The Awakening of the Traveler

Darkness.

An endless, fathomless darkness.

It was as though the entirety of creation had been swallowed whole, leaving naught but void and silence in its wake.

"—Awaken, my child."

A voice, ancient yet tender, pierced through the boundless dark.

Altrelis opened his eyes with a start.

Before him stretched a magnificent hall of stone, vast and ancient beyond reckoning.

The vaulted ceiling above was set with luminous magical crystals that shed a gentle blue-white radiance, illuminating walls of obsidian carved with mysterious runes of power.

"Where... am I?"

His voice came hoarse and rough, as though his throat had been scoured with sand.

"Schwarzburg, the Altar Hall of House Theresia."

The answer came from an aged voice nearby.

Altrelis turned his gaze and beheld an elderly man robed in deep blue, standing beside the altar. His hair was grey and long, his beard neatly trimmed, and in his deep-set eyes there gleamed a light of profound wisdom.

"Who are you?"

"I am Fido, Elder of Schwarzburg, and—" the old man paused, a complex emotion flickering across his features, "—a dear friend of your father."

Father.

Those two words struck like lightning, piercing the fog that shrouded Altrelis's mind.

Memories flooded back like a surging tide—

Earth.

Japan.

Fifteen years of ordinary life.

And then, that night of storm and tempest.

A silver-haired man had appeared before him, claiming to be his "birth father," speaking of truths that seemed the stuff of madness: that Altrelis was born of the bloodline of demon lords from another world, sent to Earth as an infant for his own protection.

And now, that father—the legendary Demon King Urslav—had burned his very soul to open a dimensional gate, sending his son home.

"Father... he..."

"Lord Urslav has... passed beyond." Fido lowered his eyes, his voice heavy with grief. "He consumed his soul entire to forge the power needed to open the dimensional passage. His will, his essence—all now flows within your blood."

Altrelis felt a sharp pain lance through his chest.

That man.

That father he had met but once.

Had given his life to grant him this "homecoming."

'Weep not, my heir.'

A voice suddenly echoed within his mind.

It was not Fido's voice.

This was a young woman's voice, clear and bright, touched with a hint of pride.

"Who's there?!"

Altrelis looked about in alarm, yet no third person could be seen.

'I am the Wisdom of Theresia. In your veins flows the blood of Altos, the First Demon King, and I am the crystallized will of all demon kings who came before. From this day forth, I shall be your most faithful guide—provided, of course, you prove not too foolish.'

"Wait... you're saying you're inside my head?"

'To be precise, within the depths of your soul. The concept is far too complex for that little Earth-educated brain of yours to comprehend.'

"...Isn't your attitude a bit much?"

'I merely speak the truth as I see it.'

Altrelis felt his temples begin to throb.

Being transported to another world was one thing.

But having a sharp-tongued spirit residing in his head?

This development was nothing like the light novels he had read!

"Er... young master?"

Fido gazed at Altrelis with some bewilderment.

The young man had suddenly begun speaking to thin air, his expression shifting through various emotions as though engaged in heated debate with some invisible presence.

"Ah, my apologies." Altrelis rubbed his temples. "It seems something rather... noisy has taken up residence in my mind."

"You mean... the Wisdom of Theresia?!"

Fido's eyes lit up at once, his expression that of one who had won some great fortune.

"Legend holds that only the true heir of the Demon King can hear the voice of the Wisdom! Lord Urslav himself never established a connection with the Wisdom in all his years, yet you, having just awakened... This is an omen of tremendous fortune!"

'You hear that? I am quite precious indeed.'

"..."

Altrelis decided to ignore the smug voice echoing in his mind.

"Elder Fido, I have many questions I would ask."

"Please, young master, speak freely."

"First—" Altrelis surveyed his surroundings, "What manner of place is this? What are the demon folk? And what am I meant to do?"

Fido's face softened with a look of relief.

"You are far calmer than I had anticipated. Come, let me show you Schwarzburg, and I shall explain all as we walk."

Schwarzburg.

This mighty fortress-city stood deep within the heart of the Black Forest, the central stronghold of the beast-folk.

To speak of "beast-folk" was perhaps imprecise—more accurately, they were the "demi-human races": beings of humanoid form bearing animal characteristics. Dog-eared folk, cat-eared folk, wolf-men, lion-folk... dozens of tribes dwelling together here, forming a complex yet ordered society.

"In human histories, we are called the 'demon folk.'"

Fido led Altrelis through corridors of stone, speaking as they walked.

"Three hundred years past, the First Demon King Altos built this fortress. Under his rule, the various beast-folk tribes ceased their endless warring and began trade and diplomacy with humankind. However—"

"However, the humans did not appreciate the gesture?"

"Worse than mere ingratitude." Fido sighed. "Certain human factions viewed us as heretics, believing that beast-folk who possessed magical power were 'servants of evil.' Such prejudice persists to this very day."

