Smoke curled around Leon's shoulders like a cloak as he lowered his blade, black blood dripping from its edge. The headless corpse of an A-rank demon slumped to the ground behind him, its final shriek already forgotten. Around him, soldiers moved in awe, not one dared break formation or speak. Not while he stood at the center, sword in hand, eyes locked skyward.
Something stirred above. A ripple in the air. A shift in pressure. He could feel it in his bones.
"They're pushing harder…" Leon muttered, voice low and unreadable.
A second A-rank demon surged from the side, mouth wide with serrated fangs. Leon didn't glance at it. One step, one swing, and the creature was bisected mid-charge. His sword never paused, his eyes never moved.
"They're facing someone strong up there," he said, more to himself than anyone. His grip on his sword tightened, knuckles whitening. "Stronger than what we planned for."
