The Daily Life of the Demon King

After spending the afternoon with Nani and Lilo, Alex and Rebecca had to say goodbye.

It wasn't that they didn't want to stay longer—there were still plenty of places they could visit. But duty called. As they left the cozy family diner where Nani had taken them, Alex sighed softly, realizing it was time to move on.

Still, a strange feeling stirred inside him—a pull, as though invisible threads of fate were drawing him elsewhere, toward people who might need his help.

Lilo, who had been so lively and happy just moments ago, grew sad again at the mention of their departure. Nani, understanding that their new friends were merely passing tourists, also felt a pang of disappointment.

"You're leaving already?" Lilo asked anxiously, clinging to Alex's pant leg. "You just got here! There's so much more to see."

Alex knelt down so their eyes were level and smiled gently.

"Lilo, someone once told me something important: 'Don't fear goodbyes. They're necessary for new meetings. Because reunions are inevitable for those who are friends—whether in moments or across a lifetime.'"

Lilo tried hard to hold back tears but still asked, "What does that mean?"

Alex gently patted her head.

"It means that if two people are truly friends, the distance between them doesn't matter. They'll always find their way back to each other. It's destiny."

Those words comforted her a little, but the tears still streamed down her cheeks. Nani knelt beside her, wrapping her in a hug, while Lala—the girl's new companion—snuggled against her shoulder, offering warmth and support. Even Stitch stepped forward, momentarily setting aside his usual rivalry with Lala, and patted Lilo's arm with surprising tenderness.

G.I.R. and MIMI, strangely enough, had their own solution: they began offering Lilo candy. This earned a faint smile from everyone present, even Rebecca, who shot a pointed glare at Alex, as if to say, "If you don't cheer her up, I'll empty a clip into your chest."

Alex sighed and addressed Lilo again.

"Listen, your prayer last night was already answered. And the Angel you asked for is here with you now. Take care of him, alright? And don't be sad. Just keep being yourself—the bright, happy Lilo we've come to love."

Lilo's eyes widened in shock.

"But... how did you know? I didn't tell anyone!" She stared at him, bewildered.

Alex smiled mysteriously as he stood and added, "Someday, you'll understand. For now... just keep being you, you little troublemaker."

Her eyes filled with a mix of wonder and hope as she tried to process how Alex knew about her secret prayer. But while she pondered, Alex joined Rebecca, who had been watching him intently and clearly wanted answers.

"What did you tell her?" she asked, placing Stitch on her shoulder and grabbing Alex's hand.

"I just reminded her that her prayer had already been answered," he replied calmly, gazing ahead.

Before leaving, Alex cast a protective spell over Lilo, ensuring that she and her family would be safe from harm. He made sure no one noticed, performing the spell as discreetly as possible.

As they walked through the forest, Rebecca finally broke the silence.

"Alex, she looked at you like you told her something incredible. What did you do?"

"I just told her the truth. Sometimes, that's all it takes to give someone hope."

G.I.R. and MIMI trotted along cheerfully behind them, while Stitch occasionally glanced back, stealing one last look at Lala. Even in the smallest gestures between them, a bond was evident—one that would undoubtedly bring them together again someday.

Rebecca watched Alex intently, expecting a more detailed explanation. However, he simply shook his head, signaling he wasn't about to reveal anything more. With a heavy sigh, she realized Alex was once again speaking in riddles only he seemed to understand.

Alex shifted his gaze to Stitch, perched on Rebecca's shoulders. At first glance, Stitch seemed much calmer than his animated counterpart, but Alex quickly saw through that facade, recognizing the complex and intelligent personality hidden beneath. Likely, Stitch had overheard their earlier conversation with the aliens and drawn his own conclusions.

"Stitch," Alex began, gently patting his head, "I know you have a tendency toward destruction, but you can channel that energy in a different direction. If you ever feel the urge to break or blow something up, just tell me or… your new mom. We'll figure out a way for you to let off steam."

"Mom?" Stitch tilted his head, curiously examining Rebecca.

