### **4. Name: Natsuki Ayu**

  - **Age:** 100

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Princess and Knight-Huntress

  - **Rank:** AB (Tier 6)

  - **Type:** Mid-High Level Paladin Knight-Huntress

  - **Species:** Tribrid (Half Fairy, Half Human, Half Elf)

  - **Aura Level:** Solar System

  **Description:** AB Rank hunters are powerful enough to handle threats that can endanger entire solar systems. Often serving as the last line of defense, they protect civilizations from catastrophic events. Natsuki Ayu, as a mid-high level Paladin Knight-Huntress, embodies the ideals of her rank by combining combat prowess with mystical knowledge to safeguard her empire and its people.

  **Bio:** Natsuki Ayu is more than just the princess of the Katsuragi (Victory Empire); she is a formidable warrior and future empress. As the daughter of Emperor Koichi Ayu and Empress Ami Ayu, she has inherited the strength, wisdom, and responsibility that come with her royal lineage. Set to marry her brother Ryota Ayu, their union is intended to preserve the royal bloodline and continue their family’s legacy of leadership.

  Natsuki's dedication to her people and her empire is unmatched. She is known for her bravery, intelligence, and unwavering determination to protect the realms. Trained in both combat and the mystical arts, Natsuki has earned her AB rank through years of hard work and service, defending the lands from solar system-level threats and standing as a symbol of hope and strength for her people.

  Her extensive knowledge of the mystical arts and the history of the four lands makes her an invaluable asset to the empire. Natsuki is not only a capable warrior but also a diplomat and strategist, ensuring harmony within the empire and among its neighbors. Her optimistic outlook and strong sense of duty drive her to constantly improve herself and the empire, aiming to lead it into an era of peace and prosperity alongside her brother and future husband, Ryota.

  Though her future as empress is secured, Natsuki's focus remains on serving her people and fulfilling her responsibilities as a Knight-Huntress. She believes that true leadership comes from understanding and protecting those under her care, and she is determined to carry out her role with honor and grace.

  Emperor Koichi smiled at me, breaking the stunned silence that had enveloped the room as I stood in awe of the royal family. My fingers moved almost involuntarily, pointing at the members of the royal bloodline in a random, awkward manner. The future heirs exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion, until the emperor and empress brought me back to order.

  "Alright, that's enough, Sir Joseph," Emperor Koichi said, his tone both authoritative and warm. "We've heard so much about you and—"

  "—your shenanigans," Empress Ami interjected, a playful smirk on her lips. "You've caused quite the trouble for the empire and the holy church. However, we are going to overlook that matter for now, as there are much more pressing issues at hand."

  "But first, congratulations on your ascension to a true demon overlord," Empress Ami continued, her voice sincere. "Your gifts are extremely remarkable and invaluable to the empire."

  "Thank you," I replied respectfully, feeling the weight of their acknowledgment. "How may I be of help to you?"

  The emperor and empress exchanged a brief glance, a silent communication passing between them before they turned back to me. They outlined their request: the empire faced a significant threat, one that required my assistance to eliminate. Their most powerful warriors were currently unavailable, engaged in thwarting otherworldly threats that had begun to materialize.

  Immediately, I understood who they were referring to. Naoya Hiroto, a powerful relative of the Kazuhiro family, was a name I recognized. I had seen him once during the Monarch's burial, and I knew his power level and aura exceeded that of both Yoshito and Yoshi. Alongside him was Kohei Kiko, the second most powerful warrior in Katsuragi and Naoya's second-in-command.

  Naoya Hiroto stands as one of the highest-ranked individuals in the Katsuragi (Victory Empire). His rank as a Celestial Divine Knight places him in the realm of legends, possessing unparalleled power that allows him to challenge gods and cosmic entities. His abilities include manipulating fundamental forces across multiple realities, and his equipment is forged from divine cosmic materials. His presence alone can alter the very fabric of reality.

  Naoya Hiroto is a rare quabrid whose lineage includes both divine and demonic heritage. His parents, both hybrids of immense power and significance, passed on their exceptional abilities to him. With a background rich in both combat experience and mystical knowledge, Naoya has earned his legendary status through countless victories.

