Fire, blood, carnage, the screams of terror, the nauseating stench of death and destruction permeating the village… No matter where I looked, I was trapped within a small bubble, a bubble that housed the very essence of what hell stands for…

A Warlord has just razed my village to the ground- his forces setting fire to my friend's and family’s homes with no remorse on his cackling and scarred face from numerous battles. The soldiers took the women and children and slaughtered the men who went to combat the Warlord invasion. Though they would soon find out that their efforts were in vain. The Warlords forces were just too strong for a small village like us that has no experience in battle.

We were just a peaceful little farming village that rested near the Ulphora River and behind the Ecleet Forest. Though the place was teeming with monsters, resources were abundant which kept everyone safe and well-fed. Everyone in the village played a part in keeping the village clean and safe from harm. The adults would have guards posted on all sides and venture inside the Ecleet Forest to hunt and scavenge. The women and young girls would do household chores and oversee cultivating crops along the Ulphora River. Through this process, even without trading with other villages, we were self-sustaining, relying on only ourselves as we knew the dangers of establishing communications with the nearby villages.

As a boy at the young age of seven who lived with their parents and three siblings, we were a 'normal' family. We loved and cared for each other. Yes, we would have our little spats and disputes, but what kind of family doesn’t?

I soon found out from the whispers of adults that this village isn’t ‘normal’. I thought a loving and caring family was ‘normal’, but is instead seen as unusual throughout the Demonic Continent. When I pressed my father for further answers, he would only shake his head and calmly asked of me to forget what I heard. Knowing that urging him any further wouldn’t do me any good, I obediently listened and never brought it up again, but the whispers would linger at the back of my mind.

A few weeks have passed since that little event, and it was time for the Coming of Age, where anyone under the age of twelve is welcome to try. It is a trial of sorts where young children test their skills against the wildlife in the Ecleet Forest. You were to venture inside the forest and look for specific items. Those who nab all the items and safely make it back to the village pass the ceremony and can join the adults in hunts. Returning empty-handed resulted in failure and prohibition of the hunts. The upside to that is you can join the Coming of Age next year, though once you reach twelve, you’re finished.

As a boy, I dreamed of joining the hunts after I’ve seen the game the hunters have brought back, be it rabbits the size of a toddler, a deer with black antlers the size of a tree trunk, or ever so rare Ecleet Boar, a beast that can grow up to one-hundred and eighty kilograms. I heard It's meat so juicy that we consider it a delicacy in these parts. The main reason why I wanted to be a hunter was just so I can feed my family the game I catch and see their smiling faces as they chow down on all sorts of foods. That was my motivation up till the day of my Coming of Age.

Once the overseer shouted for us to begin, I raced toward the forest with all my might, dagger strapped to my hip, not caring about where I ended up. The overseer is one of the strongest in the village and has all the participants wearing a ring that tells them our location at all times. If we were to be severely hurt or wander too far away from the village, the overseer will come running to our location in a flash. With that in mind, as I navigated through the flora and fauna of the Ecleet Forest, I would soon find all the items I needed. The items were retrieving an egg from a Crimson Falcons nest, the bones of the Red-Fanged Rabbit, and finally the excrement of a Digger Mole.

“Nice, that should be everything! That was easier than I thought. I haven't run into monsters I couldn’t fight. Lucky me. With this, I have now proven that I can hunt! I can already see the smiling faces of my family, hugging me and crying tears of joy that I’ve succeeded. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing them happy. First things first, I should head back to the village. The sun is already setting and the time limit will be up soon."

With newfound energy, I quickly dashed back toward the village, using the markers I set on trees to retrace my steps. After about thirty minutes of cruising through bushes and avoiding monsters, up ahead I could see the village gates.

“Hm? Why is the gate broken?”