"Yes," Alex confirmed with a nod. "Rebecca is your mom now. Every creature needs a family, and you're no exception. Even though you were created artificially, that doesn't mean you don't deserve care and love. From now on, we—me, Rebecca, G.I.R., and MIMI—are your family. We'll help you adapt and understand what that means."

Stitch frowned, trying to process Alex's words. The concept of family was unfamiliar to him, but he grasped the most important part: this group of people and beings was now his support system.

Rebecca hugged Stitch tightly and added with enthusiasm, "And I'll make you some toys so you can have all the fun you want!"

Alex immediately flicked her forehead.

"Hey, what was that for?!" Rebecca asked indignantly, rubbing the spot.

"For skipping the important part," Alex grumbled. "Before giving him toys—especially ones that explode—teach him what he can and can't destroy. Love and care first, chaos and destruction later."

Stitch growled protectively at Alex, defending Rebecca. Alex just smirked.

"Relax, Stitch. She deserved it. By the way, G.I.R. and MIMI are just like you. You'll get along great."

Stitch glanced at the two robo-dogs, who were currently darting around energetically, restrained only by their leashes.

"J-just like me?" Stitch asked skeptically.

"Yep," Alex confirmed. "They also get destructive urges sometimes, but as you can see, their energy can be channeled productively. Give them something to break, and they calm right down."

Stitch studied the robo-dogs carefully, then leapt off Rebecca's shoulder and ran over to them to get a closer look. Alex, smiling, quickly clipped a leash onto Stitch to ensure the "cosmic dog" wouldn't run off. Soon, the trio—Stitch, G.I.R., and MIMI—were happily playing together, as if they'd known each other forever.

Rebecca watched the scene with interest, holding Alex's hand.

"Aren't you worried those two might brainwash him?" she teased.

"I am," Alex admitted with a heavy sigh. "Worst case, I'll need to prepare another suit of armor and weapons. Best case… maybe Stitch will keep his independence."

Rebecca couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, but why are we leaving so suddenly? We could've stayed for a couple more days."

Alex, lost in thought, paused for a moment before answering.

"I have this feeling I'm needed somewhere else. Something's happening… and it could turn catastrophic if I don't show up."

Rebecca frowned, trying to decipher what he meant.

"Do you think it has to do with that woman?"

"Unlikely," Alex said, shaking his head. "But my intuition tells me it's something that could determine the fate of others."

The girl sighed, realizing that deciphering Alex's riddles was no easy task. Instead, she simply tightened her grip on his hand, continuing to walk beside him.

His intuition had started buzzing back at the family diner, as if an unseen voice whispered of danger. Alex couldn't explain the nature of this feeling, but he knew they couldn't delay any longer. Rebecca understood that trying to get answers out of him now was futile, so she decided to wait until they reached the new world before attempting to pry some clarity from him again.

The group arrived at an empty forest clearing—a secluded spot where no one could witness Alex opening a portal.

"Alright, we're here. Stitch, go to Rebecca. You two—on my shoulders," Alex commanded, stopping in his tracks.

The chaotic trio had been wandering ahead until the leashes pulled taut, forcing them to turn back. Hearing Alex's instructions, Stitch approached Rebecca, letting her pick him up. G.I.R. and MIMI, more experienced in interdimensional travel, eagerly climbed onto Alex's shoulders. Once everyone was situated, Alex summoned his Yamato blade and made two precise slashes—one horizontal, one vertical.

A shimmering portal appeared before them. Stitch, seeing the spectacle, clapped his paws excitedly, as though watching a magical performance. Alex couldn't help but smile, patting Stitch on the head before taking Rebecca's hand and stepping into the portal.

They emerged into a grand building. The marble floor gleamed beneath their feet, golden chandeliers and candelabras adorned the walls, and a lofty ceiling towered overhead. Alex scanned their surroundings carefully until a distant rumble, like the sound of battle, caught his attention.

Without wasting a moment, he scooped up the trio in one arm and held Rebecca with the other. Though confused, Rebecca let him carry her as Alex sprinted through the corridors, following the source of the commotion.

