Kael collapsed onto the couch with a long, deep sigh. The cushions felt softer than he remembered maybe because for the first time in a while, he wasn't fighting for his life or racing against the clock.
He reached over to the remote on the coffee table and clicked on the TV. The holographic screen flickered to life with a quiet whir.
The first image that came up was the logo of World Channel 3 – Global Affairs, followed by a breaking news banner in bold red font:
> MURAMASA FAMILY SIGNS EXCLUSIVE 5-YEAR CONTRACT WITH JAPANESE EMPIRE
The screen shifted to a press conference. In the center stood a composed, sharp-eyed man with ink-black hair tied back, wearing ceremonial armor layered with spiritual cloths and ancient runes undoubtedly a member of the Muramasa Clan.
The anchor's voice came in:
"In a landmark deal between the revived Muramasa Blacksmithing Dynasty and the Japanese Empire, the Muramasa have agreed to supply free S-rank and above spiritual blades to the imperial army for the next five years. In return, they are granted unrestricted raiding access to the Tokyo Dungeon Ranges..."
The screen cut to footage of the Tokyo Dungeon Ranges a maze of high-density dungeons stretching across old Tokyo. Mutated beasts roared in the background, a colossal centipede crashing through a half-collapsed skyscraper, mana storms swirling through abandoned wards.
Kael rubbed his temples.
"Tch. Things are moving faster than I thought…"
He leaned back into the couch, his crimson eyes reflecting the soft glow of the screen.
"The Muramasa family's been making quiet moves for months, but this? This is a power grab. And I have this weird feeling I'm gonna get dragged into their mess sooner or later."
He exhaled, almost a laugh.
"Well… Belle's already got one foot in their circle. Didn't they send her that staff? S-rank, enchanted with fire-soul etching. Not cheap. Not casual either."
He paused, thinking.
"Is it because she's strong?"
He stared blankly at the ceiling.
"Ever since I transmigrated, it's like I'm not even Kael Adryn anymore. My personality, my thoughts, the way I fight it's all Kael Vernier now. We're not just blending. We're... becoming the same person. Huh…"
He chuckled, but it wasn't light.
"Is this how transmigration always works? Or is this something else? Why did I come here? What even happened to Kael before I arrived? I don't remember anything about his death just mine."
His eyes darkened as his thoughts spiraled.
"And those three people who ambushed me before I even entered the academy... Who were they? Why were they after me? That wasn't random."
The TV continued droning in the background footage now showing Muramasa smiths hammering glowing blades into shape.
Kael's gaze drifted to the side. His bag was still near the door, sword still sheathed in its hilt.
He sat in silence for a moment.
Then sighed.
"I have too many questions and not enough answers. I should start investigating. Fast."
He turned off the screen.
The room went quiet. But Kael's mind didn't.