The Demon Unleashed  

In the preparation room backstage, a blue-haired girl named Freya is readying herself for her imminent performance, while a skilled and dedicated makeup artist meticulously adorns this enchanting young lady. 

In truth, the makeup artist believes that the Water Songstress is already a flawless beauty, a stunning vision that requires no enhancement; even in her natural state, Freya possesses the allure to captivate all. 

However, the act of applying makeup signifies respect for her fans, a testament that each performance is approached with utmost seriousness by this azure diva. 

Thus, for the average person, the only opportunity to witness this girl, who usually appears barefaced, in full makeup is during her performances. 

"Ah, how beautiful you are, Sister Freya! Truly, you are a heartthrob," remarked a handsome golden-haired youth, reclining comfortably on the sofa with a smile. "I find it hard to tear myself away." 

"Hehe... then don't leave," Freya chuckled lightly, allowing the makeup artist to continue applying various luxurious products to her face. She glanced at the mirror, catching sight of the languid boy on the sofa and added, "But you won't be able to hear my singing from here. Are you certain you want to stay?" 

"Hehe... just kidding! It's a rare chance to see your performance, Sister Freya. How could I possibly miss it?" The golden-haired youth calculated the time and stood up. "Well, it's about time, isn't it? I'll head to the stands now, Sister Freya. I'm looking forward to your performance, so don't take too long. You should know, not just me, but thousands are waiting for you out there." 

"Got it, got it! Off you go, you little chatterbox, sounding like an old man. Be careful or you might find it hard to get a girlfriend in the future," Freya teased playfully, waving her hand in farewell. 

"Well, if I can't find one, I'll have to trouble you to introduce me, Sister Freya. After all, you've met so many beautiful women during your travels across the continent. Alright, I'm off. Hurry up, I'm eager to see how your singing can enchant countless hearts," the boy chuckled as he gradually exited the lounge. 

In the corridor outside, few staff members remained, as this backstage area was merely for preparations. Most had gathered in front of the stage in the arena, where their true work commenced. 

With a warm smile illuminating his face, Ezreal navigated through several wooden corridors, heading toward a designated passage leading directly to the arena. 

A biting cold wind swept through. 

The golden-haired youth halted in his tracks, turning slightly to see a detached young man approaching from the opposite side. 

Draped in a tattered gray cloak, the man's face bore an expression as cold and unfeeling as a stone statue, devoid of any emotion. His long hair, a mix of gray and white, lent him an air of dishevelment and weariness. 

He was a man with a story. 

From the moment Ezreal laid eyes on him, this feeling arose within him. He stepped forward and smiled, asking, "Excuse me, sir, judging by your attire, you don't appear to be a staff member. How did you end up backstage?" 

Casting a dispassionate glance at the golden-haired youth, the man replied indifferently, "I'm here as a staff member to take out the trash. They asked me to clean the storage room today, but I've searched for ages and haven't found it or seen any staff. Do you know where the storage room is, young man?" 

Evaluating the man with subtle scrutiny, Ezreal's gaze lingered for a moment on the tattered clothing concealed beneath the gray cloak. 

Ezreal then smiled, "Oh, I see. My apologies, sir. I thought you were a fervent fan of Sister Freya sneaking in for an autograph. Hehe... the storage room is in that direction; just follow this corridor, and you'll find it." 

"Thanks." The cloaked man replied coolly, turning away to follow Ezreal's directions. 

Ezreal stood in silence, watching the man's retreating figure for quite some time, until it vanished around the corner. 

Rubbing his nose with a wry smile, Ezreal sighed, "Am I being overly sensitive? Yet, no matter how I look at him, he seems just like an ordinary person." 

As he turned to leave, a sense of unease lingered in his heart. Upon reflection, he couldn't pinpoint what felt amiss, leaving him somewhat troubled. 

(Ah, that was close to being discovered! Hahaha... human boy, you're quite fortunate to have stumbled upon a peer-level powerhouse while wandering around. Well, although this handsome lad may not match your strength, he is still a ninth-tier warrior. If your intentions had been uncovered, dealing with him would have taken considerable time, and by then, that charming little diva would have surely escaped.) 

Within the confines of his mind, the demon cackled incessantly. 

(Isn't it thrilling? Exciting? Hahahaha... But indeed, the Valoran continent is rife with oddities. That handsome lad couldn't possibly be older than eighteen, right? In a land where humans can live to an average of one hundred and eighty years, this young man is still merely a child, yet he has already attained the ninth tier.) 

(He's far superior to you, who merely reached the ninth tier by devouring the curse of demons as a shortcut. He is a true prodigy, while you are just a fortunate mortal. How does that feel? Frustrating? Jealous?) 

(Well... I can understand that mindset. Hehe... Don't worry, I won't mock you. On the contrary, I'll empathize and assist you! What do you say? Let's turn back and eliminate that young man. Erasing a genius is my favorite pastime, hahahaha...) 

However, the demon's boisterous laughter and seductive suggestions were met with the cold response of the indifferent man, "Boring." 

Rejecting the demon's proposal, Xiao Mu Yu continued down the corridor leading to the storage room, following the red arrows on either side, heading towards the lounge of the charming Water Songstress. 

The wind stirred. 

The demon was unleashed.