The Fox Hole chapter 94

Novel: The Fox Hole Author: Starwaves Updated: May 20, 2026

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Chapter 94:

– Haru –

I stood silently on a nearby rooftop, watching closely as Irene and this self-proclaid king—Gilgash, he called himself—began sizing each other up.

Honestly, it was a damn good thing Irene had set up that barrier earlier. They might've been throwing out probing attacks, but those were still strong enough to obliterate regular people with ease.

Irene opened things up by hurling so straightforward yet extrely powerful fire spells at Gilgash. Searing hot flas burst from her fingertips and her staff, roaring through the air.

Gilgash didn't look the slightest bit bothered. With a smug smirk plastered on his face, golden portals flickered to life behind him, and dozens of weapons shot forth.

Swords, spears, axes, all sorts of weapons—each one distinctly unique—flew out in a rapid barrage, slamming violently into Irene's spells, shattering the flas into bright sparks and smoke.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to identify any of those strange weapons. They all felt different from each other, like he'd pulled together a random assortnt rather than a unified arsenal.

My eyes strained slightly as I observed closely, but I couldn't recognize any of them.

Irene didn't seem to mind that her probe failed or that attacks were coming her way. With practiced ease, she deflected and blocked incoming weapons using magical barriers and swift, precise movents of her staff.

The weapons clashed loudly against her defenses, causing echoing tallic rings that reverberated in my sensitive ears.

"Hmph! Is this all you're capable of, dragon? Pathetic! You and your lowly lover are nothing but insects to !" Gilgash mocked arrogantly, not letting up at all as his endless volley continued.

Well that was rude! Fuck him...

It was obvious those insults just pissed Irene off even more. Her eyes flashed dangerously, her expression darkening as a surge of magical power erupted violently around her. I could practically feel it crackling against my skin from here, as her gorgeous red hair bristled fiercely, energy shimring around her in visible waves.

She seriously started ramping things up. “Don’t you dare insult Haru in my presence, you scum!”

She hurled every kind of powerful elent imaginable toward Gilgash—searing flas, razor-sharp wind blades, crackling lightning arcs. Even curses and nasty hexes flew from staff.

But, to my irritation—and judging by the deepening scowl on Irene’s lovely face, to hers as well—that smug bastard Gilgash seed to have a damn counter ready for every single thing she threw.

Weapons flew out from those glittering golden portals of his, each of them specially tailored sohow to negate her attacks. Fire fizzled, lightning got grounded, curses dissipated harmlessly into thin air.

His so-called “treasure collection” really was a pain in the ass.

As the fight continued, Gilgash didn’t let up on his arrogant bullshit either. "Is that really all you have, dragon?" he sneered. "A filthy beast like you—and the worthless cur you call your lover—are nothing compared to my treasures. Co now, amuse properly!"

My tails bristled irritably. The asshole clearly thought he could frustrate Irene into slipping up, but he obviously forgot one crucial detail—she was a dragon. Provoking her wasn’t making her reckless, it was just pissing her off more and more and making her more powerful.

Her aura flared violently around her, her gorgeous crimson hair whipping around in waves of raw magical force. The sheer power radiating off her sent ripples of pressure throughout the air around us.

Irene’s eyes blazed dangerously as she channeled increasingly devastating attacks toward Gilgash.

The surrounding buildings and roads were soon completely obliterated. Although it was a good thing they were all fake inside this barrier.

Gilgash just stood there with a delighted look. "Yes!" he declared, laughing loudly and without fear. "This! This is the true combat I’ve longed for since the last Grail War! Don't you dare back down now, dragon!"

Irene clearly realized the sa thing I did. This asshole, Gilgash, was incredibly dangerous—and at a major advantage at long range. He wasn't ever going to run out of those bullshit weapons and treasures he kept throwing around. So I wasn't surprised at all when I saw Irene smirk darkly before suddenly launching herself off the rubble beneath her feet.

Magic pulsed around her, enhancing her speed and strength to insane levels. She rocketed straight toward Gilgash, faster than he clearly anticipated. He barely had ti to widen his eyes in shock before Irene's staff slamd right into his chest.

The impact was brutal. Gilgash gasped loudly in pain and flew backwards violently, his body carving a deep, ssy trench through the rubble as he skidded across the ground. An ear-shattering boom thundered a split second after, and my ears twitched reflexively on top of my head—Irene just hit him faster than the speed of sound.

The rubble shifted roughly as Gilgash slowly dragged himself out. A trickle of blood dripped from his lips, but the bastard was still smiling. His flashy clothes had sohow changed, replaced by a full suit of shining golden armor.

