After eight months of meticulous preparation for his invasion of Kazu's world, the demon lord Rostiel decided it was time to dispatch Mizawa to handle any potential threats to his conquest. Summoning her to his darkened chamber, Rostiel's voice was laced with cold authority.
"Mizawa, your mission is to travel to the realm of humans and demi-humans. Your task is to seek out and eliminate anyone who might obstruct our invasion," Rostiel commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
Mizawa, her heart weighed down by memories of her old friend Kazike, struggled to mask her apprehension. Kazike, an exceptional assassin, had been her comrade in their earlier days, and Mizawa longed to save him from Rostiel's clutches.
"Lord Rostiel," Mizawa began, her voice tinged with nervousness, "I know of an assassin who could be a valuable asset to our cause."
Rostiel's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "You wish to recruit him for our cause?"
"Yes, Lord Rostiel, if that is acceptable to you," Mizawa replied, her tone steady despite the turmoil within.
Rostiel considered her request, his expression unreadable. "And do you believe he will agree to join us?"
"He might," Mizawa assured him, "He is one of the finest assassins I know."
"Very well," Rostiel decided. "Find him and bring him to me. However, be warned—should you betray me, you and he will face my wrath."
"As you command, Lord Rostiel," Mizawa responded, her resolve hardening as she prepared to leave. With a final, apprehensive glance, she teleported away.
Watching Mizawa disappear, Rostiel's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Perhaps Mizawa has her own hidden agenda. If she dares to betray me, I will ensure she and everyone she cares about is eradicated. Hahaha! Worthless creatures!"
---
**Mizawa's Perspective**
"I need to find Kazike… I want to save him… I have to save him… He is my friend..."
Mizawa materialized in the bustling country of Druzka, her heart racing as she searched for familiar sights. Appearing in a shadowy corner of the marketplace, she surveyed the blend of humans and demi-humans that filled the square.
"According to my knowledge, he's now an adventurer," Mizawa thought, feeling a pang of nostalgia.
Her search led her to the local guild. With a soft voice, Mizawa approached Missy, the guild receptionist. "Good afternoon. I'm looking for Kazike."
Missy looked Mizawa up and down, noting her unusual attire and the shadows that obscured her face. "Kazike? He's out on a quest with Kazu, deep within the dungeon. If you need to see him urgently, you'll have to go there."
"Thank you," Mizawa replied quietly, her heart sinking as she vanished in a swirl of shadows.
Missy watched as Mizawa disappeared, a frown of concern crossing her face. "In the dungeon... And who is this Kazu? Never mind. The priority is to find Kazike and bring him to Lord Rostiel for his safety. I need to speak to him... I need to save him..."
---
**The Dungeon Encounter**
Mizawa emerged on the 25th floor of the dungeon, her senses heightened as she detected an unfamiliar, potent aura. Her anxiety surged as she followed the energy to find Kazike in a dire state—severely injured, with a missing arm and leg, slumped against a wall.
Nearby, Kazu was locked in a fierce battle with a High Ogre, displaying an incredible display of strength. Mizawa watched in awe as Kazu fought with relentless fury, consuming the ogre's heart after defeating it. "Is that Kazu? His power is astounding," Mizawa thought, her concern for Kazike deepening.
She observed as Kazu hurried to Kazike's side, his actions miraculously healing Kazike's grievous wounds. Mizawa held her breath, witnessing Kazu's extraordinary abilities as he restored Kazike's limbs and vitality. Despite Kazu's evident exhaustion, he managed to heal his friend.
Mizawa remained hidden, her heart aching as she saw Kazike's weakened state and Kazu's tireless efforts. Kazike, now healed, expressed his gratitude but also questioned Kazu's true identity. Mizawa saw Kazu lose consciousness, and she noted Kazike's vulnerability.
Realizing the depth of Kazu's power and Kazike's unwavering trust in him, Mizawa followed them as they continued their journey to the 34th floor. Just as she was about to reveal herself to Kazike, Cloyde appeared and was quickly subdued by Kazu's impressive skills.
