The terrifying aura erupting from Ryu's body caused the ground around him to tremble softly. Even the small stones scattered among the ruins began to float into the air. Mikael and Elena stood frozen several meters away from their son, their legs unable to move even an inch under the overwhelming pressure radiating from Ryu. Their eyes were filled with mixed emotions—admiration for the incredible power their child possessed, but also deep fear of what might happen if that power went out of control.
Mikael (his voice trembling as he tried to approach):
"Ryu… my dear son… what's happening to you? You're still our child, aren't you? The same Ryu as before?"
Ryu slowly turned his gaze toward his parents. His eyes, once bright blue, now appeared slightly darker, as if a thin layer of shadow had settled over his irises. He could feel the overflowing power surging through his bloodstream—a power that made every cell in his body feel as though it were burning with limitless energy. He could sense how even the smallest movement could create shockwaves strong enough to destroy multi-story buildings. And that terrified him.
Terrified of what he might do if he lost control.
Terrified of the danger he might bring to those he loved.
Terrified of becoming a monstrous being hated by everyone.
Ryu (his voice gentle yet filled with sorrow, his hands trembling slightly):
"I… I'm still me, Father. But… this power… I can't control it properly anymore. I'm afraid of what I might do to you and Mom if I stay here."
Elena cried openly, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. She wanted to run to her son and embrace him, but the pressure of Ryu's aura prevented her from getting any closer.
Elena (sobbing):
"You would never hurt us, Ryu! You are our child—we will always love you, no matter what happens!"
Ryu looked at his mother with a face full of sorrow. He remembered his childhood days—when she always helped him when he was bullied, when she cooked his favorite meals, when she gently patted his head and told him he was a special child. He remembered how his father always protected him and patiently taught him the art of the katana. And it hurt even more—because he could no longer stay with them. Not in this condition.
"I have to leave," Ryu said again, his voice firmer this time.
Without waiting for a response, Ryu slowly lifted his body. A faint dark-purple aura appeared beneath his feet, allowing him to hover slightly above the ground. Then, at a speed invisible to the naked eye, he vanished from his parents' sight—leaving behind only a violent gust of wind that struck Mikael and Elena's faces, and dust swirling in every direction.
Mikael tightly grasped his wife's hand, staring at the direction where Ryu had disappeared with a determined expression.
Mikael:
"We can't give up, Elena. He is our son—we have to believe that he will find a way to control his power."
Elena (nodding as tears continued to fall):
"Yes… I know. But I'm worried, Mikael. So worried."
Ryu ran at an incredible speed, passing through the ruins of Cheongju City, where fires still burned in several places. He raced through streets that were once bustling with human activity, now filled only with debris and the crackling sounds of burning wreckage. He saw rescue workers struggling to save victims trapped beneath the rubble, and he felt an urge to help—but he knew that if he got any closer, his aura could endanger them.
He continued out of the city, passing through abandoned residential areas before entering a dense forest that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. The trees in this forest were enormous and ancient, some with trunks so massive that it would take ten people holding hands to encircle them. The air felt cool and fresh, vastly different from the smoke- and dust-filled city.
Yet even in this silent forest, Ryu could feel negative energy spreading through the air—energy born from betrayals that had occurred here centuries ago, from the sorrow of those who had vanished within the forest, from grudges that had grown as deep as the roots of the trees themselves. He knew this was why he had been unconsciously drawn here—the negative energy acted like a compass, guiding him toward something important.
He ran for hours, crossing raging rivers and steep hills, until he finally emerged from the forest and arrived at a vast open plain. Not a single blade of grass grew there—the ground was pitch black and hard as stone. At the center of the plain stood a tree unlike any he had ever seen before.
The tree had an enormous trunk—estimated to be over five meters in diameter—with bark rough and ridged like smoldering coal. Its branches towered more than fifty meters into the sky, spreading out like giant hands reaching toward the heavens. Its leaves were dark purple, sharp at the edges like blades, each glowing with a faint light that made them resemble fallen stars. The air around the tree was extremely cold, even under the bright midday sun, and a powerful vibration of energy could be felt from afar.
Ryu felt his legs grow heavy as he approached the tree. It felt as though he was facing something sacred and immensely powerful—something that should not be violated carelessly. He stopped a few meters from the trunk, then slowly stepped forward until he could lean against it.
