Jade and Ark stood together in the grassy clearing where they had awakened. The sun cast a warm glow over the rolling hills, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees surrounding them.
"Well, Jade, what do we do now?" Ark asked, his voice a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Jade knew that they couldn't wander around without proper clothing. The large leaves they initially used to cover themselves wouldn't last, and they needed something sturdier for protection. She decided that they would have to create clothes from whatever materials they could find.
Jade smiled, her violet eyes sparkling with determination. "First, we need to find some clothes and figure out where we are. Then, we can start planning our next steps."
Ark, being the brawnier of the two, went out to hunt and gather supplies while Jade stayed behind, studying the surrounding flora and fauna for anything useful. It wasn't long before Ark returned, his body smeared with dirt and sweat, dragging the carcasses of two giant wild boars he had managed to kill. The boars were unlike anything they had seen before, standing as tall as a horse and covered in thick fur with tusks the size of swords.
Ark dropped the carcasses in front of Jade, panting heavily. "Got lucky with these. Their hides should be thick enough for clothes."
Jade nodded, impressed by his catch. "Good work. I'll need the skin, tendons, and whatever else you can get from them. I think I can make something that'll hold up."
Ark used a sharp stone he had fashioned as a makeshift knife to skin the boars. He worked methodically, trying to keep the hide intact as best as possible. The process took time, and the sun was starting to dip below the horizon by the time he handed the skins to Jade, along with sinew and strips of leather he had carved out.
Jade laid out the animal skins on the grass, examining their thickness and texture. She ran her fingers over the hide, gauging the best way to work with it. "These hides are tough, but that's good. They'll offer protection from whatever is out there."
She gathered vines, twigs, and other plant fibers from the surrounding area, weaving them together into strong ropes. She used the sinew from the boars as a natural thread, something sturdy enough to hold the pieces of leather and skin together. Working with the precision of a craftsman, she began sewing with a needle she had carved from one of the boar's tusks.
First, she fashioned basic tunics for both of them. She cut the hides into large rectangular pieces, folding and stitching them into simple but functional designs. She used the softer inner layer of the hide to create linings, ensuring the garments wouldn't be too rough against their skin. She worked swiftly but carefully, her hands moving deftly with years of practice from her childhood experiences of crafting with her mother.
Next, Jade crafted pants from the thicker parts of the hide, piecing together sections with sinew. She made sure to leave enough flexibility for movement, reinforcing the seams with extra layers of leather for durability. As she sewed, she occasionally stopped to rub ash from the fire into the hides, giving them a darker, more polished look and helping to soften the material.
For Ark, she made a vest out of the thicker parts of the boar's fur, providing him with a layer of protection over his chest and back. She used the boar's long fur to create shoulder pads, giving him a more imposing and warrior-like appearance. The vest was designed with practicality in mind, having pockets and loops where he could hang small tools or weapons they might acquire later.
Jade also took some time to fashion boots for both of them from the boar's tougher hide. Using plant fibers and sinew, she carefully sewed the pieces together, making sure they would withstand long walks and rough terrain. She reinforced the soles with bark and padded the insides with softer fur for comfort.
As night fell and the fire crackled beside them, Jade finally finished their makeshift clothing. She held up the garments, admiring her work before handing them to Ark. "Try them on. They should fit."
Ark took the clothes, a look of gratitude crossing his face. "You're amazing, Jade. I don't know how you pulled this off."
He slipped on the pants, then the vest, moving his arms and legs to test the flexibility. The fit was perfect—snug but comfortable. The animal skin was tough, yet Jade's craftsmanship made it feel as if it were tailored for him.
Jade donned her own tunic and pants, pulling the belt tight to secure it. She tied a small pouch she had crafted from leftover hide to her waist, filling it with herbs she had gathered earlier. "These should hold up for a while, at least until we find something better."
Ark smiled, impressed by how resourceful she was. "Not bad for our first day in another world."
