Parallel Memory

Chapter 620: The Devil’s Champion

The devil’s smile widened as silence tightened its grip on the chamber. He rose slowly, his wings unfolding just enough to stretch like shadows across the wall, and with a single wave of his clawed hand, the air itself seemed to tear.

A low growl rumbled through the darkness.

At first, it was only sound—deep, guttural, vibrating through the bones of everyone present. Then came the sound of claws dragging against stone, heavy, deliberate steps emerging from the black haze at the edges of the chamber. The squad braced instinctively, weapons raised, hearts pounding.

From the veil of shadows stepped a beast.

It was massive, towering at least as tall as two men, its frame rippling with muscle beneath a coat of pitch-black fur that gleamed faintly under the dim torchlight. Its eyes glowed like molten amber, burning with primal hunger, and along its right cheek stretched a jagged scar, long-healed yet ugly, an old wound that seemed to enhance its aura of menace.

The wolf’s fangs bared as it snarled, saliva dripping onto the cold stone floor, sizzling faintly as if even its breath carried corruption. Each exhale was a mist of dark energy, twisting unnaturally into the air.

The squad staggered back a step in unison. They had felt only one presence—the devil’s—when entering this chamber. Yet here was another.

"Was it... here all along?" Sylvia whispered, her bow hand trembling.

"No..." Lisa’s voice was hushed, almost hollow. "I would have sensed it. I didn’t feel anything. Not even the slightest trace."

The possibility sank in like ice. Either the wolf had hidden itself so perfectly they never stood a chance of detecting it—or it had simply been summoned just now, conjured from the abyss at its master’s whim.

The devil, clearly relishing their shock, gestured casually toward the beast.

"This," he said with a voice smooth as poison, "is Erebus."

The name rolled through the chamber like a curse.

"My trusted companion. My blade in the dark. Together, we have devoured countless souls. You wished for a champion, did you not? Then face him, if you dare."

Erebus snarled, its amber eyes locking onto them with such focus that several members felt their stomachs twist in terror. The ground beneath its claws cracked with every step it took forward, though it remained by its master’s side, obedient yet eager, as if waiting for the command to slaughter.

The squad stared, disbelief and dread etched across their faces. This was not a foe they had prepared for.

"Damn it..." Hiro muttered, his voice tight with restrained fury. "We knew this wouldn’t be simple. But a beast like this—"

Mia’s grip tightened on her spear. The devil’s terms still stood. They had to pick a champion. Someone would have to fight this monster alone.

"I’ll do it," Hiro said suddenly, stepping forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. His eyes burned with determination. "I’m the captain of this squad. It’s my duty to protect everyone. If one of us has to face this thing, it has to be me."

"No."

The firm rebuttal came from Zion, who until now had stood silent, arms folded. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "You can’t, Hiro."

Hiro turned on him, incredulous. "What are you saying? I’m the leader. This responsibility is mine—"

"And that’s exactly why you can’t," Zion interrupted sharply. He stepped closer, his normally calm expression hardening. "A leader doesn’t throw themselves into the jaws of a beast and leave their people rudderless. What if you fall? What happens to us then? We need you here. To guide, to steady us if the worst happens. That’s what a leader does—ensure the group doesn’t crumble, no matter the outcome."

The logic struck the group hard. Hiro faltered, clenching his fists. "Zion..."

"I’ll fight," Zion said firmly, his gaze not leaving Hiro’s. "I’m not saying this out of cowardice. I’m saying it because we need you alive. I’ll stand in your place."

The chamber grew thick with tension. Sylvia’s bow trembled at her side, Lisa’s shield spell pulsed faintly, and Mia’s heart twisted. Both men were willing to sacrifice themselves, and neither argument was entirely wrong.

Then, unexpectedly, another voice cut in.

"...No."

It was Vance.

Everyone turned, shock painted across their faces.

He had been pale and shaken before, muttering about fleeing, trembling before the devil’s presence. Yet now, though his face was still taut with fear, his jaw was set in an odd determination. He stepped forward, raising his sword slightly, though his hand trembled against the hilt.

"I’ll do it."

"You?" Hiro snapped, disbelief plain.

Vance nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes. I joined this group last. Our coordination—our unity—won’t suffer if I’m the one hurt. Or worse."

"Don’t be reckless," Zion growled. "This isn’t about who’s expendable. It’s about who can stand a chance against that monster."

"I know," Vance shot back, surprising them all with the firmness of his tone. "I’m not blind. I can see what that thing is. But listen—if Hiro dies, the group collapses. If you die, Zion, we lose the one person who steadies us when we falter. If Mia falls, we lose the spear that holds us together. If Lisa falls, we lose our shield. If Sylvia falls, we lose our precision."

He pointed to himself, his blade wavering slightly but his voice clear. "But me? What do we really lose if I fall? Nothing critical. And more than that—"

He looked away, shame flickering in his eyes. "I’ve been nothing but a weight since I joined you. If I walk away from this, it’ll always be the same. You’ll never trust me. I’ll never trust myself. But if I fight... if I face this thing... at least I’ll prove that I belong here."

The words stunned the group into silence.

Lisa’s expression softened. She stepped forward, her hand glowing faintly with magic as she rested it over her chest. "He’s right."

"What?" Hiro turned to her, startled.

Lisa nodded firmly, her eyes calm. "If the devil starts attacking us, we need everyone ready to fight back. We can’t risk losing the core of our group now. And Vance... he does need to prove himself. To us, and to himself. Maybe this is the only way."

The silence lingered. Hiro’s jaw worked as if grinding stone. Zion exhaled sharply through his nose, frustrated but unable to counter. Mia studied Vance for a long moment, seeing the fear beneath his bravado, but also the flicker of determination.

Finally, she lowered her spear tip slightly. "Very well. Vance will be our champion."

Vance’s eyes widened, his knuckles tightening on his blade. Fear warred with relief, dread with pride. He had spoken rashly, but now the weight of the choice fell fully on his shoulders.

The devil laughed again, slow and mocking, clapping his clawed hands together.

"Ahhh... delightful! The lamb offers himself to the slaughter." His crimson eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "Very well, little human. Step forward. Face Erebus. Let us see if you are worthy of the question you so desperately cling to."

Erebus growled, its massive form shifting, amber eyes burning like molten suns as it stepped out from the devil’s shadow. The ground shook beneath its weight, the air thickened with its killing intent.

Vance inhaled sharply, his fear nearly choking him—but he raised his sword all the same.

The chamber prepared for blood.