Altrelis listened in silence.

Conflict between humans and other races—it seemed such tired drama was inescapable in any world.

'Wipe that knowing expression from your face.'* The Wisdom's voice snorted in his mind. *'The situation here is far more complicated than you imagine.'

"Behold, young master."

Fido pushed open a heavy oaken door.

The vista beyond took his breath away—

Altrelis stood upon a tower balcony, gazing down upon the world spread before him.

The Black Forest lay like an ocean of deepest green, surrounding the fortress walls. In the distance, the Mistlantis River gleamed silver beneath the sun, and upon its banks stood a bustling port town.

"That is Charlotte Port, the gateway of Schwarzburg's trade," Fido explained, pointing toward the horizon. "Black steel, magical crystals, rice, coffee... goods of every kind pass through there to all corners of the continent."

"Hold on—did you say coffee?"

Altrelis blinked.

Coffee? This world had coffee?

"Ah, that brings us to another important organization." A mysterious smile played across Fido's lips. "The Otherworld Cultural Bureau."

"The Otherworld... Cultural Bureau?"

"An institution dedicated to studying and introducing knowledge and technology from 'another world.'" Fido lowered his voice. "In truth, much of Schwarzburg's prosperity can be attributed to the inventions they have brought from 'Earth.'"

Altrelis's mind reeled.

Earth.

The people of this world knew of Earth's existence?

"You need not be so surprised." Fido seemed to read his thoughts. "Your father, Lord Urslav, was himself one of the founding members of the Otherworld Cultural Bureau."

'That man was quite the madman in his youth,'* the Wisdom added. *'In his research on dimensional passages, he nearly blew up half a laboratory.'

"So... I'm not the only one who has traveled between Earth and this world?"

"Strictly speaking, you are the first to 'return alive.'" Fido's expression grew grave. "Previous researchers could only transmit objects and knowledge—the human body cannot withstand the impact of dimensional travel. Your father... he used his own soul as a medium to make this possible."

Altrelis clenched his fists.

A homecoming purchased with his father's life.

He must not let it be in vain.

"Elder Fido." His voice grew firm. "Tell me what I must do."

"First—" Fido drew forth a long wooden case from within his robes, "Please accept this."

He opened the lid.

Within lay a weapon of strange and wondrous design.

It was a scepter.

Nay, more precisely, it was a royal scepter imbued with the power of the Void.

The shaft was forged of black steel, its surface covered in intricate magical runes that pulsed with otherworldly energy. At its crown sat a large Void Gemstone, deep purple in hue, seeming to contain swirling galaxies within its depths. The entire scepter radiated an aura of terrible majesty, as though reality itself bent in its presence.

"This is your father's legacy," Fido spoke with reverence. "The Void Scepter. This is a treasure passed down from the First Demon King, capable of channeling the wielder's Void power to unleash the 'Void Impact' spell. With this scepter, your father once single-handedly repelled an army of a thousand men."

Altrelis reached out and grasped the shaft.

In that instant, a strange sensation coursed through his entire being—

As though this scepter had always been a part of him.

'I have already implanted the basic methods of use into your memory,'* the Wisdom's voice intoned. *'The Void power was a gift the First Demon King received from Totory, God of the Underworld. Of course, knowledge alone is insufficient. You will need practical training.'

"This scepter..." Altrelis murmured, "I feel as though I already know how to use it."

"That is the Wisdom's guidance." Fido nodded. "But as the Wisdom says, knowledge and skill are two different things. You will need time to adapt to your power."

"How much time do I have?"

Fido fell silent for a moment.

"I fear... not much."

He drew a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Altrelis.

"This arrived three days past. From House Medean of Paradise Valley—one of the Three Great Human Houses."

Altrelis unfolded the letter.

Its contents were simple:

To House Theresia—

Upon hearing of Lord Urslav's passing, we are deeply grieved.

As a gesture of sincerity, House Medean cordially invites the new Demon King to visit Zion City in Paradise Valley to discuss matters of alliance.

The Lord's daughter, Elise, would become sworn siblings with the Demon King, as a symbol of eternal friendship between our peoples.

Lord Axel of House Medean, with respect

"Sworn siblings..." Altrelis frowned. "What manner of custom is this?"

"In these lands, the oath of sworn siblinghood is the highest form of alliance," Fido explained. "Once the oath is sworn, both houses are considered bound by blood—any who betray such a bond would be scorned by all the powers of the realm."

"That sounds rather promising?"

"The problem lies in—" Fido's expression darkened, "—the timing is far too suspicious."

"How so?"

"News of Lord Urslav's passing has not yet been officially announced." Fido lowered his voice. "Yet House Medean learned of it immediately, sending their invitation even before your awakening. What does this tell you?"

Altrelis's gaze sharpened.

