes an emotionless doll.”

“I’ll revise my assessment. You truly are the most insane.”

“…Tch.”

“So, can you guarantee it?”

“Don’t worry. I simply dislike the idea of her becoming an emotionless doll.

I’ll make sure to break her completely.”

She then began to explain her plan to the Demon King.

“Sigh… Even though I’m the Demon King, I feel sorry for that human. To be caught by you…”

By the time she finished, even the Demon King was speechless. Her plan was nothing short of hell for Aria.

“You’re thorough with your work…”

“Of course.”

“Do you think the other Legion Commanders will stay put?”

“Haha… That’s funny.”

She laughed as if genuinely amused.

“They’re not people I need to worry about. Besides, as you said earlier, Your Majesty…”

You know how I got to this position, don’t you?

Silence filled the room again after her words.

“Then I’ll be going.”

“Shall I see you out?”

“No need.”

The Demon King rose and headed for the door. Asmodeus's final words echoed behind him.

“When you return, she’ll be different.”

The Demon King left the room.

Pausing momentarily at the door, he muttered softly,

“Despair…”

But he was the Demon King, and she was a human.

Even without Asmodeus’s plan, now that he knew Aria’s potential, his only options were brainwashing or elimination.

Therefore.

“It’s none of my concern.”

Whether she died or suffered worse, it wasn’t his problem.

Left alone in the room, Asmodeus stared at her empty teacup.

“Why did I do that…”

The plan she had explained to the Demon King.

It wasn’t her true intention, but a plan concocted on the spot.

“But if I hadn’t said that, he would have taken her…”

It was merely an excuse to keep Aria.

I’m not someone who cares about these things.

If the Demon King had taken Aria, her past self would have simply felt a tinge of regret and moved on. The brainwashed Aria would eventually be entrusted to her anyway.

She was a merciless lunatic and tyrant, not someone who formed attachments.

But upon hearing his words, an unknown emotion bloomed in her heart, leading her to question her actions and embellish her plan with slight exaggerations.

The Demon King's usual assessment of her also helped make it convincing.

What was that…

It wasn't strange that she didn't understand her current feelings. For someone who expressed love as a twisted possessiveness, the emotion of anxiety was unfamiliar.

“Well… It’s natural to not want to lose what’s mine.”

Besides, it’s not entirely a lie. What I want is her despair… so look forward to it.

With that thought, she dismissed her worries and pushed aside any lingering attachment to her feelings.

Feel at ease and embrace hope a little longer, for the sake of the pain I’ve prepared for you.

The greater her hope, the greater the impact of shattering it.

“Hahaha… I’m quite wicked, aren’t I…”

Perhaps the Demon King’s words about her being the most insane weren’t entirely wrong. Thus, another day passed in the Second Legion.

....................................................................................................................................................................................

Chapter 12: Lilith

Six months had passed since the Demon King’s visit.

I had turned nineteen, but my daily life remained largely unchanged.

The only difference was that I had grown accustomed to the unpleasantness.

“Ugh… Nightmares again…”

“You’re awake?”

Perhaps familiarity breeds fondness, even in the Demon Realm?

Bathory, practically the only one I interacted with daily, had become less distant.

My mornings began with her greeting me in my room.

I would shower, fix my messy hair, change into my usual training clothes, and then join her for breakfast in the dining hall.

“Your growth rate is beyond imagination.”

“It's thanks to you making me train every day!”

“Hahaha…”

We’d move to the training grounds, spending all but lunchtime training together, until evening arrived.

I’d wash off the grime, change into clothes she’d picked out, dine with her again, and finally, exhausted, collapse onto my bed, staring out the window until sleep claimed me.

This cycle continued day after day.

Like any other morning.

“Haaawm…”

“Sleep well?”

“Yeah…”

I briefly questioned if it could be called sleeping well.

But I simply answered as if nothing was amiss.

“Then I’ll go down first. Get ready quickly.”

Bathory rose from her seat.

She would be waiting for me in the dining hall, as always.

