Secrets of the Amulet

"Turn into ashes," Ace commands, and the four headless bodies strewn across the ground instantly crumble into nothing more than ashes. Ace's power, Speech Magic, has a fearsome effect; it can turn words into reality, but the consequence is a loss of sight. However, as a member of the Kurotsuchi clan, which specializes in Healing Techniques, Ace's power doesn't come with the typical side effects. This unique ability makes him the formidable Demon King. As Ace dispels the remnants of their adversaries, he turns to a frightened, young girl who watched in horror. In a voice that carries a mix of exhaustion and confusion, Ace mutters, "You're welcome, girl." The girl, with a terrified and disgusted expression, stammers, "Please don't hurt me." Ace, now looking tired and slightly perplexed, shakes his head. "Why would I protect someone and then harm them?" The girl, struggling to overcome her fear, says, "I'm sorry. I wanted to say thank you, but I'm too scared that you would kill me." Ace offers a somewhat disinterested response, "Yeah, whatever. Come to my house; they might send more bandits after you. I will protect you temporarily." With a small, reassuring smile, Ace adds, "Also, my name is Ace Kurotsuchi." As the protagonist and the rescued girl sit in his home, recovering from the ordeal, Ace's attention is drawn to an unusual, otherworldly glow emanating from around the girl's neck. He dismisses it at first, thinking it's a trick of the light. However, as he inquires about the necklace, Yua becomes hesitant and evasive, refusing to provide a straight answer. Intrigued, Ace insists on examining the necklace, and as he touches it, a surge of energy courses through him. The amulet responds to his magic, glowing even brighter. This revelation marks the beginning of their journey together as they uncover the amulet's true power and significance, as well as the imminent danger it poses. Yua reveals that the amulet has been in her family for generations, passed down as a sacred heirloom. Its true purpose is to seal away an ancient evil—the very Demon King. However, the secret organization Hotetsu has been relentlessly hunting her family, seeking to steal the amulet and unleash the evil it contains. They are closing in, and the only way to protect the amulet is for the Demon King to seal it. As the aura of formidable adversaries draws closer, Ace urgently yells, "YUA, WE HAVE TO HID-" The sound of breaking windows interrupts him, signaling the arrival of the Hotetsu members. They confront Ace and demand Yua's surrender. With an irritated expression, Ace warns, "Touch her, and I will kill you." His aura intensifies, causing the surroundings to quake. Ace's command, "Bow to me," compels the Hotetsu members to kneel in submission. With a chilling ultimatum, he tells them, "Touch her, and I will kill you." Blood spews from the members' mouths, and Ace mercifully releases them, allowing them to leave with their limbs intact. However, one member makes a reckless move, attempting to assault Ace. He stops short as he nears Ace, who utters a single word, "Die." The assailant explodes into oblivion. As Ace and Yua continue to elude the relentless pursuit of the Hotetsu members and explore the amulet's newfound abilities. The conversation is abruptly cut short as they sense a group of powerful magic users drawing near. Ace's eyes narrow as he senses the impending threat. He utters, "More of them are coming, and they aren't normal." Ace uses teleportation magic to transport Yua and himself to the familiar abode of his old friend, Kyokuske Yoratami, one of the 7 Captains from the Demon Realm. Ace says with a smirk, "Yo, long time no see." Kyokuske is overwhelmed by the unexpected reunion, his eyes brimming with tears. His joy turns to seriousness as he asks, "Lord, what brings you here?" With a grave expression, Ace explains, "Kyokuske, we're in grave danger. The Hotetsu organization is after this." He points to the amulet around Yua's neck. Ace continues, "I could easily wipe them out, but that would cost the entire city to be destroyed, and I can't afford that as the Demon King."