Ryu slowly opened his eyes, feeling a sharp pain course through his body. His vision was still blurry, but the first thing he noticed was the cold stone beneath him. As he struggled to sit up, he realized he was inside a cell.
—Where... am I? —he murmured, looking around. The dim light of a flickering torch illuminated the hallway, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
He stood up with difficulty and walked over to the bars, peering through them.
—Hello! Is anyone here?!
—Shut up —came a cold and familiar voice.
Ryu froze for a moment before recognizing it.
—Yuki? Is that you? Where are you?
He quickly turned his head and realized there was another cell right next to him. Sitting there, arms crossed with a look of annoyance, was Yuki.
—Yeah, it's me —she said, not looking at him.
Ryu breathed a sigh of relief.
—I'm glad you're okay. By the way... what are we doing here?
—King Arthur brought us here because of you —Yuki snapped, glaring at him—. Because you opened that damn mouth and told him I'm a demon... and that you have the powers of one! Idiot.
—Ah... —Ryu scratched his neck awkwardly—. I kind of forgot about that... Sorry.
—Your apology isn't going to get us out of here —Yuki replied with a sigh of frustration.
Ryu lowered his head, clenching his fists.
—I know... But I promise I'll get us out of here, no matter what it takes.
—And how exactly are you going to do that? —Yuki asked skeptically.
—Just watch —Ryu said, getting some momentum.
He punched one of the iron bars.
—Tsk...! That hurt! I thought it was going to break...
—I'm locked up with an idiot... —Yuki groaned, bringing her hand to her forehead—. What made you think hitting a bar would work?
—Well... I saw it in a movie, and I thought it would work...
—Don't try anything else —she warned seriously—. Or you'll get us killed.
She sighed again, resigned.
—you've only been in this world for two days... and you're already causing me trouble.
—I told you I'm sorry...
—Your apologies don't help me, Ryu.
Silence fell over the cell again, broken only by the distant crackle of torches. Despite their bickering, both knew they'd have to find a way out... together.
Ryu approached the bars with a thoughtful expression.
—"I have an idea… If I use my powers, maybe I can get us out of here."
Yuki scoffed from the neighboring cell, not even bothering to look at him.
—"You can't even control them, and you think you'll be able to use them now? Don't make me laugh."
Ryu frowned and lowered his gaze.
—"You're right… It's a bad idea. I could hurt someone."
He dropped to the ground with a sigh of resignation.
—"Of course it's a bad idea," Yuki replied sarcastically. "It's the worst idea I've ever heard."
—"Yeah, I know… By the way, Yuki… Since we're stuck here, could you teach me how to use magic?"
Yuki stared at him in disbelief.
—"You don't even know how to fight, and now you want to use magic?"
—"It's just… we'll probably be here for a long time, so I'd rather learn something than sit around doing nothing."
Yuki crossed her arms, thinking.
—"Fine… I'll teach you. But first, you need to understand a few things about magic."
Ryu straightened up, curious.
—"Like what?"
—"Like the types of magic. There are many, but for now I'll just tell you about the basics: fire, water, earth, and air. All these magics originate from either angelic or demonic magic."
Ryu nodded slowly, taking it in.
—"And I guess you use demonic magic."
—"Exactly. You can too, but it'll take a lot of training."
Ryu smiled, encouraged.
—"Then it's time to start training!"
—"Ryu…" Yuki sighed, bringing a hand to her forehead. "We're still trapped."
—"Right… I forgot. So how do we get out?"
Yuki approached the bars and touched one with her finger.
—"We could use magic, but King Arthur is using an anti-magic field. It stops demons from using their powers."
—"So we're stuck?"
Yuki let out a small, amused laugh.
—"Of course not. I'm not staying here forever. I'll think of something… but I need silence. And by silence, I mean shut up, human."
—"Alright, I'll be quiet." Ryu sat down again, looking resigned.
A few seconds passed.
—"Hey, since we're here… why don't we take this time to get to know each other better?"
—"Weren't you going to stay quiet?"
—"I just want to know more about you…"
—"And why would you want that?"
—"Because… you're my friend."
Yuki looked at him directly for the first time in minutes. Her expression was hard, but her eyes softened for just a second before returning to their usual coldness.
—"I don't have friends. Especially not someone like you."
Ryu lowered his head again, but this time with a small smile.
—"Then I'll be the first."
Yuki let out a sigh of frustration, leaning back against the cold wall of her cell.
—"Do whatever you want, stupid human…" she muttered, rolling her eyes.
Ryu smiled calmly from the adjacent cell.
—"If we're going to be friends, you should stop calling me that. You already know my name, after all."
