Chapter 3: Devil King
Girl (staring): "Who are you, huh?"
Her tone wasn't harsh — just sharp, curious, hiding a quiet suspicion.
The room fell silent.
The fire crackled.
A spoon clinked against a bowl.
Orimo met her gaze, calm but uncertain.
Girl (thinking): This energy… it feels the same. Just like him. The Devil King — Ryuta Konan.
Man: "Oh, he's an outsider. Looks like he's hungry."
Wife: "Yeah."
They all sat at the table, the warmth of the meal blending with the tension in the air. The girl kept glancing at Orimo, eyes narrowing every few seconds.
Girl (thinking): How is this even possible? That same aura… but he's just a boy.
They finished eating. Silence hung heavy in the room until the girl stood up abruptly.
Girl: "Hey."
Orimo: "What?"
Girl: "Come with me. I need to talk."
Orimo followed her outside. The air was cold, the wind brushing through the trees. The village sounds faded as they stepped beyond the fence line.
Without warning, she drew her sword.
A flash of silver — Swish!
The blade sliced the air, grazing Orimo's cheek.
Orimo (startled): "What's wrong with you?!"
Girl: "Just who are you?"
Orimo (raising hands): "Alright, alright — I'll tell you."
He took a breath and explained everything — how he had died, how he woke up here, how he knew nothing about this world.
Her sword lowered slowly, eyes softening.
Girl: "Oh… my bad."
Orimo (wiping the blood on his cheek): "It's fine. But… who's this Ryuta Konan you mentioned?"
Her gaze shifted to the horizon, where the setting sun bathed the fields in crimson light.
Girl: "Ryuta Konan… was the first Devil King in centuries. He liberated lands, fought for justice, and stood against those self-proclaimed gods who ruled us. He didn't fear anyone — not even the Dominion."
Orimo: "Woah… sounds like he was a hero."
Girl (smiling faintly): "He was more than that. I was a swordswoman in his crew. Three years ago, he was captured by the Ruling Dominion."
Orimo: "And?"
Girl: "He was executed. They made sure the world saw it."
She gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, her voice trembling slightly.
Girl: "I swore that day… I'd carry his will. Someone has to."
Orimo looked down, unsure what to say.
Girl: "And now I think you have what it takes to carry it too."
Orimo (raising an eyebrow): "I'm not part of anything, you know."
Girl: "Then let me be your guide. Whether you choose that path or not — it's your decision."
Orimo looked at her — the determination in her eyes, the quiet fire in her stance.
He nodded slowly.
Orimo: "Then it's fine."
The wind rustled through the trees. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled faintly — a storm brewing beyond the horizon.