SWNOVELXO Chapter 11: The Demon’s Gambit
A cold wind swept through the ruined city, carrying the scent of decay and blood. The demon stood at the edge of the battlefield, watching Lucien with eerie amusement. Its abyssal eyes held a glint of curiosity, as though it had found an unexpected treasure.
Lucien's body tensed, golden mana surging around him in waves. His instincts screamed at him—this wasn't just an enemy.
This was a predator.
Selene stepped closer, her violet lightning flickering dangerously between her fingertips. Valeria, still seated on the broken concrete slab, gripped her sword tightly, ready to strike despite her immobile legs.
Eris remained in the shadows, golden eyes locked on the demon, her fingers twitching at her sides.
The demon smiled. "You hold power beyond this world." It took a slow step forward, the ground beneath its feet cracking under the pressure of its aura. "And yet... you are incomplete."
Lucien's jaw clenched. It can sense it.
The first segment of his old technique had awakened, but his strength was still far from its peak. The demon, however, was already whole.
A test, then.
Lucien exhaled, steadying himself. "I don't need to be complete to kill you."
The demon laughed. "Bold. Let's see if you can back up your words."
Then—it moved.
Faster than the eye could follow.
Lucien barely had time to react before a clawed hand streaked toward his chest. He twisted, dodging by mere inches. The air split apart from the force of the attack, leaving a deep gash in the pavement where he had stood.
Lucien countered, his palm slamming forward—but the demon disappeared, reappearing behind him.
A sharp pain erupted across Lucien's back as claws raked against his flesh. Blood splattered onto the cracked pavement.
Selene reacted instantly. Lightning surged.
A violet bolt tore through the air, aiming straight for the demon's head.
But the creature merely raised a hand.
The lightning struck its palm—and vanished.
Selene's eyes widened. "It absorbed it—"
Before she could finish, the demon flickered.
In the next heartbeat, it was in front of her.
Selene barely had time to raise her hands before a brutal fist slammed into her stomach, sending her flying backward. She crashed through a ruined wall, the rubble collapsing around her.
Lucien's heart lurched. "Mother—!"
His rage ignited.
Golden mana exploded from his body as he launched himself forward. His fist met the demon's arm—the impact sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
The demon's smile widened. "Good. Show me more."
Lucien didn't hesitate. He attacked.
His movements became a blur—each strike aimed to kill. The ground beneath them shattered as golden energy clashed against abyssal power.
But the demon matched him, blow for blow.
Faster. Stronger. Unrelenting.
Lucien gritted his teeth. Damn it. If I had just a bit more…
The demon sensed his struggle.
It leaned closer, whispering: "You are holding back."
Lucien's body burned.
Something within him stirred.
The first segment of his technique… was still incomplete.
But if he pushed deeper—
His golden eyes flashed.
For a split second, he saw something. A memory from his past life. A power that once belonged to him.
And in that moment—he reached for it.
The battlefield trembled.
A pulse of energy erupted from Lucien, sending the demon skidding backward.
The air around him shifted.
Something ancient stirred within his very soul.
The demon's smile faded. "...Ah."
For the first time—it looked almost intrigued.
Lucien took a slow step forward, golden energy coiling around him like living flames. His voice was calm, but beneath it, something darker lurked.
"You wanted more?" His golden eyes burned.
"Then come and get it."
And the real battle truly began.