The ruined Demon King’s castle lay scattered with corpses. In the vast debris stood the Demon King and two figures—Kevin and the Hero. The atmosphere screamed final battle.

But the Demon King, leveraging the Demon Race’s innate advantages and near-immortal regeneration, ruthlessly overwhelmed Kevin and the Hero. He seemed to declare victory, yet had no intention of killing them.

Suddenly, the ground turned to steel. The sky darkened to a gloomy gray, creating an oppressive weight.

This was Kevin’s magic domain, reflecting his deepest emotions. Only those at the Tenth Tier could grasp such a domain.

This was why Kevin Jaeger was called the Magic Emperor—a prodigy who, after a millennium, had once again mastered it. Only he knew the bitterness within.

Soon, victory tipped toward the Hero and Kevin. From Kevin’s blood-stained mouth came a hoarse, authoritative voice.

“Eleventh Tier Super-tier Magic: Soul Chains.”

Kevin’s exposed skin revealed hidden magic circuits, now surfacing and glowing red as if about to explode.

He used the mana-draining domain despite depleted reserves, forcing an Eleventh Tier spell at his body’s cost. Every part of him overloaded.

Though Kevin risked exploding from within, not a trace of fear showed on his face. As chains clinked from the soul’s depths, the Demon King’s struggles turned futile.

After all, discarding your life in battle differed from betting it all.

“Damn you, mage! Aaaah!”

The Demon King sensed something wrong and tried to get serious—but had no chance. Kevin had locked him down completely. Even movement was impossible.

His prized regeneration vanished mysteriously. He realized instantly: the mage’s doing.

“I’ll kill you!”

“Finally scared, huh? Haha! Yes, I’ve waited long for this look.”

Kevin grew delirious, blood oozing from his skin. He shouted to hesitant Gali.

“Gali, strike now! Perfect chance to kill the Demon King. Hurry! Ignore those old fogeys saying we must seal him.”

“Quick! Kill him. This is our only chance.”

Kevin’s shouts hammered Gali’s hesitation. The elders had ordered: seal the Demon King at all costs, or disaster would strike.

Gali held the Holy Sword—the only weapon that could harm the Demon King—in one hand. In the other, a sealing magic stone. At best, it would hold for centuries before unsealing.

“I…” Confusion filled his face.

“Hey, Gali! Will you let the old man and Manna die in vain? Strike! I’m almost done!”

Kevin roared through pain, body near explosion, vision blackening. Yet he forced himself to hold on.

“Yes… what was I thinking? I came to kill the Demon King.”

Gali made up his mind. The magic stone shattered. He raised the Holy Sword high. Its dazzling light flooded the dark domain.

“Farewell, Demon King. Sealing you won’t atone for your sins.”

The Demon King panicked. For the first time, he felt death’s threat. Past Heroes had only sealed him.

“Wait! Hero, you can’t kill me! Or else—”

Gali ignored him. He slashed down hard. A blade of light struck the Demon King. Only sparse fizzling followed.

“Aaaah! Or else out— out— s—”

Before he finished, the Holy Sword’s radiance annihilated him without a trace. Only scorched earth remained.

Without Kevin’s domain restricting him, both might have died. With a thud, Kevin collapsed.

She woke on a soft bed. Darkness filled her pale blue eyes. Gently raising her hand, she lit the room.

Dim light fell on her sweat-drenched face, sleepwear soaked. She glanced outside at the dawning sky.

“Strange… I haven’t dreamed in so long.”

Recalling the dream, Kevin felt a chill. The Demon King had said something—but time blurred the memory.

“First day of school today. This lazy time flew by. Still, I can sleep a bit more.”

The bed creaked softly as she lay back, closing her eyes. Then came incessant knocking.

She knew sleep was lost. Sighing, she stretched and turned sleepy eyes to the vibrating door.

“Who?”

“Your precious daughter’s dear old dad! And your mom too. School day, hahaha!”

Carlos Kaslana’s gentle voice came through, but the knocking grew urgent. She replied quickly—he’d kick the door down soon.

“Okay.”

The locked door opened. Maids poured through the narrow frame, enchanted by a faint, sweet fragrance. They always craved it after leaving.

Soon, they dressed Kevin elaborately. The Imperial Academy uniform on her was a perfect match.

“Simple would’ve been fine. Why so fancy?” she muttered at her mirror reflection. Her natural beauty shone even undecorated.

She didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. Overthinking was useless—she’d change back soon. For now, just an experience.

Under her “parents’” gaze, she left her slacking-off haven. The rocking carriage made her queasy. Only Hanna, a maid, sat beside her.

A system voice in her head surprised her.

[Task Released]