Demon Prince is Resurrected

Kana looked at the three of them and waited for an answer.

Mizuki, seeing how tense the situation was, went back inside the ring leaving Yuto and Kaz to fend for themselves.

["Traitor"]

'Deal with the situation sweetie, I'll reward you later'

[... As you wish ]

Yuto and Kaz exchanged nervous glances, unsure of who should speak first. Kaz decided to break the silence.

"Look, it's not as bad as it looks. We were just... having a friendly spar"

Another part of the castle crumbled. Kaz closed his eyes, knowing no one would believe such a lie.

Kana crossed her arms, her glare intensifying.

"A friendly spar? Really? That doesn't explain all this destruction"

Kaz scratched the back of his head, "Uhh, things might have gotten a bit out of hand"

"But nobody got seriously hurt, so no harm done, right?"

She was about to continue her rant when Yuto stepped up and wrapped his arms around Kana.

"Are you mad?"

Kana's irritated expression softened slightly as Yuto embraced her.

She let out a sigh, struggling to stay angry.

"I'm not mad, just... frustrated. I wish you guys wouldn't fight so recklessly"

<-System->

[ Charisma stat is active ]

"Sorry dear, your old man and I were just having a discussion, that's all"

Kana's expression softened further, her frustration replaced with a hint of amusement.

"A 'discussion', huh? It seems like you two have a... unique way of communicating"

He cupped her cheek, lifting her face slowly, "Is that so?"

Kana blushed slightly, her annoyance fading into a faint smile.

"You know damn well what I mean. But fine, I'm not mad anymore"

Yuto grinned, pressing his forehead to hers, "Great, because you're too cute when you're mad"

Kana playfully pushed him away, "Don't get too cocky, buster"

"Keep teasing me like that and you might find yourself sleeping on the couch tonight"

["..."]

"Oh? And here I thought you enjoyed my presence"

Kana's eyes narrowed, "Oh, I do. But everyone has their limits, even me"

She poked him in the chest, "Don't push your luck"

Yuto chuckled, "Alright, alright, I'll behave. No more teasing, at least for now"

"Good. Because I might just have to put up a sign that says 'Yuto-proof' if you keep testing my patience"

Yuto raised an eyebrow, "A 'Yuto-proof' sign? Sounds like a challenge"

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper, "You know you love it when I test your patience"

"COUGH COUGH!"

Their banter was interrupted by Kaz's exasperated cough, reminding them of his presence.

"Kana, I hate to cut your meeting short but Yuto has important business with me"

Kana looked at Kaz, then at Yuto, "Oh? Is that so? Well, I suppose I'll let you boys get to your important business then"

She quickly kissed Yuto on the cheek, "Be careful out there, alright?"

Yuto nodded, smiling, "I will. And don't worry, I'll be back before you know it"

He gave Kana a playful wink before turning to Freya who was looking at the massive crater on the ground.

"Hey Fae"

She sighed, "You two made a mess of things, didn't you?"

Yuto scratched his head, "Yeah, sorry about that. We got a bit carried away during our 'discussion' there"

Freya's eyes twinkled with amusement, "I can tell. But it seems like you've both worked things out, at least for the time being"

Yuto nodded, "Yeah, for now. Who knows what will happen next time Kaz and I get into it?"

He chuckled, "We're like a ticking time bomb sometimes"

She laughed, "That's one way to put it. Just try not to level the entire area next time you have a 'discussion', alright?"

She tried to walk before Yuto pulled her in, "No kiss?"

Freya blushed slightly, her face flustered, "W-what? Is now really the time for that?"

Yuto grinned playfully, "Why not? Come on, just a little peck on the cheek won't hurt"

Freya sighed, then leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Alright, there. Happy now?"

Yuto chuckled, "Absolutely. Now, I better get going before Kaz starts throwing rocks at me again"

He waved goodbye to Kana and Freya, heading off with Kaz.

Kana and Freya watched them go, both shaking their heads in amusement.

"Those two, I swear" Kana chuckled, "They do have some interesting ways of 'communicating'"

Freya nodded in agreement, "That's one way to put it. But at least they seem to be getting along better, even if it is rather... intense"

"Yeah, I guess that's true. As long as they don't accidentally flatten the whole district next time they have a 'discussion,' I'll consider it a win"

Freya laughed, "Let's hope for the sake of everyone's property values that they keep their powers under control"

As Kana and Freya returned to Kana's room, Kaz led Yuto to a backroom that led them to a hidden location inside the castle.

