How long has it been since I teamed up with Kasugal? Around seven years, I’d say.
Yet, even as someone who’s spent all that time as part of his party, it’s my first time seeing Kasugal like this.
A human who has transcended humanity.
He’s probably hidden this side of himself from everyone for years.
There were countless times during our adventures when we faced life-threatening situations.
But he never once unleashed his true strength.
Now, everything around us is engulfed in blue flames.
The ground is melting from the heat, crystallizing from the intense energy.
‘In terms of sheer power, he’s stronger than a lesser demon,’ I remarked.
‘Indeed. I agree,’ Mastema replied.
‘Though in Hell, I’d still be stronger.’
While it didn’t seem like a mere sore loser’s response, Mastema snorted.
In Hell, demons can draw upon nearly limitless magical energy.
That’s why those with high upper limits are considered powerful.
Yet this kind of strength, surpassing human limits, is too much for a mortal frame to endure.
Like me, Kasugal is probably eroding himself, his body and mind wearing away just by remaining in that state.
The Heavenly Sword mercilessly drains every bit of my strength, and in exchange, bestows upon me supernatural power as a blessing.
Kasugal raised his right arm toward the sky.
Looks like he’s about to use his most trusted spell.
All the surrounding fire and magical energy began to converge on his right arm.
In no time, it grew into a massive ball of fire, expanding larger and larger.
Normally, that spell would produce a white flame.
But this time, it’s shining blue.
The pressure is immense.
Not even when facing any monster have I ever felt such oppressive weight.
If anything compares, it’s probably only Mastema.
‘Don’t compare me to him. If he were a woman, I’d have killed her by now,’ Mastema huffed.
‘Hey now, no need to be so menacing.’
Seems like she could read my thoughts somehow.
Is it a woman’s intuition, or an ability unique to her as a demon?
A demon that rules over malice and hatred… maybe envy plays a role too.
‘If we can stop that, it’s our victory.’
‘And if we can’t?’
‘Then you and I will both be reduced to ashes. If even your defense is breached, there won’t even be bones left.’
‘Hmm.’
She looked unconvinced.
Unlike with me, the idea of losing in a pure test of strength didn’t sit well with her.
I had defeated Mastema by whittling down her overwhelming power and weakening her, after all.
She’s been quick to remind me at every opportunity that it wasn’t a genuine loss on her part.
‘So, what’s our plan?’
‘I’ll go with the strongest move I have. Let’s join our strength.’
‘Got it.’
Mastema spread her wings, gathering her magical energy.
She must be drawing power from her thorned staff.
There’s only one weapon in the world that can withstand that fire.
No holy or cursed sword could resist without melting.
I poured all my power into theHeavenly Sword.
However, it seemed it still couldn’t quite accept Mastema’s magic.
‘Wait a moment.’
‘It’s not my fault. It’s an issue of nature.’
‘Typical of an angel.’
‘A demon has no room to talk.’
These two have the same dynamic as ever.
Asking an angel and demon to get along is probably asking too much.
All of Kasugal’s magical energy concentrated into the spell, compressing the massive flame until it was small enough to fit in his hand.
‘It’s coming.’
‘Yeah.’
The small fireball shot from Kasugal’s hand, heading straight for me.
If it hits, death is certain.
Though it’s not the kind of magic one should aim at an old comrade, it’s just like Kasugal to never hold back.
All-out, every time. I’ll meet him with the same force.
Gripping theHeavenly Sword alongside Mastema, we swung it down on the approaching fireball.
With normal magic, this would disperse it, but this isn’t just any magic.
It’s humanity’s most powerful spell.
Mastema and I put our full strength into cutting through the magic.
But the density of the spell doesn’t allow it.
TheHeavenly Sword’s blade turns red from the heat.
Yet this sword, forged from an angel’s core and the finest metal known to mankind, doesn’t break.
After a moment’s deadlock, a shift occurs in the fire spell.
Flames start to release from the rear, propelling the magic forward.
The pressure against us increases.
Even with our combined strength, are we going to be overpowered?
Slowly, the sword is pushed back, and the heat intensifies.
It feels like I’m being grilled alive.
Fear of death creeps up my spine.
But I won’t retreat. I won’t lose to Kasugal here.
I’ll resist until the very end.
Then, Mastema looked at me.
‘Hey, Ahavine.’
‘…What is it?’
‘Do you… love me?’
‘What kind of question is that, right now?’
‘Just answer.’
There was a seriousness in her expression.
Was she really thinking about this, facing death?
‘I love you. From the moment I first laid eyes on you.’
‘I see. I’m glad to hear it.’
Saying this, Mastema let go of the sword, grabbed my face, leaned in, and kissed me.
With her tongue, an immense magical energy flowed into me.
‘Mmh…’
After a moment of a deep kiss, she pulled back, licking her lips to wipe away the saliva.
‘I won’t do this for anyone else, just you. So let’s finish this quickly.’
‘Yeah. Just watch.’
Mastema clung to my neck.
The overwhelming magic I received from the kiss coursed through my entire body.
While Mastema’s magic is incompatible with Viktor, it’s different when it’s channeled through me.
TheHeavenly Sword absorbed the additional magic, repelling the searing heat, and the blade began to glow with a golden light.
I turned to face Kasugal.
‘Let’s go.’
I poured all my strength into theHeavenly Sword.
It was time to settle this once and for all.
