Monarch Among Supernaturals

A Test Of Skill (5)

Jinwoo and Esil stood a short distance apart, their expressions a mix of curiosity and familiarity. The barren, jagged expanse of the dungeon provided an almost surreal backdrop, the gray sky above devoid of warmth. The faint glow of Esil’s crimson eyes reflected her surprise, though she managed to maintain her composure.

“I still can’t believe it,” Esil said, her voice soft yet edged with disbelief. “The Shadow Monarch himself, alive and thriving. And now you’re inviting me into a ‘party’?”

Jinwoo gave her a faint smile, his hands resting casually in his pockets. His dark eyes gleamed with an unreadable intensity. "The system I surpassed no longer binds me to its limitations. That includes the rules that once dictated what could and couldn’t be done."

He paused, tilting his head slightly. "Esil, I’m giving you an opportunity to grow alongside us. What you do with it is up to you."

Esil looked down at the glowing screen before her, the words practically daring her to decline:

"The Shadow Monarch: Sung Jinwoo has invited you to join his Party. Will you accept? Yes/No."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached out, the weight of the moment pressing on her chest. A chance to break free from the constraints of the Demon Realm… a chance to grow stronger. She made her decision in an instant, pressing “Yes” without hesitation.

The screen dissolved, leaving behind a faint trail of light. Esil blinked, and when she met Jinwoo’s gaze again, there was a spark of determination in her eyes. "So, what happens now? Am I truly free to leave the Demon Realm?"

Jinwoo nodded. "You are. The restrictions that once held you are gone. But before we make any moves, I want to see how far you’ve come since we last met."

Jinwoo gestured toward the fallen angels, who had been watching the exchange with varying degrees of interest and skepticism. Kalawarner’s arms were crossed as usual, her sharp gaze flicking between Jinwoo and Esil. Mittelt fidgeted nervously with the hilt of her spear, while Raynare maintained her stoic facade, though her curiosity was evident.

"You’ll spar with them," Jinwoo said to Esil, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Show me what you’ve learned."

Esil’s lips curved into a small smile as she reached for the hilt of her sword. "Very well. I’ll do my best not to disappoint."

The fallen angels exchanged glances. Kalawarner smirked, taking a step forward. "Don’t think we’ll go easy on you just because Jinwoo invited you to his little party."

Mittelt hesitated but ultimately summoned her spear of light, its golden glow shimmering in the dim dungeon light. "This feels unnecessary," she muttered, though she readied herself all the same.

Raynare was the last to step forward, her own spear forming in her hand with practiced ease. She glanced at Jinwoo. "You’re really making us do this?"

"Yes," Jinwoo said simply. "I want to see all of you at your best."

The air grew tense as Esil unsheathed her sword, its blade gleaming with an ominous red hue. Without warning, she dashed forward, her speed catching the fallen angels off guard. Kalawarner barely managed to raise her spear in time to block Esil’s strike, the clash of their weapons ringing out like a thunderclap.

"Fast," Kalawarner muttered, gritting her teeth as she pushed back against Esil’s blade.

Mittelt flanked Esil, her spear aimed at the demon’s side. Esil twisted gracefully, deflecting the attack with the flat of her sword. The counter was seamless, her movements fluid and precise.

Raynare circled around, her spear glowing brighter as she prepared to strike. "Don’t get cocky!" she shouted, thrusting her weapon toward Esil’s back.

Esil ducked, the tip of the spear grazing past her shoulder. With a quick pivot, she retaliated, forcing Raynare to retreat. The fallen angels regrouped, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination.

"She’s good," Raynare admitted, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.

"Too good," Mittelt muttered, her frustration evident. "How are we supposed to keep up with that?"

"You adapt," Jinwoo said, his voice calm but firm. He stood at the edge of the battlefield, his arms crossed as he observed. "Strength alone won’t win battles. Use your heads."

Esil lunged again, this time targeting Mittelt. The younger fallen angel yelped, barely managing to block the strike. Her arms shook under the pressure, her frustration bubbling over. "I’m not strong enough!" she shouted, her voice cracking.

Jinwoo’s eyes softened slightly. "Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, Mittelt," he said. "You’re stronger than you were yesterday. That’s what matters."

Mittelt bit her lip, Jinwoo’s words sinking in even as Esil pressed her attack. Kalawarner and Raynare stepped in, forcing Esil to divide her attention. The fight grew more intense, the air crackling with energy as light spears clashed against Esil’s sword.

When Jinwoo finally called for the sparring session to end, the fallen angels collapsed to the ground, their breathing ragged. Esil stood a short distance away, her sword lowered but her posture still poised. She looked toward Jinwoo, her crimson eyes seeking his approval.

Jinwoo nodded. "You’ve improved. I’m satisfied."

Esil allowed herself a small smile, though her expression remained composed. "Thank you."

Mittelt groaned, sitting up and glaring at Esil. "You didn’t have to go so hard on us, you know."

Esil raised an eyebrow. "You think your enemies will show mercy?"

"She has a point," Kalawarner admitted begrudgingly, though she looked just as exhausted.

Raynare said nothing, her gaze fixed on Jinwoo. His words from earlier lingered in her mind. Improvement doesn’t happen overnight. She clenched her fists, determination flickering in her eyes.

"Let’s head back," Jinwoo said, his tone signaling the end of the session. With a wave of his hand, the dungeon dissolved around them, the jagged landscape replaced by the familiar comfort of Jinwoo’s residence.

As they stood in the quiet of his home, Jinwoo turned to Esil. "We have much to discuss. But first, rest. You’ve earned it."

Esil nodded, though her mind was already racing with questions and possibilities. The fallen angels exchanged weary glances.