Earths sovereign is a DEMON

The summer sun bathed the outskirts of Tokyo in a warm, golden glow. Rows of sleek yet modest homes lined the streets, their clean, minimalistic designs blending seamlessly with flowering Sakura trees. Hover cars glided silently overhead, their polished frames catching the light as they floated along invisible paths. The air carried a peaceful hum—the gentle chirp of birds, the soft whir of hover engines, creating a serene melody of peace.

That peace shattered as Arnik burst out of his small house, his voice cutting through the stillness.

"Kai! Hurry up, or we'll miss it!" His feet pounded against the smooth pavement, he darted down the street.

Kai stumbled out of his residence moments later, panting heavily, his glasses slightly askew.

"Do you really have to act like this is some kind of race?" he huffed, trying to catch his breath. Arnik glanced back, his grin wide and full of determination.

"If I didn't, you'd never move fast enough. Come on!"

He picked up his pace, quickly disappearing down the street ahead. Kai groaned in frustration, muttering under his breath. "Not everyone has the stamina of a hyperactive dog..."

Before Kai could catch up, a clattering sound echoed from a nearby alley. Both boys turned just in time to see Rose who was a Demi Cat burst into view, gripping the handle of a battered shopping cart. Its wobbly wheels squeaked with every turn, adding to the chaotic energy of her entrance. Inside the cart, Aika lounged like a queen.

Kai froze in disbelief, his expression twisting into one of exasperation as he raised a hand to smack his forehead in a dramatic facepalm. "Rose! How—and why—do you even have a shopping cart?!

"Rose shrugged nonchalantly, flashing a cheeky grin. "Just borrowed it. No one was using it. "Kai dragged his hand down his face with an audible groan. "

That's not how borrowing works! And how is Aika even asleep in there?"

Aika cracked one eye open, her tone soft and lazy. "It's... comfortable" Yawns. "give it a try"

Kai's jaw dropped. "Try it?! You're encouraging her madness!"

"Suit yourself," Rose replied with a smirk, giving the cart a confident shake that made Aika yawn.

"But don't complain when you're stuck in the back."

From her perch in the cart, Aika stretched languidly, her tail flicking in amusement.

"He's just scared," she teased, her voice low and drowsy. "Not everyone's cut out for adventure.

"Kai's face flushed with indignation. "I am not scared!"

"Then prove it," Rose shot back, her grin widening like a cat toying with its prey. A heavy sigh escaped Kai as he clambered reluctantly into the cart, moving with all the grace of a newborn deer. He barely managed to avoid toppling over Aika, who remained completely unbothered by the disruption.

"This is a terrible idea," he muttered, gripping the sides of the cart as if his life depended on it.

"Welcome aboard!" Rose declared triumphantly.

She planted her feet and, with a mighty shove, sent the cart hurtling down the smooth street. The rickety wheels wobbled dangerously, sending a spike of panic through Kai.

"Do you even have brakes on this thing?!"

His voice cracked as the cart lurched forward faster than he was ready for. "Brakes?" Rose's laughter rang out, clear and fearless. "Brakes are for cowards! "Arnik, still running ahead, glanced over his shoulder at the commotion behind him.

The sight of Kai gripping the cart's edges for dear life while Rose grinned like a madwoman sent him into a fit of laughter.

"That's your big plan? A shopping cart? You think that thing is going to beat me?" "Oh, we'll see about that!" Rose yelled back, her legs pumping harder as she leaned into the cart, expertly navigating the slight downhill slope. Aika, half-sprawled and looking entirely too relaxed, yawned. "This is actually kind of nice," she murmured, stretching one arm as if the chaos didn't concern her at all.

"Nice?!" Kai's voice shot up an octave. "We're going to die!"

"Relax, Kai," Rose replied breezily, her confidence unwavering as she swerved around a mail drone that zipped across their path. "Just enjoy the ride! "The cart hit a slight incline, rattling with every bump. Rose leaned her full weight into the handle, her grin never faltering.

Up ahead, Arnik quickened his pace, glancing back with a spark of competition flaring in his eyes.

"You're not catching me that easily! "he called over his shoulder.

"Don't get cocky!"

Rose shot back, determination lighting up her face. She pushed harder, her movements precise as she propelled the cart forward with all the force she could muster. The street sloped downward again, and the cart surged forward, the speed sending Kai's stomach into his throat.

"You're gonna eat dust, Arnik!"

