Year 2138.
The era of DMMO-RPGs — full-scale virtual reality games — had reached its peak, driven by the advanced Neural Nano-Interface technology, a system that allowed players to completely immerse themselves in the virtual world as if it were reality itself.
At the center of this global craze, one title stood above all others:
YGGDRASIL.
Renowned for its absurd freedom of customization, complex systems, and richness of content, YGGDRASIL had captivated a legion of players and remained at the top for over a decade. But, as with all things, it too was destined to end... the definitive shutdown of the servers had been announced.
Only five minutes remained.
Amid the silence of the Great Black Tomb — his personal base — a solitary figure lounged lazily upon a throne of pure darkness, so dense it seemed to devour the surrounding light.
That figure was Yasu Kurobane.
"The server's going to shut down soon…" the young man muttered with disdain, leaning back in the throne. "I've already done everything there is to do in this game. Even if there was something left, five minutes wouldn't be enough to finish another quest."
His voice sounded bored, almost dragging, as he watched the end of an era without a hint of emotion.
Despite his youthful appearance — seemingly between 17 and 20 — Yasu was actually a 36-year-old man in real life. His real-world face was ordinary, perhaps mildly handsome, but nothing compared to his idealized avatar.
"I made this look as close to my ideal as possible…" he commented, glancing at his reflection in one of the status windows. "Luckily I'm rich and have shares in the company… otherwise, I'd still be stuck with that grotesque demon look."
In the world of YGGDRASIL, "Demon" was one of the heteromorphic races — monstrous and powerful beings, visually distinct from humans and demi-humans. Even with advanced customization options, demonic traits were permanent: horns, wings, tails, unusual skin tones, beastly features, and unnatural body proportions.
These elements could never be completely removed — only disguised.
However, a year before the servers shut down, the developers — in what could be called an act of generosity or desperation — released previously unthinkable customization options. For an obscene amount of real money, players could modify racial aspects that had once been immutable.
Yasu, being a major shareholder in the company behind YGGDRASIL, took full advantage of this loophole.
Using his influence and resources, he gained permission to surpass the traditional level cap, ascending to level 200 — twice the limit for any other player — after consuming a special event item that massively multiplied gained experience.
"Even so…" he smirked, staring at the countdown flickering in the corner of his interface, "it was fun."
Looking around with disinterest, Yasu's eyes wandered down the staircase leading to the throne where he sat. Below, standing in silent, imposing formation, were his most precious treasures: the custom NPCs of the Kurobane Family.
Each had been crafted by him, meticulously sculpted with time, effort, and — most importantly — creativity.
They were more than simple characters.
They were his masterpieces.
As the sole member of his guild, every detail of the base, every story element, every configuration, and every personality trait of those NPCs had been born from his imagination.
Closest to the throne, standing slightly bowed in an elegant gesture of respect, was Diablo — the first created and the most loyal.
Diablo Kurobane, The Butler.
A Primordial Demon born from chaos between dimensions. His appearance resembled a young nobleman, with golden eyes glowing like eternal embers and perfectly slicked-back black hair. Clad in a black tailcoat with crimson details, he radiated an aura of both authority and perfect servitude.
Though his role was butler, Diablo was a being of pure power. His stats were those of a level 100 raid boss with unique abilities. His loyalty was absolute — programmed to protect Yasu at all costs, even if it meant destroying the world.
He was the guardian of the throne.
And above all, the leader of the demonic order of the Kurobane Family, known as the Black Numbers.
Behind him, arranged with military precision, stood the other twelve NPCs — each with their own power and concept, representing different aspects of Yasu's vision of strength, beauty, and perfection.
Makima Kurobane, The Goddess of Control
Makima Kurobane is the embodiment of absolute dominion — a demonic entity born from the human essence of control. With an imposing presence and a facade of tenderness, she exudes authority through her formal uniform, hypnotic eyes, and flawless red braid.
A master of manipulation and persuasion, Makima bends minds with subtle gestures. Her presence is both inviting and oppressive, offering power and affection while mercilessly crushing wills with cold precision.
Wielding lethal telekinetic powers, espionage swarms, and a mere finger gesture that executes instantly, Makima is both maiden and tyrant — strategist and the enforcer of Yasu's will — controlling everything without ever needing to draw a blade.
Gojo Kurobane, The Transcendent Human
Gojo Kurobane represents the pinnacle of human perfection. Though once human, his power rivaled that of gods. Calm in appearance, with white hair and his Six Eyes hidden behind a blindfold, he wore a black outfit with silver accents that shimmered with his energy.
