In the quiet village of Nasi, nestled within the vast Kingdom of Emerald, two ancient families, the Mera Family and the Reme Family, lived with a power that set them apart. These families were not like ordinary citizens—they possessed the ability to create portals, traveling effortlessly between dimensions. This unique ability earned them the title "The Dimension Walkers."
These powerful families served under King Simus, whose ambitions drove him to use their abilities to seek wealth and, ultimately, immortality. Every year, during the grand festival known as the "Blessing of Elmora," the families would open portals to realms filled with magical treasures. But something changed in the year 397. King Simus, growing more greedy and impatient, decided to lead an expedition himself to a dimension that was said to be devoid of magic but rich in gold and wealth. Unlike previous years, this time, the king brought an army—one thousand soldiers instead of the usual ten thousand.
As the soldiers passed through the portal, excitement buzzed in the air. The promise of endless riches seemed closer than ever.
It should have been a simple operation, gathering treasure from another world. But in just a few hours, everything fell apart.
King Simus staggered back through the portal, his face pale and his body trembling. His right arm had been severed, his clothes were in tatters, and blood streamed from numerous wounds. Between gasps for air, the king managed to choke out one terrifying name, "It... it's the 'Demon Lord'..."
Word of the disaster spread like wildfire through the Kingdom of Emerald. The once-revered "Blessing of Elmora" had turned into a horrifying tragedy.
Five years later—Year 402.
The kingdom had been forever altered by that day. King Simus stood atop the tower of his castle, addressing the people who had gathered below. His expression was a mix of sorrow and seething rage, emotions carved deep into his aging features.
"Five years have passed since that fateful day," the king began, his voice shaky with emotion. "Ten thousand of our finest soldiers... lost. And why? Because of the lies and betrayal of the two witch families who deceived us!"
The king's tone sharpened as he lifted his left arm—his only arm. The empty sleeve of his right fluttered in the wind, a grim reminder of his personal loss.
"We trusted them," he shouted, the crowd's eyes following his every movement. "We gave them love and kindness! But in return, they betrayed us, sacrificing our soldiers to the Demon Lord!" His voice cracked with anger.
"Now, we face our darkest hour. Other nations are ready to pounce on us like vultures. But we are not finished yet!" His voice grew louder, filled with an almost desperate determination. "I have obtained something rare—something not from this world. The Demon Lord's hair. And from it, we've created a potion. A potion that can make an ordinary man as strong as a thousand soldiers combined!"
The crowd gasped, murmurs of disbelief spreading through them like a ripple in water.
"With this power," the king bellowed, "we will reclaim our strength. Our kingdom will rise again! And we... we will rule all of the realms!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd below. Hope, which had seemed so distant in the years following the tragedy, now flickered brightly in their hearts once again.
Yet amidst the cheers, a solitary figure in a dark brown coat stood silent, their face hidden beneath the shadows of a hood. As the king's speech concluded, the figure quietly slipped away, heading down a path that led toward the distant mountains.
This person's destination? The Mountain of Eyes, a place feared and avoided by all. Legends spoke of the god Elmora cursing it. Those who ventured to the mountain were said never to return.
But this lone figure moved without hesitation, undeterred by the grim tales. They trekked deep into the mountain's treacherous landscape until, eventually, they arrived at an old, weathered wooden house nestled in the midst of the rocky terrain.
Behind the house, a young boy stood, waving his arms through the air in an odd manner. Upon noticing the figure, he paused, and the figure called out, "Natsuo! I'm back."
The boy, Natsuo, smiled and hurried inside. As the figure removed their coat, it became clear that beneath the heavy fabric was not a man, but a girl. Her hair, a striking shade of dark pink, cascaded just past her shoulders. Her eyes, deep green, glistened with an almost otherworldly beauty.
Natsuo looked up at her, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Hey, Minami, did something happen?"
"Yeah," she sighed, dropping into a nearby chair. "I was out in town, and there was a massive crowd in front of the castle."
"Let me guess," Natsuo smirked. "The king was giving one of his speeches again, wasn't he?"
Minami nodded, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah... same old speech. But it's just... every time I hear him, he's always spitting curses at our family. Today, he called us witches again, said we betrayed the kingdom... claimed we worshipped the Demon Lord or something."
