Chapter Four: The Infernal Signet Awakens

Kenzo: Never Give Up

Chapter 4

Kenzo stared at his hand in awe. "What is this?"

His index finger glowed as if adorned by a spectral ring. Slowly, the light condensed, forming a tangible object—a ring, which floated gracefully toward his finger. It slipped onto his index finger, merging its energy with him.

He closed his eyes, feeling the rush of power coursing through his veins. A radiant purple aura from the ring flowed into his body, replacing his blood with a glowing, otherworldly energy. His veins illuminated faintly under his skin, the power surging through him like a raging storm.

When Kenzo opened his eyes, they glowed with an ethereal purple light. His pupils, now circular and radiant, brimmed with energy unlike anything he had ever felt.

"Infernal Signet," Kenzo whispered.

---

Meanwhile, Ayame and Yuto stood their ground against the towering figure of the Super Demon Lord. The demon's malevolent aura made the air thick with dread as he charged toward them.

"Water Magic: Water Balls!" Ayame shouted, summoning massive spheres of water and hurling them with all her might.

The demon effortlessly shattered her attacks, striding forward unscathed.

Yuto sprinted toward the demon, lightning crackling in his palm. He lunged with a ferocious strike, but the demon blocked it with ease, countering with a forceful blow that sent Yuto flying back toward Ayame.

"You bastards," the Super Demon Lord growled, his voice like a rumble of thunder. "Are you ready to die?"

Yuto clenched his fists, despair creeping into his thoughts. Die? No! I always swore there were two things I'd never do: die young or fall in love. God, if I die, at least grant me a kindhearted girl in heaven.

Ayame trembled beside him, her hands clasped tightly together. I can't die here... I won't. I want Kenzo to be my future husband.

The Super Demon Lord began conjuring an enormous, square-shaped attack, the sheer size of it blotting out the light around them. Yuto and Ayame closed their eyes, bracing for the end.

---

Far away, Kenzo felt a jolt in his chest. "What if I were in Yuto and Ayame's place?" he murmured.

The Infernal Signet on his finger pulsed with light. Suddenly, visions flooded his mind—flashes of Yuto and Ayame's peril.

"My ring... why is it glowing?" Kenzo asked, his voice trembling. He saw glimpses of their future, mere seconds ahead.

As the vision ended, he found himself teleported to their location.

Kenzo stood tall between the Super Demon Lord and his friends. "This is just like the vision... Which means it's time for revenge!"

The demon's eyes widened in shock. "What?! You—"

"Yeah, me." Kenzo interrupted, leaping into the air and delivering a powerful punch that sent the Super Demon Lord crashing into the distance.

Yuto gasped. I'm alive... because of him.

Ayame's heart raced. Kenzo... so cool. My king… Her cheeks flushed a bright pink.

Kenzo turned to them, his expression calm but resolute. "Are you guys alright?"

Ayame could barely contain herself. My king... my hero...

Kenzo turned back toward the distant demon and raised his glowing hand. "Infernal Signet, help me clean up this trash!"

The ring glowed brighter than ever, casting a blinding light across the battlefield.

The Super Demon Lord struggled to his feet, glaring at Kenzo. "This power... is this magic? No... it's something else." His gaze landed on Kenzo's hand. "The Infernal Signet... So, you're destined to be the Cursed Hero."

"What are you talking about?" Kenzo demanded.

Before he could get an answer, a girl appeared behind him—Lisa. She flung a cursed bottle at Kenzo, and dark energy engulfed him.

Yuto and Ayame shouted his name, but the Super Demon Lord stopped them with a chilling glare.

Kenzo screamed in agony as Lisa whispered in his ear, "Wait for me, handsome."

Lisa and the Super Demon Lord disappeared, leaving Yuto and Ayame to tend to Kenzo. They carried him back to the camp, desperate for help.

---

In the camp, whispers filled the air.

"Look at his face!" one boy sneered. "He's trash. That's why he's like this."

Ayame turned to them, her voice sharp. "Why do you hate Kenzo? Is it because he has no magic? Or because he doesn't talk to you? He may not have magic, but he never gives up! He trains harder than anyone. He even defeated the Super Demon Lord!"

The boys fell silent, shamefaced.

Yuto sighed. "Ayame, stop. It's not worth it."

"No, Yuto. Kenzo deserves better than this."

---

At the demon castle, Lisa blushed as thoughts of Kenzo filled her mind. "What's happening to me?" she whispered.

The Super Demon Lord smirked. "You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

Lisa's face turned scarlet. "N-No!"

The demon's expression turned serious. "That boy... the curse we placed on him was forged by five demon gods and fifty million demons. Only 0.001% of beings can survive it. Kenzo can... because of the Infernal Signet. That ring was made to capture and contain curses."

Lisa's heart pounded. Kenzo... what does this mean for you? For us?

---

Kenzo stirred in his bed. Ayame rushed to his side as he woke.

"Kenzo!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. She hugged him tightly. "I was so scared!"

Kenzo smiled weakly. "I'm alright... Thanks to you guys."

He stood slowly and walked to the kingdom's top floor. Staring at the horizon, he clenched his fist.

"I am Kenzo," he declared, "and I will not give up!"

He threw the Infernal Signet into the sky, jumping after it. The ring landed on his finger as a glowing path appeared before him.

"Ready for whatever comes next."

To be continued...