In the peaceful town of Willowshade, sunlight streamed through the windows of a small classroom as a teacher stood before her students, explaining some basic knowledge about the world they lived in.
"After the portals opened and the demons along with demonic monsters invaded our world of Elyndor, everything changed. At first, it wasn't too dangerous — the portals were unstable, and only low-ranked demonic monsters, could pass through. But once we realized modern weapons were useless against higher-grade demons, humanity had to adapt."
She paced slowly in front of the board, her voice calm but serious.
"Researchers began experimenting with gene serums, using demon materials and DNA in hopes of awakening superhuman powers in humans. Their early attempts failed. But after brave scouts ventured into the demon realm, they discovered a strange fruit — the Spirit Fruit, a delicacy among demons. With that, science finally made progress."
She paused, looking each student in the eye.
"Today, thanks to those efforts, balance has been maintained... for now. But in 50 or 100 years, when the portals stabilize and the Legendary-grade demons come through, our world may fall into ruin. That's why all of you must work hard. Train, awaken your abilities, and become humanity's protectors."
The bell rang. She smiled."That's all for today. Don't forget your homework. Class dismissed."
Fourteen-year-old Azztheo slung his bag over his shoulder and walked home, his thoughts spinning with excitement and worry. Will I awaken someday? Can I really become strong enough to defeat demons?
His home was a modest one-story house nestled among friendly neighbors. As he opened the door, the smell of warm food drifted from the kitchen. His father, Garreth, stood at the stove, just finishing dinner.
Garreth was a rough-looking man, once strikingly handsome, now weathered by time and battle. He glanced back with a half-smile.
"School's over? Wash your hands and come eat."
"Yes, Dad! Coming," Azztheo replied with a grin.
They sat together at the small wooden table, eating a simple meal of meat, rice, and vegetables. It wasn't much, but it was warm and made with care.
Garreth asked, "So, how was school today?"
"It was fine," Azztheo replied, then hesitated. "Dad... can I ask you something?"
Garreth looked up from his plate. "Of course."
"Can we really defeat the demons?"
Garreth's spoon stopped mid-air. He stared at his son for a moment, his eyes distant, haunted by memories. Then he nodded.
"We can."
Azztheo beamed. "I knew it. I just knew it!"
He didn't notice the complicated emotion behind his father's gaze — the pain, the hope, the weight of what had been lost.
After dinner, Azztheo returned to his room, finished his homework, and crawled into bed. Sleep slowly took him, his young heart full of dreams about awakening his powers and saving the world.
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the windows of the modest house in Willowshade. The scent of toasted bread and warm eggs filled the air as Azztheo stepped out of the bathroom, his hair damp from a quick shower.
He wolfed down his breakfast — eggs, a slice of bread, and a cup of warm milk — then slung his bag over his shoulder.
"Dad, I'm heading out!" he called from the door, tying his shoelaces in a hurry.
From the kitchen, Garreth replied without looking up, "Alright. Take care."
"Always!" Azztheo grinned as he stepped outside into the cool morning breeze.
As he walked toward school, the streets slowly came alive with shopkeepers opening their stalls and birds chirping in the distance. Halfway there, he saw a familiar face jogging up to him — his friend, John, wearing his usual messy hair and lazy expression.
"Hey, Azz!" John panted slightly. "Did you finish the homework? You know how strict our teacher is."
Azztheo laughed. "Of course I did. I'm not risking another punishment lap around the school grounds. It's not just tiring — it's embarrassing!"
John shuddered. "Yeah, last week was brutal. My legs still remember."
They shared a laugh as they turned the corner toward the school gates.
"So..." John asked, more serious now, "It's our final year. After graduation, which training school are you thinking of?"
Azztheo paused, a thoughtful look crossing his young face.
"I don't know yet," he admitted. "I want to go somewhere that'll really help me awaken... I want to get strong, John. Strong enough to fight the demons one day."
John nodded slowly. "Yeah... same. My brother says the capital academies are tough, but they have real superhuman instructors. Still, getting in isn't easy."
"I'll figure it out," Azztheo said with quiet determination. "I have to."
As the school building came into view, bustling with students, the two boys picked up their pace — unaware that this would be the last peaceful morning they'd ever share.
As the school bell rang and students poured out of the gate, Azztheo stepped out with a tired smile—only to spot a familiar figure waiting just beyond the gate.
"Dad?" he called out, surprised.
Garreth Blackthorn, dressed plainly but standing tall, waved. "Hey, son. I was nearby and thought I'd walk you home."
Azztheo grinned. "You didn't have to, but thanks!"
They began walking side by side through the quiet streets of Willowshade, the golden evening light casting long shadows around them.
But peace shattered in an instant.
A loud crack tore through the air as a portal—twisting and red like a bleeding wound—ripped open in the sky above. Demonic creatures burst out, shrieking and snarling as they descended upon the town. People screamed. Some ran. Others fell.
Garreth instinctively stepped in front of Azztheo. "Stay close!" he reminded.
But before they could retreat, a dark figure appeared silently behind them. Garreth turned swiftly—his eyes narrowing.
It was him.
A tall, humanoid demon with leathery wings and curved, blade-like arms stood grinning before them. His skin was ashen, and his eyes burned with cruel amusement.
"Hello again, Garreth Blackthorn," the demon hissed. "Do you remember me?"
"…Jorta," Garreth muttered grimly. "How did you get here?"
"Kekeke… We spent years tracking you down," Jorta said with a sneer. "Building a portal strong enough to reach this backwater town wasn't easy. But you know why I'm here. Give me what you stole—and maybe I'll leave your body intact."
Garreth didn't answer.
Behind him, Azztheo stood frozen. His legs trembled. His breath came in short gasps. It was his first time seeing a high-grade demon—so close, so real. His fighting spirit vanished.
Garreth's jaw clenched. He glanced at his son—wide-eyed, terrified—and then at the chaos unfolding around them. Demons tore through the town, slaughtering without mercy.
He made his decision.
Power of darkness exploded from his body. In an instant, everything within fifty meters dimmed as if night had fallen. Light itself bent away.
Grabbing Azztheo, Garreth dashed away from the battlefield, carrying him like a feather.
After reaching a safe distance, he set the boy down and gave him a firm slap on the back. "Listen to me, Azztheo. Don't be afraid. You have to run, now."
Azztheo's lips trembled. "O-Okay, Dad. Let's go together—"
"No," Garreth said, smiling despite the pain in his eyes. "You go. I'll hold them off. Reinforcements will come soon… After I defeat that bastard, I'll find you."
Azztheo's throat tightened. "Dad… you promise?"
"I promise. Now go."
With tears brimming in his eyes, Azztheo turned and ran—his legs fueled by fear, grief, and hope, he knew that staying beside his father will only hold him back.
Behind him, a loud explosion echoed through the town.
And darkness spreading the small town like smoke.