"There is a spy within Schwarzburg."

"Or—" Fido spoke meaningfully, "House Medean's intelligence network runs deeper than we imagined. Either way, this invitation reeks of conspiracy."

'My counsel is this: accept the invitation.'

The Wisdom's voice echoed in his mind.

*'What? You just said it's a conspiracy,'* Altrelis challenged silently.

'Precisely because it is a conspiracy that you must go see for yourself. Cowering within these walls will only make your enemies think you weak. As the new Demon King, you must demonstrate both power and courage—not to the point of foolishly courting death, of course.'

"The Wisdom says... I should go."

Altrelis turned to Fido.

"She says this is an opportunity to demonstrate strength."

A complex expression crossed Fido's face.

"The Wisdom's insight is ever profound... yet you have only just awakened. Is it not too dangerous to wade into political waters so soon?"

"If I were the enemy, what would I think of a new Demon King who hides in his castle, too afraid to venture forth?"

"...That he is weak and easily exploited."

"Exactly." Altrelis gripped the Void Scepter tightly, his eyes resolute. "I will not be that sort of Demon King."

Fido studied the young man before him.

Silver-white hair, deep purple eyes, a face young yet determined.

He seemed to see the young Urslav of years past.

"...If your mind is made up, then I shall not dissuade you further." Fido bowed slightly. "But please take sufficient guards. I shall arrange for the finest warriors of Schwarzburg to accompany you."

"Thank you, Elder Fido."

"Furthermore—" a mysterious smile touched Fido's lips, "there are certain individuals I believe you should meet."

The training grounds of Schwarzburg.

An open stone plaza surrounded by weapon racks and training dummies. At this moment, a spectacular sparring match was underway.

"Ha!"

A dark figure flashed like lightning, blade singing through the air like flowing water.

Before the opponent could react, a wooden sword was already at their throat.

"You lose, Gaia."

A cold voice emerged from the shadow.

"Tch, again..." The wolf-man warrior called Gaia smiled ruefully, raising his hands in surrender. Though he stood a full head taller than his opponent, his entire body rippling with muscle, he had been utterly outmatched.

"Lady Luna's swordsmanship is truly terrifying."

The victor sheathed her wooden blade, revealing herself—

A dark elf maiden.

Her deep purple hair cascaded like a waterfall of liquid amethyst, pointed ears peeking through the strands. Her skin bore the unique pale grey tone of her race, and her amber eyes were cold and piercing, as though they could see through any deception.

"Luna!"

A cheerful voice broke the solemnity of the training grounds.

"Elder Fido says the young master has awakened! Let's go—ah!"

The speaker's foot caught on a wooden sword, nearly sending her tumbling.

"Careful, Tor."

Luna reached out to steady her.

Tor regained her footing, breaking into a brilliant smile.

A cat-eared beast-folk girl.

Her short brown hair was charmingly fluffy, her cat ears twitching with excitement atop her head. She wore a modified black and white maid's uniform, its skirt shorter than traditional styles—likely for ease of movement.

Most notable was the faint shimmer of magical light that occasionally danced at her fingertips—the telltale sign of Shadow Blade magic, capable of summoning dark daggers in an instant.

"You are...?"

Altrelis's voice came from behind.

Luna and Tor turned as one.

"Young master!"

Tor's eyes lit up instantly, and she bounded over to Altrelis in three quick strides.

"You're finally awake! This is wonderful! We've been waiting so long!"

Her tail wagged like a whirlwind.

"I'm Tor, the personal maid Lord Urslav assigned to you! From now on I'll take care of your daily needs, cleaning, meals—though my cooking still needs work, but I'll do my best!"

"Er, perhaps... calm down a moment..."

Altrelis found himself somewhat overwhelmed by this torrent of enthusiasm.

"Tor, do not frighten the young master."

Luna approached with graceful steps, offering a slight bow.

"I am Luna, Princess of the Dark Elves... former princess. Now I serve as your personal guard."

"Former princess?"

"That is a tale of long ago." A shadow flickered through Luna's eyes, quickly passing. "Now I am simply a blade in service to Schwarzburg."

Altrelis noted something in her words but wisely chose not to press.

Every soul carries burdens they would rather not speak of.

"There is one more." Fido interjected. "Though she is rather... unique."

"Unique?"

No sooner had he spoken than Altrelis felt a chill at the back of his neck.

He spun about—

A pair of crimson eyes, mere inches away.

"Well, if it isn't the new Demon King."

A languid voice whispered in his ear.

A white-haired maiden.

Her snow-white tresses fell past her waist, pure as fresh snow yet radiating an aura of danger. Her eyes were a rare crimson, as though flames eternal burned within them.

Most striking was the heat that shimmered around her—the mark of Flame Demon blood, capable of unleashing the devastating Inferno Eye magic for precise, long-range fire attacks.

