As the day turned to evening, Leo sat with Anos, the demon prince, on a peaceful hill beneath the fading sunlight. Despite their differences, the two had developed an unlikely bond, sharing moments of quiet understanding. As Anos prepared to leave for the castle, he expressed his hope that they would meet again someday. Leo, though unsure of the future, promised himself to cherish their time together and to look forward to their next meeting, whenever it might come.
Returning home, Leo found his mother sitting outside under the starry sky. Their conversation turned to the stories of the hero destined to save humanity from the tyranny of the demons. While his mother spoke with unshakable belief in these tales, Leo’s cynicism grew. He saw them as mere stories meant to keep hope alive in a cruel world. However, her unwavering faith struck a chord within him. If no one else would rise to save humanity, Leo vowed to become that person for her. Despite his lack of magic, he resolved to work harder, training his body and mind to grow stronger and to protect those he loved.
The following day, after finishing his daily chores, Leo began his training in a serene forest near his home. The forest, alive with the sounds of nature and bathed in shifting patterns of light and shadow, became both his sanctuary and his battleground. Determined to grow stronger, Leo started with simple exercises—running, squats, and push-ups—repeating them each day with unrelenting determination. Though the process was grueling, he believed that every step, no matter how small, brought him closer to his goal.
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One evening, as the forest grew quiet, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. The man appeared otherworldly, with white hair, pale skin, and glowing eyes that seemed to pierce Leo’s very soul. His clothing shimmered with an alien energy, and he carried a staff crowned with a glowing blue orb. Without warning, the man challenged Leo to a fight.
Terrified but with no choice, Leo hesitantly agreed. However, his efforts were futile. Charging at the man with all his strength, Leo was swiftly overpowered. In an instant, the man severed Leo’s hand with a force that seemed to come from nowhere. Staggering backward in shock and pain, Leo realized he was completely outmatched.
As Leo tried to flee, the man coldly cut him down, severing his legs and remaining arm. Crippled and bleeding on the forest floor, Leo could only cry out in despair. His dreams of becoming a hero and protecting his mother seemed to crumble before him. With his strength fading and hope slipping away, Leo was left to face the brutal truth of his own powerlessness.
In that moment, as darkness consumed him, Leo felt a fire of determination burn faintly within. Though he was broken, the seed of resolve had been planted. This was only the beginning of his journey.