Kalika now found herself lying on a comfy bed with a big red demon sitting beside her bed reading a book in incomprehensible language. She recognized this demon as General Bjorn. It was like it was just yesterday that she met him.
Bjorn looked her way and then went back to reading the book. "You're awake."
Kalika paused for a long time before starting to talk to herself. "What happened to me?" The last thing that Kalika remembered was that she came face to face with an older version of her sister and her maid.
"From what I heard, you passed out after seeing the queen. As for where the Queen, King, and your Maid, they're up above, still sorting out the madness you've caused. For a human girl, you certainly bring a lot of trouble." Bjorn flipped a page of his book.
Kalika laughed weakly, still not fully recovered from whatever she went through. "And why are you here?"
"They needed me here for my demonic power. It relaxes the mind and body of the people around me." Bjorn kept reading his strange book before flipping to another page.
Kalika glanced at Bjorn. "That's a strange power…"
"It is more useful on the battlefield than you would believe." Bjorn said.
Bjorn and Kalika were silent for a moment. Bjorn flipped into another page of the book. He then decided to break the silence. "By the way… what's the last thing you remember?"
Kalika turned herself on the bed to look away from the demon. "What do you mean?" "I heard that you lost your memory of the last nine years. You can say it's curiosity."
Kalika paused for a moment before answering. "The last thing I remember was winning that rigged match. I was going to tell Rhonda something, but the next thing I knew, I ended up here. Nine years into the future. It's hard for me to even believe."
Kalika stared at her hand before her. It looked much rougher than the delicate hands she had in the past. "It was…. the first time I ever killed someone… It feels sickening just thinking about it…"
Kalika still looked away from the demon, her hands bawled, just thinking about that man's face. Even though she felt that he deserved to die, it didn't erase how dirty she felt after the fact.
She tucked herself in, speaking more softly. "I bet it's easy for you demons to kill. It probably comes naturally to your kind…"
Bjorn looked at Kalika curiously. He closed his book and put it away. "This is why I dislike your kind."
Bjorn got up to leave the room. Kalika looks at the direction of the door to give an inquiry. "Don't you have to stay?"
"No. The effects of my power should linger. Besides, I'll just be outside. Just get some rest."
Kalika could hear the door close behind her as she started to look at the wall. She was still quite tired but couldn't do much about it. Her thoughts then drifted.
"It doesn't feel like a lot has changed… I don't think I lost anything… But why do I get this gut feeling that something important to me was just lost…"
"This is so strange. I never should've tried to escape." With this passing thought, Kalika fell into slumber again.
********
Elsewhere, Lillian is in the castle hallway walking with Lucius. They pass down many of some newly added carpeted decorations and some succubus maids working in renovating the walls.
"This is ridiculous. She never should've been given that Dagger in the first place." Lucius sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best that she forgot the last nine years. It seems she's digressed back to when she was first incarcerated."
"Yeah. Now she's back to being my clueless little sister. But I should've realized it was a bad idea to begin with to give her that weapon," Lillian said.
"Don't beat yourself too much. Even I wouldn't have been able to predict how violent the girl would get. By the way, where did you have that dagger stored?"
"It's locked away in my room."
"Good. The further away from the girl, the better. I don't feel like taking a chance with her having that blade again."Lucius said
"But what about the arena fights that serve her sentence?" Lillian quickly asked. "We'll put them on hold until we can figure out how to destroy that, dagger."
"But isn't the durability of blood blades based on the life span of the contractor?" Lillian flashed a more worried expression at Lucius.
Lucius pondered. "It is… What a pain in the ass this situation has become."
It wasn't long until both of them reached a room. guarded by two heavily armored demons. The guards both stood at attention. They then opened the door for LIllian and Lucius, allowing them to enter a large room with a grand map covering the entirety of a table.
Surrounding the table are three of the five demon generals. "How's your brother Ek doing?" Lillian asked.
"He's still recovering from the incident in the dungeon," Kel answered bitterly. "I see…"
"Let's not waste time talking about weak demons," Azar said harshly.
"My brother was far from weak! And you know it's Azar!" Kel growled.
"So, you're saying losing to the weak human girl wasn't weak?"
"My brother was backed by five of his best"
"That's exactly the point! If they were Killed by-"
"That's enough!!"
Lucius' booming voice broke through the argument in an instant. "We're not here to bicker about yesterday's events! Azar! Kel!" General ceased immediately standing at attention.
"O-our apologies, your Majesty," They both said in sync.
