Ever since they had known each other, Ciara had always been scared of the dark.

She would often spend her night in his room—a practice that filled their childhood.

Jerry was of low nobility, and his father was the lord of the particular patch of land where Ciara had been brought up.

Still, as was common with those who had very little power, the Lord was close to the people. Which made Jerry know Ciara, and even become friends with her without any form of bias.

She spent some time in his abode, and he spent some time in hers as well. His father had been poor, so they didn't really have much going for them anyways.

But, Ciara had had it much worse. She'd lived in the slums. Her home hadn't been in any good state at all. Compared to her lifestyle, Jerry had felt himself to be a king.

It made him appreciate her more.. especially her smile and expressive personality.

Well, all of that vanished once darkness arrived.

Ciara was scared of the dark, and simply clung close to him whenever it was that time of any day. And as the confident one.. as the man, he had to protect her!

His father had allowed her to spend the night in his house, after some persuasion. Though Jerry didn't know why, the Lord often asked about his experience the next morning.

There was no experience, though. He simply cuddled her and caressed her hair so she could fall asleep.

He would soothe her with his words and they would whisper nice things to each other till they fell asleep.historical

It wasn't anything special, really.

However.. they eventually parted.

Despite their friendship, there was one thing that severed the connection they'd had—talent for Magic!

It initially hadn't been a problem, but after some time.. Ciara changed.

He would often declare how he would get to her level, but she always seemed to get even further and further beyond his reach—even at Ainzlark.

'Those were some days, huh?' Jerry smiled a little, now recollecting how he had been very frustrated and impulsive back then.

Despite their very strained relationship in the Academy, and his dislike for how things had turned out, Jerry couldn't deny he often had certain thoughts about Ciara before he slept.

He had often wondered how she managed to sleep when she was in the female dorms back at Ainzlark. Her fear of the dark had been a serious problem when they were kids, after all.

After wondering for some time, he decided to settle on the thought that she had gotten over her fears.

'Looks like I was wrong..' Looking at her now, Jerry realized she still had that fear within her.

She was but a frail girl in the darkness!

'Just how long did she have to endure like that in Ainzlark.. being alone in the darkness! It made him realize that her twisted personality in school was probably not entirely her fault.

She had simply been pushed to that point due to her mental stress, no doubt.

'That's why.. I can't falter here!' Jerry removed his mind from her soft boobs and nice smell.

Now wasn't the time to indulge in such things—not that he had ever really done so.

Ciara Epilson was relying on him. That was all that mattered!

*

*

*

"I-it's unavoidable anyway! Since they're coming for us, then there's no need to remain in the dark any longer!"

The purpose of simply having a small light source had been defeated, after all.

"Time to brighten up this place!"

>VWUUUUSSSHHH<

His flames got much brighter, it became a blazing flame as they grew to a higher degree.

Suddenly, the darkness was banished, and illumination radiated everywhere. Jerry smiled, spreading the flames throughout the hallway—ensuring it passed through the crevices and exposed the hidden things.

"[Flames of Sight] have a low temperature and very little destructive power. They are perfect for this purpose." He turned to Ciara, hoping this would calm her a little.

"Tch."

It could have been his imagination, but John thought he saw Ciara frown and click her tongue. As soon as he blinked, he realized it must have been his mind playing tricks on him.

Ciara was still clutching onto him tightly, and her face indicated light relief.. though worry remained trapped in her eyes.

It made him want to protect her even more.

'This time, Ciara.. I'll do my best to help!'

It was no secret who was the superior one in ability.

Unlike Ciara who had Original Magic, Mage Mode, a Special Grade Mana Core, and several other impressive feats.. he was quite weak.

However, no one was invincible!

In these circumstances.. it was his turn to cover for his partner's weakness and do his best.

This was his way of catching up!

>DUMMMMMMM<

The hallway shook violently as the platform underneath them trembled.

As expected, more monsters were alerted of their presence and were rushing towards them.

'This can't be good!'

Jerry glanced around him, quickly attempting to decide on what path to take. They had to ascend to a higher floor to achieve their goals.

However, before he could complete this mission, creatures emerged from both viable means of escape.

'Shit!' Jerry cursed, now stuck between the horde of monsters.

The beasts facing him were all deformed entities, some had exposed, ugly flesh while others had multiple eyes. Some had several limbs, while others seemed unreasonably emaciated.

These freaks had various differences, but one thing was similar about their appearances.

"S-scary.."

Jerry's heart raced once more as he heard Ciara's shaky voice. The darkness wasn't the only problem, as this time around it was creatures that made up one's nightmares.

"Don't worry, Ciara.. I'll protect you!"

Jerry swiftly made up his mind as he glanced at the least congested area to pass through. Sure, there would still be monsters to face, but it would be much safer.

'Using my senses, I already see the stairs. Plus, the monsters that are still coming after us are a lot. I need to move fast!'

"Hup!" Jerry quickly lifted Ciara, carrying her in both arms—like a baby being cradled by its mother.

"Hold on tight."