Chapter 1 – Anya the Demon
Her body continued to fall. Down and down it went, endlessly…
(Am I going to die? Without fulfilling my promise to Father and Mother…)
Confusion was despair. There was no way to survive. But even so, she couldn’t die. She would become a knight. A splendid knight. A person recognized by everyone…
(So, I…)
“I…!!”
With a thud, Saria sat up.
“…Huh?”
She opened her eyes.
What reflected in her sight was not a rugged rocky cliff, but rather the windings of a cave. Surrounded by stones, it was a rocky cave. Light was shining in from the direction of the entrance.
(What’s going on? Why am I here? What…?)
She had no idea why she was in such a place. Perplexed, she looked around and there was a sword leaning against the cave wall. Along with her travel gear. No, not just her gear. Skillfully hung between the indentations in the cave ceiling were branches and wet knight’s clothing was hung up to dry.
(So that means…)
She hastily looked down at her own body.
“Ah… uugh…”
She was completely naked. She wasn’t wearing any clothes at all. Her breasts of just the right size, her firm waist, her intimate area hidden by thin pubic hair, were all exposed. Her face flushed with embarrassment. There was no one there, but she covered her chest and intimate area with both hands. It seems she had definitely been carried by someone in this situation.
(B-But… who?)
Perplexed, she desperately tried to recall her memories. She remembered fighting a demon that resembled a giant spider. However, its form was not real, but created by magic and its real form was that of a beautiful silver-haired girl.
“It looks like you’re seeing rainbows.”
Suddenly, a voice called out.
“—Huh!?”
Taking the sword from the wall, she took a defensive stance.
“Are you pointing a sword at your savior? How rude of you.”
There was a girl there. A girl with short silver hair, wearing a black gothic dress that seemed out of place in the cave.
Yes, the true form of the demon from her memory… (No, but… it’s a little different…)
But then she noticed the difference. Certainly, the demon she saw at that time had horns. And the color of her eyes was different. The eyes of the demon she remembered were as red as blood. But now the color was gold. Like jewels as clear as a cat’s eye. With transparent white skin, beautiful eyes and a dress that suited her, along with a head — her body was even smaller than Saria’s, making her truly doll-like.
“It seems like you’re confused because my appearance is different from what you remember. So… how about this?”
As if reading Saria’s question, the girl said with a hint of a smile. At the same time, a powerful force overflowed from the girl’s small body. She felt a strong surge of power that made her skin tingle. At the same time, the girl’s body changed. Horns grew from her head, her golden eyes turned red. The same appearance as the demon she saw at that time — no, the transformation didn’t stop there. Bat-like wings sprouted from her back. Even a tail from under the skirt… That appearance was clearly different from that of a human.
“…Ah, demon…”
Gripping the sword tightly.
“Yes. I am a demon. I am Anya the demon… Nice to meet you.”
Without even a hint of hesitation at the pointed sword, Anya introduced herself with a voice like a bell.
“Ugh!!”
Saria hastily tried to sit up. She had to get up quickly or she wouldn’t be able to respond to the enemy’s movements. However, the moment she stood up, her body’s balance wavered. She couldn’t stand properly. Saria staggered and ended up leaning her back against the cave wall.
“It’s better not to be reckless. Falling off a cliff and drowning in a river… You should have consumed quite a bit of energy. You can’t even fight properly like that.”
“I-It’s not like that…”
She tried to act tough.
“Stop pretending. Besides, being threatened like this in such a state is just ridiculous.”
Anya chuckled.
“Huh? Ah…”
At that moment, she remembered that she was completely naked. Once again, Saria considered covering her skin with her hands.
(No, that won’t work…)
But she couldn’t do that. She couldn’t afford to divert the sword from the enemy. Blushing furiously, she continued to point the sword at Anya.
Gripping the sword tightly.
“I see. A lot of determination you have there. But, it’s meaningless. I don’t intend to harm you in any way.”
