《Dark Symphony》


 The False Satan (Part 1)

    "Huh?"


    That was the first thing he said as he slowly started to wake up.


    "This isn¡¯t my room..." His voice was full of confusion, and his face showed the same puzzled expression.


    He couldn¡¯t understand what had happened to him or what was going on.


    All he remembered was playing his favorite MMORPG when, suddenly, the computer screen started to glow. Then everything went black¡­ and the next thing he knew, he was on the roof of a tall building.


    "Where am I?!"


    He shouted, panic rising in his chest as he quickly looked around, trying to find any clues about what was happening.


    His eyes eventually landed on a small, clean puddle of water on the ground. He looked into it and saw his reflection. But the image staring back at him was not what he expected¡ªit was different, almost unreal.


    A man stood in the water, looking back at him with an impossibly handsome face. His features were sharp and well-defined, almost like they were carved out of stone. His black hair was layered, falling in soft, uneven waves around his face and down over his shoulders. The messy style made him look both tough and well-groomed at the same time. His piercing blue eyes glowed faintly with a strange, otherworldly light, making his gaze intense and almost magical.


    He wore all black: a shirt that fit perfectly, showing off his strong build, and smooth trousers that looked almost too perfect to be real. His leather shoes were polished so well they shined in the dim light.


    Across his shoulders, he wore a deep crimson cloak that seemed to move slightly, even though there was no wind. But the most striking part of his appearance was the pair of curved horns on his head. They looked like they were made of dark, shiny obsidian, and they rose up from his skull, adding a dangerous yet regal touch to his overall look.


    "Wait a minute..."


    He froze in place, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. He knew there was a word for what he was feeling, something like recognition, but he couldn¡¯t quite find it. His mind wasn¡¯t good with words, so "recognition" was the closest he could come up with.


    He stared at the reflection in the puddle, his eyes widening as the realization hit him. This reflection¡ªit looked exactly like his game avatar, Satan! The same sharp features, the same intense blue eyes, even the horns on his head. But... why was he seeing this image? Why was he looking at his game character instead of his own reflection? It didn¡¯t make sense.


    Another thought quickly popped into his head. It seemed ridiculous, but at the same time, it felt strangely possible. After all, he was thinking about something that only existed in a game or a fantasy world, not something real.


    But he decided to give it a try. It couldn¡¯t hurt, and maybe it would help him figure out if what he was going through was actually happening or just some weird dream, a fantasy his mind had made up.


    He slowly raised his arm, feeling the unfamiliar weight of his new body. Carefully, he touched his face. As soon as his fingers made contact with his skin, he looked at the reflection in the puddle. To his shock, the image in the water copied his movements exactly. This meant the strange experience he was having was real¡ªit wasn¡¯t just in his head. Nor a daydream.


    "I can¡¯t believe this... to think that one day I¡¯d actually become my game character..." he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with disbelief. The thought was so wild, so unbelievable, yet here he was. Why couldn¡¯t he be the character? It wasn¡¯t something anyone, including himself, could ever have imagined coming true.


    He paused, the weight of the situation sinking in.


    He placed his hand on his chin, thinking deeply, rubbing it as his mind raced. He needed to figure this out, but where to start?


    Then a thought struck him. Perhaps it would be a good idea to check if he still had all the powers and abilities from the game. That was the real test. It would be a huge letdown if he only had the appearance of his character but none of the abilities that came with it.


    In World Without Grace, the MMORPG he had been playing, there were no fixed roles like mage, warrior, or thief. Instead, players had the freedom to create their characters however they liked by choosing different skills and stats.


    The game started with players picking one of five weapons: staff, one-handed sword, knuckles, halberds, or katanas. Each weapon unlocked a skill tree, which was a list of abilities players could learn. These skills were arranged in 15 levels (tiers), and players could unlock new skills as they leveled up. To unlock or improve a skill, players needed skill points, which were earned by leveling up. But skill points were limited, so players had to spend them wisely. If they made a mistake, they could only fix it by using a rare item called the Book of the Forgotten or by paying real money.


    In addition to weapon skills, there were other types of skills, like buffs to make yourself stronger, debuffs to weaken enemies, and support skills for healing or helping allies. Most skills could be mixed and matched, so players could create unique combinations. However, some skills only worked with specific weapons.


    Players also earned stat points as they leveled up, which they could use to increase attributes like strength (for physical attacks), magic (for spells), defense (to take less damage), or speed (to move or attack faster). Like skill points, stat points were limited, so players had to think carefully about where to put them.


    The highest level in the game was 1000, and by then, players would have 5000 skill points to use. Building a strong character required careful planning because leveling up took a lot of time. On top of that, players could find or earn powerful equipment, like rare SSR-ranked gear, which gave special abilities. For example, some gear let players fly or made them immune to certain types of damage.


    Satan¡¯s build was designed to be a pure mage. Most of his skill points were spent maxing out the staff skill tree, which focused on powerful spells and long-range magic attacks.


    To make sure he could survive tough battles, he also invested some points in defensive buff skills. These skills increased his resistance to magic, physical attacks, and status effects like poison or paralysis.


    Finally, he spent a small portion of his points on one-handed sword skills. These were for close-range combat, so if enemies got too close, he could still fight back effectively. Even though it wasn¡¯t his main focus, it gave him a way to handle unexpected situations.


    "Let¡¯s try something simple," he said, taking a deep breath. He was about to cast a spell when another thought interrupted him.


    Which spell should he use?


    Since he was just testing, it would be better to start with a low-level spell. High-level spells could cause a lot of damage.


    How about flying? Nah, he could use his cloak for that... It might be better to try that first. Plus, if his equipment worked, then his spells should too, right?The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Alright, here we go!"


    With a burst of energy, he jumped into the air. The moment his feet left the ground, the air around him seemed to shake, and the floor cracked. Small pieces of stone broke off as he soared upwards. His red cloak fluttered behind him as he rushed through the air, the wind hitting his face with a loud whoosh.


    He finally stopped as he reached a high point and looked down at the city. Below him, the city of Tokyo spread out, with its tall buildings and busy streets clearly visible. The city seemed to go on forever, with roads and buildings connecting everywhere, giving him a strange feeling from so high up.


    "This looks like Tokyo. Am I in Japan?"


    He had always wanted to visit Japan, but never had the money... even though he came from a rich family. He had wasted most of his fortune on women and other things that wealthy men often do. He couldn¡¯t really blame himself¡ªmany men would probably do the same.


    As he looked down at the city, another thought popped into his head.


    If he had become his game character, maybe others had too. What if there were other players out there... maybe some were not in their right minds? Or even worse, what if there were world bosses around?


