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Panting heavily, Lilith drops to one knee, her vision rapidly blurring and sharpening on the pool of blood forming below her. Another crimson drop rolls down her cheek before joining the puddle, and her mind is in a daze. She'd anticipated her death from the beginning of the battle, but there was still one regret she couldn't shake.

Forcing her gaze back to the hero, she sees him standing there waiting, blade at his side. His body and armor remain spotless, without a single scratch or splash of dirt. So many years of training have amounted to nothing in the face of this magic-wielding monster. Lilith doesn't fear death but refuses to go down without landing at least one blow on her opponent.

Lilith tossed one of her axes at Alexander, aiming to strike him while charging in with her other axe gripped tightly in both hands. However, Alexander was quick to react, knocking the airborne axe skyward just in time to parry Lilith's subsequent attack. His unwavering gaze met Lilith's as he skillfully deflected her strike off to the side before kicking the head of her axe, knocking it away.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Lilith reached up and grabbed her second axe as it was about to land, then swept it widely at the hero in a desperate attempt to land a blow. As their blades clash, Lilith strains with all her might to keep her axe from flying out of her grip under the strength of Alexander's defense. She can't believe how powerful he is.

Since the start of the battle, she's felt overwhelmed, and it's not just because the fight is one-sided. Despite his emotionless mask, Lilith senses something deeper in the exchange. Alexander's strikes hold the force of a planet behind them, yet he never goes for the kill. At first, Lilith thought he was merely toying with her, but the longer the fight continues, the more she begins to see the bigger picture.

She's unsure what it's all about but understands that his objective isn't to kill her; he just wants her to stop fighting. The sparks from their blades pushing against each other bring Lilith back to the present as the hero takes a step forward. She tries to dig her heel in, but it's futile as he continues to push her back.

A small flick of his wrist is all it takes to send her axe flying away, leaving Lilith with nothing. If she's being honest, she ran out of strength hours ago. Lilith remains standing only through sheer force of will, fueled by her adrenaline and pride. As she looks at the hero, she finally understands the truth behind the legends about this monster.

It's clear that she never had a chance from the beginning. With a steadfast gaze, Lilith waits for the hero to end her life. The silence is tense as they lock eyes, but to her surprise, he speaks.

"Good fight."

He sheathes his blade and disappears with a sudden teleportation spell. Lilith is left standing alone for a brief moment before her strength gives out, causing her to fall onto her back. As she gazes up at the night sky, she can't help but wonder how she managed to survive that encounter.

---

Helplessness was not an emotion Lilith was familiar with until she faced the hero. Even then, she couldn't deny that she would always be powerless if he ever went all out. The fact that the demon queen was able to walk away from her encounters with the hero only served to highlight his immense strength. But that was not what concerned Lilith.

In just a few days, the hero showed her things she never knew. He had revealed both his weaknesses and her own true power. As she rested her head in her hands, Lilith felt the sense of helplessness he had instilled in her slowly dissipating. Although she knew the hero's power still far surpassed her own, she felt that there was room for growth and improvement on her part.

Lilith questions herself, "What was the purpose of granting me this power? Why did you punish yourself with my strike? Why can't you just tell the truth when your body does so without your knowing?" She takes a deep breath and exhales, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of her thoughts. "Why do you make me think so much?"

Lilith feels overwhelmed and in need of guidance. She knows there is no one better to turn to than Lacey. With confidence welling inside her, she quickly dries off and hurries to Lacey's lab.

---

Lilith barges into Lacey's lab without knocking and finds her deeply engrossed in mixing various colored liquids in vials. Lacey briefly glances up at Lilith before returning to her work.

"It's rare for you to visit my lab willingly, especially in such a state. Is this about the hero?" Lacey asks. Lilith nods. Putting down her vials, Lacey gives her full attention to Lilith. "I'm all ears."

After pausing to gather her thoughts, Lilith decides that it would be easier to demonstrate rather than explain. Following the hero's teachings, she channels her aura into her fist. Instead of releasing the energy, she gradually allows it to flow back into her chest. Lilith's eyes widen as she experiences this unknown phenomenon.