He carefully sat down, resting his back against the rough bark. As he did, he felt a gentle vibration flow from the tree into his body—a vibration that soothed him, easing his exhaustion after such a long run. He closed his eyes for a moment, overwhelmed by the fatigue that struck him after his battle with the Seven Sovereigns and the long journey that followed.
"No wonder you were able to find this place, Ryu," Astaroth's voice echoed once more in his mind—this time softer and warmer than usual, like an old grandfather speaking to his grandchild.
Ryu (slowly opening his eyes, gazing at the glowing leaves):
"What is this tree, Astaroth?"
Astaroth:
"This is the Xyllia Tree—the sacred tree of the world of darkness. Unlike ordinary trees that grow from soil, water, and sunlight, the Xyllia Tree grows from human negative emotions themselves. Every betrayal in this world feeds its roots. Every disappointment strengthens its trunk. Every sorrow, grudge, murderous intent, anger, envy, sloth, pride—all emotions that darken the human heart become the source of this tree's life."
Ryu slowly raised his right hand and touched the rough, warm bark. The moment his fingers made contact, an intense surge of hot energy flowed from the tree into his body—an energy different from the power he had absorbed from the Seven Sovereigns. This energy did not feel violent or destructive; instead, it felt like refreshing water after days stranded in a scorching desert.
He felt the energy spread throughout his body—from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. It seeped into every blood cell, every muscle fiber, every part of his brain. In an instant, his power increased dramatically—his already extraordinary physical strength grew even stronger, his speed faster, his endurance seemingly limitless.
Ryu (feeling the overwhelming change within himself, his voice filled with awe):
"What… what is this? My power is growing even more… I feel like I could lift the entire world if I wanted to."
Astaroth:
"The Xyllia Tree recognizes your blood as that of the successor to the Sovereign of Darkness. It knows you are not like the Seven Sovereigns who used darkness for evil—you use darkness to protect the weak. That is why it grants you additional power—power born from all the negative emotions in the world, power that you can transform into something beneficial."
Ryu felt the energy from the Xyllia Tree also cleanse his mind of worry and sorrow. He felt calmer, more focused—like he could finally see clearly what he needed to do next.
"Now," Astaroth said again, his voice turning serious, "you will witness my memories—everything I went through as the Sovereign of Darkness. All the joy, sorrow, struggles, and victories. This will help you understand who you truly are and what you must do as my successor."
The world around Ryu began to change. The cold air grew warm, and thick white mist enveloped the open plain. As the fog slowly dissipated, Ryu found himself standing in a world completely different from the one he knew.
The sky was a deep purple, filled with stars far more numerous and brighter than any he had ever seen on Earth. The ground was pitch black, covered with plants bearing red and blue leaves. The air felt denser, filled with a powerful energy—each breath felt like inhaling power itself.
In the distance, Ryu saw a vast city with elegant, curved architecture, illuminated by glowing crystals of various colors. The city bustled with activity, inhabited by beings of many forms—some with wings, some with scaled skin, some with more eyes than any human could have.
Then, the figure of a young man appeared before him. He had long black hair tied with a leather cord, glowing crimson eyes, and a lean body brimming with hidden strength. He wore clothes made of animal hide and dark fabric, with a pitch-black katana hanging at his waist. Ryu knew instantly—this was Astaroth in his youth, long before he became the Sovereign of Darkness.
Astaroth (within the memory, speaking clearly and firmly):
"This is the world of darkness—a world that exists alongside the human world, yet is never seen by them. This world is filled with immense power, but also great danger."
Ryu watched as the young Astaroth lived in a small village on the outskirts of the dark world. He lived with his family, who worked as hunters and farmers. Though their life was simple, they lived happily and loved one another deeply. Ryu saw how Astaroth often helped others—building houses, capturing beasts that destroyed crops, caring for the sick.
But that happiness did not last.
One day, a group of evil creatures from the inner regions of the dark world attacked the village. These creatures used the power of darkness for evil—they burned homes, stole possessions, and harmed innocent people. Astaroth tried to fight back, but his power was still weak at the time. He was forced to watch as his family was slaughtered before his eyes by the group's leader—a massive creature with black, scaly skin and eyes burning like embers.
Astaroth (within the memory, crying as he gazed upon his slain family):
"I couldn't protect them… I was too weak…"
After the attack, Astaroth left the burning village. He wandered the world of darkness for months, searching for someone who could teach him how to control the dark power within him. Eventually, he found an old sorcerer living in the deepest cave of the dark world—a mentor who taught him everything about the power of darkness.
