In the heart of the Kingdom of Arximor, the capital's streets were paved with rare stones that reflected golden sunlight. Towering buildings adorned with intricate engravings showcased the kingdom's mastery, while exotic flowers bloomed throughout public gardens interspersed with crystalline streams.

  At the city's center rose the Demon King's castle—a masterpiece of dark stones interwoven with silver lines that gleamed under moonlight. Graceful arches, glass towers, and vast halls decorated with rare artifacts reflected centuries of refined taste.

  In the throne room, King Aizen sat upon his ivory throne. Black hair framed sharp crimson eyes that concealed deep wisdom. Beside him sat Queen Elene, with golden hair and brilliant violet eyes.

  Their son Lars entered with confident steps. The young man with black hair and violet eyes wore royal military attire displaying his status.

  He bowed respectfully. "Otou-sama, matters remain stable. No signs indicating intent to wage war."

  Aizen said calmly, "Good. But remain prepared always."

  Elene added, "And oversee the fortifications, but don't overwork the knights."

  Lars bowed again. "I'll execute immediately."

  But before he could move, Nanaki suddenly appeared before them.

  Elene asked seriously, "Why? Do you have information?"

  Nanaki smiled faintly. "Yes, I've been observing for quite some time."

  Elene said firmly, "Why did you do that? If you'd been discovered, it would have been catastrophic."

  Nanaki answered confidently, "No need to worry, Okaa-sama. No one can detect my presence. I'm smarter than you think."

  Elene sighed, while Aizen asked calmly, "So, what did you learn?"

  Nanaki began laughing. "Princess Iris used the crystal that sealed Mirai-nee-sama's magic. She obtained massive magical energy, but failed to use the Crimson Flame."

  He laughed more. "You should have seen her expression."

  Aizen said, "That's expected. That spell isn't easy. But what use is this information?"

  Nanaki replied with sudden seriousness, "They want Mirai-nee-sama."

  Lars's expression changed in shock, while his parents remained calm.

  Lars said worriedly, "I'm certain... they want her sword."

  Elene took a deep breath. "Mirai doesn't concern us. Even if she dies, the sword will lose its powers."

  Lars protested, "That's unfair! They'll try to kill her for nothing! We should interv—"

  Aizen interrupted calmly, "Mirai isn't weak. Even without her magical powers, she remains one of the most dangerous demons. She's capable of protecting herself. Besides... it's nearly impossible for anyone to find her now."

  Nanaki said with a sideways smile, "I disagree, Otou-sama. I have an idea where she is."

  Everyone was surprised. Elene asked, "How did you know?"

  Nanaki answered, "I was wandering in human territories when I suddenly felt familiar spiritual energy. It was brief, but so powerful my body shivered. Nee-sama... hasn't lost her edge."

  Lars said, "Then use your ability and teleport to her. Warn her."

  Nanaki replied with a sly smile, "I don't know... our parents might refuse. You know, if anyone sees me with her, it would be dangerous."

  Aizen said firmly, "Go."

  Everyone turned to him, and he added, "No one will see you, and if they do... simply kill them. Just warn Mirai."

  Nanaki laughed. "Well, it seems Otou-sama is willing to risk for his precious daughter."

  Then added with a calm smile, "But you're right. Whoever sees me... won't exist anymore."

  Then asked, "By the way, what about my little brother Darius? Should we tell him?"

  Elene said sharply, "No. Darius must know nothing. We have enough problems."

  Nanaki replied, "Fine, I'll go to her. See you later."

  Then vanished using his special ability.

  **Present Time**

  "...and that's why I came to you, Nee-sama." Nanaki finished speaking.

  Mirai sighed. "It seems I'll find no peace from demons or humans."

  Nanaki said seriously, "Princess Iris sent many knights searching for you. By the way, I saw Reika and Saika there. Be careful, your spiritual energy easily reveals your location. I felt it from the far east."

  He paused. "I felt it twice. The first was in an ordinary place... and the second from underground."

  Mirai stopped and pondered. Then whispered, "Probably when I faced the Bahamut and Hydra..."

  But suddenly realized something. She put her hand on her face and sighed. "Nanaki... your stupidity is unbearable."

  "Huh?! Stupid?! You should be grateful! I discovered Iris's plans and came to warn you! I only released my spiritual energy to get your attention! And I'm sure you felt me long ago, but deliberately ignored me!"

  Mirai removed her hand from her face and said with a sharp smile, "Which means Iris's knights now know my current location."

  Nanaki froze, then suddenly, "Ahhhhh! I didn't notice that!"

