"Do you want to become stronger?" The voice was deep and menacing, belonging to a figure cloaked in darkness. I looked up with wide, frightened eyes, trying to understand what was happening.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling.

The man stepped forward, revealing a scarred face and piercing eyes. "I am from the Heavenly Demon Cult. Follow me, and I will give you power beyond your wildest dreams."

I hesitated, glancing back at my home. The allure of strength, the promise of never being helpless again, was too strong. I nodded slowly. "I'll come with you."

The journey to the cult's hidden fortress was long and arduous. I was thrown into a world of brutality, where only the strongest survived. The cult had no mercy, no compassion. Children like me were stripped of their identities, given numbers instead of names. I became "One."

The training was ruthless. I endured beatings, starvation, and grueling exercises designed to push me beyond my limits. From the beginning, I showed an extraordinary level of maturity and strength. I trampled my peers, crushing their chances of survival and drawing the attention of the cult leaders.

"One, you are exceptional," said Master Baek, one of the cult's most feared trainers. "You will lead our missions one day."

My peers resented me, but they also feared me. My relentless drive and cold determination set me apart. I became known for my ruthlessness, my ability to endure pain, and my strategic mind.

Years passed, and my final test approached. The Heavenly Demon summoned me. "You are to assassinate Jian Cheng, the senior disciple of the Zhongyang Sect. Succeed, and you will be a Demon General."

I bowed deeply. "I will not fail."

Under the cover of night, I infiltrated the sect's stronghold. Jian Cheng was a formidable opponent, skilled and disciplined. Our battle was fierce, echoing through the silent halls of the sect. In the end, my ruthless efficiency prevailed. I completed my mission, but not without sustaining serious injuries.

Upon my return, the Heavenly Demon himself acknowledged my success. "You have done well, One. From this day forth, you are a Demon General."

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The elders were outraged. "He is just a boy!" they protested. But I did not care for their opinions. My rise was unstoppable.

As a Demon General, I led missions with unparalleled precision and brutality. My legend grew, earning me the respect and fear of my subordinates and enemies alike. But my ambition knew no bounds. I challenged Supreme Demon No. 8 and won, claiming the title for myself.

The power struggles within the cult were fierce, but my strategic brilliance and unmatched combat skills kept me at the top. The Heavenly Demon, recognizing my potential, decided to name an heir.

"You have proven yourself time and again, One. From this day, you shall be known as Zyronis."

For the first time in my life, I felt true happiness. The Heavenly Demon taught me techniques and secrets known only to the highest echelons of the cult. But my joy was short-lived. Months later, an ambush by elders and sect leaders of various righteous sects claimed the life of my master. I was furious and destroyed the sects that were implicated, leaving a scar on the Murim alliance and the righteous side.

Decades later, I was on my last breath, old with no power in the world anymore. On my deathbed, I wondered if I truly regretted my actions, but then I thought there was no meaning in such thoughts anymore. My disciples all had blank faces. I couldn't see their faces anymore as I realized I was going to die right there. Darkness consumed my vision, and suddenly, I woke up.

I could move. I raised myself and saw a creature with white wings approaching me from the distance. She had a serene aura and spoke to me in a gentle voice.

"You must be the brave warrior who died saving his comrades," she said softly.

I smiled inwardly, realizing she had mistaken me for someone else. Deciding to manipulate the creature, I nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

The creature looked relieved. "You have been granted another chance at life, brave soul. Use this opportunity to find peace and redemption."

I barely listened to her words, my mind racing with possibilities. I was no longer bound by my past life, yet I carried all its lessons and skills. This was a new beginning, a chance to rise to power once more.

She gestured for me to follow, and I did, still marveling at the sensation of movement and life. We traversed a landscape that seemed otherworldly, with shimmering light and ethereal beauty.

"Where am I?" I finally asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"You are in the realm between worlds," she explained. "A place where souls are judged and sent to their next life."

I nodded, pretending to understand. In truth, all I cared about was my next step. This new life—this new body—what would it bring me? The creature stopped before a large, ornate gate.

"Beyond this gate lies your new life. Go forth and live it well," she said, her voice echoing with finality.

I stepped through the gate, and light enveloped me. When it receded, I found myself in a grand room, richly decorated and filled with an air of importance. I looked down at my hands—no longer the rough, calloused hands of a warrior, but the smooth, unblemished hands of a youth.

"Prince Zyronis," a voice called, filled with reverence. I turned to see an elderly man dressed in fine robes, bowing deeply before me.