"I hope they get along," Lucy said softly from the kitchen.
The television was on, buzzing with urgent news.
Breaking news: A great calamity is approaching. The Holy Church claims that God has spoken. The Mighty Self will bless humanity with divine powers to overcome the coming disaster.
Lucy walked toward the living room, eyes fixed on the screen.
"Gods…" she murmured. "They only watch. Giving powers just to enjoy the show. Humans and demons—nothing more than toys to entertain them."
She paused, deep in thought. "I think its time to check that place, its been a while since i used my power"
Lucy slowly sat on the chair and closed her eyes.
Her body remained still but her soul lifted, a shimmering silver light escaping her form. She felt an unfamiliar surge of power, a connection to every living thing in the Human and Demon Realms. Her senses sharpened: she could feel mana flows, the rhythm of life, and the corruption in the air.
When her soul crossed into the Demon Realm, the world seemed to tremble beneath her gaze. The land was a wasteland of shadows.Every movement of a demon, every hiss of a beast, echoed in her mind. She could see their hearts, their hunger, their fear, and their rage. The stronger demons radiated terrifying energy, enough to make weaker demons collapse at their feet. Children were slaughtered in streets, their cries silent in the dark magic that ruled here.
Lucy extended her power further. She could sense hidden demons, even those hiding in ruins or under layers of shadows. Illusions, stealth, and deception could not hide from her awareness. Her power illuminated the darkest corners, revealing horrors that no mortal eyes should witness.
Flying closer to the monstrous mansion, Lucy's soul shimmered with a protective aura. Her presence alone disturbed weaker demons their movements jerking violently as if sensing an unstoppable force. The chamber doors opened without hands as her soul approached, and she saw the Demon King, seated on his throne, his mana radiating like a dark sun.
Suddenly, without warning, the Demon King threw his mana outward, sharp and piercing, as if sensing every disturbance in his realm.
"I can feel you… where are you hiding, Lucy?" his voice thundered across the chamber, carrying both menace and power.
Lucy flinched, her soul trembling under the raw force. Darkness and energy collided around her, and she felt an overwhelming pressure trying to crush her from afar.
With a sudden jolt, her soul was forced back into her body in the Human Realm. She gasped, clutching her chest.
"He… he found me," she whispered, fear and awe mixing in her voice. "He's… getting stronger…"
Meanwhile, the children were riding their bicycles down the road.
Panther suddenly slowed down.
"What is this feeling in my heart…?" he thought. "Fear? Is mom okay?"
He stopped and gazed back at his house.