Demon Prince is Resurrected

As the kiss grew more intense Yuto pulled back, and he lifted the veil that covered her eyes.

"You have… such beautiful eyes"

"M-my eyes...?"

She whispered, her voice a mixture of uncertainty and vulnerability. 

No one had ever paid such close attention to her eyes before.

"You...you think they're beautiful?"

"P-please don't tease an old woman like me"

Yuto chuckled softly at Luna's words.

"Who said I am kidding?"

He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle as he held her gaze.

"Your eyes... they're like pools of a clear blue lake, deep and alluring, yet holding a hint of mystery"

Luna's heart fluttered at Yuto's words, her cheeks turning a soft pink.

"How can you speak like that about an old woman like me...?" 

She murmured, her voice soft and bashful.

She looked down, avoiding his gaze as she tried to hide the effect his words had on her. 

But her blushing cheeks gave her away, betraying her inner feelings.

Yuto gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him again.

"Old woman?"

He repeated, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. 

"You hardly look a day over 24"

He chuckled again as he continued to study her face, noticing every little detail.

["If she considers herself an old lady… then what do I call Kana?"]

"Really?"

"Yes…"

Luna's face flushed as she finally accepted that he considered her a beauty. 

Such a warm and good feeling filled her chest.

<-System->

[ How smooth Master ]

["Thank you"]

Before Yuto could continue, he felt a smack to the back of his head. 

"Ow!"

He turned around to see Catherine with a pissed-off look.

"So... you told me to leave... to do this?"

Luna jolted in surprise as Catherine suddenly appeared, her eyes narrowing in annoyance. 

She quickly got off Yuto's lap, still slightly flustered from the situation.

"Catherine..." 

Yuto started, rubbing the back of his head where Catherine had just hit him.

Catherine crossed her arms, her gaze still filled with anger.

"I thought you needed time alone to prepare for tomorrow, but it seems you're already... preoccupied with some things"

Her eyes flicked over to Luna who was still standing awkwardly beside Yuto.

"I can explain-"

Catherine raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident.

"Explain what? You sent me away so you can flirt with the local holy woman?" 

She retorted, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Well I did say I'm not a priest but that's not the point"

Catherine rolled her eyes, clearly in no mood for jokes.

"Alright, wise guy, then what is the point? Did you send me away just so you could... woo the local holy lady to help you out?"

"..."

"Luna, can you give us some time alone?"

Luna, who had been silently observing the conversation, nodded.

"Of cou-of course," she said quietly, her voice strained. 

She shot a glance at Yuto before quickly leaving the area, giving them some space.

"..."

"..."

"So-"

Catherine cut off Yuto before he could speak, her arms still crossed and her expression still stern.

"Save the explanations," she said, her voice sharp. 

"I want to hear the truth. Did you just send me away so you could hook up with that holy chick?"

"You're a priestess Cat"

She clenched her jaw, her eyebrows furrowing at Yuto's response.

"Being a priestess doesn't mean I'm ignorant or naïve, Yuto," she replied sharply. 

"I can still understand what's going on here"

"I don't mean to sound harsh but I did tell you what kind of a person I am"

She let out a frustrated sigh, her expression a mix of disappointment and hurt.

"I know what you told me," she said, her voice softer now.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to feel betrayed. You pushed me away only to gravitate towards another woman?"

"Sit down"

Catherine's eyes narrowed as she felt annoyed at Yuto's commanding tone. 

But she held her tongue, taking a seat as he instructed.

"Come here"

Catherine grumbled under her breath but obeyed, moving closer to Yuto. 

Her arms were still crossed, her expression guarded.

He gently kissed her head before looking her in the eyes, "It's my passive"

She stared at Yuto, her annoyance momentarily forgotten as he kissed her head. 

Her irritation was replaced with confusion.

"You're passive?" she repeated, her eyes searching for an explanation.

"Like a skill that adventures use?"

"Kinda except a skill is an ability I can turn on and off when I want while a passive is always active, it takes a lot of will to turn off my passive"

A look of realization washed over Catherine's face as Yuto explained.

"So what was the passive that had you both kissing?"

"Demonic Charm…" 

Catherine's eyes widened in surprise.

"Demonic Charm..." she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. 

"So it was your passive that caused you to... kiss Luna in that way?"

"Yeah... it took a while to turn off"

Catherine let out a deep sigh, her expression a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"Great... just great," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. 

"So the whole thing was just because of your passive, and not because you had feelings for her?"

"Well I do find her rather attractive"

Her eyes narrowed again as Yuto confirmed his attraction to Luna.

