Several days later, at the training ground in the general's mansion.
"Sheele, too slow, faster!"
"Ah… Yes!"
"Didn't you eat breakfast? More strength!"
"Ugh… Got it."
"Killing intent! More killing intent, treat me as your enemy!"
"But, Najenda is…"
…
With the Yata no Kagami floating behind her and the Ame no Murakumo sword in hand, Najenda's voice echoed repeatedly across the training ground.
Perhaps it was because she was the former empire's top female general, but Najenda exuded an air of heroism. Combined with her now perfectly developed figure and stunning beautiful face, any normal man would likely be captivated and fall for her.
Opposite Najenda was the panting Sheele, who had been training under Najenda these past few days.
Having fully integrated into this place, the young girl had never felt as happy as she did now. With so many sisters and companions who cared for and accepted her, as well as Sora-sama who did embarrassing things to her every day, Sheele felt that her life had never been so fulfilling.
All of this was given to her by Sora-sama. She was Sora-sama's tool, and to repay him, she must work hard!
Thinking firmly in her heart, although she was already very tired, Sheele stood up again, raising her katana and charging towards Najenda.
In battle, Sheele was completely different from her usual self. Her movements were clean and precise, and even her eyes became incredibly sharp, as if she could naturally see through all obstacles. The demon bladee Purple Lightning drew a cold arc in the air, directly aiming for Najenda's weak point.
Seeing Sheele charging at her, a flash of admiration appeared in Najenda's silver eyes.
Indeed, she was a born assassin. Whether in movement or emotion, there was not a trace of impurity. This astonishing talent was truly unprecedented!
But Sheele was still too inexperienced—
With a slight sidestep, Najenda dodged the blade's attack. Seeing Sheele, who had charged too fiercely and left her back wide open, Najenda gently shook her head. It was probably due to her lack of practical experience. If this were a life-and-death battle with an enemy, she could have ended the fight with a single swing of her sword.
Not too disappointed, Sheele's performance was already quite good. In just a few short days, she had reached this level.
However, just as Najenda was thinking about how to teach Sheele next, a sudden change occurred!
Sheele, who had already charged past, suddenly pivoted on one foot, flipping around! Her pure purple eyes showed no emotion, and her pale hands gripped the katana in an incredibly bizarre manner, slashing horizontally towards Najenda!
Najenda's silver eyes suddenly contracted. Even with the power of Susanoo, she felt an endless sense of danger at this moment! Her right hand, holding the Ame no Murakumo sword, instinctively swung out…
Clang!!!
Sparks flew as the sound of clashing swords rang out. Under the intense vibration, the demon blade Purple Lightning slipped from Sheele's hands, flipping through the air several times before embedding itself into the ground. Sheele herself was also flung several meters away by the powerful force of the Ame no Murakumo sword, landing on the ground.
"Sheele!!!"
Coming to her senses, Najenda was suddenly alarmed. Her body had instinctively sensed danger, and she had unconsciously used her full strength. Quickly retracting Susanoo's power and dissipating the Ame no Murakumo sword and Yata no Kagami, Najenda anxiously ran towards Sheele.
This silly girl, why did she suddenly make such a dangerous move? If she had been even slightly careless, she could have killed her!
"Ugh… It hurts, it hurts!!!"
"Hehehe, as expected of Najenda, Sheele lost again."
Holding her little head and crying out in pain, it seemed she wasn't seriously injured. Sheele got up from the ground, adjusted her glasses, and smiled with her usual confused and adorable expression.
"You!!!"
Najenda knocked Sheele's head hard, her face showing anger, but deep down, she felt a sense of relief.
Recalling the events that had just unfolded, although she had been somewhat careless, Najenda couldn't help but marvel at Sheele's incredible talent. If it weren't for her own rigorous training, she might have been defeated by this girl!
Najenda felt that all her efforts were worth it. The greater Sheele's potential, the more help she would be once she matured.
Najenda was a strong-willed woman. Being bullied by Sora was one thing—after all, there was nothing she could do about it—but she would never accept being bullied by that despicable demoness, Esdeath!
Najenda was determined to prove that she was no less capable than that wretched woman. Once she had trained Sheele and built her own team, she would show them all!
