Chereads / What is this Dimensional Chat??? / Chapter 17 - Chapter 17. Devil's Game: Chain of Freedom

Chapter 17 - Chapter 17. Devil's Game: Chain of Freedom

Kiyohime stood at the edge of the backyard, her golden eyes fixed on her Danna-sama. Satria was doing push-ups with remarkable precision, his body glistening lightly from the morning training session. What caught her attention, however, was not just his effort but the fact he was balancing his entire weight on a single finger.

With each motion, his muscles flexed and rippled under his skin, already showing signs of improvement from his rigorous training. Though he often grumbled about his body's lack of strength compared to his original body, Kiyohime couldn't help but marvel at his determination.

"196... 197... 198..." he muttered between breaths, his voice steady despite the strain.

Kiyohime felt her cheeks grow warm as she continued to watch him, her gaze drawn to the way his muscles moved like a well-tuned machine. "He's so charming... my Danna-sama is incredible," she thought, placing a hand on her flushed cheek.

Unable to contain herself any longer, she stepped closer, holding a tray with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Danna-sama, here's some juice. Please take a break."

Satria paused mid-push-up, balancing effortlessly as he looked up at her with a warm smile. "Thanks, dear," he said before flipping to his feet in one smooth motion.

Kiyohime's blush deepened as he approached. Even with the sweat on his brow, he carried an air of confidence that made her heart race. She handed him the glass, careful not to let her fingers linger, though she secretly wanted to.

"You're staring," Satria teased, taking a long sip.

"Am I not allowed to admire my husband?" Kiyohime shot back, pouting slightly, though her cheeks remained flushed.

"You're not just admiring. You're mesmerized," he replied with a grin, flexing his arm playfully.

Her blush turned crimson. "Baka Danna-sama! Stop teasing me!" she huffed, turning away to hide her face.

Satria chuckled, setting the glass down and pulling her into a gentle hug from behind. "I can't help it. You're too cute when you blush."

Kiyohime's heart fluttered as she leaned into his embrace. "Danna-sama, you always know how to make me feel special."

[Fatalis: Not bad, brother. Some improvement in your stamina]

Satria smirked weakly. 'You think so? That's good to hear.'

Thanks to the seals Kiyohime had placed around the mansion, the supernatural could no longer easily detect them. Even so, Satria knew the importance of remaining vigilant. He sat up, determination lighting his eyes.

'If I could evolve Fatalis with the Survive Card, that'd be even better but... How?'

Power was everything in this world. Without it, he couldn't protect his newfound family from those who sought to harm them.

"You're thinking too much again, dear," Kiyohime observed, tilting her head slightly.

"Yeah," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I was thinking about how to get stronger."

"Just don't push yourself too hard." Her concern was evident in her voice, but there was also pride—she admired his resolve.

"Kiyohime, do you have experience with weapons?" he asked suddenly.

"I do. Why?"

"Want to spar?"

Her lips curled into a playful smile. "Sure, but you'll have to take me out into the city afterward. Deal?" She summoned her naginata with an effortless flourish.

"It's a date, then," he said, grinning.

The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the open field behind the mansion. The wind carried the faint scent of cherry blossoms, but the serene atmosphere was shattered by the sound of clashing metal.

Standing on opposite sides of the backyard, Satria and Kiyohime faced each other with intense focus.

Satria, now clad in his Kamen Rider Calamity form, exuded an aura of power and danger. His dark, draconic armor gleamed ominously under the sunlight, and the piercing red eyes of his helmet glowed like embers. The blade of his Drag Saber was at the ready, reflecting his battle-hardened determination.

Kiyohime, on the other hand, was a vision of grace and fury. She held her naginata with practiced ease, the blade glinting with an eerie blue light. Azure flames danced along its edge, a manifestation of her spiritual energy, mirroring her fiery resolve. Her yellow eyes locked onto Satria's crimson visor, unwavering and sharp.

"Ready when you are, Danna-sama," Kiyohime said, a playful yet challenging smile on her lips.

"Don't hold back, Kiyohime," Satria replied, his voice distorted slightly by the Calamity suit's vocal modulator. "Show me what you've got!"

Kiyohime surged forward first, her naginata trailing streaks of blue flames. She spun the weapon with incredible speed, launching a flurry of precise, sweeping strikes.

Satria parried the first few with his Drag Saber, sparks flying as metal met metal. Her speed was overwhelming, each strike blending seamlessly into the next. He ducked under a wide swing and countered with a slash aimed at her side, but Kiyohime deftly twirled her naginata, deflecting the blow with the staff's reinforced pole.

"Impressive as always," Satria muttered, retreating a few steps.

Kiyohime smirked. "You're not bad yourself, dear. But you're still too slow!"

With a burst of energy, Kiyohime dashed forward, her naginata thrusting toward Satria's chest. He barely managed to sidestep, the tip of her weapon grazing his armor and leaving a faint scorch mark.

"That's enough for today."

"You're amazing, Kiyohime," Satria said, deactivating his Calamity armor.

"You're not so bad yourself, Danna-sama," she replied, leaning on her naginata. "But don't think I'll go easy on you next time."

