Khonszu

A thousand years ago, the Great Calamity struck Earth. Countless rifts tore through reality, opening portals between the Demon Realm and the Human World. Overrun by monsters, humanity was on the brink of extinction. But at its darkest hour, something miraculous happened—those who died returned, awakening strange new powers that allowed them to fight back.

Vale knew that story well. Maybe that's why he wasn't surprised when he heard the voice of the system speak to him.

[ Congratulations! You have died. ]
[ Your First Trial of Death begins now. ]

What truly shocked him, however, was the question burning in his mind:
"Who would dare to assassinate the Second Prince of Verythmia?"

I Died and Received an SSS-Rank Unique Ability

The group lingered in silence, their eyes fixed on a faint glimmer of light piercing through the heavy fog and pitch-black night.

"People?" Ayla asked, her voice laced with doubt, as if even the suggestion felt too far-fetched.

"Maybe..." Vale murmured, his voice low. His gaze remained locked on the distant light, unable—or unwilling—to look away.

A knot of unease tightened in his chest. The idea of finding people in the demon realm was more of a fantasy than a possibility. Its vast, treacherous landscape had swallowed many. Those who sought survival by searching for others were often the first to die.

"Only one way to find out," Dain said with a shrug.

The others exchanged quiet glances and nodded. With no clear goal and no known destination, chasing the light might be their only path forward. But which way should they go?

A Moment of Rest