The demon's glowing, sinister eyes narrowed as he watched Seiji effortlessly shatter the frozen time field using the 32 Marks of God. His lips curled into a sly grin, a mix of intrigue and arrogance. For a moment, the raging winds and echoes of destruction around them seemed to pause, as if even the elements were waiting to hear the demon's judgment.
"Well, well," the demon began, his voice dripping with malice and faint amusement. "The 32 Marks of God. A technique forged by the ancients to challenge the natural order itself. I thought I'd seen the last of it ages ago. It seems you, old man, are more interesting than you look I see that's why you're easily able to move despite being locked here."
Seiji stood firm, his glowing markings pulsating faintly as he returned the demon's gaze. "And yet, here you stand, chained to this boy. What are you doing inside of Jin?"
The demon chuckled darkly, the sound reverberating across the shattered arena. He tilted his head, mockingly pondering the question. "What am I doing? What are my plans? My, my, such curiosity for a man standing in the presence of a being far beyond his comprehension."
Seiji's expression didn't waver. "I don't deal in riddles. If you're as powerful as you claim, then answer me. What do you want with Jin?"
The demon raised a hand, wagging a clawed finger in mock scolding. "Ah, but where's the fun in simply giving answers? I prefer… transactions. A trade, if you will." His grin widened, revealing sharp, jagged teeth. "Lay a scratch on me, Seiji, just a single one, and I'll tell you everything. Defeat me, and I'll even leave this boy entirely. How's that for fair?"
The air between them grew heavier, as if the demon's very presence was testing Seiji's resolve.
"You love your games, don't you?" Seiji replied, his voice calm but laced with resolve. "Let me make something clear to you." He planted his foot firmly on the ground, and the glow of his markings intensified. "Jin is no longer alone. From this moment on, I've decided to take him under my guidance. He will be my student, and I will teach him how to fight with or without your cursed power."
The demon arched an eyebrow, his grin faltering ever so slightly.
Seiji continued, a faint smile crossing his lips as he closed his eyes briefly. "If guiding him means stepping back onto the battlefield, so be it. If I must face beings like you, so be it. Whatever it takes to ensure this boy doesn't fall to the likes of you—or the shadow behind your schemes."
The demon's laughter filled the air, cold and mocking. "Bold words, human. I wonder how long you'll last before you regret them."