Mushoku Tensei: I am the older brother of Rudeus Greyrat

The Demon Continent stretched before them, its vast, barren plains tinged with an eerie purple hue. Jagged mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks disappearing into an ominous mist. The air was dry and crackling with latent magical energy, unlike anything the group had experienced before.

Aedric led the way into a small, weathered settlement nestled in the shadow of a rocky cliff. The village was bustling despite its rough appearance—merchants peddling wares, mercenaries discussing jobs, and townsfolk rushing about their tasks. It was a place full of opportunity but also danger.

"We should split up," Aedric suggested, his tone calm but commanding. "We'll cover more ground that way. Look for work or any leads that could help us. Meet back here by sundown."

The group nodded in agreement. Akane, Hiroshi, Jacken, and Tatsuya each set off in different directions, blending into the crowd. Aedric lingered for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds of the Demon Continent. It was chaotic yet alive with possibilities—a perfect place for someone like him.

As he wandered the streets, his eyes scanning for opportunities, Aedric's attention was drawn to a commotion in a nearby alley. A group of rough-looking men surrounded what appeared to be a small, frail girl with wild, unruly purple hair and a tattered cloak. She cowered, clutching a bundle of rags to her chest.

"Leave her alone," Aedric called out, his voice sharp as he stepped into the alley.

The men turned to face him, sneering. "This isn't your business, kid. Walk away, or you'll regret it."

Aedric's hand moved instinctively to his weapon, but before he could act, the girl darted forward, her movements unnaturally quick. In a flash, she bit one of the men on the hand, causing him to howl in pain. The others hesitated, unnerved by her feral demeanor.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Aedric lunged at the group. His strikes were swift and precise, his training evident in every move. Within moments, the men were fleeing, their bravado shattered.

The girl stood there, brushing dust off her cloak. "Hmph. Took you long enough," she said, her voice unexpectedly mature and regal for someone who appeared so small.

Aedric raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome. Are you alright?"

She grinned, revealing sharp, almost mischievous teeth. "Of course, I'm fine! I didn't really need your help, but I suppose I'll let you think you were useful." She straightened her posture, suddenly exuding an aura of authority. "You've done me a service, so I, Kishirika Kishirisu, former Empress of the Demon Continent, shall grant you a reward!"

Aedric blinked, caught off guard by the declaration. "Former Empress? Are you serious?"

Kishirika crossed her arms, her expression indignant. "Of course I'm serious! Do you think I'd lie about something so grand? Now, kneel before me so I can bestow my gifts upon you!"

Bemused but curious, Aedric knelt slightly, his usual smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Kishirika leaned in, her glowing crimson eyes boring into his.

"First, your left eye," she said, pressing a finger gently to it. A searing pain shot through Aedric's head as a strange sensation took over. "Behold, the Absolute Void Eyes! With these, you can erase all distractions, focusing entirely on what matters most."

Before Aedric could process what had just happened, Kishirika moved to his right eye. "And now, your right eye. This one is special—the Absorption Eyes. With it, you can draw in and nullify magical energy from your surroundings. Use it wisely."

As the pain subsided, Aedric opened his eyes. The world around him seemed sharper, clearer, as if he were seeing it for the first time. He looked at Kishirika, who was now grinning triumphantly.

"Consider this a blessing from the great Kishirika!" she declared, striking a dramatic pose. "You're lucky to have met someone as generous as me."

Aedric stood, testing his newfound abilities. He could feel the subtle shifts in the air, the magical currents flowing around him. "These… are incredible," he admitted, his voice tinged with awe.

Kishirika smirked. "Of course they are. Now go, young human. Make good use of them. Oh, and if anyone asks who gave you such power, be sure to mention my name!"

With that, she turned and darted off into the crowd, leaving Aedric standing there, still trying to comprehend what had just happened.

When the group reconvened that evening, Aedric shared the tale of his encounter with Kishirika and the gifts she had bestowed upon him. His companions listened intently, their expressions ranging from disbelief to fascination.

"You always seem to find the strangest people," Tatsuya remarked, shaking his head with a grin.

"Strange or not," Aedric said, his gaze distant, "these eyes will be a great asset. We'll need every advantage we can get on this journey."

As the group set up camp under the Demon Continent's starless sky, Aedric couldn't help but think about Kishirika's parting words. The Demon Continent was vast and dangerous, but with these new abilities—and his growing group of allies—he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.