"Timing is everything... When he attacks, that's also when he's most vulnerable..."

Isaac panted, eyes locked on the shifting "threads" across the Hunting Knight's armor. The scythe's tip struck the greatsword's weakest point with surgical precision, carving out an opening.

Exiled by the Demon King's Castle barrier, Isaac's power had plummeted. Fatigue bled through her stance.

She wouldn't risk using the Holy Artifact here. A Knight of the Royal Guard was manageable—but drawing the Royal Court, or worse, the Demon King himself? That would be disastrous.

*So weak. I expected more from a rat who slipped through the barrier.*

Beneath his helmet, Hunting Knight Wolf's eyes flickered with faint disappointment. Isaac's small frame swayed under his crushing blows.

*Now—this move.*

The knight stepped back, then launched skyward. His blade gathered momentum, poised to cleave scythe and flesh in one stroke.

*There!*

Isaac's mind stayed ice-cold. As the knight committed to his swing, a "point" flared on his right shoulder—a nexus of explosive power, yet also his sole vulnerability in that instant.

Professionally speaking: the Hunting Knight's momentary *fatal flaw*.

Ignoring the sword wind howling like fangs toward her body, Isaac drew the twin-barreled pistol etched with holy runes at her thigh.

Compressed divine energy surged. An instant before impact, she squeezed the trigger.

***BANG!***

The knight's pauldron shattered. He spun through the air, sword and all, crashing over ten meters away.

That shot could shatter a demon beast's skull—but only cracked Wolf's armor. Beneath the wreckage, corded muscle smoked faintly, unbroken.

"ARGH! That *stings*!"

Grimacing behind his visor, the knight staggered upright. Shattered plates clattered to the ground. His right side hung numb; his sword slipped from paralyzed fingers. Fighting on was impossible.

*Huff... huff...*

Seizing the chance, Isaac fled like a cornered beast. Her parkour sent her darting between buildings, boots scraping stone.

Exhaustion gnawed at her bones—but explosive agility outpaced the Royal Guard pursuers. The castle wall loomed just steps ahead.

"Don't run."

Atop the highest tower, Tower Knight stood braced behind a rune-carved anti-materiel rifle. Its scope tracked a flickering white shadow beneath optical camouflage.

Mana flooded the barrel. Runes glowed as heat shimmered the air. The knight's gaze sharpened—then fired the moment the white cloak fluttered at the wall's base.

***BANG----!***

The hypersonic mana bullet screamed. Like a cannon shell, it detonated against the barrier-reinforced wall, blasting a gaping hole.

Smoke cleared. The arriving guards found no corpse. No blood.

Tower Knight pressed a hand to his temple, scanning the ruins. He shook his head, signaling the search party:

"Stand down. The infiltrator has left the Demon King's Castle."

.....

"This way! Quick!"

As Isaac neared the breach, a crisp, melodic voice cut through the chaos.

A slender hand yanked her aside—as if waiting in ambush.

The spot where she'd stood erupted in a shower of sparks and stone.

"Safe enough here."

Silver-haired, golden-eyed, the girl in ornate military uniform dragged Isaac into a chamber. Light revealed a tidy office.

"No formal introductions yet. I am Executive Officer Avel. Acting on the Demon King's will."

Before Isaac could react, the girl announced herself with proud dignity—her bearing radiating earnest integrity.

Except for the long, backward-curving horns crowning her head. Goat-like.

Ordinary Demon Race bore no horns. Only life-devouring demons grew such twisted protrusions.

"Executive Officer... Avel..."

Isaac's fingers tightened around the scythe hidden beneath her cloak. She knew that name. This girl was the Demon King's most loyal executor.

"No need for tension." Avel's smile held an edge, yet carried genuine warmth. "You came to rescue the captured Holy Maiden, yes? Then we're on the same side."

"So, Life-Reaping Holy Maiden Isaac—and the lady eavesdropping through her familiar—we should talk."

Silence stretched. Under Isaac's wary stare and Avel's calm gaze, a delicate mechanical owl fluttered from the shadows, landing on Isaac's shoulder.

It pecked her head—*hard*.

"Ow!"

Isaac rubbed her scalp, teary-eyed. Recognizing the craftsmanship, she already knew who piloted the owl.

"Listen here, kid," the owl flapped indignantly, voicing its operator's scolding.

"Don't dive too deep! Retreat at the first sign of danger—I *told* you! Now you're stranded in the enemy's stronghold!"

"Well... I met an unexpected opponent..." Isaac pouted, looking utterly pitiful.

"*Exactly!* You went too deep, dummy!"

Another peck. Seeing Isaac's near-tears, the owl sighed.

"...Fine. At least you're unharmed."

Its round lenses turned to the uniformed girl. "Executive Officer Avel—if I may address you so? I am Mystic Saintess Joshua. What would you discuss with us?"

Even across miles, Avel sensed the distrust radiating from the mechanical owl. Isaac's grip on her scythe remained firm—gratitude hadn't eased her guard.

*Even without your pull, I'd have dodged that bullet,* Isaac thought. *The chase afterward would've been messy.*

"Seems I'm thoroughly distrusted."

Avel's voice carried crisp authority—unlike Noah's honeyed tones, hers brooked no argument.

She casually brewed coffee, keeping distance as she leaned against the desk.

"If you want to save the Healing Saintess... I can help."