Satria chuckled. "Looking forward to it."

After a sparring session that left Satria thoroughly humbled and their bodies cleaned, the couple prepared to head out.

"Sorry for the wait, Danna-sama," Kiyohime said softly as she emerged, dressed in casual attire.

Satria froze, his eyes locked on her. The slim fit of her clothes, her flowing white hair, and her sunflower-yellow eyes left him spellbound.

"You're... stunning," he managed, his voice tinged with awe.

"Don't look at me like that, Danna-sama," she murmured, her cheeks turning crimson as she shyly avoided his gaze.

"You're beautiful," he said, his tone sincere. "So sweet you could give someone a sugar high."

"Baka Danna-sama," Kiyohime whispered, burying her face into his chest to hide her flustered expression.

Satria grinned, stroking her silky hair. 'I'll never let go of her. Never.'

Shopping District

Kuoh, Japan

Hand in hand, the couple strolled through the bustling streets. Their chemistry was palpable, drawing glances from passersby.

"Ah, young love these days," an elderly woman remarked.

"That boy's really something," said another. "Is he a foreign model or something? He is so cute and handsome."

Satria sighed. 'Cute? Again? I can't escape this.'

[Fatalis: Well, you are cute, brother]

'Not you too!'

"Where to, Kiyohime?" he asked, eager to know what interested her.

Before Kiyohime could answer, a familiar face appeared.

"Yo, Shin-san! Whoa, who's this beauty?" Issei Hyoudou greeted them enthusiastically.

Satria smirked and put a hand on Kiyohime's shoulder. "She's my girlfriend—"

Before he could finish, Kiyohime cut him off, stepping forward with a stern but graceful expression.

"Correction, Danna-sama," she said, her melodic voice ringing with authority. "I am not your girlfriend."

Satria smiling playfully. "Huh? Then what are you—?"

Kiyohime turned to Issei, her hands clasped together as she smiled warmly. "I am his wife."

"Really?!" Issei's jaw dropped even further, and a couple walking by stopped mid-stride, whispering excitedly.

"Of course," Kiyohime said, giving him a look that suggested the matter was non-negotiable. "After all, I've already pledged my undying love to you, Danna-sama. A mere 'girlfriend' title doesn't do justice to our bond."

Issei staggered back, looking at Satria with disbelief. "Dude, you're married?! Since when?! And why didn't you tell anyone?!"

"It's… complicated," Satria muttered, scratching the back of his head.

Kiyohime leaned closer to him, wrapping her arms around his and resting her head on his shoulder. "There's nothing complicated about love, Danna-sama. And I will always stand by your side as your wife."

Satria sighed but couldn't help the small smile creeping onto his face. "Well, I guess you heard it straight from her. She's my wife, Issei."

Issei groaned, rubbing his temples. "First you bag a stunning girl like her, and now you tell me you're married? Life's not fair, man."

Kiyohime tilted her head curiously. "Is something troubling you, Hyoudou-san?"

Issei waved his hands frantically. "N-no, nothing! Just… congrats, you two. Really." He quickly excused himself, muttering something about having contracts to deliver.

"He's a devil, isn't he?" Kiyohime asked, her tone sharper.

"He is. A new one, and the host of Boosted Gear," Satria explained.

Kiyohime's expression darkened briefly. "Devils... they're as manipulative as ever. They once tried to force me into a peerage."

"What did you do?"

She smiled faintly. "Refused. And made sure they didn't bother me again."

Satria's jaw tightened. "That's unforgivable, I'll give them a lesson and warning one day."

"Forget them, Danna-sama. Let's enjoy our date," she said, looping her arm through his.

Later that evening.

The couple's perfect day took a dark turn when they sensed a sinister presence. They followed it to an abandoned building, finding a grotesque stray devil feasting on human corpses.

"Ara-ara, such delectable visitors," the creature hissed, eyeing them hungrily.

It wasn't long before they stumbled upon the horrific sight—mangled human corpses littered across the floor, their lifeless faces frozen in expressions of terror. And amidst the carnage, a grotesque creature feasted hungrily.

The being had the torso of a human but a monstrous, spider-like lower body. Its many limbs twitched erratically as it turned its face toward them, sharp teeth gleaming under the dim light.

"What the hell is that?" Satria asked, his voice low but tense as he instinctively stepped forward, shielding Kiyohime.

Kiyohime remained calm, her yellow eyes narrowing. "It's a stray devil," she answered. Her tone was steady, but there was a subtle edge to it, as if she held nothing but disdain for the creature.

"A stray devil?" Satria raised an eyebrow.

"A demon pawn that defected from its master," Kiyohime explained. "When a devil servant rebels or refuses to follow orders, they become hunted. But before they are found, many go mad, consumed by their own hunger or instincts. This is the result."

Satria frowned deeply, crossing his arms. "So it's either obey or die for them, huh?"

"Correct," Kiyohime said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Devils consider their servants mere tools. If they stray from their intended purpose, they are discarded—violently."

Satria clicked his tongue in frustration, his fists tightening. "That's the kind of crap I can't stand."

