The early morning sun crept over the rooftops of Windale, casting golden light across the cobblestone streets. Kazuki yawned, one hand holding a rope tied around a sack of mildly angry chickens. The cultist trailed behind him, gagged and mumbling curses through a mouth full of straw and regret.
The townspeople gave him a wide berth.
Some nodded. Some whispered. A few pointed at the crimson-eyed chickens in the sack and chose to walk on the other side of the street.
Kazuki sauntered through the guildhall doors, casually dragging both poultry and prisoner behind him like he was returning library books.
The place went quiet.
He raised a hand. "Morning."
Receptionist Lara blinked. "Please tell me those are the chickens."
"And the psycho who enchanted them. Bonus content."
He heaved the cultist to the floor with a dull thud and set the chicken sack down gently, just in case one of them did still know dark magic.
A few guild members leaned in.
One, a tall spear-wielding adventurer, let out a laugh. "You beat a rogue mage with poultry magic your first day?"
Kazuki smiled. "I prefer the term 'fowl sorcery.'"
Lara pinched the bridge of her nose, but even she couldn't hide the faint grin. "You're getting paid either way. Wait here, I'll bring the reward."
As she walked off, Kazuki took a seat and leaned back.
"Not bad, Demon Lord," Celestia's voice echoed with a hint of pride. "You're starting to build quite the image."
He smirked mentally. Not bad for a guy who made a stealth skill just to nap behind taverns.
> Quest Completed
Gold Earned: 300 Liria
Bonus EXP Earned
Reputation Increased: Windale (Friendly)
MP Restored: +30
MP: 370/500
> Title Upgraded: Poultry Punisher → Fowlbane
"Feared by birds. Respected by farmers."
Lara returned with a small pouch of gold and a folded parchment. "You're already drawing attention. Word spreads fast here, especially when chickens glow."
She handed over the coin. "You've got some eyes on you now—friendly and otherwise."
Kazuki tucked the pouch away. "Wouldn't be fun if they weren't."
As he turned to leave, he was intercepted by a boy no older than twelve, clutching a half-eaten apple.
"Excuse me, Mister Demon Lord?"
Kazuki blinked. "That's Supreme Overlord of the Abyss to you, kid."
The boy giggled, undeterred. "You're really strong, huh?"
Kazuki crouched slightly, keeping his voice playful. "Strong enough to protect people who need it. That's all that matters."
The kid smiled and ran off. Behind Kazuki, he heard the murmurs again.
"Is he serious?"
"Maybe he's just crazy."
"Crazy strong, maybe."
> Reputation Trait Unlocked: Local Legend (Early)
Perk: Minor favor from townsfolk. Occasional free meals, discounts, and children asking for autographs.
Outside, Kazuki walked toward the riverbank, slipping behind a cluster of trees. His expression, once relaxed, turned contemplative.
"So what now?" Celestia asked gently.
"I got what I wanted," Kazuki said, voice soft. "A chance to live free. And today, I made a kid smile. That's enough for me."
Celestia was quiet a moment.
"You really mean it, don't you?"
Kazuki nodded. "If I can make sure no one ends up looking as empty as I did before I died... then yeah. I mean it."
There was a pause before Celestia spoke again.
"You have a kind heart, Kazuki. But this world... it's not going to stay peaceful. Especially not with him stirring."
"'Him' being…?"
> Quest Alert: Main Storyline Branch Unlocked
"The Demon Emperor Stirs"
Description: Rumors spread in the darker corners of the world. The Demon Emperor, a cruel tyrant once sealed away by the gods, is growing in strength.
Objective: Survive. Learn. Grow. Prepare for the storm.
Reward: Unknown
Warning: This quest is unavoidable. Your story has begun.
Kazuki read the prompt, lips tightening. "So… that's the real Demon Lord?"
"No," Celestia said. "You're the Demon Lord by choice. He's the Demon Emperor by destiny. He was born to conquer. You were reborn to decide."
Kazuki chuckled darkly. "Guess I'll need to step up the power-building."
He held out a hand and whispered, "[Create]."
> Input: Minor Mana Core Recharger – a crystal you can meditate with to slowly restore MP over time.
MP Cost: 80
Proceed?
[Yes]
The small purple gem formed in his palm. He sat beneath the tree, pressing it to his chest, breathing deeply.
He glanced up at the sky. "You know what, Celestia?"
"Hmm?"
"Next time I make something, it's gonna be something cool. Something that'll blow minds."
"Demonic Chickens weren't cool enough?"
Kazuki laughed. "They were cool. But I'm talking wings. Horns. Transformation-level drama."
Celestia sounded intrigued. "You're already thinking of a next big skill?"
Kazuki grinned. "Oh yeah. It'll be flashy. Scary. And completely unnecessary. Just the way I like it."
He closed his eyes, letting the mana crystal do its work as the sun rose higher over Windale.
The town's newest legend had only just begun.