Lucius started to pinch the bridge of his nose in disappointment. "Honestly…"
Lillian suddenly joined the conversation. "What happened between you two? I thought you were going out." She couldn't help but give the two a curious glance.
Both of the generals immediately became flush. Before either of them could say anything, General Jala chimed in.
"Azar was unsatisfied with Kel's performance. And let's keep it at that."
Both Kel and Azar were shocked by Jala's brazen answer. Lillian couldn't help but chuck as Lucius was starting to get irritated by the lack of actual reporting of relevant war news.
"Now, let's stop wasting time. I'm sure our King wants updates on that so-called confederation." Jala finished.
Both Azar and Kel glared at Jala before turning back to finally give their latest war assessment.
Kel started first. "As you know, the newly captured territories from the west and north have already been secured at the borders. Leaving only the southern part of Dahlia left."
"Yes. The City of Caldonia that was used as a central supply route. And that other city that was destroyed by that other human country north of us… Terova, was it?".
Kel affirmed Lucius's understanding. as he scrutinized the map of the country. "Is there an issue with those areas?" Lucius circled around the table as Lillian just sat and watched the report continue.
"No. There are none. In fact the two countries to the north and west of us are keeping tight security around the border of the lands we've captured. from, we've heard word from some of our spies that the Celestine Empire has been moving goods and supplies to the remaining human army in the south." Kel pointed to a part of the map that was a territory they haven't conquered yet.
"I heard that this route is very risky to take, but it is also the most efficient since there's a military base over here." Kel placed a rock at the location in question.
"Okay… But would one of you like to explain to me what makes this meeting so urgent?"
Azar stepped up to explain. "You see. Our spies last reported that among military supplies and rations being delivered, were three specific individuals that were traveling alongside the convoy. And mage. A heavily armored warrior and a man who looked to be a knight of noble descent. All of them, individually powerful in their own right. Achieving inhuman feats."
Lucius narrowed his eyes, looking at the map. "How long ago was this?"
"One week ago. After reaching out back to our man, he was found to be slaughtered alone in the hideout, along with our other spies."
"I see… this is very troubling indeed." Lucius started to walk back to Lillian who was pondering the situation herself.
"Let's double the patrol along all routes and keep every door locked and secured."
"Already done," Jala said.
"Very good." Lucius was satisfied to hear this answer.
"Do you really think their first destination will be this castle?" Lillian asked.
"I have no doubts about it. No matter where my last predecessor went to hide away, he was always found by these so-called 'Heroes of Prophecy'. The goal of the heroes has always been to kill the unkillable. And if the history of my kin has taught me anything. It is not to underestimate these individuals."
Jala finally makes his voice heard again. "If that's the case, I'll go out to scout for their group.
Azar. Did your spy leave a description of the humans?"
"Yes. It's in this report." Azar took a small scroll and handed it over to Jala.
"I doubt you'll be able to find them on your own Jala," Kel said.
"Kel's right…" Lucius was overlooking the map once again. "Azar, give 10 of her best men to Jala. Have them check along these trading routes, and these more discreet roads." Lucius was tracing the routes with his finger along the map.
"And Jala, remember... Don't you dare underestimate these humans. If you're not careful, doing so will likely cost you your life." Lucius looked at his subordinate seriously. They all understood that failure was not an option.
"Come. Let's go, Lillian. We have much to prepare for."
Lillian quickly got up from her seat, following Lucius out of the room to prepare for the threat to come. "It's been a while since I've seen you so hands-on." They both started to walk into the castle hall once more.
"That's because the 'Heroes of Prophecy' is still a huge wildcard for determining the success of our invasion. While it doesn't matter if I die, the same cannot be said for the Heroes. Once they're out of the picture, victory will be practically guaranteed. And I will not be taking chances."
"Right." Lillian had a surge of conflicting emotions but kept them well hidden. She understood too well the assigned role she was born with. and despite that, she was working hand in hand with someone that was destined to be her enemy.
Despite her boiling emotions, there was only one thing in that world that mattered to her. And that simple thing brought comfort to her.
Unknown to everyone attending the meeting, Rakon listened in on the ongoing situation. He smiled, satisfied to hear the news.
********
"Kalika~" a voice sang out.
Kalika was sleeping on a pile of hay in a very familiar cell. She woke up and practically jumped away to the nearest corner.
"L-l-l-l-lillian!?? What are you doing here!??"
"I got bored and thought I'd see you," Lillian smiled.
Kalika could feel an emotion of excitement.
"W-what the? Why do I feel this way."