Ryu watched as Astaroth trained relentlessly—learning to control his negative emotions and turn them into strength, learning to use darkness to protect himself and others, learning to communicate with the souls dwelling within the dark world. Over time, his power grew immense—eventually surpassing even that of his master.
When he felt ready, Astaroth returned to his burned village. He found the same group of evil creatures attacking another nearby village. Without hesitation, he fought them. This time, he won easily. Most importantly, he did not kill them—he defeated them and taught them that darkness should never be used to harm others.
From that moment on, Astaroth's name spread throughout the world of darkness. People came to him for help, for guidance in controlling their powers, for protection against creatures that sought to spread chaos. Slowly but surely, he became a respected leader—one who brought justice and peace to the dark world. He was eventually appointed as the Sovereign of Darkness—not because he sought power, but because people trusted him to use it for good.
Ryu watched as Astaroth built a kingdom in the world of darkness—a kingdom founded on respect, justice, and unity. He taught the inhabitants of the dark world to coexist peacefully with the human world, to never interfere unless attacked. He also formed a powerful protective force to safeguard both worlds from evil beings that sought to destroy them.
Later, during one of his journeys to the human world, Astaroth encountered a village engulfed in flames due to an attack by a group of evil sorcerers seeking to conquer the human realm. He immediately used his power to envelop the village in darkness—not to destroy it, but to smother the flames and save the survivors.
Astaroth (within the memory, raising his hand as darkness wrapped around the village):
"Darkness does not always mean evil. Sometimes, darkness is a refuge for the wounded. Sometimes, darkness is the only thing that can save us from a fire too great to endure."
After saving the village, Astaroth discovered a small girl crying in the forest nearby. She had messy reddish-blonde hair and bright blue eyes filled with fear. She was surrounded by several ferocious creatures from the dark world that had escaped and intended to harm her.
Astaroth quickly drove the creatures away, then approached the little girl who was crying in the tall grass. He bent down gently, then took out a piece of bread from his bag.
Astaroth (within the memory, gentle voice):
"Don't be afraid, little one. I won't hurt you. Would you like some bread?"
The girl looked at him with wary eyes at first, but after seeing the warm smile on Astaroth's face, she slowly took the bread and began eating it quickly.
Little girl (while eating):
"Thank you… sir…"
Astaroth:
"My name is Astaroth. And who are you, little one?"
The little girl (lifting her head, her eyes still slightly red from crying):
"I… I'm Lis Vestya. My parents were killed in the village fire earlier…"
A deep pain pierced Astaroth's heart when he heard her words. He knew all too well what it felt like to lose the ones you loved. Without a second thought, he decided to take Lis with him—to care for her and protect her.
Ryu watched how Astaroth raised Lis with love and care. He taught her how to walk through the world of darkness without fear, how to use the small power within her to protect herself, and how to control her negative emotions so they wouldn't harm others. As time passed, Lis grew into a beautiful and strong woman—with remarkable intelligence and a heart full of kindness. She became Astaroth's most loyal follower, always by his side, helping him manage the kingdom of the world of darkness and protect both worlds from danger.
The two of them worked together flawlessly—Astaroth with his strength and wisdom, Lis with her intelligence and sensitivity to the needs of others. They became like family to one another, and many in the world of darkness saw them as an example of a strong and loving bond.
Ryu saw how they faced countless threats together—from ferocious creatures emerging from the underground world to evil sorcerers seeking to seize power in the human world. Each time danger arose, they supported and helped one another. Astaroth taught Lis that strength does not always come from violence—sometimes, the greatest strength comes from the ability to understand and love others.
However, the happiness and peace they built did not last. Ryu witnessed how some people in the human world who learned of the existence of the world of darkness began spreading false rumors about Astaroth—claiming that he was a villain who sought to destroy the human world and seize power. They said that the darkness he wielded was an evil force that had to be eradicated.
Even though Astaroth tried to explain that he only wished to coexist peacefully, no one was willing to listen. Many feared the power of darkness and saw it as a threat that needed to be eliminated. They formed a massive army to attack the world of darkness, determined to destroy everything within it.
A devastating war erupted between the human world and the world of darkness. Thousands of lives were lost on both sides—innocent people killed simply because they were different. Astaroth tried every possible way to stop the war, but no one would listen. Even some in the world of darkness began to turn away from him, believing he was too weak to be their leader.