    The very thought of world bosses made him shiver. Why wouldn¡¯t it? They were the strongest of the strong, the ultimate challenges in the game. It took hundreds of players working together just to stand a chance against them, let alone defeat them. And that was before considering their insane resistances, immunity to most attacks, and their abilities that were way too powerful. Trying to fight one alone was like asking to die. He had learned that lesson the hard way.


    Before all this¡ªbefore whatever had happened to him¡ªhe had been battling one of the toughest bosses in the game: the Lord of the Seven Deadly Sins. This creature was a giant, at least ten feet tall. Its head was animal-like, with two long, curved horns that stretched back from its skull. Its eyes were a dull gold, lifeless and cold, while its face had a twisted, unnatural look to it. Behind it, huge, dark wings stretched out like ragged banners. These wings were so large, they could cover its whole body. Its hands were sharp, like claws, ready to tear anything apart.


    The Lord of the Seven Deadly Sins wasn¡¯t just any boss. It was infamous in the game for being nearly impossible to defeat. To beat it, players had to kill it seven times in seven different ways. It couldn¡¯t be hurt by most types of attacks, including Holy, Unholy, Light, and Dark magic. It shrugged off death spells, time-freezing magic, soul attacks¡ªpretty much anything that could normally defeat a monster. Even regular attacks barely affected it. The creature would only take damage from level 900 players or higher, and only weapons and armor ranked SSR or above could harm it.


    Foolishly, he had decided to take it on by himself, thinking his skills and equipment were enough to handle the monster. He couldn¡¯t have been more wrong. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t even get the boss¡¯s health below 90%. Its counterattacks were brutal, its moves completely unpredictable. Every time he tried to fight back, his own health would drop rapidly, until it was almost zero. He knew there was no way he could win.


    Now, thinking about it again, he hoped that no matter what happened to him, he wouldn¡¯t end up facing something like that again. No amount of preparation or planning could guarantee victory against a creature like that. He just hoped that the world bosses, like the Lord of the Seven Deadly Sins, never appeared in this world. If one of them did, not only would the whole world be in danger, but so would he.


    ....


    Satan landed back in the exact spot where he had taken off, sitting down.


    He wondered,What should I do?


    He wanted to explore Japan¡ªit was a dream of his for years¡ªbut there was one big problem: his appearance. If people saw him, it would cause panic, and he couldn¡¯t blame them for that.


    Just think about it. You¡¯re an ordinary person, walking down the street, minding your own business, and suddenly, someone appears in front of you. They look almost human, but something¡¯s off. This person has horns on their head, their eyes glow faintly, and they¡¯re dressed in what looks like the clothing of a demon king from a storybook. They don¡¯t just look dangerous¡ªthey feel dangerous, like they could destroy everything around them without even trying.


    Even if this strange person didn¡¯t do anything, their mere presence would terrify people. It¡¯s not every day you see someone who seems more like a powerful monster than a human. And if they had abilities far beyond what humans could even imagine?


    Satan understood this all too well. If the world learned about him, he might become a target¡ªof fear, curiosity, or even hatred. People might try to control him or eliminate him because they didn¡¯t understand who he really was.


    He considered the possibility of explaining himself, of telling the truth. Maybe, he thought,if I tell them I¡¯m just a regular person who somehow turned into my game character, it might calm things down.


    But deep down, he didn¡¯t want that. He didn¡¯t want to ruin the excitement of living as Satan. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be something extraordinary, something he had always dreamed of. Ever since he was a child, he had imagined being the Devil himself. Hearing about the Devil in Bible stories had fascinated him, and he had his Christian mother to thank for planting that seed in his mind¡ªthough he turned out far less devout than she¡¯d hoped.


    No, he couldn¡¯t reveal the truth. Not yet. For now, it was safer¡ªand more fun¡ªto stay hidden.


    Reaching into his inventory, Satan searched for something that could help him stay hidden. His inventory was a swirling, dark space that held all his items¡ªjust like in the game. Most of his things, however, were stored in his [Player Base], a personal area given to players who had completed the main story. It was a safe place where players could store items, build structures, and customize their base however they liked.


    After a moment, he pulled out a small mirror.


    The mirror looked exactly as it had in the game. Its handle was made of smooth, dark wood, polished to perfection. The frame was golden and decorated with two swans on either side. Their wings curved gently toward the top of the frame, where they met. The mirror itself was made of crystal that glowed faintly, giving off an almost magical aura.


    This was the Mirror of Hidden, an SR-ranked item that could make its user completely invisible for as long as they wanted. In the game, it was one of the best stealth tools available. However, even though it could make someone invisible, it wasn¡¯t perfect. Other players with high detection skills or special items could still sense movement or sound if they were paying attention.


    Satan gripped the mirror tightly, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.


    In the game, it was simple¡ªyou just clicked on the item, and your character would vanish instantly. But now, in this strange real-world version, he had no idea what to do.


    Maybe I just need to look into it?he thought. For some reason, the idea felt right, almost like a voice was whispering the answer to him.


    Slowly, he held the mirror in front of him. As soon as he did, the mirror began to glow brighter and brighter until it bathed him in light. The glow wrapped around his body like a gentle mist, and then it faded, leaving nothing behind. He was completely invisible.


    ¡°Well then...¡± he muttered, a grin spreading across his face.


    Satisfied, he placed the mirror back into his inventory. It was comforting to know he had something so useful. With this item, he could move around unnoticed and avoid any trouble.


    ¡°First stop¡ªShinjuku!"


    He activated the flight ability of his cloak, Tear of Innocent Blood, an Ex Rank item. The moment he did, his body lifted off the ground, and he soared into the air. This was the cloak¡¯s most basic function¡ªallowing him to fly effortlessly.


    The real power of the cloak, however, was in the additional layer of defense it gave. While Satan was already immune to many status effects, like poison, paralysis, and instant death, the cloak further reinforced his resistance to all status ailments. It provided an extra layer of protection, making him even harder to harm.


    The cloak¡¯s defenses gave him the ability to shrug off things like knockback and control effects as well.


    However, even with all its power, it wasn¡¯t foolproof. There were ways to bypass these protections if an opponent had specialized abilities or the right tools. Still, for the most part, the cloak was a powerful safeguard.


    Satan didn¡¯t wear it for its defensive abilities alone, though. It was part of a set, and wearing the full set unlocked a hidden, powerful ability¡ªsomething even more useful in certain situations.


    That was the true reason he kept it on.


    "Here we go!"


    Satan took off, flying toward Shinjuku.


    Even though this was his first time in Japan, he wasn¡¯t completely unfamiliar with the city. Before all of this, he had spent hours studying maps and guides online, daydreaming about visiting the country one day. Whether it was a stroke of luck or his love for planning ahead, he felt confident in his knowledge.