Jade grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "We'll have to be smart if we're going to survive here. It's just the beginning."
As they stood in their newly crafted clothes, the bond between them seemed to deepen. They were alone in a world full of unknowns, but they had each other, and that was enough.
As they continued their journey through the enchanting new world, Ark and Jade marveled at their surroundings. The sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting warm, dappled light onto the forest floor. Trees, unlike any they had ever seen, stretched high above, their leaves shimmering in hues of emerald and gold. Birds with brilliant plumage sang unfamiliar melodies, and glowing flowers pulsed with soft light, illuminating their path. Small creatures with curious eyes peered at them before darting away, leaving trails of sparkling dust in the air.
Ark watched Jade as she walked a few steps ahead, her eyes wide with wonder. She seemed completely captivated, turning her head at every sound and sight. He felt his heart swell, not just at the beauty of the world but at how it illuminated her face. He wanted to be closer, to feel the same connection she did, not just with the environment but with her.
Clearing his throat, he picked up his pace until he was walking alongside her. "Hey, uh, Jade," he started, rubbing the back of his neck as if he were thinking hard about something. "You know… this place is pretty wild. I mean, who knows what kind of creatures might pop out from behind those trees, right?"
Jade turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "And your point is?"
Ark gave her a playful grin. "Well, just in case, I think we should… you know, stick close. Safety in numbers and all that." He extended his hand toward her. "I mean, for protection."
She rolled her eyes, catching onto his intent but smiled anyway. "Right. For protection." She took his hand, and the warmth of her touch sent a jolt through him. For a moment, everything around them faded—the glowing flowers, the rustling leaves, the distant calls of the birds. All he could feel was the softness of her skin against his.
They walked hand in hand, and though they didn't speak of it, both knew this was more than just for safety. Jade squeezed his hand gently, and he squeezed back, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. The unfamiliar world felt a little less daunting with her by his side.
As they moved deeper into the forest, the path led them to a clearing. The grass was soft and lush, dotted with clusters of radiant blue flowers. Above, the sky opened up, revealing a view of towering mountains and rivers glistening under the sunlight. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the flowers, and the landscape stretched out before them like a painting.
"It's… beautiful," Jade whispered, her eyes glued to the view.
Ark's gaze never left her. "Yeah… it really is."
After what felt like hours, they stumbled upon a narrow path winding through the trees. The path led them to a secluded valley, hidden away from the rest of the world. As they descended into the valley, they noticed signs of life—small cottages nestled among the trees, smoke rising from chimneys, and the sound of laughter and conversation.
Jade squeezed Ark's hand. "Look, Ark! There are people here."
Ark grinned. "Yeah, let's go introduce ourselves."
They approached the nearest cottage, where a group of beastfolk children were playing. The children had fur-covered bodies and small horns on their heads. They paused their game and stared wide-eyed at Ark and Jade.
One of the children, a young girl with cat-like ears, spoke up. "Who are you? Are you here to hurt us?"
Jade knelt down to their level, her voice gentle and reassuring. "No, we're not here to hurt anyone. My name is Jade, and this is Ark. We're new here and looking for some help."
The children exchanged curious glances before a tall, muscular beastman with a single horn on his forehead approached. His eyes were wary but not unkind.
"I'm Lothar, the village protector," he said. "What brings you to our hidden valley?"
Lothar's eyes widened as he took in Ark and Jade's appearances, particularly their two horns. "Two horns... Could it be? The Demon King and Queen were reborn!"
Ark and Jade exchanged surprised glances. Jade spoke first. "What do you mean Demon King and Queen?"
Lothar's expression softened, and he bowed his head slightly ignoring her question. "My Lords, our people have been oppressed for too long. We're ready for you to guide us."
Ark and Jade felt still confused.
Lothar straightened and gestured for them to follow. "Come, meet our village elders. They prophesied that you would return."
