World Of Demons.
A long time ago...
The world was a crucible of endless possibilities....
The lives of humans, demons, and a myriad of other beings. Magic was as natural as breathing, a boundless force that coursed through the veins of the land, imbuing it with wonder and peril in equal measure.
The landscapes were as diverse as they were vast. Towering mountains pierced the clouds, while ancient forests whispered secrets of the ages. Deserts of shimmering sands concealed cities of gold beneath their shifting waves, and deep oceans harbored civilizations unknown to surface dwellers. In the skies, islands floated, held aloft by enigmatic magics, their people gazing down upon the world below with curious eyes.
Humans, the most numerous and ambitious of all the races, carved empires from the wilderness. Kingdoms rose and fell on the tides of magic and steel, each seeking dominion over the arcane secrets that lay hidden. Their cities, fortresses of learning and power, where mages unlocked the mysteries of the cosmos and warriors trained in the art of both combat and spellcraft.
But humans were not alone in their pursuit of power. Demons roamed the earth, some acting as allies, trading knowledge for tribute, while others brought fear and destruction. These beings, ancient and powerful, varied like the stars—some noble and wise, others malevolent and cruel.
At the heart of this world was magic, a force that promised miracles and the threat of annihilation. Mages wielded this power, shaping the elements, the spirits, and even reality itself to their will. And amid the chaos and beauty of this world, warriors became legends, their deeds immortalized in song and stone.
In this age of wonder and strife, the tapestry of history was woven—a story of adventure, discovery, and the relentless quest for power.
Arc 1 Chapter 1: Dark.
In the heart of a wild, perilous forest, a young boy named Dark navigated the shadows with eerie precision. Cloaked in darkness, his ripped black shirt and bandit mask concealed his identity. He wore soft, black shorts, and a small knife was strapped to his waist—a weapon more for survival than combat.
Dark pounced like a wolf, his body agile and fluid as he leaped from rock to log, blending effortlessly into the forest's rhythm. His parkour skills mimicked the movement of a wild animal, sliding through narrow spaces and darting between trees with the ease of someone born in the wild.
Suddenly, he halted behind a tree, his breathing synchronized with the rustling of the leaves. Peering through the foliage, Dark spotted a campfire flickering in the distance, surrounded by tents—and food. His stomach tightened with hunger, but his focus shifted when he heard voices.
Laughter echoed through the trees—four voices. Two male, two female.
Dark: (thinking) If I move fast enough, I can grab the food without them noticing. But I've barely got any stamina left...
He crouched lower, scanning the camp, formulating a plan.
Dark: (thinking) Four people. If I can distract the men, I'll have a few seconds to grab what I need. For the women... maybe Nature can help me.
Dark picked up two small rocks and hurled them at the men, then threw two more in opposite directions to draw them away.
One of the men immediately reacted. "Hey, who's there?"
The other one scoffed, "Probably an animal. Let's split up and check."
As the two men ventured deeper into the forest, Dark's plan unfolded perfectly. Swift as a shadow, he dashed toward the camp. His footsteps were so quiet they could barely be heard, even by the sharpest ears. He grabbed a few bundles of food and water, then turned to slip away.
But just as he moved to escape, one of the men returned quicker than expected, grabbing Dark by his shirt and yanking him back toward the campfire.
Dark: (thinking) Damn it...
The man sneered, his grip tightening on Dark's shirt. "Where do you think you're going, kid?"
Dark stammered, his eyes wide. Dark: I-I'm sorry! I was just hungry... I just needed some food, please!
The man smirked, his tone condescending. "Go back to your mama, you dumb brat."
Dark's face fell, his heart sinking as painful memories resurfaced. Tears welled in his eyes, and his voice trembled.
Dark: (softly) I... don't have... parents.
His voice dropped to a whisper, his sadness morphing into something darker. He looked toward the trees, the air around him thickening with tension.
Dark: (quietly) Nature... can you take these people away from me? They hurt me.
The man laughed, turning to his companion. "What? Nature? Nature isn't—"
Suddenly, the ground rumbled beneath their feet. Vines erupted from the earth, twisting and writhing like snakes, latching onto the four campers' legs and dragging them, screaming, into the darkness of the forest.
Dark stood still, watching with calm detachment. When the cries faded, he whispered softly.
Dark: (smiling) Thank you, Nature.
He gathered the food and drink that had been dropped during the struggle, his small smile widening. Without another word, he turned and sprinted back to his makeshift home—a hidden cave nestled deep within the forest.
Inside, the cave was humble but functional. A small campfire flickered near the entrance, casting shadows on the walls. A sleeping bag made of dirt, leaves, and wood rested in the corner, and a wooden chest sat beside it, filled with scavenged items. A rickety chair and table, both made from roughly hewn wood, completed the space. A single torch on the wall provided just enough light to fend off the oppressive darkness.
