Year 2544, After the Great Calamity.

Devon, the capital of demon kingdom, Niwia.

“Please be a bit patient, my King. I’m sure that it’ll be completed successfully.” said the man who was bowing his head slightly.

The room became silent for a bit. No one dared to utter a single word, or raise their heads. The air in room was heavy, and everyone could feel that the wrath of their King who was sitting on his big throne could erupt at any moment. He was looking at the man who was in front him with his two savage red eyes. The situation was quite a problematic one, and only thing he could do was fuming silently while gritting his teeth.

“That ritual is much more difficult from what we’ve expected. I’m getting a bit anxious about it, Simor. What if it doesn’t work? What if it backfires, and brings us more sadness? If it fails, we will be doomed, my friend. This country is in its worst situation ever, and the humans want to declare the war against our side, but I, Veoxuhr Kaiser, can’t do anything! Our army won’t be able to withstand the force of united armies of humans and elves in the future. Damn, these elves!!! They always were at each other’s throats, and somehow the pointy eared bastards decided to ally themselves with filthy humans. What did we cause for them to turn against us?”

Although he was too angry about their action, Veoxuhr couldn’t do anything other than sitting down, and hoping for better news. After all, he was already 450 years old man. The kingdom was in its worst situation, and the continuing internal strives were tearing her apart. His 2 sons had caused a division in the palace while intensely fighting over their father’s crown. Those fools only wanted to become a King, and nothing more. On the other hand, his daughter was uninterested in this conflict. Unlike her brothers, she didn’t wish to participate in political affairs, and had secluded herself in her own residence. All in all, the fall of Niwia seemed more inevitable than ever.

Veoxuhr had been desperately trying to construct a plan which could save his kingdom and people, until a very suspicious person appeared out of nowhere in Niwia 5 days ago. Dressed in all black, while covering all his face, except the eyes, with a black mask, it was impossible to guess his gender, race, or face. The clothes were dirty, and tattered, and it denied the idea of him being a rich noble. On the other hand, many people thought he was rather weak, when they noticed his thin stature. However, this person’s eyes were…unfathomable. Veoxuhr tried to comprehend the meaning behind those eyes, but…there was nothing. No fear, no joy, no sadness…no emotions at all. His name was Azir, and according to him, he was the messenger of a very important being who wished to help them. Of course no one believed it, while most of officers, including Veoxuhr himself, were suspicious of him being a spy of humans or elves. However, Azir neither complained nor said anything, and slowly took off one of his pitch black gloves. Veoxuhr and every demon that was present became numb from the shock instantly when they noticed the symbol on his right hand - a dark empty circle which was surrounded by dark flames. This symbol wasn’t meant to be seen again, but here stood an unknown person who carried it. Out of all, Simor got over his shock faster, and immediately questioned Azir.

“You…the symbol…are you trying to fool us?! This symbol was a blessing of our God, and He only bestowed it to his favored ones, Champions. However, after the great calamity he…abandoned us. No one had seen it in more than 2500 years! Do you think you can lie to us that easily?!”

Everyone agreed with Simor’s sentence. Exactly 2544 years ago, the last Champion who was granted the symbol, became drunk with power, and metamorphosed into a crazy berserker. He started a mad massacre on both his enemies and allies. After seeing this madness, the God took back the symbol. Many innocent lives were lost that day, and the name of that Champion became a curse which was forbidden from being used. In the end, the symbol hadn’t been seen by anyone, as if it was banished permanently.

“Hmph! How can we believe that you aren’t lying? The symbol can be a fake one!”

“Exactly. Must be a spy sent by them! He is here to conspire against us by spewing lies!”

“He seems so powerless. How can he be a Champion?!”

Almost all of demons didn’t trust his word while many of them were also angry about this situation. Seeing the reaction of them, Veoxuhr frowned as he was considering several options. The thought of another Champion appearing could be great boost to citizen’s and army’s morale, but…What if it was a fake? Could Azir be secretly plotting against them?