Standing up from her seat, Lacey approaches Lilith, her curiosity piqued.

“What was that you just did?"

"The hero called it 'key'," Lilith replies, still trying to comprehend the new ability she had just demonstrated. "I don't understand him, Lacey. Isn't he our enemy? What did he gain by teaching me something like this? For so long, I thought I could never surpass any mage, but in only a few minutes, he taught me otherwise."

“Interesting," Lacey says, examining Lilith's body. “What exactly did he teach you?"

Lilith rested her hand on her chest as she recounted her encounter with the hero to Lacey. "He said to build a flame in my heart and then move it around my body before putting it in my fist. He had this super high-level shield on him, and my fist cut through it like it wasn't even there."

"Can you show me?" Lacey asks, creating a shield in mid-air.

Lilith nodded and focused her energy, building the flame in her heart and allowing it to flow through her body before channeling it into her fist. She punched straight through the shield that Lacey had created, causing it to shatter away. Lacey is visibly excited by what she's just witnessed.

This shouldn't be possible, as the act of destroying a barrier is rather complex. The fact is, the only two who know how to do it are the Hero and Demon Queen. Even Lacey, who is well-versed in magic, isn't able to dismantle a barrier like that. The fact that Lilith was able to accomplish this feat with such ease and seemingly just raw power is fascinating and warrants further examination.

Particularly given that it was the hero who taught her this technique. Lacey takes her time observing Lilith for any signs of abnormality.

"Can you describe in more detail what the hero did?" she asks. “Did he touch you?"

Lilith nods. "He touched my chest."

"Between your breasts?" Lacey clarifies.

“...Yes." Lilith sighs.

Stopping in front, she keeps her eyes on Lilith's chest.

“Did he channel into her?" Lacey muses aloud. "I don't see any flow disruption or intrusion magic."

“I'm lost here." Lilith says unsure what Lilith is muttering about.

Lacey interrupts her analytical thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I was just brainstorming. The hero may have used his own mana to guide yours into this new casting style. It's a technique rarely used but exists for newborns who have problem areas where their mana is weaker. It basically teaches the body how to flow mana around properly. What did he call this again?"

"Key," Lilith answers.

“Has the hero found a means of unlocking something fundamental in magic?" Lacey whispers to herself.

“Should I be worried?"

"After conducting preliminary tests, it appears that your mana is still stable and unaltered. My previous assumption of him channeling into you was merely speculation. It is more probable that he introduced you to a casting style that is yet to be discovered. Your ability to use it could be based on your unique physical abilities."

Lacey furrows her brows in confusion. "But I thought mages needed wands or something to cast magic?"

"That's not entirely true." She walks over to her bookshelf and pulls out a book, flipping through the pages. "There are various types of casting styles. Typically, we use a catalyst of some kind, like books, wands, symbols, or even weapons with engravings. Spirit mages use their own soul as a catalyst, which is why they tend to stay in the backline, projecting a part of themselves into the world and leaving their physical body vulnerable."

“Is that why the hero told me to think about something I care about?"

Lacey's ears perked up. “Pardon me?"

“He told me to build the flame and to use something I care about to stoke it."

A smile grew on Lacey's face as she walked over to grab a piece of parchment, chuckling softly under her breath.

“Excellent. While it is still just a theory, I may have an idea of what the hero was trying to convey to you." She looked at Lilith. “You see, while mages use catalysts, we all need some emotional basis to bring our thoughts to life. Discipline is key. This is why you hear of young mages unleashing unstable spells due to their easily compromised emotions."

“What does that have to do with me?"

“Lilith, all you are is disciplined. You have never been concerned with magic, and in a way, that makes you perfect for this new style of casting. Key, if I understand it right, is purely emotional-based. Most mages in the world could never cast that way because it goes against everything we have learned."

“What about the catalyst?"

“I would have to observe you more closely, but on a hunch, I would say it's similar to spiritual magic. You are using both your body and soul as the catalyst!" Lacey's excitement was palpable as she patted Lilith on the shoulder. “You have entered a new world, much bigger than the one you were in. I will be eagerly watching your growth."

