In a shadowed alley of the Darklord Citadel, unnoticed by all.

Alquett stared at Viola before her, a sharp pang stinging her nose.

So long apart… she’d grown so thin.

What unspeakable torments had she endured in that cell…? Poor thing…

But it would all be over soon. Very soon. For she, the Hero, would rescue her from this abyss!

Memories of her own humiliation, sleepless nights in prison, and crushing nightmares flooded back. Tears welled in Alquett’s eyes.

The one she’d yearned for day and night stood right here. She longed to throw herself into Viola’s arms and weep out her sorrow.

Yet reason held her back—they weren’t safe yet.

Meanwhile, Viola glanced down at the black robe Alquett had thrust at her, frowning.

*Why is the Hero here…? Wasn’t she locked up by Lilith?*

“Lord Alquett… how did you escape?”

“Two werewolves freed me secretly. They even planned to report that Dragonmaid for dereliction of duty—but never mind that! Put on the cloak and follow me!” Alquett’s voice grew fervent.

“The wretched hatchling’s absent. This is our perfect chance to flee! Even heaven favors us!”

Viola’s gaze flicked to the shopping bag lying abandoned on the street, its scattered boxes stained with mud. Her lips tightened in displeasure.

Those were… carefully chosen treasures from the supermarket.

And hearing her speak so crudely of Lilith? A flicker of irritation stirred deep within.

Alquett, oblivious to the shadow on Viola’s face, seized her wrist, eyes burning.

“For you, I defied the Church’s orders! For you, I knocked out my guards and slipped from confinement! For you, I pretended to lose to that Dragonmaid, letting myself be captured… For you…”

“I’ve found you at last! Viola, I swear—I’ll never let you leave my side again! No one will ever hurt you while I live!”

Viola’s face twisted into a baffled, disgusted grimace.

“Are… you alright…?”

Hearing such concern—for the first time—made warmth surge through Alquett. She thumped her chest confidently.

“I’m perfectly fine! Don’t worry, Viola. A little torture couldn’t even ruffle a single hair on my head!”

“…Mm. If you’re leaving, stop by the fourth house east of the crossroads in Block Two near the city gate. The one with the black cross sign.”

Alquett’s eyes lit up. “What? Viola, is it a secret Demonkind stronghold?!”

“No.” Viola shook her head slowly.

“A hidden escape route you prepared?”

“No. That’s Kaam Insane Asylum.” Her tone turned grave. “Their psychiatrists have decades of experience. I strongly suggest you visit, Hero. Please don’t give up on treatment.”

*Thud—!*

Critical mental hit.

Super effective.

“Guh…”

Alquett looked up, stunned. The moonlight of her heart now regarded her with open disdain.

Watching Viola toss the robe aside and walk away to gather her scattered belongings, Alquett felt her world crumbling.

“Viola!” She lunged forward, clutching the hem of Viola’s skirt. “I’m not—I’m not mad! I came to save you from Demon City! You’ve been brainwashed! It’s those demons’ fault… but trust me! I’ll make you remember who you truly are! You won’t suffer here anymore!”

“Ah yes, yes—could you lift your foot? You’re stepping on my new bath towel.”

“I’ll be your unbreakable shield! We’ll wander the world together, righting wrongs!”

“Higher, yes—like that. Thanks.”

“I’ll sweep away every sorrowful memory! I’ll give you a happy future!”

Kneeling, Alquett poured out her heart, clutching Viola’s skirt, tears streaming.

Viola calmly stuffed snacks into her bag, wiping her cheek with her sleeve.

“Viola!!! Don’t you miss our old days? Remember fighting side by side? The joy on people’s faces when we completed quests… Everyone’s waiting for us to defeat the Demonlord and return victorious! How can you join these evil demons now? Please… wake up!”

“…”

Viola sighed softly. She set down her bag, stood tall, and spoke.

“How disgustingly fake.”

Her icy tone was unrecognizable.

“…Huh?” Alquett froze.

“Chasing heroism is your choice. Do as you please.”

“But Viola—you’re the most important member of our Crusader Squad—”

Pink lips parted, cutting her off—and shattering her heart.

“Clutching the past like this? Pathetic.”

“You should’ve forgotten by now.”

“Why… why must I forget? We were so happy together…

Everyone gathered joyfully every day. Now we’re scattered… isn’t that strange?

Please… I want you back. I want our squad reborn…”

Alquett gripped Viola’s wrist, pleading. Viola didn’t flinch.

“The Crusader Squad is dead.”

“It can never be revived.”

“It’s not dead! I’ve been fighting to save you—”

“No one asked you to.” Viola’s voice turned glacial. “Final warning: stay out of my life.” She yanked her wrist free, bag in hand, turning away.

“Wait! Don’t go!” Alquett scrambled after her, collapsing to her knees. “What must I do? Anything—I’ll do anything to bring you back!”

Viola glanced back, her gaze frigid from above.

“How much conviction do you truly have?

You’re just a child. Can you really carry another’s life on your shoulders?”

“I…” Alquett’s head dropped.

“‘Anything’ is a heavy word. Don’t promise what you can’t bear.

You only ever think of yourself.”

“…”

Viola walked away without looking back.

Alquett remained on the ground, staring at her retreating figure.

…

“So, I told you already—”

A familiar, pity-laced voice drifted from the shadows.

“Viola’s perfectly happy in the Darklord Citadel. She doesn’t need saving.”

Lilith stepped out. She’d tracked Viola via the lewd mark on her abdomen but stayed hidden behind a tree, observing silently.

***[System Alert: Alquett’s Capture Rate +5%! +10%! +20%! Current Progress: 95%]***

Only when the notification chimed did she emerge.

Alquett sprang up, fury blazing. She lunged at the goth-dressed loli, grabbing her collar. “You…! You wretched Dragonmaid! Is this your doing?! You brainwashed Viola! Undo it now!”

Lilith’s mind raced—*95% capture rate?! I thought she’d cave in three sentences! This feels like 5%!*

***[System Alert: Sentient beings’ minds cannot be fully quantified by numbers. Progress bar for reference only. Reality takes precedence.]***

*Reality?! I’m being strangled alive here!*

Gasping, Lilith forced calm into her voice. “If she’s brainwashed… can’t you see it for yourself?”

“…”

***[System Alert: Alquett’s Capture Rate +1%! Current Progress: 96%]***

“I did nothing. Viola chose to stay.”

Alquett’s eyes dimmed. Her grip loosened.

***[System Alert: Alquett’s Capture Rate +1%! Current Progress: 97%]***

Seeing her despair, Lilith pressed on gently. “It’s not too late. Join us now. Let the Minister carve the sigil on you—you’ll be a Demonkind initiate. You’ll see Viola daily. Maybe even meet others—”

“Silence! I’d die before joining Demonkind!”

***[System Alert: Alquett’s Capture Rate +1%! Current Progress: 98%]***

“And as her superior… you could do *anything* to her~”

***[System Alert: Alquett’s Capture Rate +1%! Current Progress: 99%]***