Yuki turned her head toward him, a sarcastic smile on her face.
—"Even so, I'll still call you stupid human. It suits you perfectly."
Ryu shrugged, keeping his cheerful tone.
—"Fine… you can call me 'human' if you want. I don't really care."
Ryu sighed as he sat on the dusty floor of the cell, staring up at the stone ceiling.
"What a drag… I wonder what they're going to do with us…"
So boring, he thought to himself, scratching his head.
"They're going to kill us. That's the obvious answer," Yuki replied flatly from the adjacent cell.
"And why would they do that?"
"Because we're demons. King Arthur hates demons."
"But I'm human…"
"Then why are you here?" she cut him off sarcastically.
Ryu lowered his gaze.
"Because he thinks I'm a demon… This isn't right. We didn't hurt anyone. We were protecting the kingdom!" He thought, I have to do something...
"You were. I was just doing it for the reward," Yuki added with a shrug.
Ryu punched the ground in frustration.
"All because I couldn't shut my damn mouth… Damn it…" He thought, This is all my fault. We're going to die because of me.
"Exactly. It's all your fault," Yuki said coldly. "Next time, don't say we're demons."
At that moment, a figure appeared in front of their cells. It was Lancelot.
Ryu looked up in surprise.
"You? What are you doing here?"
Yuki stood up, ready to fight.
"If you came to fight, I'll kill you," she warned.
Lancelot raised both hands calmly and opened their cell doors.
"Relax. I'm just here to bring you to King Arthur. He wants to ask you a few questions."
"Questions? What kind of questions?" Ryu asked cautiously.
"Questions? This better not be a trap…" Yuki muttered, thinking, Once I get out of here… I'm killing them all. Including King Arthur.
"Just follow me," Lancelot said.
Ryu and Yuki exchanged glances, then followed him through the dim corridors of the castle until they arrived at a massive iron and wood door.
"Is King Arthur inside?" Ryu asked nervously.
"Yes. Go in."
Lancelot pushed open the door.
"I've brought them, my lord," he announced.
Ryu and Yuki slowly entered. At the center of the chamber was a great stone table, surrounded by the Knights of the Round Table. At the head of the table, with a stern and imposing gaze, sat King Arthur. Lancelot took his seat among the knights.
Ryu and Yuki slowly stepped forward until they stood before the imposing stone table where King Arthur and the legendary Knights of the Round Table were seated. The air was heavy with tension. The silence was so thick that even their footsteps seemed to echo through the grand hall.
Ryu took a step forward, his gaze firm despite the anxiety churning in his stomach.
—"What do you want from us, King Arthur?"
The king observed him with eyes as cold as steel, his expression unreadable.
—"It's simple," he said in a deep voice. "I want you to tell me why you're in my kingdom."
Ryu swallowed hard and answered as sincerely as he could.
—"We were just at a tavern… until we heard about the bounty on Vorath Kraal. We decided to go after him to claim the reward."
Arthur frowned.
—"I don't believe you. Demons don't just walk into a tavern and decide to protect the kingdom. Tell me the real reason you're here."
—"But it's the truth!" Ryu insisted, clenching his fists. "We didn't come here to hurt anyone. And besides… I'm not even a demon!"
—"Lancelot told me you have demon mana," Arthur said sharply. "You can't lie to me."
Ryu lowered his head for a moment, then looked up again with determination.
—"There's a reason for that. It's true I have the powers of a demon… but I'm not one. I'm human."
King Arthur studied him carefully, thoughtful. So that's why his mana feels so strange…
—"Let's say what you're saying is true," he finally said. "Then tell me… what is someone like you doing with that demon?"
Ryu glanced at Yuki for a moment, then spoke with confidence.
—"She's my friend. She's been training me."
Yuki clicked her tongue and crossed her arms.
—"I'm not your friend," she said coldly. "I'm only training you because you're my subordinate."
—"Still, we're friends," Ryu said with a smile.
King Arthur looked at him, incredulous.
—"That's impossible. A human and a demon being friends… I've never heard of such a thing."
Though… he thought to himself, if they weren't friends, that boy would be dead already.
The atmosphere in the throne room grew heavier after a brief silence. King Arthur, fingers interlocked on the stone table, stared at them intently.
—"Tell me your names."
Ryu frowned for a moment, puzzled.
—"My name?"
What is this guy thinking...?
—"I'm Ryu Tatzuki."
Yuki crossed her arms, answering bluntly:
—"Yuki."
Arthur repeated their names softly, as if committing them to memory.
—"Ryu and Yuki…"
Perhaps… they are the key to defeating Vorath Kraal and his master.