Natsuo's expression hardened, and his fists clenched. "So, our family's traitors now, huh? Figures. But we know the truth, right? He's lying through his teeth. And one day, he's going to regret every word."
Minami offered a weak smile. "Yeah, I know you're right... but when will that day come?"
"Soon," Natsuo replied confidently. "You know my instincts—they're usually on point!"
Minami chuckled softly. "Well, maybe I can't trust your portal skills, but your instincts... those I believe in."
Natsuo pouted. "Hey! I can open portals now, you know!"
"Yeah, sure," she teased. "But they still blow up the moment they open."
Natsuo huffed, crossing his arms. "Not anymore! I've been training, and tonight, I'll prove it to you."
Minami raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why not show me right now?"
Just then, a knock echoed from the door. Minami stood up to answer, and upon opening it, her face lit up with surprise. "Uncle Kazuki!"
Standing in the doorway was a middle-aged man with kind eyes. Minami quickly embraced him.
Kazuki Hoshino—Minami's father's best friend and, more notably, the king's advisor—gently patted her back.
Natsuo grinned. "Uncle Kazuki! Did you know the king gave that same old speech again?"
Kazuki sighed, shaking his head. "Of course I know. I am the king's advisor, after all. But how did you hear about it? Did one of you go into town?"
Minami, shifting nervously, spoke up. "I did. I was just out shopping."
Kazuki's eyes narrowed with concern. "Didn't I warn you two to stay on this mountain? If you need something, just tell me. I'll get it for you."
"But you can't always know what we need," Minami retorted playfully.
Kazuki let out a soft sigh, but his tone grew serious. "But what if someone saw you? There are spies everywhere in the kingdom, you know. And they've all taken that potion... the one you heard about in the king's speech."
Natsuo crossed his arms. "Oh, the one that makes people as strong as a thousand men? Is that real? I thought it was just the king bluffing like usual."
Kazuki shook his head. "It's real, alright. And it's even worse than you think. That potion amplifies a person's five senses a hundredfold. Taste, smell, vision, hearing, touch... with those enhanced senses, one of them could've easily spotted you. You need to be more careful."
Just then, a cold voice interrupted from behind Kazuki. "There won't be a next time."
Kazuki spun around, his face paling as the imposing figure of the Night Commander stepped forward.
"Like them," the commander declared, his voice icy, "you too have betrayed the kingdom, Kazuki Hoshino. By order of the king, you are sentenced to death for treason. Guards, seize them!"
Chapter 2: How to Become Hollow~
The night air was still, and the looming shadow of the Night Commander stretched across the rocky terrain, his cold gaze never wavering from Natsuo and Minami. His silver armor gleamed under the faint moonlight, reflecting an aura of power and command. His hand rested confidently on the hilt of his sword as if daring them to act. Minami's heart pounded in her chest. Without hesitation, she raised her hand to summon her power, the warmth of her magic surging toward her fingertips.
But nothing happened.
Her face paled in shock. Panic set in as she stared at her hand, willing her magic to manifest. The Night Commander's smirk deepened, his voice low and mocking. "Did you really think we'd let you fight back?" He stepped forward, his voice filled with contempt. "We're using a magic-nullifying artifact. No magic, no tricks. You're powerless."
The weight of his words crashed over them. Natsuo's mind raced, his eyes darting between Minami and the approaching soldiers. No magic? The realization hit him hard. The Night Commander wasn't bluffing. Their situation was far more dire than he'd anticipated.
Minami turned to Natsuo, her eyes wide with fear. "Natsuo... we can't..."
But he wasn't listening. His instincts screamed at him to act. Without another thought, he grabbed Minami's hand. "Run!" he yelled, adrenaline surging through his veins as he pulled her along, their footsteps pounding against the rough ground.
The sound of clanging armor echoed behind them, the Night Commander's forces in pursuit. Natsuo's mind raced for a solution. Think, think! He couldn't let it end here. Not like this.
Suddenly, something inside him—something deep, something primal—awoke. As if driven by sheer desperation, he thrust his hand forward, the air around them shimmering unnaturally. Before he could process what was happening, a portal—a swirling vortex of dark energy—materialized in front of them. His eyes widened in shock. What is this...?
"Come on, Minami!" Natsuo shouted, pulling her toward the portal. They were mere seconds away from escaping. He could feel it—their salvation just beyond the swirling gate.