“Sigh… I should get ready too…”

With that thought, I dragged myself out of bed and towards the bathroom.

The Demon Realm's moon was still a vibrant blue in the early morning.

For me, mornings were primarily dedicated to Bathory’s training regime.

Usually, it involved sparring and honing my abilities.

But sometimes…

“Die!”

A skilled-looking knight charged at me.

A human knight in the Demon Realm could only mean one thing.

“Live training” against prisoners of war.

“Haa…”

Slice

Thud

Or rather, training to become “accustomed to killing humans” would be a more accurate description.

As if putting those words into practice, the targets Bathory had me kill were varied.

Kill…

Slice

From an old knight who silently accepted his death…

May this child find salvation…

Slice

…to a young nun who pitied me and prayed for my salvation…

You will surely receive divine punishment…

Slice

…and even an ordinary soldier of the Holy Kingdom, attempting to curse me like the first paladin I killed.

I killed them all.

It wasn’t that difficult.

Since arriving in the Demon Realm and training with Bathory, I had grown stronger at an alarming rate.

Now, even high-ranking demons would have to risk their lives to kill me.

Well, I still can’t beat Bathory.

Had I become broken as I grew stronger?

The nausea and self-loathing that had once accompanied each kill began to fade.

After a few more weeks, all that remained was numbness, like a surface polished smooth after countless scrapes.

It would have been nice if I could choose between strength and emotions.

Unfortunately, I only had one option.

Splash

Warm water flowed, steam rising, relaxing my body.

As the water cascaded down, the dried blood that clung to me began to soften and wash away.

This was one of the reasons why training ended early on “special training” days.

Bathory had said she’d teach me how to cut without getting blood on myself, but…

I knew, deep down, that I was doing it on purpose.

The messy kills, the blood drenching my body… it was all my choice.

I didn’t know when it started, but the sight of the blood brought a strange sense of calm, blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

I’ve finally lost it…

The realization shattered my train of thought.

Finding peace while covered in human blood…

A thought I wouldn't have entertained, let alone understood, just a few months ago.

I had already accepted that I would break, but occasional reminders like this brought a wave of exhaustion and an indescribable feeling.

I lost all desire to continue washing.

Stepping out of the bath, I dried my hair and headed to the dining hall where Bathory would be waiting.

After a short walk…

I arrived at the dining hall, sat across from Bathory, and watched as the food appeared.

Munch, munch

“Oh, by the way, Aria.”

“Hm?”

After a long silence, Bathory spoke, as if remembering something.

“The Seventh Legion Commander is coming to see you tomorrow.”

“…Really?”

Excluding the vacant Zeroth Legion, which I would supposedly lead in the future, there were eight Legion Commanders in the Demon King’s army.

I couldn’t understand why one of them, the Seventh Legion Commander, would want to meet me.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

“I’ve already met the Demon King, so it's not that surprising.”

“Then you’ll understand quickly.”

Bathory explained, seemingly less excited than before.

Was it because I wasn't surprised?

“Ever since the Demon King visited, you’ve been attracting a lot of attention from the other Legion Commanders.”

“Is that so?”

“They must have been curious about the human acknowledged by the Demon King… but given their positions, they couldn’t just move freely.”

They might have had their own reasons, or perhaps they were being cautious.

“So the most inconsiderate… no, the most irresponsible and free-spirited one is coming as a scout.”

She frowned, clearly displeased. Shaking her head briefly, she continued.

“Once she meets you, the other Legion Commanders will start making their moves… Sigh, how troublesome…”

“You brought this on yourself.”

“Oh my, how comforting.”

Well, Legion Commanders…

I’ve already met the Demon King. Surely, they can’t be worse than him?

After finishing my meal, I fell asleep as usual, completely forgetting…

“Kyaaaaa!”

“Ugh…”

“Haa…”

…that the word “irresponsible” used to describe the Seventh Legion Commander was a massive understatement.

The next morning.

I woke up with a throbbing headache from my usual nightmares, unaware of something on top of me.

Did I sleep wrong… My body feels heavy…

Without thinking, I tried to sit up.

