My name is Akuma Kosei.
I live in a small city called Tamaka, near Tamayaka, in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. You've probably never heard of it.
It's tiny—just one high school, three elementary schools, and a single, understaffed hospital. The population barely touches 8,000. Life here is quiet, repetitive.
Sometimes I dream about living in Tokyo. But I could never leave my parents behind.
At John's house, Kosei leaned on the stair railing. "So, Mister John… what now? That patient you healed—he's fine now, right?"
John nodded, gazing out the window. "I'll be staying in Japan for a while. During that time, I'll begin your training."
Kosei's eyes lit up. "Really?! I promise I'll work hard. Thank you for giving me this chance."
"You said you want to save your sister, didn't you?" John replied, his tone flat but firm. "Then be ready."
"When do we start?"
"Four or five days from now. I have some… unfinished business first."
Kosei bowed slightly. "Then I'll use this time to prepare myself. Mentally and physically."
He left the house, the image of his sister still haunting his thoughts.
The next day was a national holiday. Kosei met up with his best friend, Hayashi, outside the local convenience store.
"Hey, Kosei!" Hayashi waved a flyer in his hand. "Did you hear? A world-famous religious leader is visiting our city!"
Kosei raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Another cult freak?"
"No, no," Hayashi laughed. "He's different. His name's Saidi Pandrit. My mom follows his religion. Says he's a holy man who helps the poor."
Kosei stiffened. That name. "Saidi Pandrit? Huh… that'll be interesting."
"Come on, man. Don't be so negative. Let's go get his autograph."
A massive crowd had already formed by the time they arrived. Men, women, even children pushed toward the stage where Saidi was expected to appear. Security guards kept everyone behind barricades.
"I can't see anything," Kosei muttered. "Hayashi, what now?"
"Just wait. We'll get our turn."
Eventually, the crowd thinned, and they reached the front.
Saidi Pandrit stood before them, wrapped in golden robes, with a thick aura of smug holiness. He looked down at the two boys like a lion sizing up a pair of sheep.
"Hello, sir," Hayashi said politely.
Saidi smiled. "Ah, children of God. May the Almighty Diabolos bless your souls."
"I'm a big fan," Hayashi said. "And this is my friend, Kosei. He's… not exactly a believer."
Saidi's eyes narrowed. "Oh? You don't believe something created the universe?"
Kosei stood firm. "I believe something did. But not your god."
"Ah, but Diabolos is the mightiest and kindest of all gods—"
"Kind?" Kosei scoffed. "You talk about kindness while your followers slaughter protesters? You demolish sacred sites, force conversions, spread fear, and disguise it as holiness. Your religion is a lie built on violence."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Hayashi grabbed Kosei's arm.
"Dude, shut up—!"
Saidi chuckled coldly. "O mighty Diabolos, forgive this misguided child. Have mercy on his soul."
"Sir, please excuse him," Hayashi said, dragging Kosei away. "He didn't mean—let's go, Kosei!"
As they turned to leave, Saidi's voice rang behind them. "You two live here in Tamaka, don't you?"
Hayashi froze. "…Yes."
"Then we shall meet again."
Once out of sight, Hayashi shoved Kosei's shoulder.
"What the hell was that?!"
"I couldn't keep quiet."
"You could've gotten us killed!"
Kosei's jaw clenched. "He's a fraud. There are even rumors he's… raped women. You think I can smile and nod in front of someone like that?"
Hayashi sighed. "Fine. Just… be careful. That man has power. Real power."
Later, at Saidi's private residence…
"Still no sign of the mind controller?" Saidi barked.
"We're working on it, Sire," one of his guards said nervously.
"Work faster. And that insolent brat from today—what's his name again? Kosei? Kill him."
"As you command. We've also delivered the model you requested. She'll be yours for three nights."
Saidi waved his hand dismissively. "She's already boring. I want a new girl tomorrow. Japan is full of kawaii toys."
Elsewhere — At John's Shrine
John stood before a glowing crystal, speaking into a divine relay across realms.
"I am John I Tzimiske," he said solemnly. "I have arrived in Japan at your command. The one known as Saidi Pandrit has violated angelic law. He must be eliminated."
A chorus of deep, otherworldly voices responded.
"You are the strongest, John," said a voice laced with ancient power. "Saidi shall be judged. Do any of the gods object?"
Another voice echoed in darkness.
"No," growled Diabolos, the God of Power. "But I will permit his death under one condition. Only John may fight him. No others shall interfere. If Saidi survives, you must not send another Eternal."
Laughter rumbled through the air like thunder.
"You think he'll survive?" sneered Azazel, the God of Destruction. "Fine. We agree. Let it be decided."
John bowed his head. "Then I, John I Tzimiske, shall wipe Saidi Pandrit from existence."
Divine Register — The Eight Immortals (The 7+1)
Azazel – God of Destruction
The strongest of all. Once a warrior who hunted beasts, now a force of annihilation. Once a close friend of Lucifer.
Diabolos – God of Power
Known in myth as Hercules. Brute strength incarnate. Once loved Lucifer's sister.
Aphrodite – Goddess of Beauty & Love
The most beautiful among them. Loyal and kind, but the weakest. Once the object of Lucifer's affection.
Jigu – Goddess of Nature
Manipulator of earth and seasons. Sometimes jealous of Aphrodite's beauty. Secretly loved Lucifer.
Mireuk – God of Creation
The architect of all existence. Kind and humorous, he avoids violence but holds immense power.
Perun – God of Weather and Thunder
A scholar of the skies. Once known as Thor. Killed by Diabolos after siding with Lucifer in the angelic war.
Bishomon – God of War
Thirsts for blood and chaos. Grows stronger the more blood is spilled. Has over a million slaves in his personal realm.
Lucifer – God of Speed & Lord of the Underworld
The fastest, most cunning of them all. Can summon powers from the astral realm. Once closest to Azazel and Diabolos—now the exiled Morning Star.