The demonic human swung her other hand wildly, aiming a brutal strike at Yoran. Yurrelian reacted instantly, pushing her back just in time. The creature snarled and lunged forward, her movements fierce and unpredictable. Yurrelian shoved Yoran out of harm's way but the momentum was too strong.
Both of them crashed violently through a nearby window, shards of glass scattering like deadly rain. They tumbled down from the building's upper floor, their bodies smashing against branches and leaves in a tangled descent.
Yurrelian's head slammed hard against the trunk of a thick tree. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he finally hit the ground with a heavy thud. Before he could recover, the demonic human had already regained her footing and was upon him. Her clawed hand wrapped tightly around his neck, squeezing with terrifying strength.
His vision blurred. He struggled against the crushing grip, summoning every ounce of his remaining strength to shove her away. His hand darted forward, plunging his blade deep into her stomach.
She gasped but didn't fall.
"Nice try," she sneered, a cruel smile twisting her lips. "You won't kill me. I'll make sure you die before the Sun Demon Company arrives."
Yurrelian let out a harsh laugh, the sound ragged but defiant. "You're already too late."
Before she could react, a blade suddenly pierced her from behind. A faint smoke hissed and curled around her body like a dark shroud.
"You..." she hissed, eyes wide with shock. "A cursed weapon?"
"Bye-bye, demon," Yurrelian said calmly as the blade was withdrawn. The demonic human's form dissolved into a cloud of ash, drifting away like dust on the wind.
Yurrelian lay sprawled on the ground, breathing heavily. "What took you guys so long?" he muttered.
A sharp, amused laugh broke through the tense silence.
"You look worn out," a voice said. Yurrelian looked up to see Lieutenant Colonel Gwysera approaching, her expression one of both relief and mild amusement. "Not exactly the type to get into a full-on battle."
"That's none of your business," Yurrelian snapped, sitting up slowly.
Gwysera smiled faintly. "Do you really think you could defeat a demonic human without the proper weapon?"
"Mind your damn business," Yurrelian shot back.
"Well, I suppose you did well. Thanks to you, casualties were minimal."
She gave him a warm smile. "You saved your school friends."
Yurrelian shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "I don't need friends. I can handle things solo from now on."
Serenya waved at him from nearby, calling out, "Well, whatever you say."
"No, no," Gwysera said firmly. "I can't accept someone who refuses to believe in teamwork."
"Huh?" Yurrelian scoffed. "Who needs friends to kill demons? I love going solo. What's the big deal?"
"Just like I told you before," Serenya said, "you have to show me you have a friend if you want me to grant your wish."
Before Yurrelian could reply, a voice interrupted.
"Hey, Yurrelian! Are you okay?"
Yoran leapt at him, throwing his arms around Yurrelian in a fierce hug. Both of them collapsed to the ground in a heap.
"Hey! Get off me!" Yurrelian shouted, trying to wriggle free.
But Yoran didn't listen, tears streaming down his face as he clung tightly. "I thought I lost you."
Yurrelian grimaced. "Your snot's rubbing off on me."
Serenya chuckled nearby. "As you can see, he's already passed the mission. This is his friend."
"Now you have to keep your promise, Lieutenant Colonel Gwysera," Yoran added seriously.
Gwysera, who had been opening a lollipop, dropped it in surprise. "You've got to be kidding me. How did a guy like him get a friend?"
Yurrelian struggled to push Yoran off, but in the process, Yoran's head accidentally jerked up and hit Yurrelian's chin, knocking him unconscious.
"Yurrelian, wake up! Someone call an ambulance!" Yoran shouted desperately.
---
Darkness surrounded him briefly before the same recurring image flooded his mind the smiling faces of his friends, his precious family, his comrades.
He closed his eyes and saw their warm smiles again and again.
Suddenly, a soft voice broke through the haze.
"Whew, I'm glad you were able to make a friend," young Marlowe said gently.
"Why are you guys here?" Yurrelian asked groggily, blinking against the light.
"We can stop worrying about you now," Marlowe replied kindly. "You're far too kind. We know you want revenge for us, but you shouldn't do that."
"Take care of yourself... and your new friend," another voice urged softly.
"We need to go now."
"Wait don't go!" Yurrelian begged, tears finally streaming down his cheeks for the first time since arriving in this world.
---
When he woke up again, he was lying in a clean, quiet room. He wiped the tears from his eyes as a familiar voice greeted him warmly.
"Yurrelian, you woke up! Thank God."
Yoran's face lit up with relief.
"Serenya, Yurrelian's awake!" Yoran called out.
Serenya entered the room with a bright smile.
"As of today, you are removed from suspension and are now a full member of the Demon Extermination Unit," she announced proudly.
"Good for you," Yoran said, grinning.
Yurrelian was speechless, still processing the news. He'd been so caught up in planning free time that the reality hit him unexpectedly.
"Oh, and your enlistment was accepted as well, Sandy," Gwysera added, nodding at Yoran. "We admire how you risked your life to save your friends. Also," she glanced at Yurrelian, "you were hiding your true strength all along."
"Welcome to the Sun Demon Company, Yurrelian Blackwood and Sandy Yoran," Gwysera said, extending her hand for a handshake.
Yoran shook her hand enthusiastically, then looked at Yurrelian. "You too, man."
"Nah, don't get me involved in this," Yurrelian said, quickly Yoran placing his hands between theirs.
"Hey!"
"Whatever," Yoran said, leaving his hand there with a smirk.
"Kind of stupid," Yurrelian muttered with a grin.
---