    As he soared through the sky, he deliberately kept his speed slow. His body, radiating energy and heat, could easily cause destruction if he wasn¡¯t careful. He had read stories about how objects moving faster than sound could shatter windows, damage buildings, or worse. The last thing he wanted was to cause chaos by accident.


    Soon, the familiar sight of Shinjuku came into view. From above, the city glittered under the sunlight, alive and bustling even during the day. Towering skyscrapers gleamed, trains zipped through the urban sprawl, and cars snaked through the streets below.


    He paused midair, hovering high above the crowded streets. His crimson cloak fluttered gently as he surveyed the city below.


    Before he could decide, something unusual caught his attention¡ªa figure falling from the sky.


    "What the heck?!" Satan muttered, narrowing his glowing blue eyes.


    The shape tumbled downward, flailing arms and legs making it clear this wasn¡¯t an object¡ªit was a person. Long hair whipped around wildly as they fell, and their descent was rapid.


    Without thinking, Satan launched himself forward at lightning speed. The wind roared in his ears, and his cloak trailed behind him like a red comet as he closed the distance. In just seconds, he reached the falling figure and caught them in his arms.


    The impact jolted him slightly, but he quickly steadied himself, hovering in the air. A weight pressed against him¡ªthe person he had caught was a woman.


    "A woman?" he said, glancing at her face. ¡°No... a milf? Dropping out of the sky? What is this, a rom-com?¡±


    She looked to be in her 30s, her face beautiful despite being bruised and covered in ash. Her long hair was tangled and singed in places, and her clothes were badly torn, burned, and dirty. She was unconscious, breathing faintly, and her body felt limp in his arms.


    Satan frowned. ¡°What happened to her? And how did she even fall from the sky? Did she come from... up there?¡± He looked upward briefly but saw only the blue expanse.


    He shook his head, focusing on the situation. "I can¡¯t stay here. Someone might see me¡ªno, not me, her standing still in mid-air. I need to get her somewhere safe."


    Looking down at the crowded streets of Shinjuku, he realized landing there would cause a scene. His demonic appearance was already enough to spark panic¡ªcarrying an unconscious woman would only make things worse.


    ¡°Not here,¡± he muttered. ¡°Somewhere quiet.¡±


    He turned and flew toward a peaceful, hilly area just outside Shinjuku. The journey didn¡¯t take long, and soon he found a secluded spot surrounded by trees. The soft grass beneath him looked like a safe place to set her down.


    Gently, Satan placed the woman on the ground and knelt beside her. Her injuries were worse than he had thought¡ªdeep cuts, burns, and bruises covered her body.


    "I don¡¯t have any healing spells..." he muttered, frustrated. His skill set as a mage focused on destruction and combat, not support or healing.


    "But I have something better," he said, opening his inventory.


    From the swirling dark space, he pulled out a small glass bottle. The liquid inside glowed a brilliant red, radiating warmth and energy. This was a top-tier healing potion, capable of fully restoring even the most gravely injured person.


    Carefully, Satan uncorked the bottle and held it to the woman¡¯s lips. He tilted it gently, letting a few drops of the liquid slide into her mouth.


    As the potion took effect, her wounds began to close. Cuts sealed themselves, burns faded, and her breathing became steady. The bruises on her face disappeared, and her complexion returned to a healthy glow.


    ¡°Good. It¡¯s working,¡± he said, relief washing over him.


    He sat back on the grass, watching her closely. "Now, I just need to wait for her to wake up. Maybe then I¡¯ll get some answers."

 The False Satan (Part 2)

    How many hours had it been? Two? Three?


    There was no way to tell. He had no clock or watch to check the time, and he lacked the knowledge to read it from the position of the sun.


    "I wish I could tell time by looking at the sun," he muttered under his breath. Lying under the massive tree, he listened to the rustling of its leaves as a soft breeze blew through. The branches above swayed gently, their movements creating a calming rhythm. Every now and then, a leaf would break free and drift lazily down to the ground, landing softly nearby.


    Near him, the woman was still unconscious. He glanced at her, then shifted her closer to the shade under the tree. Her skin, smooth and untouched by the harshness of the sun, seemed too perfect to risk any harm. He told himself it wasn''t concern, just practicality.


    As he sat back, another leaf floated down, landing just within reach. He picked it up, running his fingers along its smooth, delicate surface. The tiny veins etched into it were faint but intricate, like nature''s own design. Without much thought, he flicked his wrist and sent the leaf flying toward a tree that stood far away from their spot.


    The leaf shot forward faster than his eyes could follow. It spun in the air, its edges blurring as it moved, cutting through the space like a blade. When it struck the distant tree, it didn''t stop or bounce off¡ªit sliced cleanly through the thick trunk as though the wood was nothing but soft butter.


    The sound of the falling tree was loud and heavy, echoing across the quiet forest. The crash shook the ground slightly, sending birds bursting from the nearby trees in a frenzy of flapping wings and startled cries as they scattered in every direction.


    "Well," he said, sitting up and looking at the fallen tree with a hint of amusement. "That was something." He glanced down at his hand, then back at the jagged stump where the tree had once stood tall. "Even something as light as a leaf can become this powerful when thrown by me."


    The idea intrigued him, and his thoughts wandered. What would happen if he threw something sharper¡ªlike a needle¡ªfrom a much greater height, perhaps from space itself? Would it tear through the ground and create unimaginable destruction? Or would it burn away before it could reach its target? It was a question he would save for another time, something to test later.


    Right now, his focus returned to the woman. She stirred slightly, her breathing changing as her body began to move. She was waking up. He stood, brushing himself off, and prepared to greet her.


    A grin spread across his face as he thought, It''s time to see how well my role-play works. I''ll finally use the lines I''ve always wanted to say!


    He had no doubt that she would be terrified when she saw him. After all, humans were raised to fear the devil, and whether or not he was the true devil didn''t matter. If she believed he was, it was enough.


    The woman''s eyes fluttered open, her expression hazy and confused. Her gaze darted around as if trying to piece together where she was. Slowly, her breathing changed¡ªfirst shallow, then suddenly stopping as her eyes locked on him.


    "Greetings, woman," he said in a deep, theatrical voice, bowing slightly. "I hope you had a pleasant sleep." Straightening up, he ran his fingers through his dark hair and let a devilish grin stretch across his face.


    The woman''s reaction was immediate. She let out a piercing scream, scrambling backward until her back hit the rough bark of the tree.


    "Who... who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.


    Satan grinned widely and stepped back, stopping just a few feet away from her, he needed some distance, and took a dramatic pose.


