With a roar that shook the very air around him, Arga lunged forward, his blade cutting through the illusory mists like a flash of lightning. Yet even ensnared within this twisted realm of shadows and deceit, Abiseka retained command over his massive form. His hand moved with a speed that defied his size, striking Arga with such force that the half-demon youth was sent hurtling backward, his body crashing against a jagged outcrop of rock that shattered upon impact. Abiseka’s breath came in ragged, shallow gasps, and cold sweat beaded upon his brow, tracing paths through the dust that clung to his skin. Never in all his long years of existence had he imagined that he would be brought low by a mere human—let alone one so young, so untested in the ways of the ancient powers. But Arga rose once more, his body mending before Abiseka’s very eyes, the broken bones and torn flesh knitting together as if the blow had never landed at all. Disbelief washed over the great demon’s face; he had nev

Arga agreed to the pact. He would channel most of Abiseka’s spirit into Prince Baka."Since he betrayed us, you may take his power—but only as we agreed. If you break your word, I will slaughter every last member of the Horned Fire Demon Clan. Do you understand?" Arga asked, his voice like grinding stone, heavy with authority.Prince Baka nodded quickly."Even as a Demon, I always keep my promises. So rest easy, warrior," the Prince said, his eyes steady despite the weight of Arga’s threat.Arga gave a short nod. Then, in one swift motion, he pressed the palm of his hand against Prince Baka’s chest. A blazing golden aura burst forth from Arga’s body, swirling like a living flame before flowing into the young Demon’s form.For a long moment, Arga poured out the power of Abiseka that he had absorbed. He did this because he saw something in Prince Baka—this was no arrogant, unruly Demon. The Prince was still innocent, still ignorant of the ways of the outside world.When the last of Abis

Arga froze at what Arimbi was doing. But their lips had already met, and Arimbi had begun to kiss him.Arga could do nothing. His body trembled as he felt the softness of Arimbi’s lips melting against his own. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, and their kiss grew hotter, wetter.Blood thundered through every vein in Arga’s body. Never before had he tasted the bliss of kissing a girl—of feeling Arimbi’s lips so gentle against his.After what felt like an eternity, they pulled apart, their eyes locking. Arimbi gave him a meaningful smile, then rested her head on Arga’s chest. She felt the wild thud of his heart beneath her ear.Slowly, Arga’s hand moved toward her long, fragrant hair, stroking it softly.“My love…” Arimbi whispered, savoring the tenderness of his touch.The beautiful face was so close. Arga brushed his fingers lightly against her cheek—so smooth, so pale it made him swallow hard.“Arimbi… I don’t know what I’ve been feeling all this time… But when I’m near you, I feel

Sengkapura pulled a dagger from his palm, a clear intent to tear Prince Baka's mouth apart.Arimbi felt compelled to intervene, but Arga squeezed her hand."You don't need to worry. This is nothing yet. You'll be surprised when you see Prince Baka's true power," Arga said, his face serious.Arimbi studied Arga's face for a moment, finding no hint of jest."What do you mean?" Arimbi asked.Arga smiled, glancing towards the arena. "He possesses a special power that awakens when his life is truly threatened. I saw it myself during his training yesterday. I beat him mercilessly, nearly to death, and strangely, when I was about to deliver the final blow, he went berserk! He lashed out wildly and brutally. Fortunately, I managed to escape and hide behind a rock. If we had continued fighting, one of us would surely have died.""What kind of power is it that would make someone like you hide?" Arimbi questioned.Arga chuckled softly. "Just watch and see," he replied, turning his attention back

Dharmasraya felt Arga was merely toying with him. He sensed that the youth had yet to unleash his true power."Human! I know you're holding back your strength! You humiliate me by not taking this fight seriously!" Dharmasraya roared, incensed.Arga smiled faintly, leaping backward. "I propose a bargain. If you agree, I shall reveal my full power. What do you say?""What bargain do you propose?" Dharmasraya demanded, his eyes narrowed.Arga grinned, glancing towards Duke Baka. "If I defeat you, you must swear to serve Duke Baka until your dying breath! Is that sufficient?"Dharmasraya was taken aback. So were all the demons present. Duke Baka was equally surprised. He hadn't anticipated Arga making such a proposition.My brother is testing Dharmasraya... Duke Baka thought, deeply moved.Dharmasraya glared at Arga. "Very well, I agree to this bargain. But if you fall, I shall devour that girl," Dharmasraya sneered, pointing towards Arimbi.Arga's gaze hardened. His heart stirred with an