What stood revealed was a humanoid demon—essentially a beautiful young woman, yet with distinct demonic features. She could be described as a "demon girl" or perhaps more fittingly, a "moth maiden."
She stood two meters tall, her overall appearance dominated by shades of white. Her skin was flawless, almost blindingly radiant under the sunlight. Her figure was stunning, curvaceous yet elegant, with delicate hips and an enviable silhouette. Her face bore striking Eastern European beauty traits: sharp, refined features that exuded grace.
Her long white hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist. Perched atop her head were two brush-like antennae resembling rabbit ears, adding an oddly endearing touch. Her wings had transformed into layered skirts. Beneath the translucent outer gown lay a form-fitting white skirt that accentuated every curve. Through the sheer fabric, hints of her perfect physique teased the eye,.
She wore high-heeled boots lined with soft fur, hugging her calves snugly. Four arms adorned with fluffy arm warmers completed her look.
This was Miko—a special kind of demon. Unlike most demons, she lacked aggressive tendencies. Instead, she was shy, even fearful of attention. Before meeting Jehfrit, she lived in solitude, avoiding humans entirely.
When Jehfrit first encountered Miko at the age of eight, she instinctively tried to kill him, just as she had done with countless others who crossed her path. Fortunately for Jehfrit, his unique magical properties allowed him to endure several rounds against her attacks. Seizing this opportunity, he engaged her in conversation, eventually convincing the powerful but naive demon to enter into a contract with him.
Their agreement was straightforward:
1. Jehfrit would never abandon Miko.
2. He would use magic to conceal her presence.
3. He promised to help Miko "farewell" other demons.
4. Miko, in turn, vowed never to leave Jehfrit's side.
5. Though she detested combat, she agreed not to fight alongside him.
6. In exchange, Miko offered to assist Jehfrit in non-combat ways—cooking, cleaning, and other domestic tasks she genuinely enjoyed.
Together, they developed a new state called "Mirage Domain" which combined Jehfrit's illusionary prowess with Miko's innate abilities. While Jehfrit's Deception Magic manipulated the senses, creating illusions akin to mirages, Mirage Domain operated on a deeper level. It utilized Miko's energy to create an imperceptible barrier around them, effectively rendering her invisible to anyone looking directly at her. Only those intimately familiar with Jehfrit might suspect something amiss, but even then, few dared imagine the truth.
Over time, guild members began noticing subtle signs of another presence accompanying Jehfrit. For instance, when chairs and tables mysteriously rearranged themselves during one of his deceptive battles, it wasn't hard to deduce that someone—or something—was helping him behind the scenes. Yet no one ever questioned it openly.
Returning to the present, Miko trembled with fear after being seen by the hunchbacked elder. Her black eyes flared crimson as panic surged within her. Without hesitation, she lunged forward, faster than either Jehfrit or any mortal could react.
*KABOOM!* A single punch obliterated everything within a hundred-meter radius, leaving nothing but scorched earth behind.
"What... what just happened?" Brain stammered, utterly bewildered.
"Hahaha, why tempt fate?" Jehfrit laughed heartily.
"Waaah, Jehfrit!" Miko sobbed, running back to him. "They saw me!"
"It's alright; they're already dead," Jehfrit consoled her gently.
"But they did see me!" Miko wailed, covering her face. "Why do people always want to see me? They're so mean!"
"You represent the pinnacle of magic," Jehfrit explained softly. "That's why."
Miko harbored a deep aversion to battle, preferring instead to hide from the world. When she met Jehfrit, she initially attempted to eliminate him, only to find herself charmed by his cleverness and sincerity. Over time, their bond deepened, and Miko became Jehfrit's steadfast companion, albeit one shrouded in secrecy.
Her origins remained shrouded in mystery. Fragments of ancient texts hinted at a powerful mage who sought immortality through forbidden alchemy, transforming herself into a demon. Whether these accounts held any truth was uncertain, but Miko's existence suggested she once pursued the ultimate truths of magic, only to lose her memory along the way.
Regardless of her past, Miko possessed immense power. Whenever someone glimpsed her true form, her instincts compelled her to eliminate them immediately. Afterward, however, she often retreated into childlike despair, lamenting the loss of her anonymity.
For now, though, Jehfrit focused on the battle at hand. The sight of such devastation left Brain and his allies paralyzed with fear.
"Why are your attacks so feeble?" Jehfrit taunted. "If you're going to fight, don't hesitate! Let's spill some sweat and blood!"
Meanwhile, deep within the fortress, Wendy faced pressure from dark mages threatening to harm Jellal unless she healed him.
"I'm sorry, Jellal," Wendy whispered tearfully. "I can't save you right now."
"You ungrateful brat! Heal him at once!" one of the mages barked.
Wendy shook her head resolutely. "I know what you plan to do. Once Jellal is healed, you'll force him to fight Jehfrit. I won't allow that to happen! Both of them are kind souls—they shouldn't have to hurt each other because of your schemes!"
Though frightened, Wendy refused to yield. She understood the consequences all too well. If Jellal fought Jehfrit, neither would emerge unscathed, and she'd bear full responsibility for setting such events in motion.
Just then, the door creaked open, revealing the hunchbacked elder clutching a pulsating fleshy orb. With a sinister grin, he hurled it toward Jellal, who absorbed it involuntarily.
Down below, Erza clashed fiercely with members of the Oración Seis' subordinate dark guilds. Suddenly, an enemy emerged from the ground, weapon poised to strike her neck. Darkness enveloped her vision—
*CRASH!* Something shattered violently.
"Erza!" a familiar voice called out.
Light returned, and Erza turned to see Simon standing there, having incapacitated her assailant with a single blow.
"Simon!" Erza exclaimed, both shocked and relieved.
Explaining hurriedly, Simon revealed how he and Jellal had been ambushed en route to the Magic Council. Though severely injured, Simon managed to track their captors here.
"Jellal's likely up there!" Simon warned gravely, pointing toward the towering city above.
Realization dawned on Erza. "Jehfrit's in grave danger! We need to rescue him immediately!"
Hearing this, the others shared her concern.
"Hahaha, your friend? He's probably already dead!" Erigor mocked.
"Shut up!" Gray snapped, unleashing his Ice Cannon alongside Natsu's Fire Dragon Iron Fist. Caught off guard, Eriol was sent flying.
"Jehfrit, hold on—we're coming!" Gray muttered anxiously, gazing upward.