After finishing their breakfast, Rael, Sera, and her parents made their way to the elegant living room of Sera's family home. The room exuded an air of sophistication, with tastefully chosen furnishings that combined comfort with style. Large windows allowed the morning sunlight to filter in, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room.
Sera's parents took their seats on the plush sofa, while Rael occupied the adjacent one. Sera stood beside her parents, feeling a mixture of tension and curiosity in the room.
The living room was tastefully decorated with elegant furniture, and large windows allowed natural light to pour in, bathing the space in a warm and inviting ambiance. A soft breeze rustled the curtains, creating a soothing atmosphere that contrasted with the inner turmoil Sera felt.
Her father cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled in the room. He turned his gaze toward Rael, his eyes sharp and penetrating. "So," he began, his voice carrying a sense of authority, "What is your name?"
Rael shifted slightly in his seat, his posture unchanged but respectful. "My name is Rael," he replied with a calm and steady tone, "The Demon King."
'Huhhh?!' Sera exclaimed in her mind, her voice tinged with both surprise and a hint of bewilderment. She shot a quick glance at Rael, her eyes searching his face for any signs that this was a joke, but his composed demeanor only deepened her sense of intrigue.
Sera's father, equally taken aback by the unusual name, leaned in toward his wife, Sera's mother, and his voice wavered as he whispered to her, "What kind of name is it?" His furrowed brow and puzzled expression mirrored the confusion that had taken hold of the room.
Sera's mother leaned in as well, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "Maybe he is a player," she suggested, her tone carrying a playful note, "and 'The Demon King' is just his player title, like 'Magical Archer' or 'Witch Swordswoman.'"
Sera's mind raced with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. 'No, no, no,' she thought to herself, her internal monologue bordering on incredulity, 'There is no title like that given to a player in the whole world.' She found herself oscillating between her parents' seemingly accepting demeanor and her own nagging doubts.
Meanwhile, Rael sat calmly, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he observed the exchange between Sera's parents. He seemed unperturbed by their surprise, his demeanor radiating an air of quiet confidence.
Sera's father, undeterred by the unconventional name, continued his line of questioning. "So, Rael, what do you do for a living?"
Rael's response was simple yet enigmatic. "I do nothing," he replied, his voice carrying a touch of mystery that hung in the air.
Sera's mother followed up, her curiosity piqued. "Then, what did you do for a living before?"
Rael's answer remained cryptic. "I don't need to do anything. I'm already rich," he stated with an air of nonchalance, "I have many demons working under me, so they do everything I order them to."
Sera couldn't contain her surprise any longer and blurted out, "Many demons, what?" Her eyes widened in disbelief at Rael's matter-of-fact statement.
Sensing her parents' growing intrigue and the sense of tension in the room, Sera's father leaned in toward her mother, speaking in a hushed tone. "Maybe he's a player who can control demons and monsters," he speculated, "like a necromancer or something."
Sera found herself growing increasingly baffled by her parents' reactions. "Well, I trust my daughter," her father declared, a warm smile gracing his lips, "So, I believe she must have chosen a good guy. Welcome to the family."
Sera's mother echoed her husband's sentiment, her eyes shining with happiness. "Yes, welcome," she added with genuine warmth, seemingly unfazed by Rael's peculiar background.
Sera couldn't help but wonder what had come over her parents. 'Do they not find anything suspicious about his name, "The Demon King," or his claims of having demons working for him?' She looked from her father to her mother, feeling utterly perplexed by their reactions.
As her parents extended their warm welcome to Rael, the room's atmosphere shifted from one of tension to one of acceptance. Sera, however, remained perplexed by her parents' surprisingly open-minded reaction. She decided to go along with the situation for now.
Just as the peculiar conversation seemed to settle, Sera's phone abruptly rang. She reached into her pocket, retrieved her phone, and answered it with a quick swipe.
"Hello?" Sera inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
The voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Guild master, where are you? The Dragon Slayer wants to meet you. He's waiting at our office," the caller relayed, concern evident in his tone.
Sera's eyes widened at the mention of the Dragon Slayer. She turned her attention back to Rael, a sense of urgency replacing her earlier bewilderment. "The Dragon Slayer?" she repeated to the caller, her voice lowering in anticipation. "What does he want?"
The voice on the phone responded promptly, "He claims to have vital information about the 4th floor A-grade dungeon, 'Blue Nest.'"
Sera's expression shifted to one of determination. "I'm on my way," she declared, her gaze locked onto Rael.
Without further ado, she ended the call, her thumb clicking the screen off. Glancing at Rael, she issued a directive with a sense of urgency, "Come with me, so-called 'Demon King.'"