Lashrell, a small island several miles away from the coast of the Dragon Continent, home to the most diabolical monsters imaginable. Though there are inhabitants, survival was near impossible.

A man wearing a black cloak walked through a decimated village, staring at the corpses of dead villagers. He clutched onto his journal as he continued to traverse through the village.

“By her word, I shall not face evil.”

Suddenly, there was a giant roar and a massive behemoth landed right in front of the man. The man looked up as the behemoth glared at him, drool dripping out its mouth.

“I will not die to a descendant of Malkatear.” The man said and the behemoth lunged towards him. Seconds later, the behemoth fell to the ground, its head rolled in front of the man’s feet. The man looked up at the figure standing on top of the behemoth’s body.

“Who are you?”

The figure looked down at him with red glowing eyes. Blood dripped from his long, sharp claws. He brought them up to his face and licked the blood off his claws.

“I apologize for my partner's behavior.” A demonic angel descended from the skies. The spear in his hand glimmered as he landed on the ground.

“It is no problem. As long as I am not touched, I am fine. You must be-”

“I am Neir Von Riofo, the Demon Angel. That is my partner, Yamaryu Terania. The Legendary Dark Slayer.”

“I see. I am Backsen. I am the Apostle of the Dark Goddess, Xertila.”

“Ah, yes. So I assume you have what we need to awaken her?” Neir asked him and Backsen nodded.

“Yes. In this Journal, I have all the steps I need in order to awaken her. Only a slight problem.”

“And that is?”

“For the last step, I need a sword. A sword that is in the hands of a certain person. The-”

“The Legendary Sword Yoru.” A demonic voice spoke.

Behind Backsen stood Yamaryu who returned to his human form. Backsen turned around and stared Yamaryu in his icy blue eyes. The two glared into each other's eyes before Yamaryu stared at Neir.

“I know who wields the sword. I will have my subordinates retrieve it.”

“That would be great. It would make my job easier. While your subordinate does that, I can do the initial steps.” Backsen said, looking up at the tower located in the middle of the tower.

“Don’t get excited now, Backsen. Xertila is one but many that need to be revived. Now then… Yamaryu?”

Yamaryu summoned Ashara, slicing a portal next to him with a singular swing. The portal opened up and three figures walked out from the other side.

“You summoned us, my liege?” A giant armored demon with a dagger asked, taking a knee.

“We have been anticipating this moment. We’ve grown tired of sitting around all day doing nothing.” A demon wielding a bow said condescendingly.

“Watch your tone, Macko!” A demoness said. She wielded a sword emitting a sinister aura.

Yamaryu looked at his subordinates and nodded.

“The Legendary Sword Yoru. I want you three to retrieve it.”

“Yoru? Is that not your father’s blade?” Nu, the giant demon asked politely.

“It is in the hands of my brother now. Do whatever is necessary to get the sword from him.”

The three nodded before Macko shifted into a giant demon bird. The other two mounted Macko before he took off.

“Now then, let us head towards the tower.” Backsen said before walking away.

Yamaryu watched as Backsen left. He clutched his sword and Neir placed his hand on his shoulder.

“No Yamaryu. We need him. It is his wish that we see this through.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Yamaryu grit his teeth before dispersing Ashara.

“Is it really fine to send your subordinates after your own brother?”

“For someone who wishes for the downfall of mortalkind, you seem to have sticken to their morals.”

“He is your family and you sent your subordinates to steal the keepsake left to him by your father? Should I mention what you did to him 3 years ago?”

“Hmph, like my brother would give it up without a fight. Either way, if they can’t get it, I will do it myself.”

“Yamaryu…”

Yamaryu fixed his coat and followed Backsen. He turned and beckoned Neir.

“Let’s go. He may be the Dark Goddess’ Apostle, but he alone cannot fight the monsters in that tower.”

Neir watched Yamaryu walk away and shook his head. He looked up at the Yamaryu’s subordinates as they traveled to the Royal Continent.

“And so it begins.”

***

“You want me to… can you say that again?”

Sanctifaust leaned into the table, glaring at Lux. Veirna palmed her face and shook her head as Lux let out a chuckle.

“Sanctifaust, if you didn’t remember, you’ve been stripped of your title. Even if I reinstate your position of Legendary Warrior, your reputation is ruined. The best I can reinstate you back into the empire is through the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Sanctifaust slammed the table, shattering the table entirely.

“You cannot be serious! I am not going to work with a bunch of amateurs whose only goal is to gain fame and power!”

“N-now now, Sanctifaust, just hear me out. The people that you’ll be working with are not just ordinary adventurers.”

Before Lux continued, he turned and looked at Veirna. Veirna smirked and shrugged.

“Sanctifaust… it is rumored… or prophesied that this specific party has the destined hero.”

Sanctifaust glanced at Veirna before looking at Lux. He stood up and looked at Yoru, leaning against the wall.

“The destined hero? You are telling me the thousand year old prophecy is true?”

“Indeed. Though-”

Noticing Lux’s change in expression caused Sanctifaust to be suspicious.

“What is the catch?”

“This hero… she doesn’t really have the… potential let’s say.”

“Then who in the heavens made her hero?”

“The High Priestess, Mother Miari.”

Hearing that name caused Sanctifaust to freeze. He turned and a sad look crossed his face.

“I reckon she is doing well?” Sanctifaust asked and Lux nodded his head.

“She always is. You know her. She enjoys working at the orphanage.”

“The orphanage, right.” Sanctifaust chuckled. He looked over at the cabinet where a necklace lay on the top. The necklace was a birthday gift from Mother Miari just a few years before he departed to serve Neriopa’s imperial army.

“Sanctifaust, she isn’t mad at you. Their deaths weren’t your fault.” Lux said but Sanctifaust didn’t want to hear it.

“Whatever Lux, just reaffirm what you want me to do.”

“You haven’t changed Sanctifaust. Okay. I, Emperor Lux De Heyur, hereby order that you accompany the hero on her adventure to grow strong, physically and mentally. You will be her guide, her teacher, and her friend. Also, please go easy.”

Sanctifaust raised a brow at the last part. Lux leaned into his ear and whispered.

“You don’t know this but your teaching methods are rather… ruthless.”

By sunset, Lux and Veirna stood outside of Sanctifaust’s home as he got ready. Minutes go by before Sanctifaust and Eclipse walk out the front door. He strapped Yoru on his back and wore clothes and gear given to him by Lux. It was the attire a beginner level adventurer would wear.

“Is this really necessary?” Sanctifaust asked.

“Your reputation is infamous in most kingdoms, but there are some that have absolutely no idea who you are. Mother Miari visited a kingdom near the coast of the Dragon Continent. The Kingdom of Ash. A vision led her to a town called Noril where the hero resides. I’m sure you’re familiar with this town’s name?”

Sanctifaust took a deep breath and nodded. He knew exactly what and where Noril was.

“My father’s hometown. Not that most people would know anyway.”

“Yes. Now, I would say more, but it is best if you get more information from the oracle herself. By the way, are you really bringing her along?”

“She has rested long enough. Anyway, where is she now?”

Lux gave him a weird look and that was all Sanctifaust needed.

Now that everyone was ready, everyone walked towards the village. The streets were empty so they managed to walk to the port with ease. At the port there was a ship ready to leave. Veirna asked one of the crewmates where the ship was headed and luckily, it was headed to Noril.

Paying the captain a few Meses, everyone managed to get on with ease and began heading towards Noril.

Sanctifaust looked back at Juol. Some vague memories flew past his mind. Though he may not show it, Sanctifaust already missed the peaceful life he had.

“So long, Juol.”