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BEYOND THE UNKNOWN - EPISODE 1

  In just six days, Sado Island had undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving alongside its people. And for the first time in a long while, the islanders had never been happier. I could see it in their faces—no longer the fearful, uncertain individuals they once were. Humans, demons, and demihumans now lived together in harmony, a testament to how far they had come.

  We held a memorial to honor our fallen, those who had sacrificed everything for this newfound peace. Several spoke of Lady Kie's courage and selflessness before I took the stage. In her honor, a golden statue was erected, a lasting tribute to her deeds and the legacy she left behind.

  As the days passed, I introduced new advancements to Sado Island, much like I had done with the Kokoro Heart Federation. I reminded the people that they were now ready to embrace magic-tech as part of their daily lives, and to my surprise, they welcomed it without hesitation. Their willingness to move forward pleased me—it was their choice, freely made, and I respected that.

  A few days later, I set out for Okinawa Island, accompanied by a group of skilled warriors and a handful of council members. Queen Yuka greeted us warmly, clearly delighted by my unexpected visit.

  Okinawa had changed beyond recognition. Its evolution was nothing short of extraordinary. Even though I had known they adopted magic-tech from the Kokoro Heart Federation years ago, I had never imagined it would take them this far. The sight of their advancements left me in awe.

  Noticing my reaction, Queen Yuka smiled knowingly. She explained that while they had believed their evolution to be at its peak, an unforeseen change had taken place—a transformation that occurred simultaneously with my ascension as a true demon lord.

  Now, they possessed flying vehicles and monstrous creatures that obeyed their every command. Their island had advanced to a level beyond even the most ambitious visions of futuristic development.

  As we spoke, I recounted my journey—how I had embraced my destiny as a demon lord and the events that followed. She listened intently, her eyes widening in surprise when I revealed that despite attaining the title, I had relinquished my rule over the demon realm, entrusting it instead to Demon Lord Beelzebub.

  I also informed Queen Yuka that the Sado Islanders were now open to embracing magic-tech, despite their recent evolution. She was amazed by everything I had shared with her. Our discussion eventually came to an end when I mentioned my plans to travel to the Kokoro Heart Federation to acquire more magic-tech.

  Upon hearing this, Queen Yuka offered her support in any way she could, a gesture I gladly accepted before departing.

  My arrival at the Kokoro Heart Federation was met with excitement. The people welcomed me with open arms, their warmth reminding me of the deep bond we shared. However, as I took in my surroundings, I realized that the federation had undergone a transformation beyond anything I had previously witnessed. It was no longer the place I once knew—it had evolved into something entirely new.

  And then, there was Kokoro herself. Despite her advanced age, she looked as radiant as ever. At her side stood Maria, now in her teenage years, following in her footsteps as the next leader of the federation and its high priestess.

  After a heartfelt embrace, Kokoro invited me and my companions into the council hall, where we discussed the recent changes. I told her everything, and she listened with understanding. But there was something different about Kokoro—something that left me in awe.

  I could feel it. Our auras, both hers and mine, were astonishingly intense, growing at a rapid rate. Kokoro, once a demigoddess and an A-rank high priestess, had evolved into a full-fledged goddess. The revelation had not only taken me by surprise—it had shocked her as well when she first discovered it.

  She recounted how it had happened, and her words echoed those of Queen Yuka. Like me, Kokoro had been evolving over the years, but the true transformation took place in an instant—on the same day I ascended to become a true demon lord.

  But it wasn't just her. The changes had affected her people and the entire federation. The transformation had happened in a single day, reshaping everything they had known.

  Kokoro had not only gained immense power—she had surpassed me in both strength and ranking. Now, as a full high priestess goddess, she was recognized among the hierarchy of the supernaturals as one of their own. Unlike me, she had not needed to battle supernatural beings to acquire her newfound abilities.

  As I listened, I began piecing everything together. I recalled something she had once told me—that I possessed a hidden power, one that resided within and around me. My higher demon associates and companions had also noticed it, warning me of its presence.

  Could it be that my XPT was still within me? The thought lingered in my mind, gnawing at my consciousness. And yet, if that were true, why couldn’t I sense its presence in my essence?

  Kokoro and I could both sense the shift in our powers. Though our abilities had evolved in different ways, she still admitted that I was more powerful than ever. Over the years, she had effortlessly defeated demons, demon lords, archdemons, gods, and goddesses—sometimes showing mercy, granting her adversaries a second chance at redemption.

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  Once again, she reiterated that the force within me was too great for anyone to fully comprehend. Then, with a warm smile, she thanked me for everything I had done for her and the federation over the years.

  However, our reunion wasn’t just about reminiscing. We soon turned our attention to the matter that had brought me to the federation. As I laid out my requests, Kokoro listened intently and, without hesitation, granted them.

  After our discussion, little Maria approached me with a bright smile. She eagerly shared details about my past adventures, revealing that she had taken it upon herself to research my history at the federation’s museum and library, where my deeds had been forever recorded. Her enthusiasm brought a smile to my face.