"What are we doing here?" Yuto asked, raising an eyebrow as he followed Kaz into the dimly lit room.

"You wanted the fragments right?"

"I kept them in a safe room"

"So you kept them in a creepy ass room?"

Kaz huffed, "It's not creepy, it's practical. This room is hidden and heavily secured to prevent anyone from stumbling upon them accidentally"

"You opened one door, that led us here"

Kaz glared at him, "Trust me, the outer door is just for show. The real security is beyond this room"

He gestured towards the far wall, where a small panel was embedded in the stone.

"Now, come here and place your hand on that panel"

Yuto did as he was told and placed his hand on the panel. A soft blue light emanated from the panel, scanning his hand.

"Why does it need my scan, I haven't even met you till yesterday?"

Kaz rolled his eyes, "It's not for identification purposes, you fool. It's to verify your magical signature"

"Only those with authorized access can enter this area"

"It's scanning for the one that wields Mizuki..."

"Exactly"

After a moment, the panel beeped, and the far wall slid open, revealing a narrow hallway.

"Come on, the fragments are just up ahead"

Yuto followed Kaz down the hallway, the walls lined with torches that cast flickering light along the passage.

Eventually, they came to yet another door.

"And... welcome to the vault"

Kaz opened the door to reveal a massive chamber filled with artifacts, money, and paintings.

["S-so much gold…"]

'Pay attention dear'

Yuto shook his head as he walked in. The gold was enough to provide him for hundreds of lifetimes, but it wasn't important, at least not right now.

In the center of the room stood several glass cases filled with bright gems.

"Where are the fragments?"

Kaz pointed to the far back, "Right behind that painting of my father"

Yuto approached the painting and gently pushed it aside, revealing a safe built into the wall.

He turned to Kaz with a questioning look, "And the code is...?"

Kaz crossed his arms, "I'll give you three tries, but if you fail... well, let's just say that I won't be happy"

Yuto raised an eyebrow, "Only three tries? This better not be some kind of trick"

He stepped up to the safe and began his first guess: "1234"

Nothing happened.

Yuto tried again: "0000"

Again, the safe remained locked.

"Mother- just tell me the damn code!"

Kaz sighed in frustration, "Alright, alright. It's... 6070. There, happy?"

Yuto entered the code, and the safe clicked open. Inside, he found the fragments he had been looking for.

"Old man"

Kaz groaned. "I know, I know. I should have just told you the code, to begin with"

"Can you blame me for being slightly paranoid, though?"

"Please step outside..."

Kaz's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Why? What's wrong?"

Mizuki appeared in her physical form, "Kaz, we will explain once it is over"

Kaz hesitated for a moment before finally nodding in agreement, "Fine. Just... make sure you know what you're doing"

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Mizuki put up a sound barrier"

Mizuki nodded and channeled her magic, a soft glow enveloping the room as a barrier formed.

"Done"

Yuto turned to Mizuki, he showed the 2 fragments, "Before you absorb them, I have questions I want to ask you"

Mizuki tilted her head, curious, "What is it?"

"Mizuki, we've been partners for four years now, correct?"

Mizuki nodded, "Yes, that's right"

"And in those four years, we've been through a lot together. Trust and communication have always been key between us, or so I thought"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, "What does that mean?"

"The sword of Elise? You couldn't even tell me what you were in the past?"

Mizuki looked away, guilt etched on her face, "Yuto, it's not that simple..."

"I know! I have to find the damn fragments but-"

"I get it, okay!?" Mizuki snapped.

"I thought... I was doing what was best for both of us. I didn't want to burden you with my past, with the weight of what I am"

"But that's exactly the problem, Mizuki"

"You decided by yourself, without even considering my feelings. This whole time, I thought we were partners, equals"

Mizuki sighed, "I know, and I'm sorry. I should have trusted you enough to tell you everything from the beginning"

"But I was afraid... I was afraid you wouldn't see me the same way anymore"

"... Why?"

Mizuki lowered her head, her voice tinged with pain, "Because of what I am. My past, my true nature"

"..."

"It's not something easy to accept or understand"

"And I was terrified that if you knew the truth, you'd push me away, just like everyone else did"

Yuto sighed as he shook his head, "I'm not the goddess or the first hero, Mizuki, I'm your partner"

Mizuki walked forward, resting her head on his chest, "Finding the fragments will answer your questions because that is how it has to be"

Yuto wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sorry"

Mizuki shook her head, her voice muffled against his chest.

