Demonic Kitsune (Old Version)

It was late morning when a group of figures rode on a carpet of clouds, streaking through the sky, slicing elegantly through crimson clouds. Their robes billowed like dark, flowing shadows against the wind. Leading them was a lone figure whose form sharpened as they neared—it was Mei Tai, the Dean of the Institute, accompanied by the Arrancars who had graduated just a week ago.

They soared through a “Demonic Drifting Cloud,” a thick, dark cloudy carpet made of energy that seemed almost alive, an extension of the combatant’s power. In this instance, it was Mei Tai’s energy propelling them forward, guiding them through the skies toward a specific destination.

Above, the sky was a bright reddish-yellow, an eerie yet strangely captivating sight. The air had transformed into a swirling mass of heterochromatic currents, almost palpable in its density.

As they traveled, oppressive heat from the constant eruptions of nearby magma peaks clashed with the fierce, biting winds of the season. These violent forces buzzed against the tendrils of energy dancing off the Demonic Drifting Cloud. They were no longer merely crossing towering, jagged peaks but traversing a realm of extremes—hot, burning gusts mingling with sharp, icy winds, drifting through clouds that seemed to pulse with life.

“The path you tread now leads directly to the Demonic Arrancar Royal Palace, the heart of the Clan,” Mei Tai said, her voice cutting through the dense air with authority. Her robes, sinister yet captivating, fluttered in the wind alongside her flowing hair. “Only a few are ever summoned here, and even fewer at such a young age. Be proud of your achievements.”

Behind her, the squad leaders and squad members were seated closely, each lost in thought. Clare, still unsettled by the shock of flying, struggled to steady herself.

Despite her many accomplishments in her past life, she had never broken through the final barrier of the “Fourth Chain” even with the "Ancient Text", which would have granted her the ability to fly.

The “Ancient Art of Levitation” remained beyond her reach, tightly linked to the “Holy Mana Condensation”—a skill she had never mastered. She had trained fiercely after achieving “Holy Mana Compression,” but no amount of effort had been enough.

Echelons like Wenceslas, the acting leader of the Central Holy Church, had reached the stage of Holy Mana Condensation. With it came the power to float and fly. Clare couldn’t forget the day of the crusade—the day that broke her. She lay gasping, clinging to her last breath, as that damned woman hovered above her, sneering down with hazelnut eyes…

Would she eventually be able to levitate and fly in this life?

It was a brief but sharp reminder of her past life—a life that had trapped her, preventing her from breaking the limits that kept her grounded even as the Heavenly Saintess. Sitting alongside the others, Clare took in the ethereal sight before her. A rush of exhilaration swept over her, and her tails, though relaxed, curled around each other in a quiet display of tranquility.

Above them, the sky blazed a bright reddish-yellow, its dark clouds parting around them, occasionally to reveal the jagged peaks and ominous architectures of the Residences scattered atop them. The structures seemed so close and yet impossibly far.

Next to Clare, Noir glanced over, a faint smile playing on her lips. She was familiar with the sensation of drifting through the cloudy carpet beneath them, yet Clare’s brief awe-struck expression was a delight. Noir watched her with a mix of empathy and satisfaction, understanding how rare and significant this moment was for someone she cherished.

The Demonic Drifting Cloud carpet shifted direction, gliding smoothly as faint sounds of flocks of demonic birds echoed in the distance, their cries hinting at the hidden power coursing through the Clan. Mei Tai continued murmuring about the rules and courtesies of the Demonic Arrancar Royal Palace, her words nearly drowned out by the grandeur of their journey. For most, this was an awe-inspiring experience—one that marked their entry into a sacred place few could claim to have seen, and even fewer could truly comprehend.

Seated a bit further away, Lee Won-bin, also known as DALETH, paid no attention to Mei Tai’s droning recitation of rules and courtesies. His focus was entirely on GIMEL—Clare. Her calm yet indifferent amazement stirred something within him. Unlike Noir, Lee Won-bin didn’t bother to hide his jealousy. He gritted his teeth, silently fuming.

‘She arrived before me?’ he thought.

Lee Won-bin couldn’t believe that GIMEL was so strong. Born as a half-barbarian and half-demon, his mixed heritage had cursed him with an arrow-like tail, a unique trait among the young Arrancars.

He despised this part of himself but still embraced his identity as an Arrancar, fiercely defending it against anyone who dared mock him, no matter the cost. It was this relentless spirit that had driven him to rise through the ranks and become one of the elite.

His physique was lean, his skin a whitish-snow color that showcased his demon-strong body and vitality. Though not as massive as a full-blooded barbarian, his two horns and unwavering confidence in his strength were enough to make his presence felt.