    "I am the fallen one. The serpent in the garden. The first deceiver. The father of sin. The lord of destruction. The prime evil. I could list my titles and names for days, mortal, but for simplicity''s sake, you may call me Satan," he declared, his voice dripping with theatrical flair.


    This was actually not the usual introduction when he role-played online in World Without Grace. His guildmates were hardcore roleplayers, maybe even more dedicated than he was, and told them to change his introduction speech as it was not dramatic enough, so here he had made it a bit more dramatic.


    "Satan..." the woman whispered. "You mean the Devil? That Satan?"


    "Yes, the very same," he said with a wide grin with excitement on his face, as a feeling of euphoria surged through his body. It was almost like he was getting in heat... you know, like the type a man would be when he does things with a woman in bed.


    "Now, now... don''t be afraid of me," he added, speaking in a softer, almost caring tone. "If I hadn''t caught you mid-air, you wouldn''t be alive to have this conversation."


    "You saved me?" the woman asked, surprised, she couldn''t understand why would the individual who called himself the devil save her life, wasn''t he supposed to be a being of pure evil?


    "Yes, I did. Don''t make me repeat myself, woman. I don''t like it," Satan replied, keeping up his role. "Now, answer the question."


    Then tears welled up in the woman''s eyes.


    Huh? She is crying, why? he wondered.


    He couldn''t understand it. The woman had just met him, and now she was crying. Was it the fear? The shock? Or perhaps it was something else entirely? He stared at her, trying to make sense of her reaction. What could be so overwhelming that it would bring her to tears?


    "It happened out of nowhere..." the woman''s voice trembled as she continued, "We were playing together when suddenly a boy dressed in leaves and cobwebs appeared, holding a sword and a dagger, with a flute tied to his waist. He grabbed her forcefully. I tried to stop him, but he was far stronger than me." Her voice shook. "He grew annoyed, lifted me with some strange force, and with just a glare, hurled me high into the sky."


    "I see..." Satan said, nodding as he processed the information. Oof... I wasn''t expecting that. But there''s only one person I know who dresses in clover leaves and cobwebs... carrying a sword, a dagger, and a flute...


    He hesitated.


    Being in another world¡ªor perhaps finding himself in the same kind of world as his game character¡ªwas one thing. But this? This was ridiculous. Still, if transmigration¡ªor isekai¡ªwas real, then anything was possible.


    "Woman, how familiar are you with fairy tales?" Satan asked. It felt absurd to ask, but he needed confirmation, since not everyone knew about fairy tales, and he wished she knew, otherwise this was going to take a long time to explain.


    "Not much," the woman replied.


    "Oh..." Satan said, with a disappointed tone.


    Then, realization hit the woman. "Are you saying the person who kidnapped my daughter is a fairy tale character?"


    "Yes," Satan said grimly. "Even I found it hard to believe... Where I came from, fairy tales were just stories. But here? Perhaps not."Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Where you came from?" the woman asked, "You mean Hell, right?"


    Shit! Shit! Shit! My mouth slipped!


    He internally panicked, but managed to keep his face calm.


    "There''s no need for you to know that, for that was nothing but something left to be forgotten," he added, "Now, coming to the culprit, there''s only one person who fits that description."


    "Who?" she asked quickly.


    "None other than the infamous Peter Pan," Satan said.


    "Peter Pan?" she repeated, stunned. "The boy who takes children to Neverland so they never grow up and live happily among fairies? That Peter Pan?"


    "Huh? I thought you said you didn''t know about fairy tales, but you know about Peter Pan?" Satan said. "You lying to me."


    "No! It''s something I saw on my phone," the woman answered.


    Satan just nodded his head.


    "But I don''t understand, why would he kidnap my daughter? Isn''t he supposed to be a good guy, who only takes unhappy and neglected children? But I never neglected my child or made her unhappy."


    "Oh, so you''ve also been blinded by the sugarcoated version," Satan said coldly. He always got annoyed by the fact that people believed the childish version of fairy tales that were altered to make them so-called "appropriate." "Contrary to popular belief, fairy tales weren''t created to teach good morals but to instill fear and caution. Most original fairy tale characters are dark and twisted, and Peter Pan is no exception. Neverland isn''t the paradise it''s made out to be."


    The woman''s face turned pale with fear. "What''s going to happen to my daughter?"


    "In Neverland, she''ll gradually forget you. She''ll live there for years with Peter Pan and the other children until she begins to age. Neverland doesn''t grant eternal youth¡ªit only slows aging. Once she grows older, Peter Pan will kill her or banish her to some unknown place, as he moves on to his next victim¡­ or, as he calls them, his next ''friend,''" Satan explained. "It''s a never-ending cycle."


    The woman gasped in horror, her hands covering her mouth as she processed the grim fate of her daughter.


    "Peter Pan isn''t some innocent boy. He''s a cruel, selfish, and deranged creature," Satan added. He knew well, from the original stories, how twisted Peter Pan''s obsession with preserving the innocence of childhood was... it was almost perverse in nature, one could even call him a pedophile... not actually but borderline. It''s hard to tell; despite looking like a child and having childlike behavior, Pan''s age was certainly not that of a child.


    "You have to save her¡ªplease!" the woman begged, clasping her hands.


    "And why should I?" Satan said. He wasn''t exactly a good guy, and helping this woman was hardly something he''d usually do. The truth was, while he did save her, it was more because he was surprised to see her falling from the sky than anything else. Plus, there was something about her¡ªa mature woman who had aged well, almost like fine wine. That type of beauty was his weakness, and he couldn''t help but be drawn to her.


    But even with that, Satan knew there was no way he would fight an unknown enemy without knowing their power. He had no idea what kind of abilities Peter Pan had, and that uncertainty made things dangerous.


    If it had been another player¡ªsomeone like the guildmates he faced in the game, for example¡ªSatan would''ve been confident in his own strength. He had exceptional PvP (player vs player) skills, and he knew a lot about different battle techniques. He had been through many fights, and his knowledge of skills made him a tough opponent.


    But Peter Pan was different. He was a genuine supernatural being.


    That alone made Satan nervous¡ªwhat if Peter Pan''s strength far surpassed his own? He might be walking into a situation where he was completely outmatched, and that kind of risk wasn''t something Satan usually took lightly.


    "I''ll do anything! Anything you say and give anything of mine I could, money, my soul, or even my body!"


    Wait... did she just say anything?


    Now that the word "anything" had tempted Satan, he wondered if helping her meant he could do anything to her, a thought that briefly stirred a wave of paranoia in him. However, he quickly pulled himself back from it, knowing that was a very dangerous line to cross.


    "Choose your words carefully, woman," Satan warned. "They may lead you to something you''ll regret."


    "No... I''ve made up my mind. I''ll do anything. Even sell my soul to you. Just please bring my daughter back," she cried.


