Kain slowly regained consciousness, finding himself in a confined, heavy space.
As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by a dim, purple-tinged world that was far from the open land he had fallen through. Enclosed by a thin, translucent wall, he felt a thick fluid enveloping his body, clinging to his skin and slipping through his fingers as he attempted to move.
With a steadying breath, he raised his hand.
The motion felt peculiar at first, like his body was reacquainting itself with movement. Gathering focus, he pushed forward.
The wall before him stretched like a rubber band, resisting for a brief moment before a wet tearing sound resonated. His hand burst through first, allowing a rush of cold air to replace the oppressive fluid. Determined, Kain pressed harder, widening the opening.
Next, his head broke free, followed by his shoulders. Soon, the rest of the cocoon gave way effortlessly.
Emerging from the confinement, Kain felt the thick liquid slide off his body in slow drops, pooling on the purple sand below. He staggered but caught himself before falling, gradually regaining his balance.
For a moment, he simply stood, inhaling deeply.
Something had shifted.
He could sense it without looking, his body felt lighter yet imbued with newfound strength. A steady power locked beneath his skin felt like it had always been there, waiting.
He raised his hand, flexing his fingers.
As he examined his skin, he noticed a transformation: what was once a dull grey now held a faint red hue. His claws appeared darker, sharper, and glimmered subtly in the moonlight when he turned his hand.
Kain stared at them momentarily before exhaling softly.
"…that's new."
Concentrating, a familiar interface materialized before him.
[Name: Kain Smith]
[Real name: ????]
[Species: Demon of the seven hells]
[Rank: Peer (partial transformation)]
[Stats:
Strength: 49 (suppressed)
Constitution: 49 (suppressed)
Dexterity: 49 (suppressed)
Demonic energy: 49 (suppressed)
Stat points: 0
Souls: 15]
[Skills
?? - ascension not complete
?? - ascension not complete
?? - ascension not complete]
[Choice of traits available for evolution
1. Carapace armour
2. Increased strength
3. Forearm spike
4. Beetle wings]
Kain read the options carefully.
"Peer…" he murmured softly. "So that thing counted."
His gaze drifted downward to the traits listed.
"Carapace armour… not bad. It would help with taking hits," he mused, tilting his head slightly. "Increased strength… that's just pure power. Would definitely be advantageous in battles."
He shifted his eyes again.
"Forearm spike… I think I've had enough of spikes for now."
And then his eyes lingered on the final option.
"Beetle wings…" He pondered it longer than the others. "Mobility would certainly be useful."
Kain stood in silence for a moment, mulling it over. Finally, he let out a small sigh.
"Strength first."
As the window flickered and vanished, he felt the sudden jolt of change wash over him.
His muscles tightened instantaneously, not painfully, but with a density that lent his body more solidity and heft. The power within surged, anchoring deeper into his frame.
Kain clenched his fist.
"…yeah. That's better."
Turning his attention to the skull structure looming behind him, he acted on impulse, stepping forward and driving his fist into it.
The impact resonated like thunder.
Cracks splintered across the surface, lines branching out before the front caved in with a booming crash.
Kain stared at the wreckage for a moment, then let out a short laugh.
"…okay."
A foolish grin crept across his face as he shook his head, looking away.
As he took in the vast landscape around him, endless stretches of purple sand beneath his feet and the same dim light overhead. He noticed the faint glow on the horizon.
He turned toward it.
A steady red light beckoned.
"Well… better than just standing here."
He began to walk.
As Kain journeyed across the open terrain, time seemed to blur. The silence was occasionally pierced by distant rustles and movements, hints of life lurking far off. The deeper he ventured, the more evidence of existence he discerned.
Eventually, he stumbled upon something more substantial. It was creatures on the move.
They were large, their elongated bodies shrouded in thick fur, their undersides lined with small spikes that dug into the ground as they inched along.
Perched atop one of them were two figures.
Demons.
They noticed him almost instantly, causing the creature to halt. The elder among them leaned forward, studying Kain with interest. His aged yet calm features projected an effortless confidence.
"Hail, traveler," he called out.
Kain slowed his pace, coming to a stop a few steps away.
"Hail," he replied.
