Regain your composure.

You lay on the sofa in the living room while your party stands around you. Amara has you like a nurse's patient, and her adorable hat definitely adds to the image, though this isn't a time for jokes. Nobody died, but people were hurt by your hand, and you have no idea why. She pulls off your tunic and places your pack, weapon, and other equipment to the side. Her hair tickles your chin as she lays her head against your chest and listens for a beat.

Her hand takes your cheek, and she looks deep into your eyes. "You are yourself. Not injured either. Do you have any idea what happened out there, Kyle?"

She still says my name. They're here still, despite what happened just then. Thank god.

You shake your head. "I have no idea. I suddenly hit 10th level in the middle of that battle somehow, even though I didn't sleep. Then I passed out, and saw a weird light in the distance. There was a woman standing in it. Either way, I lost control of myself temporarily."

"How are you so far ahead of me?" Niki sighs. I'm only 7th level. Wasn't I higher than you at some point?"

"My class..." you mutter. "It isn't unknown to me anymore. This forgery designed by whoever stole me from my home must have reached a special point. The time when most adventurers choose an elite class, right? It's like it developed into something complete. Maybe I was meant to turn over to their side, but I managed to break free. Either way, it seems to be bluntly called Demon King."

"So you're a 10th level Demon King," Delphi says from above. She's sitting atop the couch. "Now that's a title."

"This isn't funny."

Eva looks out the window. "It seems that everyone's left. I'm thankful they didn't try to arrest you on the spot. Maybe it was because there was an actual threat attacking as well, and we did help. They may mistake it for confusion, or... they're returning to speak with the rest of the guards."

"But I'm innocent!" You sit up. "Mind control happens all the time in a world of magic, right?"

Niki ponders. "Well, you're not wrong."

You look down at your ring. "I'm a knight too. That has to count for something."

Amara strokes her fingers back through your brown hair. "Just rest for now... It is already halfway through the day. We should wash up, eat, and get an early sleep. Everything will be better tomorrow."

Maybe she's right. I need a night in my own bed. But that was seriously scary. I can't afford for that to happen again.

The rest of the afternoon and evening happen uneventfully. Everybody is just happy to eat around a table, and have delicious food for the first time in what feels like an eternity. Then after eating, the girls bathe. You consider stepping in, but after all that's happened, you decide to wait. You did attack innocent people just hours prior. Maybe not the right mood for that.

Your bath is heavenly, however. The hot water melts your stress away.

After you've dressed in your pajamas, Yin takes your clothes away to wash.

Amara is probably right. Everything will be better tomorrow.