Black String of Fate

"Oof, did I get it right? Haha, know this, little boy, your flimsy Aura doesn't scare me. You gotta train it to at least this level to make me take you seriously."

Xavier held out his sword in a proper stance and unleashed his own, much more refined Aura. It lacked in volume and overall quantity when compared to an Advanced Expert like Joseph, but the smoothness and refinement were on a level he could only dream of attaining.

But that wasn't the thing that shocked Joseph the most. It was the fact that this rogue, who was no more than a Novice Initiate, could even use Aura in the first place.

"H-How do you have that? Only the Experts or extremely talented Crafted Elites can wield that power..."

"Well, the consumption is pretty straining, so technically, you're right, but... Well, figure it out yourself, dumbass. I'm not taking any free classes here."

Xavier mocked Joseph once more with a smirk on his face. He may never admit it, but getting on the nerves of such people was like a newfound guilty pleasure for him. It was hard for him to find people underestimating him when he became a Demon King.

"So you choose to point your blades at us. As the loyal knight of the royal princess, I SHALL DEFEND HER WITH... my... life..."

Towards the end of his passionate monologue, his face started getting droopy and his knees buckled. Joseph barely managed to look back, and he saw a girl with a cold scowl and glowing eyes pointing her hand at him.

"...princess...why..."

Those were the last words he spoke before losing consciousness and drifting off to the realm of dreams. Xavier, meanwhile, just stood there in amazement.

"Woah, what was that? Some type of magic?"

"I mixed in some mana-activated sleep drugs in his meals, just in case. I'm sorry for the disturbance, now, we can continue our conversation in peace."

"You drugged him? Damn... And he trusted you and all that..."

'Women are scary...'

**********

Xavier and Seraphina were on their way back to his base with an awkward silence between them. Seraphina maintained a measured distance between them that did not escape Xavier's notice. When they finally reached an area where no one could eavesdrop, Xavier began the conversation.

"So, how long do you plan on keeping up that hostile intent?"

"..."

Seraphina immediately backed off and prepared herself for battle. She did not expect it to be hidden forever, but being so straightforward about it put her in a tough spot.

"So, you knew."

"Yes, I did. It was impossible not to notice when you were gazing at me with such intensity ever since I stepped into the plaza. Also, it would be foolish of me to not keep an eye out for the person who felt the most dangerous to me."

"...Heh. Yet you still haven't attacked me yet."

'Damn it, the plan for the ambush has gone down the drain.'

"Of course I haven't, because your fears are valid, regressor. It would be a foolish action not to maintain guard and fear the Demon King himself."

"...What?!"

"Oh, don't even pretend. When I heard about you from the mysterious screen guy, I already had a hunch. But, when I saw that horrified look in your eyes that I'm all too familiar with, including the fact that you judged me to be stronger than your Advanced Expert knight, I knew for sure that you know my past."

Seraphina could only silently listen to Xavier's explanation, finding no flaws in his deduction ability. It was fine if the trial admin just gave him vague hints, but it was her own behavior that sealed the deal. Her excess caution and extreme hostility due to her trauma and PTSD caused her cover to be blown.

"...Fine, you got me. I am a regressor, one who has seen the horrors you have inflicted upon the world. I planned on collaborating with you as a challenger, but someone like you will do more harm than good. It's better to kill you and nip the bud before you cause that tragedy once again."

"...Hahahaha! You speak so confidently of killing me, but our battle can go either way. But, that in itself is a big achievement. You, who are you to match me, the once strongest to ever exist?"

Xavier took out his blade and stood in preparation for a clash. From the vibes she gave off, he could tell she was a formidable opponent. Surely, she must be some great powerhouse in his last life. He was excited to once again battle with skilled individuals.

"I am Seraphina Ravencrest. Now, prepare to meet your doom!"

.

.

.

"...I'm sorry, who?"

Seraphina lost her concentration and the spell she was weaving secretly collapsed. She looked at the Demon King in shock when he expressed his genuine confusion.

"S-Seraphina Ravencrest. You, how do you not know me? We have clashed once before too!"

The statement made Xavier fall into deep thought. The way she had grandly declared her name, expecting him to definitely know it subconsciously prompted Xavier to try hard to remember it.

But try as he might, nothing came to his memories.

"I have clashed with many in my time as a Demon King. I cannot remember everyone whom I've fought against. Maybe... I don't know, give me some more hints?"

Seraphina was utterly dumbstruck by Xavier's ignorance. She couldn't believe it. After all she had been through, this person, let alone acknowledge, doesn't even recognize her. Her tense posture was filled with rage as she spoke with a tone of desperation.

"It's me! Seraphina Ravencrest! The magician of the hero's party! The third Archon of our generation! How could you forget someone like me?! AM I THAT INSIGNIFICANT IN YOUR EYES?!"

"The magician of the hero's party? Third Archon? Hmm..."

Xavier put his hand on his chin as he went into deep thought, but he didn't realize that even this action gave Seraphina massive emotional damage.

"Oh! I remember!" An imaginary light bulb lit inside Xavier's head, which somehow gave the disheartened girl a ray of hope.

"You're that glass cannon witch! That pathetic excuse for an Archon who went down in a single attack!"

That ray of hope instantly became a deadly beam of laser that penetrated deep into her heart, hurting far more than any blade could.