"So you do find her attractive," she repeated flatly, her voice laced with irritation. 

"What about me? Do I even matter?"

He placed a quick peck on her neck, "Of course you do"

Despite herself, Catherine couldn't help but soften at Yuto's gentle affection. 

She tried to remain stoic, but the kiss on her neck made her heart flutter.

"Then why did you push me away earlier?"

She asked quietly, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

"In the forest?"

Catherine nodded, her mind recalling the moment in the forest.

"Yes, in the forest," she confirmed, her voice laced with a tinge of hurt. 

"You told me that I wasn't ready and that we should learn more about each other"

Yuto shifted himself, his hands intertwining as he listened to her concerns.

Catherine continued, her voice growing softer with each word.

"And then you send me away, only to gravitate towards another woman," she mumbled, a trace of sadness in her voice. 

"It...it makes me feel unwanted like I'm not enough for you"

"Heh"

Yuto's unexpected reaction took Catherine aback.

"What do you mean by 'heh'?"

"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you but you kinda remind me of Freya and our first meeting"

Catherine's expression softened at the mention of Freya, her curiosity piqued.

"Freya... how so?"

"She asked me the same thing you did"

Catherine listened closely.

"She asked me if I would love her equally if we got together, of course, I said yes because I always keep my promises"

"I know that right now I may seem like kind of a douche but trust me when I say that I love all my partners equally"

As Yuto finished, Catherine's expression softened.

She could see the sincerity in his words.

"So you're saying... that if something were to happen between us, you would love me the same as your other partners?"

He carried her out of the church, holding onto her tightly before putting her down gently, holding out his hand.

"Of course"

Catherine took his hand, her heart lighter after hearing his reassurances.

"And what about your passive?"

She asked, her question half-serious, half-teasing. 

"Will your demonic charm affect our relationship too?"

"Haha, the girls asked me that too but don't worry, my will is stronger"

Catherine chuckled softly, a mixture of relief and amusement on her face.

"Good to know you have discipline, then," she teased, bumping his shoulder playfully.

"I don't want you to go around charming every woman you find attractive"

Yuto gave her a soft chuckle, "Now my lady, shall we go on a date?"

She smiled at Yuto's invitation, a hint of excitement in her eyes.

"A date, huh?" she echoed, a playful teasing in her voice. 

"And where exactly are you taking me, good sir?"

"Why around this whole city of course," he spread his left hand dramatically, showing off the city in all its beauty.

"The whole city, you say?"

Catherine arched an eyebrow, a slight skepticism in her tone.

"And what exactly do you intend to do in the whole city? Are we going to explore all those shops full of girly things like dresses?"

"Whatever you desire"

Catherine pretended to think for a moment, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Anything I want, you say? Well, then..."

She took a deep, dramatic breath, drawing out the suspense.

"Take me to the most extravagant dress shop in the city"

Yuto chuckled as he knew she was playing around, they spent their day going to food stands and enjoying every bit of food they could find.

A fulfilling day that left them satisfied.

As the sun began to set, the last rays of sunlight casting a warm glow over the city, Yuto, and Catherine set up a stay at an inn.

Their bellies were full, and their spirits were high after a day of food and pleasant company.

Catherine leaned into Yuto, a contented smile on her face.

"I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much," she confessed, her voice soft.

Yuto lay back on the bed, "Yeah... it sure was"

She followed Yuto's lead, flopping down onto the bed beside him.

"I'm glad we did this," she said, her voice a little breathless from all the walking they did. 

"It was a nice change of pace from all the... adventure stuff we've been doing lately"

"Well once I deal with my little problem I'll take you on a real adventure"

Catherine rolled onto her side to face Yuto, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"A real adventure, huh? And what does that entail, exactly?"

"Monster slaying or finding treasures and stuff"

"Oh, monster-slaying and treasure hunting, eh?"

She propped herself up on her elbow, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips.

"Sounds dangerous. Count me in"

Yuto sighed as he wrapped the blanket around himself.

"Goodnight Cat"

Catherine chuckled softly, finding Yuto's simple reply endearing.

"Goodnight, Yuto," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of affection. 

She snuggled into the blankets beside him, her body warm and comfortable.

"…"

Elise chuckled as she saw Yuto sleeping, her smile slowly turning to a deranged smirk. 

"But everyone knows that all good things must come to an end… wouldn't you agree, Yuto?"

SNAP

-???-

- The Present -

"Yes... those times I spent with them were nothing short of happiness"

"Cough!"