Charismatic, sarcastic, and a cunning strategist, Gojo was a devoted mentor dedicated to training new warriors and challenging the dogmas of the world of YGGDRASIL. His loyalty to Master Yasu was absolute, believing that humanity could evolve through him.
His power stemmed from the Limitless technique, which manipulated space on an atomic level—creating impenetrable defenses with Infinity and devastating attacks like Blue, Red, and Hollow Purple. His ultimate ability was Unlimited Void, a Domain that overwhelms the enemy's brain with infinite information, rendering them completely paralyzed.
Despite his playful demeanor, Gojo harbored deep loneliness. As a symbol of human strength, he fought to forge a new generation capable of surpassing all limits — earning the respect even of his enemies.
Macht Kurobane, The Golden Sage
Macht Kurobane is a demon who seeks to understand human emotions, yet is incapable of feeling them. Tall, with zigzagging horns, crimson hair, and deep blue eyes, he wears a magical blue coat that transforms into a weapon or shield, along with a dark green tunic adorned with golden ornaments. Unable to feel guilt, regret, or malice, he sees humans merely as objects of study, forming no true emotional bonds.
His primary power is Diagoldze, a curse that turns everything it touches into indestructible gold — including entire cities — nearly undetectable and immune to human magic. Macht is also a skilled swordsman, who avoids combat when possible but becomes lethally precise and brutally efficient when provoked.
Muzan Kurobane, The Emperor of Transmutation
Muzan Kurobane is the embodiment of demonic perfection — an immortal emperor who manipulates the world of shadows with elegance and cruelty. With a noble appearance, whether clad in a suit or kimono, he takes on different forms to infiltrate mortal society unnoticed.
Despite his calculated coldness, Muzan is driven by a deep fear of death, fueling his tyranny and arrogance. He demands absolute obedience and punishes any defiance with immediate, brutal violence.
His power, Blood Demon Art, turns every cell of his body into a weapon: whips, blades, mouths, or offensive organs — all controlled with absolute mastery. With near-instant regeneration and superhuman abilities, he is virtually invincible.
He creates servants through his blood and dominates their will with deadly curses. Muzan rules from the shadows, only acting when necessary — and when he does, he reveals himself as an elegant monster who commands the battlefield through pure terror.
Reinhard Kurobane, The Knight
Reinhard Kurobane is the embodiment of military glory and the archetype of the supreme conqueror. Clad in white armor adorned with imperial insignias, he unites nobility and strength, designed to unify the realms of YGGDRASIL under a single banner.
With a brilliant strategic mind, charisma, and diplomatic finesse, Reinhard topples empires with honor and unwavering loyalty to Yasu.In combat, he is nearly invincible — protected by magical systems that grant him superhuman reflexes and immunity to common attacks.
His symbol is Brünhild, a living, indestructible warship that expands his domain and inspires both fear and admiration on the battlefield.
As a pillar of the Kurobane Family, Reinhard represents order and conquest — the political and military arm of the empire.
Tsunade Kurobane, The Titanic Healer
Tsunade Kurobane is the personification of healing and brute strength. With a serene and imposing appearance — blonde hair tied back, intense green eyes, and an athletic build — she became the greatest healer in YGGDRASIL, capable of regenerating extreme wounds and nullifying fatal curses.
She mastered the Byakugō technique, which allowed instant healing and limb restoration, and wielded colossal physical strength, capable of leveling her surroundings with a single blow.
Her loyalty to Yasu was rooted in a clear ideal: power exists to protect, not merely to dominate. Tsunade combined compassion and brutality like no other.
Maki Kurobane, The Sword's Umi
Maki Kurobane is the sorceress who overcame her limitations through raw strength and sheer determination. Rejected by her clan, she was shaped by Yasu as a symbol of perseverance. With dark hair, a resolute gaze, and light armor marked by cursed runes, she possessed no magic — but made up for it with unmatched physical power.
Agile, precise, and lethal in exorcising curses, Maki developed a sharp sense capable of anticipating enemy movements. Tireless, disciplined, and relentless, each of her strikes carried the weight of conviction — pure strength guided by purpose.
Kenjaku Kurobane, The Architect of Chaos
Kenjaku is the mastermind behind millennia of schemes — a cold and calculating genius. With an aged appearance, runic robes, and cursed seals, he masterfully manipulates spirits and excels in close-quarters combat.
