Why did the battle suddenly erupt? It couldn’t be fake—this clash was a warning from the Demonfolk to humanity. A clear message: the Dark Lord had awakened. Though multiple Heroes united against him, he still claimed victory. This was merely a prelude to his return.

But let’s rewind to the first night of the open day.

The Demonfolk’s plan was simple. Using their status as the Hero’s companions, they exploited Shadow Demon traits to hide a hundred demon sorcerers within shadows. Those sorcerers then slipped out, concealed themselves, and prepared unknown magic. The operation succeeded flawlessly—otherwise, the city wouldn’t have plunged into chaos so abruptly.

Yet this city wasn’t weak. A Hero resided here, alongside a top-tier magic academy. Its strength was formidable. Even a thousand demon sorcerers wouldn’t have changed the outcome. But the timing was uncanny. Citizens, accustomed to urban safety from Demonfolk attacks, let their guard down. One careless moment allowed the ambush to land.

Back on that first night, Chu Xueyue and his friends had no inkling of the coming assault. They’d only been dragged into battle when it struck.

Chu Xueyue held the items Albert had bought. His expression twisted with utter bewilderment and conflicted emotions. He’d never imagined Albert was this kind of person.

Turning, Chu Xueyue lifted the book toward Albert. "I can’t fully read this yet," he said, "but the cover and familiar content… I really didn’t expect this from you."

It was an indescribable artbook. On Earth, it’d be called a "doujin." Shockingly, such things existed everywhere—even here, the art style wasn’t grotesque. It felt eerily like home.

"What? I’m sharing this ’cause you’re my brother," Albert hissed, voice low and threatening. "Return it after reading. And don’t let Muse know I bought these. Got it? We’re accomplices—if you talk, we both die."

Chu Xueyue glanced at the artbook, then at Albert. He nodded solemnly, radiating comrade-like loyalty. "Got any more? Pictures speed up learning. They’ll help me master this world’s writing."

"I stored the old ones in my spatial gear," Albert muttered. "They’re already at the Demon King’s Castle. Bet the Dark Lord’s enjoying them. Next time he sees me, he’ll probably try to kill me. Some feature… Hero x Dark Lord pairings."

Should I laugh? Or join him in appreciating this world’s doujin? The artist’s audacity was insane—drawing the living Hero and Dark Lord like that. How was he still alive? Must be absurdly powerful.

Now I knew who the rest of the bag’s contents were for.

"Albert," Chu Xueyue said, squinting with a strained smile, "I’ve got a question." This was awkward. But as an internet-polluted teen, he wouldn’t bat an eye at any answer. Albert seemed normal outside, but inside? Total pervert.

"What?"

"Is the Hero in your doujin modeled after you? Or other Heroes?"

Albert choked. He’d been this nation’s Hero once—of course the artbooks starred him. Seeing himself in those scenes felt bizarrely real. "Yeah, it’s me. You can guess why."

Chu Xueyue’s smile didn’t waver. "I recall the Dark Lord is male, right?"

The first thing Chu Xueyue saw in this world wasn’t a princess—it was a hulking, two-meter-tall Dark Lord. Anyone would remember that.

Oh no. Chu Xueyue was imagining something terrible.

"Wait, Xueyue, listen!" Albert blurted. "It’s not what you think—" Stall first, excuses later.

"No worries," Chu Xueyue chirped. "I get it. After the princess you loved married another prince, your heartbreak was inevitable. I don’t blame you." Why revisit that? "Even if you’ve chosen an irreversible path, it’s understandable. The Dark Lord’s a solid match. I haven’t seen your Hero x Dark Lord doujin, but I’ve already brainstormed dozens of plots—each packed with unique, rich content."

No! You’re picturing awful stuff! What trash did you read before arriving? How do a few words spawn dozens of books in your head? And stop smiling—that look creeps me out!

"What are you thinking?" Albert snapped. "It’s not like that! Just hear me out—"

Albert reached to grab him. Chu Xueyue dodged backward instantly. No words needed—that was pure disgust.

"No grabbing," Chu Xueyue said lightly. "We’re both guys. If others spot us, it might inspire new doujin. Right?"

Why that wary look when you said that? Don’t come near me! Listen first—no, you listen!

"Sorry," Albert said grimly, "but to make you hear me—"

"What are you planning?" Chu Xueyue yelped. "Don’t do anything weird here! No!"