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Chapter 9: The First Step into Shadows
(POV: Kai)
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"Are you sure about this?"
Azazel's lazy voice pulled me from my thoughts.
We stood atop a massive cliff, gazing down at a ruined village shrouded in smoke and the stench of blood.
The first mission Azazel entrusted me with — simple recon and monster suppression... supposedly.
I adjusted the dragon-shaped earring dangling from my right ear.
Cold vapor escaped my mouth with every breath, even in this hellish heat.
> "I'm not some greenhorn you picked up from the street, Azazel."
"Let's get this over with."
He smirked. "Well, can't say I'm not entertained. Show me what you got, kid."
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(Inner Monologue)
"God, how many times have I seen this cliché in anime? 'First Mission' always turns into a bloodbath."
"Better not slack off. This is a perfect time to awaken more of my power."
My Gate of Babylon shimmered into existence behind me, swirling lazily.
Swords. Spears. Armors.
Each one a legend... mine for the taking.
I descended.
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The village was a ghost town.
Corpses littered the streets — not fresh. Whatever attacked had been thorough.
Suddenly—
A screech split the air.
A demon beast, twice the size of a truck, lunged from a ruined chapel, its body stitched from rotten flesh and broken magic.
I reacted instantly.
Haki flared from my body, a thin, invisible armor.
A portal opened; a gleaming spear shot out, embedding itself in the monster's skull.
> Splat!
The creature collapsed in a heap, twitching.
Azazel whistled from the cliff.
"Show-off," he chuckled.
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I moved methodically through the ruins, suppressing lingering beasts, salvaging relics.
But somewhere deep in my chest...
a hunger grew.
(Inner Monologue)
"This world's power system... it's mine for the taking."
"Sacred Gears. Haki. Ice Core. Gate of Babylon. If I can fuse them together—"
A chill went down my spine.
Someone was watching me.
Not Azazel.
Something stronger.
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Hours later, we regrouped at a hideout Azazel had set up.
He tossed me a drink.
"Not bad for a first day. You're already better than most middle-class devils."
I caught it without looking.
Took a swig, grimacing at the bitter taste.
> "Tastes like feet."
Azazel laughed.
"Get used to it. Real battlefield experience tastes worse."
I flopped down onto a broken couch, letting exhaustion wash over me.
And yet...
My Gates remained partially open, weapons hovering defensively.
Because something told me...
...this was just the beginning.
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Chapter 10: Whispered Rumors and Fallen Wings
(POV: Kai)
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The next week was a blur.
Missions after missions — exterminations, escorts, clean-ups.
Demons, rogue devils, stray exorcists.
Each fight sharpened my reflexes.
Each victory tightened my control over my Sacred Gear and Ice Core.
But Azazel had bigger plans.
One night, under a starless sky, he invited me into a hidden lounge inside an abandoned church.
Dozens of exorcists, fallen angels, and mercenaries sat around, nursing drinks and scars.
And at the center table...
A silver-haired boy.
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He radiated power even while doing absolutely nothing.
His presence pressed against my instincts like a predator sizing up another.
Vali Lucifer.
He hadn't noticed me yet.
Or rather...
he hadn't cared to.
(Inner Monologue)
"So this is the future White Dragon Emperor, huh?"
"This dude's dangerous. Not in the 'loud idiot' way... but in the 'I'll rip your head off if you blink wrong' kind of way."
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Azazel slapped my back.
"Go say hi."
I sent him a murderous glare.
But ultimately...
I moved forward.
Because fear?
Was a luxury I abandoned the moment I transmigrated here.
Vali finally looked up as I approached, those icy eyes narrowing fractionally.
> "You're strong," he said flatly.
"But you're not ready."
Not a greeting.
A judgment.
Typical anime rival energy.
> "Neither are you." I smirked coolly, summoning a tiny golden portal and flicking out a dagger made of mythril.
Vali's lips curled — not quite a smile.
Azazel laughed in the background, watching like a proud dad.
> "Let's see if you survive, newcomer."
"You'll be useful... if you live."
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