He rose slowly, his cloak flowing behind him with every step as he approached.
—"I have a proposal for you."
—"A proposal?" Ryu asked with curiosity.
—"What kind?" Yuki added, guarded.
Arthur stopped in front of them, speaking in a firm tone.
—"It's simple. You will work for me. In exchange, I will train you. Also, no one will know that Yuki is a demon or that you, Ryu, possess demonic powers. So tell me… do you accept?"
Ryu didn't hesitate.
—"I accept."
—"Wait, idiot!" Yuki snapped. "At least think it through!"
—"There's nothing to think about. It's a good deal."
Yuki clicked her tongue in frustration.
—"Tsk… Fine. We accept."
Arthur gave a slight nod of approval.
—"Well done. Now follow me. If you're going to work with me, you'll need to become strong. That's why I'll train you myself."
Without another word, the king turned and began walking. Ryu and Yuki followed him.
—"This is amazing… King Arthur himself is going to train us!" Ryu exclaimed with excitement.
Yuki glanced at him with a serious look.
—"Don't get too excited. We're only doing this so they'll leave us alone. Stay alert for any sign of danger."
—"Got it…" Ryu replied, lowering his voice slightly but unable to hide the smile on his face.
They arrived at a massive courtyard of the castle.
King Arthur: "We've arrived."
Ryu looked around, eyes wide with wonder.
Ryu: "Wow, this place is huge."
Yuki, arms crossed, looked unimpressed.
Yuki: "Well, of course, it's a king. This is how they live."
King Arthur gestured to the open space.
King Arthur: "This is where we'll be training."
Ryu's excitement was clear as he looked around.
Ryu: "It's perfect!"
Yuki sighed.
Yuki: "Then let's get this over with. I want to go home."
King Arthur raised a hand, signaling for attention.
King Arthur: "Before we begin, I need to know how strong you both are."
Ryu scratched his head, a little embarrassed.
Ryu: "Well, I'm not that strong, and I don't even know how to fight."
Yuki stood tall, her voice full of pride.
Yuki: "I'm one of the strongest demons alive, so you can get an idea of my incredible power."
King Arthur nodded, acknowledging the information.
King Arthur: "Thanks for that, but first, let me explain something. Mages like myself can measure a person's power just by sensing them. We classify people into different ranks, but since Yuki is a demon and Ryu possesses demonic powers, we will use the demon classification."
Ryu nodded, understanding.
Ryu: "Got it."
Yuki: "Sounds good to me."
King Arthur: "Alright, who wants to go first?"
Yuki stepped forward without hesitation.
Yuki: "I will."
King Arthur gestured for her to come closer.
Yuki positioned herself in front of him, ready for the assessment.
Ryu watched with eager eyes.
King Arthur focused, sensing her mana.
King Arthur: "Your power is 2,050."
Yuki smirked.
Yuki: "I knew it."
King Arthur turned to Ryu.
King Arthur: "Well, it's your turn now, Ryu."
Ryu stepped forward, a little nervous but excited.
King Arthur felt the mana surrounding him.
King Arthur: "Your power is very weak. I've never felt powers like this."
Ryu was stunned.
Ryu: "What?"
Yuki shook her head, crossing her arms in disbelief.
Yuki: "It was obvious. He doesn't even know how to use his powers."
She remembered Ryu fighting the demon in the city.
I still don't understand how he defeated a demon stronger than him with just a simple transformation.
King Arthur's voice brought Ryu back to the present.
King Arthur: "Don't get discouraged. You can still fight, but not against Vorath Kraal or any strong demon. I'm sorry, but for now, you'll have to support others. However, I will teach you magic."
Ryu perked up.
Ryu: "At least I'll be able to use magic. By the way, King Arthur, how do you measure someone's power?"
King Arthur: "I simply focus on a person's mana, and from that, I can tell how strong they are. Some people who can't do this use objects to measure mana instead."
Ryu: "And can I measure people's mana?"
King Arthur: "Of course you can. You just need to try."
Ryu concentrated, attempting to sense Yuki's mana.
Ryu: I don't feel anything...
King Arthur smiled faintly.
King Arthur: "Then you should use an object to measure mana. I'll give you one."
He handed Ryu a silver bracelet.
King Arthur: "With this bracelet, you'll be able to measure the mana of others."
Ryu took the bracelet and placed it on his right arm.
Ryu: "Thank you, and one more thing, King Arthur."
King Arthur: "What is it?"
Ryu: "Is it normal that I see numbers next to Yuki?"
King Arthur: "Yes, that's normal. I can also see those numbers."