  Despite his vast age, Naoya appears as a young and vigorous man. He is known for his strategic mind and has led other top hunters and knights in epic battles against existential threats. Though immensely powerful, he remains humble and open to collaboration, recognizing the importance of unity in the face of monumental evils. He is rarely seen, summoned only for dire situations that endanger the very existence of creation. Naoya believes that a great evil will eventually rise, necessitating a unified effort to safeguard their world.

  As a Divine Knight, Kohei Kiko is selected by divine entities to guard entire realms. His weaponry and armor are infused with divine power, granting him the ability to perform miracles and wield strength comparable to demigods. His role often involves defending against significant threats and upholding the protection of vast territories or dimensions.

  Kohei Kiko, despite his relatively young age in comparison to others at his rank, has gained recognition as a formidable Divine Knight. His selection by divine entities signifies his exceptional skill and righteousness. Kohei is known for his unyielding dedication and valor in battle, utilizing his divine gifts to safeguard realms and maintain order. His reputation as a protector and hero extends across multiple domains, making him a revered figure in the Katsuragi (Victory Empire).

  ***

  The implications of their request weighed heavily on me. I was being called upon to step into a role that could significantly impact the balance of power within the empire. I felt a surge of determination; this was an opportunity to prove my worth and solidify my place within this intricate web of alliances.

  "What is the nature of the threat?" I asked, my voice steady. "And how can I assist in neutralizing it?"

  The emperor and empress exchanged another glance, and I could sense the gravity of the situation. They were entrusting me with a mission that could alter the course of their empire, and I was ready to rise to the occasion.

  However, they also informed me of an unstable portal that had fully materialized, controlled by a God Emperor intent on vanquishing the entire land. This God Emperor resided deep within the portal, issuing commands to his minions from the shadows. My suspicion was that these minions were nothing less than other deities of considerable rank, each one a formidable force in their own right.

  Emperor and Empress conveyed the urgency of the situation. Various warriors had been assigned to hold the line against other threats, but they were falling short. “Eliminate this threat at once,” Koichi declared, his voice resonating with authority. “You are now the most powerful in the empire. Prove to us why you should be pardoned for your past transgressions against the holy church and the empire.” I nodded slightly, understanding the weight of the mission laid before me.

  I had been granted a chance to redeem myself, a chance to aid the empire in vanquishing a menace that loomed over the land. I was directed to the portal, a massive, ominous gateway that radiated an aura of dread. It was a sight that would terrify any ordinary human, and even those with lower aura levels would feel the oppressive weight of its presence.

  I sensed that even beings with high aura levels, ranging from universal to multiversal, would find this place daunting. But what lay beyond the portal was not merely a passage; it was a domain expansion of terrifying power, threatening to materialize and consume everything in its path.

  An invisible force surged from the portal, a raging whirlwind poised to tear apart the very fabric of reality. Just as I prepared to step through, the six warriors who had accompanied me to the empire volunteered to escort me into the unknown. I attempted to warn them of the dangers that awaited us, but they remained resolute, insisting on following me into the abyss.

  I pondered their motivations—were they brave soldiers, or merely ignorant souls mistaking recklessness for valor? As we stepped into the portal, we were met with a nightmarish sight: battalions of demons swarmed before us, and at the far end of the first layer of the domain loomed a terrifying demon king, his towering form casting a long shadow over the battlefield.

  Before I could rally my companions, urging them to retreat, the portal sealed behind us with a finality that left no room for escape. Fear flickered in their eyes, but determination held them firm. “Brace yourselves,” I commanded, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. I knew that facing hordes of demons would be a daunting challenge for them. While they could handle lower to mid-tier demons, the higher-ranking ones would prove formidable.

  To level the playing field, I summoned my power, channeling it into a single, resounding thunderclap. The shockwave erupted from my hands, a force so immense that it obliterated half the horde, including all the higher-ranking demons. Heads burst, bodies exploded from the impact, and the entire domain trembled as if a meteor had struck the earth.

  The demon king regarded my display of power with a mixture of surprise and admiration, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the advantage I had just given my warriors over the lesser demons. With a surge of determination, I launched myself toward him at incredible speed, my fist poised for a powerful strike. To my astonishment, he effortlessly intercepted my punch with a single, razor-sharp claw.

