CHAPTER 281: FAKE HERO? REAL PROBLEM.

Ashblade stood still, his sword in hand.

Whisperlash stood beside him, her whip coiled but ready.

In front of them stood Reval—the leader of the branch base.

His grin never left his face.

Behind him, the two flame mutants growled, their bodies glowing with red energy.

Their breathing was heavy, loud, and full of heat.

Fire danced across their skin like it was alive.

The rest of the cultists stood to the side, watching in silence.

Strangely, none of them moved to chase the other three heroes.

Volt, Ember, and Sightpiercer had already disappeared into the rocky path above.

Ashblade narrowed his eyes.

"You let them go," he said. "Why?"

Reval shrugged. "To play, of course."

He stepped forward, slowly, his steps echoing.

"After I kill you two," he continued.

"I’ll just go after them. This volcanic region is massive. They can’t hide for long."

Ashblade kept watching him. "Are you sure about that?"

Reval chuckled. "You think I’m scared?"

Ashblade’s voice was calm. "No. I’m asking if you’re underestimating us."

Reval smirked wider. "Of course not."

"You’re insects. Stepping into a nest of fire ants, thinking you’re hunters. Cute."

Ashblade gave a small nod. "I see."

Then he turned to Whisperlash. "No need to pretend anymore."

Whisperlash tilted her head. "Really?"

"Time to leave the Hero Association."

Whisperlash grinned. "Finally."

Her voice still had that playful tone, but now it was sharper. Colder.

She stepped forward, hips swaying, as her figure began to shimmer.

Her fake hero suit faded, like smoke peeling off her skin.

What stood before them now was a different woman entirely.

She was tall—taller than before.

Her bodysuit was tight, black, and traced with glowing pink lines that pulsed with energy.

A short velvet jacket hung from her shoulders.

Her long hair flowed down her back, golden at the top, fading into pink near the ends.

Her rose-pink eyes stared at Reval, half-lidded, as if this wasn’t serious to her at all.

Reval’s smirk faltered. "What the..."

He looked between her and Ashblade. "What trick is this?"

Velra’s smile widened. "You really don’t get it, do you?"

She took a few slow steps, letting her heel echo on the volcanic rock.

"We were never heroes," she said.

She stretched her arms, her fingers glowing with soft ether trails.

Ashblade stood still beside her, completely calm.

Velra tilted her head. "You thought we were part of your little ranking game. Cute."

She raised one long leg smoothly and pointed a toe forward.

"I’m Velra Vantess. The Velvet Demon... from the Heavenly Demon Sect."

Her voice echoed louder now, no longer pretending.

Reval’s eyes narrowed. "Heavenly Demon Sect?"

He scoffed. "I don’t care who you are. That name means nothing here. You’re still going to lose. Both of you."

He pointed at her.

"You’ll become test subjects. Just like the rest."

He raised his voice.

"Handle her."

The two flame mutants beside him growled.

They took a step forward, their bodies glowing red-hot with burning lines across their skin.

One cracked his neck. The other let out a low, rumbling hiss.

Ashblade didn’t move. He turned slightly and looked at Velra.

"Go wild."

Velra smirked. "With pleasure, Master."

She took a step forward, her hips swaying with confidence.

The cultists around them shifted uncomfortably.

Reval still looked confident, but a hint of confusion crossed his face.

Velra looked over her shoulder at Ashblade. "Hope you enjoy the show."

Ashblade gave a slight nod.

Velra turned back, her body relaxed, eyes glowing.

"You wanted test subjects?" she whispered.

"Let’s see how you handle me instead."

---

The two flame mutants stepped forward, fire rising from their skin.

Heat pulsed with every breath they took. The rocks under their feet cracked.

The first one, Crimson Howler, slammed both fists into his chest.

His mouth opened wide.

"[Blaze Howl Detonation!]"

A wave of burning sound exploded out.

The air shook. Heat rippled toward Velra like a hammer.

The second, Ash Spine, dropped to one knee and arched his back.

Spikes burst from his shoulders.

"[Molten Spike Bloom!]"

Sharp, magma-coated spikes shot in every direction.

Ash sprayed out like a cloud, cutting visibility and burning the air.

Velra didn’t move.

She raised her hand.

"[Velvet Demon Zone.]"

A pulse of pink and black ether spread out from her body.

It formed a mist that moved with her, smooth and graceful.

When the fire wave and spikes entered the zone, their energy slowed.

The flames dimmed, and the ash cloud weakened.

The spikes hit the edge of the zone and dropped, burning out mid-air.

The roar from Crimson Howler reached her, but it didn’t knock her back.

Velra stepped forward, calm, letting the zone follow her.

The cultists watching from a distance felt uneasy, like their heads were spinning.

Ash Spine tried again. More spikes flew.

But inside her zone, they swerved slightly, losing aim.

Crimson Howler charged forward with [Searing Rush], his body wrapped in fire.

Velra stepped to the side.

She spun and kicked.

"[Velvet Demon Kick.]"

Her foot hit his side.

A ripple of corrupted ether burst on impact.

He staggered, the fire on his body flickering.

The second mutant joined him.

He tried to surround her with spikes again.

Velra took a deep breath.

"[Velvet Demon Breathing.]"

The fire, ash, and aura around her twisted and flowed into her body.

Her veins pulsed with light.

She stepped forward again. Both mutants attacked at once.

But her body moved faster.

Another kick—then another.

Her long legs hit them clean, her zone wrapping tighter.

Their movements slowed.

Crimson Howler tried to roar again, but his voice cracked.

The poison and confusion were taking hold.

Ash Spine launched more spikes, but they bent the wrong way, hitting nothing.

Velra tilted her head. "You’re already slower."

She spun and landed two more kicks. Both mutants backed up.

From a distance, Reval watched. His hand twitched slightly.

Ashblade still hadn’t moved. He watched with arms crossed.

Velra turned, glowing softly in the flickering red haze.

She smirked. "Still want to make me a test subject?"