Toki's POV, Keyston Residence, time: 7 PM.

  After desperately trying to hunt for any interesting animated shows for an hour, I ended up not finding anything whatsoever. It shocks me to think that modern society has such little knowledge about the past. But I can't blame them. It's one way to imagine or bring back the life of what it was like back then... Although, why do most of them contain five or six women and the main character? Having a harem with you only brings problems.

  Currently, I remain lying down on the couch, doing absolutely nothing but stare at the ceiling. I should be practicing my magic right now, but I couldn't help thinking about what the headmaster said regarding my mother. Do I really need to grow stronger? To learn where she is and what she's doing?

  After all, he looked dead serious when talking about her. Having that conversation made me really overthink about the possibilities of what she's doing right now. Sadly, they're only possibilities. I can only know if he tells me. And so, I'll continue my training. I nod to myself, then get off the couch while stretching my arms upwards, my legs doing deep side-to-side lunges as I sigh in relief afterwards.

  I leave the living room, turning to the right and walking forward down the hall. Passing by the library, gym, and kitchen. I arrive at the training room that my father set up for practices. Dummies were lined up perfectly, as were targets for shooting that hung on the wall. Surprisingly, everything here regenerates itself when the damage is strong.

  I've always visited this place when training the basics of spells. But now, I came to train for a different reason. Iconiques. The name itself is... confusing, sure. I just learned after a few years that it was a wordplay of "technique" and "icon."

  Besides that, the reason why it's called an iconique is because of the purpose. The name suggests that it's an original, never before seen magic technique or skill that a person has made. You can make as many as you know how to simply create.

  The creativity and imagination of what you want are endless. Of course, you must have a simple idea of what kind of technique it should be. If it's too complicated, it has a higher risk of it failing.

  And that's where the other important part comes in. Magic Contract. The name is pretty obvious. It's merely a deal with your own magic energy, spell, or iconique.

  I never knew this existed back then in the past, so I assume it was only found out recently or a few years ago for my father to figure it out. But what it does is pretty explanatory. It's a contract regarding how your iconique works, depending on how you use it, you could even gain even more magic energy if you sacrifice losing a technique or a skill.

  Although I didn't really want to do that... It seems a bit risky and life-threatening. Most importantly, you have to abide by the rules of the said contract you made. As for me, I had a pretty good idea of what kind of contract I did with my iconique.

  "Iconique: Fire Handles."

  I call out my iconique as it began to manifest. I lift my hands up, my palm facing the ceiling as magic energy begins swirling around the center. Until it fully manifested into a basketball, completely made out of fire. As the fiery basketball lands on my hand.

  I chuckle, missing the feeling before starting to dribble with it rather effortlessly. The inspiration for this? The NBL. The Norm Basketball League. Ever since my mother introduced me to basketball, I've been hooked, unable to miss out on any games.

  And I could never forget the guy who drove by three people with ease, his handle with the ball looked so effortless that it was awesome. Blake Norbel. A retired basketball three time champion. He led his team to victory for three consecutive years until he had to retire due to an ankle injury during his games.

  It was... A sad day for the Blacklight fans. But it seems to be doing well despite his retirement. I do wonder how he's doing now.

  Although the inspiration is really only from the game and from the man himself. But how does it work? Well, it's a pretty simple concept. The contract I made states that as long as I dribble, I cannot be attacked or hit by any means necessary, the only way to be injured is if my enemy steals this flaming basketball from my hands. And when the ball gets stolen, I get a temporary decrease of my magic energy and an increased intake of damage. So I pretty much become weak when I lose the ball.

  While during the dribbling, the flaming basketball's power output gets progressively stronger. Starting from zero percent, then adding ten percent each time I dribble it on any flat surface. Of course, it has its upsides and downsides.

  Below one hundred percent output, the ball cannot track the said opponent, so it's pretty much a normal fire ball. But if it's above two hundred to five hundred percent, then it automatically tracks the enemy until they're hit. If that enemy hides behind or uses anything to protect themselves, it will phase through until it makes contact. Causing it to explode.

  The hardest one of all. The one thousand percent output. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to six hundred or nine hundred due to the complications. Because it's an instant kill.

  To pull it off, I have to directly slam the ball against the opponent to trigger the effect. If not, it only deals massive damage, temporarily stunning them in place.

