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So he wants her, but she doesn't have to become a demon.
Okay… when you put it that way, it kind of makes sense. It is different.
For a while, Erica's eyes flickered with indecision.
This guy's still a demon, after all.
And an insanely strong one at that.
If he wanted to do anything, she wouldn't be able to stop him.
But now that she thought about it, this demon seemed… oddly reasonable.
Even after she flat-out rejected him, he didn't get mad.
Still, handing herself over to him—ugh, that was still hard to accept.
Eventually, she sighed in resignation.
Forget it!
At least this demon's good-looking.
Minato looked at her with interest. "So, have you made up your mind?"
"I have."
There was a flicker of resolve in Erica's eyes, though her face was bright red. "But let's get one thing straight—it's only happening once, got it?"
"..."
What a stingy woman.
Then again, she is a noble lady. Of course she's good at negotiating.
Thinking this, Minato shook his head. "Forget it. If you're that reluctant, it's not worth it. No fun forcing someone."
"Just once? You act like you're some priceless treasure or something."
"What did you say?!"
Erica's face turned scarlet.
Okay, sure, it was probably a good thing that he changed his mind.
But why did she suddenly feel so mad?
BOOM!
Right then, a deafening crack of thunder roared in the distance.
They looked up to see that the previously clear sky had suddenly turned pitch black with clouds.
Bolts of lightning danced across the sky like serpents, and the whole world felt like it had been swallowed by darkness.
"Is it about to rain?"
"Looks more like a storm… that came out of nowhere."
Tourists and pedestrians alike started scrambling for shelter.
"This isn't an ordinary storm," Erica said, her pupils contracting. "That cloud is packed with powerful magical energy. This is no natural phenomenon—someone caused it."
"More accurately… a rogue god."
Minato's eyes narrowed. "Well, that was faster than I expected."
"What do you mean 'well'?!" Erica said anxiously. "A rogue god showing up could cause a disaster. We have to contact the nearest God Slayer to take care of this!"
"Man, can't you trust your future boss a little bit more?"
"This is not the time for jokes!" Erica said gravely. "If we're not careful, this whole island could be wiped out!"
Minato shrugged. "Is that so?"
"You—ugh, why are you acting so casual?"
Oh, wait. He's a demon. I guess that tracks.
"Anyway, let's get serious."
Minato said calmly, "I've always wanted to try slaying a god."
"You mean… you want to become a God Slayer?"
"Of course."
Erica's eye twitched as she stared at him.
He… doesn't seem like he's joking.
Could he really have what it takes to kill a rogue god?
But—!
Didn't this guy know the basic rule? Demons can't become God Slayers!
"Mr. Demon, not to rain on your parade…"
Erica said quietly, "But everyone knows demons can't become God Slayers."
"I know."
Minato shook his head. "But maybe I'm different."
Erica was stunned.
Different? Where the hell does this demon get his confidence from?
"And if I fail, it's not like I lose anything, right?" Minato added with a smirk.
She had to admit, a lot of powerful beings couldn't become God Slayers.
It was just how this chaotic world worked.
The power of a God Slayer's magic often clashed with other energies.
Even if someone managed to kill a god, it didn't guarantee they'd become a God Slayer. Most ended up empty-handed.
Otherwise, rogue gods would've been hunted to extinction by now.
That's why God Slayers tended to follow the same path—they had no other option.
Still… given that Minato had already become a Master before…
Maybe his unique demonic energy gave him a shot.
Erica gave him a long, searching look, then nodded firmly. "In that case, I'm going with you."
A fierce, lion-like aura surged from her body.
Then, she stepped forward suddenly, stopping right in front of Minato.
"…???"
Minato blinked.
For some reason, this felt really familiar.
"What is it now—"
Before he could finish, Erica leaned in, rising on her toes like a dragonfly skimming water, and kissed him lightly.
"This is your reward—for being a demon who still dares to challenge a god."
Her face flushed red, but she said seriously, "I, Erica Blandelli, recognize your courage."
With that, she turned and bolted like she was running for her life—toward the storm.
In a flash, she was already several meters away.
Minato touched his cheek instinctively—it was burning hot.
That was her first time, after all.
She was embarrassed, sure, but she didn't regret it.
Not far behind her—
Minato touched his lips and smirked.
"Tch… said no so firmly before, but now she's being honest, huh?"
Of course, he knew Erica's actions came from a mix of reasons.
But that didn't matter—once there was even a spark, he was confident he could turn it into a raging inferno.
"Next up… is the Heretic God."
Without making a move, Minato had already reunited with Erica.
But not even a second later—
Looking out at the ocean ahead, Erica suddenly froze, a bit frustrated.
"What's wrong?"
Minato was a little confused at first, then realized it: "Ah, I get it now. So the great genius everyone's always talking about… can't fly."
"Ugh, shut up. I don't need your help," Erica said firmly. "Even if I have to swim, I'll get there…"
She hadn't even finished her sentence when her whole body suddenly felt light—Minato had scooped her up in his arms.
"Wh-What…?"
Feeling Minato's breath close to her, Erica instantly panicked.
"All right, we don't have time for this. No need for extra drama."
With a leap, Minato shot into the sky, flying straight toward the heart of the storm.
"....."