YANYAN’S POV

The ancient chant that bound this girl was far beyond ordinary dark arts. When I cast Anciento Cancelol—one of the demi‑ancient spells stored in my System—it broke the curse that had been suppressing her true form.
A single horn shimmered on her forehead… a Royal Demon. That was rare, even in the underworld.

“A royal turned maidservant? That makes no sense,”
I muttered, narrowing my eyes.

“Hey, you,” I said, my tone sharp enough to cut the silence. “State your name, your race, and your reason for being chased. And why would a royal demon appear in this realm?”

She froze, trembling. Her mana fluctuated in fear. I didn’t like hesitation—so I formed a blade of air, infused it with Ki, and slashed beside me. The entire mountain ridge behind her split in two, crumbling like paper.

“Answer me.”

“G‑Great one!” she cried. “Please forgive me, I was frightened. I am a Royal Demon, daughter of the former Demon Lord. We once lived peacefully in the underworld until the Twelve Apostles—traitors who served my father—rebelled. They captured my parents and now rule with the Supreme Demon Lord still in slumber. I was cursed and sent as a slave to the surface to aid their invasion. Forty of our strongest were sent to capture a gifted woman to offer as a vessel to awaken the Supreme One.”

Her tears fell freely as she continued, “I was merely a servant in that group. My mother and father are being tortured… I was forced to obey or lose them. Please, Great One… I only wish to live.”

I stared at her silently and activated Lie Dects, a perception skill from my System. No mana fluctuation—she was telling the truth. I saw something in her, a faint reflection of my younger self, desperate yet still alive.

When I walked closer, she flinched, thinking I would end her. Instead, I gently wiped her tears with my thumb.

“Don’t cry. I won’t kill you,” I said softly. “What’s your name?”

“I‑I am Cristy… Cristy Lords, Mr. YanYan.”

“Cristy, huh? A strong name for a fragile tone. Come with me,” I said, extending my hand. “You’ll stay at my place for now.”

“W‑What? I… I can’t possibly—”

Before she could finish, I grabbed both her and the unconscious girl she had been chasing and activated Spatial Shift, blending System Magic with Ki Energy. The scenery twisted into the familiar chamber—the same vast stage I’d been training on since my last breakthrough.

My mother was already preparing breakfast while my father trained outside, his Ki shaking the earth. Celine and Celesty occupied the training hall, while my twin sister remained asleep upstairs. It felt like home—chaotic but alive.

“Sit here,” I said, pulling out a chair.

“I’m unworthy, Mr. YanYan… I—”
“Sit,” I interrupted, using Autodia Body, a control spell. Her body obeyed instinctively, moving against her will. Her eyes widened, realizing I wasn’t bluffing about power.

“So,” I said, leaning forward, “what are your plans? Revenge? Saving your family?”

“C‑Can I even do that?” she whispered.

“You can. But not alone.”

“Why… why would you help me? That’s a demon’s territory. No human can even enter the portal once sealed.”

I smiled faintly. “I’m not just human.”

She looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“I walk two paths, Cristy,” I said, letting my aura expand. “The System of Magic grants me infinite adaptability and growth. And Ki Cultivation—the core of my body—builds my strength beyond human limits. I’m a hybrid of two powers… and I don’t plan on stopping there.”

Her eyes widened as my Ki and Mana intertwined around us like glowing threads.

“You want to save your family? Then follow me. I’ll face those demon lords myself one day. But I’ll need someone I can trust—someone with knowledge of the underworld.”

“M‑Mr. Yan… no, my Lord. I… I am not worthy,” she said, bowing deeply. “I’ve lost my power. I can only drag you down.”

“Who said I needed perfection?” I replied, smiling. “I need loyalty and purpose, not pride. Besides, a royal who knows ancient magic isn’t useless.”

Her lips trembled. “Then… I accept. From this moment, I shall serve as your assistant, my Lord.”

I chuckled softly. “You sound so formal. Relax, Cristy. You’ll get used to me.”

I raised her chin, brushing a stray lock of hair away. “Rest for now. When you wake, your real training begins. You’ll learn to balance both dark and pure mana under my system’s guidance.”

She nodded, blushing as she lay down. Sleep took her almost instantly.

“Another soul saved,” I murmured. “And another reason to grow stronger.”

Then I turned toward the other girl, who had started to stir.

“Guess my day’s not over yet.”