But fate wasn't so kind.
As they leaped toward the portal, the Night Commander moved with blinding speed, faster than either of them could react. His hand shot out like a viper, and in a split second, he grabbed Minami's wrist, yanking her backward with brutal force. Minami let out a cry as she was ripped from Natsuo's grasp, her eyes wide with terror.
"Minami!" Natsuo screamed, reaching out for her, his fingers just inches from hers. But the portal was pulling him in—its force too strong to resist. Their hands slipped apart, and in the blink of an eye, Natsuo fell into the abyss alone. His last sight of Minami was her horrified expression, her body still struggling against the Night Commander's grip.
The portal snapped shut behind him, plunging him into cold darkness.
---
Natsuo hit the ground hard, the impact jarring his bones. He lay there for a moment, dazed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The ground beneath him was cold and unfamiliar—nothing like the world he knew. Slowly, he pushed himself up, his eyes adjusting to the eerie surroundings. It was dark, but not the kind of darkness born from the absence of light. This was something else—an oppressive void that seemed to seep into his very soul.
The air was thick, suffocating, and he could feel something... or someone... watching him.
A voice, deep and filled with malice, echoed from the shadows. "Welcome, Natsuo."
Natsuo froze, his heart hammering in his chest. Slowly, he turned toward the source of the voice. Out of the darkness, a figure emerged—a towering, ominous presence draped in shadow. His eyes glowed with an unnatural light, radiating power and malevolence.
"I've been waiting for you," the figure said, stepping closer, his smile both cruel and amused.
"Who... who are you?" Natsuo's voice trembled, though he tried to hide his fear.
The figure's smile widened. "I am Lucifer, the one your ancestors foolishly trapped in this dimension. For centuries, I've waited... and now, thanks to you, I am one step closer to my freedom."
Natsuo felt a chill run down his spine. Lucifer? He had heard the stories—the legends of the powerful demon his ancestors had sealed away long ago. But those were just myths, right? Yet here he stood, face to face with the embodiment of those terrifying tales.
Lucifer's gaze bore into Natsuo, unblinking and sinister. "You are special, Natsuo. You opened the portal, and because of that, I offer you something in return. Three powers that will make you unstoppable. In exchange... all I need is your soul."
Natsuo's mind whirled. His soul? Could he afford to make such a deal? But then, an image of Minami flashed before his eyes. She was still trapped—still in danger. He couldn't save her as he was. He needed power. He needed... more.
"What kind of powers?" Natsuo asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lucifer grinned, his form seeming to pulse with dark energy. "I knew you'd ask." He reached into his chest, and from the very core of his being, he pulled out three glowing orbs—each radiating with immense power.
"The blue orb," Lucifer began, his voice silky, "holds all knowledge. With it, you will know everything—understand everything that exists."
The blue orb glowed faintly, vibrating with a deep, resonating hum that called to Natsuo's mind.
"The red orb," Lucifer continued, "gives you the power to multiply anything by one trillion."
The red orb pulsed with fiery energy, its heat intense and mesmerizing.
"And the yellow orb," Lucifer said, his voice now barely more than a whisper, "grants you the ability to copy anything—powers, magic, techniques, anything you encounter."
The yellow orb radiated a warm, enticing light, beckoning to Natsuo's soul.
Natsuo's hands trembled as he stared at the orbs, knowing what they represented. With these powers, he could save Minami—he could do anything. But in return... he would lose his emotions. His fear, his love, his pain—all of it, gone.
He swallowed hard, his resolve solidifying. "I accept."
Lucifer's grin widened into something monstrous, his laughter dark and chilling as the orbs dissolved into Natsuo's body, infusing him with a surge of unimaginable power. Natsuo's eyes darkened, his mind becoming clearer than ever before, yet eerily silent. His heart no longer raced with fear or desperation—just an unsettling calm.
"Good," Lucifer said, his form fading into the shadows. "Your soul is mine, and soon, I will be free."
As Lucifer vanished, Natsuo stood in the desolate void, his fists clenching and unclenching as he felt the newfound strength coursing through him. He was no longer the same person—no longer the scared, emotional boy who had fallen through that portal.
Now, Natsuo was something far more dangerous.
Without looking back, he turned his gaze forward, his mind now focused solely on one thing: Minami.
