Extra Demon: Sacred Academy of Light

"Boo! So boring!"

Elizabeth gave a thumbs-down gesture as she booed from a private box high above the coliseum. She pouted and crossed her arms beneath her chest, then leaned back in her chair with a long sigh.

"Truly boring. Why does Aunt Emilia always save the best for last?"

She pursed her rosy lips, her gaze shifting toward Seraphine, who was seated in her own private booth. Elizabeth's lips curled into a mischievous smile.

"Don't even think about it," Seraphine said sharply, catching the dark glint in her younger sister's eyes. Raising an eyebrow, she sighed to herself.

"Don't you dare mess with the red one again. He already warned us. You don't want to see him angry, and I, for one, don't want to see the Empire reduced to ashes just because of one of your whims."

Her tone was firm, allowing no room for discussion.

Elizabeth froze, her playful smile vanishing. She lowered her gaze, feeling slightly embarrassed, and quietly turned back to the screen without uttering another word. Her beautiful deep-blue eyes lingered on her older sister for a moment.

"Who do you think will win?" she asked bluntly.

"I believe the young dragon will win without much trouble," Seraphine replied, frowning slightly. "Why did you do this?"

Elizabeth remained silent for a few seconds.

"Honestly? Just pure curiosity. I was hoping... and still believe something interesting might happen!"

She tilted her head, glancing back at her sister with a playful glint in her eyes.

"Are you underestimating the hybrid?" she asked with a teasing smile.

Seraphine met her gaze and thought for a moment.

"No. It's just that the difference in experience is far too great. The hybrid, as you call him, is only now learning to take his first steps. His control over the blue flame is shallow at best, and he's clumsy in battle. Unlike the young dragon, who's been trained from a very early age. I don't believe he could win in a duel, not at all. But I agree with you — something interesting will happen. That's why I came and accepted your invitation."

Seraphine gave a soft, teasing smile.

Elizabeth's eyes widened, her expression turning mockingly sad.

"And here I thought you enjoyed my company," she said in an exaggeratedly hurt tone. A second later, her playful smile returned.

"Right? I hope he surprises me with something new. I want to see it."

Returning to the previous topic, she leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"So, where are the dragons?" she asked, glancing back at the screen, where a sea of flames consumed everything in its path. On one of the coliseum's platforms, Evelyn stood surrounded by fire, her expression blank as she stared at her opponent.

"The dragons are right in front of us, in another private box. I've seen them — a man and a woman. From what I understand, they are royal guardians, answering only to the emperor's direct orders. So it's safe to assume they're here for a not-so-secret reason..."

Seraphine spoke casually as she sipped from a glass of white wine.

Elizabeth's expression darkened.

"Ugh! Even that bitch Lilith knows... and not just her — the Seven Sins know too! And now those stupid lizards!"

Her voice was hollow and deep, and her eyes gleamed ominously.

"Calm yourself," Seraphine said, stretching out her hand as a golden halo expanded through the room, suppressing Elizabeth's murderous intent and containing it within the chamber.

Elizabeth blinked a few times before returning to her usual self. Embarrassed, she took a sip of water.

"Sorry, I lost control of myself," she murmured, letting out a soft sigh and shaking her head.

"I just hate it when others take an interest in what's mine!" she added, pouting once again.

"Yours? What do you mean?" Seraphine asked, tilting her head curiously as she looked at her little sister.

"The hybrid is mine!" Elizabeth declared with an adorable, confident smile. "Only he can give me what I want."

Her voice was certain, her eyes shining brightly.

Seraphine stared deeply at her.

"And what is it that you want, little Elizabeth?" she asked, her voice soft, her smile sweet.

Elizabeth fell silent. Her smile faded, and the light vanished from her eyes as she stared at nothing in particular.

"I don't know," she whispered, her voice empty.

*****

Meanwhile, Evelyn let out a weary sigh. She walked silently — or at least, she wished she could — but the crowd's excited screams only deepened the frown on her lips. A pounding headache clouded her mind.

She had always hated places filled with people. It wasn't that she disliked them — it was the unbearable noise they made that she couldn't stand. As if the constant whispers that haunted her mind since she could remember weren't enough, now she also had to endure the cheers of hundreds.

Once inside the corridor, Evelyn covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut, trying with all her strength to block out the whispers urging her to burn everything. Overwhelmed, she crouched down, groaning in pain.

"You're okay now. It's alright."

A familiar voice reached her ears as something warm was draped over her shoulders. She felt a strong, rough hand — one so different from her own — gently helping her back to her feet. When she looked up, she saw Arthur's smile.

Slowly, her hands reached up to the cloth covering her head. The whispers were gone.

"The voices are finally silent," she thought to herself, exhaling a silent breath of relief.

"Are you okay?" Arthur asked, concern clear in his voice.

Evelyn remained quiet for a few seconds.

"I am now," she answered softly, offering him a faint smile.

And she meant it. She was calm, at peace. The voices didn't bother her anymore, nor did the crowd's endless shouting. Nothing else mattered — as long as he was by her side.

"Come on, I'll walk you out," Arthur offered, holding out his hand.

Evelyn froze for a moment, staring at his hand. Then she raised her gaze to meet his calm blue eyes.

Slowly, she extended her own hand and smiled gently.

"Okay."

The moment her hand touched his, a strange sensation coursed through her body. Somewhere deep within her soul — that place of white light streaked with red halos — the twisted black stain of corruption grew just a little larger.

She glanced at Arthur by her side, their hands intertwined, and felt her heart begin to beat just a little faster.

"I'll always be with you, Evelyn," Arthur said, his voice steady and sure.

"Do you want me by your side, Evelyn?" he asked.

"Yes. I do," she replied, even as she felt the corruption inside her soul spread a little more.