Visual Karakter Saat Pertarungan dengan Lucifer.
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The afternoon sun tilted lower, splitting the sky with streaks of golden orange. The sand beneath their feet still held the heat from the blazing day, making each step feel like walking on embers. The desert wind blew, but instead of bringing coolness, it lifted grains of sand that stung the skin.
Celestienne walked ahead, her robe fluttering lightly. Her face was calm, but her eyes occasionally glanced back to make sure her younger brother, Veyron, was still following. The boy was strong, but she still worried—the western desert was no place for games.
"Veyron," Celestienne's voice broke the silence, "you said you're from the west, right? If the desert is this hot… how could you survive here?"
Veyron lifted his head, sweat trickling down his temples, but a faint smile formed on his lips.
"That's because I created a demonic energy barrier… the one you once talked about," he replied, raising his right hand as if to feel an invisible shield surrounding him. "It seals out the heat and keeps my body cool."
Celestienne gave a small smile—a rare sight outside her family.
"Oh, so that's your secret. No wonder you can endure it." She looked far ahead at the next sand dune. "But when we headed toward the dragon's cave yesterday, I didn't see a single town or village. Why?"
Veyron's tone dropped slightly, but stayed steady.
"That's because… the heat is too extreme. Even water, if spilled on the ground, would instantly boil. Nothing can survive long here. Villages and cities… wouldn't last."
"I see…" Celestienne nodded slowly. She glanced at Veyron for a moment, then smiled wider. "Thank you, Veyron, for answering."
That smile—warm, genuine, unburdened—made Veyron's chest feel lighter. For some reason, whenever Celestienne smiled like that, the world around them seemed less hot, less harsh.
Their steps carried them out of the sand's reach. The desert slowly gave way to rocky ground, then to sparse grass. The sun began dipping toward the western horizon. In the distance, the faint silhouette of Mercatoria's city walls emerged, like a dream drawing closer.
Celestienne glanced at the provisions bag slung over her shoulder. It still held leftover food from the previous city. Raising her brows, she sat down under a small roadside tree.
"Let's eat now. We can finish the rest this evening."
They sat side by side. The sound of the cloth bundle opening mingled with the rustle of the wind. Yet beneath the calm, Celestienne felt something… a sharp gaze watching her every move.
Her eyes swept quickly over the shadows. Sure enough—dark silhouettes hid behind the rocks in the distance. Union. Again.
She sighed inwardly.
"Union members again… you never tire of disturbing my rest."
Standing, she slung the bag over her shoulder once more.
"Veyron, stay here. Eat. I'm going to… take out the trash."
Veyron looked confused, but didn't ask. He knew the "trash" she meant wasn't leftover food.
Celestienne strode forward, her senses sharp to movements behind the rocks. In her heart, she was ready—this Union group probably wouldn't be leaving with their legs intact.
Her steps slowed. The evening breeze carried the scent of sand and dust, but beneath it… a faint metallic tang, like long-dried blood.
Her eyes narrowed. So, you want to start again, Union?
Shadows shifted behind the rock. Three figures emerged, each wearing dark coats with the Union emblem on their shoulders. Their gazes were sharp, filled with hatred.
A silver-haired man stood in front, lips curling into a sneer.
"You cause trouble wherever you go, Celestienne. Did you think we'd let you live peacefully?"
Celestienne crossed her arms, her expression flat.
"If you keep disturbing my time, don't blame me if this evening turns into… a bloodbath."
The silver-haired man snorted.
"We won't die that easily."
They moved all at once, bodies exploding forward at a speed that flattened the grass beneath their feet. The wind roared past Celestienne's ears, yet she stood still, eyes tracking their movements with ease.
"Your moves are far too easy to read, Union," she said casually.
One of them—a woman wielding twin daggers—struck first. The blades flashed, aiming for Celestienne's throat. But before they touched her skin, Celestienne tilted her head slightly, letting the strike pass, and with a light touch to her opponent's wrist, an invisible blast sent the woman flying into a boulder, cracking it.
The silver-haired leader cursed under his breath.
"Damn it, even at full speed… she can still see us!"
Celestienne sighed and raised her right hand. The sound of flowing water grew from nowhere, steadily growing louder.
"Enough talk. Just die."
The air around them began to vibrate, the ground beneath their feet pulsing faintly. Behind Celestienne, a massive blue magic circle formed, its lines glowing like liquid crystal.
"Water Magic… Seven-Headed Dragon. Tier Ten."
A deafening roar split the air as seven colossal water dragons burst from the circle. Their bodies were streams of whirling currents, their scales glinting in the evening light. The thundering sound shook the dust and stones around them.
The Union members had no time to react. The seven dragons surged forward like a storm, coiling and striking with earth-shattering force.