Kiyohime tilted her head curiously. "What do you mean, Danna-sama?"

"Same old story," Satria muttered, his tone filled with irritation. "Even humans aren't much better than devils when it comes to this. People in power treat others like disposable pawns, all for their own gain. The difference? Humans wrap it up in politics or pretend it's for the greater good."

He clenched his jaw, his mind flashing to bitter memories. "It's the same with those bastards—political assholes, all of them. It's not the people I hate; it's the ones in charge. They sit on their thrones and play chess with people's lives like they're just pieces on a board. No real difference between them and devils if you ask me."

Kiyohime watched him in silence for a moment before speaking. "You're not wrong, Danna-sama. That's why I stay by your side. You are not like them. You see the world as it is and refuse to be a part of their games."

Her words brought a small smirk to Satria's face. "Yeah, but seeing this mess just reminds me why I need to get stronger. If I can't protect the people I care about, then what's the point?"

Their conversation was interrupted by the stray devil, which suddenly growled, glaring at them with bloodshot eyes.

"Ara-ara, what's this? A pair of intruders interrupting my meal?" the creature hissed, a sinister grin spreading across its warped face. "Oh my, what a handsome little morsel you are, boy. Maybe I'll play with you before I devour you."

Satria rolled his eyes. "Yeah, no thanks."

Kiyohime stepped forward, her expression blank and terrifying. A blue flame ignited around her, illuminating the dark room with an eerie glow. Her naginata materialized in her hands, its blade gleaming menacingly.

"You dare lay your filthy eyes on Danna-sama?" she said coldly. "You've made your final mistake, stray."

The stray devil hissed and launched a glob of sticky webbing toward them, but Kiyohime swung her naginata effortlessly, incinerating the attack mid-air with her flames.

The stray devil's twisted form lay slumped on the ground, blue flames licking at her tattered body. Her grotesque spider legs were charred and motionless, and her human face was streaked with dirt and blood.

Satria wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing heavy. "That was... tougher than I thought." He glanced at Kiyohime, whose naginata still blazed with her otherworldly flames.

"Are you alright, Danna-sama?" she asked, her tone soft but laced with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, catching his breath. "You're the one who did all the heavy lifting."

Before Kiyohime could reply, a faint, trembling voice interrupted them.

"Please... kill me."

The couple turned toward the stray, whose bloodshot eyes glistened with tears. Her monstrous body shuddered, and she tried weakly to lift herself.

"What?" Satria frowned, taking a cautious step closer.

"Kill me," the stray repeated, her voice breaking. "I don't want to live like this anymore. I just... I just wanted to be free."

Kiyohime tilted her head, her flames dimming slightly. "Explain yourself. Why did you betray your master and become a stray?"

The stray let out a bitter laugh, coughing as she struggled to speak. "Betrayed? Betrayed him? That bastard took everything from me—my family, my life. I was just a normal girl before he turned me into this... this thing!"

Her words sent a chill down Satria's spine. He knelt beside her, his gaze softening despite the disgust he felt toward her monstrous form. "What happened?"

She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I was forced into his service, ripped away from my family. At first, I obeyed—I thought if I did what he asked, maybe he'd let me go one day. But no matter how much I served, all he gave me was pain. When I tried to escape, he punished me. The only way out was to become this... a stray."

Her voice cracked with anguish. "But strays can't survive without devouring humans. I never wanted to hurt anyone, but the hunger... it takes over. Now I'm nothing but a monster."

Satria clenched his fists, his jaw tight. He could see the raw pain in her eyes, the desperation of someone who had been utterly broken by the world.

"You just wanted freedom," he muttered, bitterness lacing his words.

[Fatalist: How sad~ She should have asked America's Daddy for that but unfortunately she has no oil]

She nodded weakly. "But there's no freedom for someone like me. Not anymore. Please, end this. End me."

Kiyohime's expression remained unreadable, but the flames on her naginata reignited, casting a cold light over the room. "Danna-sama, what should we do?"

He stood up, his voice steady but heavy with sorrow. "Kiyohime... make it quick."

The stray devil's lips curled into a faint smile, her tears glistening like stars. "Thank you... for giving me peace."

Kiyohime nodded solemnly. "I will make it painless."

With a swift motion, her naginata plunged into the stray's chest, its blue flames consuming her body in an instant. There was no scream, no struggle—just a brief moment of light before the stray devil's form disintegrated into ash, leaving nothing behind but silence. 

_________________________

[Side Mission Completed: Assist a stray devil in finding peace]

[Reward: 200© credited to your account]

________________________

"..."

Kiyohime stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did the right thing, Danna-sama. You gave her the freedom she longed for, even if it wasn't the one she imagined."

He nodded, though his heart still felt heavy. "I swear, Kiyohime... I'll never let anything like that happen to you. To anyone I care about. I'll protect all of you, no matter what it takes."

Kiyohime's eyes softened, and she wrapped her arms around him. "I know, Danna-sama. That's why I believe in you."

Together, they walked out of the abandoned building, leaving behind the ashes of a life that had been stolen, and a renewed resolve to fight for a better world.

To be continued.