3 years earlier
Gasping for air, I lay on my bed, struggling to move my arm to reach the emergency button on the nightstand. My chest felt heavy, and my vision began to blur.
How did this happen?
Panic set in as I tried to recall the events leading up to this moment.
The last thing I remembered was drinking the most expensive champagne in the country while gazing at the New York skyline from the top of the tallest skyscraper. I owned the building, which was often referred to as a "palace." My corporation was set to become the world's leading producer of electronic goods. But now, lying there helpless, I realized that my success and wealth couldn't save me.
Was I poisoned?
Many power-hungry people were better off with me dead.
To die like this... I thought.
I was raised in poverty, with not even my mother loving me or showing me any affection.
I had killed for my survival.
But I still rose to the top echelons of society through hard work, with vast influence over South Korea and America on my hands.
But as I lay there, struggling to breathe, I realized that all my achievements were in vain.
I tried to push those thoughts aside and focus on saving myself, but the light at the end of the tunnel grew brighter and brighter until it consumed my vision completely, and I closed my eyes.
My eyelashes fluttered against my cheeks as I stirred awake, and I gazed upon the familiar ceiling above me, basking in the comfort of home.
Wait, I’ve never seen this ceiling before, nor have I ever been in this home.
“My liege, you’re finally awake!”
I turned my head around to see the owner of that yell, and saw a short middle aged demonic person with long, blue locks of hair wearing clothing typical of a wizard.
Even though I should’ve been, I wasn’t bewildered nor surprised by such a mythical man standing right beside me.
In fact, I even knew his name.
“It’s been a while, Enizor.”
“Indeed it has been, my lord!” I hadn’t seen a man as happy as him in my life.
“I’m sorry, but could you leave me alone for a moment?”
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“Oh...? R-right, of course.”
The heavy thud of the door echoed through the room, signaling his departure. My mind immediately raced with questions, each one bouncing around like a pinball in my head.
What the hell is going on, and why do I have memories of things I never experienced?
Although I had some memories of a life I had never experienced before, they were extremely vague, and it’d be an underestimation to say that there was an absence of detail.
What I can still remember was that I was a demon lord.
I’m pretty sure I still am... I thought to myself.
The only other memory would be Enizor, and his blind loyalty towards me.
It all felt like waking up and trying to remember the dream that you just had a minute ago. It’s on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t exactly wrap your fingers around it.
Unbeknownst to me, a colossal boulder hung precariously from the ceiling, teetering on the brink of collapse. As I remained lost in thought, the massive rock plummeted towards me, hurtling through the air with deafening force.
My instincts overtook my body, and before I realized, I bolted away from the piece of earth.
As it plumetted to the ground, it collapsed into a million pieces.
A sigh left my mouth as I looked around the room.
Although quite large, its foundations were weakened to a point that it could collapse at any time, and it was devoid of any luxury.
Looking at one of the corners, I could swear that I saw some kind of mold grow. It wasn’t green, but yellow.
On my right side was red casket, somewhat in the shape of a coffin.
How typical I thought.
“This place is beyond horrendous...” I muttered.
I stood up and opened the large, creaky doors, and I was met with two short lines of servants, with Enizor at the end.
“Welcome back to the realm, Master Valefar.” They exclaimed in unison.
I nodded in acknowledgement to the servants, giving them a brief smile before my gaze landed on Enizor.
He was the only one who didn't bow, his expression stoic as ever. I could see the same loyalty in his eyes that I remembered from before, and it brought a sense of comfort to me.
"Enizor," I said, my voice deep and commanding. "
“I need you to bring me up to speed on what's been happening in my absence."
“Of course, Sir Valefar.” He bowed. “Let’s talk about this in the war room.”
You could barely call this building a castle, much less a demon lord palace.
In case it wasn’t clear when I was in my room, it was clear now that I walked around the place: The demon lord whose body I inhibited was dirt poor.
Hell, I barely have any subjects of my own.
The “war room” was no different. The maps on the table were all ruined and not detailed at all.
Not to mention that the room wasn’t exactly warm.
More accurately, it could be compared to the temperature of the center of the north pole.
“While you were gone, Lady Mara demanded us to break our alliance with Lord Kolbedom and to send half of our income to her periodically, lest she attacks us.”
Enizor talked about the pitiful state of the army and the peasantry of 496, and about the economic downturn we’re experiencing because of Mara’s decision.
I nodded absent-mindedly until he finally finished.
“Enizor.” I called.
“Yes?”
“How long have I been gone?” I asked.
He raised an eyebrow and looked at me with a confused expression, as if I should already know the answer to this question.
“...For about three years, lord Valefar.”
"I see," I said.
"Thank you for informing me of the situation. Is there anything else?"
Enizor shook his head. " No, my lord. That's everything."
"Very well, let's call it a day." I stood up from my chair and headed towards the door.
Stepping up the winding staircase, I could feel the rough stone steps underfoot, and the creaking of the old wooden banister as I ascended to the top of the castle.
As I stepped out into the balcony, I was met with the sight of a town that seemed to be struggling to survive.
The buildings were small and rundown, with thatched roofs that looked like they could collapse at any moment. Despite the bustle of people moving about their daily lives, the scene was one of poverty and struggle.
Somehow, it reminded me of myself.
“I don’t know what happened, or why I’m here...
However, my desire for authority hasn’t distilled even a little. Just like before, I will conquer this world.”