Demon District—Itogami Island.
This was one of the special administrative zones established mainly for the purpose of researching demons. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, this artificial island floated above a dragon vein 330 kilometers south of Tokyo.
The artificial island was formed by connecting several ultra-large floating structural units. It was constructed from resin, metal, organic materials, and other compounds, and was further enhanced through the organic fusion of cutting-edge science, feng shui, and magic. Its total area was approximately 180 square kilometers, and it had a population of around 560,000. Of that number, about four percent were demons who had been granted full citizenship. Although it was administratively named the Itogami City of the Tokyo Metropolis, in reality, it functioned as a special administrative zone with an independent political system.
Special administrative zones like this—where humans and demons coexisted—existed in various parts of the world. Their fundamental purpose was to ensure public recognition and protection of demons who had seen their numbers drastically reduced due to environmental destruction or wars with humans, putting them on the brink of extinction.
Demons from around the globe had the opportunity to obtain formal citizenship in these Demon Districts and live in harmony with humans. The districts also provided them with employment opportunities. In exchange, they were required to offer samples of their physical tissues or unique abilities for analysis by humans. The results of such research would be used for scientific advancements or industrial expansion, contributing to the progress of civilization.
Itogami Island was one such Demon District—or at least, that was its publicly declared purpose.
On the island, industries such as pharmaceuticals, precision machinery, and high-tech materials—pillars of the island nation's economy—had established a dense presence, along with research institutions from prestigious universities. Access to the island was tightly controlled, and it was not open to visitors outside of those affiliated with companies or research institutions and their families. Most of the residents were researchers and their families, officially recognized individuals with special abilities, and of course, the demons serving as research subjects.
Under such circumstances, Kaiser, arriving for the first time, effortlessly passed through immigration inspection. Even the procedures for information registration had already been handled in advance by the Lion King Agency. He boarded a plane and entered Itogami Island directly, stepping into the island's only city—Itogami City.
"So, I finally made it?"
Emerging from the airport, Kaiser lifted his gaze and looked toward the main stage of the original story.
Skyscrapers and wide roads filled the area. Pedestrians thronged the streets, with people from many different nations present. Some even wore strange metallic bracelets on their wrists.
Those were demon registration certificates, embedded with living body sensors, magical power detectors, and transmitters. If the wearer released any offensive magical power, the device would instantly emit an alarm and signal nearby residents to evacuate. Emergency protection systems would also be activated.
Those wearing such devices were, of course, not ordinary humans but special registered citizens of the Demon District.
In other words, they were non-humans—demons.
Driven by curiosity, Kaiser observed them for a moment.
However, the observed clearly didn't appreciate being treated like zoo animals. Once they noticed the young man staring at them, they all glared back. Some even bared their fangs, showing signs of transforming into their non-human forms.
Yet Kaiser merely narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly at them. Instantly, the demons felt a chill in their hearts. Goosebumps rose all over their bodies, and it felt as if something was howling within their minds, causing them to tremble uncontrollably.
Only when Kaiser withdrew his gaze did the demons feel as if they had received a pardon. Drenched in cold sweat, they fled in a panic.
"Who... was that kid...?"
The demons who had fled were deeply shaken.
Unfortunately, Kaiser had already lost interest in them.
"Man, it's really hot here."
Under the blazing sun, Kaiser walked down the street.
Since the island lay in the Pacific Ocean 330 kilometers south of Tokyo, a tropical region influenced by warm currents, Itogami Island had a stable climate and was summer all year round. Even during midwinter, the average temperature on the island exceeded 20°C.
It was currently August. Although not the hottest part of summer, the average temperature on the island still easily exceeded 35°C. At noon, when the sun was at its peak, it could even reach around 40°C. Anyone who couldn't tolerate heat would be tormented to no end by such temperatures.
Thus, pedestrians wore very light clothing. Some were even dressed in short-sleeved shirts and beach shorts, fully embracing a carefree style.
In contrast, Kaiser wore a black shirt and black trousers, topped with a hooded black jacket and carrying a travel bag on his shoulder. Just looking at him made people feel hot.
Yet despite this getup, Kaiser didn't seem to feel hot at all. On the contrary, he felt energized and comfortably invigorated.
If one looked closely, they would notice that his right eye was faintly glowing—the same color as the sun above.