  Yet, as the shockwave from our clash dissipated, I noticed something remarkable: his claw bore a spiderweb of cracks, splintering under the force of my blow. It seemed the aftershock had indeed taken its toll. But before I could capitalize on this moment, the demon king retaliated with a backhand slap that felt like the weight of a fallen dwarf star. The impact sent me hurtling into a nearby rock, the world spinning around me.

  Before I could regain my footing, he appeared before me in a blur, delivering a punch that launched me into the air. His speed was staggering—so fast that I struggled to mount any defense.

  Meanwhile, outside the portal, the empire trembled under the weight of our battle. The very ground shook, threatening to tear apart the fabric of reality itself. Those who had remained to observe were forced to retreat to a safe distance, shielded by a protective barrier cast by the royal family of the Katsuragi Victory Empire.

  Stolen story; please report.

  The demon king possessed the ability to manipulate time itself, slowing it, speeding it up, or even skipping moments entirely. Each strike came at me with such velocity that I barely registered the blows before they landed. How could a being of his immense size move with such blinding speed? He struck from all angles, as if teleporting, unleashing dark magic that twisted the very air around us.

  With each blow, I felt the crushing weight of his power. He was a force of nature, a whirlwind of destruction. One final strike sent me tumbling to the ground, the impact reverberating through my bones as I crashed into the earth.

  Before I could recover, the demon king descended upon me, his colossal foot poised to crush me beneath its weight. The devastation around us was immense, leveling the terrain and sending debris flying. Yet, to his astonishment, I held his foot steady, defying the impossible.

  He attempted to press down harder, but the struggle between us was fierce. With a surge of strength, I broke free, launching myself toward him with a speed that ignited my body like a meteor. I delivered a powerful punch to his face, sending him staggering backward until he finally crashed to the ground.

  Before he could rise, I knew I had to act swiftly. I flew at him with blinding speed, my form a blazing comet, and penetrated through his impenetrable skull. The moment was final, and with his death, I felt a surge of power wash over me. I had ascended, claiming the title of the new demon king.

  On the other side of the battlefield, the six warriors were nearing the end of their struggle against the demons. Yet, the moment I stepped into view, the tide of battle shifted. Instead of continuing their assault, the demons dropped to their knees, bowing before me as their new master, instinctively recognizing the change in power dynamics. I turned my gaze to the fallen higher demons, as well as the lower and mid-ranking demons who had perished in the fray. With a voice that resonated with authority, I commanded, “Arise.”

  In an instant, I resurrected their souls, binding them to my will. With these new allies at my side, we could finally tip the scales as we advanced toward the second domain—a realm of pure light, ruled by the God King.

  Confronting the God King would not be a simple task. He was heavily guarded by high-ranking angels: Dominions, Virtues, and Powers—each formidable in their own right, though I considered them mid-tier among the celestial hierarchy. As a demon king, my rank surpassed even that of a god, granting me the unique ability to summon not only demons and angels but also otherworldly beings from realms beyond. This power surged within me, a gift from my XPT, and Kokoro's understanding of it who had ascended to the ancestral plane.

  As the six warriors and I stepped into the radiant expanse of the second domain, we were immediately encircled by the angels loyal to the God King. They recognized my newfound status, the aura of the defeated demon king still clinging to me like a shroud.

  “Do you truly believe you can defeat a god?” the God King thundered, his presence crackling with divine energy. Lightning flickered in his eyes, and his voice roared like a tempest. “I know who you are—the unkillable demon king. But just because you’ve attained such rank does not mean you can best me.”

  “I am no ordinary god,” he continued, his tone dripping with arrogance. “I am the God King, ruler of gods and sovereign over angels. You would do well to fear my wisdom and power. Seek understanding, child, for it would be folly to think you could overcome me, even with your newfound abilities.”

  “Turn back now, and I shall show you mercy. Wisdom is the foundation of all things; in all your pursuits, seek understanding,” he concluded, his voice echoing with authority.

  I stood unyielding, calm amidst the storm of his bravado. Behind me, I sensed the warriors’ trepidation, their fear barely concealed. A smile crept across my face, unfazed by the God King’s threats.

  “Be wise in all things, lest you be foolish. Seek knowledge, so you may not be deceived, and above all, cultivate understanding, that you may not be confused,” I replied, my confidence unwavering as I locked my gaze with his. “You may be among the most powerful of gods, but you are not the ultimate deity. You do not command the highest authority over angels; that title belongs to the Omni Demon God Emperor Supreme King Overlord, along with others such as God Supreme and Demon Supreme. A title I will claim soon enough.”

