My Girlfriend Is Stronger Than the Demon Lord – Volume 21 (Chapter 21)
The demon realm was unusually tense. Even the lava fountains seemed to simmer with anticipation.
Aria and I were in the throne room, enjoying what she called "a quiet planning session," when a shadow fell over the castle gates.
"Eren… that's not normal," she muttered, standing and gripping her staff. Her aura flared slightly, just enough to make the guards flinch.
I squinted. "Is that… another Shadow Clan attack?"
Aria shook her head. "No… this is something different. Stronger."
A figure descended from the sky, cloaked in swirling darkness that seemed to absorb the light around it. Even the guards drew back.
The figure's voice echoed, deep and commanding: "Battle Goddess Aria. I have come to test your strength… and your heart."
Aria blinked, expression unreadable. "Eren… I think we're about to meet someone who isn't impressed by me yet."
I gulped. "Not impressed? No one's ever impressed by you."
She gave me a small, reassuring smile. "That's why I have you with me, Eren. Chaos is easier to face together."
The figure landed, energy rippling with power that rivaled Aria's own. Shadows twisted and stretched like living creatures, curling around its form.
"Prepare yourself," the figure said, "for a duel that will decide the future of this realm."
Aria tilted her head, resting a hand lightly on my shoulder. "Eren… watch. I'll handle this… but I might get a little messy."
The battle began. Shadows clashed against Aria's radiant aura, lava fountains erupted around them, and the air hummed with raw magical energy.
I held her hand tightly, heart pounding. "Aria… you're… incredible."
She glanced at me, cheeks slightly pink. "Eren… even against the strongest, I can stay myself… because you're here."
As the duel raged on, it became clear: Aria's strength wasn't just in her power, but in her unwavering heart. No matter how dangerous the foe, no matter the chaos… she would always protect what mattered most.
And that included me.