Seeing not a single soul believing him, Azir released sudden insane pressure on everyone who blamed him. Except for Veoxuhr, Simor, and other powerful individuals, all demons stuck in their places like statures. Veoxuhr hadn’t felt such kind of pressure in all his 450 years of life. If not his powerful bloodline, and high level power rank, he could have been crushed by that man too. Azir was only watching him calmly as if other demons didn’t exist at all. They stared at each other for a while, trying to decipher their respective actions. Azir was the first one who broke the silence.

“Ingrates! Can’t understand why He’s trying to help some unkind bastards. You all don’t deserve his help at all! I didn’t come here in order to get blamed, and called a spy. If He didn’t ask me, I would kill all of you, useless degenerates! He inquired me to go and tell you about a certain deal. You have to listen carefully, or even without me cutting all of you down, the demon race will be decimated!”

His voice was cold and menacing, making even Veoxuhr to sweat in fear. When everyone’s attention was on him, Azir continued explaining.

“First of all, I want you understand one thing – I’m not his Champion, and don’t expect any help from me. This symbol was given to me in order to get recognized by you lot, even though I could use other “methods” in order to get your cooperation.”

“Wait! Do you mean that the symbol has…returned? B-but why now?” Veoxuhr suddenly asked Azir. He was excited like a child. If this was true, then Niwia could still have a chance to survive. 

“No, and don’t interrupt me when I’m talking again.” Azir stopped, and glared at the King for a moment: “However, it doesn’t mean that the symbol can’t appear in the future. He…had some problems before, and still didn’t forget the insane deeds of his last Champion. That’s why your people have to show that they deserve His trust again. On the other hand, I’m here to talk about our main objective – the summoning ritual”

Azir paused, and checked everyone in order to see their reactions. The demons, who heard his last sentence, became stunned, and horrified. Especially, the mages were much more terrified. After all, the summoning ritual wasn’t a secret to them. It was one of the most difficult rituals ever existed in all races’ history. However, the main part which worried them wasn’t its difficulty, but the mana backlash released by the failure of ritual. Not only the backlash was able to kill the performers, but also could unleash a powerful mana wave onto the big areas, while killing or crippling many living creatures. One of the old mages, who was paying attention to Azir since he had released his enormous mana upon them, broke the silence.

“Y-you! Are you crazy?! Do you know the consequences of your action, boy? In all history, only few summoning rituals were performed, and can you guess how many were successful? None! Or you still don’t know how Levenora, one of the most prosperous elven cities, suddenly turned into nothingness 1500 years ago? The whole capital will be in big trouble if you fail the ritual!”

The demon’s questioning woke up everyone from their shock, and all of them, including Veoxuhr, started to look at him while waiting for the explanation. Azir turned his head, looked at the old mage through his pitch black mask. The old demon startled a bit when he noticed his dark and cold gaze. All of them here had high statuses, yet in front of this boy they were like mere children.

“Well, there were successful cases, but I guess it’s impossible for you guys to know about it. Anyways, this ritual will be a bit different. We won’t summon anyone directly. ” Azir told everyone.

“Then…what are you going to do?” Simor impatiently asked.

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“We will interfere another summoning ritual.” Azir answered him calmly.

“What?! His unexpected answer caused a commotion between demons. Interfering another ritual? The idea itself sounded very crazy to them. However, Veoxuhr wasn’t thinking about it. His ears caught a very interesting detail in Azir’s reply.

“Another ritual? Do you mean someone is trying to perform a summoning ritual?” Veoxuhr had a very bad premonition. He hoped that all of these were just delusional thoughts.

“Unfortunately, yes. The Radiant Moon Church will perform summoning in 5 days according to my secret sources. Unlike other summoning rituals, it will be a special one, because the Gods will help humans this time. It will be a successful ritual, and all of the summoned ones will be chosen and blessed by their God personally. By the way, the elves decided to join their forces with humans when they learned about summoning.”