Obsessed with strategy, he orchestrated events like the Culling Game with cruel precision. Even against multiple opponents, his inhuman patience and long-term vision ensured absolute control.
Kenjaku is the embodiment of ruthless genius — capable of turning corpses, eras, and entire civilizations into perfect pieces for his victory.
Alluka Kurobane, The Lady of Wishes
Alluka Kurobane is a childlike entity with a sweet appearance, harboring the dark power to grant wishes through Nanika, her second personality. Dressed in a simple and ethereal fashion, she represents the duality between innocence and destruction.
Nanika grants three wishes — from the trivial to the deadly — followed by a fourth granted without resistance. A misstep in the sequence could mean total annihilation.
Her power responds only to Yasu or chosen allies, making her a divine weapon of extreme risk — capable of miracles or catastrophes with a single request.
Esdeath Kurobane, The Ice Empress
Esdeath is the embodiment of icy authority and strategic brutality. Tall, imposing, and clad in a white general's uniform, she upholds the philosophy of "survival of the fittest," eliminating the weak with sadistic precision.
Mastering absolute ice, she can freeze rivers, imprison armies, and alter entire climates. Her demonic Teigu amplifies this power with freezing earthquakes.
Leading the Kurobane Family's Jaegers, Esdeath turns fear into unwavering loyalty, commanding with cold power and unquestionable obedience.
Meruem Kurobane, The King of Ants
Meruem Kurobane is the personification of Nen at its peak. As King of the Chimera Ants, he was born with photographic intelligence, superhuman strength, and an immense aura surpassing even the Royal Guards.
His ability to absorb Nen by devouring enemies made his power grow without limit. With advanced techniques like extended En, he could detect emotions and intentions from afar, using aura like photons for espionage.
Hisoka Kurobane, The Jester
Hisoka Kurobane is the seductive and unpredictable enigma of the Family. With a circus-themed appearance — red hair, tight colorful clothes, and card-style makeup — he delights in facing powerful opponents.
A master of transmutation, his aura becomes elastic or sticky, forming deadly weapons with subtle finesse. His philosophy is to spare the strong for a proper duel later, always seeking worthy battles.
To him, chaos is art, and battle is entertainment.
Staring at them before him, he couldn't help the overwhelming sense of pride swelling in his chest. Each of those beings was the result of countless hours of dedication, money spent without hesitation, and meticulous refinement to the highest possible level.
They were, without exaggeration, his true masterpieces.
And yet, this was only the beginning.
There were others. Many others.
NPCs crafted with the same care, each carrying their own uniqueness, personality, and special brilliance. The ones present were merely the first — the pioneers of his creative journey — not necessarily the strongest, but the ones who marked the beginning of it all.
Some of those left behind possessed such unique abilities and charismatic personalities that comparing them by raw power alone would be unfair.
After all... each of them is irreplaceable in their own way.
Only thirty seconds remained until the global shutdown of YGGDRASIL.
The countdown flickered on his interface — each number blinking like a final breath, an echo of farewell.
He sat motionless on his ebony throne.
Before him, the Kurobane Family stood in heavy silence. Perfect works of power and obsession — but also symbols of everything that would soon be lost.
He looked at them, not with pride, but with a distant kind of sorrow.
So many resources, so much effort… all of it was about to vanish.
"It's the end..."
His tone was quiet, restrained.
When the timer hit 00:00:00, everything went dark.
The Black Tomb, the apex of his virtual empire, trembled as if releasing its final energy. The digital foundation faded away, consumed by a thick silence — cold, absolute, final.
Yasu felt his body give in. Gravity pulled him down, but it wasn't the gravity he knew.It was something else.
In the void, Yasu felt his form surrender — drawn by a denser gravity, as if being drained from the reality he once understood.
The throne, the halls, the gates — all evaporated.
The scent of damp earth, the whisper of a cold breeze, and the distant murmur of wildlife invaded his senses.
When his eyes opened, he saw a twilight sky. Ahead, a barren desert, with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation.
Yasu stood still. The world he had loved, controlled, and conquered was gone. A void had replaced it. And now, in this new place, only the bittersweet feeling of a new beginning remained.
He whispered, almost inaudibly:
"This... isn't YGGDRASIL."
There was no interface. No Black Tomb. No masterpieces.
Only a bitter nostalgia for what had once been real.
And there, amidst the weight of the air, the damp soil, and the twilight that seemed to mourn his fate…
Yasu knew: The perfection he had created had died with the fantastical world that gave it life.
Or maybe not?