Demon Sword Maiden

“Kagami Lily, I truly didn’t expect your progress to be so astonishing,” Kamakura acknowledged, his tone betraying a trace of respect. “Originally, I prepared a contingency plan in case Tamamo-no-Mae miraculously recovered

2, but it seems unnecessary now. However, my caution still paid off!”

He pointed his sword at Lily, a commanding presence on the battlefield. “Activate the sacrificial formation and kill this woman!” he ordered.

“What?!” Lily’s heart sank. The sacrificial formation had once gravely wounded Tamamo-no-Mae, and now it was being deployed against her—a malicious strategy that sacrificed thousands in exchange for immense power.

The army’s ranks swiftly fell into formation, with onmyojis positioned on levitating magical platforms, commencing the preparation for their collective spellcasting. Below them, vast contingents of soldiers stood at the ready, prepared to lay down their lives to accumulate the sinister energies required. Clearly, lessons had been heeded from earlier confrontations; these platforms had been upgraded for speed and fortified against destruction.

“Don’t even think about it!” Lily resolved to decimate the formation, but the platforms would not easily succumb to her strikes. Unlike the Suno conflict where the nine-tailed demon fox diverted the army’s focus, now all eyes were firmly on her. Kamakura and Hikomoto, flanking her on both sides, effectively barred her way.

“Lily!” Ayaka’s voice pierced through the tumult, “Should I step in and help you?”

Despite the predicament, Lily responded with conviction, “No need.” Abandoning her initial plan, she soared hundreds of meters skyward, contemplating her next move.

“Kagami Lily, do you think you can escape?” Kamakura mocked, his sneer echoing through the field as dark tendrils lashed out, hemming in her movements.

“Lord Kamakura, I admit that your real body is currently far stronger than me. However, you underestimated me in the end by sending your clone instead. This isn’t like you. If I had to guess, your real body is either at Suno or occupied elsewhere for a reason,” Lily called out, her voice echoing in the vastness.

“Quite perceptive, woman. But it’s a futile insight, as you are bound to die. My true self didn’t come because I intend to plunge those who defy the heavenly order into even deeper despair. And sadly, you won’t live to witness it,” Kamakura’s voice carried a cold ruthlessness.

“Is that so?” Lily’s retort was calm, unfazed.

“Do you really think you can subdue me again with your soul world, Lord Kamakura?” she challenged.

“What?!” The surprise was evident in his voice.

High above, Lily was a stark crimson speck against the gray expanse. The cherry blossoms around her, which had been stifled by the dark energy, started to stir, as if awakening to her indomitable spirit. Slowly, Lily’s vision cleared, resonating with the purest essence she harbored within. The blossoms transformed, shedding their purple hue for the pristine white of snow, untouched and immaculate.

Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind erupted, sweeping the snowy petals across the sky, driving back the oppressive dark power of Kamakura. His shock, shared by all the demons present, rippled through the air.

The sky itself then transformed. It was no longer a canvas tainted by Minamoto no Yoritomo’s darkness but became a vast sapphire blue, transparent and adorned with a delicate sprinkle of stars. A full moon, out of season but magnificent, rose to dominate the sky, shining with an ethereal glow.

The heavens were now a blur, with snowflakes dancing amidst the celestial vista, blurring the line between stars, snow, and blossoms. This breathtaking view was the manifestation of Lily’s soul world, a realm called “Setsugekka.”

Footnotes:

Robinxen: Choice? Ultimatum more like.

Robinxen: That’s for later.