It has been ten years since Arlo last heard and saw them. But he will never forget that terror. The cold sensation crept over his skin. The pounding of his heart and the gasps for breath as he ran. His trembling hand gripping a weapon.The difference was, back then he only had a slingshot and a rusty bow. But now, he wielded a real sword forged from steel. And now, Arlo had come to know Lunabelle, the blind girl who had become his adopted sister.The dead souls fluttered around them like palace dancers. Their tattered cloaks billowed, their faces twisted with hatred and rage, thirsting for life.As one of them slashed their sharp claws towards General Griffin, running ahead with Lunabelle in his arms, Arlo struck without hesitation, causing the dead soul to vanish in a cold puff of smoke and a scream. But Arlo didn't have time to turn as another dead soul deeply clawed his shoulder.He crashed onto the marble courtyard framing the palace gardens, muffling his groan. His sword clattere

Arlo couldn't help but feel terrified. Azathan's power was unquestionable. Each flap of his wings shook the thick glass of the dome's ceiling. Every breath he took stirred the silver flames. His strength could even make hell tremble.Yet, Arlo desired only peace. He deserved it after the kindness and courage he had shown throughout his life. So he raised the sword, feeling its weight trembling in his hands.In the blink of an eye, Azathan crashed into him. He slammed Arlo against the wall, causing him to cry out. His bones cracked, pleading for mercy, but Azathan gave him no quarter.As Azathan grasped his body and hurled him onto the granite floor, a face emerged from his memories. The face of a little girl with pinkish-red hair that he could never forget. Her cries and screams as she was forced to leave Arlo alone in battle.Lunabelle.Arlo leaned his sword against the floor and forced himself to stand. As Azathan flew towards him again, Arlo's sword was already unsheathed, slicing

If Arlo had a choice, he wouldn't want to fight against the demonic angel, especially one residing in the highest palace of hell. But his recent encounter with Azathan in hell had made him realize one thing: he still wanted to live.Arlo tightened his grip on the ornamental sword handle in his hand, watching how Azathan stood nervously before him. He knew exactly what made the demon hesitate. Yet, it did nothing to diminish its immense power.While the angel still stood hesitating, Arlo launched his attack. He drew his sword just as Azathan moved with the speed of light to a corner of the room. His broad wings collided with picture frames and paintings on the walls, causing them to crash, shatter, and scatter.But his hesitation ended there. As Arlo suspected, the cramped space filled with furniture did nothing to diminish his immense power. In the next moment, Azathan was already on the offensive.The demon advanced towards him, thrusting his large sword until it pierced the bedside

Although his life was upside down, everyone around him could still laugh and joke. So Arlo just sat in his chair, cutting through his steak with resentment."Oh my, Arlo, just relax!" exclaimed Lunabelle beside him, sitting upright and graceful like a sudden princess of Varidianth. "We should eat with gratitude and love.""Yeah, but my love already burned in hell," grumbled Arlo offhandedly. He began to eat, trying not to direct his frustration towards her."By the way," Lunabelle's hand groped the table until finding his arm. "I hope nothing changes between us, Arlo."Arlo softened. "Do you want to tell me the reason now? The reason why you want to live with Elios and Lana?""It's because," Lunabelle's voice faltered. "The weather in Remirer is always warm. I can imagine lots of stars at night, and blue skies during the day. It's so nice to stroll in the park with Cloud."Arlo chuckled, though not genuinely happy. "Alright. Weather is just one of Remirer's many perks," he murmured. "

"I never thought you were the type of boy who enjoys hiding away in libraries and devouring a few books," muttered Lord Xavian as he entered the library.Arlo didn't look up from the thick Umbravale population data book he was reading, a book as thick as a bowl that had been unsettling him since earlier."Oh, so you're spying on my people," remarked Xavian. He sat in the nearest chair, crossing his legs. "If you're looking for the address of the girl you fancy at school, you should be reading the latest volume. Not that one.""If only it were that simple," Arlo grumbled inwardly. "No. I'm, uh, learning to become a good Nyxshade," he lied. "Since I'm destined to be the future Duke, who knows, right?""To become a good Nyxshade doesn't necessarily mean you'll make a good Duke," Xavian lamented. "Just tell me the name of the maid you're trying to find out about. I might know her family."Arlo set down his book. He was now gaping. "How did you know I was trying to find out about a maid?"