"No, don't be. I should have been honest with you from the start. I'm the one who should apologize"

Yuto shook his head as he lifted her face, "Mizuki"

She looked at him, her eyes watery, "Yes?"

He wiped the tears, "You know, I never thought I would see you cry, where did your cocky attitude go"

Mizuki sniffled, trying to regain her composure, "Oh, shut up. I can be vulnerable sometimes, you know"

Yuto chuckled as he planted a few kisses on her neck, "I know you did it for me because a lot was going on back then"

Mizuki smiled, "Yeah, I wanted to protect you. But I see now that my decision hurt you more than it helped"

"It's fine, but hey wanna know something?"

Mizuki tilted her head, "What is it?"

"I found out how many fragments we need to find"

Mizuki's eyes widened with interest, "Really? How many?"

"Fifteen"

Mizuki chuckled, "Well I did tell you that there could be a lot"

Yuto smiled as he pointed at the two fragments behind him, "This makes three so far"

Mizuki nodded, "Three down, twelve to go. We're making progress, but it's still going to be a long journey"

Yuto chuckled, "A long journey indeed"

Mizuki turned back into a ring, 'Ready to absorb them?'

Yuto grabbed the right fragment first, "Ready"

Yuto clenched the fragment tightly, absorbing its power as they braced themselves for what was coming.

He collapsed to the floor as his and Mizuki's consciousness was drowned in a sea of warmth.

Warm energy was seeping into every fiber of their being, slowly but surely, Mizuki felt the power of the fragment becoming more integrated with her essence.

It's a strange but also exhilarating sensation. Absorbing the first fragment wasn't as peaceful as it was now.

As they both opened their eyes slowly, they found themselves floating mid-air. Nothing that they weren't used to, they took a moment to check out their surroundings.

Nothing but trees and worn-down buildings.

- ??? -

Yuto sighed as he scratched his head, "Another memory is going to play, right?"

Mizuki nodded, her voice calm but slightly puzzled, "Yes, these memories are triggered by the fragments, so it would be logical that one will play"

Yuto let out a small chuckle, "This will happen every time?"

"Of course, we're going to have a whole collection of these memories to put the pieces together-" 

Yuto put a finger to his mouth, "Shh, I can see someone running"

Mizuki followed his gaze, focusing on the figure running in the distance.

"Looks like someone is in a hurry"

The hooded figure runs at full speed toward a ruined temple, Yuto floats down to get a better look.

"Let's follow"

Mizuki nodded as they floated down from the sky to trail after the hooded figure.

"Might as well see why he's in such a rush"

They trail behind the young man as he full-on sprints towards the ruined temple.

The temple was weathered and worn, with cracked stone walls and a collapsed roof held up by the wood that fell first.

The air was thick with the scent of dust and mold, and the distant sound of wildlife echoed through the ruins.

They followed the young man as he entered the temple, who started to tear the place apart, clearly looking for something.

Yuto and Mizuki exchanged a glance, sharing the same thought.

"Looks like he's found something interesting inside," Mizuki floated above the hooded figure.

"... Bandages"

Mizuki followed his gaze and noticed a box that had a collection of bandages, they looked old and worn, with frayed edges and faded fabric.

An odd thing to find in an abandoned temple, but the hooded figure did not complain, they simply took the boxes and walked to an old bench.

"Curious... What on earth would someone need all these bandages for?" Yuto looked puzzled, disgusting would be the right word for the bandages.

The hooded figure sat down, and took off his hood, revealing…

"Me?"

Mizuki's eyes widen in surprise, she tilts her head to study his features very carefully, "That is you… but how?"

She was confused, trying to make sense of what they were seeing. Before she spoke again, confused but also fascinated.

"Another...another memory of your past"

Yuto sighed as he scratched his head, "This is confusing"

Mizuki nodded, sharing his confusion, "So how is it?"

Yuto looked at her confused, "What?"

"How does it feel watching a glimpse into your past, but that doesn't quite add up?"

Yuto sighed shaking his head, "Forget that, something else bothers me"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, "Oh? What's bothering you now?"

Yuto pointed at him sitting down, "Where are you?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Yuto points to himself on the bench, "He looks to be around 18, Mizuki, I met you when I was 17"

Mizuki turned her attention to the younger Yuto, she nodded slowly, understanding his point.

"Ah, I see what you mean. You're right, that is a bit strange. You met me when you were 17. So if that's you at 18 here..."

She trailed off, deep in her thoughts…

"Also you were at your uncle's place for two years, so what are you doing here at an abandoned temple?"