  Obviously there's a noticeable difference when reaching these three levels of percentage outputs. The first level is pretty normal, the second level makes the ball grow brighter, and the third would leave a trail of flames while it moves, implying that my hands are on fire. Literally.

  Honestly, I had fun coming up with this iconique, although I haven't had the chance to use it yet because I think it's a bit overkill... I'm sure Cash has a better iconique than mine, not that I've seen it.

  I noticed that I've been dribbling for about a minute, explaining my iconique to absolutely no one, feeling rather crazy.

  "If only mother was here... I miss her." I say to myself, feeling lonely. I then stopped dribbling, bringing the ball to my finger as I let it stay spinning on my index finger. I look at it, noticing it's glowing brighter. "Two hundred percent exactly. Not bad. But I need to get faster handles though."

  I sigh, feeling disappointed. Even with this iconique, I feel like I can do better. Not just from this alone. But from the actual game. Despite having amazing dribbling skills and great shooting skills... I absolutely suck at doing layups.

  I started to feel gloomy once more. I remember the time I went out with my mother when I was the age of twelve. Some kids were playing basketball, so I obviously wanted to join, and I did. While my mother had some gossip with the other kids' mothers.

  I remember it like it was yesterday. The times I practiced dribbling alone in the house, then made sure I had precise aim just like Darky. Only to end up realizing I cannot for the life of me do a layup. The one time I tried it, it ended up going through the edge of the ring and instead landing on the other side.

  That was the first traumatic experience I've had since then. Never will I ever try doing layups again. It's too difficult! I don't care what anyone says! I prefer dunking anyway.

  I snap out of it, trying to forget that horrid memory before throwing the ball at a dummy. As it made contact, it immediately exploded, ruining a part of the room and making a rather big hole in the wall and on the floor. I didn't pay much mind to it since it automatically fixes itself.

  I sigh once more, feeling gloomy and disappointed again for remembering it. Leaving the training room since I lost the motivation and heading back to the living room. Though, it is surprising that people still use the normal magic that we used in the past. Guess some things never change.

  I'm surprised they managed to get the hierarchy of the said magic too. Simple Magic, which is the basics of the basic, Mediu Magic, a slightly higher tier of the simple magic, then Difficu Magic, the higher, higher tier. Then the last two rare ones.

  Core and Worldly Magic. The first one being named "core" implies that it's a tier that is only used if the user is willing to sacrifice their entire magic core. That's why nobody knows about it, nor do they know how to use one.

  Worldly Magic is the most dangerous one of all. Capable of causing massive destruction to not one, but the entire world itself, there are many other uses as well, but not much is known about it. Back then, the only one I knew who had the capability of using it... was the Demon Lord himself.

  If Worldly Magic is that strong... Would there be a possibility that there's a spell of reincarnation?

  ...

  I stopped at the entrance of the living room. The dread of despair slowly creeps up onto my spine, feeling it shiver and shake from the realization that I only knew today.

  Is it possible?

  What if he's already back?

  Does that mean this world is doomed?

  So many thoughts flooded my mind at once, causing me to hyperventilate, my eyes dilating as I start to experience a small panic attack. I slowly crouch down, leaning my back against the wall as I take my time breathing to calm myself down.

  It's unlikely that there is, but it's also likely. So far, there's been no move made for the past few years. No chaos, no senseless war or destruction. Nothing. The demons haven't even made a move yet. It should be fine... yeah...

  I let out one last heavy sigh, my body now relaxing and calming down. Overthinking is one hell of a drug. It's enough to make anyone do things they're not even capable of.

  It's not worth having thoughts like that, especially if the world is at peace right now. I stand up slowly, wiping a drop of sweat from my forehead before taking a look at the mirror that hung on the wall.

  I observe myself, making sure I get all sides of my face. My eyes are dark as usual, and my hair is still black. While it's slightly messy and long, the white bits at the end of the strands of my hair still remain there as a reminder of my previous life. No beard yet... Is my testosterone low, or did I just not win the genetic lottery? I almost look like mother at this point, the baby face is killing me.

  Suddenly, the doorbell rang, making me turn to look at the entrance. I didn't need to know who it was because I could sense the person's magic behind the door. It was none other than Cash.

  I walk towards the entrance door and open it, seeing him wearing some casual clothing, a black shirt, and yellow shorts that reach past his knees. He held some chips that were called "Chicken Chips." I sometimes ask myself how he finds those brands.