“Not intend to harm me?”
“Yes, that’s right. So, lower your sword and relax.”
As she spoke, Anya dispelled the horns that had extended. Her eye color returned from red to gold. The wings and tail that had extended also disappeared. The tension that pervaded the cave dissipated. It seemed that she truly had no intention of causing harm — or so it seemed. It was hard to believe. After all, the enemy was a demon. She would likely use any deceitful means to ensnare others. Naturally, she couldn’t lower her sword. Despite staggering, Saria continued to hold her sword ready. Enduring the shame of being exposed…
“That attitude… You don’t trust my words?”
“Of course not. You’re a demon!”
“…Well, that’s true. But then, why is a demon here?”
“What?”
What is she trying to say? Not understanding the meaning of the words, she tilted her head.
“So, you’re wondering who saved the unconscious girl who fell from the cliff into the water.”
“T-That’s…”
She choked on her words. She was saved by someone. That was an undeniable fact. So, who saved her? The first person that comes to mind is the one in front of her…
“No, that’s impossible. A demon saved me? That can’t be true.”
“It is. I’m your savior.”
Anya grinned happily.
“…Someone passing by… No, that’s impossible…”
Saria understands it’s unlikely. This forest is quite remote from civilization. Moreover, it’s a place where a demon lurks, so it’s highly unlikely for ordinary people to pass by. While it’s not entirely impossible that someone else hunting the demon might have… it seems too convenient of a thought. It’s hard to believe. But she has no choice but to accept it. She is dumbfounded. Her body loses all strength and the sword she had been holding drops.
“It seems like you’ve understood.”
Anya seems satisfied with Saria’s attitude.
“…But, why?”
Murmuring her question while still dumbfounded. The opponent is a demon. A being that sees humans as nothing more than food. Why did such a creature save her? It was completely beyond comprehension.
“Why did you save me? If that’s what you’re wondering, then the reason is simple.”
The demon stares intently.
“…I want you to hide me for a while.”
That was the answer to her question.
“To hide… I don’t understand.”
“It’s like this. Look.”
Anya snapped her fingers as she spoke. In response to that sound, the Gothic dress that had covered Anya’s body turned into particles and disappeared. Before Saria’s eyes, the figure of the young demon girl in her natural state was revealed.
Whiter skin than Saria’s. A beautiful skin, smooth like silk, was exposed. She was shorter than Saria, but her chest was somewhat larger. Yet her waist was firm. Her hips swelled, her thighs plump — she had a womanly figure. However, her completely hairless secret area, unlike her voluptuous body, gave a sense of innocence. A figure that seemed somewhat unbalanced.
(…She’s still beautiful…)
Even though she was of the same sex, for a moment, I was captivated. It wasn’t just her facial features. Her body was like that of a doll…
(But, that’s not it!!)
But, I quickly came to my senses.
“Why are you suddenly naked?”
“If you look, you’ll understand. Look… it’s quite bad, isn’t it?”
The moment Anya spoke, a wound appeared right around her navel. Traces of illegal surgery seemed to be etched there…
“What!? What is that?”
The scars were unsuitable for her beautiful figure. She grimaced instinctively and asked for the reason.
“I got into a fight with a demon hunter and ended up with quite a deep wound.”
Anya explained the cause of the scar casually.
“You fought with demon hunters? Were they here?”
“Yes, I honestly got in trouble. They just suddenly appeared. I was completely caught off guard. I got hit in the stomach…”
While laughing, Anya rubbed her lower abdomen. Her attitude and tone were light. So, it was hard to gauge how severe the injury was, but…
(I sense some lingering residue of power from that guy. Is her opponent a magician from a high-ranking clan? If so, the damage seems appropriate.)
That much of an estimate could be made.
“So, what happened to the demon hunters? Did you kill them?”
“…I wish I could have done that.”
Anya shook her head.
“The damage was too severe for me to fight back. I couldn’t do anything in the midst of escaping, then I met you.”
