The world had been engulfed in chaos for the past 130 years, ever since the demons emerged from the depths of darkness. Countless lives were lost, and the very fabric of existence trembled under their relentless onslaught. Amidst the chaos, something extraordinary happened. People began awakening latent powers, abilities that defied explanation and allowed them to stand against the demonic forces.

Out of the sea of newfound abilities, ten individuals rose above the rest. They possessed powers that were both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Together, they formed a formidable group, united in their mission to hunt down and eradicate the demonic threat that plagued the world.

These ten extraordinary hunters became legends in their own right. Each possessed unique powers that set them apart from the others, a testament to their unwavering determination and extraordinary abilities. Their names echoed through the annals of history, revered and feared in equal measure:

1. Arcanus Arian, the Unbreakable

2. Ezekiel Blackthorn, the Shadow Reaper

3. Orion Stormrider, the Thunder Lord

4. Selene Nightshade, the Moonlit Assassin

5. Alistair Frostborne, the Frost Warden

6. Isolde Ironheart, the Iron Valkyrie

7. Xander Shadowstrike, the Phantom Blade

8. Seraphina Moonfire, the Celestial Sorceress

9. Valeria Fireheart, the Inferno Maiden

10. Nathaniel Bloodfang, the Bloodhunter

For years, these ten hunters fought side by side, their combined strength and unity serving as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. But then came the day that shattered their bond. The news of a powerful demon reached their ears, and without hesitation, they set out together, determined to bring it down.

However, when the dust settled and the battle was over, only nine of them returned. Ezekiel and Orion, bearing wounds that told tales of a fierce confrontation, informed the rest of the group of Arcanus's betrayal. They claimed that he had succumbed to greed, enticed by an offer from an unknown demon. In their account, they depicted a violent clash where Arcanus attacked them both, leading to his untimely demise.

In the wake of this betrayal, the remaining nine hunters made a fateful decision. They resolved to conceal the truth and instead inform the world that Arcanus had perished valiantly in the battle against the demons. It was a calculated move, one intended to maintain the image of their united front and prevent the rise of doubts and divisions among their ranks.

And so, the tale of Arcanus's supposed demise became etched into history, perpetuated by the very hunters who had once called him their comrade. But secrets have a way of unraveling, and the shadows of doubt and suspicion loomed over their shared past. The truth lay buried beneath layers of deceit, waiting for the right moment to be unveiled.

As the years passed, the nine remaining hunters went their separate ways, forming their own guilds, acquiring positions of power, or vanishing into the unknown. The world believed Arcanus to be nothing more than a fallen hero, lost to the relentless tide of darkness.

**

As Elara stood before the mysterious figure, her heart raced with a mixture of awe, disbelief, and a tinge of fear. This man before her claimed to be Arcanus Arian, one of the legendary demon hunters believed to be dead for over a century. The shock of the revelation left her momentarily speechless.

Stolen novel; please report.

Regaining her composure, Elara mustered the courage to speak. "Arcanus Arian? But... but you were supposed to be dead. They said you died fighting the demons... How is this possible?"

Arcanus's piercing gaze met Elara's, his eyes harboring a storm of emotions. A flicker of anger danced in his eyes as he replied, his voice laced with frustration. "So that’s what they told? That I died? Bunch of cowards. If it wasn’t for those two bastards who attacked me from behind….” His voice faded.

Curiosity and skepticism filled Elara's voice as she asked, "Why would they lie about your death? What really happened?"

Arcanus's jaw clenched, his pride and pain evident in his response. "Ezekiel and Orion asked me to accompany them towards one of the paths we encountered after entering a ruin. The rest also divided themselves to take the other paths. It was then the three of us heard the roar of an unknown being. It sounded like a demon but the power contained in the roar… it was stronger than anything we have ever encountered. It was then, when I was leading from the front when Ezekiel and Orion attacked me from behind.”

Elara could sense the pain hidden in his voice. The legendary hero was betrayed by two of the other legendary heroes. If this news got out, people would lose faith in the Ten Guardians. They are supposed to be the pillars of strength, bravery, and loyalty, not betrayal and deceit.

“I was injured, I couldn’t retaliate because I had let my guard down, thinking they are my comrades, my family. My battle instincts took over before the two of them could deliver the finishing blow, I attacked too. My strength was greater than the two combined.” His eyes no longer contained fury but grief.

“I guess when they realized, they could no longer kill me, they decided to trap me here. Over the years I have realized that you can’t get out of this place. This place is extremely huge, even after searching for a hundred years, I have never found an exit, but I did encounter demons, too many of them.”

Elara suddenly recalled the scene of the countless corpses of demons scattered everywhere. Elara's eyes widened, absorbing every word. She was starting to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Arcanus's tone changed. The pressure emanating from him also decreased. “Enough about me, tell me who you are and how did you end up in this forsaken place?”

Elara felt the feeling of suffocation is gone, her whole body relaxed. “My name is Elara Riversong. I am a hunter. My mother is sick and I needed money to hire a high-level alchemist to treat her. That is when I decided to check this dungeon which is on the outskirts of Silvercrest City. As for how did I end up here, I found a marking on the wall of the dungeon, and when I pressed it, everything changed and I ended up here.

Arcanus's features softened slightly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

“What happened to your mother?”

“I don’t know; the local alchemist couldn’t diagnose. That’s why I want to hire a high-level one.”

Arcanus stayed silent. “I haven’t seen the world for 100 years, the sun, the moon, the trees, the breath of fresh air. I had given up hope of ever leaving this place. But here you are, my hope.”

“Come on, show me the place where you got transported to.”

The duo began to make their way back, retracing Elara's steps through the labyrinthine dungeon. As they walked, the sight of countless demon corpses strewn across the ground was both awe-inspiring and chilling. Elara couldn't help but ask the burning question that lingered in her mind.

"Do you think I could ever become as strong as you, Sir Arcanus? Can I become a true demon hunter?"

Arcanus's gaze fell upon Elara, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "Strength comes from within, Elara. Power can be honed, abilities can be developed, but it is the spirit, the unyielding determination, that separates the hunters from the hunted."

With every step they took, Elara and Arcanus drew closer to the spot where Elara had stumbled into this enigmatic realm. Their conversation became intermittent as anticipation hung in the air, a silent understanding passing between them.

Finally, they reached the place where Elara had stood after pressing the rock. There was a rock with a mark that was protruding out. The marking on the wall stared back at them, a silent witness to their extraordinary encounter. It was a moment of realization and possibility, as the layers of mystery surrounding Arcanus and the truth of his fate began to unravel before Elara's eyes.