As they walked through the village, Ark and Jade took in the sights and sounds. The villagers, a mix of beastfolk and lesser demons, watched them with a mixture of hope and curiosity. The valley was a haven, hidden away from the oppressive human society that sought to enslave and exploit them.
They arrived at a large communal hall, where a group of elderly beastfolk and demons sat in a circle. Lothar introduced Ark and Jade, explaining their arrival.
An elderly demon with long, silver hair and a gentle smile spoke first. "I am Elder Seraphina. If you are indeed the new Demon King and Queen, you have the power to change our fate. But it will not be easy."
Jade nodded thoughtfully. "We understand. We want to build a peaceful world where everyone can live freely and safely. But we'll need your help and guidance."
Elder Seraphina's eyes twinkled with approval. "You have our support. Together, we can create a better future."
As the meeting concluded, Jade and Ark lingered behind to speak privately with Elder Seraphina.
"Elder, we need to ask something of you," Jade began, her voice low. "Is there a place where we could access information?"
Elder Seraphina nodded, "I understand that you would like to visit the library. The last Lords we're also very interested in information gathering. They also informed me that you would someday arrive."
Over the next few days, Jade read diaries of the previous Demon Lords and found that it is essential to hide their presence because they could be detected by their enemies. Also, Ark and Jade worked closely with the villagers, learning about their customs and history. They discovered that the previous Demon King and Queen had been overthrown by human forces, leading to the current state of oppression.
Ark and Jade too learned more about their skills and their stats and how they could become even stronger not only by fighting but also by gaining more devotees.
Determined to make a difference, Ark and Jade began organizing the villagers, teaching them new skills, and fortifying their defenses.
Evening at the Campfire
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a soft silver glow over the valley. The campfire crackled, sending orange sparks drifting into the cool night air. Ark and Jade sat side by side on a log, their faces illuminated by the warm, flickering light. Around them, the sounds of the forest whispered—rustling leaves, distant birdcalls, and the gentle murmur of the river nearby.
They had been working tirelessly for days, strategizing with the villagers and preparing defenses. Tonight, however, felt different. It was a rare moment of quiet, where they could finally breathe and savor the stillness around them.
Ark stared into the flames, watching them dance. He was unusually quiet, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a contemplative expression. Jade noticed, her violet eyes shifting from the fire to his face, taking in the furrow of his brow and the distant look in his eyes.
"Something on your mind?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't want to break the spell of the night, but Ark's silence was unlike him.
He hesitated, his fingers idly picking at a loose thread on his pants. "Jade, do you ever think about… what things would have been like if we hadn't come here?"
Jade tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sometimes. But I think… we were meant to be here. Together. Maybe this world needs us."
Ark's heart clenched at her words. Together. The word echoed in his mind, stirring emotions he had tried to keep buried. For so long, he had thought of Jade as his best friend, the one person he could always rely on. But now, as they faced the unknown, his feelings had grown deeper—more intense. She was more than a friend to him. She was everything.
He glanced at her, his eyes catching the way the firelight danced across her face, casting shadows along her cheekbones and illuminating the softness of her lips. She was beautiful, and the way she looked at him—like he was her whole world—made his chest ache with longing.
"Jade, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice trembling slightly. He felt his heart race, the words caught in his throat.
She turned to him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "What is it, Ark?"
He took a deep breath, his hands curling into fists as he fought to steady himself. "I know we've been through a lot together, and we've always had each other's backs. But… lately, it feels different. I feel different."
Jade's pulse quickened, her heart beating so loudly she feared he could hear it. She had sensed the change between them too—the lingering glances, the way his touch lingered just a second longer than necessary, the way her heart seemed to lift whenever he was near. But hearing him say it made her stomach flutter with anticipation and fear.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ark's gaze softened as he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt warmth spread from her hand up her arm. "I mean… I don't just see you as my best friend anymore. I've been trying to ignore it, to convince myself it's just because we're in a new world and everything feels heightened, but… it's more than that."
