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  Chapter 24 — The Dragon King’s Wrath

  Ryujin’s claw slashed forward—

  but before it could reach Hirauka, Sayaka leapt in front of him.

  SLASH!

  Blood scattered in the air as her body took the full impact.

  Ryujin: “Oh, sheesh… that mortal stepped right into my way. No matter. She’s gone—now it’s your turn.”

  Hirauka (shouting): “Sayaka!! Why did you do that!?”

  Sayaka (breathing weakly): “Hi… Hirauka… it’s fine. You can handle him… right?”

  Her body went limp in his arms.

  Hirauka: “Sayaka? Sayaka! Please, stay with me—don’t close your eyes!”

  Her head fell to the side. And in that moment… something inside Hirauka shattered.

  A brilliant blue aura erupted from his body, shaking the battlefield. Dust swirled violently as his eyes glowed a divine white.

  Hirauka (divine tone): “You have no idea what you’ve done. Now… you’ll pay for it!”

  He laid Sayaka gently on the ground.

  Hirauka: “Rest for a while. I’ll finish this.”

  He raised his hands. The Infinity Axe appeared, glowing with a fierce azure aura.

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  Hirauka: “Weapon Manipulation—Infinity Axe.”

  The axe levitated, splitting into three radiant weapons that circled him in perfect synchrony.

  Ryujin (alarmed): “Huh!? How did it—split!?”

  The three axes blurred into streaks of pure light and struck simultaneously.

  SHING!

  Ryujin’s body split into three pieces—head, torso, and legs—falling apart in different directions.

  Hirauka stood silently, breathing heavily… but dark energy coalesced above him. Ryujin’s pieces reformed into a colossal black serpent wreathed in hellfire.

  Ryujin (roaring): “You think this is enough to kill me?! I AM ETERNAL!”

  He lunged, wings tearing through the clouds like meteors.

  Hirauka didn’t move.

  SWOOSH—

  Six more axes materialized behind him, striking the dragon’s chest with precision.

  Ryujin: “GRRRAAAHHH—!”

  He crashed into the sand, wings shattered, smoke rising from torn scales.

  Hirauka walked forward, his steps echoing across the battlefield. He drew the Dragon Slayer, pressing his foot against Ryujin’s head.

  Ryujin (weakly): “That sword… can’t hurt me…”

  Hirauka: “Not unless I will it. Weapon Manipulation—Knight’s Will!”

  SHING!

  The blade flared with divine light, and Ryujin’s head rolled across the sand. Silence fell over the battlefield. The raid was over.

  Hirauka’s aura faded as exhaustion crashed over him. He sank to his knees beside Sayaka.

  Hirauka (desperate): “Sayaka… I did it. Open your eyes—the raid’s over. We won… please, come on—stay with me!”

  He pressed his fingers to her neck. Her pulse was faint.

  Hirauka (voice cracking): “No… no, stay with me!”

  He summoned the Dagger of Life, willing it to heal her—but it faltered.

  Hirauka: “No… it’s not working. Please… don’t do this…”

  In a flash of panic, he searched his weapon archive. His gaze locked on a single name: Wand of Serpents.

  A silver wand appeared, coiled with two glowing serpents.

  Hirauka: “Please… heal her.”

  Serpents (in unison): “Mortal… we shall grant your wish. But know—this staff may be used only once every seven suns.”

  Hirauka: “I don’t care. Just save her!”

  The serpents slithered down, wrapping around Sayaka’s body. When their fangs sank in, divine light surged across her wounds.

  Moments later, her breathing steadied. The serpents vanished.

  Sayaka (opening her eyes faintly): “Hirauka… is that you? What happened?”

  Hirauka (smiling softly): “I’ll explain later. For now… I’m just glad you’re alive.”

  Sayaka (smiling back): “Thank you… Hirauka.”

  He gazed at her, silence stretching for a heartbeat. Then, softly—

  Hirauka: “Sayaka… I think I finally know who I love.”

  Sayaka: “Who…?”

  Hirauka: “It’s you. I love you, Sayaka. And I’ll keep loving you—even through a millennium.”

  Sayaka (blushing, tears falling): “I love you too, Hirauka-san.”

  They leaned closer, lips meeting under the fading blue light of his aura.

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  Meanwhile, deep in Hell, Makugan’s throne ignited in crimson flames.

  Makugan (furious): “That mortal again! He’s slain my Dragon King! How dare he defy me! I’ll tear his soul apart!”

  Dark fire surged higher, painting the infernal palace in a blaze of rage.

  Back on Earth, Hirauka carried Sayaka to her room, laying her gently on the bed.

  Hirauka: “You should rest now. I should head home… Mom’s waiting.”

  Sayaka: “Can’t you stay? Just tonight.”

  Hirauka (hesitating): “…Alright. Just this once.”

  He sat beside her as the moonlight spilled through the window—two souls resting under the same quiet sky, unaware of the storm Makugan was preparing to unleash.

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