The wooden gate at the front of the village had been smashed. To the right side of the wall was a long wooden beam with the tip of it flat. When I edged closer to the scene, I could hear blood-curdling screams and the sound of yelling. Soon after, my nose picked up the smell of burning wood and the scent of rust. I instantly recognized the smell.

It was the smell of blood.

“No-no-no-no!”

I hastily ran through the gate to see a sight that would haunt me for the rest of my life. Blazing embers roared through the homes as terrified demons ran out in a panic. People I’ve never recognized before were on the backs of large beasts with black horns on their heads. The strangers themselves were demons too and were wearing leather chest pieces and black trousers. When one turned around, I could see them wearing a mask that covered half their faces. In their hands was a single lit torch.

Behind the flames, when I stared deep into his dark pupils, I had a faint feeling that he was smiling behind the mask. Holding a whip in his hands, he urged the beast forward and came bolting right to my location. In that split second, I took that chance to run for my life, steering through the crowd of my townspeople; navigating through the corners of homes as ashes filled my already fatigued lungs. Through all of that, only one thing came to mind, and that was the safety of my family. I followed the path I usually take home as a dozen scenarios raced through my mind, most of them being the worst case. Streaks of tears came out of my eyes, but I don’t know whether it was from all the ash and smoke or the negative emotions swirling through my beating heart.

Turning the corner of a house yet to be ransacked and burned, I spotted my house at the far edge of the village. Three men with blades out in hand were huddled over a group of people. Among them were my family, my father up front groveling to the men while my mother hid my siblings behind their backs. Since I was still far away, I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I knew it wasn’t good.

When I saw them from afar, only one thing came to mind, and that was saving my family from the bad guys. Rage consumed me at that moment, and I could feel the frigid grip of a dagger appearing in my hand. With a burst of speed, I bolted toward the group of unsuspecting men, not making a single sound.

“Guh!”

Through garbled screams, I managed to stab one of the closer men in the nape of his neck. I splattered his blood all over the ground and on my hands as I retracted the blade. What happened next was all a blur. In a frenzy, I charged at the next man, but this one was prepared. He swung his weapon right at my small body, aiming for my head, but with adrenaline coursing through my veins, I effortlessly dodged the swing and stabbed the man through his eye after leaping upwards.

“You piece of shit!” The last one yelled in an agitated tone. I heard loud footsteps crunching on the brown soil behind me. As I turned my body to intercept the man, something unexpected happened. My father tackled the man from behind and pinned his arms to his ground.

“Luci, now!” He shouted. Knowing what he meant, I brought down the dagger and stabbed the struggling man's skull, his blood splattering my face. As I took deep breaths, the fury bubbling deep within me now lessening. I finally snapped back to my senses as I stared hard at my blood-soaked hands. This was the first time I’d ever killed a person…

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“F-Father… I-“ I croaked, the words I wanted to express were stuck in my throat, unable to get out no matter how hard I tried to speak.

“I know this was hard on you Luci, but we don’t have time to linger any longer! Warlord Kaz has set his sights on our village. I want you to take your mother and siblings and run as far away from here as possible.”

“But-" My voice faltered as father forcibly lifted me up by the arm. Mother, Shara, and Lori walked up to the both of us, their faces strained with worry.

“I’ll buy you guys as much time as I can. In the meantime, I’ll join the other men and fight back against Warlord Kaz and-”

“Oh ho ho… bold of you to utter my name fearlessly!” a high-pitched voice boomed. All those present focused their sights on the ten people atop the black-horned creatures. The beasts galloped toward us. A firm whip stopped them a few meters from us. The one taking the lead was a particularly large demon wearing heavy-plated armor that reminded me of coal. On its head was a helmet that had curved-white horns protruding from the sides. The longer I watched the man, the more petrified I became. My knees buckled and my teeth clattered as I looked on in horror.

“I see that three of my men have been killed. Who killed my men, hm?” He sneered, peering at us one by one until his eyes landed on my face. He noticed that I was soaked with blood while the others were still clean. At the display, he let out a high-pitched whistle through his helmet. He pointed a grubby finger at me.