  "Will you visit the federation again soon?" she asked, her eyes filled with excitement. "I want to show you how powerful I’ve become—just like my mother!"

  "Very soon," I promised.

  Before leaving, I turned to Kokoro once more and saw the joy in her eyes. She had created a peaceful world for Maria to grow up in—a future she had fought so hard to protect.

  With the magic-tech acquired from the federation, my companions and I returned to Sado Island, our minds filled with thoughts of the future.

  ***

  In just six weeks, Sado Island had evolved beyond all expectations, thanks to the magic-tech provided by the federation. Now, we had flying vehicles, breathtaking architecture, and technology so advanced that nearly anything seemed possible.

  Our people had become highly skilled in various trades, businesses, and technological advancements. I couldn’t have been prouder of what we had accomplished in such a short time.

  With so much at their disposal, the children took a particular interest in entertainment. They immersed themselves in video games, VR, comics, manga, manhwa, animations, and various television shows. Inspired by what they saw, many of them would take on the personas of their favorite characters, using their own abilities to engage in friendly sparring matches.

  Yet, despite our rapid progress, we had no intention of keeping these advancements to ourselves. Kokoro Heart Federation and its allied regions had already begun extending aid to struggling lands, and we needed to do the same. I presented the idea to my people, and they agreed—we would offer our assistance to those in need.

  Yuki no Mura, the capital city, was already leading by example, and it was time for us to follow suit. I had contacted Queen Yuka in advance, and together, we planned to combine our efforts to help weaker regions flourish.

  Meanwhile, in the demon realm, order and balance had been maintained, though occasional chaos still arose. My subordinates handled these disturbances efficiently, and Demon Lord Beelzebub herself would occasionally visit Earth to give me personal reports. I trusted her judgment completely. Both the demon realm and Hell were in capable hands.

  Six months later, I received an urgent message from the federation via telecommunication. That’s right—I had finally deciphered the magical interference cast by the Katsuragi Victory Empire. By doing so, I had made it possible for magic-tech communication to reach every region, allowing transmissions to flow effortlessly.

  However, in my eagerness to break through the interference, I had unknowingly breached more than just their technological barriers. Their defenses weren’t merely an anti-technology spell; they were a powerful safeguard against all external forces, designed to block not only technology but also any magical anomalies attempting to infiltrate their world.

  I had overstepped. And now, I realized there would be consequences.

  But for now, I pushed that thought aside. The federation had informed me that a visitor awaited my arrival. Without hesitation, I informed my people and activated the teleportation transmission device—transporting myself instantly to the federation.

  Arriving at the federation, I was greeted by the familiar faces of King Yoshi and Scholar Xiao Xiao. However, Lyra was noticeably absent. When I asked about her, Yoshi explained that she had chosen to remain in the Fujimori Wisteria Forest Kingdom in his absence to ensure its safety.

  We moved to a more private setting, where Yoshi and Xiao Xiao praised the federation’s hospitality and marvelled at its rapid development. Xiao Xiao even compared it to Fujimori Kingdom, stating that it had advanced to a level nearly on par with their own.

  During our conversation, I took a moment to thank Xiao Xiao for her invaluable insight in helping me bypass the magical interference cast by the Katsuragi Empire. Just then, Yoshi gave me a knowing look—one I understood immediately.

  "You already know, don’t you?" I asked with a smirk.

  Yoshi simply nodded. "I was aware the moment it happened."

  He chuckled before officially congratulating me on achieving the ranking of a true Demon Lord. But curiosity got the better of me. "How did you find out?"

  "Those with higher aura levels—whether in the supernatural realm, above or below—felt your ascension," Yoshi explained.

  "So, word travels faster in the spiritual realm than in the physical," I mused playfully.

  "Not just a Demon Lord," Yoshi added, his gaze steady. "But an Unkillable Demon Lord."

  I let his words sink in, the weight of my transformation becoming more tangible.

  Shifting the conversation, I smiled and asked, "So, how have you all been? And how is the kingdom holding up?"

  Xiao Xiao took the lead, briefing me on the state of affairs. She mentioned that her XPT, which I had given her previously, had evolved beyond her wildest expectations—and she believed it was still continuing to evolve. Even the replicas created from the XPT had begun exhibiting signs of evolution.

  Our discussion was filled with fond recollections of past adventures, a moment of nostalgia amid the ever-changing present. Then, I asked about Yoshito.

  A brief silence followed before Yoshi responded with a grave expression.

  "We haven't received any word from him," he admitted. "And we haven't been able to track his aura either."

  Xiao Xiao’s next words struck me like a hammer.

  "Prince Yoshito’s aura—his very essence and presence—seems to have vanished from this world entirely," she said solemnly. "Even King Yoshi, after traveling to both the spiritual and supernatural realms, found nothing."

  The news unsettled me. But rather than letting negative thoughts take hold, I forced myself to remain optimistic.

  "Yoshito is a fighter and a survivor," I said firmly. "He’s strong enough to face whatever lies ahead of him."

  With that, our conversation came to an end. I bid them farewell and thanked them for their visit before they departed, vanishing into the Fujimori Kingdom.

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