20 Soul Duel?

Before Orion could fully see his target, she was already doubled over while clenching her head. It was almost as if she were in immense pain.

"So you wanted me here for that? Heh. Just sit back, it'll be easy."

A blade of light began to shine as it materialized in his grip. His eyes stared deeply into the shadowy hair of the woman he was summoned to fight. Her body was beyond outstanding, barely covered by any form of clothing. Orion couldn't hold back the urge to lick his lips.

"Boy! She is blessed by another! An evil demon that wishes to rid this world of humans and gods alike! Do not hold back my divine fury!"

Orion waved him off, his smug grin lighting up. He could do whatever he wished with a woman like her.

"Damn. Taking a second and third look is totally worth it. If I could bund her soul, I'd marry her in an inst-"

His voice cut off as a sharp burst of wind slammed into his chest. He was sent tumbling backwards, quickly stumbling back to his feet in time to lay his eyes on his target once more. Her once black hair was now a snow white. He skin had grown more pale, while he clothing had been torn to shreds and replaced by a deep and dark metal. It covered her arms and legs, as well as her waist and bust. Her midriff was left exposed, while something akin to wings seemed to sprout from her lower back, between them a sharp and metallic tail. Atop her head, piercing through her moonlike hair, a pair of obsidian horns pushed forward then up.

"Shit. She really is a demon."

-

Aveline looked down at her hands. A metal substance now coated her skin, yet still felt like her bare body. She was confused, yet her eyes fell into a deep flare as she looked up. Orion was on his feet, his guard up now.

"To think I would get this chance."

Aveline didn't wait any longer. She barreled forward, her long leg whipping outwards. Orion raised his sword, but his speed was subpar. As her leg connected to his gut, Orion was blown backwards. He slid and spun for a moment before propping himself up on his sword.

"This bitch!"

Raising his sword, Orion was about to attack. His mistake. Aveline had already slipped under his arms and lifted him over her head. His eyes were wide with fear as he looked down into her eyes. Her lips were curled into a dark smile. Lifted over her head, his sword had slipped and clattered on the ground.

"Release him vile woman! I shall not destroy you!"

Aveline looked up towards the voice. Her eyes had a wicked light as she slammed Orion into the ground. As she lifted her free hand, her eyes had begun to darken once more. Releasing Orion, she noticed a sound akin to beating and banging from all around her. The area around her began to crack and fall apart.

"This way, Champion! Get out of... oh wow."

Aveline followed Hika's voice, falling through the broken Soul World. When she heard it close back, a deep breath was all it took for her body to revert. Her eyes were lifted to see Hika standing over her.

"That was an interesting... transformation."

Aveline got to her feet and glared.

"Demon. What did I get myself into?"

Hika stumbled a little as they began to scratch their neck.

"Well... there should be no issues to explain. After all, I am the Origin God of THIS world."

Aveline nodded. She knew there would be other worlds, seeing as she was originally from a different world. Hika gave a playful wink as they continued.

"Alvol is right. I am a demon, yet not exactly. He is a God, yet... not exactly."

Aveline sighed as she crossed her arms.

"Are you like... some sort of Risen Demon? Like the opposite of a Fallen Angel?"

Hika blinked a few times, stunned.

"Uh... yes. I betrayed... well everyone I ever knew. I protected the races a few too many times, so I was eventually recruited by Gods. It was a strange experience, but they decided to send me here. Things happened and I ended up growing this world to be similar to your game... weirdly enough."

Aveline could only nod.

"Alvol is, as I said, the opposite. He is Fallen. He was a greedy and corrupt God, cast away from what he knew when he began to prove that greed. He followed me, hiding and biding his time. When I decided to rest, he took hold of this world. I had no idea my hold on my world would be so weak after deciding to sleep."

Aveline pushed her hair back and sighed again.

"Hika, this is hard to believe. I can't just simply put my trust in what you say, but I'll continue to rely on your support. This power, it's at least useful."

Aveline relaxed a little.

"You may need to wake back up soon. Do not forget, you still need to get out of the forest. You seem to be nearing a decent enough exit, however... your friend may make it difficult."

Before she could respond, Aveline found herself opening her eyes with Lyla standing before her. Her eyes had become feral.

"Eh... Lyla?"