“Bathory’s here—?”

My face buried itself into something soft.

Squish

After about three seconds, I realized what “something” was.

It was a sensation I had become quite familiar with since becoming a woman.

The problem was…

W-Wait, what?! Is that Bathory?

No, Bathory wouldn’t do this! Then who is on top of me?! And so soft… That’s not the point!

This sensation… it shouldn't be what I think it is.

As my thoughts overloaded, a voice echoed against my face.

“Oh my, aren’t you a bit aggressive this morning, even for someone who likes this big sister?”

“Aria… I tried to stop her…”

The voice from above finally broke through my mental overload, and I instinctively swung my fist with all my might.

Wham

“Kyaaaaa!”

“Ugh…”

“Haa…”

My scream, followed by someone’s scream, and then Bathory’s sigh.

Thus, my first meeting with the Seventh Legion Commander…

“This is… a reward…”

“Die!!!”

“W-Wait, Aria! Calm down!”

…began with a punch to the gut.

After the morning commotion subsided, I sat beside Bathory, facing the woman across from us.

I hadn’t been this emotionally shaken in the past six months, which speaks volumes about how shocking the experience was.

“Hee hee~”

Bathory and I glared at her with disdain.

She had the kind of beauty and pink hair that would make any man turn his head. A body any woman would envy. 

But her clothes screamed “succubus,” complete with demonic wings and a tail.

This strange, seemingly deranged demon’s name was Lilith.

Surprisingly, she was the Seventh Legion Commander and, as expected, the Succubus Queen.

“What was that about this morning… Sigh…”

I should have known when I heard she was the Seventh Legion Commander.

Why did I dislike her so much?

It wasn’t just the morning incident.

In the game…

Kyaa! So cute! Come into my arms!

…she would rush towards the Saint, Lucia, whom we were supposed to fight.

I refuse! Be purified quietly!

Kyaaaaa!

She was the boss who started the fight at half health after being hit with an ultimate skill right off the bat.

She had a ridiculous story, making me facepalm and think, This… is a Legion Commander?

She was a lesbian obsessed with beautiful women, or more accurately, the heroines.

And she was even more obsessed with the Saint… And my sister and I are twins…

What kind of ordeal did the original Aria go through?

I shuddered as her gaze, predatory as a hunter's, briefly locked onto me.

She was the Succubus Queen, so it was only natural, right? True, but the problem lay elsewhere.

If I become a Legion Commander in the future, I'll have to see her face whether I like it or not…

Sigh…

“So, why were you doing that this morning? I was so startled when I woke up that I punched you without thinking.”

“Because you were cute and I wanted to hug you! And don't worry about the punch! It felt good!”

“I’m the one who’s not okay! Me!”

“That’s mean… we just met.”

“Coming from the person who was on top of me when I woke up?”

“Tee hee?”

“I told you I tried to stop her, Aria…”

After a few more minutes, a proper conversation finally began.

Honestly, I wanted to have a “physical” conversation, but I was afraid she’d enjoy it as a reward, so I held back.

“So you wanted to meet me?”

“Well, I was curious. The other Legion Commanders pushed me to come first. They said it would hurt their pride to go themselves.”

“…And your assessment?”

“A cute girl I absolutely have to have? A smile with a promising futu—Ouch!”

A chilling killing intent emanated from somewhere.

I followed its source to find Bathory staring at Lilith with an emotionless smile.

“…You climbed on top of someone first thing in the morning, and that’s all you have to say?”

“Yep! I’m not a combat type related to your field. I just came for the formality.”

“So, are you interested in transferring to our Seventh Legion? I'll take good care of y—Okay! I’m kidding, so stop glaring at me!”

I was momentarily taken aback by Lilith’s sudden recruitment attempt.

But Bathory's reaction was faster, emitting an even stronger killing intent.

Lilith’s apologies and vows finally appeased her chilling smile.

“Well, I’m satisfied, so I’ll be going. The other Legion Commanders will probably start visiting soon.”

Lilith said her goodbyes.

“Of course, I’ll come visit again.”