Lacey's infectious enthusiasm almost sweeps Lilith away, but she can't overlook the seriousness of the situation.

"Let's set that aside for a moment. The real question is why he taught me this," Lilith interjects.

Lacey's smile fades as she taps her bottom lip in contemplation.

"That's the crux of the matter, but only one of the many puzzles surrounding the hero," she replies, walking back to her desk and taking a seat. "His behavior deviates from what we've seen before. It's a new side to him, but one that seems purposeful."

“Do you think the queen is aware of his plan?"

"I am certain she is indulging him, but I can't say if she's fully aware of his intentions," Lacey responds, jotting some notes down. "The current knowledge indicates that the hero is acting on his own, no longer following orders, and for reasons unknown to us. Although, it doesn't appear malicious for now."

“Is he on our side?" Lilith hesitantly asks. “It's difficult for me to ask, but despite his façade, our battles have been clear to me. He doesn't seem like he wants to fight anymore."

“At this point, all we can do is wait and observe," Lacey says. “For now, focus on honing your newfound power. While I may not be able to teach you much, I'm always here to listen."

Although this wasn't the outcome Lilith hoped for, she feels better knowing that Lacey shares her concerns.

“Thank you for hearing me out." Lilith nods her head before leaving Lacey alone.

For now, Lilith should concentrate on mastering her new power. It's strange how she feels excitement building up inside her. She had been focused on maintaining her physical body for so long, and now she has something new to work on. With determination, Lilith hurries back to her workout room, ready to establish her new training regimen

---

Before me lies a truly fascinating sight. Shadow is commanding a massive army of undead, each performing a variety of tasks. Some are storing weapons, others cleaning up, but what has truly caught my attention are those cultivating the land. They work together in perfect unison, tilling, planting, covering, and watering the soil.

It seems my experiment was a success, and the seeds can grow in their soil. This is a great start, but I am aware that food is just one of many supply issues they face. While further peace talks may go more smoothly now that their needs are being met, I must study more about what they require in the future.

But I must not get ahead of myself. I have not solved their food shortage; the seeds were only a temporary solution. There is a downside to their production as the plants do not create seeds during their lifecycle. They can bear fruit and vegetables for some time, but they are entirely of my creation, and I have not yet had enough time to develop sustainable seeds.

To be perfectly honest, the seeds were rushed for this plan. I am surprised it even worked to begin with.

“Hello, Alexander!" Shadow greets me with a wide smile and a wave.

I put my thoughts on hold and wave back as I approach him.

"You seem to have been keeping busy," I note.

He chuckles. "Yes, the demon queen put me in charge of the farms. Not exactly what I had in mind for my undead, but they're efficient and don't tire."

“A perfect workforce. So how are the seeds doing?"

"I haven't seen the results yet, but Lacey assures me her testing was flawless," he replies, gesturing to a group of undead carrying buckets of what appears to be soil. "Growing directly in our soil isn't possible, but she found a mixture that yielded results. Seventy-thirty, with seventy being our own."

“That's better than I expected."

"Agreed." Shadow's attention turns to his soldiers. "It's incredible to think that this will be a field in just a matter of weeks. I can't even remember the last time I saw vegetation in our world."

I notice his tail wagging and being around Shadow puts me at ease.

"This is only the beginning," I declare. "There are still many things that need to be done to make your home a better place."

"I can't wait," he responds, tail wagging even faster. "Maybe when things are running smoothly, we can take that trip to my tribe? I'm sure you'll love it."

"I'll ask the demon queen once things settle down."

"Understood. So, what do you have planned for the day?"

I reply with a shrug, "I don't have much planned. Just going to survey the land a bit."

"Would you like some company?" Shadow offers.

I glance over at his undead army and ask, "Aren't you busy?"

He chuckles and reassures me, "It's fine, Alex. I've already given them their tasks for the day."

“Well, I won't say no if you're free."

With a wide smile, he offers his arm. "Shall we?"

We link arms, and he moves in close as we make our way toward the castle walls. Despite the amount of work that needs to be done, it's nice to take a little break and enjoy some company.