He would save her. And anyone who stood in his way... would be annihilated.
Chapter 3: I'm Here
Natsuo stood in the center of an unfamiliar landscape, the strange energy of the portal still humming in the air around him. His surroundings were unlike anything he had seen before—lush, overgrown trees with glowing leaves stretched endlessly into the horizon, and the sky shimmered with vibrant, shifting colors. It was undeniably beautiful, but foreign. This wasn't his world.
His eyes narrowed as the portal behind him flickered, beginning to close. I need to get back... to Minami... to my family, Natsuo thought. But just as the portal was sealing shut, something shot through it—a dark, small shape tumbling forward, stopping mid-air before him. It hovered, spinning erratically, revealing a floating, grotesque eyeball with a bat-like wing attached to its sides.
Natsuo instinctively took a step back. "What the—?"
"Don't follow me, Luci," Natsuo growled, instantly recognizing the aura.
The floating eye stopped spinning and bobbed up and down excitedly, as if giggling. "Wha—? How did you know it was me?!" Luci, the floating eye, spoke in a high-pitched, whining voice.
Natsuo's eyes darkened with calm confidence. "I have all the knowledge, you fool devil."
Luci stopped bobbing, clearly offended. "Oh... I forgot about that. Stupid devil, huh? That's rich coming from the one who made a deal with me." The eye fluttered closer, looking smug. "Well, you may have all the knowledge now, but guess what? I'm not going anywhere! I'm super useful, you know! There's no getting rid of me!"
Natsuo's patience was wearing thin. "Useful? In that form? You're just a floating eye now."
"So what if I'm a floating eye? I have a soul, you know! Getting out of that dimension took everything I had—this is the only form I can possess right now!" Luci protested, his wings flapping pitifully as he floated closer. "Besides, I know where your family is!"
Natsuo's expression hardened in an instant, his hand reaching out and grabbing Luci, squeezing him tightly. "What did you just say?" His voice was dangerously low, his eyes flashing with intensity.
"Gyaaah! Ow! Ow! Okay, okay, I was gonna tell you, I swear! But you never asked!!" Luci squealed, flailing his wings as Natsuo squeezed harder. "I know where your family is, alright! So stop squishing me like that!"
Natsuo released his grip, but his eyes were cold and unrelenting. "Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?"
Luci floated back, wobbling a bit from the rough treatment, and muttered, "You never gave me a chance! You're all 'oh, I'm so cool and emotionless now'... besides, you'd have found out eventually, right, Mr. All-Knowledge?"
Natsuo glared at the floating eye, but before he could respond, Luci spun around, changing the subject as fast as possible. "A-anyway, you're lucky you have me! I know things! Really important things! Like how your family is connected to the Demon Lord! And you'll need me to save Minami too!"
Natsuo's gaze remained sharp, though a flicker of intrigue crossed his mind. "What do you mean?"
Luci spun lazily, clearly enjoying the attention. "A long time ago, I used to work for the Demon Lord, y'know. Big bad guy, lots of scary magic and armies, blah blah. Anyway, one day, he gave me a special task... a very important task. To retrieve the Eye of Elmora."
Natsuo frowned, his mind racing with newfound information. "The Eye of Elmora...?"
Luci's voice took on a sing-song tone, his personality childish despite the ominous topic. "Yep! Once every 1,000 years, a hero is chosen. This hero is given the left eye of Elmora, the god of knowledge and power. That eye can control unimaginable magic... the kind even you can't copy!"
Natsuo absorbed the information, piecing together the implications. The Demon Lord had sent Luci after the Eye of Elmora, and if his family was involved, they could be part of something much bigger than he realized. But before he could dwell on it, Luci floated closer, his tone shifting to one of excitement.
"So! I'll make a deal with you, Natsuo! You let me stick around, and I'll help you save your family and Minami! Plus, I'll keep you updated on all the juicy secrets that you don't know yet! Sound good?"
Natsuo's eyes narrowed, considering the offer. Luci was annoying, clumsy, and clearly power-hungry, but there was no denying that the floating eye had information Natsuo could use.
"Fine," Natsuo muttered. "But don't get in my way."
