-938- [ Demon Sanctuary ]

The wind, carrying the heat of summer, gently brushes over the clear blue sea, creating unknown ripples and a soothing sound of waves.

This is the Pacific, the largest, deepest, and most extensive ocean on Earth.

In the central part of this vast ocean, approximately 330 kilometers south of Tokyo, floats an artificial island – a remarkable one.

Constructed with carbon fiber, resin, metal, and magic, it connects massive floating structures, forming a metallic island.

Seen from above, it appears as a city of steel buildings sitting on the ocean, but in reality, it's a complex made with advanced materials and magical elements.

Maintaining a temperature above 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, this island is home to around 560,000 people. While administratively part of Tokyo, it operates as a special administrative district with its own political system.

The significance of this district lies in protecting endangered non-human life forms, specifically the "demon race," and researching their anatomy and special abilities.

These non-human life forms, referred to as "Demons," include beings like beastmen, elves, and vampires – creatures that typically only appear in mythological stories.

Similar non-human entities, referred to as Phantasmal Species in Chaldea, have long disappeared in the modern world but manage to survive and be recognized in this world.

Naturally, various magical systems, jujutsu, and other forms of magical arts exist here, surpassing other worlds in terms of mystical purity, depth, and prevalence.

Thanks to this, non-human entities collectively known as Demons(Mazoku) thrive and survive in this world.

Known as the "Demon Sanctuary," this special district not only safeguards endangered demon species but also utilizes their physical tissues and special abilities for scientific research and industrial development.

The island's residents consist mainly of human researchers, their families, individuals with recognized special abilities, and the demon race studied here.

It has earned the title of an academic city, hosting research institutions in pharmaceuticals, precision machinery, and high-tech materials industries.

This is the true nature of the artificial island – a unique blend of mystery and science, resembling the organization Chaldea in many aspects.

Due to the efforts of the individual named Itogami Senra in constructing this artificial island, who spared no expense to organically combine cutting-edge scientific technology with Feng Shui and magic, this immense artificial island was ultimately created along the dragon veins flowing through the ocean.

As a result, people refer to this Demon Sanctuary as Itogami Island, with the academic city situated on the island known as Itogami City.

This is the main stage of the world, where various events and disturbances are destined to unfold.

One day, an outsider infiltrated this place.

"Buzz—!"

Above Itogami Island, space suddenly distorted, forming a vortex of light like an exit from some kind of passage, causing disruption in the surrounding atmosphere.

In the next moment, a silhouette emerged from it.

The identity of the shadow was a three-legged crow.

This three-legged crow emitted a radiant fire powder, with golden eyes containing three rotating jade discs, exuding a pure, rich, and dignified aura. Its presence was sacred and intimidating.

Its figure descended like a divine being from the heavens.

Its aura resembled the sun hanging high in the sky.

Despite its divine appearance, the three-legged crow seemed to have undergone a challenging journey, as its aura was somewhat unstable.

Nevertheless, it seemed determined to fulfill a mission, surveying the area below from high above, finally fixing its gaze on the artificial island suspended over the ocean.

"Swoosh!"

In the next instant, the three-legged crow shot out like an arrow, darting towards the artificial island below.

Its speed was so fast that only a black phantom and a dazzling golden stream of fire powder were visible, creating a visually pleasing spectacle.

Before long, the three-legged crow arrived at Itogami Island, hovering above Itogami City.

However, its mission was far from complete.

Although this three-legged crow was a divine being, it had a specific task at hand.

That task was to find a reliable individual and hand over its allegiance and protection to them.

If not, the survival of its master in this world might become a serious issue.

Therefore, the three-legged crow was determined to spare no effort.

For this ancient divine being, a "reliable individual" naturally meant a powerful entity.

The three-legged crow, in its survey, detected a surge of magic that even across the entire island belonged to the highest level.

"Woosh!"

Without any hesitation, the three-legged crow shot out like a bolt towards its target with incredible speed.

...

At the same time, on a street in Itogami City, amidst the bustling crowd, there was a girl.

Rather than calling her a girl, it would be more fitting to say she was a young child.

She appeared to be around eleven or twelve, wearing the uniform of an unknown school. She was petite and delicate, with a perfectly sculpted face that seemed as if it were carved by the highest level of artists – like a doll.

The girl had long, pitch-black hair cascading down to her waist, with only the tips curled up, giving her a fashionable look. Her mysterious blue eyes radiated an unusual sense of presence and dignity, making her incredibly intriguing.

"It's so hot..."

At this moment, the girl stood on the street, seemingly having just finished her school duties and preparing to head home. She stopped in the midst of the crowd, sighed impatiently.

"When will this island become a bit cooler?"

The girl neither expected nor anticipated, merely expressing a complaint.

However, due to her overly displeased expression, flawless face, piercing gaze, and intense presence, her complaint felt more like a command.

And no one knows that this girl is one of the most extraordinary beings on this island.

Unaware of her own uniqueness, the girl continues to move forward.

Little does she know, at a distance from her, the three-legged crow is rapidly closing in.