Although Kalika can feel a wave of excitement the feeling of fear can be seen on her face.
"Wait a minute… my face? I can see my face. Why do I still look so young???
Lillian suddenly grabbed Kalika by the shoulder. Kalika couldn't do anything but whimper pleading for mercy. Without wasting time Lillian grotesquely killed Kalika.
Kalika could feel the satisfaction. From Kalika's point of view, however, it looked as though she was simply executing herself.
"W-what the h-hell is this. What's going on? Why can't I control myself!??"
"...Why do I feel sad all of a sudden?"
Kalika felt a hand touch her shoulder and she jolted awake. She woke up to find a maid sitting right beside her. Rhonda looked at Kalika, very worried.
Like Rhonda before , she stayed silent, only giving Kalika a new pair of clothes. Rhonda then turned her attention to Kalika's hair, lifting up a piece of it and seeing that it was turning white. Kalika was just as surprised to see it. Perhaps all that stress is finally catching up with her.
Kalika understood that at this stage of her life, she was no longer as young as she was before. Rhonda gave another curious glance before Kalika started changing.
Rhonda freaked out a little, turning to leave the room and closing the door behind her. Kalika stared at the door, as if Rhonda was the odd ball.
"What's wrong with her?."
After some time, Kalika changed into her fresh pair of clothes. Just in time before Bjorn entered.
"You could at least knock…" Kalika was irritated by the demons' lack of manners.
Bjorn simply ignored her statement. "Good, you got rest. follow me to the prison you'll be staying in."
Kalika looked back at the bed, wishing she had slept a little longer. She started following Bjorn down the dungeon hall into another corridor that was filled to the brim with cells. All the prisoners seemed to be cowering in fear. It was a strange sight for her, but she figured that Bjorn's mere presence was what was making the men so fearful.
After a while, they finally reach the doors to the solitary cell with heavy steel doors.
"Back to a dull life… I wonder…"
Kalika entered the cell and looked back at her maid and Bjorn. Rhonda seemed a little frightened, hiding behind Bjorn as she frantically darted her eyes around as if searching for something. Kalika ignored this. "Will Lillian be coming to see me?"
Bjorn simply closed the door.
There was a silence that disappointed Kalika. She was going to sit when there was finally an answer. "That won't be possible. At least for right now. Goodbye, Kalika."
Bjorn and the maid took their leave, closing the second creaky steel door behind themselves.
Kalika started to feel her body trembling. She didn't understand this sensation. Her knees become weak.
"W-what is this overwhelming feeling? And why does it feel so… Familiar?"
Kalika looked back to find a pair of familiar green eyes looking at her. She recognized this Demon as Rakon.
"I heard you lost your memories from the last nine years. That's quite unfortunate. You won't be able to remember the fun times we've had."
Kalika pressed her back against the wall. Every fiber of her being was telling her to stay away from that Demon. a surge of fear and anger sprung forth, as well as another alien feeling she couldn't understand.
"It won't be too long now. Soon… you will belong to me…" Rakon starts to chuckle a little. "Oh. And here's a little parting gift before I forget."
Suddenly, Kalika felt something slimy and wet, licking up her neck like a tongue. She quickly jerked around, feeling the back of her neck. To her shock, she found a half-finished clone of Rakon with a finger oozing away. The entire clone was made of blood, sticking to the wall like glue with a look of satisfaction as she started to freak out.
Rakon shouted out with laughter upon seeing this. The clone instantly turned into a pool of blood that quickly retreated back to Rakon himself. "Until next time…"
Kalika could practically see the demon grinning from ear to ear. Before she knew it, Rakon had left. With Rakon's departure, she fell to her knees and her heart pounded fast in her chest. She was left completely confused and bewildered, not to mention creeped out by Rakon's strange magical powers.
Kalika didn't want to think about his words. She clenched her fists, trembling. "I can't let that bastard get into my head!"
Kalika leaned her head on the cell wall looking at her still trembling hand. And like always, she was at a loss of what to do. "What the hell do I do now?" she asked herself
Her mind was a blur. nothing made sense to her any more. so she set herself to the nearest and softest corner. Giving a sigh, she rested her head on the wall, left within only her mind to entertain her.
********
"Is everyone ready?" a man asked.
There was an agreement with his two companions.
"Alright, then, it's time to raid the demon's stronghold!"
A group of three heroes stood on a cliff right in front of Dahlia's still-ruined capital. In the far distance beyond that, lies the Demon King's Castle.
"It's time to restore the balance!" the lightly armored knight proclaimed, with his fellow companions by his side.