When he finally reached the right passageway, a massive coliseum opened up before them. On one side of the stands sat mortals; on the other, gods. Yet Alex's focus wasn't on the crowd—it was on the scene unfolding in the arena below.

On the sandy arena floor stood a young man with his fist outstretched. Kneeling before him, bloodied and covered in dust, was an old man. Alex instantly recognized them. The young man was Adam, the father of humanity. The old man was Zeus, the chief god of Olympus.

"Fuck it… I'm too late," Alex growled, his teeth clenched in frustration.

Rebecca, still processing the scene, noticed how Alex's face twisted in anger. His hands gripped the stone railing so tightly that cracks began to spread beneath his fingers.

"Alex, what's happening? Who are these people? Why are you so angry?" she asked worriedly, placing her hand on his.

Alex didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained locked on Adam, whose figure was beginning to crumble into ash, carried away by the wind. The entire coliseum rose to its feet, bowing their heads in respect to the man who had defended humanity to his very last breath.

To Alex, Adam had always been a symbol—a father willing to sacrifice himself for his children. Adam had inspired Alex to believe that a father should protect his children and be their unshakable pillar of strength.

When Alex realized where he was, he thought he might be able to save this man—the first child created by God, the one who started it all, and the one who gave humanity its greatest gift: the ability to adapt.

As the last remnants of Adam's ash scattered into the wind, Alex suppressed his anger. He turned to Rebecca, who was clutching his hand tightly, her worried eyes searching his face for answers.

Alex sighed, suppressing his anger, and glanced at Rebecca, who was looking at him with concern.

"I'm angry because I was too late. Adam, the father of humanity, was fighting Zeus, the king of the gods, in that arena," he finally said, pulling out a cigarette to calm himself.

Rebecca's eyes widened. Even though she had never been to church, she knew who Adam was and what he had done for humanity.

"You wanted to save him? But why was Adam fighting a god? And why is there such a crowd here?" she asked, glancing around.

Alex took a deep drag and exhaled the smoke upward, slowly regaining his composure. Although he hadn't managed to save Adam, the opportunity for revenge still lingered. And he had the means to do it within the rules of the tournament.

"There's a survival tournament happening in this world," Alex began to explain, his voice steady but tinged with restrained fury. "The gods have decided to destroy humanity. But humanity refused to go quietly. They demanded the right to fight. That's how this tournament was organized, where humanity's greatest warriors face off against the gods to defend their race. Everyone here in the crowd—either gods or humans—is watching the battles."

Rebecca nodded, casting a glance at the surrounding gods. For a moment, the thought of wiping them all out flickered in her mind. However, she quickly dismissed it, realizing that Alex clearly had his own plan.

"Are you planning to interfere?" she asked, tugging on his sleeve, hoping for a definitive answer.

Alex, still staring at the arena where Adam had fallen, suppressed his anger with effort. Yet his voice remained cold. Turning to Rebecca, he finally responded, "Not just interfere. I'm going to help humanity win this tournament. And I'll avenge Adam's death against Zeus."

He dropped the cigarette butt onto the floor and crushed it under his heel.

"Then can I join too?" Rebecca asked enthusiastically.

"No. It's too dangerous," he replied, decisively cutting off her suggestion.

Taking one last look at the arena, Alex turned and started heading deeper into the coliseum's corridors.

"Come on. We need to find Brunhilde, the one in charge of choosing humanity's fighters," he said confidently, walking ahead.

Grabbing Rebecca's hand, he led his trio of chaotic companions behind him. Alex decided not to waste time and used a mana-wave pulse to locate Brunhilde. Detecting three demi-god auras in one direction, he quickened his pace.

Rebecca, walking beside him, continued to steal glances at him. His face remained grim, as though carved from stone, and each step echoed through the empty halls.

Finally, they reached the door from which muffled voices could be heard. Without hesitation, Alex pushed it open, the loud creak breaking the silence.

Inside was a room occupied by three Valkyries and an elderly man dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono with a katana strapped to his back.

