Chapter Three :Ring's Awakening

Kenzo's dreams were a labyrinth of mystery. In this one, a glowing ring floated before him. Its aura was intense, pulsating with an otherworldly purple light.

"What is this?" he murmured, squinting to make out the strange object. He stepped closer, captivated by its brilliance, until something etched on the ring's surface caught his eye.

"Infernal Signet?" he read aloud, his voice trembling.

Before he could reach for it, a loud KNOCK KNOCK jolted him awake.

"Kenzo! Kenzo, are you still asleep?" a familiar voice called out.

Kenzo groggily got up, opened the door, and was met with Ayame's bright smile. His cheeks turned red instantly.

"Good morning, Kenzo!" she chirped.

"G-Good morning," he stammered, rubbing his eyes.

"Don't tell me you forgot," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Today's our adventure day in the forest!"

Kenzo's mind raced. Adventure day? Oh no... I forgot! Stupid, stupid, stupid!Outside, Ayame pulled out her broomstick.

"Hop on!" she said with a grin.

Kenzo hesitated but climbed on, gripping the handle tightly.

As they soared through the air, they arrived at the academy where their teacher, a strict but wise figure, awaited.

"Ah, Princess Ayame... and Kenzo," the teacher greeted, adjusting his expression when he saw Kenzo's disheveled appearance.

The other students couldn't suppress their laughter.

"Did you see him?" one boy whispered, giggling.

"Yes, he looks like he just rolled out of bed!" another added.

Kenzo's ears burned, but before he could retort, Yuto appeared.

"Hey, Kenzo!" Yuto called out, waving.

"Oh, Yuto!" Kenzo replied, relieved to see his friend.

The three of them gathered, Ayame holding a small map she'd received from the teacher.

"Let's stick together," she said confidently.

"Sure" Yuto replied, shooting a quick smile.In the dense forest, the trio set up camp with the other students.

"So, what's on your mind, Kenzo?" Yuto asked casually.

"I had a strange dream today," Kenzo admitted.

"A dream? What kind?" Yuto's curiosity piqued.

Before Kenzo could explain, Yuto interrupted with a smirk. "Let me guess-a cute girl with big, uh, you know..."

Kenzo groaned. "You woke up before anything happened, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Yuto laughed.

The teacher clapped his hands, bringing everyone's attention back.

"All right, everyone! Time to gather water for the camp. Kenzo, Yuto, you're up!"

"I'll come too," Ayame insisted.

The three of them ventured deeper into the forest, their surroundings growing eerily quiet.

"What's that sound?" Ayame whispered, glancing over her shoulder.

"Nothing," Kenzo said, trying to reassure her, though his gut told him otherwise.Ahead, shadows shifted in the trees. Figures emerged-tall, armored, and menacing.

"They're... Black Knights," Yuto muttered, his voice tinged with fear.

"Demon warriors," Ayame added, her hand instinctively reaching for her magic.

"Stay calm," Kenzo said, though his fists clenched.

From the shadows, another figure appeared. Unlike the Black Knights, his presence was suffocating, his aura overwhelming.

"It's him..." Ayame whispered, her voice barely audible. "The Super Demon Lord."

12 Years Ago

In the Demon Castle, Raijin, the Super Demon Lord, sat on his throne, his cold eyes scanning the room.

"Today marks the end of Zephyros' Kingdom," he declared.

"But why destroy it?" asked a subordinate.

"Because," Raijin said, rising from his throne, "my brother's son will be my end. I've seen the future. He will surpass me."

The room fell silent.And if you fail to kill him?" another Demon Lord asked.

"Then you will finish the job," Raijin replied, his voice cold.

"His magic, if it awakens, will be our doom."

Present Day

The Super Demon Lord watched from the shadows as Kenzo, Yuto, and Ayame confronted the Black Knights. His sharp eyes narrowed.

He has no Ether... so this is Nullish' son.

"Attack them," he commanded the knights.

The battle began. Ayame summoned a shimmering water shield, countering one knight's blade before landing a precise punch. Yuto unleashed his lightning magic, taking down another.

Kenzo held his ground, using sheer determination and physical prowess to fight.

"Interesting," the Super Demon Lord murmured. "But he truly has no magic."

Suddenly, the Black Knights vanished, replaced by a single point of darkness. The Super Demon Lord emerged, his presence suffocating."Children," he sneered. "Do you truly believe you can stand against me?"

"Super Demon Lord?!" Ayame gasped.

"I don't care who you are!" Kenzo shouted. "Magic or no magic, I'll defeat you!"

The Super Demon Lord laughed. "And what will a powerless boy like you do?"

Kenzo clenched his fists. "I don't need magic. I am Kenzo, and I never give up!"

The demon lord struck swiftly, immobilizing Yuto and Ayame. He turned to Kenzo, grabbing him by the neck and tossing him skyward.

Kenzo felt the air rush past him as he fell, his life flashing before his eyes. Is this the end?

Suddenly, the dream from earlier returned. The glowing ring appeared, cutting through the void of space and time. It flew toward him, its light intensifying.

As the ring neared, his index finger began to glow.

What is this...?

The ring slid onto his finger, its power surging through him.

To Be Continued...