Reincarnated as the disaster prince

Theodore stood beneath the forest canopy, the distant glow of Donovan City illuminating the horizon. Its bustling streets and towering gates awaited him, but there was a glaring problem. His face was too recognizable. The Marquess Donovan's soldiers wouldn't forget him, especially with his sharp silver hair and piercing eyes.

Belial, standing beside him, offered a solution. "My lord, there is a form of black magic that can alter your appearance—height, face, even your voice. It would ensure no one recognizes you."

Theodore's interest piqued. "Teach me."

Before Belial could respond, a familiar surge of knowledge flooded Theodore's mind. The dark tome etched into his soul unlocked new magic, pouring the incantation directly into his consciousness. He staggered, clutching his head as dizziness overtook him.

Mimi rushed to his side. "My lord, are you—"

"I'm fine," Theodore interrupted sharply, his voice strained. "This… is nothing."

He closed his eyes, chanting the curse. His aura flared as his body shifted. His childlike frame grew taller, lean but strong, his youthful face replaced by that of a man in his twenties. Orange hair replaced black, and his features became plain and unassuming. When he opened his eyes, his sharp red eyes remained—his only tell.

Mimi and Belial exchanged looks of awe. "Astounding," Belial remarked. "Your mastery grows faster than expected, my lord."

Luna, perched on Mimi's back, tilted her head. "Why didn't you make yourself more handsome?"

Theodore smirked faintly. "I hate attention. Plain is better."

With their disguises prepared, they donned cloaks, hoods drawn low, and approached the city gates. Two armored guards stood watch, their expressions indifferent until Theodore stepped forward.

"State your purpose," one guard demanded.

Theodore's voice, deeper now, carried a subtle authority. "I'm here to become a mercenary."

The guards exchanged glances, then nodded. "Fine. Welcome to Donovan City."

The gates creaked open, revealing a lively, vibrant scene. The streets were lined with bustling shops, colorful banners fluttering in the wind. People smiled and laughed, children played, and street performers entertained crowds. Mercenaries clad in mismatched armor drank in taverns, and mages displayed their wares on enchanted carts. The city seemed pulled straight from the pages of a fantasy novel.

For a moment, Theodore paused, taking it all in. His lips twitched into a small, fleeting smile. Belial noticed and grinned. "Enjoying yourself, my lord?"

Theodore's expression hardened instantly. "Enough distractions. Let's get to work."

As they wandered deeper into the city, they noticed a commotion near the central bulletin board. A crowd had gathered, reading a newly posted announcement. Theodore, intrigued, pushed through the throng with Belial close behind.

On the board was a poster bearing the crest of the Holy Church. It detailed a search for two missing individuals: Priestess Sky and her maid, Cadi. Their faces, serene and youthful, stared back at Theodore from the parchment.

For a moment, Theodore's expression darkened. He remembered them well—two pawns in his grand schemes, their lives snuffed out in the Skull Mountain.

Belial noticed Theodore's lingering gaze. "My lord, do you know these women were they friends of yours?"

Theodore chuckled coldly. "Friends? Don't be ridiculous. They weren't friends—they were food."

Belial tilted his head, puzzled. "Food?"

Theodore's smirk widened. "The energy you consumed to awaken, Belial—that was them. Their souls fed your rebirth."

Belial's crimson eyes gleamed with understanding. "Ah, I see. My lord, your ruthlessness never ceases to amaze me."

"Ruthless?" Theodore replied nonchalantly. "It was necessary. If not them, I would have found others."

Belial gave a low chuckle, his admiration for Theodore only growing.

As they left the crowd, Theodore spotted an elderly woman sitting in an alley. Her white hair framed a face lined with hardship. She extended a frail hand, her voice weak. "Please, young man, spare a coin for an old woman."

Theodore walked past her without a second glance, but something tugged at him—a distant memory of his past life, of his grandmother, the only one who'd ever shown him kindness. He paused, turning back. Digging into his pocket, he pulled out four silver coins and placed them in her palm.

"Thank you," the woman rasped, bowing her head. But as Theodore turned to leave, her grip tightened like iron around his wrist.

Belial bristled, stepping forward. "Unhand him, old hag." He pushed her away with ease, but Theodore raised a hand, signaling him to stop.

"Is this how you repay kindness?" Theodore asked, his tone sharp.

The woman didn't answer. Instead, she began tracing strange symbols on the ground with trembling fingers. Her eyes widened in horror as she pointed at Theodore. "You… you!" she screeched. "Child of Disaster! You will bring chaos to the world!"

The crowd turned to look, whispers spreading as the woman's voice grew louder. Theodore's anger flared. "Enough of this nonsense." He turned to leave, but the woman hurled the coins at him, the clinking sound echoing in the alley.

Belial stepped forward, his voice venomous. "Ungrateful wretch. No wonder your family abandoned you."

But before Theodore could retort, the old woman began to levitate, her frail body bathed in a glowing aura. Her voice changed, layered with an otherworldly resonance.

"My savior," she intoned, her tone both reverent and accusing. "I've found you at last."

Theodore's eyes narrowed. The voice was familiar—the same one he'd heard when he was reincarnated. "So it's you."

"Yes," the voice continued, half the old woman's, half divine. "I brought you into this world to save it. Yet here you are, tainted by darkness. You've forsaken your destiny."

Theodore scoffed, folding his arms. "You dragged me into this without my consent. I owe you nothing."

"You dare defy me?" the voice thundered. "You have invited war upon yourself. The gods will not sit idly by while you corrupt this world."

Theodore smirked, raising his middle finger. "Tell the gods to bring it on. I don't care for your plans, and if any of them dare come for me, I'll cut them down."

The voice roared in fury. "Foolish child! You will regret this arrogance. The gods' wrath will consume you."

With that, the aura faded, and the old woman collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Belial began laughing, his voice echoing through the alley. "My lord, you've declared war on the heavens themselves. Truly magnificent!"

Theodore chuckled darkly. "It's not war yet, Belial. First, they'll send their lackeys. I'll deal with them when the time comes. Until then, I'll grow stronger."

Belial bowed deeply. "And I will follow you into the abyss, my lord."

Theodore glanced at the old woman one last time before turning to leave. "Let's go. Mimi and Luna are waiting."

The group reunited near an inn on the outskirts of the city. Mimi had secured a room, and Luna waved excitedly when she saw Theodore.

"My lord," Mimi said softly, "I've made arrangements for our stay. Shall we proceed with the next phase of the plan?"

Theodore nodded, glancing toward the distant Marquess's castle. His smirk returned. "Yes. The Queen and Donovan will pay for what they've done. Let's get started."