–What's wrong with you…? That's mine! – Luck roared, dropping the sword just as the black knight lifted it, hovering inches off the ground.
Without a second's hesitation, Luck used that momentum to launch a punch straight into one of the helmet's eye slits. If he couldn't get his sword back, he'd at least leave a mark.
I need this sword more than you… it's kept me alive since I got here. Hiding behind that heavy armor can only mean one thing… fear.
–Wait… your buddies aren't going to help you? – Luck sneered through cracked lips, just before his fist connected.
CLANK
–Fuck me…!
The impact sounded like hammering iron. A sharp crack ran up his fingers; pain spread like liquid fire through his arm.
–Is that all you've got? – the knight rasped hollowly, then returned the favor with the same hook punch.
Luck barely turned his head before the blow landed.
–Aagh! – he spat out teeth like coins clattering to the ground. He didn't even have time to count them.
Another punch. More brutal. More merciless.
–Remembering I was ever human… it sickens me. So weak… so useless…
Luck's senses began to fade. The world spun. His body trembled. Only one distant voice cut through the haze of pain: the girl in the pink suit, screaming something unintelligible.
And then… everything went black.
---
–You didn't need to hit him so hard! You almost killed him! – a voice hissed.
–I don't care, Olivia. We've got the sword. We don't even need him… – came the curt reply.
Two figures were arguing inside a cave; the drip-drip of water echoed around them, the cold, damp air wrapping their bodies like an icy embrace.
They needed a weapon in case Mastema came after them. At last, they held one—but at a cost.
–Scar… you were the one who found the human and led us to him… which side are you on? – the black knight turned to the lizard-demon lounging against the wall.
He needed Scar's allegiance. Since they'd met, the knight had noticed that Scar's cold, calculating nature could tip the balance—and he wanted him on their side.
–Don't call me savage. We know you want to eat him. Act like a gentleman—you don't wear that armor for nothing… right? Besides, he might still prove useful… Have you ever heard of blood pouches? – Scar twisted the situation in his favor.
The knight and Olivia exchanged confused looks; they'd never heard the term.
–They say a little human blood can heal the deadliest wound in a demon's body,– Scar explained.
–Let's test it,– the knight declared, rising and lifting the sword they'd torn from Luck. He strode toward the unconscious human.
–No!
Damn it, can't a guy get some rest… I can hear them all.
–Where am I?
I have to pretend I just woke up. Who knows what this lunatic would do if he knew I heard him say he was going to eat me… Ugh, I can't even think about that. Luck still couldn't shake the image of how he'd quenched his hunger—not exactly conventionally. He could still feel warm blood on his fingers.
–Hmm! – The knight ground his teeth and dropped the sword. Luck couldn't ignore that he'd probably be dead if the guy hadn't stopped in time. Even he had a shred of honor, however small.
–Hey, sorry about our anonymous friend's rough manners. His family just died in battle, and he's not exactly stable right now… But don't worry! Where are my manners? I'm Scar, and this little one is Olivia.
Scar stepped forward to speak, his self-assured charisma cutting through his inhuman appearance.
Olivia, the small girl in pink with wavy hair and a matching horn, looked far less composed.
–M-my name's Olivia… just like my friend said! It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry about your injuries. That guy over there isn't much of a gentleman, but he did save us from one of those fallen angels out there. Although… he's been kind of a hypocrite since then… Sorry! I know I talk a lot…
She sighed.
The knight couldn't help but exhale, shifting his gaze away from Luck.
–Nice to meet you both. My name is Luck... but to be honest, I'd appreciate getting my sword back.
Silence reigned in the cave for a moment—only the drip-drip of water falling in rhythm, like Luck's own heartbeat…
–I WAS GONNA LEAVE YOU IN ONE PIECE…!
–Your arm. Show your arm to your companions,– Luck's simple words cut the knight off. His armor trembled, and a bead of sweat ran down his back.
Suddenly, invisible claws ripped the gauntlet from the knight's hand. He struggled, but before he knew it, that part of his armor flew off into the darkness.
–Scar, damn you!
The knight shoved at the invisible force—Scar—away from him. His hand was exposed.
It's worse than I thought.
–Wait… is that what I think it is? – Olivia asked nervously.
–His hand's horribly worn from gripping the sword all this time. The sacred energy's poisoned it,– Luck said.
–Wait… how did you know that? – the knight snapped the missing gauntlet back on, hiding the huge scar that ran up his hand like a stain on a clear river. –Think a little deeper. Why did demons who grabbed angelic weapons fall so fast in battle? I'm certain dark creatures can't wield them.
They all fell silent.
–How did we not see something so obvious? – Scar exclaimed, pushing himself up, still feeling the sting from Luck's earlier strike.
If demons could wield those weapons, they'd at least have a fighting chance.
–You're pretty sharp,– Scar praised.
–Is there a river or something around here? My throat's dry as a desert…
With a single spell in a tongue Luck didn't know, little Olivia summoned a pool of pure, crystalline water.
Luck scooped up every drop he could and drank it down in seconds. He couldn't help staring at his blurry reflection in the remaining water trickling over the stones—his teeth were there, and his skin had never looked better.
Luck's eyes shone brighter than they had in years. He quickly checked his status for any changes:
Name: Luck
Magic Power: 89
Skills: [Bad Omen] [Luck] [Healing Factor]
Soul: Red
"Bad Omen? What a bizarre skill…"
But Healing Factor was incredible—anyone who had it enjoyed amazing health, wounds closing in moments, and, best of all, a significant boost to lifespan.
His smile faded, though. After all, he might not be alive tomorrow.
Something is something, he thought… Besides… how much worse could it get?
–Luck… Luck… don't look back…
Luck snapped back to his senses—Olivia was shouting his name, and he felt a terrifying breath on his neck. His instincts screamed…
"DON'T MOVE"