“How can that be…?”

This news hit everyone, including Veoxuhr, Simor, and other demons. They suddenly remembered their last Champion whose power made him impossible to fight against, and only after interference of their God he was stopped by united forces. If they’re at least as powerful as him…Then how can they stand against such a force? Humans will be able to dominate everyone who was against them.

‘Elves joined humans in order to ensure their safety. Those cunning bastards…’ Veoxuhr was musing to himself. Niwia and its people were in a dire situation. There was only 1 way possible. The only way for its protection…

“So…this ritual is our only choice, isn’t it?” Veoxhur asked with a grim face. Not only him…Everyone was in an awful mood too. Their country and loved ones were in a danger, yet they couldn’t do anything other than listening to Azir.

“Yes…By performing it I will be able to summon one more human. He or she will be summoned with other chosen ones, but that person won’t be blessed by the Gods. The Empire will pour all its resources in order to groom the chosen ones, while paying little attention to him. In that time, we need to get ready, and try to bring him to our sides. Only by joining us, he will be able to unleash his full potential.”

“But…won’t the other Gods notice it? And what if he chooses humans? What will happen then?” Veoxhur didn’t believe it was that easy. After all, Gods themselves helped with the summoning.

“Everything is possible. However, you won’t see your future unless you gamble big, and this ritual is your only bet. On the other hand, he won’t bring any harm, because without the blessing he’s powerless like an ant. Crushing him will be a child play.”

Veoxuhr sighed when he remembered this conversation which had happened 5 days ago. In the end, Azir successfully convinced all important people in the palace, including his sons, who returned from their hunt a day later. More like they already had no choice to go against it. His eldest son, Yefes was against the ritual, while the youngest one, Orwen supported it. However, when they witnessed the power which Azir possessed, Yefes also decided not to go against him.

During these 5 days, they provided all their help to Azir for summoning process. He chose one of the large empty rooms, and secluded himself while preparing for the ritual. Fortunately, Azir already had the primary ingredients; otherwise all of them were rare, and expensive. 4 mages were going to help him in the process. He also instructed other demons not to intervene with the ritual, and stay out of the room in order to ensure their safety.

When Azir began his work, Veoxuhr, Simor, his sons, and all high ranked demons were waiting in the throne room. Anxiety could be seen on their face. Especially on king’s.

“Father, too much worry is unnecessary. He is a powerful individual, and I believe the process will be completed soon.” Orwen tried to sound optimistic.

“So what? We’re talking about the infamous summoning ritual, brother. No one has achieved it before, and he’s putting people’s life in danger.” Yefes refuted irritatingly. “Or will you also support him when our citizens suffer?”

“Silence!” Veoxuhr shouted at them. “You aren’t here to blame each other, and Yefes don’t forget that you also agreed with it at the end.”

Yefes could only grit his teeth, and look at his brother nefariously. Everyone, including him, knew that his father favored Orwen over him. Orwen was intelligent, kind, and talented individual: he was a top student in his class at the academy back in his youthful days. Being a dual-elemental mage and an excellent swordsman elevated his status in their father’s eyes too. Many people revered him, and his deeds were the most talked stories in the kingdom. Veoxuhr sighed when he noticed Yefes’s glares. Although he preferred Orwen, in the end he still loved both of them. However, right now the ritual was the most important topic in his mind.

 The process was taking more time than expected – 2 hours already passed in a blink of eye. Veoxuhr was fighting the urge of barging in, and ask about the result. How could he stay calm? Failure or success; the fate of Niwia depended on these 2 words, and he wished not to face the former. When he was imagining about the worst things, a sudden entrance of a demon draw him away from his thoughts.

“The ritual is complete, my King!” said the man, who hurriedly entered, and bowed to him. After him, Azir, and other mages who participated in the ritual also appeared one by one. Everybody started following him with their gazes silently, while waiting for important news.

“Was…was it successful?! Give us good news, Azir.” Veoxuhr asked desperately.

