After Zygar defeated the demon woman, she whispered with an almost peaceful face: "At last, I can finally rest."
Her words puzzled Zygar. He had expected a demon to die screaming in rage, not surrendering to peace. But in that very instant, fragments of her life flashed before his eyes, revealing who she truly was.
Her name had once been Lyra.
Lyra's childhood had been nothing but suffering. Her father was the younger brother of Queen Lilith's husband, and her mother an aristocrat of the kingdom. But when the Queen's son, Azaroth, began his bloody conquest, he slew both his father and his uncle to claim the throne. On the very day her father was murdered, Lyra was still in her mother's womb.
Her terrified mother fled to a distant town and concealed her identity. Yet when Lyra was born, she received no warmth. Her mother worked at a brothel and beat her mercilessly, drowning her own misery in pleasures. Lyra grew up hungry, beaten, and despised. She had no shoes, no clean clothes, and no childhood—only bruises and nights of bitter tears.
Then fate struck again. Azaroth's army stormed the town, burning everything. In that moment, Lyra whispered to herself: "At last… I can die. At last, I can go to hell."
But when she opened her eyes, she found herself in a white room. Before her stood a figure cloaked entirely in white, faceless and calm.
"Where am I?" she asked.
The being replied, "You are in heaven, my child. You have not died."
Tears welled in Lyra's eyes. She ran to embrace him. "Sir, is this truly heaven?"
"Yes," he answered gently. "Here, you may finally live in peace."
Suddenly she stood in a paradise—forests full of singing birds, clear rivers, and gentle animals who nuzzled her as though she were their friend. For the first time in her life, Lyra felt happiness.
But the truth was far more complex. That white figure was none other than Erebos, the embodiment of Hell itself.
Seven years passed. During that time Lyra never starved, never wept, never knew pain again. Erebos lived beside her like a father, though he was torn inside. He longed to confess the truth: I am not heaven… I am hell.
One day, he could no longer hold it back.
"Lyra," he said, "everything you have seen—the food, the forests, the animals—I altered them. They were real, but they came from me. I am not heaven. I am Hell itself. Still, I raised you like my own daughter, because I love you."
Lyra's eyes filled with tears. She threw her arms around him. "I don't hate you. You raised me when no one else cared. For me, you will always be my father."
Erebos wept and embraced her tightly. "My daughter, I love you. I will never leave you. Promise me you will never abandon me either."
Ten more years passed. Finally, Lyra decided to see the outside world. She left Hell, though Erebos remained in her heart. Soon she discovered her terrifying strength—the power of the Four Ancient Demons flowed within her. Azaroth himself invited her to his palace and proclaimed her as one of the Five Great Demons. From then on, she was known as the Fourth Demon.
Meanwhile, after the war ended, Zygar returned with his companions—Celia, Rayan the General, and Argan the swordsman—to the village. They reported their deeds to the village chief, and the next morning prepared to leave.
The villagers gathered to bid them farewell. "Come back again!" they shouted. "Next time, we will throw a great festival for you!"
Filled with warmth, the group set out toward their next destination: the Land of the Fairies.
The Fairy Land was renowned as a kingdom of wealth and peace. Since its creation, no wars had ever touched it. It was a haven where nobles and royals from other realms came to rest during their holidays.
As Zygar and his friends entered the forests at its border, they suddenly heard screams. A noble-looking man in fine clothes was under attack by beasts. Without hesitation, Zygar drew his blade and struck the monsters down.
The man, pale and shaken, bowed deeply. "You have saved my life, brave warrior. I am Lord Elyan, a noble of Fairy Land. Please, as my honored guests, stay in my castle tonight. You will be welcomed with all respect."
The group accepted.
When they first entered Fairy Land, their eyes widened in awe. Waterfalls glittered like crystal, streets were paved with marble, and majestic palaces shone under the light. Even the battle-hardened General Rayan whispered, "This… this must be heaven on earth."
Lord Elyan smiled. "Today is a blessed day. Please, follow me to my castle."
At the gates, guards and servants bowed. "Welcome home, my lord."
That evening, a massive banquet was prepared. The long table overflowed with roasted meats, golden bread, fresh fruits, and wines sparkling like jewels.
Zygar and Rayan dug in with reckless hunger, laughing between mouthfuls, while Celia and Argan ate calmly, keeping their eyes sharp.
In the middle of the feast, Elyan leaned closer. "After dinner, Zygar, I wish to speak with you alone. There is a matter of great importance."
The meal ended, and the others retired to their rooms. Only Zygar followed Elyan into a private chamber. The air grew heavy as the doors closed.
Elyan's smile faded. His gaze sharpened.
"Tell me, Zygar… are you truly human?"
Zygar froze. His hand twitched toward his sword. His heart thundered in his chest.
What could Elyan possibly know? And what would happen if the truth came out?
End of Chapter Six
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