Yuki no Mura, once a humble snow-covered village struggling to survive, had now ascended to become the capital city of Kokoro Heart Federation. In just six months, two weeks, and four days, what was once a striving settlement had transformed into a flourishing metropolis, its people now highly educated and proficient in magic-tech. The city’s infrastructure, trade, and economy had surged forward, securing its place as the centerpiece of the federation’s power and influence.
However, this rapid progress was not without hardship. Over the past year, we had defended the land from relentless monster attacks, supernatural threats, and unpredictable forces of nature, all while developing the city’s infrastructure and reinforcing its borders. Despite the odds, Yuki no Mura emerged stronger, now standing as a fortified capital—an emblem of resilience, innovation, and unity.
Kazuki Kaname, once the leader of a struggling village, was now the leader of a powerful capital city. Her gratitude was immeasurable, not just for her people’s transformation but also for the preservation of their history and culture. Even with their advancements, the essence of Yuki no Mura remained intact—its traditions, monuments, and heritage carefully maintained. The people had a future to look forward to, but also a past to cherish.
With Yuki no Mura firmly established, we set our sights on the next phase of our federation’s evolution:
Expanding influence through alliances and trade—establishing a global presence to foster peace and cooperation.
Strengthening defenses—ensuring not just our protection but also aiding those in need.
Advancing our technological and magical research—unlocking greater potential for our people and our allies.
Kokoro and Grandma Haruko were perhaps the most relieved and grateful of all. Their dream had become reality, and the bond between Yuki no Mura and Kokoro Heart Federation was now stronger than ever.
However, even in times of peace and prosperity, there were questions left unanswered—and one in particular troubled me deeply.
***
It had been too long since I had last communicated with my old allies—
King Yoshi, ruler of Fujimori, Wisteria Forest Kingdom.
Lyra, the Royal Witch of Fujimori, Wisteria Forest Kingdom.
Scholar Xiao Xiao, the brilliant mind behind XPT magic-technology research of Fujimori, Wisteria Forest Kingdom.
Now that Yuki no Mura had risen, it was time to reconnect. I wanted to know what had changed in their lands, how they had fared over the years, and most importantly, where they stood in this shifting era.
However, one major obstacle stood in my way—
The magical interference cast by the Katsuragi Victory Empire.
This ancient magic, woven into the very fabric of their lands, made it impossible for any modern magic-tech communication to reach them. Even our most advanced transmissions could barely break through the barrier surrounding their regions. Our magic-tech signals reached Fujimori–Wisteria Forest Kingdom, but they were weak and inconsistent, only barely detectable by Xiao Xiao’s XPT system.
This magic was not merely an anti-technology spell; it was a barrier against all external interference—designed not just to block technology but also to suppress any magical anomalies that sought to breach their world.
For all our advancements, we were powerless against this enchantment.
And so, I had no choice but to do things the old way.
At Kokoro’s suggestion, I returned to the traditional method—writing letters. It felt oddly nostalgic, penning down my thoughts on parchment rather than relying on instant transmissions. But if this was the only way to reach them, so be it.
Now, all that remained was to see who would respond…
And what fate had in store for us beyond the veil of the Katsuragi Empire’s barrier.
Despite understanding the Katsuragi Victory Empire’s motives for casting a magical barrier around their lands, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had to be done about it. Breaking through this ancient interference would be no easy task, but I decided to postpone that challenge for another day.
For now, I focused on reconnecting with old friends. Sitting in my chambers, I began to write letters—the traditional way. It felt almost nostalgic, and yet, it was necessary. I wanted to know how they were doing, how their kingdoms and regions were holding up, and to share my own adventures over the past years. I wrote of my achievements, the impossible feats I had accomplished, and the transformation of Kokoro Heart Federation from a small village into a thriving, fortified capital city.
I started my first letter to King Yoshi, followed by Lyra, and then Xiao Xiao before the others. A sense of excitement filled me as I wrote, anticipating their responses. To King Yoshi, I recounted my sparring match with Aiko Kento, one of his relatives from Akakawa, the Red River Kingdom. It was a thrilling contest, a testament to the strength of our friendship and the mutual respect we shared.
