16. Rampage

Luminous lay on Acheron's lap, enjoying the moment of leisure. Acheron's fingers moved gently through her hair, providing a soothing comfort that had become a cherished part of their morning routine. However, their peaceful respite was abruptly interrupted by a resonant voice that echoed through the room.

[Notice. Individual Milim Nava is evolving into a True Demon Lord. After evolution is completed, those close to her will obtain gifts.]

Both Luminous and Acheron shot to their feet, their expressions shifting from serene to alarmed.

"We need to move, now," Luminous said urgently.

Acheron nodded, her usual stoicism giving way to swift action. Luminous conjured a gate, its edges glowing with holy energy. Together, they stepped through, emerging into a scene of chaos.

On the other side, Guy Crimson was locked in a struggle against Milim, who had lost all semblance of reason. Her attacks were fierce and unrelenting, and Guy was clearly reaching his limit trying to contain her without causing harm.

Acheron wasted no time, rushing forward and delivering a powerful punch that sent Milim reeling. Guy looked over, a mix of relief and irritation on his face. "Huh, finally. What took you so long?"

Acheron's eyes were cold. "What did you do to her?"

Guy raised his hands in mock surrender. "I did nothing. I was trying to prevent her from causing more damage."

Luminous stepped forward, her presence regal and commanding. "Watch your tongue, demon."

Guy smirked. "Ah, you must be the daughter of the Ancestor."

Luminous's eyes flashed with anger, but Acheron placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "We need to focus on Milim."

Luminous huffed but nodded. "This isn't over, demon. I'll deal with you later."

Guy's smirk widened. "I'll be waiting."

Milim, having recovered, charged back into the fray, her attacks wild and destructive. Acheron met her head-on, using her sword in its scabbard to deflect blows and keep her at bay. Despite Milim's increased power, Acheron's speed kept her in the fight. However, Milim's sheer strength was overwhelming, and Acheron struggled to keep up. The pressure mounted, forcing Acheron to consider going all out.

As Milim began to overpower her, Acheron made a decisive move. She took a step back, and suddenly, the battlefield transformed. The ground beneath them turned into a vast ocean, and the sky darkened, painted in shades of black, white, and red. A distant black hole loomed on the horizon, sucking in the surrounding light.

Acheron unsheathed her katana, and red sparks rippled out from the blade. Her eyes turned red with white irises, and blood began to leak from them as if she were crying. Her hair turned white, and her left forearm turned red, adorned with blooming red flowers.

"It's time to go to sleep," Acheron intoned, her voice cold and final.

Luminous and Guy watched in awe as Acheron and Milim were engulfed in a different dimension. In this alternate space, Acheron fought with an intensity that bordered on desperation. Milim, covered in wounds that refused to heal, continued her relentless assault.

Acheron bit her lip, knowing she was running out of options. She was faced with a choice: kill or be killed. The weight of the decision bore down on her, and for the first time, she felt the true gravity of her power.

Just as she was about to make her final move, a new presence appeared. A woman with wings materialized, radiating an otherworldly aura. Acheron immediately got her guard up, but the woman raised a hand in peace.

"I'm a friend of Milim," the winged woman said, her voice calm and soothing. "My name is Ramiris, the Spirit Queen."

Acheron hesitated, still wary. "How did you get here? This dimension is my creation."

Ramiris smiled. "I used the spirits of Nihility to enter. It's a tricky process, but necessary to help Milim."

Luminous, having followed closely behind, spoke up. "I just followed right behind her."

Ramiris turned to Luminous, surprised. "You followed me? Do you realize we're now trapped in this dimension? Only the one who cast it can take us back."

Luminous looked at Acheron in her Emanator form, mesmerized by her appearance. The transformation had an ethereal beauty, and for a moment, Luminous was lost in admiration before snapping back to reality.

As Ramiris approached Milim, Luminous followed. "Do you know how to stop this rampage?" Luminous asked.

Ramiris looked at Milim, sadness in her eyes. "Her core has been overtaken by her skill. She's now just a rampaging beast."

Luminous's heart sank. "Is there a way to cure her?"

Ramiris nodded. "There is a way." Before anyone could react, a light enveloped Ramiris and Milim, who was still in her coffin. When the light faded, Milim had transformed back into a small fairy form, similar to Ramiris.

"She will be fine now," Ramiris assured them.

Acheron sheathed her katana, her form returning to normal. Ramiris looked at her with a frown. "Aaaah, because of you, there's a new element now. Do you know how much work it will take to get the new spirits in their place?"

Luminous looked at Acheron, who seemed exhausted but relieved. "We should get back."

Acheron nodded, and with a wave of her hand, the dimension dissolved, returning them to the battlefield where Guy Crimson stood waiting.

"All done?" Guy asked casually.

"Yes," Luminous replied curtly. "For now."

As they prepared to return, the Voice of the World spoke again. [Notice: Bestowing gifts.]

Luminous began to feel drowsy, the strain of the battle and the sudden announcement taking its toll. Acheron noticed and gently supported her. "You should go to sleep," she said softly.

Luminous nodded, her eyes fluttering closed. "Thank you, Acheron," she murmured as she drifted into a deep sleep.

Acheron looked at the sleeping Milim and Luminous, her expression softening. Carefully, she lifted both of them into her arms, ensuring they were secure. With a determined look, she opened a new gate and stepped through, carrying them back home.

Upon their return, Acheron gently laid Luminous and Milim in bed, ensuring they were comfortable. She stood guard, watching over them as they slept, ready to protect them from any threats that might arise.

As the night deepened, Acheron allowed herself a moment of reflection. The battle had been intense, but they had emerged victorious. More importantly, she had ensured the safety of those she cared about.

She settled into a chair beside their beds, her eyes never leaving them. For now, they were safe, and that was all that mattered.

(End of a chapter)