[2019 "Fantasy King" Writing Contest Entry] Is this novel really a lighthearted slice-of-life story? I just crossed over and found myself in the domain of the Demon Lord—this legendary figure who once
Zhang Ning’s face was a picture of utter despair, his cheeks pale as he murmured, “Can’t leave the city… Can’t leave the city?!” Drawing curious glances from the passersby.
He had crossed over roughly two hours before. One moment, he was dozing comfortably in his air-conditioned university classroom, and the next, he was in another world, with nothing but the clothes on his back—clothes that seemed designed to blend in with the locals. At first, he thought it was punishment for not paying attention in class. It took quite an effort to calm himself, only to realize that his arms and legs were tiny; he couldn't be more than eight or nine years old. This only deepened his gloom.
At this age, he could do nothing, and everything was fraught with danger. Still, he wasn’t completely discouraged; after all, the predecessors who’d traveled to other worlds often reached the peak of legend by the age of twenty. Starting early had its perks.
Zhang Ning looked around with a budding sense of ambition. He saw the townsfolk’s cheerful faces, not the numb expressions of the oppressed—clearly, this place was well governed. The familiar architecture of ancient China met his gaze—well, he knew a fair bit about history; maybe he could eke out a living here. Children played and roughhoused nearby, leaping onto rooftops with ease—not so strange; perhaps this was a world of martial arts, high-powered warriors, or some other system. He was prepared for that much.
It was the woman towering in the city center—easily dozens of meters tall—that made him yelp aloud. She s