  Then said defensively, "No, this isn't my fault! Basically, they would have found you even if I hadn't released my energy. You're the one who showed it earlier while angry!"

  Mirai replied indifferently, "True. No matter. You can leav—"

  But before she could finish, ten people suddenly appeared around them. Mirai and Nanaki exchanged a quick glance, then she said calmly, "Nanaki, leave. I'll handle them."

  Two from the group stepped forward. Saika said formally, "Greetings, Oujo-sama."

  Reika added with a small smile, "Happy to see you again."

  Nanaki looked at Mirai seriously. "Nee-sama, be careful. They'll do everything to get your sword."

  Saika and Reika exchanged glances, then Saika asked, "How did you know that?"

  Nanaki froze and didn't answer. Mirai sighed. "Forget about him. If you've come to fight, I won't back down."

  Reika said, "Actually, we don't want to fight. Just hand over what's on your left arm, and we'll leave."

  Mirai placed her right hand on her left sleeve and said sharply, "Let me be clear... if fighting begins, I won't stop until this confrontation ends."

  She drew her sword calmly. The moment the blade touched air, those accompanying Saika and Reika became confused and unconsciously stepped back. Only Saika and Reika didn't move.

  Reika launched swift lightning magic. It hit Mirai directly... but she didn't budge.

  Saika said calmly, "As expected... you're still immune to magic."

  Saika drew his sword, and two short swords appeared in Reika's hands.

  She smiled. "But immunity doesn't include swords, does it?"

  Mirai replied calmly, "I haven't found entertaining opponents in a long time. Try not to die quickly."

  Nanaki said, "I'll leave Saika and Reika to you, Nee-sama... I'll handle the rest."

  In an instant, Nanaki vanished. Seconds hadn't passed before his opponents began disappearing one after another.

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  Mirai closed her eyes for a moment. "Now... let's begin."

  Reika said with a slight smile, "By the way, Iris-sama told us about your condition. One wound, and you'll bleed to death."

  Mirai smiled. "Let's say I don't think you'll hit me before I finish you both."

  And as she finished speaking, the battle ignited.

  Saika and Reika rushed toward Mirai with practiced speed, their movements synchronized precisely. They attacked from opposite angles, closing distances without leaving any opening.

  But Mirai was on another level.

  She dodged strikes with confident movement, her body slipping between their swords as if breathing combat. Every parry calculated, every step moving her to better position.

  Saika attacked from the side while Reika came with a sharp overhead strike. Mirai bent skillfully, blocked the side attack with her free hand, then spun and struck them both with a surprising sword movement, forcing them back.

  A long scratch opened on her left arm. Blood began dripping, but she paid it no attention.

  Reika said, catching her breath, "This is somewhat amazing... your movements are completely different from before. But Mirai, you've been wounded."

  Saika said, tightening his grip, "Even without her magical powers... she's still strong. I didn't expect her swordsmanship to reach this level. I remember when she didn't even know how to hold one."

  Then added seriously, "We need to take this fight with complete seriousness."

  Reika nodded. "Understood."

  They launched again, this time fiercer and more complex. They constantly switched positions, attacking from different angles. But Mirai remained steady.

  She dodged as if seeing attacks before they happened, responding with short, calculated strikes. She delivered a direct punch to Saika that made him step back twice, then pounced on Reika and struck her shoulder with the sword, forcing her back.

  Despite their injuries, they returned to attack. Their steps more cautious, their eyes watching every movement, but fatigue began showing.

  Mirai exploited the slowdown.

  She dodged a double strike, turned quickly and delivered a powerful strike with her sword's pommel to Saika's head, dropping him. Reika tried to intervene, but Mirai spun quickly, swept her sword at an angle, struck Reika's hand, and her weapon fell.

  Then another strike pushed her to the ground beside her brother.

  Mirai stepped back, breathing slowly, blood still dripping from her arm.

  "It's over."

  Saika rose with difficulty, his eyes on her injured shoulder. "You're mistaken... these wounds, even if not fatal, will exhaust you soon."

  Mirai smiled calmly. "Do you think me foolish enough to let you wound me easily?"

  Suddenly, Nanaki appeared behind her, clapping and smiling. "Nee-sama, I've finished with my group."

  Mirai replied without turning. "As have I."

  Nanaki looked at Reika and Saika in amazement. "Why did you leave them alive? Do you want me to kill them? I can send their corpses to Iris's bedroom."

  Then laughed. "I wonder what her expression would be when she sees them there."

  Mirai gave him a sharp look and said coldly, "Shut up."

  Nanaki shivered and put his hands over his mouth, silent.

