A barely perceptible twitch flickered across Olba's face.

A trace of gloom flashed deep in his eyes,

Yet it was quickly masked by deeper calculation.

He did not deny Lucifer's accusation; he only said coldly, "Our objectives are the same, Lucifer."

"I must eliminate every potential factor that threatens the Church's stability—or my own standing."

"And you… want to return to Heaven, wipe away your disgrace, and sit once more upon an angel's throne."

"The Demon King Satan is one of the greatest obstacles to your return, because his very existence is a mockery and provocation to Heaven's order."

"And Emilia… her Holy Sword is the only thing that can truly endanger you."

In this world without holy mana,

She may not be much to fear,

But her mere presence is a variable in our plan.

"So eradicating them benefits us both."

The smile on Lucifer's face slowly faded.

Within his golden slit pupils remained only an icy chill—and a faint, almost‑hidden longing.

Return to Heaven…

That place he once grew weary of and cast aside, yet now obsesses over…

Olba had struck his weakest spot with precision.

"Hmph. Old fox, you're right this time."

Lucifer let out a cold snort.

"That fool of a Demon King is scraping by like a beggar in a world without magic—hardly worth notice."

"And as for the Hero, without holy mana to support her, her Holy Sword is no more than a sharper piece of iron."

Finding them and crushing them would be child's play.

"Except…"

He frowned slightly and flexed his fingers.

"The rules of this world are truly troublesome."

"Magic is so thin it's revolting. I need power—enough power to grind them to dust."

A gleam flashed in Olba's eyes.

"So—you've found a way to obtain that power?"

The devilish curve returned to Lucifer's lips.

He raised his head, gazing at the sky through cracks in the factory's dilapidated roof.

"Fear!"

"Human fear is one of the purest, most primal, and easiest‑to‑collect emotional energies in this world."

"It may not be as refined as magic, but once converted, it is fuel enough to drive my strength."

"Fear…"

Olba nodded thoughtfully.

"Well suited to a fallen angel like you."

"So—where do you intend to kindle the first flame of fear?"

Lucifer's gaze seemed to pierce every barrier, settling on the city center,

Where numerous schools stood.

"A place… brimming with life, yet fragile enough."

He spoke softly, cruel anticipation burning in his golden eyes.

"A perfect stage where countless hopes can be turned to despair in an instant."

…

The weather was fine, the sun bright.

During recess on the vast field of the integrated academy, youthful clamor and vigor filled the air.

Students chased one another, chatted in groups, or sweated it out on the track.

No one noticed the lone figure floating high in the sky, almost merging with the blue.

Lucifer unfurled the enormous black wings on his back, wings seemingly woven from shadow.

His clothes snapped in the wind; his unconventional red‑gold hair whipped freely.

He looked down at the students—tiny as ants, yet teeming with life.

On his handsome, wicked face appeared a satisfied smile, like a scientist admiring specimens.

"What… perfect fuel."

He murmured, molten‑gold pupils gleaming with cold excitement.

Slowly, he raised his right hand; long fingers traced an elegant arc through the air.

Where the fingertips passed,

Space seemed torn by an unseen force.

Complex crimson patterns glowing ominously appeared from nothing,

Rapidly spreading, interweaving—

In a blink, they formed an eerie magic circle tens of meters across.

At its core, like the eye of an abyss, pulsed a terrifying energy that made hearts pound!

Down on the field, someone finally noticed the abnormal sky.

"Look up there! What is that?!"

"Such a huge design! A projection?"

"It feels terrifying…"

"What is that thing?!"

The clamor gradually died away,

Replaced by uncertain murmurs and a growing wave of fear.

Countless eyes stared in horror at the gigantic, evil magic circle above.

Lucifer felt the fear below rising—streams converging—and the curve of his mouth grew ever more cruel.

This was only the appetizer.

"Tremble, insects. Your terror shall be the cornerstone of my return to Heaven!"

He proclaimed.

The voice was not loud, yet like a demonic whisper in the ear,

It pierced space itself, ringing in every upturned student's heart and instantly driving panic to its peak!

"My God, someone spoke!"

"A monster! It's a monster!"

"Run—!"

Screams erupted; the field was plunged into chaos.

Pleasure flashed in Lucifer's eyes.

Magic surged into his body.

Without hesitation, he slammed his raised right hand downward!

"Rain of Hellfire!"

The core of the massive circle burst into a blinding dark‑red light.

Countless black‑flamed, lava‑like fireballs howled forth.

Lucifer could already picture what would follow:

Fireballs striking earth, explosions, flames spreading panic like a plague.

Despairing screams merging into a torrent, the vast, pure energy of fear flooding into him like a river… granting power enough to crush both Demon King and Hero!

Yet—

Just as the dense shower of black fireballs was about to reach the air above the field—

Sudden upheaval!

It was as though someone pressed a pause button on the entire space.

Every descending fireball, tails of flame and all, solidified in mid‑air,

Like specimens embedded in a gigantic block of transparent amber.

Even the destructive energy fluctuations and shrill screams vanished, as if erased!

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!