“I’d prefer it if you didn’t. But if you do that again, I might swing my sword next time.”

“Sorry…”

We saw Lilith off as she returned to her legion.

Bathory and I then had lunch before our afternoon training.

“So, what are your thoughts on meeting another Legion Commander?”

“She said she wasn’t a combat type, but… she seemed incredibly strong. Her magic power was immense…”

Even during our conversation, the pressure and magic power emanating from her made my body tense.

This is… a reward…

Hee hee~

Of course, her subsequent antics dispelled the tension.

I realized I had been unable to read the emotions in Bathory's eyes for some time now.

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Chapter 13: Asmodeus (1)

The Legion Commanders held significant meaning for the demons.

Some admired their strength and pledged loyalty.

Others coveted their positions.

And some feared them.

If you were to ask which Legion Commander was the most feared, most would name one demon:

Asmodeus, the Second Legion Commander.

The reason for her ascension was widely known, albeit simplified.

The previous Second Legion Commander had simply annoyed her.

No one knew the details of what transpired. The truth was known only to a select few, including the Demon King, the Legion Commanders, and the survivors of that day.

Only one fact remained undisputed.

On that day, a single demon decimated thirty percent of the Second Legion's forces and brutally killed the Second Legion Commander.

Demons who heard the rumors feared her strength, terrified that her wrath might turn on them.

But the survivors of that day feared something different.

The day the Second Legion Commander died.

A lone woman, painting the battlefield crimson as she slaughtered an entire legion.

C-Crazy btch…!*

Well, they’re not wrong.

A woman who smiled, even as she tore the previous Second Legion Commander’s throat out.

What they truly feared was not Asmodeus, but Bathory’s cruel and beautiful madness.

Her subordinates would be shocked if they saw her with Aria.

Lately, she hadn’t shown a shred of madness, at least not when she was with Aria.

She sent her subordinates to the battlefield, where blood flowed freely, but she didn’t go herself.

It would take time away from Aria.

But did they know?

Just as hot oil is deceptively still…

The more she suppressed her outward madness, the more her emotions, which should have been madness, grew in a different direction.

The Demon King had visited.

He said he would brainwash Aria, turn her into a puppet.

She had managed to dissuade him, but as a Legion Commander, she couldn't openly defy him.

Lilith, the Seventh Legion Commander, had visited.

Killing intent surged when that woman dared to get close to Aria, but she managed to suppress it.

When Lilith asked Aria to join the Seventh Legion, she almost plunged a knife into her heart.

Aria was hers, after all.

But what about after that? And after that? What about the future?

Would Aria still be hers as time went on?

Could she make Aria look only at her, forever?

She wanted to ask Aria.

No, an answer wasn’t necessary. She had the power to make it so.

Aria. Aria. Aria.

She wished Aria wouldn’t show interest in others.

Aria’s attention should be directed solely at her.

She wished Aria wouldn’t look at others.

So that she could be the only one in Aria's sight.

She wished Aria wouldn’t give her heart to others.

Because Aria belonged only to her.

The girl she had brought here for the sake of despair had become something more. Even beyond despair, every aspect of Aria felt new and captivating.

When she discovered Aria's affection for her sister, she considered eliminating her. Everything about Aria should be hers alone.

After some investigation, she learned about the Saint and gave up on that idea, shifting her approach, though the unpleasant feeling lingered.

Who would be happy knowing that the affection meant for them was being diverted?

She wanted to lock Aria away in a place known only to her.

A deep, dark place where even light couldn't reach.

Then, she would be Aria’s only light.

Chained and bound, unable to escape.

No, perhaps it would be better to sever her tendons?

It would be painful, but then Aria wouldn't be able to live on her own, becoming even more reliant on her.

Aria’s joy, sorrow, hope, and despair… all focused solely on her.

A doll just for her.

That would be ideal…

But that wouldn’t do.

The Aria that resulted wouldn’t be the Aria she knew.

The joy of easily obtained fruit would fade just as quickly.

Even now, she could do it if she wanted to, but that wasn’t why she had waited.