BOOM!
The watery explosion tore the ground apart, leaving behind a massive crater that quickly filled with a swirling blue vortex. Shreds of Union coats floated on the surface, lifeless.
Celestienne lowered her hand slowly, a faint smile on her lips.
"Trash successfully disposed of."
She turned back toward Veyron, who still sat under the tree, chewing on his food, eyes bright.
"I'm back, Veyron," she said cheerfully, as though she had only pulled weeds.
But far away, atop a rocky hill, a pair of eyes had been watching the fight from the start. Cold, calculating. Celestienne sensed them, but chose to ignore them… for now.
They picked up their bags and continued their journey toward Mercatoria.
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The Gates of Mercatoria and the Terrifying Aura
The sun was nearly set when the two figures finally caught sight of Mercatoria's colossal stone walls. Towering guard posts loomed above, the academy's banner rippling at their peaks. The orange light of dusk bathed the city, making it look like a golden fortress shining in the mortal realm.
Veyron drank from his water flask, breathing a little heavily.
"Ah… we finally made it, sis…"
Celestienne nodded, her breathing calm despite the fatigue lingering from their long journey and two battles in one day.
"Yes, Veyron. From morning till now… quite a long trip."
As they approached the gates, the city guards eyed them carefully. Some gave respectful nods upon recognizing Celestienne's face. The passing townsfolk, however, had mixed reactions—curious stares, hushed whispers, and even a few doubtful looks.
"Is that… Princess Celestienne? She's coming from the west… with that boy?" murmured a merchant to his companion.
"No way… the west is nothing but a dead desert. If she came from there, something must have happened…"
Celestienne pretended not to hear. She pushed open a small side gate and stepped into the city, Veyron following close behind. The scent of warm bread, roasting meat, and spices welcomed them, blending with the chatter of merchants calling out their goods.
Veyron looked left and right, his eyes shining like a child at his first festival.
"Wow… so many food stalls here!"
Celestienne gave a faint smile, thinking he was simply distracted by the bustling city—until he suddenly spoke in a low, serious tone.
"Sis… I felt something."
Her brow rose. "Something?"
Veyron stared down the road toward the city's outer edge, his expression tense.
"An aura… terrifying. Like something underground trying to break through to the surface."
Celestienne froze. Her faint smile vanished, replaced by a sharp gaze.
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure, sis. I'm not lying. It felt… cold and heavy. Like it wanted to swallow everything."
Lucifer should only appear tomorrow or the day after… why is he moving earlier? Celestienne cursed inwardly.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a rolled parchment, handing it to Veyron.
"Veyron, this… is training for you. Practice controlling your demonic energy exactly as written. You need to grow stronger, quickly."
Veyron accepted the scroll, determination in his eyes.
"Alright, sis. I'll train hard."
Celestienne nodded and continued toward the academy with her brother. But as they arrived before the main building, she unfastened her cloak, revealing the blue noble attire beneath.
A deep voice echoed in her mind.
'Princess… is it time for me to awaken?'
Celestienne stared ahead.
"No. I'll use the power I've been saving."
The system that often served as her reminder chimed in, its voice cold and mechanical.
[Ding! Fourth Mission: Defeat Lucifer. Failure will trap you in an endless time loop.]
She smirked faintly.
"I know… but this time, I won't fail."
She walked on, leaving Veyron in the academy courtyard, while the stares of onlookers began to gather. Some whispered, some laughed, thinking her too arrogant to challenge Lucifer.
But in the crowd, Rowan Creed—one of the city's most respected fighters—spoke loudly, his voice cutting through their doubts.
"Trust in Princess Celestienne. She's the one who slaughtered every monster in the Forest of Death."
The murmurs turned into cheers.
"PRINCESS CELESTIENNE! DEFEAT LUCIFER!" cried an elderly man, echoed by many others.
Celestienne glanced briefly at them, her hair swaying in the evening breeze. Behind her cool gaze was a trace of gratitude.
Thank you, Rowan…
Yet far beyond, at the mountain's base, the sky began to darken. Lightning crashed against the earth, and from the swirling black smoke, a giant silhouette taller than the mountains emerged.
A deep, arrogant, ear-splitting voice thundered.
"CELESTIENNE AURELITH… I have returned to claim this world!"
Celestienne exhaled slowly.
"Lucifer… looks like tonight will be a long one."
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Battle of God and Demon
The sky above Mercatoria turned pitch black. Storm clouds swirled like a colossal vortex. Crimson lightning split the heavens, each flash reflecting the monstrous form of Lucifer. His body towered like a mountain, obsidian skin cracked with glowing red light. His wings tore through the clouds, and his eyes—two massive orbs of pure hatred—locked onto Celestienne.
