The moonlight filtered through the dense treetops, casting slivers of pale light onto the forest floor. Kazuki sat cross-legged by the campfire he had conjured with a flick of his hand—basic magic was becoming second nature, like flexing a muscle he hadn't known he had. The sword leaned against a log nearby, the faint glow of Soulcut's name still etched into the blade, whispering with quiet energy.
He rolled his shoulder, muscles sore from a day of relentless travel and minor monster encounters. "Okay... concealment skill, check. Soulcut, check. MP management... needs work." He squinted up at the system interface only he and Celestia could see.
> [System Notification]
Current MP: 47/250
Soulcut Usage: Moderate MP cost. Residual soul-link remains stable.
Tip: Use with intent. Soulcut resonates with conviction.
"Conviction, huh?" Kazuki muttered. "So no random slashing and hoping for the best. Got it."
Celestia's voice chimed in with a soft chuckle, "Glad to see you're reading the fine print."
"I am a responsible Demon Lord, after all," Kazuki said smugly, leaning back with his hands behind his head.
"Self-declared Demon Lord," she corrected.
"Hey, the horns and wings were totally worth the branding." He smirked, then sobered. "Though... I haven't actually used Demonic Transformation yet. Still holding onto that one."
Celestia's voice grew thoughtful. "Saving it for something special?"
"More like... saving it for when I have to scare the hell out of someone."
They both went quiet for a moment, the crackle of the fire filling the silence.
Far to the south, within the obsidian halls of the Infernal Citadel, a shudder passed through the molten glass windows. A tall, imposing figure stirred from his throne—horns like jagged onyx curling behind his head, his eyes twin suns of burning silver.
He was known as the Demon Emperor, and he was not amused.
A figure knelt before him in shadows. "Your Majesty, a new signature has been detected. A powerful one. One... not from this world."
The Emperor leaned forward. "A reincarnator?"
The figure hesitated. "That's just it... there's no record of him. It's as if he willed himself into existence."
The Emperor's fingers drummed on the armrest. "That should be impossible. The gods themselves guard the gates of reincarnation. They wouldn't make that mistake."
The messenger remained silent.
"Unless..." the Emperor's voice dropped to a whisper, "they chose to make an exception."
Back at the campfire, Kazuki's senses tingled. A shadow passed overhead—brief, silent, and incredibly fast. He snapped to his feet, summoning Soulcut to his hand in a flash of light.
From the darkness emerged a lone figure, cloaked in mismatched rags but exuding presence. Not monstrous—human. Or at least, humanoid.
"You're far from the cities, stranger," the figure said, voice gravelly and unreadable. "And your aura doesn't match any kingdom I know."
Kazuki tilted his head. "Friendly wilderness patrol or someone sent to stab me in my sleep?"
The figure stepped closer. "I don't do stabbing. I deliver messages."
"Do I get a name?"
"Call me Crow. I'm a Watcher. My eyes see across borders. And I've seen you. Or rather, I've seen your presence ripple. You're not hiding very well."
Kazuki blinked. "Huh. Concealment must be slipping."
Crow glanced at the sword. "That blade... it speaks of soul binding. That's not something a novice pulls off."
Kazuki chuckled. "Guess I'm a prodigy."
"Or something more."
Crow walked to the fire and tossed a small scroll into it. The flames flared green, crackling as the scroll dissolved.
"What was that?"
"A warning," Crow said. "To the other Watchers. There's a storm coming, and you..." He looked Kazuki dead in the eyes. "You're the eye of it."
Kazuki squinted. "You work for the Demon Emperor?"
"No," Crow said immediately. "I watch him. The Emperor has felt your presence. He's hunting for answers. And he doesn't like new players on the board."
"Well," Kazuki said, exhaling through his nose, "he's going to hate me then. I plan to break the board and flip the table."
Crow gave the faintest smile. "Then you'll need allies. Be in Grendel Town by the next full moon. There's someone you should meet."
Before Kazuki could respond, Crow vanished in a swirl of mist and shadow.
Kazuki stared at the empty space, heart pounding.
> [System Notification]
Mission Unlocked: "Meeting in Grendel" Objective: Reach Grendel Town before the full moon.
Reward: Unknown
Time Remaining: 27 Days
"Well, that was cryptic," Kazuki muttered.
Celestia spoke, a trace of unease in her voice. "Be careful, Kazuki. The Demon Emperor wasn't meant to know about you—not yet."
Kazuki's eyes burned with purpose. "Guess I'm ahead of schedule."
He sheathed Soulcut and glanced at the stars. The game was changing.
And the self-proclaimed Demon Lord from another world had just been dealt into a much bigger one.