As she spoke, Anya released her hand from her lower abdomen.
Then the wound disappeared. I don’t know how it works, but she’s probably using her powers to conceal it.
“…I see, I understand now.”
I mostly understood what she was saying.
“…Wait, don’t tell me…”
Then I arrived at the answer.
“You want me to hide you from the demon hunters!?”
“Well, that’s one way to put it.”
Anya readily affirmed Saria’s words.
“Of course, it’s not forever. Until this wound heals is fine. As long as my injuries heal, I can protect myself from the demon hunters.”
While saying that she wouldn’t lose to demon hunters if she wasn’t caught off guard,
“How about it?”
She asked with a pleading look.
“How about it… Of course not! Protecting a demon? Unthinkable! I came to exterminate you, after all!”
Of course, there was no way I could accept that. It’s unacceptable to protect demons, beings that harm humans. Especially since I aspire to be a knight. I want to be a protector, but I can’t behave in a way that harms others.
“I see. The knight’s argument is valid. The knight and I are enemies, after all.”
“Of course!”
“But, are you really okay with that, knight?”
Anya’s mouth twisted into a creepy grin.
“What sinister smile… What are you plotting?”
I had a bad feeling about this.
“Plotting? I’m the knight’s savior, you know. Without me, the knight would have died. There’s no doubt about it. Is it okay for the knight to disregard the wishes of her savior?”
“That’s… “
The words ‘savior’ pierced deeply into my chest. Anya’s words were undoubtedly true. Without this demon, I would undoubtedly be dead. But, even so…
“And besides, knight… You want to become a knight, right?”
“What!? How did you know that!?”
It was like a sucker punch. I widened my eyes in surprise. Could this demon really read minds?
“Why? Because you told me.”
“You told me when we first met… ‘I’ll become a knight. I can’t die…’” An almost amused expression crossed Anya’s face.
“That’s… ugh…”
Saria’s shoulders drooped. But she didn’t completely lose heart.
“…Indeed, as you say. I aim to become a knight. But what does that have to do with this!?”
She retorted firmly.
“It’s quite simple.”
Anya replied confidently.
“…Why would that be!?”
“Because, isn’t it? knight are beings of obligation. They repay gratitude to anyone. And especially with such a great debt of gratitude as saving your life… Don’t you think so?”
With a smirk, she looked straight into my eyes.
“Uh… ugh…”
Saria desperately held her gaze. Reminding herself not to give in… But eventually, she reached her limit and as if resigned, Saria averted her eyes from the demon.
“…Y-You’re right…”
The knight Saria aspires to be is the epitome of a knight recognized by anyone. She couldn’t disregard the basic principle of knighthood, repaying gratitude, even if the opponent was a demon…
“I acknowledge it. So… will you shelter me?”
With a triumphant expression, Anya presented herself. Combined with her height and somewhat youthful face, she looked like a proud child. Quite adorable. But there was no room for such feelings now. Gritting her teeth in frustration, Saria nodded. Anya beamed with a smile.
“Ho… however, however!”
Saria latched onto Anya with a desperate expression.
“However? However what?”
“I’ll shelter you. But only until your wounds heal.”
“Of course, I understand.”
Anya nodded.
“No, you don’t understand. Listen… When your wounds heal, I won’t just stop sheltering you.”
Saria stared straight at Anya. “I will kill you. Demon Anya… As a knight, I will surely defeat you!”
She declared firmly. Anya seemed momentarily surprised by this proclamation. However, her surprise seemed to last only a moment, as she quickly regained her smile.
“I thought I showed you enough power, but you’re quite determined. Well, fine. I’ll give you my all as well…”
She paused for a moment, looking a bit puzzled.
“It’s Saria, right?”
“Saria Heartness.”
Saria quickly understood what Anya meant.
“I see… Saria… That’s a nice name.”
As she mumbled her name, she continued, “I’ll give you my all, Saria… when dealing with a knight.”