Yuto sighed as he shook his head, "So what are we seeing?"

Mizuki frowned, her mind trying to piece everything together. She looked back and forth between Yuto and his younger self, she was filled with confusion and frustration. 

"I'm not sure But something must have happened between the time we met and now that we don't know about"

Yuto shook his head, "No, this is clearly my memory but also not"

"Right, this is your memory, but it's not adding up with what we know. It's like a... a mix of past events, but not quite the way they happened"

The past Yuto, after bandaging himself up, runs out of the temple, and the world around them starts to crack once more.

"Time's up for this memory, it seems we've seen all that was to be seen"

Mizuki nodded, she turned to Yuto, "Looks like that's the end of this one. Any guesses as to what it meant?"

Yuto sighed, "We still have the other fragment to absorb, let's wait till we return"

She nodded, "Right, let's wait until we've absorbed the other fragment. Whatever answers we're looking for might be contained within it"

They go through the sea of warmth again before waking up in a vault, Yuto helps Mizuki up as he picks up the second fragment.

"Here we go again, ready Mizuki?"

Mizuki nodded, "Yes"

Yuto clenched the second fragment which sent them back into the sea of warmth, it took a few minutes before they felt solid ground again.

Mizuki opened her eyes slowly, "Where are we?"

"..."

"Yuto?"

Mizuki turned to face Yuto who had a confused and sad expression, she couldn't help but understand when she realized where they were.

"The Chief's Home"

The place where Yuto was told the news of his father's death, is a memory that he had been trying to repress as it brings him nothing but pain.

They stayed quiet when they saw younger Yuto wake up to the door opening. 

His uncle had a look of despair, hollow eyes that felt like looking into the abyss.

He looked at him with such grief, such agony as he explained that Yuto's entire family died saving the village from the Demon Lord's army.

Both his uncle and father agreed that Yuto's life needed to be saved, and Cynthia gave him the right to her equipment and magical tools.

Yuto denied this as it felt wrong, he was told that his mother died saving him from a fatal attack, and when help finally came, it was too late, only his uncle survived because of his brother's sacrifice.

"They died… saving a piece of shit like me, why?" 

His uncle bit his lip, "Your mother had one last wish for you, and that is to find your happiness one day"

"Your father just wanted you to get stronger and your sister wanted you to keep being yourself"

Tears formed around Yuto's eyes, ["Why did they always think about me? For once, why couldn't they be selfish and live instead of me?"]

"Yuto…"

"Uncle Clovis… can you please leave me be… I need some time alone"

"I'll call you back… I just… need some time alone"

Clovis nodded, which was all he could do, he couldn't look Yuto in the eyes, some part of him felt guilty.

"Get some rest, when you feel better, come to my home"

He stood up from his chair, he opened the door before looking back at Yuto, "I'm sorry for your loss and the fact that I couldn't save them"

Then he closed the door behind him, leaving Yuto to cry, "Why couldn't I have saved you?"

"Again and again, you all die!"

"Why, just why is it so hard? I awakened earlier and I trained myself to the bone to the point where I bled!"

"I'm level 68 and I still couldn't save you"

Younger Yuto buried his face into his pillow, crying and slowly losing himself in his agony.

Mizuki turned to Yuto, who had a confused and sorrowful look.

She knows how much this must hurt to see, she can feel it. She knows that reliving this memory is so painful, so gut-wrenching.

"Love…"

Her voice was quiet and gentle, trying so desperately to break through the haze of sorrow surrounding Yuto's heart.

"Yes, Mizuki?"

She took a step closer, taking his hand in hers, "It's not your fault, you know that. You were young, and you did everything you could to protect them. It just...it wasn't enough"

Yuto gave her a small chuckle, "You told me the same thing back then"

Mizuki gave a soft smile, "I suppose I have. But I'll keep saying it as many times as you need to hear it"

"You must understand that you're not to blame for what happened. You were just a kid trying to protect the people you cared about"

"Mizuki"

"Yes?"

"Something is off"

She tilted her head, puzzled by his words, "What do you mean? What feels off to you?"

The world around them began to crack, this memory was over and they were being sent back to the real world.

"I'll tell you when we get back"

"Alright, I'm all ears when we return"

They go through the sea of warmth before they wake up again, lying on the ground.

- Kaz's Vault -

Mizuki slowly opened her eyes, the feeling of the hard ground beneath them brought them back to reality.

She sat up, glancing around them, waiting for Yuto to speak first.

"Mizuki"

She turned her head to face him, "Yes, Yuto?"

