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Kazuki Raiden stood on the field outside his estate, the wind blowing gently against his skin. The thrill of unlocking his abyss manipulation powers still lingered in his veins, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Power, true power, now coursed through him. He had trained hard for this moment, and he wanted to test the limits of what he could do.
As he closed his eyes, sensing the demonic energy in the air, he suddenly felt a disturbance nearby. The presence was faint, but unmistakable—a group of stray devils, wandering too close to his territory.
A smile crept onto Kazuki's face. "Perfect timing."
Without hesitation, he leaped into action, his movements swift and precise. It didn't take long for him to locate the group of stray devils. They were pathetic, twisted creatures—corrupted forms of their original selves, barely able to maintain their shape. A low-level threat at best.
"Let's see what this new power can do."
Kazuki didn't waste time. Channeling his newly unlocked abyss manipulation abilities, dark energy surged around him, swirling like a vortex of shadow. The air grew heavy as the devils noticed his presence, but before they could react, Kazuki unleashed a wave of dark energy that obliterated them in an instant. Their bodies disintegrated into nothingness, consumed by the abyss.
He watched their remains fade away, but instead of feeling satisfaction, he felt… disappointed.
"That was too easy," Kazuki muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "They were weak."
**[Host, those were low-level strays. Hardly a challenge for someone at your level.]** The system's voice chimed in, trying to reassure him.
Kazuki crossed his arms, still frowning. "I need stronger opponents. This isn't enough."
**[Don't worry, host. Soon, you'll face far stronger enemies. Your journey is just beginning, after all.]**
Kazuki's expression softened as the system's words sank in. It was right—this was only the start. His true test lay ahead, and the thought of the battles to come filled him with excitement. A smirk played on his lips.
"Tomorrow," he murmured to himself, his gaze wandering across the horizon. "Tomorrow is when the story truly begins."
The anticipation bubbled inside him. After all, in his past life, he had been a hardcore otaku, immersed in the world of anime, manga, and light novels. Now, he was living that reality. Tomorrow, he would finally meet the heroines he had only ever dreamed about. The thought sent a shiver of excitement through his body. He was determined to make the most of this second chance at life.
But then something else crossed his mind—a glaring omission.
"Hey, System," Kazuki said, turning his attention inward. "You never gave me my first quest. What's up with that?"
There was a brief pause before the system replied, its tone casual yet teasing. **[Oh, don't worry, host. You'll be given your first quest tomorrow. It'll be worth the wait, I assure you.]**
Kazuki frowned slightly. "Tomorrow? Can't you give me a hint? What's it about?"
**[No spoilers, host. You'll find out tomorrow.]** The system's voice had a cheeky edge to it, clearly enjoying keeping Kazuki in suspense.
He sighed but couldn't help smiling. "Fine, I'll let it slide… for now. But I expect something interesting."
As Kazuki stretched and prepared to return to his mansion, something caught his attention. His senses, now heightened by his training and demonic power, picked up on a presence nearby. It wasn't hostile, but it was... curious. He turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. His gaze finally landed on a figure—a small black cat perched on a nearby wall, its glowing eyes watching him intently.
For a moment, Kazuki simply stared at the cat, and then a knowing smile spread across his face.
"I know who you are," Kazuki said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The cat blinked, tilting its head slightly, as if acknowledging his words.
But Kazuki didn't approach it. He knew exactly who the cat was and what it represented, but for now, he chose to ignore it. There was no need to rush. All would unfold in time.
With one final glance at the mysterious cat, Kazuki turned and headed back toward his estate, his mind focused on what lay ahead. Tomorrow was the beginning—the true start of his journey. He would face new challenges, meet key players, and take his first steps toward changing the world.
And as he thought about it, a grin spread across his face. It was going to be fun.
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**To be continued...**