Rose shouted, her voice ringing with triumph. Kai, still clutching the cart's edges like a lifeline, managed to stammer,

"Rose! Watch out for—!"Before he could finish, the cart hit a loose patch of pavement. It jolted violently, bouncing precariously and threatening to tip over. Aika, still lounging like she was on a luxury cruise, simply shifted her position and yawned again, utterly unfazed by the near-disaster. Meanwhile, Kai's scream of terror echoed through the street.

"You really need to stop screaming,"

Rose teased, her tone light and carefree, a stark contrast to the chaos she was causing.

"You're throwing off my groove."

"This is a death wish!"

Kai snapped, his knuckles turning white as he clung desperately to the edges of the cart. His voice trembled, though whether it was from fear or sheer frustration, even he wasn't sure.The big theater came into view at the end of the street, its sleek, modern facade glowing faintly under the soft light of the setting sun. Nestled where the quiet outskirts transitioned into the city's neon vibrancy, the building seemed to pulse with anticipation, a beacon drawing them closer

."We're almost there!"

Rose called out, her excitement bubbling over. She leaned into the cart, her grin widening.

"Hold on tight, you two!"

"Like I have a choice!" Kai muttered, his glare boring into the back of Rose's head as the cart wobbled dangerously.

Behind them, Arnik surged forward, his longer strides quickly closing the gap between him and the cart. With one final push, he leapt into the air, his landing precise as he perched on the back edge of the cart, gripping the sides with practiced ease."Made it!" Arnik declared, his voice triumphant.Rose glanced over her shoulder, unimpressed.

"Show-off."Kai's face drained of color as he darted with panicked looks between the two. "This cart can't handle three people! Are you both trying to kill us?!"

"Relax, Kai," Rose replied, her tone breezy. "It's built for speed, not capacity."

"IT'S A SHOPPING CART!!"

Before anyone could argue further, the theater loomed closer—much closer. The pavement seemed to blur beneath them as the cart raced toward its destination.

"Brace yourselves!" Arnik shouted, his voice suddenly serious. Without hesitation, he jumped out at the last second, grabbing the front of the cart. Digging his heels into the pavement, he brought it to a screeching halt just inches from the curb.The abrupt stop sent everyone tumbling out in a chaotic heap. Aika, of course, landed gracefully on her feet, her tail flicking lazily as she stretched and let out a soft yawn. "Well, that was fun," she murmured, completely unfazed. Kai scrambled to his feet, his movements frantic as he brushed himself off. His glasses were slightly askew, and his face twisted in a mixture of rage and disbelief. "Never again!" he hissed, shooting daggers at both Rose and Arnik. Rose popped up, her carefree grin firmly in place as she dusted off her hands. "Oh, come on. Admit it—you had fun."

"That's not the word I'd use," Kai shot back, his voice sharp with indignation. Arnik, still catching his breath, clapped Kai on the back with a hearty laugh.

"Hey, you survived, didn't you? Lighten up. Let's get inside—Markus is up soon."

Rose's ears twitched as a faint announcement drifted from the theater doors. Her eyes widened as she perked up. "Did you hear that? They're starting soon! We need to get in there!"Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Aika's arm and sprinted toward the entrance, leaving the others to follow in her wake.

Kai adjusted his glasses, his expression shifting to alarm. "Wait... Markus is already backstage?!"

"Oh, great," Arnik groaned, smacking his forehead.

"We're standing out here while he's about to go on!"

Without another word, he bolted for the doors, his voice echoing through the street.

"Let's give Markus the support he needs!"

Rose followed close behind, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"Bet I get a better seat than you, Arnik!"

she teased, her tail flicking with playful determination. Kai sighed heavily, muttering under his breath as he trudged after them.

"Why do I even hang out with these people? "

The trio burst into the theater, their hurried footsteps echoing through the sleek, polished lobby. The modern design of the space was almost surreal, with its smooth lines, illuminated panels, and holographic displays floating effortlessly in midair. Images of performers, including Markus, cycled across the displays, each captioned with the event's name and title.A flustered ticket-taker blinked in confusion as the group darted past.

"Excuse me, tickets?"

he called out, his voice barely audible over the low hum of the bustling crowd. They didn't slow down.

"Seats—find them fast!" Kai barked, taking charge as they navigated the dimly lit aisles. Rows of plush, velvet seats stretched before them, already filled with spectators. The murmurs of the audience blended into a low buzz of anticipation, the atmosphere charged with excitement.The group slipped into their row just as the theater lights dimmed. Conversations ceased, replaced by the expectant hush of an audience ready for the show. The spotlight snapped on, illuminating the stage with a warm glow that reflected off the polished wooden floor. All eyes focused forward."Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's deep, resonant voice filled the space, commanding attention.

"Please welcome our final contestant of the evening—Markus Seriyu Sentryon!"