But still…

She was closer than anyone else. She had been watching Aria since that first day.

Wasn’t it Aria’s fault for ignoring her efforts?

“Bathory?”

Aria looked at her from the sofa.

Unaware of the thoughts swirling in her mind, even in her dreams.

Yes, she had waited long enough.

Aria's expression was slightly flustered as she approached.

The lingering unease in Aria's eyes was a bit unpleasant, but the prospect of conquering her ignited a strange excitement.

A burning thirst arose every time she looked at Aria.

Even though the fruit of her desire was right in front of her.

Even though she could take it by force at any moment.

She had waited patiently, but she couldn’t wait any longer, not with others vying for Aria’s attention.

So, Aria…

Now, she would make her move.

If Aria hesitated, she would drag her by force.

If Aria ran, she would sever her limbs and hold her captive.

She would continue until Aria could no longer hesitate.

Yes…

“Bathory? What’s—”

“…I can’t wait any longer, Aria.”

It was all Aria's fault.

Alone in the room.

The strange heat that had filled the air was replaced by an unnerving silence.

I had sensed something was off since Lilith’s visit, but I didn't understand what was wrong until Bathory pinned me down, holding my arms above my head.

Struggling was pointless; she was far stronger than me.

“Bathory? What’s the meaning of this?”

“…I can’t wait any longer, Aria.”

What did she mean?

I tried to understand, but my thoughts scattered as her face drew close.

Her eyes were filled with intense emotion.

A sticky, unsettling gaze scanned my body, as if trying to burrow into my very being.

W-Why is she doing this?!

I was on the verge of panic.

Even after six years as a woman, I still lacked resilience in these situations.

And now this?

It was a miracle I could still think straight.

“Let go of me first…”

Bathory didn’t budge, despite my attempts to free my wrists.

In fact, she tightened her grip, as if displeased, the pressure increasing.

Objectively, this situation wasn’t bad.

Being in this position with a woman as beautiful as Bathory, a rarity even in Academy Hero Party? Most people would welcome it.

But that’s just objectively.

Subjectively, it was terrifying.

Fear, not excitement, filled me, the fear of what she might do.

Oblivious to my fear, she leaned closer.

“Eek?!”

The space between us, which had been comfortable moments ago, was now close enough to feel each other’s breath.

Her hair tickled my skin.

“Aria.”

Her green eyes locked onto mine.

Closer, and closer.

Finally, her face inches from mine.

“I love you.”

“…What?”

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Chapter 14: Asmodeus (2)

I returned to my room after the encounter with Bathory.

Or rather, the moment she released me, I fled without looking back.

Three days had passed since then.

“Ugh…”

Honestly, I was confused.

Who confesses to someone they kidnapped?

I love you.

“Gyaaaaa!”

My face burned just thinking about it.

I tossed and turned in bed, trying to dispel the heat, but it refused to fade.

I only succeeded in messing up the blankets.

Bathory was the one who kidnapped me, the one who tormented me.

She was practically my enemy.

So why?

My heart wouldn't stop racing.

Even imagining revenge against her felt difficult.

In a normal situation, I could blame it on an irregular heartbeat, but this was different.

I love…

“Uwaaaaa!”

Even with my nonexistent knowledge of romance, both in this life and the last, I knew that was a confession.

Why was I the one suffering when she was the one who confessed?!

The most frustrating part was that I couldn't deny the fact that her words had flustered me.

Every time I went downstairs for a meal and saw her face, I averted my gaze.

During training, the memory of that moment would surface, causing my swordsmanship to falter.

I couldn't even sleep properly because her words kept replaying in my head.

“…What am I supposed to do?”

Everything I thought I knew was crumbling around me.

My once ordinary daily life was a distant memory.

Even my past memories were fading.

I could barely remember my time with Lucia.

All that remained of the past were the nightmares that haunted me every night.

You’re awake?

It’s okay.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to push her away.

Murder?

Past me would have been shocked, but now, it was just a matter of “when.” An unavoidable fate.

Kidnapping?

