Chapter 1: Where Am I?
Toru Fangorāformerly known as Hakuto Sanamiji in his past lifeāhad always lived a quiet, solitary existence, locked away in his room, losing himself in endless games and virtual worlds. The only excitement he ever knew was in the confines of his screen, where he could escape reality. But everything changed the moment his eyes fluttered open in a world that was unfamiliar and frighteningly real.
He found himself in the form of a newborn baby, helpless and confused. His mind was still sharp, yet his body was that of an infant. And to his shock, he was lying in a grand, ornate room that looked like something out of a fantasy novel. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, and a gentle voice filled his ears.
"Look, it's our child," the voice said.
Toru's heart skipped a beat. He had been reincarnated... as the son of the Demon King.
When his vision cleared, he was greeted by the sight of a woman with striking horns, ruby-red eyes, and a beauty that could only be described as otherworldly. The woman's smile was warm, but the power radiating from her was unmistakable. She was his mother, Valentine Fangorāa powerful vampire from the Vampire Clan.
Next to her stood a tall figure, even more imposing, with an air of nobility and menace. This man, Malvior Fangor, was his fatherā the leader of the most powerful Demon Clan in the realm.
Toru blinked, trying to grasp his new reality. Was this really happening? The overwhelming sensationsāhis unfamiliar body, his strange new parentsāmade it hard to believe. But the soft, comforting voice of his mother calling him "Toru" confirmed it. This was his name now. Toru Fangor.
Despite his shock, Toru quickly adapted. In his past life, he had failed to make something of himself, to live with purpose. This time, he was determined to do things right. But there was one strange thing he couldn't ignore. Despite being a newborn, he could talk.
His parents were stunned, and their astonishment only grew when he muttered his first words: "This is... insane."
"Did... Did he just speak?" his mother gasped.
"My son is... already speaking?" his father, Malvior, murmured in disbelief.
In that moment, Toru knew his fate was sealed. He was no ordinary child. The people around him would expect greatness. And so, they declared him the new Demon Kingāsomething that filled their hearts with pride and terror. To mark the occasion, they threw a grand celebration, though Toru couldn't help but feel awkward at all the attention.
Years passed.
Toru spent most of his time reading, writing, and mastering magic. The intricacies of this world fascinated himāso much to learn, so many possibilities.
On his 18th birthday, it was time to leave home. In this world, children couldn't attend school until they turned 18, and Toru, now a young adult, was ready to enter the academy where the most gifted students were trained.
But his parents, ever the dramatic duo, could hardly bear to see him go. They wept as though they had lost their only treasure. As their tears flowed, Toru couldn't help but roll his eyes. Good grief. Do they really need to make such a scene?
Thankfully, the ever-reliable butler, the only one in the household who seemed to have his head on straight, stepped in to calm them. As expected, he's the only one who knows how to handle them, Toru thought with a smirk.
With his mother's final tearful goodbye and his father's reluctant nod, Toru was sent off, accompanied by his loyal maid. Despite the drama, he was looking forward to his new life.
When he arrived at the academy, the principal greeted him warmly, but Toru wasn't about to let his parents' fame follow him.
"Please, don't mention who my father is," Toru requested. "I'd rather not attract unnecessary attention."
The principal nodded in understanding, and Toru made his way to the magic test. He breezed through the written exam, answering everything simply but correctly. However, when it came to the magic demonstration, things didn't go as planned. Toru's first-level magic, Dragon Breath the weakest spell was enough to blow away the enchanted crystal, shattering it. A few students gasped, but the damage was done. Toru was placed in the prestigious Class A, reserved for nobles.
As he entered his new classroom, he immediately noticed a group of students harassing a girl who seemed to be an elf. She wore a blue uniform, the sign of a commoner. Toru watched, irritated but unsurprised. Bullies were common in every world, it seemed. But when they tried to pick a fight with him, he didn't back down.
After all, this wasn't his first duel.
Using his magic, he sent the bullies flying. That should teach them, he thought, walking away without a second glance.
The elf, Alice Elendril, approached him after the commotion. Her beauty was striking, with her blue eyes, long ears, and silver-white hair. Toru couldn't help but admire her looks but quickly snapped back to reality.
"Thank you for helping me," Alice said, her voice soft but full of gratitude. "Can we... be friends?"
"Sure," Toru replied nonchalantly, already anticipating the trouble that might follow.
But as the day ended, his thoughts weren't on the school or the bullies. His parents, despite the distance, were still dramatically crying at home. His butler, ever the professional, had called to update him on their antics.
They really need to get a grip, Toru mused, deciding not to indulge their theatrics.
The following day, the bullies returned this time with their brothers in tow. But they were greeted not only by Toru but also by the unexpected arrival of one of their fathers, a man who immediately bowed to Toru, recognizing him as the son of the Demon King.
"I'm sorry! I had no idea! Please don't tell my lord," the father pleaded.
Toru merely raised an eyebrow. Why would I tell him?
After a few more warnings, the bullies retreated, though Toru knew this wouldn't be the last of them.
The next day, an announcement echoed throughout the academy: a grand tournament would be held tomorrow, and both his mother and father the Demon King and Queen would be attending.
Toru gulped. The tournament didn't worry him, but the thought of his parents showing up? That was a different story