In a distant isekai world, where humans and demons coexisted peacefully, there was no trace of war, no lingering hatred—only harmony. For the past two decades, the two races had lived side by side, not as enemies, but as neighbors, friends, and equals.
Near the borders of the Peace Kingdom lay a serene village named Phloria, built by a kind soul of the same name who had dreamed of such unity. The village bustled with life—farmers tending to crops, merchants selling wares, and children playing freely in the golden fields. Laughter echoed through the air like music, blending seamlessly with the rustling of the wind.
Among the playful children was Neuro, a spirited 10-year-old boy with endless energy. His father, a humble farmer, watched from a distance as Neuro ran and laughed with his friends—humans and demons alike. A warm smile stretched across his face. To see children playing together without fear or prejudice was a sight he deeply cherished.
But peace, like the wind, could sometimes shift direction.
During a lively game of tag, Neuro suddenly shoved one of his demon friends and shouted, "Why are you cheating? You're trying to cover it up!"
The demon boy, taken aback, replied calmly, "That's just how I run. I wasn't cheating, Neuro."
Neuro's eyes flared with frustration. "You used your demon speed! That's not fair!"
Tension filled the air. The joyful game came to a halt.
A girl named Sara, another friend from their group, stepped in and grabbed Neuro's arm gently. "Neuro, stop. We're all friends. Don't fight over something so small."
But Neuro snapped back, jerking his arm away. "Fighting? He's the one cheating! And now you're taking his side?"
Tears welled up in Sara's eyes. "No... please, Neuro. Don't be like this."
The demon boy, seeing Sara cry, stepped forward in anger and pushed Neuro lightly. "Don't take your anger out on others," he said firmly.
That moment—something shifted in Neuro. His eyes widened with fear as a whisper crossed his mind: A demon.
He stammered, his voice shaky and sharp, "I knew it... you demons always pretend to be nice. But this is your true nature, isn't it?"
The demon boy stood frozen, hurt by the words. "Neuro… what are you talking about? I only got mad because you hurt Sara. I wasn't cheating. I'm still your friend…"
But Neuro, overwhelmed and frightened, shouted, "STOP LYING, YOU DEMON!" He grabbed Sara's hand and ran away, not looking back.
The demon boy stood still, his heart heavy. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. The other children gathered around him, trying to console him, but the guilt weighed on his young shoulders.
From the fields, Neuro's father had seen everything. He walked toward the demon boy and gently placed a hand on his head. "Don't take it to heart, son. I think he misunderstood you. I'll talk to him."
The demon boy nodded slowly. "No, it was my fault. I scared him. I'll apologize tomorrow… and ask him to play with us again."
A proud smile formed on the farmer's lips, though he kept it small and quiet. This is the world you dreamed of, Neuro… a world where even after a fight, friendship still matters.
He knelt beside the demon boy and said softly, "You did nothing wrong. But the fact that you want to apologize, even when you don't have to, shows how much you value this friendship. That takes courage."
The boy smiled. "You don't need to thank me, Neuro's father. He's my best friend. I'll make things right tomorrow."
As the demon boy turned to leave, promising to apologize to Neuro the next day, Neuro's father stood still, watching him walk away under the fading golden sky. The soft breeze carried the rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of other children playing—unaware of the quiet storm that had just passed.
He looked up at the sky, the sun now dipping behind the hills, casting a warm orange hue over the fields.
A soft smile played on his lips—not one of joy, but of quiet remembrance.
"The world you dreamed of… it's finally here," he thought to himself, eyes growing distant. "A world where humans and demons can play, cry, and fight like any other children—but always come back as friends."
Then, in a soft voice, almost a whisper to the wind, he said:
"I miss you, my friend. I wish you were here to see how far we've come. We changed fate together… and this village—this peace—it's a part of your dream too."
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, placing a hand over his chest as if holding onto a memory that still beat within him.
Then, after a moment of stillness, he turned toward his home, the shadows growing longer with each step. His heart was tired, but full.
The front door creaked open as he stepped inside.
"I'm home," he called out.
His wife Diana was already waiting near the entrance, arms outstretched and smile wide. "Welcome back, darling," she said, wrapping him in a warm hug.
He embraced her back just as gently.
"The dinner is ready, honey," diana added sweetly.
Unbeknownst to them, their son had arrived moments earlier.
"Mama! Papa! You're not newlyweds! Stop being so lovey-dovey! Is this what you do in front of your son's eyes, huh?" Neuro blurted out, a mix of teasing and mock-disgust on his face, he gagged playfully.
Both parents froze. A flush of embarrassment spread across their cheeks.
"I—I think I have work in the kitchen…" his mother stammered, quickly turning away. "You two wash your hands and get ready for dinner."
His father scratched his head, blushing. "Uhaaaa... aaaaaa… ok."
After a few minutes, as they all gathered at the dinner table, a playful competition began.
Neuro's father grinned and called out, "Let's see who eats most of your mother's cooking!"
Neuro narrowed his eyes, serious and determined. "Papa, let's see who eats the most of mama's food."
His father leaned in like a challenger at a festival stage. "Let's see what you got. Let's meet at the stage!"
Neuro stuffed his face, eating with fierce determination. But his father outpaced him, bite after bite, laugh after laugh.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" his father boasted. "See? I can eat your mother's food all I want because I love her more than anything in this world!"
Diana blushed furiously. "Stop it, honey! I know you love my cooking!"
Neuro rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. Watching his parents tease each other made something inside him feel warm and safe.
Then his father stood and said, "Neuro, after dinner, come to the horses."
Neuro nodded. "Yes, Papa."