A cold wind drifted through the air…
And Asad still stood there—right in front of his reflection.
"…Demon Lord."
The name echoed in his mind.
But this time… there was no fear.
Only a strange sense of curiosity.
He raised his hand, slowly moving his fingers.
"This body…"
He rolled his shoulder slightly—
And a faint pressure wave pulsed out from him.
"…Strong."
A small smile formed on his lips.
"Very strong…"
Suddenly—
Something flashed in his mind.
Images…
Voices…
And a feeling—
Anger.
Betrayal.
Pain.
Asad's expression changed instantly.
"…What is this?"
He grabbed his head.
"These aren't my memories…"
Then—
Another voice echoed faintly:
"…You lost everything…"
His hands froze.
"…Who said that?"
No response.
Only silence.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Focus…"
He whispered to himself.
"If I'm really in this world…"
"…then I need to understand the rules."
He opened his eyes again.
"First rule…"
His gaze sharpened.
"…Power."
He stretched his hand forward.
"Demon Lord…"
Dark energy began forming in his palm—
But—
It didn't obey him.
"—!"
The energy suddenly exploded—
BOOM!
A part of the room cracked apart.
Asad stepped back slightly.
"…Interesting."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"My control is weak…"
"…which means the original Demon Lord never fully used this power."
He looked at his hand again.
"…And now… it's my responsibility."
Just then—
KNOCK… KNOCK…
The door echoed once more.
"Lord Demon."
A voice called out—respectful, yet cautious.
"Report."
Asad slowly closed his eyes… then opened them again.
His voice was deeper now.
"…Come in."
The door opened slowly.
An armored warrior stepped inside, his head slightly bowed.
"Lord Demon… the Hero's forces have reached the border."
Silence.
Asad remained quiet for a few seconds.
Then—
"…Hero…"
He repeated softly.
An image appeared in his mind—
A young boy…
His brother…
And his fate—
A future where his own hands would bring that boy's end.
Asad spoke slowly:
"…His name?"
The warrior replied:
"Leon… the Hero of Light."
Asad closed his eyes.
For a brief moment—
A strange emotion crossed his face.
Then—
A faint smile returned.
"…Leon…"
"Alright…"
He lifted his head.
"Let's see…"
"…how strong the Hero really is."
He adjusted his cloak—
And stepped forward.
Beyond the dark throne room…
A new war was waiting for him.
And this time—
He wasn't just the Demon Lord…
He was Asad.
[Chapter 2 End]