Jade's breath caught in her throat as he leaned in, his eyes locked onto hers. "Jade, I love you. I think I always have. But it's different now—stronger. I can't imagine facing this world, or any world, without you."
She felt her cheeks heat up, her face flushing as his words sank in. For so long, she had wondered if he felt the same. Now, hearing him say it, she felt a rush of emotions—relief, joy, and a deep, overwhelming love that had always been there, waiting to be spoken.
"Ark, I—" she started, but her voice faltered. She felt tears prick her eyes, and she blinked them away, not wanting to cry at such a moment. "I love you too. I've felt this way for so long, but I was scared… scared you didn't feel the same."
He reached up, cupping her cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing away the tear that escaped. "I'm sorry it took me so long to say it. But I promise, I won't let you go. Not now, not ever."
Jade's heart swelled, and she felt a surge of courage. She leaned in, closing the distance between them until she could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips. "Then don't," she whispered.
Ark's eyes darkened with emotion, and he tilted his head, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Never."
With that, he closed the gap, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both gentle and full of all the emotions he had been holding back. The world around them seemed to disappear, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of her lips, the softness of her touch, and the way she fit perfectly in his arms.
Jade's hands slid up his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as she melted into the kiss, feeling the depth of his love in every movement. It was a kiss filled with promises—of loyalty, of protection, and of a future they would build together.
When they finally pulled back, their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Jade felt a smile tug at her lips, her heart light and full.
"Guess there's no going back now," she said softly, her eyes twinkling with happiness.
Ark chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Wouldn't want to even if we could."
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the fire crackled beside them, and the night seemed to hold a promise of hope and new beginnings. Together, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead, hand in hand and heart to heart.
Meanwhile, at the Aureliath Empire, Anna felt the powerful surge of demonic energy, an aura so intense it rippled through the air like waves crashing against her skin. She knew she had to act fast. In the darkened alleyway, she saw the young drunk male adventurer lying unconscious, his sword fallen from his grasp. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, his body diluted from drinking.
With a seductive smile, Anna crouched beside him, her eyes glowing with a predatory hunger. "You'll do just fine," she whispered, leaning in closer until her lips hovered just above his. Her fingers traced the outline of his jaw as she tilted his head back, exposing his throat.
Slowly, she pressed her lips to his. A spark ignited, and a flood of energy flowed from his body into hers. The adventurer's eyes fluttered open, wide with surprise, as he felt the pull of his life force being siphoned away. He tried to push her away, but his strength waned rapidly. The kiss deepened, the warmth turning cold as the mana drained from his very essence. She drank in his power, savoring the sensation as it rejuvenated her own strength, the rush of mana surging through her veins like fire.
The once vibrant light in the adventurer's eyes faded. His body grew limp in her arms, his skin paling to an unnatural hue. Anna pulled back, her lips still tingling with the remnants of his mana. The aura she'd been tracking was gone—vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She cursed under her breath, frustration flickering in her eyes. It was an opportunity lost.
But she wasn't finished with him.
Anna placed her hand over his heart, her nails glowing with dark energy as she channeled her power into his lifeless body. Shadows danced around them, and the air grew heavy with the scent of death and dark magic. She whispered incantations in a forgotten tongue, her eyes turning a deep crimson as she called his soul back, but not as it once was.
A shudder ran through the adventurer's body as his eyes snapped open, now glowing with an eerie blue light. He gasped, and his body convulsed, his limbs twitching as he adjusted to the curse Anna had placed upon him.
"Welcome back," Anna said, her voice silky and commanding. "You serve me now."
The adventurer—now a ghoul under her control—rose unsteadily, his eyes blank, his movements obedient. "Find the source of that demonic aura," she ordered, her voice carrying an edge of impatience. "And do not return until you have its location."
The ghoul nodded and, without a word, disappeared into the shadows. Anna watched him go, her eyes narrowing. "I'll find you," she murmured, her fingers brushing her lips as she felt the lingering traces of mana. "No matter where you hide."