"Yes!" he laughed, sounding downright thrilled despite the blood staining his mouth. "Now this is a proper war! Let's keep going, dragon!"

He extended one hand, and instantly another weapon erged from a golden portal, dropping into his waiting grasp. It was a sword, and for so reason, my gut told I should recognize it. It wasn't dangerous to personally—but sothing about it felt off.

I noticed Irene stiffen slightly, a brief shiver running through her body.

Gilgash laughed arrogantly, his eyes glinting with vicious excitent. "Let's see how you fare against Ascalon!"

My eyes widened in shock as recognition finally hit —this was this world's version of the sword Michael gave to Issei in canon. A blade specifically dangerous against dragons.

I imdiately opened my mouth to warn Irene, but stopped as she shot a quick look my way. She looked tense, sure, but still completely confident. I hesitated and decided to hold my tongue. Irene was prideful—like any dragon—and she'd made it clear she wanted to handle this herself unless she absolutely needed help.

Gilgash continued taunting Irene, wearing that annoying smirk like he was having the ti of his fucking life.

"What's wrong, dragon? Scared to face in close combat now that I have a weapon as well? I didn't realize your kind were so cowardly," he sneered, his voice dripping arrogance. "Ah, but then again, you are a female dragon. Only one woman has ever truly been worthy of properly facing , and unfortunately for you—it isn't you."

Irene's eyes flashed dangerously. She let out a loud, furious snarl, her temper finally reaching its boiling point. "You'll regret those words, you arrogant bastard!" she yelled, magic erupting around her again in fierce waves as she blasted off.

Dust and rubble scattered everywhere, clouds billowing up as Irene launched herself forward even faster than before, closing the distance in less than a heartbeat. Her staff swung down viciously like a club aid directly at Gilgash's smug face.

I felt genuine surprise when he actually blocked her strike, his sword lifting swiftly to et her staff. It almost seed like his body reacted instinctively, moving with unnatural speed and precision. Wait—was that flashy golden armor of his doing more than just protecting him? It had to be enhancing his physical abilities too.

Irene and Gilgash quickly fell into a violent rhythm, fiercely exchanging powerful blows and rapid slashes. Neither of them managed to connect any direct hits, but the sheer intensity of their strikes reverberated through the air around .

But what really shocked —more than their terrifying strength—was how effortlessly they both started trading insults and banter right in the middle of their deadly duel. It was like they couldn't help themselves.

I snorted and shook my head, chuckling despite myself. This genuinely felt like one of those ridiculous ani monts where two fighters beat the crap out of each other while trash-talking relentlessly.

Then again... I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all, I was literally reborn into an ani world.

Unfortunately, the equal exchange didn’t last very long…

My heart hamred loudly in my chest as I watched Irene begin to slow down, her movents becoming increasingly sluggish and strained. She was powerful—damn powerful—but her specialty was ranged magic, not physical combat like Erza's.

This close-range slugfest was seriously wearing her down, and Gilgash showed no signs of fatigue whatsoever.

"What's wrong, dragon?" Gilgash sneered arrogantly, twirling the dragon-slaying sword Ascalon casually in his grip. "Getting tired already? Pathetic. Perhaps all female dragons are just as cowardly and weak as you!"

I clenched my fists anxiously, tails flicking restlessly behind as that damn dragon-slaying sword ca closer and closer to landing a devastating strike. Irene was forced to stop attacking altogether, fully on the defensive now. Her beautiful face was strained with effort, beads of sweat rolling down her pale skin as she desperately blocked each ruthless slash from Gilgash’s relentless assault.

"Shut your filthy mouth!" Irene growled fiercely, deflecting another blow. "I'll rip your tongue from your head!"

Then suddenly, my blood ran cold.

Another golden portal silently flickered open behind Irene. This one was sneaky.

"Enkidu!" Gilgash shouted triumphantly.

"Irene, behind you!" I yelled desperately, but it was already too late.

In an instant, golden chains surged forward, wrapping themselves tightly around Irene's body, trapping her completely and stopping all movent cold. She gasped in surprise, her eyes wide and panicked, struggling helplessly against the binds.

"Dammit!" she hissed furiously, pulling uselessly against the golden restraints.

Fuck.

I moved!

Magicules exploded through my body, and I launched myself forward, rocketing across the rooftop at blistering speed—but even still, I wasn't quite fast enough.