In my letter, I expressed my gratitude to both King Yoshi and Lyra, the royal witch, for guiding me over the years. They had trained me, helping me hone my skills and control my abilities. Yet, with a wry smile, I confessed that I had not become a demon lord—a title I once pursued with great ambition. I laughed as I wrote. I admitted that I had given up on the notion, realizing that no demon lord worthy of conquest had crossed my path. Perhaps fate itself did not wish me to bear that mantle.
To King Yoshi, Lyra, and the scholar Xiao Xiao, I concluded my letters with a heartfelt invitation, urging them to visit Kokoro Heart Federation and witness the progress we had made.
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Once the letters were sealed, I entrusted them to the mailman, still marveling at how they managed to deliver messages despite the magic barrier surrounding the Katsuragi Victory Empire’s lands. It was a fascinating mystery—one that never ceased to intrigue me, especially since they accomplished this without ever crossing regional borders.
Even though Kokoro repeatedly explained it to me, the mechanism behind it continued to fascinate and confuse me. How could simple letters travel through barriers that blocked all other forms of communication? Yet, it worked, as it always did.
Two weeks later, replies arrived from King Yoshi, Lyra, Xiao Xiao, and the others I had reached out to. Their words were warm and sincere, expressing delight at hearing from me. They spoke of their eagerness to either visit Kokoro or host me in their own lands.
King Yoshi's letter provided an update on his kingdom’s welfare. He wrote of peace and stability, though they still faced occasional threats from monsters and supernatural forces. He detailed how they had recently defeated the demoness who had returned in full power and rank. We once faced her as a mere archdemon in Iwakuni City, where the relic of death was once housed.
Reading his words, memories flooded back—of battles fought, alliances forged, and victories won. I could feel the stirring of destiny once more, reminding me that our stories were far from over.
This demoness had once possessed the wife of the city lord of Iwakuni before forging an alliance with Jinn, also known as Ryujin. It seemed she not only survived but was restored to her former glory through a pact made with Ryujin in the past.
In his letter, Yoshi described how she was now worshipped as a demon supreme, with new allegiances sworn to her name. Among her most formidable followers was Shizuka Sumiko, alongside a band of rebel warriors intent on waging war against the neighboring lands.
Shizuka Sumiko was once a champion knight, renowned for her ability to confront foes that threatened entire universes. Her legendary armor and weapons amplified her already extraordinary combat abilities. As an Archknight, she led her kingdom through times of crisis, standing as a pivotal defender against existential threats.
With divine heritage and unmatched combat prowess, Shizuka Sumiko was revered as one of the greatest warriors in her realm. Her experience and leadership on the battlefield earned her respect and loyalty, and she was celebrated for her courage and unwavering dedication to protecting her kingdom and the broader universe. As a half-goddess, her lineage bestowed upon her divine power and a unique connection to celestial forces.
Yet, I couldn’t help but ponder her motives. Why would someone of her stature and power align with the demon supreme? Despite being a hybrid—half human and half goddess—Shizuka’s ambitions were clear to me. She yearned to ascend to the ranks of the gods, to become a full deity, which would elevate her aura level to metaversal heights. Swearing allegiance to the demon supreme likely seemed the fastest path to achieve that goal.
It was a tragic irony, considering her defeat alongside her master. While many warriors of lesser status strove relentlessly to reach her level through perseverance and training, Shizuka was among the few capable of standing against demon lords.
Not all demigods or demigoddesses were as fortunate as Shizuka. Most with divine blood were limited to planetary aura levels, merely on par with demons and monsters. It was now apparent why she sought greater power—why she chose the perilous path of a pact with the demon supreme.
Yet, ambition often comes at a high cost. As King Yoshi detailed in his letter, Shizuka Sumiko fell in battle against an empowered warrior who fought with unparalleled resolve, aided by a coalition of other brave warriors. Their sacrifices were not in vain, nor were they forgotten.
