Chapter 1: Investigation
The dimly lit room was shrouded in shadows, candles flickering like fireflies in the darkness. Three men huddled together, their voices hushed.
"There are crazy rumors around the Xylonia empire nowadays," Shinji said, his voice laced with concern.
Haruto nodded. "Oh, that, about the despicable monsters?"
Shinji's eyes locked onto him. "So you've heard it, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm worried about the situation. They've been sending messages nonstop to the capital, searching for a hero."
Ryota snorted. "Hero??''
''Yes, according to the legend..." Haruto tried to explain but was cut off by Ryota who didn't like stories.
"The legend story again."
"Hey, shut up. I'm trying to listen." Shinji said, his warning eye on Ryota
" Okay then, I'll continue. I don't know about this one, but I guess it's real."
Shinji muttered under his breath, "{Real my foot...}"
"I've checked many books and I think it's real
"Stop beating around the bush Haruto , go to the point already. I've already said that I want to listen, so, I'm still listening."
"Alright, Long ago, maybe not too long , there was a demon lord.(Ryota gasped as he heard that line while he showed that he won't listen.) He sent his followers here to create our pure Land but lucky Elysian, we were saved. Saved by one guy!"
"Wait, one guy?" Ryota curiously asked.
"Yes, the books says that he was a swordsman and he k..."
As the men discussed the legend, a dark figure lurked in the shadows, they spoke almost the same words.
"...almost killed me, but lucky for me, I survived using my skills," the figure growled. "Now these stories are being passed from generation to generation by these lowly humans. To them, I was..."
Meanwhile, in a cozy room, a father read a story to his son. "He was killed by that man, and he was the..."
Back in the dimly lit room, Haruto exclaimed, ".....HERO!"
Ryota raised an eyebrow in astonishment. "That hero guy died a long time ago, didn't he???"
"Obviously, but..."
Shinji interrupted, "There's something called an heir."
"Wait a moment, an heir? Come on, how are we going to know the heirs of that guy? I'm sure they won't be found that easily."
"I'm sure they will according to me, I can search about the heirs because they once became popular."
Just then, a female voice echoed through the room. "I will."
Ryota and Shinji turned, surprised. "Mika???"
Mika smiled, her eyes sparkling. "What's wrong, boys? Surprised to see me?"
Shinji stuttered, "Ahh, i-immm..." As Ryota asked, "Wait, how are you going to help him??"
Mika's response was confident. "Investigation, obviously"
"suit yourself, I'm sure such information won't be found easily,it requires a lot of concentration, work and many people ."
"Yeah that's right, but we won't be alone though " Haruto said.
"What do you mean Haruto?"
"I'm there aren't I."
"I didn't ask you Shinji! I know you are here."
"Hey you two stop fighting like puppies and, Mika is here, she's good in investigation."
"Yes, maybe he's right, I can do it. Once I get the name, I'll start digging."
"Ohh yeah, the name. Check out the Tanaka family, according to my research, the hero was from such a family."
"On it. Wait, is that even possible?"
"Ohh yeah, I came up with such a question too."
"Yes, it's possible. And they also need protection."
"What protection?"
"They can be attacked, either by the xylonians or monsters trying to finish the hero heir."
"Ohh, okay."
"Mika, we are all looking up to you, make this mission a success!" Haruto pleaded.
"Yes sir!"
Mika left the room in fear of calling the elders,'boys'.
The Next Day
The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the landscape. A 5-year-old boy, Akirion, played with his toys, a knight, a horse, and a demon. His mother called out, "Akie, Akie!"
Akirion ran to his mother, his face lighting up with a smile. "Yes, Mom."
"May you help me with setting up the table please".
His father, Eriolth, arrived, carrying a wild rabbit. Akirion's eyes widened. "Daddy!"
Eriolth chuckled. "WOW, that was quite a run, son."
They laughed together as Mirabel (Akirion's mother) came around.
She greeted Eriolth with a cheerful smile and she asked. "So, the food is ready, bath or food?"
"I will go for a bath please".
Eriolth went for a bath while Akirion and his mother prepared for lunch.
As they all sat down to eat after Eriolth bathed , Akirion exclaimed, "I've made up my decision; I want to be a knight. You know, saving people from monsters."
"There's nothing called monsters Akie.
"There is Mom, ohh wait, I left my knight outside."
"What, you left your comrade outside?"
"I'll go and him now."
Akirion ran outside to retrieve his knight toy. As he turned back, he saw black clouds gathering, and within them, a pair of scary red eyes stared back at him.