Ryu: "I see..."
Meanwhile, Yuki concentrated and felt Ryu's mana.
Yuki: "Got it."
Both Ryu and King Arthur were surprised.
King Arthur: "You did it? That's impressive! You have enormous potential."
Ryu smiled, excited.
Ryu: "This is great! Can you see a number next to me? What does it say?"
Yuki: "I can see it. It's 0.1."
Ryu froze in shock.
Ryu: "0.1? Am I that weak?"
Yuki smirked.
Yuki: "You're a human, what did you expect?"
Ryu frowned, feeling disappointed.
Ryu: "I don't know... maybe a 10, or at least not a 0.1."
Yuki crossed her arms.
Yuki: "Well, you're weak, and you'll always be weak. So don't bother trying too hard, because that number won't change."
Ryu clenched his fists, determination rising in his eyes.
Ryu: "That doesn't matter. I'll keep training until my number is really high—higher than yours."
Yuki raised an eyebrow, a hint of a challenge in her voice.
Yuki: "Do whatever you want, but you'll never surpass me."
Yuki narrowed her eyes as she looked at King Arthur. She could feel the overwhelming pressure of his mana—dense and powerful like a mountain.
10,550... she thought in surprise. I will surpass him. No matter what.
"Pay attention," King Arthur suddenly commanded, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
"Alright!" Ryu responded with energy.
"Fine," Yuki added, crossing her arms confidently.
"Ryu," said the king, his gaze serious, "I'm going to teach you how to use magic. And you, Yuki, I'll help you use it even better."
Ryu's eyes lit up.
"Then let's begin!"
"I'm ready," said Yuki, eager to show her skill.
"Good," King Arthur said, raising a hand. "Let the training begin. Ryu, try to release mana from your body."
Ryu closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Understood…"
He focused, trying to feel the energy inside him, pushing it outward. But nothing happened.
"Concentrate as much as you can," King Arthur instructed calmly.
"I'll do my best…" Ryu murmured.
He clenched his teeth and tried again. This time, a faint wisp of mana flowed from his body. It was weak, barely visible, but it was there.
"Yes! Just like that!" King Arthur encouraged.
Ryu continued for a moment, but then his body tensed, and the mana faded away.
"No… I can't do it… Damn it!" he muttered, slamming his fist into the ground.
"How pathetic," Yuki commented coldly, not bothering to hide her disdain.
"Don't worry," said King Arthur. "You just need to concentrate more. In the meantime, I'll start Yuki's training."
"Alright…" Ryu said quietly.
He walked to a corner of the courtyard and sat down, still feeling the small spark of mana he had managed to release. His heart was pounding. He wouldn't give up.
Meanwhile, King Arthur turned to Yuki.
"Very well. Let's begin your training…"
Ryu's thoughts: If I stay like this… I'll never be strong. I'll never be a hero. I have to become stronger, or I'll never be able to help anyone… I'll just be support in fights. And I don't want that. I want to protect… I want to help people, including my friend Yuki.
Meanwhile, King Arthur and Yuki continued training in the vast courtyard.
"You're very strong," King Arthur said as he blocked one of Yuki's strikes. "Even stronger than Vorath Kraal… but still not enough to defeat his master."
"His master? And who's that?" Yuki asked, raising an eyebrow.
"His name is Velzahard," the king replied, his tone grave. "He's a fallen demon."
"Velzahard…?" Yuki muttered, thinking. "That name sounds familiar. I think my father fought him once. But it doesn't matter. We'll be fine. That Velzahard guy can't be that strong."
"You're wrong," King Arthur said firmly. "He's not the same Velzahard as before. His power has grown immensely."
"Tch. I doubt he's that powerful. And even if he is, I can beat him myself."
"No, you can't," the king interrupted coldly. "I fought him myself… and I nearly died."
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise.
"You're serious?"
Someone stronger than King Arthur? That's… impressive, she thought.
"Very serious," the king nodded. "That's why I'm training you. Especially you, Yuki. You have tremendous potential. If you train enough, you could surpass Velzahard… and even me."
"So you want me to be the one to defeat him?"
"That's exactly what I want."
"Hmm… I'll do it," Yuki said with a confident smile, "but only if you give me a reward."
"Alright. I'll give you a reward."
"Then we have a deal."
"Indeed. Now let's continue training. Come at me."
"No need to ask," Yuki said with a smirk, charging toward him.
As they clashed in a fierce exchange of blows, Ryu remained in his corner, focused with all his might. He kept trying to release his mana. Sweat trickled down his face, but he didn't give up.