“Yes” Azir said without any emotion. “However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This summoning is only a small part of our plans, and the danger still exists. Now, all we need the most is time.”

Everyone relieved when they heard about a successful ritual. It was still not enough for their survival, but right now this success caused them to be more hopeful about it.

“What about you? Do you plan to leave the kingdom soon?” Simor asked him.

“Yes. I’ll leave Niwia tomorrow. After all, I still have many works that should be completed soon. However, I need to rest right now. The summoning has taken a great amount of mana of mine, so recovering it won’t be easy.” Azir answered, and looked at Veoxuhr.

“Wait a minute! Leaving tomorrow? How can we be sure that you didn’t lie to us? Or did you think that you could fool us by coming here, and doing a few tricks?” Yefes said, while being angry.

“Yefes, what are you spouting?!” Vexouhr shouted.

“How are you going to prove your claims, brother?” Orwen also said, raising his brows slightly.

“He seems too suspicious. Father, lets capture him immediately. Then we can interrogate him using different kind of methods.” Yefes was smiling. “In the end, he used most of his mana, and seems to be weaker.”

“You fo…” Veoxuhr couldn’t finish his sentence, as Azir vanished suddenly, and appeared in front of his oldest son. Before any of them could react, he grabbed Yefes by his neck, and lifted him up, strangling him. Even Orwen, who many people considered as one of the most prominent talents, wasn’t able to see his movement

“Y-you!!! L-let me free…”. Yefes tried to free himself from his clutch, but each attempt only wasted his energy.

“B-bastard!!!” Seeing their prince’s struggling, all guards unsheathed their swords, and wanted to attack him immediately. However, they couldn’t act; otherwise prince’s life would be in a grave danger.

“Idiots!!! Immediately unsheathe your weapons!” Veoxuhr barked at guards. “We can solve this peacefully, Azir. He was just talking without thinking, and I think he also understands it.  Please, don’t hurt my son. “

“Hmph! Do you think that I forgive every trash who does nothing other than barking? Let me remind you again that I can crush idiots like you easily.”  He strengthened his grip. Yefes could feel his life fading away slowly. Yet he couldn’t do anything to Azir. “However…today is your lucky day, you ungrateful dog! I’m in no mood to spill blood right now.”

Azir released his grip, and Yefes fell on the floor. He could hardly breathe any air, while staring at Azir with great enmity. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, when they saw him releasing prince. Seeing his son freed, Veoxuhr relaxed, and said to one of his guards.

“Immediately prepare a room for our important guest. Assign some maids in order to fulfill all his necessities. And don’t even try to cause any problem for our guest” Hearing the king’s strict orders, the guard bowed, and left the hall rapidly.

When Azir heard neither complaints nor questions anymore, he started to depart slowly. Yefes gritted his teeth watching him leaving, and promised to avenge this shame one day. In the end, everyone pardoned themselves, and only 4 people were left in the hall: Veoxuhr, Simor, and his sons.

“Do any of you still have doubts in your heart?” Veoxuhr asked silently.

“Although we don’t know anything about his identity or past, I believe that this man isn’t here to play with us. His power is enormous – powerful enough to do a great harm against us. If he belongs to our enemies, then he can easily slay most of us, instead of being a spy. On the other hand, the choice he gave us is our only path for survival.” Simor said without any hesitation.

“What about you, my children?” Veoxhur also wanted to know their opinions.

“I have no complaints.” Yefes told them. However, his fury and rage was visible by just looking at his face. Veoxuhr sighed deeply, and then turned his attention to Orwen.

“I also haven’t got any complaints. He seems to be a straightforward guy, and his plan will definitely help us in the future. However…will be able to find that summoned person? Will he agree to join us?” Orwen questioned Veoxuhr.

“Who knows, son? All of us are restless about it too.” Veoxhur answered, and started to leave the hall too. In the midway, he stopped, closed his eyes, and mused to himself.

“Only time will tell.”