"So you're Urslav's whelp?" She circled Altrelis, appraising him from head to toe. "Tch, you look like a stiff breeze would knock you over."

"Isana! You mustn't be rude to the young master!" Tor rushed forward. "He's our lord!"

"Lord?" Isana scoffed. "He'll have to prove he's worthy of that title first."

"How dare you—!"

"It's alright."

Altrelis raised a hand to stop Tor, meeting Isana's gaze directly.

"She's right."

"Oh?"

"I haven't proven anything yet." His voice was calm. "But—"

His eyes suddenly grew sharp.

"I will show you."

Their gazes locked.

The air seemed to crackle with tension.

"Ha."

Isana suddenly laughed.

"Not bad." She clapped Altrelis on the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble. "Alright, I'll see what you can do. But if you disappoint me—"

She leaned close to his ear and whispered:

"I'll burn a hole clean through your skull."

"..."

Altrelis had a feeling his journey in this other world would be anything but smooth.

That evening, the council chamber of Schwarzburg.

Fido, Luna, Tor, Isana, and Altrelis sat gathered around a long table.

"We depart for Paradise Valley at first light tomorrow." Altrelis began. "Elder Fido, please share what intelligence we have."

"Yes."

Fido unrolled a map.

"Paradise Valley lies to the northwest of Schwarzburg, the domain of House Medean. The land there is fertile and abundant, the most important granary on the entire continent."

"And House Medean?"

"On the surface, they are the most moderate of the Three Great Human Houses." Fido's tone grew careful. "Their crest is the stag—symbol of peace and prosperity. However..."

"However?"

"Their current lord, Axel, is an exceedingly difficult man to read." Fido frowned. "He presents a kind face, but beneath it lies a cunning mind. We cannot be certain of his true intentions."

"And this princess called Elise?"

"Lady Elise is Axel's only daughter, sixteen years of age," Fido said. "By all accounts, she is gentle and kind, beloved by the people. But she has little say in political matters."

"So in this ceremony, she's merely a pawn?"

"Most likely."

Altrelis fell into thought.

"What of our escort?"

"Besides these three—" Fido glanced at Luna, Tor, and Isana, "I have arranged twenty elite wolf-man guards to accompany you."

"Not enough."

Surprisingly, it was Isana who spoke.

"Bringing only twenty men tells them 'we don't take you seriously.' If they have some scheme planned, that handful won't be enough."

"Yet if we bring too many, it will be seen as 'mistrust.'" Luna analyzed coolly. "In diplomatic matters, numbers themselves are a statement."

"Then what would you suggest?"

"Bring the carriage."

Altrelis suddenly interjected.

"The carriage?"

"That magical carriage the Otherworld Cultural Bureau developed." He looked to Fido. "It still works, doesn't it?"

"Of course—that was one of your father's masterworks." Fido's eyes lit with approval. "If we bring it..."

"We can retreat at any time." Altrelis said. "If things go wrong, we simply drive away."

"That's..." Isana raised an eyebrow, "...rather cunning of you."

"Merely cautious."

'Not bad. You haven't let heroic notions cloud your judgment.'* The Wisdom offered a rare word of praise. *'A true leader knows when to fight and when to retreat.'

"Then it's decided."

Altrelis rose to his feet.

"We leave at dawn. Everyone, rest well."

Deep in the night, atop Schwarzburg's highest tower.

Altrelis stood alone upon the balcony, gazing up at the stars of this other world.

They shone brighter here than on Earth.

Without light pollution, the Milky Way stretched clear across the heavens, a river of radiance spanning the sky.

"Wisdom."

He called out in his mind.

'What is it?'

"Do you think... I can truly be a proper Demon King?"

Silence.

'What troubles you?'

"I'm just an ordinary high school student who lived on Earth for fifteen years." Altrelis smiled ruefully. "Combat, politics, diplomacy... I understand none of it."

'Your father knew nothing either, in his youth.'

"What?"

'In his younger days, Urslav was known throughout Schwarzburg as a hopeless case.'* A hint of nostalgia touched the Wisdom's voice. *'He couldn't fight, didn't understand politics, couldn't even master basic magic. Yet he possessed one quality that eventually made him a Demon King worthy of respect.'

"What was it?"

'Courage.'* The Wisdom's voice grew earnest. *'The courage to face the unknown. The courage to acknowledge one's shortcomings yet press forward nonetheless. The courage to fight for those who matter.'

Altrelis looked down at the Void Scepter in his hand.

His father's legacy.

His father's will.

"I will try my hardest."

He gripped the shaft and spoke to the stars.

"I will become someone worthy of this power."

The night wind stirred gently, as though answering his oath.

Tomorrow, a new journey would begin.

And this was merely the prologue—to the legend of the Void Demon King.

End of Chapter One

—Next Chapter: The Banquet of Paradise Valley