“Whew, was it you, boy?” You got some fight in ya… That’s what I like to see!” He cackled loudly, his large body heaving from his guffaws. His men joined in the boisterous laughter. Watching all of them laugh with our village bursting into flames behind them was gut-wrenching. Father stepped in front, breaking Warlord Kaz's gaze away from me.

“Would you look at this bottom feeder? You that boy’s father?” He wondered, still laughing.

My father furrowed his brow as he cried out. “Why are you here, Warlord Kaz? What urged you to burn our village and take in prisoners?! What have we done to deserve this!”

Warlord Kaz's laughter abruptly stopped as he slowly turned his head and locked eyes with father.

“Do I, a Warlord, need a reason to claim land?” He replied, his tone laced with malice and hollow. “Land not owned by a Warlord is ripe for the taking! Why should I let fertile land as this be at the hands of the other Warlords?! In the Demonic Continent, only the strong rule, and the weak grovel at our feet! That is the way of us demons.”

W-What? The way of the Demonic Continent? But, that’s wrong! Why fight with each other when we can live peacefully?! I don’t get it…

“We Warlords only find meaning in war. It’s what gets the blood pumping! Conquering villages and fertile land is what we demons live for! The more wars we win and fight, the more favor we gain from the god of war! What’s more of an honor than being acknowledged by the god of war and garnering his attention? That is what demons should strive for! It’s what we go to war for!”

The Warlords shrill laughs pierced the sky that had turned to shadows. The men around him gave him a round of applause for their Warlords speech. My father clicked his tongue in disgust at the sight.

“Luci,” Father whispered gently, still facing the scary men. “If things go south, I want you and the others to run as fast as you can as I mentioned before.”

“B-Bu-“

“No if’s or buts!” He hissed. That action had my body jolt as that was the first time father had taken that tone with me. “Think about your mother and siblings! If I can’t protect them, then who will? You’re the eldest here. It is your duty to protect them now. You understand me?”

I was at a loss for words, unable to give father a definite answer. I was too scared at the responsibility suddenly handed to me, almost like the weight of the world was pressed against my shoulders. Is this the responsibility my father has carried ever since I was born? Is this how a hunter should be? The role I’ve been striving to achieve all this time?

“What do you plan on doing with us now, Warlord Kaz?” My father said to the man. Warlord Kaz held a hand up to silence the claps and addressed the question with a snarl.

“Isn't it obvious? I’ll kill you and take the children and woman prisoners. However, that boy will be working under me from now on. He’s got guts and a talent for killing. For someone young to have been able to slaughter my men...”

Father's nostrils flared at Warlord Kaz declaration. “YOU’LL WHAT?”

“F-Father!” Shara and Lori cried out tearfully, fully embraced in mothers quaking arms.

“Please rethink this! Instead of my son, I’ll take his place while you let my family go! I’m much more capable than my son! He’s only seven!” My father retaliated through clenched teeth. The veins on his calloused hands were bulging as he talked with Warlord Kaz.

“He’s only seven you say? That makes recruiting him even better! It’s best to create warriors while they’re still young!” He chuckled, lifting himself off the beast. He ordered one of his men to watch it as he trudged over to us.

“Tch. I knew he cannot be reasoned with. Luci, get ready to run!”

Wait, something feels… off. Why is this man walking toward us with no weapon in sight? That cocky stride of his, that posture filled with openings… Isn’t this the perfect chance to catch him off guard? He’s confident that he doesn’t need a weapon to deal with us, but he’s still underestimating us. I’ve also noticed that there’s a small groove under his helmet that exposes the neck. To protect my family, I’ll do anything within my power! Father has passed on the responsibility to me, Luci, and I will follow his wishes!

Steeling my resolve, I hid the dagger behind my back and stood up from the ground as I addressed the man.