Luci twirled in mid-air, thrilled. "Yay! You won't regret it! I mean, I am super useful! I have so many secrets I can tell you—like, do you wanna know how the Demon Lord eats souls, or how he plans to invade—"
"Enough," Natsuo interrupted, his voice cold. "Let's just focus on getting back to my dimension."
Luci's gleeful expression faltered. "Ah, about that..."
Natsuo ignored him for the moment, closing his eyes and raising his hand, focusing all his energy into creating another portal. With his power of knowledge, opening a portal should be easy—like flipping a switch. His hand glowed faintly as he concentrated.
But nothing happened.
His eyes opened, narrowing as he tried again, this time with more focus. Again, nothing. No portal. No response.
Luci floated in awkward silence, his single eye darting around nervously. "Sooo... funny thing about that... you can't open a portal right now. Sorry! Hehe."
Natsuo's patience snapped. "Why not?" His voice was cold and sharp, his expression unreadable but tense.
"Well! You see... when you fell through the portal into this magic-filled world, it messed with your abilities. Like, it scrambled the portal magic. You're in a different plane of existence now, and—"
"I don't care about your excuses, Luci. Fix it." Natsuo's voice was like ice.
Luci gulped, his wings flapping nervously. "W-well, I can't fix it, exactly... but I can help! I told you, I'm useful, remember? We just need to find the right kind of mana to stabilize your portal magic again. That's all! Easy peasy!"
Before Natsuo could respond, a faint sound reached their ears—the unmistakable clanking of armor. Natsuo's sharp senses alerted him to the presence of approaching figures. He turned, his gaze scanning the horizon.
From the shadows of the trees, a group of armored knights emerged, their swords gleaming in the dim light. Their armor bore the crest of an unfamiliar kingdom, but their intentions were clear.
"They're coming for us," Natsuo muttered, his eyes narrowing as the knights closed in.
Luci floated closer, suddenly panicked. "Uh-oh! Those guys look serious! Wh-what do we do? We can't fight them, right? Right?!"
Natsuo ignored Luci's frantic whining, his mind already calculating his next move. His newfound powers pulsed within him—knowledge, multiplication, and the ability to copy anything.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "They don't stand a chance."
Luci's eye widened in awe, the floating devil trembling with excitement and fear. "Ooooh! Natsuo, you're so cool now! I knew sticking with you was a good idea! Let's totally wipe the floor with these guys!"
Natsuo's cold gaze remained locked on the approaching knights, his thoughts solely on one thing: Saving Minami.
If these knights wanted a fight, they would regret it. And once this was over, he would make sure to find a way back to her—no matter what it took.
Chapter 4: I'm Beyond Your Imagination
Natsuo stood still, watching the armored knights approach through the thick foliage. Their gleaming silver armor clanked rhythmically, the crest of an unfamiliar kingdom etched onto their breastplates. Each of them moved with purpose, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords, ready to draw at a moment's notice.
Luci floated beside him, the winged eyeball buzzing around nervously. "Natsuo! What are you doing?! Why aren't you crushing them?! Just multiply your strength and smash their heads in! We don't need these guys—let's show them who's boss!"
Natsuo gave Luci a sharp glare, silencing the annoying floating eye. "I don't need to kill them."
Luci's eye widened in disbelief. "What?! But you can multiply your strength by a trillion! You could end this in, like, two seconds!" He spun around frantically. "Come on, Natsuo! You've got these awesome powers now, and you're just gonna—"
"Quiet, Luci," Natsuo said, his tone calm but firm. "It would be the wrong move."
Luci hovered for a moment, stunned, before reluctantly quieting down. Natsuo's focus returned to the approaching knights. His mind worked quickly, his power of knowledge letting him assess the situation in seconds. There's no need for unnecessary violence, he thought. At least not yet.
The knights stopped a few feet away, their leader stepping forward. He was a tall, broad man with a stern face and piercing blue eyes. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, though he hadn't drawn it yet.
"You," the knight captain spoke, his voice deep and commanding. "State your name and purpose."
Natsuo met the captain's gaze, his expression calm. "My name is Natsuo. I don't have a purpose here. I came through a portal by mistake."
The knight's eyes narrowed, clearly not convinced. "A portal? And where exactly did you come from?"
Natsuo remained silent for a moment, calculating his response. He didn't know much about this kingdom yet, but his knowledge told him one thing—it was better to play along for now. "That's not important. I'm not your enemy."