One of them was Sasaki Kojiro, a man who never won a duel but tirelessly pursued perfection, developing his unique sword style, Ganryu, in the twilight of his life. He continued honing it until his final days.

The three women were demi-gods—Valkyries who had chosen humanity's side. Leading them was Brunhilde, with her younger sister Göll standing beside her, and Hrist, the second eldest of the thirteen Valkyrie sisters.

"In other words, this is my Golden Age," came Sasaki Kojiro's voice, which abruptly stopped as his gaze landed on Alex.

Sasaki felt something inexplicable. A fear, the kind one only feels before an enemy who cannot be defeated, gripped him. The Valkyries, including Brunhilde, also froze, sensing the overwhelming aura of power emanating from Alex.

"Who are you?" Brunhilde was the first to speak, trying to conceal the tremor in her voice.

Alex looked at her, briefly holding her gaze. Her stern features, black hair falling to her shoulders, and a wing-shaped hairpin created an image worthy of a leader. He then turned his gaze to Kojiro, who instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his katana.

"I will fight Poseidon," Alex stated flatly, avoiding unnecessary explanations.

These words stunned everyone.

"Young man, shouldn't the elderly be given their turn?" Kojiro said, trying to restrain the overwhelming sense of threat.

Alex ignored him and turned his attention back to Brunhilde. Her keen gaze seemed to pierce his icy calm.

"Who are you?" she repeated, demanding an answer.

Alex silently approached Brunhilde, ignoring the focused looks of those around him. Each step echoed in the room. Suddenly, a small girl appeared before him, trembling but standing her ground. It was Göll, Brunhilde's younger sister. Alex's cold gaze softened slightly when he noticed her fear. He slowly extended his hand, and the girl squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for what he might do next. But Alex gently placed his hand on her head, soothing her.

"Don't worry, little one. I'm not here to cause harm. I've come to say that I will fight Poseidon," Alex said quietly, stroking her head.

When Alex stepped back, the atmosphere in the room relaxed slightly, though his companions' gazes remained wary. Alex moved around Göll and approached Brunhilde, who stood a little farther away. Their eyes met, and she was forced to look up, seeing something familiar yet terrifying in his iridescent eyes.

"I'll repeat myself. I will fight Poseidon," Alex said, staring intently into Brunhilde's eyes.

Sasaki Kojiro could no longer stand the young man's interference. Suppressing the fear that had gripped him when he looked at Alex, he stepped forward and grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Hey, kid, don't take this fight from me," Sasaki said, trying to turn Alex around.

Alex didn't break his gaze from Brunhilde's emerald green eyes but felt a tug on his shoulder. Without warning, he sharply struck Sasaki in the stomach, causing the old man to collapse to his knees, barely holding back vomit. The blow was so powerful that Sasaki felt like he had been slammed by a steel beam at high speed.

"If you want to participate, why should it be you? There are other strong warriors," Brunhilde asked, trying to tear her gaze away from Alex.

"Because it has to be me. It's all about revenge for Adam. I have to do this," Alex replied calmly, not looking away.

The atmosphere in the room tensed again, and everyone present could feel the tension rising once more. Göll rushed to Sasaki, trying to help him stand. She noticed a distinct bruise on his stomach where Alex's fist had landed.

"Master Sasaki, you have a huge bruise on your stomach," Göll said, pointing to the mark.

Sasaki glanced at the mark and laughed, realizing that Alex had hit him so quickly that his senses, honed over years of experience, hadn't had time to react. He looked back at Alex, his gaze now more determined, as if not only had he been outmatched in a battle against a god, but he had also found a worthy opponent.

"If you want to fight, at least tell me your name," Brunhilde said, not breaking her gaze from Alex.

"My name is Alexander Voldigoad," Alex replied calmly.

"I've never heard of you," Brunhilde said indifferently.

"You don't need to have heard of me. You only need to know one thing — I will fight Poseidon, and no one else," Alex added, still not taking his eyes off Brunhilde.

