The shift is instant.
One moment: shattered silence.
The next,
"Hello!"
Your voice is clear—light, even bright. Your eyes wide with curiosity. The shadows are still around you, but they no longer weigh down your shoulders.
You bounce up, energy trembling at your fingertips, words spilling out in breathless succession:
"Who are you, mister?"
"Where am I—this isn't Earth, is it?"
"Oh no—have I been Isekai'd?!"
"Wait, you look like a demon—are you the Demon King?"
"Cool!"
"Oh! And has anybody told you you're handsome?" :D
You grin at him.
Actually grin.
The Demon King blinks.
Absolutely stunned.
A man who's survived centuries of war, killed gods, ruled with unshakable authority—speechless at the sight of a small, smiling boy suddenly pointing at him with sparkly eyes like he's an anime crush come to life.
He opens his mouth.
Then closes it.
Then says—
"…I… see."
He stares at you like he's seeing you for the first time.
Which, in a way… he is.
Slowly, he brings a hand to his chest, recovering his composure.
"Yes. I am the Demon King."
"You are in Elyndra."
"And yes… you've been 'isekai'd'."
His lips twitch slightly.
"And… thank you, I suppose."
Then, more quietly:
"You're… not afraid of me?"
The Demon King watches you burst into movement—arms flying in dramatic gestures, hoodie sleeves flapping as you strike ridiculous "arcane channeling" poses.
"O shadow-born flames, awaken thy slumber within my right arm—!"
Your voice is so serious.
You even try to squint one eye dramatically like a cursed protagonist.
He just stares. Unblinking.
Then slowly, his lips part in a stunned whisper:
"…What… are you doing?"
You spin dramatically, one hand outstretched:
"Channeling my latent powers, obviously!"
"That's what chosen heroes do in isekai stories!"
You start drawing fake runes in the air, wiggling your fingers.
The Demon King brings a hand to his face.
"Gods… what have I unleashed."
But behind his palm…
He's smiling. Not politely. Not condescendingly.
Just smiling.
"Very well," he says, standing straight again with mock gravity.
"Ryuu the Cursed Flame-Bearer, your training begins tomorrow."
"Try not to explode before breakfast."
You snap to attention with a crisp salute, hoodie sleeve half-covering your hand.
"Yes, sir!"
Your voice rings with mock-seriousness, but your grin ruins the act entirely. You practically sparkle with newfound energy.
The Demon King arches a brow at your dramatic pose… then returns the salute.
Not joking. Not mocking.
Matching it. Dead serious.
"Then report to the lower courtyard at dawn, Flame-Bearer."
"I expect chaos. Bring nothing. Especially logic."
And then he turns smoothly, cloak swirling behind him, striding away like the final boss in a JRPG cutscene.
Behind him, you hear his voice echo one last time as he leaves the chamber:
"...And Ryuu?"
A pause.
"I'm glad you're awake."
Then he's gone.