The Psychopathic Beast Emperor

Bahamut and the two girls left the arena since Lily had collapsed. He used the system to check her condition while he headed for the place where the injured would be sent for healing. On the way, he chatted lightly with Exildra, as they shared thoughts on Lily’s situation and what her power could do, while the system showed him its discovery.

[Scan Results:

- Name: Kurama Lily

- Age: Unknown

- Race: Fox Beast-kin (Elemental Fire Fox)

- Current Condition: Unconsciousness, power leak effect

- Severity: Low

Side Note: She’s too young to use the power of the elementals; another leak would result in something more severe.]

"Do you know anything about the Kuramas?" Bahamut asked Exildra with a concerned tone.

"Hmm... not much. They are one of the races with a well-hidden history. But what I know is that they were once the right-hand men of the fox empress, Kitsune, and they could grow and gain up to eight tails, just a tail away from the empress herself. Only the empress can gain the ninth tail. There are also rumors of the tenth tail, which would mean godhood.

The power of the Kuramas is original flames, the first flames of the world. These flames made the sun, made volcanoes, made heat, helped plants to grow, and a whole lot more. That is their power, and it is said that, if it weren’t for the presence of a fox empress, gaining the ninth tail would be as easy as taking meat from a plate for them," Exildra explained in one breath. Bahamut just stared at her as she spoke and spoke. When she realized, she bowed hurriedly with a red face.

"I’m sorry..."

"Cute."

"Ugh!" Exildra hid her face in her hands. "I’m not speaking again..." she muttered with a quiet voice, showing her grudge at Bahamut.

"Hehe!"

Very soon, they reached the place where Exildra had to go back because only one person could come in with the injured. Exildra could have stayed, but she insisted on Bahamut staying, which he didn’t refute. She kissed him on the cheek and left.

...

Bahamut sat quietly beside the bed.

The room was calm, almost unnaturally so after the chaos of the arena. Soft light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the white sheets and the still figure resting upon them. Lily lay there, her breathing slow and even. Her red hair was spilled across the pillow like scattered silk, a few strands clinging faintly to her cheeks. Without her usual sharpness, without the fire in her eyes, she looked... softer. Younger. Fragile in a way that didn’t match the monster she had just become.

Her fox ears twitched faintly every now and then. Her lips parted slightly as she exhaled.

Peaceful.

Bahamut leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze fixed on her.

"Kurama..."

Exildra’s words echoed in his mind. Original flames. The kind of power that shaped the world itself. His eyes lingered on Lily’s face.

"Too young..."

The system’s warning wasn’t something he could ignore. What had happened in the arena wasn’t just a burst of strength; it was something unstable. Something that could spiral out of control if she pushed it again.

His gaze softened slightly.

"Idiot."

He didn’t even realize when he leaned forward, or when his hand lifted. His fingers brushed against her cheek, warm, soft, a faint hum of life beneath his touch.

Lily stirred, just slightly. Her brows furrowed faintly, her body shifting closer, subconsciously leaning into the warmth of his hand. Her breathing changed, becoming just a little uneven as if she recognized the presence, even in her sleep.

Bahamut’s hand lingered, then moved again, lightly and carefully. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"You overdid it."

Her lips parted slightly. A faint sound escaped her. Then suddenly, her arms shot up. Bahamut’s eyes widened slightly as her hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him forward without warning. His chair creaked. His body tilted. It was so sudden that he didn’t react in time. When he did, it was almost too late.

His hand shot down, bracing against the bed just before he could fall completely on top of her. Their faces were close. Too close.

Lily’s eyes fluttered open in confusion and shock. Then, recognition. Her pupils shrank as her face turned red. Very red.

"B-Bahamut...?" she whispered, her voice barely holding together.

Bahamut blinked.

"You’re awake."

But Lily wasn’t listening. Her lips trembled slightly. Her eyes darted. Her breathing quickened. Something felt off. Bahamut noticed it too, a strange pause, a strange tension.

Then, he looked down and froze. His left hand... firmly pressed against her chest. His hand snapped away as if burned, and he pushed himself back instantly, standing up from the chair with an uncharacteristically stiff motion.

"Sorry."

His expression didn’t change much, but there was a clear hint of awkwardness in his posture. Lily sat there frozen, her face completely red. Her lips pressed tightly together. Her eyes shook.

"I..."

She started. Then stopped. Her hands clenched slightly. Then, something shifted. Her expression changed. The embarrassment didn’t disappear, it... twisted, into something else.

Before Bahamut could react, she moved. She lunged forward. Bahamut’s eyes widened slightly, but this time he reacted immediately, catching her mid-air as she crashed into him. He dropped back into the chair from the force, his arms instinctively wrapping around her to steady her.

"Lily..."

He didn’t finish. Her lips met his, soft, warm, and sudden. Bahamut froze completely. Lily didn’t move away. If anything, she leaned in more. Her hands gripped his clothes tightly, her body pressed against his as if she was afraid he’d disappear if she let go.

Her eyes were closed, her face still burning red, but she didn’t stop. Seconds passed, then she pulled back slightly, just enough to breathe. Her forehead rested against his as her eyes slowly opened, shaky, nervous, but determined.

"I wanted to do that," she whispered.

Her voice was soft and unsteady, but honest. Bahamut looked at her: really looked at her, then exhaled quietly.

"You’re still injured."

Lily pouted slightly, though her face remained red.

"That’s not what you’re supposed to say."

"It’s what I’m saying."

She stared at him for a moment. Then, she buried her face into his chest.

"Idiot..." But she didn’t move away, and neither did he.

...