My stomach twisted in horror as Gilgash plunged Ascalon directly into Irene's torso! The brutal sound of steel piercing flesh echoed sickeningly in my ears. Irene scread—a terrible, agonized wail—as Gilgash laughed maniacally, clearly delighted by her pain.

"Did you truly believe yourself invincible, dragon?" Gilgash cackled cruelly, twisting the blade inside her. "You will die at the hand of the king of heroes!"

Rage overtook completely, my vision clouding red. Blue foxfire exploded to life around my fist as I closed the gap between us in a split second.

"Get the fuck away from her!" I roared, slamming my burning fist into Gilgash’s smug fucking face with a satisfying crunch.

His skin blistered painfully as my flas scorched his cheek, and then he was blasted backward through the air for the second damn ti!

The golden chains vanished, Gilgash disappearing along with them—but he left behind that fucking sword lodged deep in Irene's stomach.

She fell forward heavily, collapsing into my arms, writhing and wailing in excruciating pain. My gut churned horribly at the sight of her blood quickly soaking through her beautiful dress, staining my hands red.

"Haru…it hurts…" she gasped weakly, her voice ragged with pain. She was shaking violently against , her breathing shallow and rapid.

"Hang on, Irene," I murmured desperately, trying to keep my voice steady despite my own panic. "This is gonna hurt like hell, but I need to get this thing out of you."

She nodded shakily, gripping onto my shoulder with trembling hands. "Do it quickly…please…"

Taking a deep breath, I grasped the sword's handle tightly and yanked the blade free with a nauseating squelch. Thick, hot blood gushed from her wound, and Irene whimpered sharply, trembling violently in my arms. The wound was huge, raw, and ragged, and a nasty dragon-slaying curse from Ascalon stopped it from healing naturally.

"Stay with , Irene," I urged her urgently, quickly reaching into my storage to pull out the Flask of Crimson Tears the goddess had gifted . Still thirteen uses left—more than enough for now. Uncorking the flask hurriedly, I pressed it gently but firmly to Irene's pale lips. "Drink this—trust , it'll help."

She swallowed weakly, grimacing at first, then relaxing almost imdiately as the Crimson Tears worked their magic. A vivid crimson glow enveloped her body. Irene let out a relieved sigh as the gaping hole in her stomach knitted itself closed rapidly, her torn flesh seamlessly stitching back together right before my eyes. Within seconds, she was restored entirely to perfect health.

She sagged against , still trembling slightly, and I pulled her tightly into my chest, burying my face in her silky red hair.

"Haru…" Irene whispered softly against my shoulder, her voice finally steady again. "Thank you."

"I've got you," I told her gently, holding her closer. "You're alright now."

My eyes narrowed slightly as, for the second damn ti, Gilgash dragged himself out of the rubble.

This ti, though, the smug look on his face was gone—replaced by pure fury. Probably had sothing to do with the huge, blistering burn across his cheek.

Honestly, seeing him pissed off was pretty satisfying.

"You pathetic mongrel," Gilgash snarled, his red eyes glaring at venomously. "You dare land such a dirty sneak attack on ?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, tails flicking lazily behind . "Dirty or not, you deserved it, asshole. You stabbed my woman."

Gilgash scoffed bitterly, his mouth twisting into an ugly sneer as his eyes flicked toward Irene, who now stood proudly by my side, fully healed. "Such arrogance," he growled lowly. "You dare to defy the King of Heroes? Very well—I'll quickly correct that mistake."

I stepped forward calmly, positioning myself protectively in front of Irene. "You'll have to get through first, asshole."

Gilgash's sneer widened cruelly. "Oh, believe —I fully intend to."

Blue foxfire exploded around my body in a fierce blaze. My ten tails bristled with power as I drew upon the vast magicules inside , feeling the surge of my demonic strength pouring forth freely.

The raw power radiating off clearly startled Gilgash, his eyes widening slightly in disbelief. "Impossible…" Gilgash muttered, clearly shaken. "How can a lowly mongrel possess such strength?"

"Careful," I said dryly. “You wouldn’t want people to think the ‘King of Heroes’ is afraid, would you?”

Gilgash’s eyes flashed dangerously as his composure returned. "It matters not! I'll simply crush you with my trump card!"

Another golden portal shimred into existence beside him, and from it erged a black-and-red sword. Honestly, calling that thing a "sword" felt generous—it gave off a fucked-up aura, unbelievably dangerous.

Every nerve in my body went on high alert just sensing it.

Irene stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand lightly on my shoulder. "Haru… we should fight together," she said softly.