Behind the elder sat a young woman, her expression serene, almost unnervingly calm as she regarded him.
"Are you heading toward Bental City?" the older demon inquired.
Kain glanced back at the red light before returning his gaze to the man. "That's what that is?"
A faint smile flickered across the elder's face. "So you're not from around here."
Kain shrugged lightly. "You could say that."
"Which city do you belong to?" the elder pressed.
"I don't," Kain responded promptly. "First day here. I fell through a hole and ended up… wherever this is."
The elder released a soft sound that was part chuckle, part sigh.
"Then you came from the first circle," he explained. "It's uncommon for a Newborn to make it this far. Usually, the entrance is swarming with incomplete peers waiting for an easy meal."
Kain arched an eyebrow.
"Guess I got lucky."
"Or capable," the elder countered. "But either way, you're still here."
He shifted slightly before continuing.
"Forgive my manners. I am Baron Korn Ruberios."
He gestured towards the silent girl beside him.
"And this is my daughter, Milim."
Kain inclined his head slightly. "Kain… Kain Smi—"
He paused.
"…Drake. Kain Drake."
The lie came to him effortlessly.
Korn nodded without a hint of skepticism. "A pleasure."
Milim remained silent, her unwavering gaze trained on him.
Korn adjusted his stance. "We're headed to Bental. You're welcome to join us."
Kain glanced at the creature beneath them, then back to the horizon.
"…sure. Saves me the walk."
He climbed onto the creature, situating himself behind Milim.
The moment he settled in, her expression contorted slightly in visible distaste.
Korn caught her reaction.
"Be nice," he chuckled quietly.
Milim didn't respond, though the tension in her frame remained.
With a jolt, the creature resumed its journey.
As they traveled, Korn spoke freely, and Kain listened intently, occasionally asking questions while allowing the elder demon to weave his tale.
"Bental City was founded by my great-grandfather," Korn divulged, "around three hundred thousand years ago."
Kain glanced sideways, intrigued. "That's a long time."
"It is," Korn affirmed. "It has since flourished. Millions inhabit it today."
Kain fixed his gaze ahead, pondering. "And the red light?"
Korn followed his line of sight.
"At the city's heart lies a fissure," he explained. "It connects to the mortal realm, allowing summonings to occur constantly."
Kain leaned back slightly, intrigued. "How often is constantly?"
With a knowing smile, Korn replied, "Every day. Many, many times a day, in fact. The mortal realms are infinite, more numerous than the hairs on your head or the grains of sand beneath us."
Kain released a quiet breath. "…figures."
The city gradually came into view.
At first, it was merely a silhouette on the horizon, but as they approached, walls soared high, massive and formidable, extending far beyond Kain's view. Towers lined the perimeter, each one heavily guarded.
The gates stood open yet were closely monitored. Kain found himself leaning forward, awed.
"…that's a city?"
Korn stole a glance at him, smiling. "First time witnessing something like this?"
Kain hesitated before answering. "…yeah."
Korn's smile widened slightly as the creature brought them closer to the gates. Guards stepped forward as they neared.
Their stares instantly landed on Kain.
One guard raised a hand, commanding,
"Stop. That one—"
Korn chuckled lightly.
"He's with me."
The guards exchanged glances, hesitating momentarily before stepping aside. Kain felt their eyes on him as he passed but chose to ignore the scrutiny.
Once inside, the city teemed with life.
Demons of all shapes and sizes flowed through the streets, an overwhelming energy saturating the air. While some demons exuded a disquieting aura, most appeared harmless, dressed well or blending in seamlessly.
The creature finally came to a halt.
An aide approached, bowing slightly to Korn.
"Baron."
Korn nodded, then turned to Kain.
"This is where we part ways."
Kain jumped down from the creature.
"Thanks for the ride."
Korn smiled warmly. "Try not to get yourself killed before you figure things out."
Milim remained quiet as they turned to leave with their escort.
Kain watched them go before turning back. The red glow that had lured him earlier pulsed more prominently amid the bustling city.
The fissure.
With a sense of purpose, Kain began walking toward it. If Korn's words held truth, that was where his next step awaited. He could already feel it, the promise of growth was drawing him closer.