  With a deadly smirk, I stood ready, the air thick with anticipation, the clash of our destinies imminent.

  The God King gritted his teeth, his fists clenched in fury. In an instant, we charged at each other, our speed a blur, and the clash of our fists sent shockwaves through the entire domain, threatening to tear it apart. As our initial impact reverberated, I took flight, summoning my newly ordained minions to assist the six warriors in their battle against the angels while I faced the God King alone.

  Our confrontation was a spectacle for the ages, unfolding within his realm of pure light, a place pulsating with raw power. We exchanged blows, unleashing a torrent of abilities that spanned the spectrum from divine holy magic to chaos and blood magic. The God King was undeniably more powerful than the demon king I had vanquished, drawing strength from a higher god.

  Yet, in terms of rank and abilities, a God King and a Demon King were equals, their sources of power merely differing. The God King quickly realized that I was not an easy opponent. He was astonished at how effortlessly I repelled his holy magic, as if it were nothing more than a gentle breeze. When I landed a devastating punch to his face—one that felt almost effortless to me—he staggered back, blood spilling from his nose like celestial fire, a mix of sun and moonlight.

  He stared at me in disbelief, momentarily retreating as I smiled, reveling in the shock that flickered across his features. “How is it possible for you to strike a God of Gods?” he demanded, wiping the blood from his face.

  “Simple. Yowai Mo,” I replied, a wicked smile curling my lips. The realization of my words ignited a deeper fury within him.

  With terrifying speed, we clashed again, our fists locked in a struggle for dominance, our gazes fiercely locked. “This is as far as you go!” the God King declared, his voice a thunderous echo.

  “Are you saying you’re the final boss?” I teased, a smirk playing on my lips. Just as we broke apart, I lunged forward to deliver a fatal blow, but he countered my movement, his power shifting the very fabric of reality as he began to reverse time.

  I couldn’t allow that to happen. His time reversal would be absolute, restoring everything to its previous state, even reviving the demon king I had slain and erasing my hard-won status. As time began to unravel around us, my XPT surged within me, counteracting his efforts. The domain morphed into a glitching matrix, reality itself bending under the strain of our powers.

  With a surge of energy from my XPT, I broke free from the God King’s grasp on time. In that moment of clarity, I seized my opportunity, striking with lethal precision. My blade severed his head from his shoulders, and as it fell, I claimed his title, the weight of his power settling upon me like a mantle.

  Before the God King’s lifeless body fell, I leaned in close and whispered, “For every suffering, a wisdom is gained.” With his death, I ascended as the new God King, the weight of his power settling upon my shoulders like a mantle woven from the threads of fate.

  Turning to my companions, I surveyed the battlefield. The higher demons had slain most of the higher angels, but not without a cost. The Dominions, Virtues, and Powers had fought valiantly, cutting down a handful of my newly resurrected allies who had defended the six warriors with unwavering courage.

  Just as in the first layer of the domain, my presence commanded attention, halting the chaos around us. With my ascension complete, I resurrected all the fallen supernaturals, binding them to my will as my minions. The surviving angels, recognizing my newfound authority, bowed before me, acknowledging me as their new God King.

  Yet, my work was not finished. I turned my gaze to the lifeless form of the former God King. Before I acted, my XPT analyzed the extent of my ascension, revealing that I could resurrect both the demon king and the God King, transforming them into additional members of my growing legion.

  “Come forth, deceased celestials!” I commanded, my voice resonating with authority. The souls of the fallen demon king and God King rose, standing tall before me in obedience. The warriors behind me were left speechless, their eyes wide with disbelief.

  As I examined my new subordinates, I noticed something intriguing. Both lacked personal names, referred to only by their titles—Demon King and God King. This reflected a broader truth: not all supernaturals required names to evolve or grow stronger, especially those of high rank.

  Even after I had defeated them and summoned their souls, they retained their ranks as both Demon King and God King. Though they were not as powerful as I, they still posed a significant threat to others.

  “Fascinating!” I exclaimed, a spark of inspiration igniting within me. Thanks to my XPT, I had the knowledge to give them new identities.

