The next morning arrived quietly, as if the world itself was holding its breath for what was about to unfold.
Inside the modest house, Nobu and Malvek stood ready.
There were no grand preparations. No weapons laid out. No armor shining in the light. Instead, they wore the simplest of clothes—plain garments of household workers. Rough fabric, dull colors, and nothing that would draw attention.
It was all part of the plan.
Malvek turned toward Misashi, his expression serious yet calm.
"Please… take care of my sister."
Misashi, seated with his usual composed posture, gave a slow nod. "You have my word."
There was no need for more words.
With that, Nobu and Malvek stepped out.
And so… their journey began.
The road to the Demon Clan's territory was surprisingly peaceful. The path stretched long and clean, connecting distant cities like veins across the land.
Their destination—
Velmora.
The City of the Strongest.
As they walked side by side, Nobu broke the silence.
"What happens if we get captured?"
Malvek didn't even hesitate. "That won't happen."
Nobu raised an eyebrow. "You sound confident."
"I know someone there," Malvek replied. "He'll help us get work inside the Demon Clan. As long as we stay careful, we'll be fine."
Nobu smirked. "You really are smart."
Malvek shrugged lightly. "I can't fight like you. So I sharpened something else—my mind."
A faint smile appeared on Nobu's face.
"Good choice."
Yet, as they continued walking, Nobu's expression slowly changed.
Inside his thoughts, something lingered.
The future Malvek… the one who once took control of his body… why is he silent now?
There was no answer.
Only silence.
"Look," Malvek suddenly said.
Nobu lifted his gaze—
And his eyes widened.
Before them stood a city unlike any he had ever seen.
Towering structures pierced the sky, their designs elegant yet imposing. The streets were alive with movement—people dressed in fine robes, warriors carrying refined weapons, merchants calling out their goods.
Velmora was not just a city.
It was power made visible.
"The City of the Strongest…" Nobu muttered, almost in awe.
Malvek nodded.
And together—
They stepped inside.
The streets were vibrant, filled with energy and tension.
Nobu glanced around, absorbing everything.
"So… where's your guy?"
Malvek replied calmly, "No rush. We have time before meeting him."
Nobu stretched slightly. "Then let's explore."
And so they did.
They wandered through crowded markets, passed by luxurious shops, and observed the people of this powerful city.
Then—
Nobu's gaze stopped.
"What's that?"A bar?
Malvek followed his eyes and sighed. "That's not a bar. It's a wine pavilion."
Nobu smirked. "Same thing."
He turned. "Let's go. We can wait there… and eat something."
Malvek frowned. "We don't have enough money."
Nobu lowered his head slightly, then said with a straight face, "So we came to another city… broke?"
Malvek coughed awkwardly. "I have a little. But we should save it."
Nobu waved it off. "Don't think too much. Let's just eat."
After a bit of arguing—
Malvek gave up.
They entered the wine pavilion.
The atmosphere inside was warm yet tense. Conversations filled the air, mixed with the scent of food and wine.
But the moment Nobu and Malvek stepped in—
Eyes turned toward them.
Their clothes.
Their presence.
They didn't belong.
Still, they walked in and sat down.
Nobu casually ordered wine… and chicken.
Malvek stayed silent. "I'm not eating."
"Your choice," Nobu replied.
Moments later—
The door opened again.
A young man entered.
His presence alone shifted the atmosphere.
He wore fine clothing, carried himself with confidence, and had an aura that hinted at something far beyond ordinary.
But Nobu and Malvek—
Didn't recognize him.
They had only heard of him.
The Prince of the Demon Clan.
He took a seat at a nearby table.
Malvek leaned slightly. "That guy looks rich."
Nobu nodded. "Yeah… probably."
Suddenly—
Two large men stepped forward and blocked the prince's path.
In the process—
They knocked over Nobu's wine.
Silence fell.
The men spoke arrogantly, demanding money the prince supposedly owed.
When he refused—
They laughed.
"Then give us your sister instead."
The prince's expression darkened instantly.
"You bastard—"
He moved to attack—
But one of them grabbed him by the neck, lifting him slightly off the ground.
They laughed louder.
Behind them—
Nobu slowly stood up.
His eyes were cold.
"…They didn't even have money."
Malvek's eyes widened. "Nobu—don't—"
Too late.
Nobu stepped forward.
"Hey."
The two men turned.
"Who are you?"
Nobu didn't answer.
Instead—
BOOM.
One punch.
Then another.
Both men hit the ground instantly.
Unconscious.
Silence filled the pavilion.
The prince stared, shocked.
Malvek held his head. "You just made a scene…"
The prince regained himself. "Thank you—"
But before he could finish—
Malvek grabbed Nobu.
"RUN."
They dashed out.
Behind them, the owner shouted about payment—
But the prince calmly said, "I'll cover it."
Outside—
Malvek was furious. "Why did you do that?!"
Nobu replied casually, "They dropped my wine."
"…That's your reason?!"
Nobu shrugged. "Also… we didn't have to pay."
Malvek went silent.
"…Let's just go."
Soon—
They reached a refined shop.
Inside stood a man.
The contact.
Malvek stepped forward. "We're here."
The man observed them carefully. "Are you ready?"
Malvek nodded.
"Yes."
Moments later—
They were led inside.
Through hidden paths.
Into the heart of power.
The Demon Clan.
At the entrance—
Two figures stood.
The Prince.
And the Princess.
As they stepped out of their carriage—
The prince's eyes widened.
"…You?"
Nobu and Malvek froze.
Recognition.
Fate.
Everything collided in that moment.
And just like that—
A new chapter of their journey began.