"Hehehe…"
Although Najenda wore a stern expression, Sheele could sense the deep concern behind it. She felt a warm sensation in her heart, and the pain from being knocked on the head didn't seem so bad anymore.
"Ah… Purple Lightning, Purple Lightning, the Purple Lightning that Sora-sama gave to Sheele…"
Suddenly remembering something, Sheele jumped up from the ground, frantically searching for the demon blade Purple Lightning, which had been knocked away by Najenda's Ame no Murakumo. That sword was the first gift Sora had given her, and it was her most precious possession. She absolutely couldn't lose it!
"Hey, scatterbrained Sheele-chan!"
At that moment, a familiar voice called out. Sheele turned around and saw Sora standing not far away, smiling at her, holding her beloved demon blade.
"Sora-sama!"
Overjoyed, Sheele ran over and threw herself into Sora's arms.
"I saw everything. Sheele, you've been working really hard!"
As he handed Purple Lightning back to Sheele, Sora gently patted her head and smiled.
Although it had only been a few days, Sheele's growth was astonishing. Perhaps, as she herself had said, her lack of overthinking allowed her to achieve things others couldn't.
Having such a beautiful, adorable, and pure-hearted girl by his side filled Sora with a sense of accomplishment.
"Yes!!!"
Nodding vigorously, Sheele beamed with a pure, radiant smile, delighted by Sora's praise.
"What are you doing here? According to our agreement, I won't hand Sheele over to you!"
Najenda walked over, frowning as she looked at Sora and Esdeath standing beside him.
Sheele was a treasure she had obtained through great sacrifice, and she had no intention of giving he up to anyone.
"Tch, Najenda, why are you so sensitive? Sheele is mine. Why would I need to fight you for her?"
Sora, with a few black lines on his forehead, stroked Sheele's hair as he spoke, clearly exasperated.
Unlike during the battle earlier, Sheele now resembled a docile kitten, quietly enjoying Sora's touch, her face filled with happiness. While Sheele's simplicity played a part, it was also undeniable that Sora's brainwashing techniques had improved without anyone noticing.
"Although I also want Sheele, since we have that agreement, I won't fight you for her."
Esdeath's voice chimed in, her icy blue eyes flickering with an unusual light as she glanced at Sheele, who was being caressed by Sora. A sly smile played on her lips.
"Hmph!"
Najenda snorted, crossing her arms and turning her head away, though a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Alright, Najenda, we came to tell you something. I'll be leaving for a while, so I'll leave the house to you and Esdeath."
"Right, you're still wanted by the Empire. Be careful if you're going out."
Sora was somewhat exasperated by this woman who appeared cold on the outside but was passionate inside. Yet, it was precisely this quality that attracted him. Without beating around the bush, he got straight to the point.
"You're leaving? Why?"
Almost instinctively, Najenda asked, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized she seemed too concerned about this annoying guy. Her expression immediately cooled, and she turned her head away again.
"Heh… guess!"
Seeing Najenda's dishonesty, Sora couldn't help but smile. If he had more time, he would have loved to tease her a bit more.
"Hmph, go die for all I care!!!"
Najenda gritted her teeth. She knew Sora's habits all too well. The only thing that could make him leave the comfort of home and go out of his way was that one thing.
"Esdeath, I'll leave those in the capital to you."
Knowing that Najenda's words didn't match her feelings, Sora didn't mind. Instead, he turned to Esdeath.
"Don't worry, darling. I'll make sure you're satisfied."
Esdeath lightly kissed Sora on the lips, her smile wicked.
"Sora-sama, are you leaving?"
Still enjoying the caress, Sheele looked up, her purple eyes filled with reluctance.
"Yes, I'll be gone for a while. While I'm away, Sheele, you must keep working hard!"
Sora gently rubbed his cheek against Sheele's forehead as he replied.
"Yes!!!"
Nodding vigorously, Sheele obediently stepped away from Sora's embrace and stood beside Najenda.
"Well then, my little sweethearts, goodbye. Demon Armor! "
Without further hesitation, Sora summoned the King's Sword and invoked the divine weapon— Demon Armor. Instantly, a majestic purple-gold armor enveloped his body.
With a thought, the cape on his back transformed into a pair of massive dragon-like wings. Under the gaze of the girls, Sora flapped his wings and soared into the sky, disappearing into the horizon as a streak of light…