Chapter [76]

Thalia entered her room and, without hesitation, headed for the adjacent bathroom.

The hot water was already running, slowly filling the tub as steam began to rise, enveloping the room in a comforting mist.

"Finally, a moment of peace," Thalia murmured to herself, relieved to be able to relax after the whirlwind of emotions of the day.

She calmly undressed, setting her clothes aside, before stepping into the bath. The hot water immediately enveloped her, relaxing her tense muscles and helping to calm her agitated mind. Thalia leaned back in the tub, closing her eyes and letting her head rest against the edge as the soft heat surrounded her completely.

'Everything alright, partner?' Ddraig's voice echoed in her mind, the concern subtle but evident in the dragon's tone.

'I'm fine, Ddraig,' Thalia responded mentally, trying to reassure her companion. 'It's just... been a tough day.'

'I noticed,' Ddraig continued, her presence manifesting as a slight pulse in the gauntlet that still rested beside the tub. 'What that old woman said affected you more than you're willing to admit.'

Thalia slowly opened her eyes, watching the ripples in the water around her arms. She knew Ddraig was right; Selene's words had stirred doubts and insecurities that Thalia was trying to ignore.

'I know she's right about some things, but I'm not going to let that make me give up,' Thalia asserted.

Ddraig was silent for a moment, pondering what to say. 'Life as a Devil isn't easy, especially when you carry the power of a Longinus like the Boosted Gear. You need to be prepared for the challenges ahead, and for the sacrifices you might have to make.'

Thalia sighed, feeling the weight of Ddraig's words. 'I know, Ddraig. But I don't have a choice. If I want to survive and fight Ares, I need this power. I need Kaito.'

'You're right,' Ddraig agreed. 'But remember that Kaito also needs you. You two are bound now, for better or worse. Make sure that bond is a strength, not a weakness.'

Thalia closed her eyes again, letting Ddraig's words echo in her mind as she sank deeper into the hot water.

...

Kaito was sitting on the couch in Thalia's living room, observing the surroundings while patiently waiting for her return.

After some time, Thalia came down the stairs of the house.

"Let's fight," Kaito said, rising from the couch with a swift, determined movement.

Thalia, who had just descended the stairs, paused for a moment, surprised by Kaito's sudden proposal. However, a smile slowly appeared on her lips, and she crossed her arms, accepting the challenge with a competitive gleam in her eyes.

"I accept the fight," Thalia replied, her voice firm and full of confidence. She crossed her arms, and a challenging smile appeared on her lips.

"Let's go somewhere we can fight without interruptions," Kaito said. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, concentrating his energy. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared under his feet, emitting a bright glow that expanded to envelop Thalia.

Before she could react, the two were teleported to a dense, dark forest, far from the city and any prying eyes.

As soon as they arrived in the forest, Kaito released Thalia, who was a little dazed by the quick transition.

"Will I be able to do that too?" Thalia asked, clearly impressed by the teleportation. Her eyes shone with a mix of surprise and excitement.

"Yes, you will," Kaito replied with a slight smile as he watched Thalia's fascinated expression. "But first, we need to make sure no one will interrupt us."

Kaito raised his hand, and an invisible protective barrier began to form around them, enclosing the area of the forest where they were. The barrier was strong enough to prevent any human or supernatural being from noticing what was happening inside, ensuring the fight could take place without interruptions.

"Ready," Kaito said, lowering his hand after completing the creation of the barrier. "Now we can fight freely."

Thalia looked around, noticing the extent and strength of the barrier Kaito had created. She was impressed with his ability to create such a powerful and discreet protection.

"You're more skilled than I thought," Thalia commented, admiring him.

"I've learned a few things over time," Kaito replied modestly. "Now, let's see what you're capable of."

Thalia smiled and took a few steps back, positioning herself for combat. She raised her left hand, and the red gauntlet of the Boosted Gear materialized, shining intensely with the sunlight filtering through the trees.

