My stepsisters are sexy demons, and I must protect them-Chapter 30: Breaking past your limits

«What’s wrong, son? You’re not focused!» Shin scolds him. «Training like this is pointless!»

He and Hakuto are sparring in a harsh training session.

Even tougher than what Hakuto had asked for.

From a safe distance, Chantal, Rika, and Yuzu observe in silence.

Shin knows him too well.

And he’s right.

Hakuto is lost in thought.

He’s supposed to meet Ana that evening at the Ashiya Rock Garden.

The idea alone unsettles him, though he doesn’t know why.

Since he woke up, there’s been this strange tremble in his stomach.

Luckily, he and Yuzu had woken up a moment before Rika.

That gave them just enough time to fix their clothes and act normal again.

They had fallen asleep so fast that, when they opened their eyes, Hakuto was still inside her.

If Rika had woken up first and seen that, it would’ve been a disaster.

Hakuto is completely drained. His breathing is long and shaky.

He holds his oversized diamond sword with both hands, struggling to keep it steady.

The armor now covers both arms and his chest. That’s the most power he can use before collapsing.

Only faint white flames flicker from his body—he’s at the edge.

Shin, instead, wields only his usual white flaming sword.

And he’s barely breaking a sweat.

«Everything’s fine, father... don’t worry... let’s resume training!»

Hakuto suddenly dashes toward his father with lightning speed.

He swings the heavy diamond sword down with force, but Shin blocks it with ease.

Hakuto doesn’t stop. He launches more slashes, just as fast and brutal, screaming in pain and rage.

But it’s not emotional pain. It’s physical.

Blood spurts from his nose and mouth—not from Shin’s blows, but from the strain crushing him inside.

It’s a gruesome sight. Blood begins to seep from his pores, mixing with sweat.

The three girls watching him grow visibly anxious.

But Shin ordered them not to intervene, no matter what. And they obey.

«How can you protect them if you’re this weak?!» Shin snaps, his voice sharp and annoyed.

«I’m not weak!» Hakuto fires back.

He grits his blood-covered teeth.

His face is twisted into something terrifying.

The clash of their swords is almost deafening. It’s hard to even hear their voices.

The garden around them looks like a battlefield now—barely recognizable.

«You’re weaker than Itsu... weaker than Chantal... and if Yuzu had started earlier, weaker than her too...» Shin mocks with a voice dripping with contempt.

«Maybe you could beat Rika in your current state, though I doubt it... You really are a disappointment as a son!»

Rika’s eyes fill with tears. She’s about to cry.

«W-Why...? Why is Shin saying such awful things to his son...? It’s not fair... he doesn’t deserve that!»

Yuzu sits on the ground, curling tighter. She hugs her knees and lowers her head, covering her ears.

She can’t handle hearing those cruel words thrown at her beloved brother.

Chantal, instead, stays cold and still.

Her eyes locked on the fight that’s been dragging on for over ten minutes—far past Hakuto’s physical limit.

«Is this what you think of me, dad?! That I’m a failure as a son...?!»

Along with the blood on Hakuto’s face, now come tears—born of rage and nerves.

«As a son, as a Monster Reaper, but most of all as a brother! I trusted you to protect Rika and Yuzu! I thought you could handle that responsibility... but I was wrong. I overestimated you! Maybe it’s better if you leave. Go somewhere far away... away from them! You’re really weak—it’s too dangerous for someone like you!»

Those words stab into Hakuto’s heart—worse than any physical wound.

Shin’s sword strikes grow faster, more merciless—a storm of white flames forcing Hakuto to step back.

«You’re wrong...» Hakuto’s voice is strangely quiet now—the calm before the storm.

«You’re wrong, father... I made a promise! I promised I’d protect them! That I’d do anything to keep their smiles safe! That I’d never abandon them!»

Something’s happening...

Chantal’s eyes widen. Her lips tremble with agitation and emotion.

The air grows thick—hot.

Flames burn in Hakuto’s irises.

The diamond armor, stuck at his torso, begins to spread.

It covers his abdomen, slides down his thighs, and wraps around his feet.

Only his head remains exposed.

Shin gives a faint, satisfied smile.

His sword strikes become even fiercer—but Hakuto doesn’t back down.

Instead, he pushes forward.

Now Shin is the one forced to defend.

«It doesn’t matter if it’s an enemy or my own father...» His voice burns with anger and resolve. «...I WON’T LET ANYONE SEPARATE ME FROM THEM!»

A blinding explosion of light and flames erupts from Hakuto’s body.

The radiance spreads in every direction.

Not even Chantal can see anything now.

Then, when the light fades...

Shin stands in the middle of the garden.

He’s holding Hakuto in his arms.

His body is soaked in blood. The skin is torn, muscles exposed.

He’s unconscious—and severely wounded.

«I-I didn’t think Hakuto could unleash that kind of power... it’s incredible!» Chantal stammers.

She’s stunned, almost can’t believe it—but her hands tremble with excitement. Even more than when she saw Itsu’s Innatus.

«Yeah, it’s more than I expected... for a second I actually thought I was in trouble. Honestly, I think his strength surpassed mine for a split second. But sadly, his body isn’t ready to handle that kind of power.»

Those words only make Chantal’s impatience grow—clear in her expression. For someone who loves fighting like her, there’s nothing more thrilling than facing someone stronger.

«S-So... is that why you said all those mean things to Hakuto...? To make him angry and push him past his limits...?» Rika asks, her voice timid.

Shin nods.

«He’s always been like that, even as a kid... Let’s say he needs the right push to bring out his full power.»

Then, Shin looks at Rika and Yuzu.

«Can either of you use healing magic?» he asks.

Both girls shake their heads.

«Strange that Kagura didn’t teach you... I know she can use it. I’ll have to scold her later.»

He sighs. «Oh well... I guess it’s up to her to take care of Hakuto.»