    He couldn''t believe he was actually feeling bad for her.


    "Fine, I will," Satan said. It wouldn''t suit him to deny the woman help¡ªnot after she said she would do anything. "But do you have something of your daughter''s? I need a personal item to locate her."


    In his inventory, he had a special item that required something personal to open a portal to the person they were seeking¡ªor at least their closest location. One could say that it was some kind of portal opener, and something that he frequently used to travel long distances.


    However, despite that, he was unsure whether it would work or not...


    "My daughter''s favorite teddy bear¡­ it''s in our house," the woman said urgently.


    "Then let''s head to your house. I''ll retrieve the item, and you''re coming with me. Your presence will comfort your daughter," Satan said, as there was a chance that her daughter might not be in good condition and in such situations, a mother''s motherly and warm grasp was needed.


    "Yes," she nodded, determined.


    "This is going to be an interesting rescue mission," Satan muttered to himself, trying to show a wicked smile tugging at his lips.


    I just hope I make it out of this alive...


    ....


    "See, this is her favorite teddy..." the woman said, handing the small bear to Satan with a hint of hesitation in her voice.


    Satan took the teddy bear into his hands and inspected it closely. It stood about 35 centimeters tall, its fluffy white fur soft to the touch. Around its neck was a neatly tied blue ribbon that formed a small bow, giving the toy a delicate charm. Its round, black button-like eyes seemed to gleam with innocence, and a small, stitched smile gave it a cheerful and comforting expression.


    What an ugly little abomination... he thought, holding back a grimace. Why do little girls adore such things? Why not something cool, like a super-action killer psycho robot?


    "This must be very special to her," he said aloud, trying to sound sincere.


    "Yes, it is very special to her," the woman replied, her voice tinged with warmth. "She keeps it with her at all times, even while she sleeps. I gave it to her on her eighth birthday."


    "I see..." Satan murmured. It wasn''t hard to understand. Children often formed emotional bonds with toys, treating them as cherished companions. He considered the thought for a moment before asking, "What about her father? Where is he?"


    The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them. He felt as though he had just stepped into a minefield.


    "I don''t have a husband," the woman replied after a brief pause. Her voice was steady, though there was a trace of discomfort. "I''m a single mother... sort of."


    Single mother? Ready to mingle!


    "What a jackpot..." Satan muttered under his breath, a disgusting grin briefly crossing his face.


    "Jackpot? What?" the woman asked, her tone shifting to one of unease as she began to feel uncomfortable.


    "Nothing, nothing!" Satan quickly corrected himself, shaking off his inappropriate thoughts. He cleared his throat, putting on his most innocent expression. "I was just thinking... how can a woman as beautiful as you remain single? And to be a mother on top of that? Is your husband... even alive?"


    The woman''s face darkened slightly as she replied, "My husband died years ago. In a car accident."


    "Oh..." Satan said, unsure how to respond. He really shouldn''t have pried into someone''s personal life like that. The mood between them turned awkward for a moment before he decided to refocus on the task at hand.


    Reaching into his inventory, Satan pulled out a feather.


    The feather was stunning, almost otherworldly. Its white surface was pristine, like freshly fallen snow, and its edges shimmered faintly with a radiant glow. The inner part of the feather gleamed with a soft, sky-blue hue that shifted gently as light touched it, giving it a mesmerizing, ethereal quality. At its tip, the feather glinted with a silvery sheen, and the end had a crystalline texture.


    The woman''s eyes widened slightly at the sight. It was the most beautiful feather she had ever seen.


    "Don''t be mesmerized by it; it''s nothing but a simple R-rank item," Satan said casually. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "By the way, I forgot to ask for your name... and your daughter''s. I need to know her name to find her. It''s a requirement for this item."


    "It''s Tachibana Yuko¡ªor Yuko Tachibana¡ªand my daughter''s name is Yukari," the woman replied.


    "Well then..." Satan said as he gently pierced the teddy''s head with the quill of the feather. "Move aside a bit," he instructed Yuko. Then, in a commanding tone, he continued, "Oh, Feather of Wants, open a portal to the land where Yukari Tachibana, the owner of this item, is located."


    The feather began to glow. Satan plucked it out, handed the teddy bear back to Yuko, and hurled the glowing feather toward the wall.


    "This will lead us to the nearest place where your daughter is being held. There may be enemies ahead¡ªperhaps many. I might have to kill, torture for information, or even tempt them," Satan said, slipping into his devilish persona. Then, giving Yuko a serious look, he added, "No matter what happens, do not leave my side. Do you understand?"


    Yuko nodded resolutely.


    As soon as the feather struck the wall, it shattered like delicate glass, sending shimmering fragments flying in all directions. The broken pieces hung in the air, glittering like tiny stars. Slowly, the fragments began to gather together, swirling in a circular motion. The movement quickened, forming a glowing spiral that grew larger and brighter until it became a portal.


    On the other side of the portal, they could see an image of a lush, green land stretching into the distance.


    "Are you ready?" Satan asked, looking at Yuko, who nodded in response.


    He extended his hand toward her.

 Neverland (Part 1)

    A sharp, cold wind swept through the fields, brushing against the tall grass and making it ripple like waves on a calm sea. Tiny fragments of grass and specks of dust were carried along, swirling and twirling before settling back onto the ground.


    Satan''s cloak fluttered softly in the breeze, the fabric shifting with each gust. His dark hair moved gently, framing his pale, sharp face as he stood motionless.


    He could see a tall, dense forest ahead, its trees covered with lush green leaves that seemed to glow softly in the sunlight. In the distance, towering icy mountains stood proudly, their snow-covered peaks shimmering like silver under the clear sky. Strange birds flew high above, their colorful feathers catching the light as they glided gracefully. The sky itself was a vast, vibrant blue, with soft, white clouds scattered across it, slowly drifting as if carried by an unseen hand.


    His eyes narrowed slightly, and he muttered to himself. "So this is Neverland..."


    Taking a deep breath, he inhaled the air around him, only for his expression to shift dramatically. His brows furrowed, his nose wrinkled, and his lips tightened in disgust.


    "Satan, are you okay?" Yuko asked, her voice filled with concern as she noticed the discomfort on his face.


    "I am not," he replied curtly, his tone laced with irritation. "The air here makes me want to puke."


    "What?" Yuko blinked in confusion. "What do you mean by that? The air feels completely normal to me." She glanced around as though searching for some sign of what might be bothering him. To her, the air was fresh and clean, carrying the faint scent of grass and flowers. Still, if Satan¡ªthe Devil himself¡ªclaimed it was disgusting, perhaps there was something deeper at play that she couldn''t sense. "Is this something to be worried about?" she asked cautiously.