"I'm ready," Thalia said, the determination in her voice clear and unwavering.

Kaito nodded and prepared himself, feeling the demonic energy flow through his body as he positioned himself for the fight.

"Let's see what you can do," Kaito said as his body began to emit a demonic aura. He felt the energy pulse through him, strengthening his muscles and heightening his senses.

"Boost!" Ddraig's voice resonated in Thalia's mind, and the red gauntlet glowed intensely as her power instantly doubled.

Thalia smiled challengingly and raised her hand to the sky. "Let's start with style!" she shouted as a bolt of lightning descended from the sky in a sparkling arc, heading straight for Kaito.

Kaito, without hesitation, stomped his foot on the ground, and a shield of earth quickly rose in front of him, blocking the impact of the lightning. The electric energy exploded as it collided with the shield, scattering sparks and fragments of earth into the air.

CRACK-BOOM!

Thalia wasted no time and, enveloped in lightning that crackled around her body, disappeared in an instant, reappearing just behind Kaito, ready to strike.

"You're fast," Kaito commented, quickly turning to face her, but was surprised by Thalia's sudden attack. Lightning shot from her outstretched hand, aiming directly at Kaito.

By reflex, Kaito raised his hand, invoking a nearby tree to rise from the ground and block the attack. The lightning struck the tree, causing it to crackle and burn with energy, but the move was enough for Kaito to dodge and retreat.

"You control nature and bring me to a forest?" Thalia said, a smile playing on her lips as she observed the trees around them.

"It was the most suitable place," Kaito responded, staying calm as he reevaluated his strategy. "Suitable and convenient."

Thalia let out a soft laugh, realizing the advantage he had tried to create for himself. "Let's see if that works," she said, determination in her voice.

She raised her hand again, and more lightning began to gather around her, intensifying in strength.

Kaito, aware of Thalia's growing power, decided to act quickly. With a fluid motion, he raised his hand and channeled his demonic magic into the ground beneath Thalia's feet.

The ground trembled for a brief moment before opening into a deep crater. Thalia, still focused on her next attack, was caught off guard and fell into the crater.

"Oops, looks like someone lost their footing," Kaito said with a mischievous smile as he watched Thalia fall.

CRASH!

Thalia hit the bottom of the crater, kicking up a cloud of dust. She felt the pain from the fall, but her body, reinforced by the Boosted Gear, withstood the impact. She looked up, seeing Kaito standing at the edge of the crater with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Is that the best you can do?" Thalia shouted from within the crater, her voice filled with challenge. Lightning still crackled around her body, showing she was far from defeated.

Kaito observed Thalia from above, noticing the fierce determination in her eyes. He knew this fight was just beginning.

"Are you alright down there?" Kaito teased, still smiling as he observed the situation.

Thalia gritted her teeth, her anger growing with Kaito's provocative attitude. She stood up, the lightning around her body shining even brighter. Ddraig, sensing the rising tension, decided to intervene.

"You won't defeat Ares by fighting like this," Ddraig's voice echoed, full of disdain. The jewel on the gauntlet glowed intensely, reflecting the frustration of the Red Dragon. "If this is your best strategy, you won't last long against a god."

Thalia took a deep breath, trying to control the anger and frustration growing inside her.

Kaito, on the other hand, recognized the seriousness in Ddraig's words. The teasing tone disappeared from his expression, replaced by a deeper understanding of the situation.

"She's right," Kaito said, his voice now more serious as he looked down at Thalia in the crater. "If we keep this up, we won't be ready to face a god like Ares."

"I know," Thalia replied, her voice now more controlled but still filled with determination. "But we need to start somewhere, and this fight is our first step."

Kaito nodded, understanding Thalia's determination. "Then let's fight for real," he said, his voice full of conviction. "No jokes, no holding back. Let's see what we're really capable of."

Thalia smiled slightly, appreciating Kaito's change in attitude. She raised her hand again, channeling more power through the Boosted Gear.

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