Part I: The Bond That Burned the Sky
Yui stood atop the palace spire, the moon bleeding through dark clouds above.
Azazel joined her without a word. For a long moment, they simply looked out over the capital.
Then he broke the silence.
"You're not just a flamebearer anymore," he said quietly. "You're becoming something beyond this world's balance."
Yui turned to him. "And if I lose control?"
Azazel met her eyes.
"I'll catch you," he said. "Every time."
Her breath hitched. Her fingers trembled—but not with fear. With something… heavier.
And when she stepped toward him, he didn't move away.
Their foreheads touched. Flame and shadow circled around them like orbiting stars.
> [Bonded Companion Detected: Azazel, Demon King]
Emotional Anchor Achieved. Stability Boost: +18%
> Combat Class Evolution Triggered!
Current Class: Flamebearer (Epic)
→ New Class: Twilight Sovereign
Description: A wielder of light and shadow—born of love, bound by fate.
Bonus Skill Gained: Ashen Requiem – AoE burst that steals energy and resets cooldowns.
Azazel opened his eyes as the flame dimmed.
"You've changed," he whispered.
Yui smiled. "So have you."
---
Part II: Blade of Betrayal
At dawn, the Empress made her move.
A false alert lured the group to the outskirts of the city.
Then came the trap.
Imperial assassins, cloaked mages, enchanted steel—all descending from the walls.
> "Target: Flamebearer. Capture or terminate."
Yui raised her hand to summon a shield—only for a null-magic net to clamp around her.
She fell hard.
And then—*
A blade flashed toward her heart.
Vera stepped in its path. Blocked it. Killed the assassin with one precise strike.
But the Empress's voice echoed from a projection rune in the air:
> "Vera Nightthorn. Your orders were clear. Kill her if she falters. The system will not obey a corrupted host."
Yui stared up at her friend, breathing hard. "Is it true?"
Vera didn't answer.
Yui stood, her voice a whisper:
> "Were you ever going to tell me?"
Vera's hand clenched.
"I told them I'd only do it if the world had no choice left," she said. "But I've seen you, Yui. And I made my choice."
She turned and slashed the rune clean in half.
"Come for her again," Vera snarled at the sky, "and I'll burn the throne myself."
> [System Update: Trust Reforged – Vera's Loyalty Confirmed]
Title Gained: Flamebound Trio
---
Aftermath
Back in the citadel, Elion healed Yui's wounds in silence.
Azazel paced, rage simmering.
"They'll keep coming," he said.
Yui nodded.
"But now… we go to them."