Koharu had quietly approached the battlefield, hiding behind a jagged rock as she watched what was unfolding.
Before the golden barrier stood a silhouette, cloaked in black smoke.
When it spread its wings, the sky itself darkened.
In a single motion, the smoke twisted—
and a massive sword descended from the heavens.
BOOM!
Sparks scattered like rain as the blade struck the golden surface.
The barrier trembled… but did not break.
The figure rose again, sweeping its wings wide.
This time the smoke turned into chains, lashing toward the barrier.
They coiled and clattered, striking with sharp metallic cries.
Each impact sent rings of light bursting outward—
then the chains shattered, falling apart into mist.
The silhouette soared once more.
Its aura sharpened, forming a long spear that glimmered with black fire.
When the spear was hurled, the air screamed.
CRASH!
The heavens blazed white as light and shadow clashed and spiraled together.
Yet the golden barrier stood firm.
Inside, the angelic army retaliated—
arrows of light, holy flames… every strike that crossed into the Void was swallowed whole by the smoke surrounding the figure's wings.
Panic spread among the soldiers.
> "That demon… it must be Koharu!"
"We should've executed her instead of banishing her to the Void!"
Koharu's chest tightened.
Then, cutting through the chaos, a voice she knew rose above the noise.
Kaito—her brother.
> "Hold the line!" he shouted. "The golden barrier has protected us for a thousand years! It will protect us again! Stand your ground!"
The soldiers steadied themselves and resumed their attacks with renewed faith.
But the dark figure moved again—each time taking on a new form:
a sword, chains, a spear.
Every strike made the heavens quake, every clash lit the world in gold, yet the barrier remained untouched.
Koharu narrowed her eyes, watching intently—until suddenly her gaze locked onto the figure's chest.
There was a light.
Small, but blindingly pure.
Hidden within the black smoke, a heart was beating—
and its white aura shone brighter and purer than any she had ever seen.
For a moment, she forgot to breathe.
> "This… can't be possible."
Her eyes trembled.
How could something they called a demon carry such a light?
How could it bring her such peace?
The sounds of battle faded away.
Only that light remained—
and with every heartbeat, one thought echoed in her mind like a whisper.
> "He… can't be a demon."