Even inside the Institute, he was victorious. Of course, he had been defeated by Noir once, but that was just because—he hated to admit it, but he was still weak then and had let his guard down. Now that he had improved, he wondered if he could win against SETH if she used her trump card. He doubted it for a moment. But soon, his fist clenched tightly, and he made a decision.

‘I will win by any means necessary.’

Even if SETH unleashed the “Blood Demonic Heart Technique,” he would use any means within or beyond his grasp to secure victory.

The same went for GIMEL, the Half-breed Nin. DALETH was confident he could defeat her with his newfound strength as long as he remained vigilant. To him, GIMEL was nothing more than a cunning fox with the spirit of a demon.

DALETH was determined to prove that he was now the strongest of the graduates from the Institute of Arrancars. To demonstrate this, he pushed his squad, the Third Young Arrancar Squad, to the limits, achieving faster and more accurate mission completions than anyone else. But despite his efforts… DALETH secretly bit his lower lip in painful disappointment… his plan had failed when he returned a few hours ago.

Not only had the First Squad, led by GIMEL, completed their mission faster, but they had also helped the Second Squad. He could hardly believe what he heard when the Dean told him. He could only stare in disbelief, his eyes wide as he gritted his teeth. Even now, he still cursed in his mind, ‘You cunning fox, you’re only GIMEL!’

Clare’s ears twitched slightly as she sensed the uncomfortable gaze directed at her. It was well-hidden, but Clare could feel it. She chuckled inwardly, a sneer escaping her lips. Especially when it came to DALETH, who had lost to SETH and was less talented than CHETH, Clare, who had lived long enough to be called a granny, couldn’t help but smile. The irony was almost amusing—until her expression changed.

‘… Brat, I can expose my claws if that’s what you want.’

A cold smile spread across Clare’s lips, her eyes reflecting an intense indifference. She sighed, conscious of DALETH’s sidelong glances as he continued to grit his teeth. It might be better for Clare to show that a cat shouldn’t mess with a fox. Her demon side agreed wholeheartedly.

As the red clouds beneath the summit of the central peak blossomed in full glory, the “Demonic Drifting Cloud” landed softly within the defensive perimeter that enclosed several lush gardens and villas filled with beautiful plants, trees, and ponds. This was the front of the Demonic Arrancar Royal Palace.

The central peak of the Demonic Arrancar Clan towered high into the skies, a sight that even the graduates of the Institute could only imagine from afar. The Royal Palace that resided on it was a single structure—an elaborate tower with triple eaves at the center and three distinct wings joining it. Two smaller wings stood on either side of the main entrance, with towers at their ends. Directly opposite the main entrance was the third, larger wing, housing the “Demoness’s Main Throne Room.” The dark towering structure—with its red embellishments and decorations—was sky-high, making anyone feel dizzy just looking at it.

But of course, they weren’t going that high. Instead, they headed to the third, larger wing where the “Demoness’s Main Throne Room” was located. The grand double doors creaked open, revealing a dimly lit, enormous hall. Usually empty, the hall was now packed with Arrancars of varying skin hues, sporting different numbers of horns on their heads, and wearing dark-red robes with unique embellishments.

The hall featured an intricate array of inscriptions, with large tapestries lining the walls. Elaborate demon skull-themed, holy flame-themed, and Demon God-themed images and moldings were spread throughout the various sections of the long hall. As they proceeded further, the hall grew brighter, revealing black pillars with elaborate gold bases supporting the roof, and black-tiled floors.

Beyond this was a higher platform where an ornate throne was set. Behind the throne, an enormous bas-relief image of the Demon God with seven horns and flaming eyes adorned the wall. This was where the leader of the Demonic Arrancar Clan, Demoness Yue Mingkong Gu, was thought to be seated.

The Main Throne Room was designed to instill awe, despair, and fear in all who entered. It was an intimidating sight, even for Clare, who had fought Demon Lords, conquered Demon cities, and seen countless battles. This was a true utopia for Arrancars, led by the Demoness herself.

Mei Tai, standing at the far front of the Main Throne Palace, swallowed dryly, interrupting Clare’s thoughts. Her voice was low but stern as she reminded the other graduates of the Institute, “Everyone, show your absolute respect. This is the Demoness’s Main Royal Throne Room.”

They all nodded in response. As they continued to walk down the hall, Clare assessed the strengths of the Arrancars who filled the palace. Their power was similar to Mei Tai’s, with some a few levels below and others far beyond. The more powerful ones were seated on platform six on either side of the Main Throne Room, though not as high as the Demoness’s Throne. These were undoubtedly the Twelve Arrancar Grandmasters.

