I got stabbed.
Just two weeks in — it didn't take long.
I reached for the knife with my right hand. I had to pull it out and heal the wound at the same time. I needed to be fast and careful. I only had 7% of my demonic powers left, but it would have to do.
Alright, here goes.
I yanked the knife out quickly and focused my power on the wound. My left hand pressed hard against it, channeling energy to close it. Slowly, the bleeding stopped.
Okay. Now a shower — and I need to clean these blood-soaked clothes.
As I stood, my head throbbed, and my vision blurred. The pain lingered despite the healing.
Good thing I'm used to getting stabbed. It's nothing new for me.
Knock, knock.
"It's me, Kagen. Open the door."
Oh no... that's bad.
It was my mother. She couldn't see me like this.
I quickly changed clothes and shoved the bloodied ones under the bed. Damn it — even the bed is soaked in blood.
"Hey... Kagen, son? Open up, I'm worried about you."
"Just a minute, mother," I called out.
I opened the door halfway, blocking her view of the room.
"Finally. How are you? Why are you still in your room? You're usually the first one up. What's going on?"
"Sorry, mother. I was just tired."
She stared at me, clearly suspicious, trying to peek inside. But I kept my body firmly in the doorway.
"Alright, son. I'll leave you to rest. But don't forget to eat something. Go for a walk or sit outside. Staying in your room all day isn't healthy."
"Yes, mother. I will." I closed the door gently.
That was close.
Time to clean everything. Thankfully, I had a private bathroom — no need to carry the bloodstained clothes out.
I washed up, cleaned the clothes and bedsheets. Then I looked at the knife.
A Royal blade — it had the emblem etched onto it.
So... someone from the Royals stabbed me. Or maybe a servant stole the knife. But how did I not sense it?
I need to get stronger.
---
"H-hello, my king. Can you hear me?"
"Yes, Ichoru. I hear you. How did you manage this telepathy?"
"Ah! My king, it took hundreds of years to master. I transfer my voice into tiny magical cells. They travel at the speed of light to the one I want to speak to — then return when the other replies."
"Wow... You really are smart, Ichoru."
"T-thank you, my king. But you're far wiser than I could ever be."
"So, what is it you wanted to tell me?"
"My king — I'm ready. My demons have surrounded the Royals' castle. Just give the word and—"
"You did what, Ichoru?!" I snapped.
"Is something wrong, my king?"
"Argh... Ichoru, why would you do that?"
"I thought... you wanted to escape. I'm sorry if I misunderstood."
"It's okay. I know you want to help. But I told you — I need to learn more about humans. I have to stay here for a while."
"I understand, my king. You want to gather information. I'll keep my demons hidden, watching from a distance. I'll wait for your signal."
"Thank you, Ichoru."
I can't ask him to retreat. He's scared of losing me again. He's always like this — always trying his best.
But I just realized something serious...
If my demons have been alive these 3,500 years... they've likely become far more powerful than I am now.
I may not even be their king anymore. I might be just a demon rookie now.
And Ichoru... he's definitely stronger than me.
I hope he doesn't become like Shichido...
But no, Ichoru is different. I trust him.
Still... I trusted Shichido too, and...
Ugh, shut up, brain. Stop overthinking.
"Ichoru?" I called again. No response.
Right... he has to initiate the telepathy. I can't.
---
Time to figure out who stabbed me.
The best way? Do nothing - let them come to me on their own.
If I show myself now, they'll know I survived... The only one who saw me today was my mother.
The only one who might've sensed the truth, me not being Kagen... is my older brother.
And maybe Seraphina, or even father — he was staring at me too long yesterday.
Too many suspects.
I have to play Kagen better. I failed...
Knock, knock.
Not now...
I opened the door slowly — and a knife flew straight at my face.
I dodged and stepped back fast.
"Waif?! Cassian?! What the hell are you doing?"
My voice rose with anger.
"You do realize this isn't a toy, right?"
"Nice reflexes, brother," Cassian said, walking in with the knife still in hand.
"Something's different about you, Kagen. I stabbed you — and here you are. Alive."
"Why do you want to kill me?"
"Because you're weak. Always have been. Not just in our family — in the entire Royal bloodline. You don't deserve the name."
"So... that's your reason? I'm weak?"
"Exactly. Now — how did you survive?"
I sighed. "Alright, enough."
In a flash, I channeled demonic power into my legs and arm.
I dashed forward and punched him square in the chest.
His body slammed against the wall and crumpled.
"Sorry, kid. You deserved that."
I grabbed the knife and placed it on my bed, then lifted his unconscious body and carried him to his room.
No one noticed anything.
Wow... his room's even bigger than mine.
---
Now that that's done... I need to ask my mother about a magic teacher.
3,500 years have passed.
I've got a lot to learn.