  To the demon king, I altered his essence, transforming his masculine soul into a feminine one. With this change, I bestowed upon her a name and a new title while retaining her former rank. She would now be known as Agrat-Bat-Mahlat, the Queen of Forbidden Knowledge, Master Sorceress, and the one who taught humanity the arcane arts.

  As I spoke her new name, a ripple of energy coursed through the air, binding her to her new identity. The warriors behind me watched in awe, the battlefield now a testament to my power and the new order I was forging.

  To the God King, I performed the same transformation, and she emerged as Eisheth Zenunim, the Queen of Desire, Woman of Whoredom, and the Personification of Sin itself. This metamorphosis instantly elevated their potential and power levels, their auras now peaking at maximum intensity. Not only that, they gained the ability to fuse into a singular entity, further amplifying their aura and ranks. As former Demon King and God King, their fusion would elevate them to the status of Demon God King, making their aura level an infinitiversal threat—surpassing even that of God Supreme, which was classified as a Maniversal threat, including my own at that moment.

  Such a phenomenon had never occurred before; even those capable of fusion typically saw their abilities and aura levels remain static or increase only slightly in power, without a corresponding boost in rank.

  “Whoa!” I exclaimed, astonished. I recalled the potential disaster that could have unfolded had they fused before I defeated them individually. “Their swift boost in power due to fusion is greater than anything I’ve ever witnessed. Yet, they remain my minions, bound to serve me.”

  My greatest relief was that none of the warriors had been harmed during the battle; my minions had protected them against the onslaught of the angels. As the last remnants of the conflict faded, the portal began to collapse from within, threatening to seal us inside. We barely made it out as it closed behind us with a reverberating hum.

  As I emerged, my gaze first met that of the Emperor and Empress, their expressions a mix of gratitude and curiosity. I quickly scanned my surroundings, relieved to see that the six warriors who had accompanied me through the portal were safe and unharmed. I had already dismissed my minions before stepping out, their loyalty intact.

  With a subtle nod from the Emperor and Empress, they expressed their appreciation for my service before we made our way to the palace. There, I explained that the portal had been controlled by a God King, not the God Emperor, and I was prepared to face a fair trial and hearing from the council.

  The ensuing discussion revolved around my introduction of magic technology to all regions and the expansion I had initiated across the lands. What had been perceived as forbidden magic by the Emperor and Empress was, in fact, an ancient law established by their ancestors, a decree that had persisted through the ages. However, the current rulers had not fully endorsed this order; they desired to grant their people the freedom of choice and the right to explore their own paths.

  As the conversation unfolded, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere, a burgeoning understanding that could reshape the very fabric of their society. The potential for collaboration and growth lay before us, and I was determined to seize it.

  In essence, the enforcement of the old law was strictly upheld by the Holy Church of Katsuragi and the Most Sacred Council within the empire. Emperor Koichi Ayu addressed the matter with a measured tone, explaining why he had chosen to neglect the old law. He recognized the benefits and implications of magic technology, understanding that it could be a force for good if wielded wisely.

  Despite the empire being solidly built on mystical foundations, the rejection of magic tech by his ancestors stemmed from its misuse and abuse by those who had access to it. A notorious incident had occurred when magic tech was employed to impersonate the royal family, leading to a sabotage that nearly toppled the empire. This history weighed heavily on the Emperor’s mind, yet he was also acutely aware of the potential for progress.

  After all was said and done, I was pardoned for my actions. My influence in introducing magic tech had been viewed as an act of good over evil, at least for the time being. The royal family expressed their gratitude for my efforts in thwarting the impending threat to the empire, and they promised to grant me access to the next land: the Shinsei New Star Empire.

  As these discussions unfolded within the palace, a different scene was playing out back at Sado Island. An unexpected guest had arrived, one whose magnificent aura level caused the watchful guards to mistake her for an intruder. This guest was none other than Lyra herself, her presence radiating power and grace that demanded attention.

  The guards, initially on high alert, quickly realized their error as they sensed the familiar energy emanating from her. Whispers of her name spread among them, and they scrambled to prepare for her arrival, eager to welcome the formidable figure who had once been a beacon of hope and strength. Lyra’s return heralded a new chapter, one that would intertwine with the fate of the empire and the unfolding events that lay ahead.