Clare continued to look around, wondering why all the Arrancar Grandmasters were gathered here. Mei Tai led them to the center of the Main Throne Palace, just before the Demoness’s Throne Room. She shouted loudly, bowing low to the cold floor.

“Long live the Demonic Arrancar Clan! Hail the Everlasting Demoness! I bow upon the Demon God!”

Having shown a great example of courtesy toward the Demoness, Mei Tai stepped off to the side and joined the other “Grand Rooks” on a somewhat lower platform than the Arrancar Grandmasters. This left only the graduates of the Institute in the center.

Thrown into such a situation, the graduates of the Institute expressed varying degrees of anxiety, excluding Clare. Noir shuffled her feet, staring blankly at Clare, while DALETH looked like a lost chick in the rain.

As absolute silence swept through the entire Main Royal Palace, Clare’s ears twitched, and her tails curled in anticipation. She felt a familiar odd and terrifying tremble in the air coming from somewhere in the front and high above.

Contrary to her senses, an unfamiliar pressure—far beyond anything Clare had encountered in all her lifetimes—strongly distorted the Main Throne Hall like a curtain of rain. The pressure sent the three graduates to their knees in shock.

“... Let’s begin.”

The words were spoken in a dominating, commanding tone from the front and high above the platform. A huge presence emerged, with three horns framing an extremely jade-like appearance. The pressure that had once suffocated everyone—glued to their knees in terror, their faces drenched in sweat, teeth clenched—was now compressed only in the center, focusing on the graduates. The hall resonated with the voices of all the Arrancars, their cries echoing together.

“Long live the Demonic Arrancar Clan! Hail the Everlasting Demoness! I bow upon the Demon God!”

The presence now fully revealed, it was clear that they were ready to proceed with today’s agenda, despising any unnecessary delays.

“…Today’s openings,” the dominating and commanding voice added.

— — — — —

Clare was startled. No, it was more than that—she hated this situation. Bowing to anyone was something she had never done in her previous life, and she had vowed never to do it in this one. It was no wonder she had been called the “Godless Servant” and the “True Saintess” back then. But who would have thought she wouldn’t even notice the presence of the demoness? This very demoness had bypassed her “Seventh Mind” automatic sense mechanism and tossed her to her knees like some pathetic fox.

She loathed it—so much that she bit her lower lip until blood spilled. Noir, standing close by, could sense the fury in her blood.

Her foxy senses had, of course, detected the faint presence in the air a split second before it overwhelmed the Main Throne Hall. The fox race and the Demonic Arrancar Clan had always despised each other, and this instinctual hatred still ran deep. Yet, on the demon side, their instincts seemed completely absent.

As the Heavenly Saintess, Clare forced herself to take a deep breath. She couldn’t allow herself to be moved by this. She had been the Heavenly Saintess in her past life, after all. After calming down, Clare had to admit—much as she hated it—that it was no surprise she hadn’t noticed the demoness. This demoness had been there the entire time. Clare no longer had the body she once possessed, and her current Nin’s body wasn’t yet perfectly crafted.

Astonishment began to stir in her heart, replacing her fury and disappointment.

To think such a powerful being existed within the Demonic Arrancar Clan—a being so far beyond others that no one beneath her could even notice or comprehend her divine presence unless she willed it.

It made sense now why this demoness claimed to be the apex of all Salamander, an ArchDemon under the Heavens, second only to the Demon God himself.

This demoness, capable of shrouding the world in darkness, despair, and terror, yet also able to bring peace, tranquility, happiness, and life, was none other than Yue Mingkong Gu, the sole contractee of the Demon God.

Clare's previous life as a Heavenly Saintess, with all her names, monikers, and achievements, had only reached the level of Fourth Chain with "Ancient Text." Yet the Demoness was on a level beyond "Transcendent," a realm unattainable unless one possessed the innate talent and potential of an Archdemon from the start. As Clare marveled at Yue Mingkong Gu's presence, the Arrancars in the Royal Hall, who had once been forced to kneel, resumed their seats as if nothing had happened.

The Demoness continued. "I have heard it was not flawless, yet you have all fulfilled your tasks admirably."

Hearing the Demoness’s praise, the faces of the Third Squad and their leader brightened. In contrast, the First Squad and their leader remained composed, their expressions calm as usual. Noir, however, frowned, and the Second Squad appeared increasingly gloomy.

"This summons is to deliberate upon the rewards for your deeds thus far. Let those who are proud stand tall, with heads held high."