"Kazu is extraordinarily powerful... I need to be cautious around him," Mizawa thought, her mind racing as she weighed her next move. Seizing the opportunity, Mizawa approached Kazike. However, upon seeing her, Kazike immediately teleported back to the surface, leaving Mizawa alone and frustrated.
Mizawa reflected on their past as adventurers and the fateful day when Rostiel had taken her as his servant. Kazike, believing Mizawa had become evil, had fled to protect Kazu, leaving Mizawa behind to face a dark fate.
---
**Kazike's Perspective**
After completing the quest with Kazu and witnessing the forging of Kazu's new dagger, Kazike felt a deep need to understand Mizawa's sudden appearance in the dungeon. He told Kazu he had other matters to attend to, hiding his true concern.
As Kazu walked home, Kazike pondered the unsettling questions that plagued him. "Why was Mizawa in the dungeon? What does this mean? I need to find her and understand her true intentions."
The following morning, Kazike set out to search for Mizawa. They met in the bustling marketplace and agreed to discuss matters privately inside the guild.
"Kazike... is it truly you?" Mizawa asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Yes, it's me, Mizawa..." Kazike replied, embracing her tightly.
"How have you been?" Kazike asked, his voice filled with sorrow.
Mizawa's eyes welled with tears as she explained, "Lord Rostiel has made me his right hand. But before I go any further, you need to know that I'm here to save you. Come with me to Lord Rostiel's domain. You'll be safe there."
Kazike's confusion deepened. "Safe? From what exactly?"
"From Lord Rostiel's purge," Mizawa explained. "He wants to eradicate all powerful beings in this world. I don't want you to be harmed."
"But Mizawa—"
Kazike's voice trailed off as Mizawa continued, "Even if I weren't getting married to Bitsu, I wouldn't serve that demon lord. He's the reason we were separated for so long. He destroyed my family... Do you remember when he burned our town? Your family searched for you until they lost hope and took their own lives. Mizawa, come back to us."
Tears streamed down Mizawa's face. "I'm sorry, Kazike. Lord Rostiel controls me now. If that's your decision, I must carry out his orders. I have no choice... I have to leave now... I must complete Lord Rostiel's mission."
"What mission?" Kazike asked, his voice choked with emotion.
"To eliminate all those who might stand in his way," Mizawa said, her voice breaking. "Goodbye, Kazike."
"Can't you come back to us?" Kazike pleaded, desperation evident in his eyes.
Mizawa kissed Kazike gently and whispered, "That's impossible. Goodbye, my love," before teleporting away.
Kazike stood alone, the weight of Mizawa's words sinking in. "Mizawa... you loved me?" Tears welled up in his eyes as he tried to make sense of the heart-wrenching truth.
---
**Mizawa's Farewell**
Mizawa arrived atop the highest mountain in Druzka, the sky a brilliant expanse above her. "I love you, Kazike, but this is where we part. You're getting married, and I hope you find happiness with your decision... Goodbye, my love..." Mizawa whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Gazing at the horizon, Mizawa felt the crushing weight of her choices. "If only things were different... If only I had the strength to defy Rostiel," she murmured, her voice breaking. The memories of their time together flooded her mind—each moment a painful reminder of what she had lost and what she could never have.
As the sun set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, Mizawa's heart ached with regret. "Kazike... if only things were different. If only I had the strength to defy Rostiel. But I am bound by his power, and you... you are free to live your life, to find happiness," she whispered, her voice fading as she looked out over the land.
---
**Kazike's Decision**
Back at the guild, Kazike was overwhelmed with emotions. Mizawa's confession and the harsh reality of her situation weighed heavily on him. "Mizawa... why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you let Rostiel control you?" he whispered, his voice filled with anguish.
In the days that followed, Kazike was consumed by uncertainty. His duties as an adventurer felt hollow as his mind remained focused on Mizawa. The thought of his friend, now a pawn in Rostiel's dark scheme, haunted him relentlessly.
Determined to change Mizawa's fate, Kazike knew he could not let her remain under Rostiel's control. He resolved
to find a way to break the demon lord's hold over her, even if it meant risking his own life.