Before I could answer, though, a strange cracking noise echoed around us. My ears twitched sharply. What was that? Were those cracks in the sky?

Wait—was the air breaking?

Shit, no—it was Irene’s barrier!

"Ah, damn it—!" I cursed, instinctively shielding Irene as the entire barrier suddenly shattered with a sound like breaking glass.

In a flash, the three of us were violently thrust back into the real world, hovering in the open air above Fuyuki city.

Thousands of people were down there. If we kept fighting here, the collateral damage would be unimaginable. Not that Gilgash looked like he gave even a single fuck. Gilgash just laughed, raising that monstrous sword as his mouth twisted cruelly. "Do you think I care about these worthless lives? I'll kill them all, along with you—"

Then suddenly, without warning, a pink blur exploded through the air in front of us, moving almost too fast for even my eyes to follow.

"Milim Punch!" ca a familiar, delighted shout, as an absolutely terrifying little fist slamd directly into Gilgash’s golden armor.

His chestplate crumpled instantly, and the arrogant bastard was blasted upward violently, flying through the sky so fast he disappeared completely through the clouds above!

For the third ti, he was gone—this ti, hopefully, blasted a hell of a lot farther away.

Or dead…

Dead would be fine too, although I doubted it. Guys like that tended to be cockroaches. He’d be back and next ti he was mine for daring to hurt MY dragon Milf!

Milim spun around proudly, planting her hands on her hips with a victorious grin. "Muahaha! Take that whoever you were!” she tilted her head at . “Was that Zeno? Did I get him!?”

I tilted my head back at her. “Who is Zeno…?”

Irene bowed her head towards Milim. "Milim, thank you for your tily arrival," she said. "You saved us from a rather unpleasant situation," she admitted.

I know it wrinkled Irene’s pride to admit that to another dragon, although Milim was obviously far more powerful.

Milim threw her shoulders back proudly, hands planted firmly on her hips as she grinned from ear to ear. "Muahaha! Of course I did! Saving the day is part of my job as the Mighty Demon Lord Milim Nava!"

I raised an eyebrow slightly. Was it, though? From what I'd seen so far, Milim mostly did whatever she wanted whenever she felt like it. Not that it bothered . Honestly, her randomness was pretty fun, especially since she was my friend.

Suddenly, Milim tilted her head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as if she'd just rembered sothing. "Wait, Haru! Was that shiny golden guy I just punched nad Zeno?"

Zeno? I paused for a mont, completely confused, before finally realizing what she ant. "Ah—no, Milim. You an Zouken. And no, that wasn't him. Aela and Serana are already fighting Zouken nearby." I then explained that we had gone to watch but were intercepted by that crazy ‘golden guy’ she punched away. He was an asshole of the highest caliber.

Definelty permanently banned from the Fox Hole… That was reserved for only the highest offenders!

Like Ron Weasley…

Milim's confident grin vanished instantly, replaced by a deep, dramatic pout. "Nani!?" she wailed in exaggerated despair, hands clutching her head. "You an the werewolf and the vampire beat to the beatdown? Noooo! This isn't fair!" Her dramatic anguish lasted all of two seconds before she brightened right back up, excitent replacing her brief sorrow. "Oh! Haru, guess what?" She zood over to , hovering eagerly at my side, pink hair fluttering wildly in the wind. "I just got back from an aweso adventure!"

"An adventure?" I asked curiously.

Milim bounced excitedly mid-air, grinning widely as she started recounting her latest exploits. "First, I landed on this weird crooked tower—I think the humans called it the Tower of Pizza or sothing? Anyway, it was super weird! And not even made of food so that was la! Then I flew sowhere else and ended up in this place full of funny human mages who seed totally obsessed with clocks or sothing. I scared them real good, too! You should've seen their faces!"

Honestly, I had no clue what she was talking about, but Milim was adorable when she got excited like this, so I just smiled and nodded along. "Sounds like you had a lot of fun," I said gently, reaching out and lightly patting her head.

Milim froze for a second, eyes widening happily as she quickly lted under my touch. She let out an adorable little "Ehehehe!" and leaned closer into my palm, eyes closed blissfully as she giggled.

"Well, I'm glad you're back safe," I said softly. It would have been a pain to have had to go and look for her as well…

I could still sense another battle going on nearby, and suggested we all fly over to watch Aela and Serena finish off Zouken.

XXX

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Here is the list of Current Advanced Chapters on there:

The Fallen Gar ch 335-339

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 19

The Blood Queen 53

The Fox Hole 98

A Systematic Tale: The Hero 18

Thunder and Black Wings 28