Dewdrops clung upside down to emerald leaves under the dawn light, while a thin mist veiled the sky above the quiet town.

On this peaceful morning, townsfolk went about their daily chores as usual, unaware that the legendary tale destined to sweep the continent was about to begin—excerpt from the Great Demon King’s Disciple Training Manual, Prologue Part One.

Propping his chin on his hand, the Great Demon King slumped lazily over the table. After yesterday’s grand—but utterly deceptive—speech, his enthusiasm had faded, leaving him lost in thought.

“Come to think of it, I’m pretty good at fighting, but teaching? How exactly do I train this ‘excellent’ disciple of mine?”

“Master, breakfast is ready! Hurry up and eat!” Lily called out crisply, wiping sweat from her brow and untying her apron.

Ink Ash instantly shoved that critical question aside, drooling at the aroma. “Ah~~ This smells amazing! Truly worthy of the disciple I chose...”

Well, as expected—zero hopes for this freeloading, unscrupulous Demon King.

He downed the plain-looking but delicious sweet potato porridge in one gulp, sighing contentedly. “Finding a disciple who cooks? Absolutely perfect.”

“Um... Master, is the meal too simple?” Lily fidgeted, eyeing the two humble bowls of porridge. No proper dish to welcome her new master.

Waving dismissively, Ink Ash smiled. “No worries. Anything made by Lily is fine.”

“I-Is that so?” Blushing crimson at his radiant praise, the girl looked away.

After breakfast, Ink Ash lounged on a stool, watching Lily clear the dishes. Suddenly, he asked, “By the way, Lily—where are your parents?”

“I... I have no parents. The grandmother who raised me passed away years ago.” Her hands froze mid-air, body trembling slightly, eyes reddening.

Nodding thoughtfully, Ink Ash studied her frail frame and stood abruptly. “I see. Let’s go pay respects to your grandmother.”

“Huh?” Lily stared at him, surprise written across her face.

“Since I’m your master now, I should at least greet the elder.” Gently stroking her head, he smiled warmly like March sunshine—a rare glimpse of true mentorship.

Behind the house, a small hillock held a lone grave of piled stones beneath a tree. Ink Ash stood before it, solemn and silent. He bent to pick each fallen leaf off the mound, then bowed deeply.

A Demon King who’d long danced on death’s edge knew: sometimes, wordless silence was the highest tribute—even for an unnamed elder.

“Grandma, don’t worry about Lily. I’m doing well now.” Crouching before the grave she’d built, Lily brushed her fingers over the stones. Cherished memories surfaced, melting her usual strength. Tears streamed down like broken pearls as she whispered about her master—known less than a day.

“Lily has a master now! He seems unreliable, but... he’s strong, kind, and so easygoing...”

“Oh! He said I have so many good qualities... I never... noticed before. Grandma, did you know?” Like a child showing off treasure, she babbled through sobs, rubbing tear-blurred eyes until choked cries took over.

Just as Ink Ash hesitated to approach, a sweet, radiant smile bloomed through her tears. “Lily finally has someone to rely on—a real family~!”

The wind lifted her golden hair, carrying the last traces of distance in her heart skyward. In one short day, a new space had opened in her resilient heart.

“Don’t be so sentimental! You’re making me... feel like a total jerk!” Dumbfounded, Ink Ash held his disciple who’d somehow ended up in his arms. For the first time, pressure crushed him. He’d expected a cheap disciple, but this one...

“Master... you won’t abandon Lily, will you?” She nestled against his chest, teary-eyed and vulnerable as a stray puppy.

Ink Ash’s cynical grin vanished. Unprecedented resolve hardened his deep black eyes as he stroked her soft golden hair. Under the tranquil sky, the Demon King’s vow rang solemnly:

“My disciple, if the world ever betrays you—do not grieve. At the very least, I will betray the world for you.”