That was the fate I had chosen.

So what was I agonizing over?

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

“…I don’t know.”

I recognized the voice and realized I was dreaming.

I opened my eyes to familiar white hair.

I had only closed my eyes for a moment, but I had fallen asleep.

“You’re truly shameless, Aria. Living comfortably while leaving behind the hell you created~”

The scenery around me began to shift with Lucia’s words.

My room crumbled, transforming into a place I had grown sick of seeing over the past six months.

Help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me…

Traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor…

“This is the scene you created. Are you satisfied?”

Lucia turned to me, a smile on her face.

It was a smile I had never seen before.

“It’s not my fault.”

“No, these are all the people you killed.”

“They were destined to die anyway.”

“And you could have changed that.”

Our words went back and forth, but nothing changed.

She resented me, and this nightmare existed to torment me.

Reasoning with malice only yielded more malice.

It was simple.

“Hey, answer me!”

It was better to ignore her.

Dreams always ended eventually.

“Are you just going to ignore me now?”

“Nothing changes even if I don’t.”

Lucia fell silent at my response.

“Ah, aha… Ahahahaha!”

She covered her mouth, letting out a chilling laugh.

The laughter abruptly stopped, replaced by a cold voice.

“Do you think you can ignore us?”

As if enraged, the sky, filled with eyes, churned like waves.

As if on cue, the ghosts wandering around turned their gazes towards me.

They wandered around like corpses, so the term "ghost" wasn't inaccurate.

“You must suffer more. The pain we felt. Eternally, until you die.”

They began to close in on me.

Lucia had moved away.

“Honestly… I knew, but…”

I had realized long ago that she wasn't the real Lucia.

My real sister would never say such things to me.

The reason I hadn't abandoned her was because I thought she was a fragment, a memory of my sister.

It seemed like a false hope.

“If that’s the case…”

There was no reason to hold back any longer.

Slice

The front line of the approaching horde was cut down in an instant.

Perhaps because I no longer remembered them, or because I already considered them dead, I felt no guilt.

Only…

“I won’t… let you continue…”

I wouldn’t let the image of my sister within me be tarnished.

I would bury everything related to my sister while good memories still remained, even if it meant plunging a sword through her spectral form.

“Come at me, imposter.”

Yes, she was just an imposter. A monster, a phantom, wearing the face of my sister.

So let's end this here.

I pushed off the ground, no hesitation left.

The enemies closed in.

I channeled magic, accelerating, leaving a black streak in my wake.

“Kyaaaaa!”

Screams and dismembered bodies rained down where I passed.

But…

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap…

As if unfazed, more ghosts surged forward, trampling over the blood and flesh of their former comrades, driven by a single purpose: to kill me.

The soldier-like figures lunged, weapons raised.

“So you really are nothing more than fakes.”

There was no need to conserve magic.

This was a dream.

Wiping out the fakes in front of me was more important.

“Get lost.”

I swung my magic-infused sword, drawing a black arc.

Crackle, crackle, crackle…

A wave of shadowy blades tore through the enemies within range, a gruesome sound accompanying the spray of blood and gore.

Snap

I grabbed the neck of a soldier who had tried to stab me from behind and snapped it.

Crack, crunch

I seized the skull of another, conjuring a shadowy blade in my hand, causing blood and brain matter to erupt.

Simultaneously, the sword in my other hand swung wildly, cleaving through everything in its path.

But the battle had just begun.

Time passed.

“Haa… Haa…”

How many had I killed? Hundreds? Thousands?

Even in a dream, my stamina and magic were running low. No, perhaps it was my mental strength that was depleted.

Their numbers had visibly dwindled, but the remaining ghosts still filled my vision.

Even worse, some of them were quite powerful.

According to my fading memories, the Knight Commander’s ghost was the strongest enemy here.

But…

“Did you think it would be that easy?”

…the fake Lucia was my biggest concern.

It seemed I had reached my limit.

A familiar sensation washed over me.

The feeling of sinking into a swamp.

I was waking up.

I looked at her one last time, my voice cold.