The Eye of Horus. Its right eye represented the sun.
Therefore, bathed in this scorching sunlight, Kaiser didn't feel heat. Instead, he was filled with strength.
The power of the sun was flowing into his body through his right eye, enhancing his physical strength, spiritual power, and even his five senses.
What was like poison to others—blistering ultraviolet rays—was a tonic to Kaiser, boosting his own strength.
"Seems like my Authorities will work quite well on this island."
Kaiser gently stroked his right eye, smiled slightly, and continued walking forward.
Itogami Island consisted of four ultra-large floating structural units, thus divided into four areas.
The eastern district housed the massive international passenger port and central airport, serving as the island's gateway.
It also contained helipads for private airline companies, mainly used for aerial photography and sightseeing tours. Tourists were frequently seen in the area.
Kaiser was currently in the eastern district, but his destination was the southern district of Itogami Island.
The western district was a commercial area filled with restaurants and trendy buildings—the most prosperous part of Itogami City. The northern district was home to concentrated research facilities of all types.
The southern district, meanwhile, was a cultural and educational zone filled with residences and educational institutions. The Saikai Academy, which Kaiser was about to enroll in, was located there, and the Lion King Agency had also arranged his residence in that area.
Thus, Kaiser took out the newly issued phone to check the map and tourist guide while following the enrollment manual. He boarded the light rail tram and finally reached the southern district before sunset.
Although this area also had tall buildings, they were fewer than in the eastern district. Residential buildings were everywhere, especially apartments, which appeared one after another—testament to how many people lived here.
"It should be around here, right?"
Following the address provided by the Lion King Agency, Kaiser arrived in front of an apartment building.
It was a nine-story apartment complex. Considering the strict building height regulations on the artificial island, it was relatively large and tall—a residence with an expansive view.
"So, she's living here too?"
Kaiser stood beneath the apartment, gazing upward for a moment before entering and walking to the elevator. He pressed the button for the seventh floor.
Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a slightly rushed voice rang out.
"W-Wait a sec!"
Hearing that voice, Kaiser raised an eyebrow and quickly pressed the door-open button.
A moment later, a figure jogged into the elevator and stopped before him.
"Phew... made it."
The girl patted her chest, looked up, and smiled at Kaiser.
"Thank you, you really helped me out."
The speaker was a girl wearing a school uniform—a white top and blue skirt. She was around 160 centimeters tall, appearing about fourteen or fifteen years old.
The girl was cute, with expressive features and sparkling eyes that seemed to speak. She instantly gave off an impression of liveliness and youthful beauty.
Kaiser gazed steadily at her for a moment, then smiled.
"It was just holding the elevator—hardly a big help."
Hearing this, the girl shook her head.
"You don't understand. Lately, one of the tenants has been constantly moving stuff, hogging the elevator for ages every day. A lot of residents are upset about it."
She seemed very talkative and outgoing—definitely a social butterfly.
"If I missed this elevator, I'd probably have had to wait fifteen minutes. Sometimes it's been as long as thirty-five. That would've made me miss dinnertime."
"Kojo-kun never helps me. If he comes back and there's no dinner, he'll probably just order takeout again."
"Seriously, I've told him so many times that eating takeout all the time is bad for his health, but he never listens."
"Oh, right. Kojo-kun is actually my brother—not that he's very reliable..."
She chattered nonstop, her words spilling out like rapid-fire bullets. She wasn't just a social butterfly—her family probably found her chatter quite annoying.
Still, her voice was pleasant, and her appearance was adorable. Many would find her talkative manner charming rather than irritating.
Kaiser just quietly listened. After a while, he heard the girl ask:
"I don't think I've seen you before. Are you new here?"
The girl looked at Kaiser curiously.
"Yeah." Kaiser smiled calmly. "I'm the new resident of Unit 705."
"705?" The girl blinked in surprise. "That's right next to my place!"
She lived in Unit 704.
"Come to think of it, Yamada from 705 did move out recently. So you're the new tenant?" she said in realization. "What a coincidence!"
"Yeah," Kaiser said mildly. "Quite a coincidence."
After all, I came here for you.
"I'm Nagisa Akatsuki. What's your name?"
The girl introduced herself in a lively voice.
Kaiser's smile deepened slightly.
"I'm Kaiser. I'll be in your care from now on."
(End of Chapter)