  Then she turned to Saika and Reika, and said calmly, "If you'd fought me before my exile, I would have lost. But someone didn't abandon me... and helped me become what I am now."

  She asked, with a tone closer to sadness, "I didn't expect you two to serve Iris."

  Reika said with a tired smile, "It wasn't by choice. Iris-sama placed a curse on us. If we disobey any order... our hearts die."

  Then continued, looking at her sword, "If we don't complete the mission, we'll die anyway... kill us and end it."

  Mirai fell silent, deep in thought. She looked at her injured hand for moments, and Hikari's face came to mind.

  She smiled calmly. "There's a solution. I know someone who can remove the curse."

  Reika and Saika exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement.

  Saika said, "If there's a chance for survival, however slight, we'll take it."

  Nanaki warned, "But Iris herself placed the curse."

  Mirai said confidently, "No harm in trying."

  Then turned to Nanaki. "I'll need your help later. After the curse is removed and we're done, you must do something..."

  **At 3 AM — In Hikari's Room**

  Hikari woke to soft knocks on his door. He opened his eyes heavily, puzzled by someone coming at this hour.

  He rose and opened the door quietly... to find Mirai standing.

  His eyes widened with concern. "Mirai? What are you doing here at this hour? Has something happened?"

  She answered seriously, "I apologize for the disturbance, but I need your help."

  He said quickly while opening the door fully, "Of course, please come in."

  Mirai entered, followed by Nanaki, then Saika and Reika with tired and tense looks.

  Hikari asked puzzled, "Who are these people? What's going on?"

  Mirai replied, "I'll explain later. These two have a curse inside their bodies... can you remove it?"

  Despite his confusion, Hikari nodded. "I'll try."

  Then turned to them. "Please, stand before me."

  Saika and Reika stood before him. Hikari extended his right hand toward Reika and left toward Saika, then closed his eyes and began focusing his energy.

  Suddenly, he felt massive energy flowing through him. His hands blazed with painful heat, but he didn't stop.

  Saika and Reika's bodies began glowing dark red, and dark whispers emerged from them. The sounds increased until they became cursed screams filling the room.

  Hikari focused all his energy. Saika and Reika were in pain as if their souls were burning.

  At that moment, Nanaki felt internal discomfort, as if Hikari's energy threatened him. He moved unconsciously to attack him, but Mirai placed her hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

  Then suddenly, the light dimmed, and heavy silence prevailed.

  Hikari opened his eyes and said with a smile, "I've removed the curse."

  Both Reika and Saika felt the curse lift from them, while Nanaki stood stunned. Saika and Reika couldn't believe what happened, and Mirai merely smiled slightly.

  Mirai asked Hikari calmly, "How do you feel? Did you lose much energy?"

  He answered calmly, "No, the curse wasn't complex."

  The three were shocked by the simplicity of his response. Mirai exchanged a glance with Nanaki, then said, "Then, there's another person. This young man..." she indicated Nanaki, "his arm is injured. Can you heal him?"

  Nanaki was surprised and raised his eyebrows puzzled, but didn't object. He remained silent, looking at Mirai questioningly.

  Hikari approached with calm steps. "Of course, show me the injury."

  Mirai said, "Remove the bandages."

  Nanaki hesitated slightly, but surrendered and slowly raised his left arm. He removed the bandage, revealing a horrific sight.

  The arm was burned, skin charred and cracked, as if fire had eaten it to the bone. Some parts melted, others filled with festering wounds that wouldn't heal. The smell was foul, like burned ash.

  Hikari stepped back from the shock. "...What happened to you?"

  He gathered himself, then extended his hand to the damaged arm and closed his eyes. Gentle energy began flowing from his hands, surrounding the arm in calm golden light. Gradually, the skin began returning to its natural state, and the cracks and deformities disappeared.

  Hikari opened his eyes and said with a warm smile, "Finished."

  Nanaki looked at his arm in amazement, not believing what he saw. His fingers, which had seemed completely burned, had returned intact. He touched them slowly and whispered, "...How?"

  At that moment, Hikari felt slight pain in his body, then turned to Mirai. "Alright, would you explain what...?"

  But he stopped suddenly, seeing Mirai's hand bleeding.

  He said worriedly, "You're injured? Let me heal you."

  He extended his hand toward her wound and began healing it. As the healing finished, fatigue showed clearly on his face, but he smiled despite it.

  Saika and Reika approached him with a respectful bow, and Saika said gratefully, "Thank you. We didn't expect our curse to be removed... we're very grateful."

  Hikari smiled with satisfaction, but exhaustion took him, so he sat on the bed catching his breath.

  Mirai approached him worriedly. "Are you alright?"