In the end, Astaroth was forced to hide with Lis in a hidden cave on the border between the two worlds. He knew he could not fight the entire human world alone—and he refused to kill the very people he had tried to protect. He felt profound disappointment and heartbreak, as everything he had worked for over the years to build peace was destroyed by fear and misunderstanding.
On his final day, Astaroth stood with Lis at the edge of a high cliff overlooking the human world. His eyesight had begun to fail due to injuries sustained during the war, and his body was no longer as strong as it once was. Yet a warm smile remained on his face as he looked at Lis standing beside him.
Astaroth (within the memory, gentle yet wise voice):
"My time is almost over, Lis. I can feel my power beginning to fade. But don't worry—I won't truly disappear. My blood will continue to flow through my descendants, and one day, someone will carry on my work."
Lis (crying as she clutched Astaroth's hand):
"No… please don't leave me, Lord Astaroth. I can't do this alone…"
Astaroth (gently touching Lis's cheek, his cold fingers brushing her warm skin):
"You won't be alone, Lis. You are strong and intelligent—you can do this. And I have one important message for you: if I ever have a successor, befriend him, Lis Vestya. He will need someone he can trust—someone who understands the world of darkness and will not fear his power. Someone like you."
Astaroth then pulled a necklace with a dark-purple crystal from around his neck. He carefully placed the necklace around Lis's neck.
"This is the Crystal of Darkness," he said. "It will always show you where my successor is. It will become the bridge between you and him."
After that, Astaroth took his final breath and closed his eyes peacefully. His body slowly began to fade, transforming into dark-purple light that dispersed into the air and vanished into the universe. Lis cried out loud, hugging herself as she stared toward the distant human world.
At that moment, Astaroth's memories began to fade, and the world around Ryu turned into white mist once more. After a while, the mist dissipated, and Ryu found himself sitting beneath the Xylia Tree again, his eyes filled with tears.
Ryu (tears falling as he touched his cheek):
"I didn't know… I didn't know he went through all of that…"
Astaroth (voice filled with sorrow yet also hope):
"Yes, Ryu. That is why I wanted you to understand—darkness is not something that must be feared or hated. It is a part of life, just like light. What matters is how you use it. I used my darkness to protect the weak, and now, it is your duty to continue that legacy."
As Astaroth's words echoed, a dark-purple energy far stronger than before began to flow out of Ryu's body. It merged with the black-blue aura already within him, creating an overwhelming fusion of power. Ryu felt his strength increase exponentially—far surpassing Astaroth's power when he was still the Ruler of Darkness.
Astaroth:
"You are no longer merely my successor, Ryu. You are the Second Ruler of Darkness—one whose power surpasses my own. You have understood the true meaning of darkness, and that is what makes you stronger than I ever was."
Ryu slowly stood up from beneath the Xylia Tree. He felt every part of his body brimming with limitless power—but this time, he felt no fear. He knew he could control this power, because he now understood its purpose.
He sensed new abilities awakening within him—powers he had never felt before:
•Infinite Darkness: The ability to create limitless darkness, whether to envelop oneself and others for protection or to attack enemies with powerful dark energy.
•Full Recovery: The ability to heal all types of injuries—from minor wounds to fatal ones—in a short time, even healing injuries that have existed for years.
•Soul Cleavage: The ability to touch and cleanse souls wounded or cursed by negative emotions, helping others overcome sorrow, resentment, and pain.
•Power Enhancement: The ability to drastically increase strength, speed, and endurance of oneself or others, even temporarily empowering those without innate power.
•Time Manipulation: The ability to slow down or accelerate time within a certain radius, useful for evading attacks or giving others extra time to escape danger.
•Resistance to Fire: His body becomes unaffected by all types of fire—both ordinary flames and extremely hot magical fire.
•Resistance to Sharp Objects: His skin becomes strong enough to withstand stabs or slashes from all sharp objects, including swords and arrows.
•Resistance to Magic: His body becomes resistant to all forms of magic—both harmful spells and mind-controlling magic.
•Resistance to All Supernatural Powers: His body becomes resistant to all kinds of supernatural forces, from spiritual power to the abilities of otherworldly beings.
In addition, he also gains other abilities such as communicating with souls, traveling between worlds, and creating benevolent dark creatures to help him protect others.
