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[The Ancestral Temple of Humans]

Leonel walked alongside Princess Roselle, making their way toward the temple's altar, where a priest stood holding a mysterious, glowing awakening orb.

"So, all I need to do is place my hand on this, and it will awaken my magic heart?" Leonel asked, glancing toward the princess for confirmation. She nodded, confirming his assumption.

With newfound confidence, something that had been absent just hours ago, Leonel stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb. As soon as his hand touched it, a warm, tingling sensation spread through his body. Soon, a deeper warmth radiated from his chest, likely his magic heart awakening.

It was a known fact that humans couldn't use magic without possessing a unique organ, known as the magic heart. It was a gift from the universe itself, an essential organ that allowed humans to survive in this world.

The stronger a person's magic heart became, the more powerful they grew. Legends whispered of humans evolving their very being through it, eventually gaining powers that rivaled other races.

"Finally! It's here! My cheat skill!" Leonel exclaimed as a screen appeared before him, visible only to him.

[Name: Leonel]

Title: Hero/T****R

Class: Hero

Str: 3rd Order (10%)

Spd: 3rd Order (10%)

Int: 3rd Order (10%)

Phq: 3rd Order (10%)

Mana: 4th Order (50%)

Talents: Quick Learning, Quick Adaptation, Hero's Will, Swordsmanship, Magic Affinity

"This isn't what I expected. I can't level up, and my stats aren't numerical, but I get the gist of it," Leonel thought to himself with a smile spreading across his face. "All my attributes are at the level of a 3rd Order warrior, while my magic is 4th level. And this Phq attribute—it's a combination of defense, vitality, stamina, and more, right? Interesting!"

Roselle, clearly amazed, spoke up, "Incredible, Leonel! You're already at the level of a 4th Order mage? Just from awakening your magic heart? Do you think the ring has something to do with it?"

Leonel shook his head with a thoughtful expression. "I highly doubt it, Princess. This feels like the work of something...else. But I don't fully understand it myself."

The princess nodded. "Regardless, it seems like you're already ahead of most. With how strong your mana is, you'll probably reach the 5th Order soon."

---

[Two Days Later: The Princess's Throne Room]

The atmosphere in the throne room shifted as the door swung open. The Demon Lord, Luseraph, walked in with an air of casual dominance, making his presence impossible to ignore.

The princess's eyes narrowed as she stood from her throne, her tone cold. "Why the sudden visit… Demon Lord?"

Luseraph feigned a look of disappointment. "Only a few days have passed, and already you treat your benefactor like a stranger? How typical of humans."

Princess Roselle didn't flinch. "Well, since you're here… I assume you wish to redeem your price?"

"That's one way to put it," Luseraph mused, though his eyes gleamed with a different intent. "What I truly came for is simpler than that. I intend to explore all the worlds, including your human lands. All I seek is permission to walk freely through human territory, with no restrictions."

Roselle raised an eyebrow. "That's an unusual request. The problem is, I have little power in that area. I am only a ruler of one nation. There are many other kingdoms and nations under different rulers. I cannot give you what you ask."

Luseraph's eyes darkened. "Do you have any idea why the fallen angels focused on wiping out your kingdom rather than humanity as a whole?"

The princess blinked, slightly taken aback. "How am I supposed to know? Maybe they planned to take things one kingdom at a time. Our nation just happened to be the first."

"Coincidence?" Luseraph chuckled darkly. "What a joke. In the eyes of higher beings, there's no such thing as coincidence."

Roselle frowned as she sensed the demon lord's shifting demeanor. She couldn't quite place his intentions, but something about him felt off.

Before she could respond, the Demon Lord's gaze swept over her kingdom from his vantage point, his power undisturbed by the confines of the throne room.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, drawing her sword instinctively, sensing the atmosphere thickening with his power.

"Relax, princess," Luseraph said with a lazy smile. "I'm just observing. Don't worry—it's not what you think. But while I have your attention, perhaps we should have a little chat. It could be beneficial for you."

"I'm afraid I don't have time for your games," Roselle said, keeping her distance. She had no intention of indulging Luseraph's whims.

The Demon Lord raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then perhaps a small exchange, in return for the favor I did you."

He snapped his fingers. Instantly, a throne—grand and far more elegant than her own—appeared beside him in the throne room, radiating an aura of otherworldly power.

The princess's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "I don't know what you mean by that, but bringing your throne into my throne room is an insult. Do you realize what you've just done?"

Luseraph only laughed. "Oh no, princess. I made sure to bring the smallest chair from Hell's collection. Were I to bring my personal throne, your kingdom wouldn't just be insulted—it would collapse under its weight, mentally and physically. This chair, though, is a harmless trinket. Rest assured, if I planned on annihilating your people, I'd have brought the real thing."

The princess's face turned a shade darker. "Demons are truly mad. If that's all you came to say, you can leave."

Luseraph chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Humans are fascinating creatures. A shame it would have been if you had all perished. Now, let's talk, shall we?"