He spat out some blood, and he looked down and noticed his vision was getting a bit blurry.

"What was I doing again?"

Yuto looked up and heard the war cry of the last remaining demon general.

The masses of countless demons approached him, riding on their hellhounds, spears in hand.

They were prepared to end him.

"Right... I was remembering the past mid-war... it's not like me"

"To doze off mid-battle..."

His knees gave out as he collapsed, he did his best to remove the spears that had impaled his back.

"Is this the end for me, my body is at its limit," he said with tears following out from his eyes.

"Can't keep my eyes open… I'm sorry everyone…"

Yuto collapsed to the ground, finally closing his eyes.

"..."

"Wake up now"

"What?"

"Wake up Yuto… Wake up"

"Who?"

He opened his eyes only to find himself in the heavenly realm, where hours were mere seconds in reality.

Elise hovered from her throne and appeared in front of him.

A sharp pain came over Yuto before he could say anything, he gripped his chest, this pain was far worse than anything he'd ever experienced.

"Even though you are going to continue feeling this pain by using your original magic to save them"

Yuto slammed his fist on the ground and hit his legs to get up.

He grits his teeth as he replies, his tone cold, no warmth like when they first met.

"Even if it costs me my life"

"They are my everything"

"To fight against the demon lord's army, I have to use this skill, even if I die, but as long as I can win…"

Elise turned her head away clearly in pain just by his words alone.

"So be it, I shall allow you to cast it once more"

"But be warned, I do not know if your body can survive the aftereffects, you may win but you will also die in the process"

"Just do it already"

She looked away as she raised her hand, a dark glow coming out from her hand and wrapping around Yuto's body.

Forbidden Magic: Self Hypnosis 

[ The ability to trick the host into believing a false narrative ]

Forbidden Magic: Nullify Pain

[ The ability not to feel pain, but will not alert the host of any life-threatening situations ]

"You know that if one can not undo the magic they will be consumed by said magic"

Yuto gave her a simple nod.

"I see… so this is the path you've chosen… then let your heart be consumed by your darkness with the light being concealed once more"

Elise enveloped him in magic and sent him back to reality.

"..."

"You bloody fool…"

She turned around and walked back to her throne.

As Yuto was sent back his thoughts went back to his uncle's teachings, his harsh but sincere words.

What would he say if he saw him like this?

The painful memory of piercing him in the heart, the whirlwind of emotions he felt that day.

Anger

Sorrow 

And Regret

As Yuto opened his eyes he noticed that the demons were yet to approach him, he got up, pulling out the last spear from his back.

He picked up his great sword as he stopped the bleeding from his nose.

His uncle's words were replaying in his head.

Fight damn it.

Fight until your flesh rips and your muscles are sore.

Until your final breath is filled with blood, fight damn it!

For the sake of the future, you've envisioned and the people you care about so . . . 

"GET UP AND FIGHT ONCE MORE!"

Yuto's eyes start to glow bright red, with his fighting spirit being lit once more.

With the effect of his skills, he practically strangled the last bit of emotion he had left.

"BRING IT HERE YOU FUCKERS!" 

He gripped his blade so tight that his hands bled, he thought of how his uncle and father swung their swords.

Heavy yet swift, it was simply a beautiful technique of the sword.

He struck down a hoard as he continued swinging.

10 Kills.

To not lose oneself entirely to their darkness.

He swung upwards removing countless that stood in his way.

150 Kills

To understand the proper way of how to swing a sword.

He swung vertically, taking the rest of the army down leaving only the General of Wrath left.

Because to swing a sword one must be composed and level-headed.

Final Kill

The Demon Lord's army is defeated.

The 15th Fragment has been collected.

<-System->

[ The Emperor walks once more ]

"Oh yeah… what led up to this again?"

- 4 Years Before -

It was morning and the light was hitting Yuto's eyes, he sat up and tried to get off the bed when he noticed Catherine's arm wrapped around his stomach.

An amused smile tugged at his lips as he untangled himself from her grasp.

He got up and got changed, leaving a note saying he would be at the church.

With one final look he closed the door and proceeded to head towards the church, he took his time, grabbing a warm bread to start his day.

Helping a kid and his mother carry heavy items to their carts.

Stopping a robbery in less than two seconds.

And finally, he got there on time, only to see Luna waiting for him by the entrance.

"Good morning, Yuto," Luna greeted, her voice soft and calm. 

She looked at him for a moment, her eyes studying his face, before speaking again.

"You slept well, I presume?"

"I did… you?"