Her words deepened the Second Squad's embarrassment, and Noir’s frown became even more pronounced. The First and Third Squads remained as they were—polar opposites in their reactions. Meanwhile, Clare maintained her indifferent expression, intent on fathoming the depths of the Demoness’s strength.

"Enough with the openings. Let us proceed to the matters at hand. I believe we should begin with judgments. Second Arrancar Squad, heed my command!"

The Demoness’s voice reverberated through the Throne Room, shaking its very foundations. Noir, still frowning, along with the rest of the gloomy squad, remained on their knees. “I listen to our Demoness!” they chorused.

"It is indeed unfortunate to encounter a tiger in a forest teeming with monkeys. Yet, despite your partial success, you not only failed in your mission but also required the aid of another squad. This alone reveals your lack of strength. Do you…”

Noir Gu, the Divine Maiden, was undeniably the direct descendant of Yue Mingkong Gu—this Clare knew beyond doubt. Nevertheless, the Demoness’s voice, as she addressed her daughter, remained unyielding. Lessons were lessons. The Demoness drew a clear line between work and life, parent and leader, her golden eyes, more refined than clear divine honey, narrowing as she fixed an intense gaze on Noir.

“… agree?”

The question, delivered with even more authority, twisted Noir’s expression into one of discomfort. The Arrancar Grandmaster's intimidating glance of disappointment fell heavily upon her and her squadmates. Noir clenched her fists tightly, struggling to control her trembling body, and lowered her forehead to the cold ground. “I wholeheartedly agree.”

The Demoness’s expression returned to calm as she nodded. "Very well. I shall mete out your punishment. I decree that the Second Arrancar Squad, along with its Squad Leader, shall undergo seclusion training at the 'Inverted Peak of Despair and Terror' for a full year.”

“I shall heed your orders,” Noir responded, her voice filled with resignation.

The Second Arrancar Squad had no right to refuse, despite the punishment sounding more like a death sentence. The Northern Inverted Peak, with its pulsating and swirling Despair and Terror, was an embodiment of pure dread. Enduring it was the only way to survive; the weak would succumb to overwhelming despair, the terrors of death engulfing them in absolute distress. Agonizing pain would follow, ultimately turning them into wandering voidless spirits.

Despite this, the Demoness remained calm, her attention shifting to the First and Third Squads.

“That concludes the punishment. Now, we shall proceed to the rewards.”

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon the scythe—crafted from sixty-year-old Legendary Cold Titanium Steel—that Clare tried to conceal. The Demoness observed Clare more intently, her interest piqued by Clare’s Half-breed Nin bloodline.

“First Arrancar Squad and Third Arrancar Squad, heed my command!”

“I listen to our Demoness!” Clare and Lee Won-bin shouted in unison, just as Noir had done earlier.

“You have done a wonderful job. You have proven yourselves as worthy strike forces within the Demonic Arrancar Clan. Therefore, I order…”

Hundreds of gazes across the room widened as realization dawned.

"...The First Arrancar Squad shall henceforth be promoted to the 'Soaring Heaven Equal Unit.' Likewise, the Third Arrancar Squad shall ascend to the rank of the 'Charred Eden Rebel Unit.' These two esteemed units shall join the ranks of the Thirteen Guard Squads of the Supporting Units, entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding our Clan. Bear your responsibilities with the utmost gravity, and may you offer nothing less than your finest service for the honor and glory of the Clan."

As she finished, the eyes of the Twelve Arrancar Grandmasters, the Grand Rook, and the Arrancar Knights/Generals trembled with shock.

The Thirteen Guard Squads of the Supporting Units each comprised between "twenty-five” and “fifty” members, including at least one Demonic Viking and a High-end Demonic Pawn. These were among the Clan’s elite forces, numbering fewer than ten thousand.

Additionally, if any squad within the Thirteen Guard Squads were to disappear due to death, capture, or other reasons, the next squad would inherit whichever of the Demon God’s horns, wings, or hands their name derived from. Thus, the 'Soaring Heaven Equal Unit' and 'Charred Eden Rebel Unit' had existed since the Clan’s founding.

"If thou hast an objection, speak now!"

The Demoness’s commanding words echoed through the Main Throne Hall. A few of the Arrancar Grandmasters, Grand Rooks, and Arrancar Knights/Generals flinched. Finally, one of the Twelve Arrancar Grandmasters, seemingly the First among them, dared to stand.

“My Demoness, we acknowledge the skills of the two Arrancar Squads, but I believe that promoting a Half-breed Nin to the ‘Thirteen Guard Squad of the Supporting Units’ is excessive!”

