Amon ran faster.

His feet moved fast, almost on instinct, carrying him deeper into the forest as shadows wrapped around his legs to erase the sound of his steps. His breathing was heavy, but his mind was even louder.

That was close. Too close.

If the demons had noticed him even a second earlier, he wouldn't be alive right now. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

"Calm down… think," Amon muttered to himself while running.

He couldn't fight demons. Not yet. He knew that clearly. Corrupted beasts were one thing, but demons were on an entirely different level. Intelligent. Fast. Cruel. One mistake, and death would come instantly.

They were just like humans. And he knew they were not weak like him. They must be at least Master Rank.

So the only option was simple.

Run. Hide. Survive here. He couldn't go and ask them for help. Maybe it might have been different if they were either beastmen or elves.

But no. His luck was so cruel that those people were demons.

He changed directions twice, moving unpredictably, trying to make sure he wasn't being followed.

The forest rushed past him. Dark trunks, twisted roots, hanging branches. His eyes constantly scanned his surroundings, searching if there was anyone following him or hiding nearby.

For a moment, it felt like he had succeeded. He had successfully gotten away.

He didn't feel them behind him. There was no presence. No movement following him. Which was a good thing.

Amon slowed slightly, still cautious but relieved.

"Maybe… they really didn't notice me," he thought.

But how could he be so lucky? No way in hell he could be this lucky. He had already survived too many days in this forest. Always in fear.

And just then.

Something exploded from the side.

It was too fast for Amon to notice. Too sudden.

Amon's instincts screamed. He barely had time to react.

"—!"

He twisted his body and raised his sword on pure reflex. Even his increased strength was not enough for this.

Clang!

A massive force slammed into the blade. The impact sent a shock through his arms, rattling his bones. His grip nearly broke as pain shot up his shoulders.

"Gah—!"

Even with the block, the power behind the strike was overwhelming.

Amon was lifted off the ground.

His body flew through the air like a ragdoll, spinning uncontrollably before slamming hard into a dark tree trunk.

Bang!

The impact knocked the air out of his lungs. The tree cracked under the force, leaves raining down as Amon fell to the ground.

"Kh—!" Amon groaned in pain.

He rolled once and crashed onto his side, coughing violently. Pain flared across his back, chest, and arms. His vision blurred for a moment.

Before he could even try to stand, a shadow landed in front of him.

Thud.

Amon forced his eyes up. His dark eyes looked at the figure. He already guessed who it was.

Standing there was a tall figure with sharp features and amber eyes that glowed faintly in the darkness. Curved horns rose from his head, and a thin tail swayed slowly behind him.

Aziz.

The demon looked down at Amon with a cold, amused smile.

"So you were there after all," Aziz said casually. "I guess Vikara's senses are never wrong."

Amon's heart sank.

"…Damn it," he whispered.

They had only pretended to leave, waiting for him to come out and run. Acting like they had dashed far away.

Aziz tilted his head slightly, examining him like a broken toy.

"You humans are good at hiding," he continued. "But you breathe too loudly when you're scared."

Amon clenched his teeth and pushed himself up onto one knee, using his sword to support his weight. His arms trembled, but he didn't drop the weapon.

"So…" Aziz's smile widened. "What were you doing spying on us?"

Amon didn't answer.

His mind raced. Fighting was a terrible idea. Running again might not be possible. Aziz was clearly faster and stronger.

Still, surrender wasn't an option either.

Amon slowly shifted his stance, tightening his grip on the sword. Shadows flickered faintly around his feet once more.

Aziz noticed it.

"Oh?" he chuckled. "You still want to fight?"

The demon took one step forward. The pressure around him intensified, making the air feel heavier.

"Interesting," Aziz said. "Let's see how long you last."

Amon swallowed hard. This time there was no easy escape.

Amon looked past him. There, on a tall tree branch, stood another demon with crimson eyes and vertical slits.

Amon heard this one being called Vikara.

"That guy must be Vikara," he thought.

Aziz continued to observe Amon with curiosity and something else. Something colder. Amused.

He didn't strike at Amon. Rather, he remained still.

"You are quite young… so tell me," Aziz said calmly. "Where are your other companions?"

For a moment, he thought this boy was with the human knights who were following them. But seeing his battered condition and lack of armor, he understood that the boy wasn't from those soldiers.

Then who was he?

"I… I have no companions. I am alone," Amon answered honestly. There was nothing else he could say.

Aziz raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You say someone young and weak is here alone?" Aziz's eyes examined Amon's outfit.

His eyes narrowed.

Even now, Amon was wearing his Academy uniform, though it was in terrible condition. That didn't make it unrecognizable.

"That… I think I've seen it somewhere… but where?" Aziz muttered, thinking deeply.

Vikara, who was standing away, jumped down from the tree. He landed perfectly beside Aziz.

Aziz came out of his thoughts. "Hey, Vikara… that outfit looks familiar. Have you seen it before?"

Vikara nodded. His red eyes recognized the crest on Amon's chest. "It's an Arcadia Academy uniform. Seeing his appearance, he's young, so he must be a student. What is a student from the Academy doing here?"

Vikara's eyes, curious yet dangerous, met Amon's dark gaze.

Amon stood still, leaning against the tree trunk.

"Boy… how did you come here? Well, anyway… it doesn't matter."

"Yeah. Let's kill him… or should we capture him?" Aziz asked Vikara.

This time, Amon's eyes widened as he heard what they were planning to do with him.

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