The tension was in the air.

  Souta faced the demon.

  Bare hands.

  Firm stance.

  Firmora advanced slowly.

  And, without warning, hurled his sword.

  The blade passed right by Souta’s face.

  Millimeters away.

  He didn’t move.

  He smiled.

  — Throwing away your weapon…

  Firmora smiled back.

  — You are strong.

  — I am Firmora, the Firm.

  — What is your name?

  Souta didn’t hesitate.

  The smile still carved on his face.

  — Kihara Souta. The Harlequin of Fear.

  The two walked.

  Slow steps.

  Absolute confidence.

  They stopped face to face.

  Souta looked up.

  Firmora stared down at him.

  Two smiles.

  One savage.

  One insane.

  Fists raised.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Immediate clash.

  The impact released absurd pressure.

  The entire chamber seemed to tremble.

  Insane exchange of blows.

  Fist against fist.

  Absurd speed.

  Flashes like meteors.

  Firmora and Souta.

  Neither backed down.

  The strikes accelerated.

  So fast the sound disappeared.

  They broke the sound barrier.

  Souta almost faltered.

  One knee touched the ground.

  But the smile…

  It widened bizarrely.

  — Stamina Break: Activated.

  — AAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!

  Souta surpassed Firmora.

  Firmora’s eyes widened.

  — Incredible… this warrior… is strong…

  Final strike.

  Souta’s fist was so fast it released blue flames.

  Explosion.

  Dust.

  Firmora’s body fell.

  Souta approached.

  Firmora stared at him.

  — You are strong.

  — You would have killed me instantly… if not for this labyrinth.

  — If you are truly powerful… challenge my king.

  The body disintegrated into ashes.

  Souta breathed heavily.

  Sweat dripping.

  The chamber began to shrink.

  Walls closing in.

  No exit.

  No escape.

  — Damn… I’ll be crushed.

  Creamy’s words echoed in his mind.

  He opened his hand.

  The spoon teleported into his grasp.

  Souta held it firmly.

  — Holy Spoon — Gift Breaker!

  The impact cracked the crystals.

  A blinding flash.

  Creamy assessed:

  — Good idea, sir.

  — Using blessing to nullify curse… is a clever way to break the effect.

  The chamber shattered.

  A thousand fragments.

  Darkness.

  Silence.

  Souta collapsed to the ground.

  — Ow… tired as hell…

  Something strange.

  The ground was… soft.

  A moan escaped.

  Souta’s eyes widened.

  He looked down.

  It was Pikonota.

  In her crystalline attire.

  Face flushed.

  Eyes averted.

  — M-Mr. Spoon… will you devour me in front of the princess? — she said timidly.

  Souta, confused.

  — Huh?

  A firm voice echoed.

  Serious.

  Authoritative.

  — Hm.

  Souta turned.

  And saw Princess Meliora.