Demon Heart ~ Rebirth of a Slayer

I help the remaining injured soldiers and return to Emiko’s shop. Many of them are covered in bite and claw marks, bleeding and exhausted. I join Emiko and the other volunteers to tend to them. As the sun starts to rise, it casts away the dreadful darkness, offering a sense of calm over the village.

“Don’t worry! Gorou is going to be okay,” Emiko says, noticing the worried glances I keep throwing in Gorou’s direction as I finish bandaging the last soldier.

“Thank you, Emiko. But he got injured because of me. Why did he jump in? I was the one who should have taken the hit,” I say, leaning back in the chair, feeling the weight of guilt settle in.

“That’s just how he is. People think he’s tough, but Gorou’s heart is softer than anyone I know,” Emiko replies, gazing out the window with a faint smile on her lips.

Determined, I clench my fists. “I’ll get stronger. I won’t let anyone get hurt because of me again. I’ll protect this village, just like Gorou does.” Emiko’s smile grows warmer, almost as if she’s saying, I believe in you."

“By the way, Emiko, do you know more about Reikizuna? Like what it can do?” I ask, remembering the battle against the wolf leader.

“Hmm, I don’t know much,” she replies. “Father said it was a gift from the King of Kazehana, but that’s about all I know.”

“The King of Kazehana?” I repeat, surprised. “I didn’t even know there were other kingdoms... What else is out there that I don’t know?” I feel confused, realizing how little I understand about this world. I take a deep breath and look at Emiko. She’s still watching me, trying to understand what’s going through my mind. Then I make my decision.

“Emiko, sit down. There’s something I need to tell you.” I gesture to the chair beside me, feeling the weight of the truth I’m about to reveal. “I want to tell you everything.”

I tell her everything—about my death, my old world, and how I ended up here. She listens quietly, never interrupting, her calm presence making it easier for me to relive my past.

“Hmm, I see,” she finally says. “That explains a lot. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Now, let me teach you more about this world.” She smiles reassuringly. “There are four kingdoms. First is Ironvale, the kingdom of metal and industry—they have the largest supply of ores. Second is Lunaria, the kingdom of the moon goddess, known for its scholars. The third is Shinsei, the wealthiest of all the kingdoms. And finally, Kazehana, the kingdom of wild resources, where we live.”

“So, you’ve lived here since you were a child?” I ask, hoping to learn more about Emiko.

“When I was little, my brother and I lived near the castle. Our father was a Royal Knight. But after his unfortunate death, we came here to clear our minds. Then the war broke out, and the king called my brother to fight. He saw it as an honor to our father’s memory, so he went. A few months later, the news of his death came…” Her voice trails off, trying to hide her tears.

“I see. I can’t say everything will be fine, but I hope” I say to comfort her. A sudden thud shakes the shop. Emiko and I leap from our seats, rushing to see what caused the noise. To our surprise, it’s Gorou, struggling to stand.

“Gorou! What are you doing? You are still not well.” Emiko rushes to help Gorou to get back up. And I follow and help her.

“The Battle… Wolves… What happened? Is everyone safe?” Even in bed with serious injuries he thinking about others. What a good guy!

“Don’t worry! Now rest well, everything is safe. Wolf Leader is dead.” I say, patting his shoulder.

“What do you mean by wolf leader is dead? Tell me what happened exactly” he says with concerning look on his face.

“Just as I said Gorou. Thanks to the Reikizuna I killed wolf leader.”

Room goes silent. Then suddenly Gorou starts to laugh. Not just a normal laugh. He laughs like a someone put him inside of a room filled with laughing gas. For a moment, I freeze, confused by his laughter. What’s so funny? I really killed Wolf Leader. Gorou laughs so hard that it’s only the pain of his wounds that finally stops him.

“Gorou stop laughing. Your wounds will stretch. You are still healing.” Emiko says, inspecting his wounds.

“But did you hear what he said? He said—”

“What he said is true,” a deep voice interrupts from the doorway. I turn to see an old man standing there, surrounded by villagers. His presence commands respect. Who is this guy?

“Chief” Emiko and Gorou bows their heads to this old man. I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on.

“Let me introduce you,” Emiko says, bowing. “Haruto, this is Sir Masaru Shinju, Chief of the village.” Emiko says, showing the old man.

So, this old man is the village chief. I bow to show my respect.

“Raise your head young warrior. You saved our beloved village. We are in dept for you” old man says with his deep but frankly voice.

“Oh no need to be in dept for me. I just done what I have to do. And also, I can’t save anyone, if Emiko didn’t give me Reikizuna and if Gorou didn’t save me back there.” I say, looking both of their faces.

“Then please accept this gift from our village” Masaru says, handing me a wooden box.

I open the box and there is a black colored metal bracer with a gem placed in it.

“Our blacksmith made this for you. It’s made out of rare metal called Blacksteel and the gem is from the wolf leader that you slayed. Please accept this” old man says, bowing to me.

The bracer gleams in the morning light, the gem from the wolf leader glowing faintly. I take off my old leather bracer and hand it to Emiko. When I strap on the new one, it feels heavier—not just from the metal, but from the weight of the responsibility it represents. And also, it’s really a piece of work.

“Thank you young warrior. Is there anything you need?” Village chief asks me as he can read my mind.