“Wait for me. I will definitely…”

…kill you.

My consciousness faded with those words.

The ruined city, abandoned after Aria disappeared.

With her gone, the ghosts also vanished, leaving only the girl alone.

“Hahaha! That was fun!”

Lucia, or rather, the “her” who had taken Lucia’s form, was enveloped by a shadow rising from the ground.

Her appearance remained mostly the same, but her hair and eyes began to change color.

“Well, I’ll be looking forward to it, A.r.i.a.”

Her hair turned black, her eyes crimson.

“She” had become Aria.

And with that, the space collapsed.

Waiting for her next visit.

“You’re awake, Aria?”

A familiar voice greeted me as I opened my eyes.

If my sister's voice signaled a dream, Bathory's confirmed reality.

Familiar green eyes and red hair came into view.

The only person left for me in this Demon Realm. The one who reached out to me.

“Bathory.”

“What’s wrong?”

I knew this was a twisted emotion. But now, with everything else gone, even the last vestiges of my feelings for my sister fading, I understood.

It seemed I… perhaps she was the only one…

“I love you.”

“What?”

“Why? Do you hate it?”

“N-No, it’s not that…”

It seemed I couldn't push her away any longer.

“Bathory.”

“W-What?”

She responded, flustered by my sudden words.

But she seemed to compose herself, sensing my mood.

“Make me stronger.”

“That’s sudden. How strong do you want to be?”

Bathory asked.

Did you think it would be that easy?

It probably wouldn’t be easy.

But at least…

“…Strong enough to kill anyone.”

I vowed not to hesitate any longer.

.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Chapter 15: Time passes like that...

Two years had passed since that day.

The Demon Realm's blue moon, a sign of early morning, hung in the sky.

Inside my assigned office, now that I was a Legion Commander…

“Lucifer, the Demon King has summoned you.”

“Is that so?”

My assigned adjutant, Daniel, relayed the message.

My cold, emotionless reply might have seemed rude, but he knew it was my usual demeanor and continued without a flinch.

“He requests your presence in the meeting hall by 4 PM today. He’s summoned all the Legion Commanders.”

“How many did he call?”

“All Legion Commanders, including yourself.”

“So Bathory will be there too.”

I hadn’t seen her since we were separated some time ago.

If all the Legion Commanders were summoned, I would finally see her again.

“I thought the time was near…”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing. You’re dismissed.”

Daniel bowed and left, closing the door behind him.

I rested my chin on my hand, sitting in my chair.

“4 PM…”

“Shall I prepare your things?”

“I’ll bathe first. Please prepare my clothes.”

“Understood.”

It was currently 2 PM.

If I started preparing now and left for the Demon King’s castle, I should arrive on time.

I left the room, walking down the long corridor towards the bathroom.

Despite being a Legion Commander, my legion was small, and the vast corridors felt even more desolate, save for the occasional demon servant.

Entering the bathroom, I placed my clothes in the basket and removed my necklace, placing it on the shelf.

After washing myself, I sank into the bath.

“Haa…”

A sigh escaped my lips as a pleasant warmth spread through my body.

This was one of the few moments I could truly relax since becoming a Legion Commander. I leaned back, surrendering to the warmth.

Twenty minutes should be enough.

“Two years…”

Two years had passed since I arrived in the Demon Realm.

I had killed for the first time, grown accustomed to killing, become a Legion Commander, fought on the battlefield, and grown accustomed to battle.

The human I once was had become a weapon of the demons, an enemy of humanity.

“I should get ready.”

I stood up, my wet hair clinging heavily to my back.

It had grown down to my waist, a constant nuisance to dry and manage.

“I’d like to cut it short, but…”

Both Bathory and Lilith had vehemently opposed the idea whenever I brought it up.

Come to think of it, both of them had long hair.

…It might look pretty, but it’s really inconvenient.

I draped my hair over one shoulder and activated a magical tool, warm air flowing out to dry my hair.

Once it was dry, I turned off the tool and faced the mirror.

Aside from a single towel, I was naked.

