In 2015, a massive beam of red light struck Earth one night.
Gradually, people worldwide discussed the beam, unable to comprehend its nature.
No one could determine its source.
Even space agencies failed to identify its origin.
The phenomenon sparked heated discussions on various online forums.
Weeks later, reports emerged of pets attacking and killing their owners. Initially, few considered it unusual, but as injuries mounted, people grew anxious.
Even zoos and circus animals turned on humans. Wild animals and birds abandoned forests and oceans, migrating to hunt humans.
Unable to explain the phenomenon, people initially dismissed it as a coincidence.
Then, strange reports surfaced: plants, including household flora, emitted carbon dioxide instead of oxygen, suffocating people.
Hours later, a chilling video spread online showing a tree walking.
Soon, more trees and plants started moving.
"What?" one online user exclaimed.
"How can trees walk?" another questioned.
Trees and plants began hunting humans.
Many believed this was divine punishment and passively accepted their fate.
"This is our punishment from Heaven," one user wrote anonymously.
"Run, but there's no escape," another posted.
As weeks passed and deaths mounted, governments worldwide ordered citizens to avoid animals and plants, distributing oxygen tanks and authorizing the destruction of any creature or flora, rogue or not.
Fearful of animals and plants, people remained unsure when any might turn dangerous.
Some killed their pets and plants, while others resisted, hoping theirs would remain safe.
Yet, deaths continued to rise, along with the number of rogue animals and plants.
Weeks later, a six-year-old girl walked home from a shop when pit bulls barked and chased her.
As they lunged, a man punched them, killing them instantly.
"I didn't know a human could be so strong," the girl said.
"Neither did I, kid," the man replied.
"I'm Nick. Who are you?"
"I'm Rose, and someday I'll be stronger like you," she declared.
"Sure, kid," he said, laughing. He escorted her home. "Wow, your house is huge."
"What can I say? It's big," she replied, grinning.
They said goodbye.
Over time, reports surfaced of humans with extraordinary abilities: a man who created and controlled fire, and a woman whose scream echoed across entire regions.
Videos of people using their powers to save others spread online.
Soon, more individuals developed superpowers unexpectedly.
By now, most believed the red light caused these events, though its origin remained unknown.
They realized humanity's survival depended on using these powers for protection.
Some countries proposed a superhero agency, but people distrusted control by a few nations.
Instead, global citizens urged the United Nations to establish a Superheroes Agency, neutral and independent.
Superhuman individuals supported this idea.
Years later, the UN established the agency.
A man with super intelligence invented a machine to measure power levels, assigning ranks:
Rank S
Rank A
Rank B
Rank C
Rank D
Rank E
Rank F
The UN built superhero agencies in various countries, allowing lower-ranking heroes to address local issues.
Only S-Rank heroes and select
A-Ranks with unique abilities were stationed at UN Headquarters.
One day, Ira, an S-Rank hero, called an emergency meeting.
"What's the emergency?" Aria, another S-Rank, asked.
"I think I've found the cause," Ira said.
"Really?" the Chief of Superheroes asked.
"Yes," Ira replied. "This book, passed down in my family for 5,000 years, explains it.
Five thousand years ago, a massive gate opened on Earth, and demons emerged. They slaughtered humans without mercy, wiping out nearly 70% of humanity."
"Then, as a demon general was about to kill a boy, a young man sacrificed his life to save him.
Humanity, moved by his act, prayed fervently.
Their prayers were answered: a giant hand from the sky revived the young man and bestowed a legendary sword.
The Seven Sages—Water, Fire, Time, Space, Earth, Holy, and Dark—infused their powers, granted by Seven Gods, into the sword."
"With it, the young man defeated every demon and their Demon King.
The Demon King warned that he would return when the hero was gone. The hero replied that his descendants would defeat him again."
"After the battle, he left the sword for future generations. It was said to grant immortality, but the young man refused it, believing mortality defined humanity."
"What was his name?" an A-Rank hero asked.
"His name isn't recorded, but he was called the Legendary Hero," Ira answered.
"After his death, many tried to steal the sword, but none could move it, not even his descendants."
A thousand years later, the Demon King and his army returned, killing 66% of humanity in weeks.
With the hero's family lost, hope faded. Then, a woman wielding the legendary sword appeared.
"A mortal woman dares challenge me?" the Demon King mocked. "Become my wife, and I'll spare you."
"I'll do what my ancestor did," she replied. "Return to your world."
After a fierce battle, she slew the Demon King and later married her childhood friend.
"This cycle repeated until now," Ira concluded.
"What are you saying, Ira?" Ms. Ani, an S-Rank, asked.
"The Demon King will return soon," Ira stated.
"But why this strategy now?" an A-Rank asked.
"He's lost to the Hero's family five times," Ira explained. "Now, he's using our fears and souls to empower his Demon Army."
"Where is the Hero's family?" the Chief asked.
"I don't know," Ira admitted. "But if this book is true, they're still here."
"How can you be sure?" the Chief pressed.
"I hope I'm right," Ira said gravely. "If not, humanity has no hope. This time, he'll be stronger than ever."
"Where is the Demon King?" the Chief asked.
"Likely beneath Earth's surface," Ira speculated. "Demons gain power from the planet's core and human emotions."
"Then hunt for the Hero and the Demon King with archaeologists," the Chief ordered.
"Why seek the Demon King?" an S-Rank asked.
"If we find him first, we can kill him before he wakes," the Chief replied.
They searched for the Hero and the Demon King but found no trace of the Hero's bloodline.
However, they discovered skeletons radiating demonic energy, though not demonic in origin.