Luna nodded, her hands clasped in front of her.

"Yes, I slept well," she confirmed. 

Then, her eyes flicked away for a moment, as if contemplating something. 

"Can I ask you something, Yuto?"

"Yes?"

Luna fidgeted with her dress, her expression slightly nervous as she spoke.

"Before... everything happens today," she began, her voice soft and hesitant. 

"I wanted to ask you something. About... what happened yesterday"

"Ah…"

He knew this was coming, of course it was, but he was kinda hoping that she wouldn't bring it up until after the ceremony was over.

Luna's cheeks tinted pink as she recalled the events from the previous day. 

She kept her gaze lowered to the ground, unable to maintain eye contact with Yuto.

"I... I wanted to ask you..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"...about the kiss"

"What... what did it mean?" 

She continued, her voice betraying a mix of emotions. 

Her hands trembled slightly as she spoke, her heart racing in her chest.

["Should I lie?"]

He looked Luna in the eyes and knew he couldn't bullshit her.

"I won't lie, I did enjoy it..."

Luna's face flushed even deeper, her eyes widening slightly at Yuto's honest answer. 

She had expected him to brush it off, but his genuine response caught her off guard.

"You... you enjoyed it..." she repeated softly, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and vulnerability.

"Look um Luna… I'm gonna tell you what I told the others… I currently have four lovers and if you want you can be my fifth… only if you want, I will not force you to do anything"

Luna's eyes widen further at Yuto's proposal, her cheeks flaming red with surprise and embarrassment.

"F-fifth?" she stuttered, her heart beating rapidly against her chest. 

"You...you have four already?"

Her surprise quickly turned to astonishment, her mind whirling with the revelation. 

With a deep breath, she tried to regain her composure, her expression becoming more serious.

"Four others," she repeated softly, her voice filled with a mix of shock and disbelief. 

"... and you... you want me to be the fifth?"

Yuto nodded in confirmation, his gaze steady and sincere.

"Yes," he said simply, holding her gaze. 

"If you want"

Luna bit her lip, her mind racing as she processed this unexpected proposal.

"I... I don't know what to say," she admitted truthfully, her heart pounding against her chest.

Yuto smiled as he walked up patting her head, "Well you can think about it after this ritual"

Luna looked up at him, a soft smile gracing her beautiful features.

"Yes, the ritual..."

She mumbled, recalling the main reason for their meeting.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Yuto?"

She asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yes"

She placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle and reassuring. 

"Then let's do this," she said quietly, her voice filled with conviction.

- Below the Church, Hidden Prison -

As they descended to the prison below the church, Yuto's eyes scanned the surroundings. 

The air was cold and stale, the faint scent of mold and decay lingering in the air. 

The cold stone walls created a desolate and unforgiving atmosphere.

"What the hell is all this?"

"It's an old prison," Luna chimed in, her voice echoing in the empty space. 

"Used to keep dangerous criminals and magical beings captive"

"... Are you going to hide my body here if I die?"

Luna chuckled softly at Yuto's dark humor, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.

"I certainly hope it doesn't come to that, Yuto," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of worry. 

"But yes, if the worst were to happen, this place is suitable to keep your body safe until the ritual is complete"

["Okay… what the actual fuck"]

Yuto's mind reeled at the thought of his lifeless body being hidden.

["Kana no Mizuki would probably destroy the church if it did come down to that…"]

The cold, dank prison, a chilling thought that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Alright then, let's get this over with," he muttered, his voice filled with grim determination.

They entered an old room with a big table in the middle, with a strange marking on its middle, as instructed he took off his shirt and laid on the table.

As Yuto lay down on the cold, stone table, Luna couldn't help but feel a pang of worry deep in her chest. 

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she prepared for the ritual to begin.

"Are you ready, Yuto?"

She asked, her voice a mere whisper, her eyes locked on his.

"Yes…"

Luna took a deep breath and began the ritual. 

She started by drawing intricate and complex symbols and sigils around the table, infusing them with holy energy. 

The air in the room crackled with the scent of divine power.

Next, she placed her hands on Yuto's chest, and a soft, warm light emitted from her palms. 

As the light touched his skin, it sent a burning sensation throughout his body. 

The pain was intense, almost unbearable, as if his very essence was being torn apart.

Tears began to well in the corners of Yuto's eyes, but he gritted his teeth and endured as Luna's energy coursed through him. 

The pain was intense, like fiery knives stabbing into his very soul.

["FUCK THIS FUCKING HURTS!!!"]