“I’ll join your men, Warlord Kaz. Thats only if you let my family go! Promise me that and I’ll follow you.” I shouted brazenly. The man stopped dead in his tracks, just a few feet away from father.

“Luci! What on Earthiens are you thinking?!”

“Is that so?” Warlord Kaz muttered, eyeing me down. “I’ll accept your conditions, young boy! Your family is free to go! I won’t stop them from escaping!”

“...Let's shake on it to solidify our agreement.”

Not even waiting for his answer, I silently strolled by my father who was on the verge of hauling me back. Though he stopped himself when he glanced at my face. Moments later, I was now face to face with Warlord Kaz. I had to tilt my head upwards just to be able to see the front of his face. If I had to guess, he was at least one hundred and ninety centimeters tall!

Quietly I stuck out my left arm, waiting for the man to take it. Though faint, I could’ve sworn I heard giggling underneath that helmet of his, and then a whisper only he and I could hear.

“You know kid, I wasn’t born yesterday. I can see you hiding that knife-“

I didnt let him finish his sentence since I knew my cover was blown. I lunged forward at the man, the dagger gleaming in the firelight.

“…!”

With swift movements, Warlord Kaz knocked the knife out of my hands and lurched an arm forward, grabbing me by the neck and lifting me off the ground. I struggled helplessly from his iron-like grip as I thrashed around, gasping for air.

“You’re a smart boy. It was wise of you to attack while you still could. I mean, didn’t I look like easy prey to you when I had no men or weapons nearby? You thought I was easy-pickings, didn’t you?” He growled. “Just so you know. While I did say your family is free to go, the conditions didn’t include my men. You see, some of my men would sometimes disobey orders…”

Out of nowhere, Warlord Kaz lifted his free arm and snapped his fingers. As soon as that happened, four men from the group behind had armed themselves with bows, notching an arrow with sadistic smiles.

“N-No…” I squeaked, but the lack of oxygen and the constriction around my throat was making it hard to breathe and speak.

“NOW!” Warlord Kaz gleefully shouted. In an instant, four arrows soared high through the air and sped by Warlord Kaz and I. Time slowed down to a crawl as the behemoth man dropped me on the ground and forcefully craned my neck to watch the scene unfurling in front of me. My whole world came crashing down as my family members died in front of my eyes one by one, an arrow puncturing through each one’s head. A pool of blood oozed out of their bodies, forming into a sea of red crimson, and their bodies slumped over each other.

“As of now, you are a soldier working under Warlord Kaz, Butcher of the North. All this bloodshed and carnage, ingrain it into your little skull. You’ll be seeing this a lot more from now on. Don’t even think about deserting. I won't hesitate to strike you down, no matter how much potential you got in that tiny body. Kekeke!” Warlord Kaz let the threat linger in the air as he steadily rose and barked orders at his men, saddling his personal beast.

“Rile up the prisoners and bring them to the front of the gate! I want to see the spoils of our little conquest! Ahahaha!”

“As you command, Warlord Kaz!” The men bellowed, shaking the very ground themselves as the large, black-horned beasts galloped through the blood-infested floors of the village.

“…F-Father-mother-Shara-Lori…” My voice cracked as I called out my family members’ names. With tears and snot running down my face, I wandered to their corpses like a drunken man- my steps unsteady, my mind blank. The blood sullied my shoes, but I didn’t care in the slightest. Now, I felt nothing at all, but everything at the same time. Millions of emotions rushed through me as I knelt at my family’s side, cradling their life-less bodies in my arms. My vision was blurry from tears and smoke as I tried to recall their faces, but nothing came to mind. Only sorrow and grief keep my company.

“Sniff…Sniff…”

I buried my face deep into the pile of bodies, ruining their clothes with not only blood but with yellow mucus. Then, with no one around, I shrieked until my voice grew hoarse and painful. This went on for what felt like hours as I grieved for the death of my one and only family.