Yui stood on shaky legs, the soul-bound shield fading from around her. Smoke curled through the ruined garden, and Vera lay unconscious—burned, bleeding, but alive.
Azazel's eyes were on her. Cold, curious.
"She tried to kill you," he said. "Her life is yours to end."
The system offered a chilling prompt:
> [Decision Point: Fate of Vera Cross]
Kill her – +100 Dark Alignment
Spare her – Unlock Potential Ally Path
Interrogate her – Unlock Hidden Memory Thread
Yui's fingers trembled.
In the original novel, Lilliana would have killed Vera without hesitation. But Yui wasn't Lilliana.
"I'm not like the girl you think I am," she said aloud.
She walked slowly to Vera's side, kneeling beside her.
"She came to assassinate me. But she also saw through me—she knows I'm not from this world."
Azazel's gaze narrowed. "And you want to let her live?"
"Yes."
Yui looked up, her voice firmer now. "Because she could be useful. And maybe, one day… loyal."
> [Choice Confirmed: Spare Vera Cross]
+5 Light Alignment
Bonding Trait Unlocked: Mercy in Flame
Vera's Fate Changed. Loyalty Potential: 28%
Ally Status: Reluctant
Skill Insight Gained: Holy Blade - Fragment Blueprint Unlocked
Azazel watched her a moment longer.
Then, to Yui's surprise, he smiled.
Faint. Dangerous. But genuine.
"You are no longer dull," he said. "Very well. Let's see what your mercy costs us."
---
Later That Night
Vera awoke in a demon-forged prison cell. Her wounds were treated—barely. Yui stood outside the bars.
"I should have killed you," Vera rasped.
Yui smiled. "You still might try. But next time, I won't be the one on the floor."
The assassin's silver eyes locked on hers. No gratitude. Just curiosity.
"You're not the real Lilliana. I'll find out what you are."
Yui turned to leave. "Go ahead. But if you try to stab me again... Azazel won't hold back next time."
---
As she walked away, the system glowed.
> [Questline Updated: Infiltrate the Empire]
Recruitment Path: Vera Cross – Stage 1 Complete
Next Objective: Survive the Imperial Summons (13 days)
Azazel Affection: +6 (Mild Amusement)
---