His objection was clear—it was directed at the Nin bloodline, hated by all Arrancars due to its blood-soaked and agonizing past. The Demoness briefly considered his words.

After the First Arrancar Grandmaster spoke, the others found it easier to voice their concerns.

“The ‘Thirteen Guard Squad of the Supporting Units’ are the elite forces of our sacred Clan, in which every member is at least a high-end Demonic Viking. That is an excessive position for those who have just finished their Institute of Arrancars training program!”

“We are worried that such an important position within the Clan might be misrepresented by the inexperience of young Half-breeds.”

“The Squad leaders of the ‘Thirteen Guard Squad of the Supporting Units’ all possess the rank of Demonic Knight/General. The Squad leaders of the First and Third Squads do not possess the necessary rank, my Demoness!”

Clare snorted at their evaluations. While she was unsure of Lee Won-bin—DALETH and Noir—SETH’s levels, Clare was certain her own abilities could be presumed equivalent to those of the thirteenth Arrancar Grandmaster or an extremely high-end Grand Rook, at the very least for now. She had proven her strength by reducing the Fairy Saint of the Central Holy Church to a gory mess.

Of course, this feat alone didn’t mean she could immediately join the rankings. After all, as the saying goes, “Killing a dragon doesn’t mean one could immediately soar like a dragon.”

Only five thousand members of the Clan were strong enough to be called Arrancar Vikings. Arrancar Knights/Generals, with slightly fewer numbers, had even less fluidity. The Grand Rooks were fewer still, and the high-end ones were limited to just three hundred. The Arrancar Grandmasters had the least fluidity in numbers. If someone wished to become a new Arrancar Knight/General, they had to first defeat an existing one.

Since Clare had yet to issue a challenge, it was true that she technically didn’t possess the rank of an Arrancar Knight/General.

"Is that so." Neither GIMEL nor DALETH had done so, the Demoness’s voice took on a thoughtful tone, agreeing with this observation.

"Thus, I hereby decree that the Squad Leaders of the First and Third Arrancar Squads are granted the right to challenge for the rank of Arrancar Knight/General."

As her words resonated through the hall, the faces of the Arrancar Knights/Generals paled.

This was an exhibition officially presided over by the Demoness. When defeated, the losers would clearly be demoted to the rank of Arrancar Knight/General. The traditional confrontation was one of life or death. A single mistake could cost not only one’s rank but also one’s life.

The Demoness continued, ignoring any objections to her sacred decision.

"The time and location of the challenge shall be ‘Wagi Kai Chamber’. There won’t be time for practice. Squad leaders, each of you shall choose the Arrancar Knight/General you want to challenge!" She then added, almost to herself, with a hint of sarcasm, "Conveniently, we happen to have all the Arrancar Knight/Generals gathered here."

How convenient indeed. It was now obvious why the Demoness had summoned them all. She had anticipated this situation perfectly.

The Institute of Arrancar’s original purpose was to replace the generations within the Demonic Arrancar Clan. Even so, Clare never imagined the Demoness would act with such decisive force.

Clare suddenly felt that her own heroic spirit and determination paled in comparison to the Demoness’s. Though she still hated the situation, she saw it as an opportunity to prove her worth.

She stood up, her emerald eyes scanning the Arrancar Knight/Generals as commanded. When her calm gaze met theirs, the Arrancar Knight/Generals shifted uncomfortably.

“Hmph,” some grumbled, feeling threatened as they glared down at her. How could a Half-breed Nin child think she could join their divine ranks?

Some clicked their tongues and folded their arms, resigned to the situation. What would be, would be, regardless of their disapproval.

Others simply laughed to themselves, confident in their abilities. Just as Clare could sense their pulsating demonic energy, they could read hers—or at least what she allowed them to sense.

Given their power, it seemed unlikely that a Half-breed Nin would challenge them. If she was foolish enough to do so, they would simply knock her around a bit. It wouldn’t do to humiliate a weaker, younger opponent—especially a Half-breed Nin—too much in front of the demoness.

Though much higher in rank than the Arrancar Knight/Generals, Mei Tai couldn’t help but smile with pride when her eyes met Clare’s. She gave the Nin an encouraging glance, signaling her to show them what she was made of.

A faint smile crossed Clare’s face. She relaxed her shoulders, and even her bushy tails curled at the ends in anticipation. Finally, she spoke.

“I will point to my opponent.”

Her eyes locked onto the center of the group, where a certain Arrancar with a single horn on his forehead sat. He was confident that the Nin wouldn’t choose him. But…

“My opponent is…”

…unfortunately for him, she did.