“Yes, actually there is one thing I want. I want to join to Hunters.”

Gorou looks at me with a surprise but Emiko is with her usual smile. Old man thinks a moment and turn to Gorou and asks,

“Are you agree Gorou?”

Gorou looks at Emiko first, then he turns to me like he got the permission from Emiko and says,

“Alright kiddo, Welcome to the Hunters! But remember if you think you strong you can’t survive, you have to train more.” he lifts up his arm and “train more to be like m— ahhhh” when he tries to show his biceps his muscles around wound stretched. Everyone laughs as Emiko treating his wounds again.

“Alright then young Hunter, if you need anything ask the villages, we will help you as we can. Then let’s say good bye, Haruto” old man says as he turns around and walk away.

Now that I’ve taken the first step, there’s no turning back. The path ahead will be tough without the ability to see enemy levels, but I’ll train harder. No one will be able to defeat me if I keep pushing myself.

“Congratulations, Haruto! Now that you’re officially a Hunter, what’s your plan?” Emiko asks, her usual warm smile encouraging me.

“Now I need to train more. Without the ability to see enemy level it will be hard to go forward” as I gripping the bracer “But I will never give up!”

Suddenly, the wolf gem flares to life, emitting a bright red light that floods the room. The light is blinding, piercing through everything. My heart races as I shield my eyes, but it’s no use—I can’t see a thing. The light pulses stronger until it consumes my vision completely. Am I dead again? Or is this something else?

Moments later, the darkness fades, and my senses return. The roof, the sounds, the smells—it’s all the same. But something feels off, though I can't put my finger on it.

“Haruto! Haruto! Are you alright? Can you hear me?” Emiko asking loudly next to me. I turn to answer Emiko, but my words catch in my throat. Above her head, I see her name glowing brightly. “What... what’s going on?” My heart skips a beat as I jump out of bed, stumbling back. I look at Gorou—his name hovers above him, too, but in yellow.

“Haruto, what’s wrong?” Emiko asks, her voice filled with concern.

“Hey kiddo, don’t scare Emiko. Just tell us what’s wrong” Gorou says in a tough voice.

“I…I…I can see…I can see names!”

“See names? What do you mean?” Gorou asks.

“As you know, I couldn’t see any names before—not like the rest of you. But now… I can. I see Emiko’s name above her head, glowing in white. And yours, Gorou, it’s in yellow.” I pause, trying to make sense of it all.

“Hmm, calm down, Haruto,” Gorou says, his eyes narrowing as if recalling a distant memory.

“I’ve heard of something like this before. Back when I was in the capital, some hunters told me they’d met a person who couldn’t see levels, but could see names and colors tied to combat strength. It’s rare, but it happens. Red means impossible, yellow means you’re outmatched, and white means an easy fight.”

I blink, letting his words sink in. So now I have this… ability? This makes things a lot easier. I might actually have a chance.

As the village took a well-deserved rest, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. The weight of the battle lingered, but now something new gnawed at me. This power—this ability to see names—had changed everything. Maybe, just maybe, I could become the protector I’ve vowed to be.

The next morning, I begin my training in earnest. I start with simple exercises—running laps around the village, the cold air biting at my lungs as I push myself further each time. I drop to the ground for push-ups, my muscles straining with each repetition, and follow up with squats, just like I remembered doing in my previous life. My body is still adjusting, but I can feel it strengthening with each passing day.

By evening, Gorou arrives to teach me the art of the sword. He’s patient but firm, correcting my stance, guiding my hands as I grip Reikizuna. “Not just strength, kiddo,” he says, demonstrating a smooth, precise strike. “You need control, balance. Let the blade move with your body.” I mimic his movements, feeling the weight of the sword as it becomes an extension of my arm.

The days pass in a peaceful rhythm, each one a step closer to my goal. My muscles ache, but I welcome the pain. It’s proof that I’m getting stronger. Slowly but surely, I can feel myself becoming a warrior, just like Gorou.

The funny thing about this world is that they don’t have weeks or months—only days and years. When I once asked Emiko what month it was, she just looked at me, confused, trying to make sense of my question. According to her, they simply count a year after the four seasons pass. To keep track of time, I use the tally mark system I learned in my previous life. There’s a large tree behind Emiko’s shop, and every day after finishing my training, I carve a line into its trunk. It helps me mark the passing days, a habit I’ve carried over from my old world.

According to my tree calendar, it’s been 17 days after the attack of the wolves. I wake up in the morning and get off the bed as my lungs fill with tasty smell of Emiko’s cooking. She makes delicious meat stew that I never ate even in my previous life. In my previous life, I mostly ate instant ramen. I tried to cook myself few times, but it didn’t go well. But now after she invite me to stay in her house while villagers make one for me, is the glory days.

“Good morning, Haruto! Breakfast is ready, Come and eat.” She says, sitting on a chair next to the table.

“Good morning, Emiko! Breakfast is really looks delicious. Thank you for having me.” I say, sitting on a chair.

I finish the meal bit by bit, giving time to my tongue to enjoy this delicious meal. Just as I finish, someone start to knock on the front door. Emiko rushes and open the door. Behind the door, there is Village Chief and Gorou waiting.

“Chief, Gorou, come inside!” Emiko invites the guests inside.

“Haruto, there is something we need to discuss” old man says, with a rough look.