It was a dark and windy night, perfect for murder… no, for slaying devils and setting fires.
The moon in the sky was also obscured by clouds.
In a gloomy forest, an atmosphere of terror permeated the air.
A group of people walked towards the depths of the forest.
The rustling of leaves in the wind painted a terrifying scene. Suddenly, the branches began to sway, and countless birds soared into the sky.
This startled Miko and Asia, who immediately clung to Abel's arms, while Kanae, having experience slaying demons, felt nothing.
Abel looked at the two frightened little ones and felt helpless.
They needed to toughen up.
Miko asked, "Ma... Master, where are we going?"
Abel calmly replied, "To slay a Stray Devil."
"Stray Devil? What's that?"
The three looked at Abel with confusion.
They were all devils, but they didn't know what a Stray Devil was.
Looking at the three, Abel explained, "A Stray Devil is a renegade devil, those who betray and kill their masters for power."
Kanae then asked, "Are all Stray Devils unforgivable traitors?"
Hearing Kanae's words, Abel remembered that black cat from before—that one was an exception.
He then continued, "Of course, there are also a few who betray and kill their masters to protect their families."
Abel thought of Kuroka, Koneko's sister. That playful cat should be returning soon.
The group passed through the forest and arrived at an abandoned church.
Abel gave the church a meaningful glance and said, "We're here. This is where the Stray Devil is hiding,"
"I'll go in with you, but I won't interfere. You must work together to slay the Stray Devil inside. This is your mission tonight."
Hearing Abel's words, Miko and Asia became a little nervous. But for Kanae, it was fine. She just wondered which was harder to kill, a devil or a demon.
Abel looked at the church before them. This was a barrier constructed by the Stray Devil inside using power that didn't belong to it.
"Go in."
"Mm."
The three looked at each other, then followed Abel inside.
Creak....
Bang!
The heavy door was pushed open, then quickly closed automatically.
The sound of the door closing stirred up a lot of dust.
The four slowly stepped into the church, where a decaying smell permeated the air. The paint on the walls were peeling, revealing a hideous base layer. Everything was incredibly eerie.
Tap... Tap...
A crisp sound rang out.
"I smell a foul odor, hmm... mixed with many sweet scents."
Around a corner, a man in a suit with gold-rimmed glasses walked out.
Looking at him, Abel thought, 'A refined scoundrel.'
At this moment, Kanae had already drawn her Nichirin Blade, and was ready.
Miko was at a loss but looking at the Stray Devil before her, a magic circle appeared in her hand.
"Oh! Beautiful and lovely ladies, might I have the pleasure of dining with you?"
The Stray Devil elegantly bowed to Kanae and the others.
Kanae calmly said, "Sorry, we must decline."
The Stray Devil continued talking to himself, "Is that so? Then I apologize, but allow me to..."
Meanwhile, Kanae spoke to Miko and Asia beside her, "Miko, you'll stay on the perimeter and attack it with magic. Asia, be careful, and if anyone gets hurt, please heal them. Let's all do our best."
Flower Breathing, First Form: Rose Thorn!
Kanae instantly vanished from her spot. Her speed was many times greater than before. This was the characteristic of the Knight piece, increasing speed.
Kanae's attack, like a rose, carried a dangerous beauty. The blade in her hand transformed into streaks of cold light, piercing towards the Stray Devil before her.
"Eh! She's already attacking?"
Miko was stunned and quickly added a speed magic to herself, rushing forward.
She watched as Kanae vanished from her spot and appeared before the Stray Devil, swinging her Nichirin Blade.
The Stray Devil, seeing Kanae suddenly appear before him, reacted extremely quickly. He tried to dodge but suddenly found himself unable to move.
"Hehe, Binding Magic."
Miko stood to the side, controlling the Stray Devil with both hands.
The hard-controlled Stray Devil looked at Kanae, who had already arrived in front of him, his expression unchanged, revealing a playful smile.
In an instant, blood splattered.
Kanae, holding her Nichirin Blade, plunged it into the Stray Devil's heart.
Miko looked at the Stray Devil, whose heart was pierced, and asked with some uncertainty, "Did we... win?"
Kanae felt the same. The blade had pierced the Stray Devil, but why did she have a bad feeling?
"It's about to begin."
Abel said, then picked up Asia and immediately left the church.
Soon, the ground shook.
"Abel-nii, wh-what is this?"
"It's the Stray Devil's true form."
Asia watched as the church collapsed, and in its place appeared a giant toad with its mouth wide open. What Kanae had pierced was the toad's tongue.
At this moment, Kanae and Miko stood inside the toad's massive mouth.
"Thanks for the meal."
As the voice fell, the toad's mouth closed.
But as the Stray Devil closed its mouth, Kanae grabbed the back of Miko's neck and appeared outside.
"Ugh..."
Miko felt that her stomach was uneasy, a little nauseous.
The giant toad, seeing that it hadn't swallowed the two, became somewhat annoyed. Immediately, its tongue shot out towards the two.
Flower Breathing, Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility!
Kanae's slashes were like peony petals, and the toad's tongue was cut into several pieces.
"So amazing! I can't fall behind either."
Wind Scythe!
Fireball!
Miko used two basic spells, then threw them at the toad as if they were free. With the wind fueling the fire, a pillar of fire soared into the sky, and the toad was engulfed in flames.
"Is it resolved?" Miko stood beside Kanae, muttering to herself.
But at that moment, the ground suddenly shook. The toad broke through the wall of fire and leaped high, pouncing towards Kanae and Miko. Its massive body created a gust of wind, making the two lose their footing.
Asia was a little worried. Her Sacred Gear activated, and a healing light appeared as she ran towards the two.
(End of Chapter)
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