D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2182 Real Problems

Kat ---

For a considerable duration, Kat and Lily continued their aerial journey, yet an unsettling sensation began to creep into Kat’s awareness. The axe wound that had severed her neck had, predictably, been repaired by her regenerative abilities. However, a persistent, subtle ache had started to manifest. While this discomfort was negligible compared to her human existence, and overshadowed by the initial trauma of the attack, it was nonetheless present. The pain registered as akin to a mere brush of air.

The peculiar aspect, however, was the very existence of this discomfort. More concerning was its tendency to subtly expand, even as the intensity of the pain remained constant. Consulting her internal records, Kat pinpointed the onset of the sensation to the precise location of the axe wound, from which it seemed to emanate outwards. The absence of any distress in her skeletal structure suggested the issue lay within her skin or musculature. This led Kat to a familiar method of investigation.

Kat quickly perceived a more direct approach. Transforming her neck into a watery substance, while carefully stabilizing her head, Kat emitted a sigh as the discomfort vanished instantly. The crucial test, however, lay in reverting to her normal form. The moment Kat restored her physical state, the pain returned. It didn't deepen or sharpen, maintaining its subtle intensity, yet its presence was undeniable, posing a potential complication.

Lily’s thoughts were in utter chaos. This situation represented one of the most dire possible outcomes for her. She held a deep aversion to causing Kat any harm, and the thought of her girlfriend experiencing pain was deeply distressing. Yet, Kat’s reasoning held merit. If this represented a genuine threat, and if severing the afflicted area was indeed the correct course of action, then Lily recognized the necessity of acting swiftly. Conversely…

Kat paused, her mind racing to process the implications. It wasn't merely a burning sensation; it was a burning originating from a healed wound. Her regeneration, unimpeded by the bracelet's limitations, lacked the capacity to overcome this. This indicated a formidable force at play—perhaps an enchantment, a potent poison, or something entirely unknown. The fact that it continued to affect her suggested a power level of at least Rank 3, possibly higher. While one might argue that considerable neck tissue would need to be sacrificed to reach this stage, Kat’s regenerative capabilities had never encountered such an obstacle before.

Kat experimented further. Extending a finger towards her neck, she unleashed demonic fire. Regrettably, her inherent resistance to her own flames rendered the attack ineffective, the fire simply washing over her without altering the situation.

Lily winced at the notion. The thought of Kat suffering a disadvantage because of her actions filled her with dread.

Kat gave a noncommittal shrug.

Lily’s mental reply was barely a whisper, a stark acknowledgment of a difficult truth. It was painful to admit, but in the grand scheme of their current predicament, it was a triviality. The words stung, yet not as profoundly as the surrounding circumstances. Lily understood that neither she nor Kat possessed the power to alleviate the pain of this decision. Kat had already exhausted her options; the burden of choice now rested solely on Lily. The crux of the problem, however, was…

Lily harbored significant doubt about her ability to proceed. Irrespective of whether it was the prudent choice, or whether it would ultimately alter Kat's circumstances, the mere contemplation of Kat potentially flinching at unseen threats, or experiencing even the faintest echo of the pain Lily would have to inflict, felt like a dagger to her own soul. Why did either path necessitate such mutual suffering?