His appearance remained the same as ever—snow-white hair neatly kept, blue eyes slightly darkened yet filled with wisdom, and a lean but powerful body with an upright posture. He was still the quiet person he had always been, but now there was a new depth in his eyes—a depth born from understanding suffering and compassion gained through Astaroth's memories.
He resolved to become a better person than before—more open to others yet not easily trusting, more willing to help yet not easily deceived by the wicked. He would use his power not to rule the world or show off his strength, but to protect it and build peace between the human world and the world of darkness—just as Astaroth once did.
Ryu (gazing at the sky, voice filled with determination):
"I will do my best, Astaroth. I will make sure your work was not in vain."
After gaining new power and clarity of mind, Ryu decided to return home. He slowly lifted his body and floated into the air with the help of the dark-purple aura emerging from the soles of his feet. At incredible speed, he vanished from the open plain and began his journey back to Cheongju City.
When he arrived on the outskirts of the city, he saw that recovery efforts were already underway. Many people were clearing debris, rebuilding homes, and helping victims affected by the Seven Sovereigns' attack. He saw people helping one another—proof that even in a world full of evil and destruction, kindness and love still existed in the human heart.
He continued toward his home, located in a part of the city that hadn't been severely affected. As he approached, he noticed the lights inside were still on—indicating that his parents were awake, likely waiting for him.
He landed gently in the backyard and walked slowly toward the front door. He took a deep breath before knocking softly.
Moments later, the door opened, revealing his father Mikael, whose face was filled with exhaustion and hope. When Mikael saw him, his eyes immediately welled with tears.
Mikael (voice trembling):
"Ryu… you're back…"
Without a word, Ryu entered the house and found his mother, Elena, sitting on the sofa with a worried expression. When she saw him, she immediately stood up and ran toward him, embracing him tightly.
Elena (crying as she hugged him):
"You have no idea how worried we were, dear! We couldn't sleep or eat since you left!"
Ryu gently hugged his mother, feeling her body tremble as she cried. He also felt his father's hand resting softly on his shoulder.
Ryu (gentle voice):
"I'm sorry for making you worry, Father, Mother. I was just afraid of what I might do to you if I stayed."
Mikael (sitting on the sofa, gesturing to the chair in front of him):
"Let's sit and talk, Ryu. We need to know what really happened to you."
Ryu nodded and sat down. He looked at his parents' faces, filled with concern and curiosity, knowing he had to explain—though not everything.
"I discovered something about myself," Ryu said slowly. "I found that I carry powerful ancestral blood—blood that grants me extraordinary strength. But I also learned that this power can be used for good or evil, and I've chosen to use it to protect others and build peace."
Mikael and Elena exchanged glances, then looked back at Ryu with understanding expressions.
Mikael:
"We may not understand everything you've been through, Ryu. But we know you are a good and righteous son. We will always support you, no matter what you do."
Elena (gently touching Ryu's hand):
"Yes, dear. We only want you to be safe and happy. That's all that matters to us."
Ryu felt warmth spread through his heart at their words. He was grateful to have parents who loved and supported him even without understanding everything that had happened. He decided to keep the fact that he had become the Second Ruler of Darkness a secret—not because he didn't trust them, but because he wanted to protect them from any danger that might come if others learned of his power.
"Tonight, I'll get some rest," Ryu said. "Tomorrow, I'll go back to school as usual. I want my life to be as normal as possible."
Mikael and Elena nodded with gentle smiles. They knew life would never truly be normal again after everything that had happened, but they were willing to support their son in every step he took.
Ryu went to his room and lay down on his bed. He looked out the open window at the stars shining in the night sky. He felt his new power flowing calmly within him—power he could now control with ease. For the first time since fighting the Seven Sovereigns, he felt peace. He knew his life would be different from now on, but he was ready to face it with confidence and determination to become a better person.
The next morning, the sun rose brightly over the eastern horizon, illuminating Cheongju City as it continued its recovery. Ryu hurriedly woke up, took a shower, and put on his neatly prepared school uniform. He brushed his snow-white hair until it was tidy, then put on a cap to partially cover it so it wouldn't stand out too much.
While having breakfast with his parents, they talked about ordinary things—how the city's recovery efforts were going, what would be served for lunch, and their plans for the weekend. Although they sensed that something was different about Ryu, they didn't mention it—they wanted to give their child space to adjust to the new power he had now acquired.