Silence once again filled the room, and both Alex and Brunhilde continued to stare at each other. Brunhilde tried to decipher Alex's essence, but all she could see was a thick fog, hiding all his intentions. In the tense silence, her gaze was cold and resolute, but she still felt that this meeting was something special.

"I can allow you, but I need to understand who you are and whether you can defeat Poseidon," Brunhilde said, trying to maintain rationality in the situation.

When Brunhilde looked at Sasaki, she realized that a great warrior, capable of challenging Poseidon, stood before her. But when her gaze fell on Alex, she saw nothing. Emptiness. Fog. Something beyond comprehension.

Alex nodded at her words, then with a slight smirk, said the first nonsense that came into his head:

"I'm just a monster created by a god to kill gods."

These words, spoken in his usual manner, provoked an unexpected reaction. Brunhilde felt her legs go weak and grabbed the edge of the table to keep herself steady. Sasaki smiled even wider, as if this bluntness had only fueled his excitement. Göll and Hrist exchanged wary looks, trying to process the meaning of these words.

"Are you joking?" Brunhilde finally exhaled, trying to regain her composure.

But a strange feeling had already ignited in her heart. Alex spoke with such confidence that she believed him, even though logic screamed otherwise. His essence was hidden behind a thick fog, but one thing was crystal clear: this man was a threat. Not only to gods but to anyone who stood in his way.

"No, I'm not joking," Alex replied curtly. "Now add me to the list of contenders. I'll show you how to kill a god."

Alex took a step back, breaking the intense stare with Brunhilde, and turned to leave the room. He was eager to begin his preparations. The anger that had been building inside him was reaching a boiling point. But before he could take three steps, Brunhilde quietly said:

"Then why do you say it's revenge for Adam?"

He stopped but didn't turn right away. Rebecca, holding his hand, felt him slow down slightly, as if weighing whether he should respond. Then, turning back, Alex gave her a brief but warm yet icy smile.

"Because Adam is my brother," he said calmly before leaving the room, pulling Rebecca and the trio of "disturbers of peace" with him.

Alex's words echoed, leaving everyone present in confusion.

Brunhilde stood still, feeling images flash through her mind. Now she understood where she had seen that look: the look of someone willing to do anything to protect their family. It was the exact same look Adam had. Everything fell into place. But one thing remained a mystery: why had she never heard of Adam's brother?

She took a deep breath, deciding she would figure it out later — after Alex defeated Poseidon. Why was she so sure he would win? Brunhilde didn't even know herself. Perhaps it was her instinct telling her that this man was capable of the impossible.

Rebecca, still holding Alex's hand, dared to ask:

"Why did you say it's revenge for Adam?"

Alex answered calmly, without slowing his pace:

"Because Adam is a son of God, just like me. We could say we're brothers. I felt the same essence in him that I feel in the old man. Adam was created by him. That's why I must take revenge."

Rebecca stopped, stunned by what she had just heard.

"You're saying that your old man was in this world? He created Adam?"

"Yes," Alex confirmed. "I don't know why or how, but that's not important. The gods of Olympus killed my brother, so I'll destroy all of Zeus's brothers."

His voice was calm, but his gaze was cold and resolute. Rebecca understood that she couldn't change his mind. Alex had already made his decision.

After escorting Rebecca to the stands, Alex handed her three leashes attached to the trio of dogs.

"Keep an eye on them," he said sternly, seeing how the dogs were curiously inspecting their surroundings, clearly wanting to steal something.

Rebecca nodded and, tying the dogs to herself, turned to Alex.

"Good luck," she said, trying to hide her concern.

Alex didn't answer. He simply nodded and headed for the exit to the arena.

At the exit, he was met by three Valkyries. Brunhilde, frowning as she tried to decipher his motives; Göll, hiding behind her; and Hrist, designated as his partner. Alex didn't pay them much attention. His mind was entirely focused on one thing — killing Poseidon.

To be continued...

(My first dear readers on Patreon are Shahaf Wasserman and Shiagamez. Keep my big hugs and kisses. Mua:з)