    "Perhaps... I don''t know," Satan muttered, his black eyes narrowing as he studied her. "But you really don''t feel anything strange in this air? Not even the faintest foul smell?"


    "No, nothing at all," Yuko replied, shaking her head.


    Satan frowned, his mind racing. Why was he the only one feeling this way? The air wasn''t just unpleasant to him¡ªit was almost repellent, like a bitter poison clashing against his very being.


    Then he remembered something from the game.


    In the game''s lore, demons were unique beings, born from the essence of negative emotions and concepts. Each demon represented a specific negative force¡ªfear, hatred, despair, or similar ideas. These concepts were their very nature, defining their powers and their existence. However, positive forces that directly opposed these concepts were unbearable to them. A demon tied to fear, for example, would find courage excruciatingly intolerable. Hatred couldn''t endure love, and despair was repulsed by hope. These opposing forces didn''t just cause discomfort¡ªthey clashed with the core of what demons were, creating a sensation akin to poison.


    Even lesser positive concepts, though not as intense as their exact opposites, could still disturb demons. Things like hope, determination, or kindness might not destroy them, but they would feel uneasy in their presence.


    As Satan stood there, the pieces began to fall into place. The air in Neverland must be infused with some positive energy that clashed violently with his demonic nature. Was it hope? Innocence? Or some other force unique to this magical land? Whatever it was, it was gnawing at him.


    "Anyway," Satan said, shaking off the thoughts for now. "Let''s head to that dense forest over there." He pointed toward the thick cluster of trees in the distance, his voice firm and authoritative. "There''s a chance your daughter might be there."


    "That forest... Do you really think my daughter is there?" Yuko asked, her voice hopeful, though a hint of worry lingered in her words.


    "It''s possible, but I can''t be sure," Satan replied. "Like I told you before, the feather only brings us close to where she''s being held. There''s a chance she''s in that forest, maybe even with Peter Pan. If we go by the story, the forest might be home to the Indian Camp."


    "The Indian Camp?" Yuko echoed, confused.


    Satan sighed internally. Perhaps I should explain it better.


    "Don''t let the name confuse you," he said. "It doesn''t refer to Native Americans or Indians from India. The Indian Camp in Neverland is a settlement of forest-dwelling people. The chief''s daughter is an ally of Peter Pan. He often visits their camp or uses it as a base when fighting Captain Hook."


    Yuko frowned, thinking about it. "If the Indians are allied with Peter Pan, wouldn''t that make us enemies? Won''t they try to attack us?"


    "That''s possible," Satan replied. "From what I know, they''re not bad people, but they''re very protective of their land. If they see us as a threat, they might attack without hesitation."


    "And what will you do if they attack us?" Yuko asked, unease in her voice.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Satan answered coldly. "I''ll burn the whole camp down¡ªevery last person, whether they''re men, women, children, or elders."


    Satan''s tone was firm, but a small part of him felt a deep hesitation. He said those words to keep up his role as the Devil, but in the back of his mind, he wasn''t sure he could go through with it. Even though he was no longer fully human, part of his old human nature still lingered. Taking innocent lives wasn''t something a person could do without it leaving a mark on them, unless they were a true psycho killer.


    "You''re going to kill everyone?" Yuko asked, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.


    "Yes," Satan replied, his voice unwavering. "And you don''t need to worry about anyone else. The only thing you should focus on is your daughter. Your daughter is the one that matters."


    Yuko paused, then nodded slowly. I should only care about saving my daughter.


    Satan nodded, his expression serious. "Good. Now, let''s move. Flying might attract unwanted attention. We''ll walk instead."


    Together, they began walking toward the dense forest, the tall trees growing nearer with every step.


    Suddenly, a loud voice rang out, "STOP!"


    The command made them freeze.


    A flash of golden light appeared before them, forcing them to shield their eyes. The glowing orb floated in the air, its brightness fading slowly. As the light dimmed, a small, human-like figure emerged from its center.


    Satan narrowed his eyes, carefully observing the creature. It was tiny¡ªno more than 15 centimeters tall. Its features were delicate, with glowing skin and long golden hair that shimmered as it moved. The tiny being wore a dress made from green clover leaves, cleverly woven to cover its chest and part of its legs, while its arms and legs were bare. Behind it, translucent wings fluttered softly, almost like a gentle hum.


    Is that a fairy or a pixie? Satan thought. Many people confused the two, but in truth, they were very different creatures.


    "Who are you, and how dare you block our path?" Satan demanded.


    "I am Shinegleam," the creature said, her voice clear and strong. "I am a pixie who watches over Neverland, keeping it safe from threats. You two are under arrest for trespassing in Neverland without prior notice¡ªespecially you," she said, pointing directly at Satan. "You seem to be the very embodiment of darkness and evil."


    Satan''s mind raced. A pixie... In the stories, there was no mention of a pixie named Shinegleam or someone who watched over Neverland like this.


    "Straight to the point, my little friend," Satan said with a smirk. "Tell me, who do you answer to? Some pixie queen, perhaps?"


    In the original stories, there was aslo no mention of a pixie queen, so he thought it best to test the waters. Maybe things were different here.


    "No, not a queen," Shinegleam replied firmly. "Neverland doesn''t have a queen. But soon, I will become the first queen of Neverland. It is my responsibility to protect this land from threats like you¡ªpeople who try to take advantage of it, or bring strangers into it and cause trouble, like that bastard Peter Pan."


    Satan chuckled softly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How amusing," he said. "You''re a pixie, yet you seem to hate Peter Pan. I thought your kind admired him, like that Tinker Bell."


    "Do not speak that cursed pixie''s name!" Shinegleam snapped, her voice filled with venom. "She''s just as twisted as Peter Pan, blinded by her foolish love for him. But enough about them¡ªtell me who you are and why you''ve come to Neverland."


    Yuko, who had been silent during their exchange, finally spoke up. "I am Yuko," she said, looking directly at Shinegleam. Then she glanced at Satan and added, "And he is Satan¡ªalso known as the Devil himself."


    "Satan... the Devil?" Shinegleam echoed, narrowing her eyes. "I don''t know who you are or what you''re about, but I can already tell your intentions are far from good."


    Satan gave a half-hearted shrug, a cryptic smile on his face. "Perhaps... perhaps not," he said mysteriously. "What matters is this: we''re here on a mission. If you let us complete our business quietly, no harm will come to you or your people."


    At that, Shinegleam''s small form began to glow brighter. Her golden hair seemed to come alive, swirling around her as her expression grew more intense. "You dare trespass on my land, pollute our air, and threaten my people?" she asked, her voice full of fury.


    I guess it''s time...