  He shook his head smiling. "Don't worry... I'm fine."

  Suddenly, Nanaki stood before him, raised his hand toward him, and said calmly, "Thank you for what you did... and sorry for what I'm about to do."

  As he finished his words, Hikari's strength failed, and he lay on the bed, asleep immediately.

  Nanaki said to Mirai, "Done."

  Mirai answered, "Good. Let's leave now."

  In the blink of an eye, Nanaki used his ability and transported them all outside the city.

  The four stood on empty ground under moonlight, the air cold and still.

  Mirai said seriously while looking at Saika and Reika, "Now, you'll sign a magical contract."

  Reika smiled sarcastically. "Do you want to turn us into your slaves?"

  Mirai replied calmly, "No. You'll just live away from demon territories for some time, and never speak about that young man."

  Saika said, "That's all?"

  They both looked at each other, then said in unison, "Agreed."

  Mirai pointed to Nanaki. "Bring out the contract."

  Nanaki extended his hand, and a magical paper glowing red appeared. Saika and Reika placed their hands on it and swore to comply with the terms. The paper glowed for a moment, then disappeared.

  Nanaki said, "Contract activated."

  Mirai said, "You may go now."

  Saika said, "Farewell."

  And they left quietly.

  Nanaki kept watching them leave. "I didn't expect you to help them and let them go."

  Mirai replied, "I could have killed them, but I wanted to know the limits of Hikari's ability."

  Nanaki asked seriously, "Nee-sama... what happened there? The curse on them was level twelve. Very few can remove it. And my arm... it was impossible to heal. I felt like I got a new arm."

  Mirai looked at her old injury site. "When Iris used the crystal and stole my powers, she also took my healing ability. I tried everything, even went to a human doctor. No one succeeded... except Hikari."

  Then looked at the horizon and added calmly, "Hikari possesses the ability 'Absolute Light.'"

  Nanaki was shocked. "That's impossible! Only one person in history possessed this ability... and that was thirty thousand years ago!"

  Mirai smiled lightly. "I thought he was just an ordinary healer. But he removed the Deadly Darkness curse... one of strongest curses too."

  Nanaki raised his eyebrows in amazement. "This means he can remove any curse... and heal anything..."

  He remembered his strange feeling during the healing. "Perhaps that's why I felt threatened."

  Mirai said, "Yes, I felt the same. But his energy isn't offensive. He can't hurt anyone."

  Nanaki said in awe, "He's amazing... but he'll be a target for many."

  Mirai answered confidently, "Don't worry. No one knows his true ability... not even himself. He thinks he's just a simple healer."

  Then said seriously, "Rewrap the bandages on your arm. And don't tell anyone. And I need you to bring me something. Return to the castle, and bring a book... you know which one."

  Nanaki nodded. "I know exactly which book you mean. I'll bring it immediately... and I won't tell anyone, not Otou-sama, not Okaa-sama."

  Then disappeared returning to the castle.

  **Later – Hikari’s Room**

  Hikari woke with a heavy feeling in his body. He sat on the bed's edge, looked out the window, and muttered to himself, "The sun hasn't risen yet... I feel like I didn't sleep well."

  Feeling hungry, he decided to go out for food. He wandered the quiet city streets, street lamps casting dim light. The air was refreshing, but something inside him wasn't right... a feeling of mystery, as if something was missing.

  He entered a small restaurant and sat by the window. He ordered a meal and waited.

  After a while, the door opened and Mirai entered. She approached calmly and sat before him.

  Hikari smiled. "Hello, Mirai. Having trouble sleeping?"

  Mirai answered, "No. I just saw you from my room window, so I decided to talk with you."

  Then looked at him seriously. "Do you feel any fatigue? Something strange?"

  Hikari thought, then answered, "Actually... yes. I feel like I've lost a lot of energy... though I haven't done anything."

  Mirai asked, "What's the last thing you remember?"

  He answered simply, "We were on a mission... and returned to the inn afterward, right?"

  Mirai whispered to herself, "He doesn't remember anything... and slept for a full day without knowing. Good, Nanaki succeeded in erasing his memory."

  Then said to him with a smile, "Yes. By the way... I'm thinking of leaving this city."

  Hikari said enthusiastically, "I thought the same thing! What do you think about going to the capital, Arasa?"

  Mirai thought for a moment, then smiled. "It would be exciting to see the capital."

  Hikari said smiling, "Great! Let's depart in the morning then."

  Mirai stood. "See you tomorrow."

  Then left the restaurant.

  Hikari remained alone, eating in silence, unaware that everything had changed...

  (To be continued)

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  See you in the next chapter.