Chapter 01: The Return
The world was living through an era of peace never seen before.
But suddenly, in Tokyo — and soon in other countries around the globe — strange portals began to appear. Panic spread everywhere, and no one knew what to do.
Five days later, there was still no information anywhere about what those portals were or where they came from.
Until one TV network decided to break the silence. The anchor, a calm and well-known man named Lucas Son, addressed the entire world on live television.
"The world is ending. That's all I have to say. Enjoy what you still have."
He said those words calmly, almost emotionless.
When the broadcast ended, the curfew was about to begin. The studio went dark. Facing the wall, Lucas muttered to himself:
"I hope I gave the right message… I don't wanna lose my job."
The next morning, on the other side of the city, a young man lived alone in a small house. He had a calm yet playful look.
Today was supposed to be a special day — his first day at a new job, after being unemployed for two months.
He was about to leave home when suddenly, a portal appeared inside his house and sucked him in.
"What the hell is this?!"
He shouted, finding himself in a shadowy, crimson-colored realm.
"Seriously? Today of all days? My first job after two damn months unemployed!"
Angry and confused, he looked around — and saw a monster approaching fast.
"No way… I, Joon-seo, am really gonna die here?!"
But then, Joon-seo's body suddenly turned bright white, like a glowing silhouette. The monster froze and ran away, terrified by the radiant light.
A glowing status window appeared before him.
Status Window: You have activated the skill [Absolute Light].
"What the hell…?"
Joon-seo muttered, surprised — then laughed.
"Looks like I'm the real deal now. Hahaha!"
The abyssal world, painted in red and black, was full of hidden monsters beneath rocks and rivers of lava. Anyone careless could easily become prey.
Then, a voice echoed nearby.
"Who are you?"
It was a strange creature staring at Joon-seo, trembling under the brightness of his power.
"Hey there! I'm Joon-seo!" he said with a grin.
The creature froze in fear — the Absolute Light didn't just change Joon-seo's body, but also his voice and aura, making him terrifying to anyone who faced him.
"My name is Michael. From this day forward, I will serve you!"
Michael knelt, pressing his hand to his chest and bowing his head.
"You don't have to do that," Joon-seo said, waving awkwardly. "I'm not gonna hurt you. But… how can I even understand you?"
"Maybe it's one of your abilities," Michael replied as he stood. "Wait… you're not a demon?"
"Never been one," Joon-seo said. "I'm from another world. Looks like I've got the skill to speak the demon tongue!"
He glanced at his status panel again, confirming it.
"Damn, so you're from another world and full of skills," Michael said, half worried, half impressed. "So… how are you planning to go back?"
"I don't know," Joon-seo smirked. "Maybe I'll conquer this world first — and find a way home later."
The dark world that once overflowed with monsters soon fell silent.
Most creatures either hid or perished at the hands of the new ruler — the Demon King, Joon-seo.
"Silence, all of you," Joon-seo commanded, sitting upon his throne before a hall of demons.
"Master!" Michael rushed in, out of breath. "We've found a way for you to return!"
"What?! No way! After thirty-five thousand years stuck here, I can finally leave!"
Joon-seo rose with joy in his eyes.
"A demon of foresight said a portal will open in the North — soon!" Michael said, panting.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Joon-seo shouted. "I'm done with this filthy place. Let's go!"
And thus, the Demon King's long-awaited return to his world was about to begin.