"Just hold on, Yuto. You can do this," Luna whispered, her voice a beacon of encouragement amid his suffering.

His horns and wings sported from his body as the holy magic did its best to suppress them.

But Luna would not yield as the room became a tableau of divine power and excruciating pain. 

Yuto's body trembled under Luna's energy, his muscles tensing and flexing as his demonic traits began to recede.

"Almost there, Yuto," Luna encouraged, her voice filled with determination.

"Just a little more"

Yuto bit his lip, the pain was causing his mind to go blank, and he could feel himself losing to his demonic nature.

"L-luna… b-back away…"

Luna's eyes widened with surprise and concern as Yuto's voice, filled with pain and strain, pleaded for her to back away. 

She hesitated for a moment, wanting to continue with the ritual to ensure its success. 

"We can't not till we finished"

Yuto's body shook violently as his wings and horns retracted.

The intensity of the ritual became almost unbearable. 

Yuto's body convulsed on the table, his claws retracting, his skin transforming, as the power of the ritual fought against his demonic essence.

Through gritted teeth, he managed to speak again. 

"Please, Luna... Back away... NOW!"

Luna caught between her determination to complete the ritual and her worry for Yuto's wellbeing, fought against the urge to back away. 

She gritted her teeth and channeled more holy magic through her palms, infusing it into Yuto's body.

As the intensity increased, Yuto let out a gut-wrenching scream, his body arching off the table as the ritual continued.

His screams echoed off the cold stone walls of the prison, the sound filled with torment and anguish. 

Every fiber of his being protested the intrusion of the holy energy, but Luna persisted, determined to complete the ritual at any cost.

As Luna pushed the ritual to its climax, pouring all her remaining holy energy into Yuto, a burst of blinding light erupted from the table. 

The force of the energy sent Luna flying back, crashing against the cold stone wall.

For a moment, the room was silent, except for the labored breathing and the soft groan that escaped Luna's lips. 

Yuto lay motionless on the table, his body battered and bruised from the intensity of the ritual.

"We finished Yuto... the ritual is done"

"Yuto?"

Silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of Luna's labored breaths. 

Luna pushed herself up from the ground, her body tender and bruised from the impact of the wall. 

She approached Yuto slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Yuto?" she repeated, her voice wavering with a mix of hope and fear. 

"Yuto, can you hear me? Are you alright?"

Yuto's eyes flickered open sluggishly, his gaze unfocused and disoriented. 

He tried to speak, but his voice cracked, his throat dry and raw from the screams of pain that he had let out.

"F-f-food"

Luna, seeing Yuto's struggle to speak, realized immediately that he was hungry. 

She quickly went to a supply cabinet, rummaging through it for something to sate his hunger.

"Hang on, Yuto," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. 

"I'll get you something to eat"

She found a small packet of dried fruit and nuts, and hurried back to Yuto, ripping open the package and holding it out to him.

Yuto looked up, and chuckled, as he laid back, "F-fuck am I, an animal?"

Luna blushed a little at Yuto's comment, her eyes widening a little at his unexpected levity. 

She chuckled softly in response, her heart lightning at the sound of his voice.

"No, you're not an animal. But your body has just been through a tremendous ordeal," she explained, her voice filled with genuine concern. 

"You need to eat something to replenish your strength"

"I eat meat... meat, chicken, beer... you have any?"

Luna smiled, realizing that Yuto's request for food was more specific than she initially thought. 

She chuckled softly and nodded, heading back to the cabinet.

"I think I have something," she said, searching through the cabinets. 

After a moment, she found a small packet of dried meat and a canteen of water.

"Here," she said, offering the packet and canteen to Yuto. 

"This should do the trick"

Yuto's eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and relief as Luna handed him the food. 

He quickly sat up, his body still aching but fueled by a newfound energy. 

He tore into the packet of dried meat, the taste and texture satisfying his primal hunger.

As he finished wolfing down the food, he took a few gulps from the canteen of water, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat.

"Haah… thank you"

Luna smiled, her relief evident as she watched Yuto satiate his hunger. 

She sat down on the edge of the stone table, her eyes studying his face, searching for any signs of discomfort or pain.

"You're welcome," she replied gently. 

"How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?"

"My whole body feels like shit but I can manage..."

"Good good"

"..."

"..."

Luna looked down and let out a soft sigh.

"So about what you said outside"

Yuto, sensing the seriousness in her tone, looked up at her.

He saw the worry and uncertainty etched in her face, and he knew what she was going to ask before she even spoke.

["Come on Yuto… face this like a man…"]