The Doom That Awaits
Renji sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers tightly gripping the sides of his head as fragmented memories from the game flooded his mind.
"Shit... shit... shit!" he muttered, his heartbeat racing.
It all came rushing back—his character's fate in the game. Renji Asakura, the infamous extra villain. The guy who, after losing pathetically to the hero, made the worst possible decision. He had formed a pact with a demon, trading his humanity for power, and it ended... badly. No, horribly.
The hero cut him down in a flashy, over-the-top final battle that made Renji the laughingstock of the fanbase.
And what was today? Oh, just the day when it all started.
Renji looked down at Nyx, who was curled up on his lap, purring softly. "Of course, you'd turn out to be a demon beast," he groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I thought you were just some cool dark-element companion, but nope! You're probably the reason I go full villain mode and get wrecked."
Nyx blinked innocently, his glowing crimson eyes reflecting the panic in Renji's own.
He took a deep breath. "Alright... alright, don't panic. I've got game knowledge, I've got charm, and most importantly, I will not let myself become demon chow."
Before he could formulate a plan, a knock echoed through his room.
"Young master," came a voice from outside. "The Hero wishes to see you."
Renji froze. His face paled. "No way..."
He shot up from the bed, pacing back and forth. "Why? Why now?! Isn't it too early? No, wait... this is exactly when it happened!" His hand trembled slightly. "If I don't change things... it's over."
He turned to the mirror, staring at his reflection. The new him—the dark aura, the intense crimson eyes, the sharp, almost sinister features. If he didn't know better, he would think he was the villain.
"Dammit, I really do look like a final boss!"
Nyx growled softly, sensing his unease. Renji sighed. "Alright... it's now or never. I can't avoid him forever."
As he stepped out of his room, the servants whispered behind him. His sudden transformation had already sparked rumors, and now, with the hero visiting? Everyone expected a spectacle.
The grand hall doors creaked open, and there he stood—Leon Brightwind, the Hero.
The golden boy of destiny.
With his signature shining blond hair, clad in radiant white armor that practically screamed main character, Leon stood with his arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"So," Leon's piercing blue eyes locked onto him with a look of barely concealed contempt. "You've finally decided to show your face, Asakura."
Renji swallowed hard, trying to keep his cool. "Leon. Long time no see."
Leon scoffed, taking a step forward, his gaze scrutinizing Renji from head to toe. "You've changed. Your aura... it's disgusting."
Renji winced internally. Yup, definitely hates me.
"I heard rumors," Leon continued, his voice carrying through the hall, "that you 'awakened your bloodline.' But to me... you reek of something else." His eyes narrowed, and then he sneered. "You stink of a demon."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence. The gathered nobles, knights, and servants exchanged hushed whispers, their eyes bouncing between the two of them.
Renji forced a laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Come on, man. Just because I got a little makeover doesn't mean you have to throw accusations around."
Leon stepped even closer, his golden aura flaring up, pushing against Renji's own dark one. "Then prove it," he challenged. "Let's have a match. Right here. In front of everyone."
Renji's stomach twisted into a knot. This was not part of his plan.
"Uh, you sure about that? I mean, we're both nobles, no need to—"
Leon smirked mockingly. "Afraid?"
Renji clenched his fists, glancing at Nyx, who was watching from the sidelines, eyes filled with curiosity. The small creature had caused all of this... but maybe, just maybe, it was also his ticket to survival.
Taking a deep breath, Renji squared his shoulders and met Leon's gaze with newfound determination.
"Fine," he said, smirking. "Let's do this."
The crowd erupted into murmurs as Leon's grin widened.
It's now or never.