Taki stared at Master Orgen, his breath shaking.
The Runcandel Demon Lineage…?
Madara Jin bowed to it?
And I'm the heir?
His heart thundered in his chest.
"Master… what do you mean demon lineage? My clan is known for sword saints and spirit arts—nothing demonic."
Orgen's expression darkened.
"That's what the world believes. But the truth is hidden, erased from history. The Runcandel Clan once had two lineages…"
He raised two fingers.
"The Divine Sword Lineage—the one the world praises."
"And the Demon Lineage—the one feared, sealed, and hated."
Taki's fists tightened.
"And I'm from the second one."
Orgen nodded slowly.
"Your father—Lord Kael Runcandel—was the last known bearer of the Demon Blood. When you were born, your presence twisted mana around the entire clan. Buildings cracked. Elders fainted. Your crying alone caused dark lightning."
Taki felt a chill crawl up his spine.
"My father sealed my power… didn't he?"
"He had to," Orgen whispered. "If he didn't, the clan's elders would have executed you that same day."
Taki bit his lip hard.
"Then why abandon me? Why leave me in this village?"
Orgen's eyes softened.
"To keep you alive. If you stayed with the clan, every faction would fight to control or kill you. Here… you could grow freely."
Taki looked at his trembling hands—the faint crimson glow fading slowly.
"…And now the seal broke."
"Not fully," Orgen replied. "Only the first layer. But that alone was enough to alert Madara Jin."
Taki's chest tightened.
"Why does he want me?"
Orgen's voice lowered as if afraid the wind might carry his words.
"Because Madara Jin's power originally came from the Demon Lineage. He was the first outsider in history to be chosen by its energy. He believes you—its heir—are the key to unlocking the one power he never obtained."
Taki gulped. "What power is that?"
"The Demon King's Core."
The training grounds fell eerily silent.
Taki blinked. "Demon… King?"
Orgen nodded gravely.
"The Demon King's Core is the heart of the primordial being who once ruled the underworld. The Demon Lineage inherited fragments of its power. But the true core… vanished. Legends say the heir chosen by destiny can awaken it."
Taki felt a sinking weight in his stomach.
"And you think… that heir is me?"
"I don't think. I know."
Before Taki could respond, a loud explosion echoed from the village entrance.
BOOOOM!
Flames shot into the sky. Screams followed.
Orgen's face went pale. "No… already?!"
Taki sprang to his feet. "Master—what happened?"
Orgen grabbed his arm tight.
"Taki, listen to me. This village… is no longer safe. Someone is here for you."
Another explosion.
The ground shook.
Dark energy swept across the village, sending chills through the air.
Taki's eyes widened.
A lone figure stood at the burning gates, surrounded by smoke and corpses.
Long white hair.
A cruel smile.
A blade dripping with dark spiritual essence.
"Master," Taki whispered, "who… is that?"
Orgen's entire body trembled.
"That… that is Madara Jin's right hand. The Shadow Executioner…"
The man raised his blade with a smirk.
"Found you… Heir of the Demon Lineage."
Taki clenched his fists, a surge of raw fear and determination rising inside him.
His destiny had arrived… much sooner than he wished.