After finishing breakfast, Ryu walked to school as usual. The streets that used to be crowded with students rushing to school now felt much quieter—partly because many people were still helping with the city's recovery, and partly because some students and their families had to move away after their homes were destroyed during the attack of the 7 Sovereigns. Ryu felt a little sad seeing the city still under repair, but he also felt excited to help rebuild it into something even better than before.
When he arrived at school, he saw several of his classmates gathered in the schoolyard. They looked at Ryu with faces filled with respect and admiration—they all knew that Ryu was the one who had defeated the 7 Sovereigns and saved the city from greater destruction. Some of them wanted to approach him and talk to him, but they felt slightly intimidated by the power he possessed.
Ryu simply gave them a gentle smile and continued walking toward class 10-B. When he entered the classroom, several students who were already seated paused their conversations to look at him. He went straight to his usual desk in the corner of the classroom, near the window that overlooked the school garden. He placed his bag under the desk, sat down, and opened the textbook he would be studying that day.
After a while, the homeroom teacher, Mrs. Siti, entered the classroom accompanied by a beautiful girl standing behind her. The girl had reddish-blonde hair neatly tied with a dark purple hairband, bright blue eyes that looked like two shining blue gems, and a lovely face with slightly alluring pink lips. She wore a brand-new school uniform that fit her perfectly—a skirt that reached just below her knees and a neat white shirt with a light blue tie.
Mrs. Siti (cheerful and friendly):
"Hello, everyone! As you all know, after the incident that happened a few days ago, we have several new students transferring to our school from different regions. Today, let us welcome one of our very special new students. Allow me to introduce her—Lis Vestya!"
All the male students were instantly captivated by Lis's beauty—some even stood up in surprise, while others let out unconscious sounds of admiration. Most of the female students looked at her with clear jealousy, though some of them were also impressed by the elegance and politeness she radiated from afar.
Lis gently nodded to everyone with a soft smile on her face. However, her eyes were not focused on the students looking at her—she was searching for someone in the classroom. After a moment, her gaze found Ryu, who was sitting calmly in the corner while reading a book. A flash of happiness appeared in Lis's eyes, but she quickly felt awkward and briefly turned her gaze back toward the teacher.
Mrs. Siti:
"Lis just moved to our city from a faraway place, everyone. She's a very intelligent and talented student, so please make sure to welcome her warmly! Lis, you can sit next to Ryu over there in the corner—the seat is still empty and it's very comfortable near the window."
Lis nodded carefully and began walking toward Ryu's desk. With every step, her nervousness grew—she could feel her heart pounding rapidly in her chest, and her face began to feel warm, as if it were being heated by the sun. She knew that the person she was about to meet was the successor of Astaroth, whom she had waited for thousands of years—someone who had now become the Second Lord of Darkness and possessed power greater than his predecessor.
As she approached Ryu's desk, she noticed that the book he was reading was about ancient world history—a book Astaroth himself had once read in his youth. This made her feel closer to Ryu, as if there was a special bond connecting them even before they had truly met.
She carefully sat down in the seat beside Ryu, trying not to make too much noise. She gently placed her bag under the desk and carefully opened it to take out her textbook. However, her hands trembled slightly from nervousness, causing the book to almost slip from her grasp.
Suddenly, a soft and warm voice spoke beside her.
Ryu (smiling gently as he looked at her, his slightly dark blue eyes filled with warmth):
"Hi, Lis. Nice to meet you. You just transferred here, right?"
Lis was startled by Ryu's friendly voice. She quickly glanced at him, but immediately felt embarrassed and turned her face forward while nodding softly. Her face was now red like a ripe pink apple, and she felt like hiding behind her book.
Lis (in a small, almost inaudible voice, her cheeks burning red):
"H-h-hi… Ryu… y-yes… I just moved here last night…"
Ryu simply smiled gently again and returned to reading his book, but he could sense that there was something different about this new girl. He felt a distinctive energy of the dark world emanating from her—an energy identical to what he had once felt from Astaroth in his memories. This made him curious about her background, but he didn't want to force her to talk if she wasn't ready.
After a while, the lesson began. Mrs. Siti started explaining the mathematics material, but Lis couldn't focus on what she was saying. She often glanced at Ryu from the corner of her eye, watching how calmly he listened to the teacher and took notes in his notebook. She remembered the message Astaroth had once given her—to befriend his successor—but she didn't know how to start. She felt extremely awkward and didn't know what to say.
After the math lesson ended, there was a short break before the next class. Many female students approached Lis to introduce themselves and ask about where she came from. Lis politely answered all their questions, but her eyes frequently drifted toward Ryu, who was quietly reading his book.