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  "Evening, Toki! I assume you remember what we're going to do tonight, right?" Cash said while munching on the said chips. I nod, excited to have another game night with my childhood friend.

  "Obviously! Come on, get inside, dude. It's probably freezing at this hour right now." I say, smiling kindly as I move to the side. Happy to see him here, not because of having fun... But because it's my time to finally get a win.

  As one amazing character would say. Tonight's the night. And victory shall be mine. As Cash entered, I closed the door while he walked inside the living room. I didn't need to offer him some drinks since he always tells me he drinks when he needs to, which I understand.

  I followed him afterwards, he sat down on the large couch while I prepared the console TP5, turning it on while putting two controllers on the table. Cash would turn the TV on, making sure it was set to the cable that's connected to the TP5, but instead the screen showed us the news, only to witness something unexpected.

  "Breaking news: An unknown rift had appeared in the city. Sources say that it mysteriously appeared. Now, the rift was nearby a busy road. The cars had stopped, preventing any and all people from getting near it. The government had already prepared to cover and make sure the entire area is secure, people living nearby were evacuated elsewhere. We're unsure what this rift is. But one thing is for sure, this... is not safe for all of us."

  I couldn't believe what I just saw and heard... A darkish purple rift that appeared from the ground on the road. This was the first time I saw it myself, and I couldn't comprehend what it was. Even in the past, nothing like this appeared, so this is pretty bad... I turn to look at Cash to see that he himself was caught off guard by this as well.

  Even his usual happy-go-lucky smile was faltering. I turn off the console, standing up and blocking the TV as I ask Cash, "Let's go investigate it."

  "What are you talking about? It is an unknown occurrence, my dear friend! The government already says that they'll handle it!" Cash replied, being confused about why I wanted to go.

  "I know I just... I just have a bad feeling. I don't want anything bad to happen, so it's better if the both of us go to the scene too." I suggest, hoping that he would accept it. For some reason, seeing it almost felt familiar, as if I'd seen it before in the past... But I can't put my finger on it.

  While trying to remember, I heard a sigh coming from Cash. I look back at him to see his usual smile back, he moves his left hand to rub the back of his neck, his expression disapproving yet thrilled. "If you think something will happen, then I will be of assistance. I can't let my buddy get killed or maybe arrested by the government for trespassing." He chuckled after, I couldn't help but nod in response.

  The two of us immediately leave the house in a rush after our feet make contact with the solid ground outside the house. The both of us chanted the spell: Flight, the acceleration of it being rather instant, we were in a hurry after all, so wasting time would be bad. The two of us simultaneously fly high up in the air and rush to the city, hoping the situation doesn't escalate even further. I seriously have a bad feeling about this... Could this be the Demon Lord's doing? Surely not... I hope not.

  —

  3RD POV, White House, time: 7:44 PM

  Print was walking through the crowded hall of the White House, many of his people panicking and trying to stop the information from spreading. But it was already too late, the news had revealed it rather quickly before they had the chance to cover it up.

  His bodyguards stop halfway, positioning themselves at each side of the door to his main office. Entering it quickly and rushing to his desk, sitting down on his chair and clicking a button that pulls up a holographic screen right in front of him.

  A few seconds passed by, and the other presidents from the neighboring countries appeared, Elvy and Fura. Cumby couldn't join the said call due to an unknown reason, making Print question the two. His hands clasping together, his elbows leaning on the desk as he asks, "Do any of you two have the slightest idea why Cumby isn't in the call? She'd never miss out on something trivial as this."

  Elvy sighed, shaking her head, responding back with a disappointed tone, "Unfortunately, no. I haven't heard from her for a while, the last thing I checked up on was that she's going to do some digging on what the demons are up to."

  Fura then answered as well, crossing her arms. "Same here. I was too busy with a ton of paperwork, leaving me no time to check up on Cumby."

  Print clicked his tongue, his expression looking worried, he averted his gaze elsewhere, his thoughts asking him.

  Where are you, Cumby...? Only you would know what these rifts are. Could it be that it's related to the demons?...

  Print would shake his head, looking back at the holographic screen, asking both Elvy and Fura, "I'm assuming the two of you saw the video I sent of the rift earlier. Have any of you witnessed it appearing in your country as well?"