    Satan reached into his inventory and pulled out a long, dark black staff. The staff had intricate crimson engravings running along its length, glowing faintly with an ominous light. The top of the staff was shaped like a blade, made from a strange blue material that shimmered as though it was alive. This was no ordinary weapon. It was called "Eternal Cries," an EX rank item. It could function both as a staff and as a sword. Not only did it increase the power of Satan''s spells and skills by 25 percent, but it also boosted his overall power by 50 percent, making him a fearsome force to reckon with.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Satan raised the staff and pointed it toward Shinegleam. "I haven''t threatened you. I simply gave you an ultimatum," he said, his tone steady and firm.


    Hearing his words, Shinegleam''s small form suddenly moved, fluttering backward quickly to put some space between them. Her tiny hands rose in front of her, palms facing upward. A soft, golden light began to gather in the air around her, sparkling and crackling with energy. As the light grew brighter, dozens, then hundreds, of small, glowing orbs appeared, floating around her like a shimmering storm. They hovered in a wide, glowing sphere, casting an eerie glow on the surroundings.


    "Get behind me, now!" Satan ordered sharply. Yuko, feeling the pressure, quickly scrambled to take cover behind Satan.


    Shinegleam''s magic orbs began to twist and shift, transforming into lances that sparkled with deadly energy. With a fierce expression, she pointed both of her hands directly at Satan. "Feel the wrath of Neverland''s protector!" she shouted, her voice surprisingly strong and fierce for someone of her size. "Die, motherfucker!"


    The magical lances shot forward, filling the air like a deadly storm of light, raining toward Satan with incredible speed.


    Without hesitation, Satan slammed the tip of his staff onto the ground. The moment his staff made contact, he chanted the incantation, "Sixth Tier Magic: Volcanic Wall!"


    As the spell was invoked, the ground beneath them cracked and rumbled. Suddenly, the earth split open, and a surge of lava erupted from the ground, rising quickly like a powerful wave. The lava shot upward and spread out in front of them, forming a towering barrier of molten rock and fire. The intense heat and pressure from the lava created a protective shield, blocking the incoming lances as they collided with the wall. The projectiles exploded upon impact, but the Volcanic Wall held strong, shielding Satan and Yuko from the storm of magical attacks.


    "How dare you hurt Neverland''s Earth with your accursed magic! You made her bleed!" Shinegleam shouted, her voice filled with rage.


    Her small, delicate hands came together in front of her, and as she clasped them, they began to take shape. The air around her shimmered, swirling with energy, as her hands formed the outline of a bow made of pure light. She drew the string back, her face set with determination. "Let''s see how you deal with this!" she called, focusing all her remaining energy into the bow.


    As she released the magical arrow, it shot forward with a piercing glow, its tip gleaming with raw power.


    The arrow struck the Volcanic Wall, and for a brief moment, the lava wall shuddered. Slowly, the arrow began to push through the molten barrier, inch by inch, its force seemingly unrelenting.


    Satan observed closely, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the situation. So, she has the power to penetrate a Sixth Tier defensive spell. This means she must be at least level 335 or higher. Unless that arrow has some kind of shield-bypassing property... But even then, there''s no need to worry too much...


    He was still much stronger than her. But there was one thing he needed to be cautious about: his mana consumption.


    Satan''s mind began calculating the costs. The cost of a spell depends on its tier, multiplied by the number of times it has been upgraded. For example, the Volcanic Wall spell is a Sixth Tier magic, upgraded to Level 10, so it costs 600 MP¡ª6 times 100. I''ve got a total MP pool of 10,000, which isn''t too bad, but it''s not as high as some others at my level. I need to be careful with my MP.


    While Satan was focused on managing his mana, Shinegleam''s arrow continued to push through the wall of lava, slowly but surely. He could feel the tension mounting, but he wasn''t worried.


    Satan raised his staff once more, and with a fluid motion, he activated another spell. "Become Ice and Die¡ªSeventh Tier Magic: Icy Wind!" he called, his voice sharp.


    As the spell was invoked, a massive wave of icy wind shot forward from Satan''s staff. The air around it turned freezing cold, and the magical blast reached the lava wall, immediately freezing both the molten lava and Shinegleam''s arrow mid-flight. The lava solidified into a thick layer of ice, and the glowing arrow, now encased in frost, came to a halt before shattering harmlessly to the ground.


    The cold blast, however, didn''t stop there.


    The icy wind continued its path toward Shinegleam. It surged through the air, its biting cold aimed straight at her.


    Shinegleam, however, wasn''t about to let herself be hit.


    With a swift twist of her hands, she summoned a gust of wind to swirl around her, her body glowing brighter as she spun the air in a defensive motion. The icy wind that was heading towards her seemed to bend and twist in the air before reflecting back toward Satan, the force of the attack returned to him with equal intensity.


    Satan stood unmoving, confident that the reflected icy wind wouldn''t affect him. The cold air washed over him, but it had no effect, it shattered.


    "You have power, I admit that," Shinegleam said, her voice cold. "Even more so than me... Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding magic, you''re a total novice."


    "A novice, you say?" Satan replied, his voice growing slightly offended.


    Shinegleam smirked. "When I reflected your icy spell, I could tell it was a pre-defined spell. Something only a novice like you would use. A true master, like myself, would create and manipulate magic by drawing from the sources that connect us all... You are like a beast with power you have no right to wield."


    Satan''s eyes narrowed. "Even so, what are you going to do about it?"


    Shinegleam clasped her hands together, and a bright, swirling light surrounded her. "This..." she said, her voice serious. "I''m going to seal you!"


    She sent a powerful, spiraling wave of magic towards Satan, aiming to trap him.


    "Not so fast!" Satan shouted, raising his staff. "Eighth Tier Magic: Flare Bullet!"


    A powerful, fiery ball shot from Satan''s staff and collided with Shinegleam''s magic. The two attacks collided with a massive explosion, sending shockwaves through Neverland. The ground trembled as the force of the impact spread out.


    The explosion hurled Shinegleam through the air, leaving her injured and far from where she had been standing. Satan, on the other hand, stood his ground, unmoving despite the blast. Yuko had tightly gripped Satan''s arm with both hands to avoid being blown away by the impact.


    As the smoke cleared, Satan scanned the area, but Shinegleam was nowhere to be seen.


    "Is it over, the fight?" Yuko asked, trembling, her voice filled with fear.


    Satan looked around, unsure. "It is... for now," he replied, but his voice held doubt. He knew this might not be the last time they faced Shinegleam. There was always the chance that she would return, and next time, she might not come alone.


    ...


