The sun rose peacefully over the town of Bristhaven, casting golden light through the clouds like it didn't know the so-called "Demon Lord from Another World" was casually walking through its marketplace.
Kazuki strolled down the cobbled streets with a bag of freshly baked buns over his shoulder. He chewed on one absentmindedly, savoring the warm, soft sweetness. It was a perfect morning—quiet, calm, and filled with carbs.
Birds chirped. Children played. Shopkeepers greeted him without suspicion.
He smiled. This... this was nice.
> Celestia: You're calm for someone who just wrecked a major summoning circle and probably landed on some "important" people's radar.
Kazuki: I'm eating bread. Carbs heal the soul.
Celestia: That logic is... infuriatingly sound.
A cart rolled by with a bard perched on the back, strumming a lute and singing tales of the "Dark Hero from Beyond the Veil." It was dramatic, over-the-top—and definitely about him.
Kazuki chuckled. "Really leaning into the whole dark mystery persona, huh?"
The baker, a cheerful older woman, leaned over her stall. "You've got the look of someone running from something, young man."
Kazuki shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like your cinnamon buns."
"Then you're welcome anytime, but do be careful. There's talk of some strange foreigner causing a stir. Wild stories, they are."
Kazuki nodded, then gave a small, harmless smile. "Thanks for the warning."
He moved along, quiet whispers following in his wake.
---
Elsewhere, in a high noble estate near the capital, cloaked figures gathered around a glowing map.
"He disrupted the summoning node and neutralized two corrupted field commanders," a sharp-eyed man said. "All without formal guild backing."
"He's dangerous," another muttered. "People are calling him a 'Demon Lord.'"
"He doesn't even look like one," a younger noble scoffed. "No horns, no wings, not even a tail."
"No," said the elder woman presiding over the council, "but he has presence. And people believe what they fear."
"And that belief can be more dangerous than any army."
---
Back in Bristhaven, Kazuki took a seat on a bench in the main square, letting the sunlight warm his face. He'd bought some fruit, resisted the urge to buy a shiny dagger from a street vendor, and was now enjoying the peace like it was his job.
Aria walked up, holding two skewers of roasted meat and a rolled-up parchment. "Here. You skipped lunch again."
Kazuki took one gratefully. "You're a lifesaver."
"Word's spreading fast," Aria said, handing over the scroll. "They're calling you the 'Black Mist Lord.'"
Kazuki raised an eyebrow as he read the scroll. It was a flyer—complete with a rather artistic rendering of him cloaked in shadows. Still no wings or horns, thankfully.
"I've never even used black mist," he muttered.
"You don't have to," Aria replied with a smirk. "You have the aura of a man who could."
> Celestia: So what you're saying is… dramatic lighting works wonders?
Kazuki: I am the moment.
---
Later, at the library, Kazuki scanned shelves for any information related to Soulcut—his recently created sword skill. Something about it felt... deeper. Like it resonated with something ancient.
Behind a stack of books, a young scribe peeked at him, scribbled in a notebook, then quickly vanished when Kazuki looked over.
He found the notebook later. Sketches. Notes. A whole conspiracy theory about his "true identity."
He groaned.
> SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Passive Skill Unlocked – [Reluctant Icon]
Effect: Gain reputation even when trying not to. Also… fan mail.
> Kazuki: Please delete that.
Celestia: Sorry, no take-backs. You're popular now.
---
Meanwhile, in the volcanic spires of Drakhar's Spine, the Demon Emperor stood in silence before a wall of burning runes.
A red pulse blinked on a crystal: Bristhaven.
"Shall we strike, my Emperor?" a subordinate asked, kneeling.
"No. Let him be," the Demon Emperor said. "Let him grow. The stronger he becomes, the more satisfying it will be when he breaks."
"But he doesn't even bear a demonic form—"
"Then we'll see what he becomes… under pressure."
---
As the stars rose above Bristhaven, Kazuki returned to the inn. The day had been surprisingly normal. A little too normal.
Still, it had given him something valuable: a chance to breathe.
He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
He wasn't ready to take on the world. He didn't want to be a hero, a demon lord, or a savior.
He just wanted people to smile.
> Celestia: That's a dangerous goal.
Kazuki: More dangerous than a Demon Emperor?
Celestia: …Honestly, yeah. You're scarier with kindness.
He closed his eyes, the sounds of the quiet town drifting through the window.
Peace… for now.