Continuing from their earlier conversation. While staring straight into Saria’s golden eyes… This time, Saria didn’t look away. They continued to lock eyes.
“Oh, right…”
As if remembering something, Anya spoke up after a while.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, actually, I have one more thing to ask of you.”
“One more? Isn’t sheltering enough?”
“Of course, it is, but if that’s all, you’ll be sheltering me forever.”
“Forever… you mean… it won’t heal naturally?”
When Saria asked, Anya nodded.
“This wound… it’s quite deep. If left to heal naturally, it might stay for the rest of the knight’s life. So… I also need your help in healing.”
“I see… But there’s nothing I can do.”
Saria aims to be a knight, not a doctor. While she has learned battlefield first aid techniques from the knight manual passed down through the Heartness family, she doesn’t know how to heal serious wounds.
Especially when the opponent is a demon.
“I didn’t ask you to treat me.”
Anya smiled wryly as if she could read my thoughts. This demon seems quite intelligent.
“What do you want me to do then?”
“It’s simple. I want to absorb your essence to heal the wound. From your body. Since you’ve come all the way here for demon hunting, you must know, right? What the source of a demon’s power is.”
“That’s… human emotions…”
“Yes…”
Anya nodded.
“But, it’s not exactly that.”
She shook her head, explaining, “What we desire is the power of the essence swayed by human emotions. Especially fear…”
With such an explanation.
“So, you’re gonna make me afraid?”
“…That’s the quickest way. But creating fear is quite difficult. It’s one thing to take advantage of the element of surprise, but declaring that you’ll scare someone and then scaring them is a bit absurd, don’t you think?”
It’s a convincing argument. But then, what does Anya intend to do?
“Fear won’t work. So, I’ll generate essence with a different emotion.”
Even before I could voice my question, Anya provided an answer.
“The emotion that generates the most power right after fear.”
She said, slowly approaching Saria. Walking through the cave completely naked, she approached Saria, who was also exposed.
“W-What are you doing?”
Despite being of the same sex, being completely naked was quite unsettling, causing Saria to blush slightly.
Gently placing her hand on Saria’s cheek, Anya whispered, “The emotion I desire is arousal.”
“That’s right, arousal…”
That’s precisely the emotion that is most delicious after fear, according to the demon.
“Touch someone who’s aroused. By doing that, I can absorb their essence.”
While speaking, she stroked Saria’s cheek with her fingers. No, not just the cheek. She reached out to her neck and chest.
“Hey! St-Stop it!!”
She’s trying to distance herself in a panic.
“No, Saria. Don’t run away… If you do, I can’t steal your essence. And if I can’t steal your essence, my wound won’t heal. Is that okay with you?”
“But, this is… pointless. I’m a knight… knight don’t indulge in… such things…”
Strictly speaking, she’s not a true knight. But she has the heart of one. So she shouldn’t be excited about this kind of thing.
“Now, how about that?”
She stared intently. Unlike before, her gaze was somewhere between intense and passionate.
“D-Don’t… look…”
Feeling flustered by Anya’s somewhat provocative attitude. For some reason, her heart was pounding. She felt scared of being noticed in this state, so Saria tried to distance herself from Anya. But in that moment…
Smooch
“Mmmph!?”
Anya’s lips pressed against Saria’s. A soft sensation transmitted. No, it wasn’t just softness. Warmth, too. The other party is not human. It’s a demon, but the warmth feels comforting. For a moment, it felt like all strength left her body.
“W-What are you doing!!”
However, the kiss was fleeting.
Saria quickly pushed Anya away.
“Why would you… do something like this all of a sudden…”
Confused by what had just happened, Saria cursed at Anya.
“Hehehe.”
In response to Saria’s confusion, Anya showed a genuinely amused expression.
“W-What’s so funny!?”
“It’s nothing, really… Just, you know… I got what I wanted.”
Anya’s smile directed at the flustered Saria was truly the smile of a demon.
