Encounter With Lilith - Episode 2

As Ginro rested, memories of his encounter with The Black Shadow flooded back to him. He recalled the moment when he had been unconscious after surviving the Minotaur attack, and The Black Shadow had spoken to him in a different realm.

The Black Shadow's voice echoed, filled with a sinister giggle. "Well, well, well, it seems like your body can't handle the power inside you."

In that otherworldly place, surrounded by an infinite darkness, Ginro felt disoriented and questioned, "you... it can't be!? I'm already dead?"

The Black Shadow laughed heartily. "You? HAHAHAHA! No, you're not dead, don't be silly, kid. You've just lost consciousness."

Ginro tried to make sense of his surroundings, his confusion evident. "Then, where are we?"

The Black Shadow replied cryptically, "Hmmm... This place, let's say it's the domain of my power. Everything you see here is the full extent of my potential."

The shadowy figure then gazed above and quickly conveyed a message to Ginro, his tone urgent. "Hey, you're going to wake up soon, and I don't have much time, so I'll be quick."

Ginro remained silent, awaiting further instructions.

The Black Shadow continued, "Don't tell anyone how you arrived in that cave or how you got there in the first place. It's much safer for you. If someone asks where you were born or where you lived, just tell them you were involved in an incident while on an adventure and lost some of your memories. That's the reason why you can't remember your past life."

Ginro contemplated this advice but raised a concern, "What if the person who asks me can detect lies?"

The Black Shadow's sinister smile widened as he responded, "Hmmm... that's a good question. Then, how about-" His words faded as Ginro began to regain consciousness.

That's all Ginro could recall before meeting Diana.

In the present, as Ginro attempted to speak to Diana, a powerful presence suddenly overwhelmed them. Diana quickly readied her weapon, while Ginro struggled to summon his strength to rise. Diana glanced at him and clicked her tongue in frustration.

Diana remarked, "This is dangerous; he's too weak. The power I'm feeling right now... no doubt, this is the presence of one of the SEVEN GENERALS OF THE DEMON LORD!"

Both Diana and Ginro heard a woman's voice echoing from the depths of the cave.

An unfamiliar voice called out, "Well, well! To meet the great hero here... this is such a joyous encounter, right? D-I-A-N-A!?"

Diana's eyes widened in shock. "L-Lilith... you!? No, that can't be? are you... one of the Seven Generals of the Demon Lord?"

Lilith's voice dripped with sarcasm as she replied, "It's been a while, my LITTLE-DEAR-FRIEND!"

Ginro couldn't help but think, "(They're friends? But the way that girl Lilith is talking, it doesn't feel like it!)"

Diana, her eyes filled with tears, and asked, "W-What are you doing here, Lilith?"

Lilith responded with a sly grin, "Just like you." She giggled. "I'm finding the whereabouts of the Legendary 'Sword'."

Diana's eyes lit up with happiness despite her tears. "Then, let's find it together!"

Lilith burst into laughter. "HahahaHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAH!!!"

Diana, taken aback, stammered, "L-Lilith...?"

Lilith's tone turned cryptic. "Do you think I'm looking for it with the same reason as you?"

Suddenly, Lilith vanished before Diana's eyes, and a sharp clang rang out behind her. When Diana turned around, she saw Lilith attempting to stab her, but Ginro had intervened, deflecting the attack.

Both Lilith and Diana exclaimed in surprise, "WHA-!?"

Lilith was bewildered. "(This guy blocked my attack with a POT!?)"

Ginro, straining with effort, muttered, "NNGGHHH!!!"

Lilith declared, "But there won't be a second time!"

Lilith launched another attack, but Diana swiftly grabbed Ginro's collar and pulled him back, preventing him from getting any closer.

Lilith smirked, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh my~ oh my~ you have such a cute little puppy out there."

As the battle raged on, Ginro began to notice Lilith's striking beauty. Her long, silky black hair and crimson eyes set her apart from any other girls he had encountered. He couldn't help but ogle at her, completely captivated by her gaze.

Diana, concerned by Ginro's sudden distraction, called out to him. "Ginro...?"

Ginro's eyes remained fixed on Lilith, his mind seemingly blank.

Diana whispered anxiously, "Oh no..."

Lilith chuckled softly. "Fufufu, now~ now~ come here, little one. I'll show you the consequences of facing me."

Ginro started walking toward Lilith as if he were under a spell, his senses ensnared by her beauty. Diana desperately tried to stop him, but Lilith cast a binding spell that froze her in place.

Lilith chanted, "BIND!"

Diana exclaimed in shock, "What the!? My body can't move!? This magic!?"

Diana was bewildered by the overwhelming power of Lilith's magic compared to her own. Meanwhile, Ginro had already reached Lilith.

Lilith hissed, "Die~"

She extended her hand, aiming for Ginro's heart. Diana could only watch in horror as Ginro faced impending doom.

Diana screamed, "NOOOOOO!!!"

A torrent of blood began to spill between Ginro and Lilith. Diana's eyes filled with tears as she watched the gruesome scene unfold. Suddenly, an arm flew through the air and landed in front of her.

Diana stammered in confusion, "Wha-?"

She struggled to comprehend the bizarre turn of events. Meanwhile, Lilith let out a sharp cry of pain, and to Diana's astonishment, Ginro's face twisted into a menacing smile.