  Both Elvy and Fura shook their heads in response. Print let out a heavy sigh, leaning against the back of his chair before putting his hands together on his face, rubbing it gently with a hint of irritation and worry. Before looking back at the screen and nodding, "Very well, then I'll update you once I get more—"

  "President Print!" Suddenly, his assistant, Marga Rita. She barged inside of his room, holding what looks like a large version of a phone, a pad, PhonePad? Unsure. None of that matters as of now. Print would stand up, the call still ongoing as he shouts, "What do you think you're doing barging in here?!" He said angrily, this unexpected side of Print made Elvy and Fura surprised.

  Marga yelped in fear before instantly turning the pad around to show the screen of it, telling him, "I— It's the news! Look what's happening!" It was the news playing, showing the same location of the rift... with demons and monsters alike arising out of it. This was a sight not good to witness at all. Print's eyes were wide in fear, knowing this was the last thing he wanted to see.

  But while the monsters started rising out of the rift, there were two young men near the scene. And one of them looked rather familiar... until he realized who it was. "Toki Keyston?! What is he doing there?!"

  The name had gotten the attention of both Elvy and Fura, a slight gasp could be heard from the holographic screen. They never knew after all, only he did and the people of Magi Cademy. As the news continued to play, broadcasting to the people.

  "Breaking news! Monsters and demons have started to appear from the rift! I repeat! Monsters and demons have started to appear from the rift!... But wait, there are two people at the scene right now! Are these young men going to die an insufferable death?! Let's get a closer view to see!"

  —

  5 minutes ago.

  Toki and Cash were walking to the scene, the place was filled with people and the military protecting them and preventing them from getting nearby. But the two didn't seem to have a problem with that. Thanks to Cash's Camouflage spell, the both of them weren't noticed, heard, or seen.

  "You really like this spell, don't you?" Toki asked, looking at Cash. A visible bubble-like aura surrounding them as a sign of his camouflage being on.

  Cash simply nodded, chuckling before responding back, "It is pretty helpful. I can do so much with this spell after all. Plus, it is the first spell I learned from my mother!"

  "Is that true, or are you just telling me that to rub some salt on the wound because my mother hasn't been home?" Toki had a deadpanned expression at Cash, it was possible he was making fun of him again. Because Cash knows how much Toki misses his mother.

  "Both!" Cash simply answered, smiling brightly and happily, trying to mask the hint of playful teasing he was doing to Toki.

  "Very funny... oh, we're here." Toki and Cash stopped, noticing that they're way too close to the rift.

  They look at it, observing the surrounding area. Only the ground was affected by the rift, the nearby buildings were not distorted or destroyed at all. But the two of them feel immense magic power radiating around it...

  Just one wrong step and if the two of them go in there... Many bad things will happen. They made sure to keep some distance as Cash asked Toki, "What do you think? It appeared unprecedented. Worst of all, it appeared after the Magi Cademy announced its opening... the timing is suspiciously perfect."

  Despite Cash being the incarnation of greed. He never knew about this either, and when he talked to Luster about this telepathically, neither did she. So this was something entirely new. And side note, the incarnations can speak telepathically to one another only if they make physical contact.

  "I'm... not sure. This looks like something out of an anima or maybe a manga. Don't you think?" Toki asked, with Cash nodding in agreement. Until the bubbly-like aura of Cash's camouflage made contact with the rift. It instantly sends a heavy shockwave, reaching the military personnel. As the spell gets nullified, disabling it temporarily. Both Cash and Toki had nothing to hide from now on.

  "M— My Camouflage... It got nullified?! Impossible!" Cash himself was caught off guard and shocked about this, his expression became worried and shocked. Toki, on the other hand, turned around to see the military personnel, looking at them as they spoke.

  "Hey! What are you doing there?! This is restricted property! You can't!—" Before the soldier finished his sentence, another stronger Shockwave came out of the rift. Knocking out the people in the area, both the civilians who wanted to see the rift, and the military soldiers.

  All of them, but Cash and Toki. The moment they felt the first shockwave that emitted from before, they made sure to surround themselves with a protective magic aura around their bodies. Preventing them from getting hit by the heavy surge of magic energy.

  Strong winds began emitting from the rift. The two stood still, holding on and making sure they prepared themselves for the worst to come... and it did. Monsters and demons have started to arise from the rift. Not one, not two. But almost twenty of them: ten demons and ten monsters.

  Toki's and Cash's expressions changed, they felt disturbed and bothered about this. What happened tonight is something that could lead to a disaster, a catastrophe. An apocalypse that might end this world. As the two watched, standing in front of the demons and monsters by themselves.