I had long grown accustomed to my pale, smooth skin and feminine curves.

“Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real.”

My appearance, which still held traces of childishness two years ago, had now fully matured, resembling the Aria from the game’s illustrations.

…Will they grow bigger?

I glanced at my chest in the mirror before shaking my head.

They seemed a bit larger than I remembered, but it wasn’t a problem. After years of adjusting to their weight, it would probably feel strange without them now.

But there was one thing I still couldn't get used to…

“I don’t like it.”

The emotionless eyes staring back at me from the mirror, devoid of life.

It was unsettling to feel a shiver run down my spine when looking at my own reflection.

“…I should hurry.”

I glanced at the clock. It was past 3 PM.

I had taken longer than I thought.

I left the bathroom and entered the adjacent room, where my clothes, prepared by a servant, were laid out.

A black suit.

Despite its ordinary appearance, each thread was magically reinforced for combat.

I put on a shirt and then the suit over my undergarments.

One difference between me and the original Aria was that she preferred skirts, while I preferred pants.

It wasn't that I couldn't wear skirts.

I just disliked the cool air between my legs during combat.

Especially given my fighting style, which relied heavily on physical movements.

I put on a cloak over the suit, then gloves.

Finally, I applied light makeup and put on my ruby necklace.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yes. Let’s depart.”

I headed towards the portal, where Daniel was waiting.

While opening a portal took time, keeping it open consumed a significant amount of magic.

Since my Zeroth Legion rarely traveled, we only opened portals when necessary.

That was why I had allotted two hours for travel.

I stepped into the portal, the space rippling around me.

A moment later, the distortion subsided, and I arrived at the Demon King’s castle.

A demon greeted me.

“Welcome, Lucifer.”

“Have the others arrived?”

“The Demon King and the First Legion Commander haven't arrived yet. It seems the Third Legion Commander won't be attending again.”

The First and Third Legion Commanders…

Baal and Buer.

Baal being late wasn’t unusual, but Buer’s absence was a common occurrence.

“Shall I escort you to the meeting hall?”

“Please.”

The demon led the way, and we walked in silence to the meeting hall.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Thank you.”

We stood before a large door, twice the size of any other I had seen, hinting at the importance of the room within.

“Aria.”

As I entered, a familiar voice called my name.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sound of Bathory’s voice after so long.

“It’s been a while, Bathory.”

“Indeed, it has.”

We exchanged greetings.

After I became a Legion Commander, we were separated, as the Demon King couldn't afford to have two of his strongest commanders in one place.

But necessity didn’t diminish the longing.

I took Bathory’s hand and leaned against her, and she embraced me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Mmm… Haa…”

I buried my face in her shoulder, savoring her familiar scent before looking up.

“How have you been?”

“…Fine.”

Our gazes locked, sticky with affection, longing, and something darker, deeper.

The other Legion Commanders broke the spell.

“Long time no see, Zeroth Legion Commander?”

“It’s been a while, Aria. Did you miss your big sister?”

Mammon and Lilith approached, greeting me.

They were the Fourth and Seventh Legion Commanders, respectively.

“Hug me, Aria!”

“How about a sparring match? It's been a while.”

Lilith lunged for a hug as usual, while Mammon, ever eager for a fight, challenged me.

But I was ready. A shadow rose from beneath Lilith's feet, binding her before she could reach me.

“Oof!”

She fell face-first onto the floor, her momentum carrying her forward.

She does the same thing every time… doesn’t she get tired of it?

Despite being a Legion Commander, her behavior was anything but.

Who would look at her and think she was a Legion Commander?

As I pondered this, the door behind me opened, followed by footsteps.

“Has everyone arrived?”

The Demon King entered the meeting hall.

He glanced at Lilith sprawled on the floor before turning to me.

“Release her. Lilith, take your seat.”

“As you wish.”

“Understood~”

The shadow that bound Lilith moved as if alive, sinking back into the floor.

The Demon King watched as Lilith got up and then walked to his seat, crossing his legs casually.

“Let the meeting commence.”

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