-demons.
Three demons came out. They were hiding their presence but Izaru sensed their blood lust and killing intent.
One was huge. A brute with molten horns and fists the size of shields.
One was lean. Eyes like daggers. Four blades floating behind his back.
The third was a girl. Younger-looking. Eyes bright violet. Hair like deep fire. She smiled when she saw him.
"Hello!" she chirped. "So, uh, sorry, but we're supposed to kill you!"
"Is that supposed to sound threatening? Because it isn't." Izaru asked, confused.
"Maybe? I'm not sure."(Is she trying to be funny?)
The brute lunged first. Izaru sidestepped.One punch. Skull collapsed inward. Dead before he hit the ground.
The second demon blinked—and tried to blink again. But Izaru was already behind him.Crack. Neck broken. Done.
Only the girl was left.
She stared, eyes wide. "Uhhh… wait, can I—can I surrender?"
Izaru was in front of her in a blink. She flinched but didn't move.
He didn't hit her.
"Why didn't you run?"
She hesitated, then shrugged. "Didn't feel right. You don't give 'bad guy' energy. Also, that's an excuse. You would've caught up, wouldn't you?"
He narrowed his eyes. "What's your name?"
"…Liora."
"You're not like the other two."
"I'm not like most demons, period."
"…You remind me of someone."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. I need answers. Why did the Demon King send you three after me?"
Liora rubbed her neck. "You're becoming a problem. Scary strong. Really fast. He panicked. Decided to test the waters."
"And if you killed me?"
"He'd know you weren't the one. If you lived?" She shrugged. "Well, here we are."
Izaru was quiet for a long moment.
Then he asked, "What are you going to do now?"
"…Run?"
"Figures. Wanna tag along?"
"Huh? Really?"
"I need someone who knows the terrain. The language. The hierarchy. You're smart. You know I won't beg. So I'll ask once. Also, I was being lonely anyway."
She folded her arms. Thought hard.
"...Can I keep my name?"
"Yes."
"Can I talk shit sometimes?"
"Only if you can handle me doing so."
"…Alright. But if you're dragging me into a suicide mission, you better make it look awesome."
"I plan to do so anyway. Welcome to the team."
Izaru offered his hand.
Liora hesitated—then took it.