"My mother, sister, aunt, and dad's disciple are still alive, only dad died, so what was that memory?"

"Ah yes, and there is also the question of what your younger self meant, what did he mean again and again?"

Yuto shook his head, "These fragments and memories, these new timelines are confusing"

"Confusing is an understatement. These fragments and memories we've been seeing are making me wonder what is real anymore"

"...reg..."

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, "What was that? I didn't quite catch that"

"Mizuki, I can only come up with one solution that makes sense"

"I'm listening, go on. What's this solution you have in mind?"

"Regression"

"Huh?"

"Think about it, all these memories that don't add up with what we know, it's the only logical solution"

"You mean...all these fragments and memories are like... alternate timeliness?"

"Yes, it's something that's been nagging me since I was 17, because how is it that an older me met you when I was like 30, but here I met you when I was 17?"

"Yes... that didn't make sense to me either, and from the memories we've seen, now it's just raising more questions..."

"So if it is regression, what now?"

"First can you remove the sound barrier"

Mizuki sighed as she snapped her fingers, releasing them from the barrier, "Now what?"

Kaz knocked on the door, calling out from the other side, "Hey, you guys finished in there yet?"

Yuto smiled, "Good timing, please come in"

Kaz opened the door and stepped inside, "What's up? Are you guys done with the fragments already?"

Yuto kindly asked Mizuki to leave, she agreed and walked past Kaz, leaving the both of them to stare at each other.

Kaz crossed his arms, "So... Is there something else you wanted to talk about?"

"Jeez, and here I thought our relationship was at least on friendly terms"

Kaz huffed, "And whose fault is that? You're the one who keeps antagonizing me every chance you get"

"Kaz, what do you think about regression?"

Kaz raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such a question, "Regression? Like, going back in time? What are you getting at?"

"What do you know about it?"

Kaz crossed his arms, "I know that no species can do it"

"And if I could achieve it?"

Kaz chuckled, "Yeah, right. You expect me to believe that?"

"I can hardly believe it myself, but don't you think it's weird that Mizuki is my partner?"

"..."

"Kaz?"

"..."

Yuto sighed, "You know something, don't you?"

Kaz looked away, "It's... complicated"

"Is it some God-level secret?"

Kaz tensed, "You don't know when to quit, do you?"

"Does it have something to do with the goddess Elise?"

Kaz's jaw tightened, "And if it did?"

"Calm down, I'm not an enemy," Yuto raised his arms, stepping back slowly.

Kaz huffed, "You have a funny way of showing it. But fine, I'll humor you. Yes, it has something to do with Elise. Happy now?"

"So you admit, that I am somewhat of a regressor"

Kaz rolled his eyes, "You know, I have to give you props for figuring it out so quickly. Most people would have been stumped for decades"

"…"

"Look, I don't know if this will work, but I might, might be able to send you to the goddess, only for a few minutes"

Yuto's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets, "Huh?"

"Don't get your hopes up. I can't guarantee that it'll work, and even if it does, the price for information might be too high"

Kaz clapped his hands and a giant golden circle spread, Yuto looked surprised to see the circle start to form, "What is this?"

"This is a spell that will connect the past and present. If it works, you should be able to communicate with the goddess"

"Don't I get a say in this?"

Kaz shrugged, "Technically you do. You can walk away anytime. But if you want the answers, this is your best shot"

"..."

Kaz continued, "I'm not gonna lie to you. This spell costs a lot, and the price is... well, you do know how magic is, don't you? You gotta pay for the power some way or another"

"I'll deal with it when the time comes, please hurry up"

"Alright, suit yourself. Just remember, no complaining once it's done"

Kaz began to pour a huge amount of magical power into the spell, the golden circle growing bigger and more intense by the second.

"Brace yourself, this is going to hurt"

"Wait what?"

"Oops, too late"

As the last of the magic was channeled, the golden circle burst outwards in a blinding flash of light. Yuto screamed in pain, "KAZ YOU BASTARD!"

Kaz watched with a mixture of satisfaction and guilt, "Yeah, yeah, I warned you..."

- ??? -

Yuto opened his eyes slowly, the air felt so fresh, so clean it felt…

"Good"

He sat up trying to wrap his mind around where he currently was, "Ugh, when I get back, I'm going to cook that lizard"

"My, still as violent as ever aren't you?"

Yuto froze, this voice, felt so familiar, so… painful.

He turned around to see a beauty like no other, enveloped in golden light.

"It's been a while, hasn't it"

"Yuto"