When the girls finally left, Lis felt that this was the perfect opportunity to talk to Ryu. She took a deep breath to gather her courage, then carefully opened her mouth.
Lis (her voice still slightly trembling):
"Ryu… d-do you know… that you're very famous at this school? Everyone says you're the one who defeated the 7 Sovereigns who destroyed our city…"
Ryu slowly closed his book and looked at Lis with a gentle smile.
Ryu:
"Yes, I know. But I didn't do it to become famous or to receive praise from others. I only did what I had to do to protect the city and the people who live here."
Lis nodded carefully, feeling even more impressed by Ryu's humility despite his immense power. It reminded her strongly of Astaroth, who had possessed the same attitude when he was still alive.
Lis (gaining a bit of courage to look directly into Ryu's eyes):
"You're amazing, Ryu. Not many people would dare to face the 7 Sovereigns alone like you did…"
Ryu (smiling again):
"Thank you, Lis. But I wasn't alone back then—there was someone who helped me from within myself. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to defeat them."
Lis knew that Ryu was talking about Astaroth. She wanted to tell Ryu about her connection to Astaroth—about how she had waited for his successor for thousands of years—but she was afraid Ryu might think she was strange or that she was trying to take advantage of his power.
As she was thinking about what to say next, the bell for the next lesson rang. Mrs. Siti entered the classroom again and began preparing the next lesson on English. Lis felt slightly disappointed that she didn't have more time to talk to Ryu, but she was happy that she had at least begun speaking with him.
During the English lesson, Lis tried to focus, but she still often glanced at Ryu. She watched how easily he answered the teacher's questions and helped classmates who struggled to understand the material. This made her even more certain that Ryu was the right person to become Astaroth's successor—someone strong, yet also kind and willing to help others.
After school ended, Ryu quickly tidied his desk and put his books into his bag. He planned to head home immediately to help his parents with household chores, but before he could stand up, Lis spoke to him.
Lis (gathering some courage, her face still slightly red):
"R-Ryu… may I walk home with you? I just moved here, so I don't really know my way around the city yet…"
Ryu looked at her with a warm smile.
Ryu:
"Of course, Lis. I'd be happy to help you get to know the city better. Do you live far from here?"
Lis (nodding with a small smile):
"I live in the new housing area near the city park—not too far from here, I think…"
Ryu nodded and began walking out of the classroom, with Lis following behind him. As they left the school and stepped onto the busy street, many people looked at the two of them with admiration—seeing the powerful and famous student walking together with a beautiful new transfer student made them curious about the relationship between the two.
During their walk home, they talked about many things—about school, about the city, about their hobbies and interests. Ryu learned that Lis loved reading books about ancient history and mythology, just like him. Lis also learned that Ryu enjoyed practicing the art of the katana and spent his free time training in the city park.
When they reached the area near Lis's housing complex, Lis stopped and looked at Ryu with a face full of happiness.
Lis (with a grateful voice):
"Thank you so much for walking me home, Ryu. I feel much more at ease now that I know the way to and from school…"
Ryu (smiling gently):
"It's no problem, Lis. If you ever need a companion to go to or come back from school, just contact me. I'd be happy to help."
Lis nodded with a wide smile. Her face was no longer red, but she still looked cheerful. She wanted to say more—about her connection to Astaroth and the message she had been given—but she felt that it wasn't the right time yet. She believed they needed to get to know each other better before revealing such a big secret.
"See you tomorrow, Ryu," Lis said with a sweet smile before entering her house.
Ryu:
"See you too, Lis. Don't forget to bring your history book tomorrow—I have a few things I'd like to discuss with you about it…"
Lis nodded with a smile and then went inside her house. Ryu gazed at the closed door with a gentle smile on his face. He felt that there was a special bond between him and Lis—a bond that had been decided long before they met—and he felt excited to learn more about the beautiful and mysterious girl.
After that, Ryu continued his journey home. As he walked along the increasingly crowded street filled with people returning from work, he felt his new power flowing calmly within his body. He knew that his life would now be different from before—with Lis's appearance and with the power he possessed as the Second Lord of Darkness—but he felt ready to face all the challenges ahead. He was determined to become a better person, to protect the people he loved, and to build peace between the human world and the world of darkness—as Astaroth had hoped, and as he had promised himself.
END OF CHAPTER 6