    The forest was incredibly dense, filled with thick, towering trees that seemed to have stood there for decades. Their thick trunks were gnarled and twisted, telling stories of countless years of growth. Some of the trees looked strong and healthy, their bark smooth and dark, while others were weathered and covered in patches of green moss, giving them an ancient, almost mystical appearance. The canopies above were so thick that they nearly blocked out all sunlight, with only faint rays managing to filter through, casting dim, flickering patterns on the forest floor. The air was cool, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and fallen leaves.


    "How much longer will it take for us to reach the Indian Camp?" Yuko asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "We''ve been walking for more than an hour."


    "I don''t know," Satan replied calmly. "This is my first time in Neverland, as well, you know. I don''t know the exact path."


    "What does that mean...?" Yuko began, but her words trailed off, unable to finish her thought.


    "Don''t worry," Satan reassured her. "There''s still a good chance we''re on the right track." Suddenly, his sharp eyes caught movement in the distance. "Wait. Look up ahead."


    Yuko followed his gaze, squinting as she tried to make out what he saw. Through the dense forest, she noticed what seemed to be a settlement in the distance. It was too far for her human eyes to make out any details. "It looks like some kind of settlement... but I can''t see it clearly," she said.


    "I see it," Satan replied confidently. His demonic nature granted him eyesight far superior to a human''s, allowing him to see everything clearly.


    "Is that because you''re a demon?" Yuko asked, her curiosity evident.


    "You could say that," Satan replied, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He could see the settlement clearly¡ªa cluster of tents and small structures nestled between the ancient trees.


    "Anyway, let''s hurry," he said, gesturing for Yuko to follow as they picked up their pace.


    The forest seemed to grow even quieter as they moved closer.


    ...


    Inside a wooden room carved into the heart of a massive, ancient tree, five figures stood, their faces serious and tense. At the center of the room sat a man, clearly the leader. His appearance commanded respect: he wore a jacket crafted from soft white fur, paired with cream-colored linen pants and sturdy leather shoes. White markings painted on his face added an air of wisdom and authority. Atop his head was a crown made from colorful feathers, a symbol of his leadership. His seat, a throne-like chair, was carved from dark wood, painted black, and draped in animal fur, giving it an imposing look.


    In front of him stood a young girl, about four feet tall, with warm tan skin. She was dressed in a brown furry coat that kept her warm, along with simple linen pants and blue leather shoes. A single blue feather crowned her head, a subtle but clear sign of her importance within the tribe.


    Standing around them were three guards. Each wore cloaks made of green fur and brown linen pants, blending seamlessly with their forest surroundings. Their faces bore white markings, especially beneath their eyes, making them look both fierce and ceremonial. They gripped long, sharp spears in their hands.


    "Father," the girl said, looking at the man seated on the throne-like chair, her voice filled with worry. "Everyone in the village is scared. There''s an air of fear among the people... they''re looking to you, the chief, for guidance and answers."


    The chief nodded solemnly.


    A little over an hour ago, there had been a powerful earthquake followed by a strange, explosive noise that had unsettled everyone in the village. "I see, Lily, but I don''t know what guidance I can offer. I am just as uncertain about this as everyone else."


    He had been busy working like everyone else, crafting a new bow and arrows for hunting. His previous set had been broken months ago during a skirmish with a notorious pirate who had attacked their tribe.


    Turning to one of the guards, he said, "Go and tell the villagers not to worry. I will personally investigate this strange event."


    The guard nodded and promptly left to deliver the message, leaving the chief deep in thought.


    As the guard stepped outside, the Chief turned back to his daughter. "Lily, do you think Captain Hook could be responsible for this?" he asked, his tone serious.


    That infamous pirate was known for wreaking havoc across Neverland, and it wouldn''t be surprising if he was involved. The man was so mad with power that he would drown all of Neverland if he had the means to do so.


    "I''m not sure," Lily replied, frowning. She had encountered Captain Hook and his crew several times before. They were certainly strong¡ªor, rather, competent¡ªbut she doubted they had the power to cause an earthquake. That is, unless they had gotten their hands on some kind of magical treasure. "But one of the villagers mentioned seeing a pixie¡ªwounded and bloodied¡ªflying through the air at great speed."


    "A pixie..." the Chief sighed deeply.


    Pixies were a troublesome lot¡ªtiny human-like beings born with mystical powers and the ability to draw energy from Neverland itself. While some lived peacefully and cared for nature, others were mischievous and often caused chaos. Their frequent infighting could lead to devastating consequences.


    "Did anyone describe what the pixie looked like?"


    "Based on the description," Lily said thoughtfully, "I think it was Shinegleam."


    "Shinegleam¡­" The Chief''s voice became heavier. "The Fairy of Golden Winds? The so-called protector who dreams of ruling Neverland¡ªthat Shinegleam?"


    "Yes, Father. That Shinegleam," Lily confirmed.


    The Chief shook his head, troubled by the news. "I see. There''s something else I want to discuss with you."


    "What is it, Father?" Lily asked curiously.


    "I''ve heard that Peter Pan was here recently. And he brought a new friend with him," the Chief said, his expression darkening.


    "Yes, Father," Lily said. "Is that a problem?"


    "I don''t appreciate him bringing strangers into the village without informing me first," the Chief replied, his voice tinged with disdain.


    "Then I''ll remind him next time to seek your permission," Lily said calmly, trying to ease her father''s frustration.


    Before they could continue, a guard burst into the cabin, panting heavily and looking visibly shaken.


    "What''s the matter?" the Chief asked, his voice sharp as he narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so out of breath?"


    "Chief," the guard began, still trying to steady his breathing, "I was walking through the forest when I saw two strangers heading toward the village."


    The Chief sat up straighter, his expression growing serious. "I see¡­ What do they look like?"


    "One is a woman," the guard replied, his voice uneasy. "She''s dressed in strange clothes¡ªnothing like what we''ve seen before."


    "And the other?" the Chief pressed, leaning forward slightly. "What about the other?"


    The guard hesitated, his face pale and troubled. "The other¡­ is a man... with horns."


    The Chief''s brow furrowed. "A man with horns?" he repeated slowly, his mind racing. Something about the guard''s hesitation made his stomach tighten. "Is there more about this horned man?"


    The guard swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly. "Chief¡­ When I looked into his eyes... he waved at me like it was nothing. And then he smiled at me, and at that moment I saw¡­" He paused, his voice trembling. "I felt something... something that made my entire body crawl with fear."


    "What did you see?" the Chief demanded, his tone urgent.


    "I saw death," the guard finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Death is on its way for us."


    The cabin fell silent, the guard''s chilling words hanging heavily in the air. The other guards exchanged uneasy glances, while Lily stood frozen, her face pale.


    The Chief clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he rose from his seat. "Prepare the village," he ordered firmly, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Gather the warriors. We need to be ready for whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªis coming."