"You had an argument with C.C.? That really surprised me. What happened between you two?"
Alhaitham asked with curiosity.
Neither Alpha nor C.C. were the type to act irrationally. Alpha had the demeanor of a composed leader, much like the no-nonsense CEOs from his previous life. As for C.C., despite being a free-spirited witch, she was more prone to laziness than conflict. It was hard to imagine either of them starting a quarrel.
If it had been Delta and Zeta… or Beta and Epsilon going at it, Alhaitham wouldn't have batted an eye.
"Hmm… doesn't look like anything serious happened," he remarked after giving Alpha a quick glance. Her breathing was steady, her expression calm—no signs of a fight. Though, if a confrontation had occurred, there was no doubt in Alhaitham's mind who the victor would have been.
Alpha's strength now was second only to his own. If things had turned physical, even the immortal witch wouldn't have stood a chance.
Though, come to think of it…
[It's strange. Ever since I gave names to Alpha and the others, they've all grown significantly stronger.]
[It's the same for everyone in the courtyard. For some reason, naming them has led to a mysterious boost in power. This world really is full of oddities…]
Alhaitham sighed to himself. Another mystery in this strange world.
He dismissed the thought for now and gently set free the elf girl, Bi Dong. Meanwhile, Alpha composed herself and responded.
"Honestly, I'm not even sure how it happened. One minute we were chatting, the next… we were arguing. But now that I've had time to reflect on it… it was probably my own immaturity."
She gave a sheepish smile.
Just then, Alhaitham noticed a familiar tuft of green hair bobbing just outside the window. C.C. was clearly eavesdropping. He smirked but said nothing, choosing instead to continue listening to Alpha.
–––––––––––––––––
One hour earlier.
In the castle courtyard, Alpha was immersed in solo sword practice. With the number of people in the [Dark Night Courtyard] growing rapidly, her responsibilities as the first seat had expanded as well.
Ever since Alhaitham taught her how to treat [Devil Possession], they had been able to save others like her—descendants of heroes tainted by the curse. On top of that, Alpha now had to coordinate training sessions, teach tactics, share knowledge, and continue her own development.
Her days were long and exhausting, but fulfilling.
As she continued swinging her blade, a voice drifted lazily across the courtyard.
"Hey~ Elf girl. Ever considered taking a break? Your sword's practically begging you to drop it."
Alpha paused and turned. "Miss C.C.…"
"That's me. Want some pizza?"
Alpha blinked. "Is that okay? Thank you."
"Sure, but I'm only giving you two slices," C.C. teased, handing over the warm food.
The smell made Alpha realize just how hungry she was. She hadn't eaten lunch, and her stomach growled in protest. Accepting C.C.'s offer, she sat down.
Alpha couldn't help but feel curious about the mysterious witch.
C.C. hadn't officially joined the [Dark Night Courtyard]. Like the rest of them, she lived in the castle, but her relationship with Alhaitham was… murky.
Alpha and the others were clearly his subordinates—Ramlem was his maid, the rest loyal companions. But C.C.'s dynamic with him was different. Alpha had no idea what to call it.
She hesitated, then asked, "What were you like before, Miss C.C.?"
The witch tilted her head and gave a sly smile. "Who knows? I've nearly forgotten. But your side of things seems far more interesting than mine ever was."
Alpha frowned. No real answer.
This witch was unpredictable—lazy, yes, but sharp. She kept her secrets well-guarded. The only thing anyone really knew about her was her obsession with pizza, which, amusingly enough, had been created by Alhaitham.
He truly was amazing.
Not just a leader, strategist, and teacher—but even a great cook. Somehow, it all felt… natural.
"You know," C.C. said suddenly, licking her fingers clean, "your fate has really been rewritten. I had my suspicions, but I didn't expect this level of change."
Alpha blinked. "Miss C.C., what do you mean?"
"Haven't you noticed? I suppose it's hard for someone to recognize this in themselves."
C.C. then pulled a small mirror seemingly from nowhere and held it up in front of the elf girl.
Alpha stared into her reflection, confused. "What… am I supposed to see?"
"Look closer. There's no resentment in your eyes," C.C. said softly. "Originally, your fate was to become a fanatical avenger, filled with hatred for the Diavolos Order. Your eyes would've been clouded by despair and rage, dead and silent."
Alpha's breath caught in her throat.
"But that's not what I see now. You still want revenge, yes… but your eyes are bright. There's no corruption in them."
"...You're right."
Alpha's voice trembled.
She studied the reflection—her sweaty face, strands of silver hair clinging to her cheeks, the light flush from training—and realized something. She was smiling. Her expression wasn't burdened or haunted. It was calm, focused… even happy.
This wasn't supposed to be possible.
She had been possessed by a devil. She had lost everything—her family, her home, her identity. She should have been consumed by the desire for vengeance, living in darkness, never able to smile again.
That was her original fate.
But somehow… it had changed.
"...It's all thanks to Alhaitham," she said quietly.
Her cheeks turned rosy, and an honest, pure smile lit up her face.
–––––––––––––––––
Back in the present, Alpha's gaze softened as she remembered.
She looked up at Alhaitham and gave him a small nod.
"She said I've changed… that I'm no longer just a creature of resentment. And I think she's right."
Alhaitham chuckled. "You've grown a lot, Alpha. Not just stronger, but more complete."
"I want to keep growing," she said, her voice earnest. "I want to walk alongside you—not just as someone you saved, but as someone who can stand beside you."
The sincerity in her words made even Alhaitham pause.
Outside the window, the green-haired witch smiled knowingly and turned to leave.
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