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Chapter 68 - Chapter 65: Castle & Chaos!

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I stopped dead in my tracks, jaw dropping as I stared up at the sprawling structure in front of me. "This isn't a house—it's a freaking castle!"

Sirzechs grinned, hands in his pockets. "I wanted to make it twice as big, but—"

"Twice as big?!" I cut in, spinning to face him. "This thing's already so huge I can't even wrap my head around it!"

He chuckled, his voice warm and easy. "Come on, Shiro, it's the least I could do. You took out that prick and kept my sister safe. This is nothing."

I scratched the back of my neck, shrugging. "Yeah, I guess I just did what felt right."

"And Sona's parents insisted," he added, smirking. "You're her fiancé now, so, y'know—they wanted you set up proper."

"Fair enough," I said, still dazed by the sheer size of it. "Alright, let's get this tour started."

….

"And here's the master bedroom," Sirzechs announced, swinging open the door with a flourish. "Last stop on the tour."

I stepped inside and froze, eyes wide. The room was massive—a king-sized bed dominated the center, piled high with pillows. A sleek desk sat in the corner with a top-notch computer, while a 70-inch TV hung on the wall, hooked up to a PS4 with a stack of brand-new games beside it. But the real kicker? The entire back wall was a towering bookshelf, stuffed to the brim with manga and anime box sets.

I turned to Sirzechs, grinning like a kid on Christmas. "You know me way too well."

He laughed, waving it off. "Don't get too comfy yet—this isn't even the whole deal."

I tilted my head, confused. "Huh?"

He strolled over to the right side of the bookshelf, slipping his finger behind it—barely fitting—and I heard a soft click. The two middle shelves groaned and shifted, sliding apart to reveal a hidden room.

"No way!" I rushed forward, peering inside. It was smaller but cozy—a twin bed tucked against the wall, a 32-inch TV perched on a stand, a mini fridge humming quietly, and a shelf loaded with junk food. A laptop sat next to a pile of movies and a DVD player, completing the setup.

Sirzechs pointed to a button on the back of the left shelf. "Hit this to close it up. Oh, and when it's shut, this room's soundproof. The laptop and computer are linked to cameras around the house and outside—no bedroom or bathroom feeds, though. Privacy matters."

I nodded, still taking it all in. "This is seriously cool."

"Glad you think so," he said, grinning. "Wanna see where you can train?"

"Hell yeah," I replied, already hyped.

He led me out to the backyard, where high concrete walls stretched around the perimeter, forming a wide, open space. "This is your training ground," he explained, gesturing at the walls. "I put a spell on 'em—they'll rebuild themselves if you break 'em. Go ahead, test it out."

I hesitated, glancing at him. "You sure?"

"Positive," he said, stepping back with a nod.

"Alright, then." I walked a few paces out, letting a fiery aura crackle around me. Time to go all out. Sirzechs called after me, "Shiro, you might wanna get closer—that wall's half a mile off!"

"I know!" I shouted back, smirking. I sucked in the blazing energy, feeling it coil tight in my chest, then unleashed it. "FIRE DRAGON ROAR!"

A torrent of flames erupted from my mouth, slamming into the wall with a deafening boom. A huge chunk crumbled away, debris scattering across the grass. Smoke curled from my lips as I watched the wall slowly knit itself back together, the magic humming in the air.

Sirzechs stared, wide-eyed. "Holy shit!"

I turned to him, grinning. "Nice, right?"

"Indeed it is," a calm voice chimed in, startling us both. I whipped around, Holy Avenger already in my hand, blade aimed—until I saw Grayfia standing there, unruffled as ever.

"Oh, it's just you," I said, exhaling as I sheathed the sword.

Grayfia raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching faintly. Sirzechs just groaned, muttering, "Guess she's cooled off faster than I thought."

I scratched my head, still rattled from Grayfia's sudden appearance. "How do girls always sneak up on me like that?"

Sirzechs sighed, slumping a little. "Trust me, you're not the only one."

Grayfia stepped forward, her cool gaze softening slightly. "Sorry for barging in, Shiro, but I brought you a couple things I thought you'd like." She handed me a skill book, its cover worn but glowing faintly with promise. I stashed it in my inventory without a second thought. Then she held up a sleek wand, its wood polished to a shine.

"Nice," I said, taking it and turning it over in my hands. She nodded, then glanced at Sirzechs, her tone shifting. "Again, apologies for dropping by unannounced, but I need my husband to come with me."

That last part hit like a warning shot. I caught the edge in her voice—she was pissed. Sirzechs shot me a desperate look, silently begging for a lifeline.

I shrugged, playing it cool. "Well, we just finished the tour, so I think he's free."

His eyes widened, pure betrayal flashing across his face. I smirked to myself. (Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn, huh?) Grayfia didn't waste a second—she grabbed his arm and dragged him off, his protests fading as they disappeared through a shimmering portal.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me out of it. I answered with a grin. "Hello, you've reached the Crap Café."

A hearty laugh crackled through the line. "Ha! That's a good one, kid."

"Oh, hey, Azazel!" I said, recognizing the voice. "How's the governor of the fallen angels holding up?"

"Not bad, Mr. Holy Sword Maker," Azazel replied, his tone light and easy. "I'm doing fine. Just wondered if you're up for a drink."

"Hell yeah," I said, leaning against the wall. "How about my new place?"

"Works for me. Send me the coordinates."

….

I swung the door open, and Azazel strolled in, his usual swagger dialed up a notch. He took one look around and smirked. "Sirzechs?"

I nodded, grinning back. "Sirzechs."

"Should've known," he said, shaking his head as he stepped inside.

"So, whatcha got this time?" I asked, kicking the door shut behind him.

He held up a glass jug, three bold X's scratched into the side. "Moonshine. Straight from a guy in Kentucky."

I whistled, impressed. "Damn, that's a haul."

"Yeah, but worth it," he said, popping the stopper with a flourish. He summoned a couple of glasses from thin air, pouring us each a generous splash of the clear, potent liquid.

I raised my glass. "Cheers."

"Cheers," he echoed, clinking his against mine. The moonshine burned going down, sharp and wild—just right.

….

Azazel swayed slightly, his words slurring as he squinted at the jug. "We're… almost out."

I hiccupped, the room tilting a little. "I'll get us more," I mumbled, staggering to my feet.

"Where you even goin'?" he called after me, but I was already stumbling out the door, into the cool night air and the woods beyond.

….

"W-where's the liquor store when you need it?" I slurred, tripping over my own feet. The trees spun around me, shadows blurring into each other. 

I caught a glimpse of two figures in the distance—or maybe it was just the booze playing tricks. 

Before I could figure it out, my legs gave up, and I hit the ground hard. The world faded to black as I passed out, face-first in the dirt.

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Hey guys if u like the fanfic and want to read ahead by 15+ Chapters or just want to support take a visit on my patreon.

(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)

http://patreon.com/Marin_kitawaga

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