I have to get stronger… no matter how long it takes. I won't be a burden. I want to protect… I want to fight by her side. I want to become a true hero.
Ryu clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face.
This is so hard... How does Yuki use magic so easily? he thought, sweat dripping down his brow. I just need to calm down… I'll try one more time.
He closed his eyes and focused. Slowly, he began to feel a warm current flowing through his body, a stream of energy moving through every part of him. It was like a hidden river of power, pulsing with restrained force.
Suddenly, a red glow began to radiate from his body.
"W-What is this...?" Ryu whispered, stunned as crimson mana burst from him like gentle flames.
King Arthur and Yuki immediately stopped their training and turned toward him, surprised.
"He did it!" King Arthur exclaimed, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.
"Looks like he's not as dumb as I thought," Yuki said, folding her arms with a smirk.
"Hey, Ryu, well done!" King Arthur shouted. "But stop releasing so much mana or you'll exhaust yourself!"
"How am I supposed to do that?!" Ryu shouted back, panic creeping into his voice as the energy kept pouring out.
"Just focus on your mana and will it to stop flowing," the king instructed calmly.
"Alright… I'll try…"
Ryu shut his eyes again and took a deep breath. He tried to redirect the current within him, commanding it to halt. But the flow wouldn't stop.
"No… I can't…" he muttered between heavy breaths, his face tense with effort. "It won't stop...!"
Yuki sighed in frustration and extended her arm toward Ryu.
—I'll handle it.
With a swift motion, she cast a burst of water magic at him. The stream hit Ryu precisely, wrapping him in a refreshing wave. In that moment, the mana flowing uncontrollably from his body finally dissipated.
Ryu opened his eyes and let out a breath of relief.
—Thanks, Yuki —he said with a genuine smile.
—You're welcome, idiot —she replied as she turned away—. But next time, try to control your mana better.
—I'll try my best.
Yuki returned to the king's side and resumed her training with renewed intensity. Meanwhile, Ryu looked at his hands, still damp, and clenched them with determination.
—I'm going to train... I don't care if I don't get it right the first time, or even the third. I will succeed, no matter what.
He took a deep breath and focused. Once again, he felt his mana coursing through his body like a powerful inner stream. This time, he released it carefully... and when the moment came, he managed to stop it. The red aura faded smoothly.
From a distance, Yuki glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
—That human... has improved a little.
—He's a very interesting one —King Arthur commented with a faint smile.
—He is. Anyway, let's continue the training.
Without waiting for a reply, Yuki charged at him again, casting her magic with a confident smirk.
Meanwhile, Ryu moved to a corner of the vast courtyard and began training his body. Push-ups, squats—anything to build his strength and endurance.
I will become strong, he thought. Stronger than ever. Not for pride... but to protect those I care about.
"By the way," King Arthur said as he effortlessly dodged one of Yuki's strikes, "how did the two of you meet? It's rare to see a human and a demon together."
Yuki lowered her arms, scoffing.
"I met him after he lost control of his powers. Then I brought him to my house. But we're only together because he'll be my servant when I become the Queen of Demons."
"Servant?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "That's a strange way to refer to someone you call a friend. You're ambitious—becoming Queen of Demons is no easy feat, even for demons."
"It'll be easy for me," Yuki said confidently, launching another punch, which the king easily avoided. "That's why I'll make it happen."
"Then you'll have to train hard."
"I know that," she replied with a determined glint in her eyes.
Unbeknownst to them, a demon lurked in the bushes nearby, watching Yuki and Ryu with gleaming, malevolent eyes.
"So, tell me," Arthur continued, his tone more thoughtful now, "why do you want to become the Queen of Demons?"
"It's simple," Yuki said without hesitation. "I want to be the most powerful demon in the world."
"Is that your only reason?"
"What do you mean?"
"I became King of Camelot to protect my people. Do you want to be queen to protect your own?"
Yuki paused, her expression hardening.
"I'm not going to answer that. It's none of your business."
"I see," Arthur said calmly. "In that case, let's take a break. Ryu, come on. We're heading to the castle's dining hall to rest!"
"Coming!" Ryu called out, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Hurry up or I'll eat everything!" Yuki shouted over her shoulder.
"Don't even think about it!" Ryu laughed, catching up with them.
As he walked behind the two, a storm of thoughts stirred in his mind:
I'm in another world… but it's not like I imagined. I can't control my powers properly. I can't do anything right… I don't even know how to fight. How am I supposed to help people? How can I protect them?
No... now's not the time to doubt myself. I can't give up. I have to give it my all. If I do, maybe one day I'll stop being a burden to Yuki… and I'll be strong enough to protect her.