Natsumo's eyes snapped open, and he found himself in a unfamiliar body of 10-year-old boy with long black hair and an athletic build. His eyes widened as a female voice echoed in his mind.
"Stay focused, Vyralthus! Your big brother will show you no mercy today!"
Confusion swirled within Natsumo as he struggled to comprehend his new surroundings. A lush, dark forest surrounded him, and the air reeked of damp earth and decaying leaves.
Suddenly, a spear hurtled toward him. Instinctively, Natsumo – now Vyralthus – dodged the attack with inhuman agility. His claws extended, and with a swift swipe, he knocked the spear aside, sending it crashing into the underbrush.
Vol'zerak, his big brother, burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You're doing too well, Vyralthus! I'm proud of you!"
Vyralthus's confusion deepened, but the praise warmed his chest. "No, big brother, it's all thanks to your training."
Vol'zerak grasped Vyralthus's hand, pulling him to his feet. "You're a prodigy, little brother in our family's bloodline."
Their mother, Veliska, emerged from the shadows, her piercing gaze scrutinizing Vyralthus. "You spaced out suddenly, why?"
Vyralthus hesitated. "I... I don't know, Mother. It's like I forgot something, but it doesn't feel important now."
Veliska's smile was enigmatic. "Some things should be forgotten for good, my son. Now, come, Vyralthus and Vol'zerak. Dinner awaits. Your little brother, Vaelthar, is waiting. And, as always, your father will be late. The life of a demon lord is never easy, especially with war looming."
The family's mansion loomed before them, its twisted spires reaching toward the darkening sky. Vyralthus's heart pounded as he followed his family into the grand dining hall.
"A war is coming," Veliska announced, her voice dripping with excitement. "And my boys will be ready. You'll slaughter humans by the hundreds!"
The family's chorus of "Hell yeah!" echoed through the hall, sending shivers down Vyralthus's spine.
As they sat down to feast, Vyralthus's thoughts swirled. Who was he? What was his purpose? The memories of his past life as Natsumo lingered, but they seemed distant, shrouded in mist.
Vol'zerak nudged him. "Hey, little brother, eat properly! We have a war to win!"