The knight's hand tightened on his sword. "That's for the king to decide."
Luci, still floating beside Natsuo, whispered frantically. "Come on, Natsuo, just take them out! You've copied their powers, haven't you? And multiplied them by... how much again? Two million? You could crush them without even trying!"
Natsuo didn't respond, but Luci was right. The moment the knights had approached, he had used his ability to copy their powers—strength, agility, even the subtle magic that lay dormant within their bloodlines. And with his second power, multiplication, he had amplified those abilities two million times over. He could end this in the blink of an eye, but he chose not to. There was no need to reveal his full strength yet.
The knight captain stepped closer, his tone now more forceful. "Come with us. The king will want to speak with you."
Natsuo's eyes flicked to Luci. "Hide."
Luci blinked in surprise. "Huh? But—"
"Hide, Luci," Natsuo repeated, his voice cold.
The floating eye grumbled but disappeared into the shadows of Natsuo's cloak, muttering something about being ignored.
The knights, unaware of Luci's presence, remained focused on Natsuo. After a moment of tense silence, Natsuo nodded. "I'll go with you."
The captain raised an eyebrow. "Smart choice."
The knights formed a loose circle around Natsuo, guiding him through the thick forest toward their kingdom. Natsuo walked calmly, his hands at his sides, his mind calculating the best course of action. As they moved, he sensed the magic of the knights' powers flowing through him—powers that now belonged to him.
The knight beside him glanced over curiously. "You don't seem afraid."
Natsuo didn't bother to look at him. "There's nothing to fear."
The knight frowned, clearly unsettled by Natsuo's calm demeanor. "You're an outsider. You should know that our king doesn't take kindly to strangers, especially those who claim to have come through portals."
"I don't care about your king's kindness," Natsuo replied flatly. "I only care about what I need to do."
The knight sneered, clearly displeased with Natsuo's lack of respect. "Watch your mouth. The king may decide to execute you for that attitude."
Natsuo turned his head slightly, his gaze cold. "If he tries, he'll regret it."
The knight's face paled, but he said nothing further, unnerved by Natsuo's unshakable confidence.
As they walked, Luci whispered from within Natsuo's cloak. "Okay, okay, I get it now... you're playing the long game, right? Trying to get close to the king so you can figure out what's going on here? Smart, smart! But still, if things go south, you've gotta use those powers, Natsuo! We can't let anyone stand in our way!"
Natsuo ignored Luci's chatter, focusing on the path ahead. **I need to learn more about this kingdom. The king may hold answers about Minami and my family.**
After a long, silent journey, they finally emerged from the forest, the towering walls of the kingdom rising before them. The castle stood high above the city, its spires piercing the sky like jagged fangs. The banners of the kingdom flew proudly in the wind, but Natsuo felt nothing as he gazed upon the imposing structure.
The knights led him through the gates, the city bustling with life. People stopped to stare at Natsuo, their eyes wide with curiosity and suspicion. Whispers followed him as he walked, but he paid them no mind.
Eventually, they arrived at the grand entrance to the castle. The massive doors creaked open, and the knights led Natsuo inside, down long corridors lined with intricate tapestries and statues of long-dead kings.
Finally, they reached the throne room.
The knight captain turned to Natsuo, his expression grim. "The king is waiting for you. Speak wisely."
Natsuo stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he entered the throne room. Seated on a massive, gilded throne was the king—a tall, imposing figure with sharp, calculating eyes and a crown that gleamed in the torchlight. His presence radiated authority and power.
The king's eyes narrowed as he regarded Natsuo. "You. You're the one who claims to have come through a portal."
Natsuo met the king's gaze without flinching. "Yes."
The king's expression remained unreadable as he leaned forward slightly. "Tell me... why have you come to my kingdom?"
Natsuo stood tall, his voice calm and controlled. "I didn't come here by choice. But now that I'm here, I need answers."
The king raised an eyebrow. "Answers? And what makes you think you're in a position to ask questions?"
Natsuo's eyes glinted with cold determination. "Because I'm beyond your imagination."
The room fell silent, the tension thickening. The knights shifted uncomfortably, but the king remained motionless, his sharp gaze never leaving Natsuo.
For now, Natsuo would play their game. But soon, they would all realize the truth—he was not just a lost traveler. He was something far greater.