The King had given a clear order. Takeshi had to lead the soldiers and the Devil Hunters to the front line of battle.
Without wasting a second, he left to face the danger.
Back at home, Ryuji and his cousin Leoric, both strong fire users, were arguing about whose fire was stronger.
Their loud voices filled the room, sparks of flame dancing in the air, until Ryuji's mother, Ruka, walked in with plates of food. Fumiko was helping her, carrying bowls carefully.
"Stop fooling around and come eat," Ruka said firmly, placing the dishes down.
Ryuji and Leoric glared at each other, their argument paused but not settled.
Suddenly, a strange sound echoed from the house gate.
Fumiko rushed to open the door, her heart pounding with hope. Maybe it's Dad, she thought.
But instead, standing outside was a terrifying devil.
It had six glowing red eyes, a long hanging tongue, four twisted arms, and two massive legs.
Even though it was dark, Fumiko could clearly see those furious red eyes fixated on her.
"Fumiko? Is Dad here with my sword?" Ryuji called from inside, confused.
Before she could reply, Leoric asked, "Who's there?"
The devil—a low-ranking one, but still deadly—slowly raised one of its hands.
It stretched forward, aiming straight for Fumiko's chest.
Fumiko couldn't move. Her body froze.
Just before the devil's hand touched her—
A blur of movement appeared.
Takeshi had arrived. In a flash, he grabbed Fumiko and pulled her back to safety.
The devil snarled, "Who are you? Don't take my food!"
With a sharp glare, Takeshi answered, "My daughter is not your food."
In the next instant, the devil screamed in agony. A sword had pierced its chest, burning its insides.
Ryuji and Leoric rushed into the room.
They saw Fumiko crying in their father's arms, while the devil thrashed and turned to ash in the flames.
"A devil? How did it get here? Aren't the Hunters and soldiers on duty?" Leoric shouted.
Ryuji knelt beside his sister. "Are you okay? Did it hurt you?"
"She's fine," Takeshi replied quickly, scanning the area. Then he turned serious. "Ryuji, call your mother right away. Leoric, we don't have time to waste."
Ruka soon came in, alerted by the noise. Takeshi looked her in the eyes, urgent but calm.
"Ruka, take the kids and go to the shelter—now. I'll explain everything later."
Ruka nodded without hesitation. She could feel the weight in her husband's voice.
Fumiko, Leoric, Ryuji, and Ruka began to leave.
But Ryuji hesitated. His fists clenched. He didn't want to run—he wanted to fight.
He stared at the flames still flickering where the devil had been.
"I know you want to help," Takeshi said, placing a hand gently on Ryuji's head.
"But right now, as the eldest son of the Takahashi family, you must protect your mother and sister.
Do you want to see that thing try to hurt Fumiko again?"
Ryuji's throat tightened. "But… I—"
Takeshi smiled warmly, the way he used to when Ryuji was younger.
"You better keep your promise, old man," Ryuji whispered.
Takeshi: "Yes. I will."
Before they could take another step, Leoric asked, "If the kingdom's in danger, what is Father doing?"
Takeshi turned his eyes toward the horizon. "He will fight with me on the front line."
The seriousness in his voice said it all.
Leoric nodded. "I understand. I'll go with them. Tell Father he doesn't need to worry about me."
Ryuji sensed that Leoric could stay calm and make the right decisions in dangerous situations.
Takeshi: "Then get ready."
Outside, two Devil Hunters and three soldiers were already waiting to escort the family.
In moments, they vanished into the shadows.
---
Outside the castle, the scene was intense.
Soldiers and Devil Hunters had gathered in huge numbers.
Torches lit up the darkness, and tension hung thick in the air.
E- and D-rank Hunters were stationed near shelters, protecting citizens.
C, B, A, and S-rank Hunters stood closer to the castle—swords ready, a storm of aura around them.
The forces were powerful:
11 S-rank, 50 A-rank, 122 B-rank, 109 C-rank Hunters,
120,000 soldiers, and eight elite warriors of the King.
They had one mission: save the innocent and drive out evil.
When Takeshi arrived, everyone turned. The aura shifted.
An S-rank Hunter stepped forward.
"Captain," he said, performing the respectful 'kura' hand sign—two fingers together near his chest, "I've briefed the troops.
Each S-rank Hunter will lead a group of A-, B-, and C-rank Hunters. We're ready to fight and follow your lead until the end."
Takeshi: "Good work, Obito. But where is the King?"
Obito: "The King should be here soon with his three generals."
Takeshi's brow furrowed. "And the Princes?"
Obito: "The first one is being guarded by the King's elite Soldiers. The second hasn't arrived yet."
Takeshi's eyes narrowed. "I need to check on the King. The battle may begin any moment.
Low-ranking devils are already appearing."
Obito smirked and stepped forward. "If they show up, I'll take care of them. I'll cover your back."
Inside the castle, the air was cold—unnaturally cold.
The King's three generals lay lifeless on the floor, eyes wide in shock.
The King himself was dead—a royal sword pierced clean through his chest.
On the throne, under a dim and flickering light,
a figure sat silently.
His eyes glowed red, filled with madness. His smile was wicked and calm.
And he was watching everything.