Ryusei felt pure, unfiltered anger for the first time since arriving in this world. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood before he roared,
"Lithaer! How dare you use the memory of my friend!"
Haku shared his fury. To face that disgusting insect Greul again, even after he had resolved to erase the filth from his mind—it was unbearable.
But the Queen of Shadows didn't care about their pain. She only wanted them to drown in hatred, anger, and sorrow—emotions that had once consumed her. A wicked smile stretched across her lips as she waved her hand over the shifting shadows.
"Dance, my legion."
The shadows surged forward, but their advance was abruptly halted by the massive blade of Vazrothvra's Greatsword.
Surprise flashed across the Queen's face. Her voice rang out sharply.
"Vazrothvra! What is the meaning of this?"
He turned slowly, then lowered himself to one knee, leaning on his sword as he spoke.
"I wish to challenge Haku."
The Queen blinked.
"What? I expected you to challenge Ryusei… but Haku?"
Vazrothvra offered no answer. His eyes flicked toward Haku—who didn't even spare him a glance. His focus remained locked on Greul.
Ryusei didn't understand Vazrothvra's intent, but he was relieved—Vazrothvra was still himself.
The Queen sighed.
"Fine. I'll allow it. You helped me once before... But remember—disobey me again, and I'll erase your shadows' memories."
Her words were cold and merciless. Vazrothvra knew she wasn't bluffing.
The Queen of Shadows possessed two Mythical Skills.
The first: [Memoria Fate], a power that could recall memories from a shadow—even materialize objects from those memories.
The second: [Amnesia Fate], the terrifying counterpart. With it, she could completely erase a memory stored within a shadow. Since shadows were bound to their host, removing the shadow's memory meant the person would forget as well.
If she were to erase the shadow of an entire kingdom, the people within would vanish as if they had never existed.
That's exactly what she did—to the once-mighty kingdom ruled by King Orin Vazrath, now known only as Vazrothvra the End.
Though devastatingly powerful, this skill still required certain conditions to be met—conditions the Queen believed were her secret. But Vazrothvra knew.
He obeyed her regardless, not out of fear, but pity—and purpose. That's why he had requested this duel.
And the Queen granted it.
"Haku. Prepare yourself."
Vazrothvra began his descent down the stairs. Ryusei noticed something—he was smaller than before. Vazrothvra caught his glance and offered a subtle smile… then turned his attention fully to Haku.
Meanwhile, the Queen's eyes never left Ryusei.
"The rest of you," she said, her tone light and venomous, "go dance with my beloved for a while."
The shadows bowed and began to descend toward Ryusei, who gripped his sword tightly.
Four against one.
Winning was near impossible—unless...
Parallel Processing... Why haven't I heard from it?
He still had the skill, but it had been quiet. It mentioned something about storing data—like a memory card. Was it still processing?
No time to think.
The shadows struck.
The Shaman launched a fireball. At the same time, the Rat King cast Vortex, forcing Ryusei to leap backward—right into a charging demon. A swift sword came down at him, but Ryusei activated Fast Strike, dashing sideways.
Only to be met by a fanged serpent lunging at him.
He parried just in time, though the impact flung him back—again into the demon. A shadow sword thrust followed, but Ryusei twisted, narrowly avoiding it, then retaliated with a sharp kick to the demon's gut, sending him flying.
The Shaman split the fireball midair. Dozens of flickering flames spiraled toward Ryusei.
Too fast to dodge.
The flames exploded on impact. Smoke billowed.
Was it over?
No—something shot out of the smoke. A pitch-black orb pierced the Shaman's stomach. The wound reknit itself in seconds with dark, writhing shadows.
As the smoke cleared, Ryusei emerged—clothes tattered and scorched, but unwounded.
They had forgotten—he was immortal. Just like the shadows.
This wasn't a battle of strength, but survival.
A battle of mana preservation. The one to run out first… would fall.
This was a war between Ryusei and Lithaer.
And their warriors were their mana.
The fight raged on…
***
Meanwhile…
Haku now stood before Vazrothvra.
"Haku. Are you truly Ryusei's shield, as you claim?"
Haku frowned.
"What are you trying to say?"
Vazrothvra stepped forward—then vanished.
A sudden punch to the gut launched Haku across the room. Air was forced from his lungs.
He slammed into a wall, the impact ripping a banner from its mount and carving a deep dent into the stone. Rubble scattered as Haku crumpled face-first to the floor.
Vazrothvra approached, lifted him by the head, and stared into his eyes.
"What's wrong? Aren't you a shield? Is this how you protect Ryusei? Pathetic. Just give up—you're far too weak."
He hurled Haku aside, then turned his back.
"What a disappointment. You dare claim to protect someone… when you can't even protect yourself?"
Haku lay motionless.
The words cut deeper than the blow. And he knew… they were true.
Ryusei had surpassed him long ago. He was no longer a little snake—he was now a monster of untapped potential.
While Haku—he'd already peaked.
His limbs were heavy.
So was his heart.
Greul. His weakness. His promise to protect.
Maybe it's time… to rest.
His eyes began to close…
...
...
Cling. Clang.
The sounds echoed in his ears. Ryusei was still fighting.
While he—was trying to sleep?
His eyes snapped open.
It hurt. But he rose, blood dripping from his mouth, determination burning in his eyes.
Vazrothvra's eyes widened.
"So… you've found your answer." He smiled. "I won't apologize for earlier, little flame. If you want me to take those words back—then make me."
Haku wiped the blood away with his sleeve and summoned a staff from his ring.
The duel had truly begun.
He let go of his hatred for Greul.
Now—he focused only on surviving. And winning.