Takako Tomoko. As a high-level Knight-Huntress Commander, she wielded a galactic-level aura capable of confronting threats that could annihilate entire galaxies. Renowned for her exceptional leadership and bravery, she led hunters across planets, defending them from catastrophic dangers. Her elven heritage endowed her with unparalleled agility and magical prowess, making her a force to be reckoned with. Despite her youth compared to her peers, Takako’s heroic deeds and tactical brilliance propelled her to prominence.
Yet, even the mightiest heroes faced their destiny. Takako, along with a few valiant warriors, sacrificed themselves in the battle against Shizuka. Their selfless acts paved the way for victory, allowing King Yoshi, Lyra, and Xiao Xiao—empowered by the XPT technology I shared with them—to defeat the demon supreme once and for all. Though they possessed the ability to resurrect or revive some fallen allies, the sacrifices made in that battle would never be forgotten. Their legacy would echo through time, a testament to their courage and resolve.
The tale of Shizuka Sumiko was both a legend and a cautionary story—a reminder of the thin line between ambition and hubris.
As I continued reading Yoshi’s letter, my heart grew heavy when he spoke of Yukio—my ex-wife. He wrote of her thriving life, now remarried with children, living in contentment. Yet, Yoshi revealed that he could sense her lingering affection for me. She often recalled the memories we once shared, and though she had moved on, a part of her heart still yearned for the past. A bittersweet pang resonated within me as I read those words, leaving me in quiet reflection. Yoshi’s letter ended with a thought-provoking question, one that lingered in my mind, urging me to contemplate the path that lay before me.
I set Yoshi’s letter aside and turned to Xiao Xiao’s response. Hers was brief and concise, yet sincere. She inquired about my well-being, expressing gratitude for the XPT technology that had greatly aided the kingdom—not only in battle but also in its rapid development. Her words were filled with appreciation and respect, acknowledging how the technology had transformed their way of life.
Xiao Xiao shared her excitement about her ongoing experiments with XPT technology. She spoke of revolutionary advancements in magic-tech and proposed a collaborative project that could break through the Katsuragi Empire’s barrier. Her vision was bold and ambitious, reflecting her brilliant mind and unyielding determination. She ended her letter with a heartfelt note, expressing her eagerness to see me again.
The last letter was from Lyra. As I reached for it, my heart raced with anticipation. When I opened it, the parchment appeared blank, triggering the magic tech in my chamber to announce that the letter was encrypted. Clever, as always—Lyra had taken precautions to ensure her words were meant for my eyes alone. Moments later, the magic tech decrypted the message, revealing her thoughts.
Lyra’s words were warm, playful, and brimming with emotion. She congratulated me on my achievements, teasing me for abandoning my dream of becoming a Demon Lord, calling it the “wisest choice I’ve ever made.” Her humor brought a smile to my face. Yet, beneath her lightheartedness, I sensed her deep care and affection. She spoke of her latest magical research and mentioned a mysterious phenomenon occurring in the Wisteria Forest, hinting that my presence might be needed.
As I read her words, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. Lyra’s letter was more than mere correspondence—it was a glimpse into her heart. Her emotions resonated through every line, revealing layers of sentiment and unspoken words. I was left speechless, overwhelmed by the depth of her message.
After finishing the letters, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The bond between us remained unbroken, stronger than ever. Yoshi’s wisdom, Xiao Xiao’s ingenuity, and Lyra’s warmth filled me with hope and determination. Their words reminded me that our journey was far from over. Challenges awaited us, but so did opportunities—to reunite with old allies, to forge new alliances, and to uncover the truth behind the Katsuragi Victory Empire’s barriers.
If I were to expand the influence and power of the Kokoro Heart Federation, I needed my friends by my side. Their strength, knowledge, and magic were vital in facing the unknown. Together, we would face the trials ahead, whatever they may be.
As I looked out from my chamber, the horizon seemed boundless, filled with infinite possibilities. I knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but with my friends beside me, there was nothing we couldn’t overcome. Our story was still unfolding, and the next chapter awaited.