Chapter 10:A New Beginning

Chapter 10: A New Beginning

Kaito’s head throbbed as he slowly regained consciousness.

His body felt heavy, his muscles sore as if he had been out for days. The last thing he remembered was collapsing on the battlefield, faking his death, and hoping the demons would take him in.

Now, as his vision cleared, he realized—he was no longer on the battlefield.

He was inside a small stone room, dimly lit by a single lantern. The walls were solid, cold, and bare. There were no windows.

"A prison cell?"

His wrists weren’t shackled, but the iron door in front of him made it clear—he wasn’t free.

"Well, at least I’m not dead."

Before he could fully process his situation, the door creaked open.

She stepped inside.

The silver-haired demon woman.

Kaito tensed instinctively, his eyes locking onto her. She was even more stunning up close—but the sharp look in her golden eyes reminded him that she was dangerous.

She stopped a few feet away, arms crossed. Her expression unreadable.

"Why were you fighting for the humans?" she asked, her voice steady but cold. "Do you not know what they’ve done to us?"

Kaito felt his pulse quicken.

He couldn’t tell her the truth. If she found out he was the Hero summoned by the human kingdom, she’d kill him on the spot.

He forced his expression to remain blank. Then, with a carefully measured voice, he said—

"I… I can’t remember anything."

The demon woman’s eyes narrowed immediately.

"Liar," she said flatly. "You expect me to believe that?"

Kaito kept his face neutral. "It’s the truth."

Her gaze hardened, and for a moment, he thought she’d cut him down right there.

Then she sighed, rubbing her temple.

"If you’re lying, I’ll kill you myself," she warned.

Then, she turned toward the door and gestured. "Bring him in."

A second figure entered—a man in a dark robe, carrying an intricately carved staff. His deep crimson eyes studied Kaito with an eerie calmness.

"A magician?"

The demon woman nodded toward him. "Read his mind."

Kaito’s stomach twisted.

"Shit."

If the magician could see his memories, he was dead.

He braced himself.

The magician raised his staff, placing a hand on Kaito’s forehead.

A faint glow spread from his fingertips, and for a tense, silent moment, nothing happened.

Then the magician exhaled heavily and stepped back.

"There’s… nothing," he said, shaking his head. "His memories are completely blank. If I had to guess… he was brainwashed."

Kaito almost laughed in relief.

"System, you absolute lifesaver."

The demon woman frowned, studying him again. This time, her expression was different—less suspicion, more… pity.

She untied him without another word.

"Come with me," she said.

A New Identity

Kaito followed her through a massive stone fortress, the air thick with the scent of burning torches and cooked meat.

The place was far more organized than he expected. Soldiers moved with purpose, weapons were properly maintained, and despite the war, there was life here.

People weren’t just fighting—they were living.

He was led into a large cafeteria, filled with demons of all shapes and sizes. Some had horns, some had wings, some looked almost human. All of them turned to stare as he walked in.

The silver-haired woman raised a hand.

"He was brainwashed," she announced simply. "He didn’t know what he was doing."

The room fell silent.

Then—

A few demons sighed and shook their heads. Others muttered under their breath, but none of them seemed angry.

They just looked… tired.

Like this wasn’t the first time they’d seen something like this.

One demon with scarred arms groaned. "Damn humans… always messing with people’s heads."

Another shrugged. "Well, if he was brainwashed, not much we can do about it now."

And just like that—they accepted him.

Kaito sat down, still trying to process what just happened.

A few minutes ago, he was ready to die. Now, he was sitting among the enemy… as one of them.