"CELESTIENNE AURELITH!" Lucifer's roar shook the glass in every window. "I will tear this world apart, starting with you!"
Celestienne stepped forward, her blade drawn. Red light enveloped her body, her white hair shifting into pure gold under the storm's glow. Her eyes remained pink, but now burned with an ember-like radiance.
"Lucifer… I don't remember inviting you. And I'm not interested in knowing you."
Lucifer laughed, the sound making the ground quake. "Arrogant. Do you think your so-called god mode will save you?"
Celestienne's smile sharpened. In an instant, her figure vanished. Whoosh! She reappeared right before his face, sword raised high.
CLANG!
Her blade collided with his claw, the impact erupting like thunder. The shockwave blasted through the city, shattering the cobblestone streets. Lucifer pushed her back, but she spun midair, slashing again from the side.
He blocked, yet this time his massive frame shifted half a step. "Fast… but not enough to kill me!"
Celestienne drifted backward, forming a golden magic circle in the air. Three miniature suns appeared behind her, radiating scorching heat.
"Solar God Mode. Still calling me a novice, Lucifer?"
Lucifer snarled. "A novice is still a novice!"
He raised both hands, swirling black magic into a five-headed dragon wreathed in demonic purple fire.
"Five-Headed Demonic Dragon, Fifth Tier!"
The five heads roared as they lunged forward, fangs like spears aiming for her.
Celestienne didn't move. She simply looked straight ahead and smiled faintly.
"Lucifer… look up."
Lucifer glanced upward—and his eyes widened. Above him, layer upon layer of magic circles glowed, each one pulsing with the power of every element: fire, water, wind, earth, lightning, light, and shadow.
"Elemental Infinity Strike." Celestienne's voice echoed from a thousand directions.
The attack rained down like a meteor storm, each elemental projectile smashing against Lucifer. He shielded himself with his wings, but every impact left cracks.
CRACK!
His left wing shattered like glass, fragments bursting into black dust. Roaring in rage, Lucifer tried to counterattack, but Celestienne was already before him, her golden sword thrusting straight for his chest.
"No one can pierce my heart!" he bellowed, pouring all his energy into resisting. But Celestienne pushed with one hand, her gaze unyielding.
"I'm the only one allowed to."
The sword drove through. A blinding golden explosion consumed Lucifer's body, tearing it apart into black particles that scattered into the wind.
The sky cleared. The black clouds vanished. The warm light of sunset bathed Mercatoria once more. Celestienne lowered her sword, her divine aura fading. Her hair returned to white, her steps unsteady—but her smile, satisfied.
"Hah… finally over. Now I can live peacefully… and train Veyron."
She dropped to one knee but refused to collapse.
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Epilogue – After the Sky Cleared
The battle's dust settled. The lingering magical energy left only a faint metallic scent in the air. The people of Mercatoria emerged from hiding—some from their homes, others from shop alleys—gazing at Celestienne, who stood alone in the street, her sword still dripping with fading crimson light.
Some looked at her in awe, others in disbelief. Those who had mocked her earlier were now silent. Even the children who had hidden away stepped forward, eyes wide with wonder.
"She… really defeated Lucifer…" whispered a young man.
Rowan Creed stepped forward, his expression filled with respect.
"You've just saved us all. No one will ever doubt your strength again, Princess Celestienne."
Celestienne glanced at him briefly and gave a faint smile.
"I didn't do it for recognition. I just… want this world to be peaceful enough for me and my brother."
Rowan nodded, as if understanding there was far more behind those words.
Veyron came running from the academy, breathless. "Sis!" He wrapped his arms around her despite the lingering heat of her body. "You… you're okay?"
Celestienne returned the hug, though her body felt heavy.
"I'm fine. Just… tired." She ruffled his hair gently. "Starting tomorrow, you train. I don't want you standing on the sidelines if something like this happens again."
Veyron nodded, eyes glistening. "I promise, sis."
The crowd's cheers rose around them.
"PRINCESS CELESTIENNE! LONG LIVE!"
"PRINCESS CELESTIENNE! SAVIOR OF MERCATORIA!"
Celestienne only gave them a brief nod before walking slowly back toward the academy with Veyron. She wanted to sleep. She wanted to eat. And for a moment, she wanted to forget all of this.
But beyond the mortal world…
In a colorless realm, a figure stood. Its body shone white like carved light, and in its hand was a sword radiating ancient power. A faint smile touched its lips as its gaze fell on the world below.
"You're ready, Celestienne… but this is only the beginning. A far greater disaster awaits you."
The figure vanished without leaving a trace of light. And in Mercatoria's clear blue sky… a single red star appeared on the western horizon, one that had never been there before.
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Chapter 8 Completed.