Dark set the food on the table and started cooking it over the fire, his mind reflecting on the events of the day.
Dark: (thinking) Good thing Nature is on my side... and good thing I didn't have to use my knife.
Five years passed, and Dark, now nine years old, had left the comfort of his cave. Raised by the wilderness, he ventured out to explore the world of humans—a place foreign to him, but filled with endless possibilities.
Carrying a small, tattered bag filled with his belongings, Dark walked through a bustling village. The stares of passersby followed him, their eyes filled with disgust. His ragged appearance was a stark contrast to their clean, orderly lives.
A random person sneered as Dark walked by. "Where the hell did you come from, freak?"
Dark's expression darkened. He clenched his fists, then without warning, charged at the man. Leaping into the air, Dark kicked the man square in the face, springing off his head before dashing toward a large building in the distance.
The sign above the gate caught his attention: "Academy of the Elites."
Dark's eyes widened in awe as he stood before the towering gates. The Academy of the Elites was a place of both mystery and power—a school where the strongest warriors and mages were forged. Its grand facade, a blend of classical and modern architecture, beckoned to him like a beacon.
Dark approached the entrance, excitement bubbling inside him as he pushed through the gates and stepped into the reception hall.
Inside, a receptionist, her presence radiating warmth, approached him. She was an enchanting woman, with silver-flecked eyes and flowing chestnut hair adorned with delicate braids.
Tracy: (smiling warmly) Hello there, young one. My name is Tracy. What brings you to the Academy of the Elites?
Dark hesitated for a moment, before speaking.
Dark: (nervously) I saw the name... and I want to join.
Tracy's eyes sparkled with interest.
Tracy: Well, you're in luck. To join, you'll need to pass three tests. If you score 70%, you'll join the regular class. If you get 95%, you'll be placed in the upper-grade class. But if you get a perfect score... you'll be in the Elites class.
Dark's eyes widened, his excitement barely contained.
Dark: Woooaaaahhh! Yes, please! I'll take the tests!
Tracy chuckled at his enthusiasm. Tracy: Follow me.
Dark's clothes, still ragged and torn, earned him more disdainful looks as he walked through the academy's corridors. The students, dressed in elegant uniforms that shimmered with magical energy, cast suspicious glances at him, their whispers barely concealed.
But Dark didn't care. He had a goal.
Inside the exam hall, Dark sat at a desk, his focus unshakable. The exam papers lay before him, each test more challenging than the last. Hours passed, the room growing tense as students finished their exams. But Dark remained calm, determined to prove himself.
When the time came to review his results, the teacher's expression shifted from surprise to disbelief. The principal was summoned immediately.
Principal: (announcing) Dark has achieved a perfect score—100% on all exams!
Gasps echoed through the hall. Students who had once mocked him now stared in awe.
Gasps echoed through the hall. Students who had once mocked Dark now stared in awe, their sneers replaced by wide-eyed disbelief. Whispers filled the room like a rising tide, rippling through the sea of students who struggled to reconcile their initial impressions of the ragged boy with his remarkable achievement.
Random Student: (muttering) How did he do that?
Another Student: (in shock) A perfect score? But... how?
The disbelief was palpable, hanging in the air as the realization set in. Dark, the boy they had laughed at just moments ago, had surpassed all of them. He wasn't just an outsider. He was now someone to be reckoned with.
The teacher overseeing the exams stood stunned, his hand trembling slightly as he held the exam papers. He exchanged a quick glance with the principal, who stood at the front of the hall, arms folded. The principal's eyes, once stern and unyielding, now held a glimmer of curiosity.
Principal: (raising his voice) Dark, please come to the stage.
The hall fell into an uneasy silence as Dark stood motionless for a moment, unsure of what to do. The eyes of hundreds of students bore into him, judgment replaced by a strange mixture of fear, respect, and confusion. His heart pounded in his chest, and for the first time in a long while, he felt exposed—not in the familiar way of being an outcast, but as someone who had done something extraordinary.
He slowly made his way to the stage, every step echoing in the now silent hall. As he climbed the steps, the weight of the moment pressed down on him. He could still feel the stares, the whispers barely audible now, but sharp enough to prick his skin.
Random Girl: (whispering) How did a freak like him get into the Elites class?
Another Student: (bitterly) There's no way he's on our level.
Reaching the stage, Dark stood before the crowd, his mind racing. His hands clenched into fists by his side, but he kept his gaze steady, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
The principal stepped forward, his voice carrying authority that silenced even the softest murmurs.
Principal: (calmly) Students, today, we witness something extraordinary. Dark has not only passed his exams... but achieved a perfect score. A feat that most of you could only dream of.
The principal turned to Dark, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to gauge the boy standing before him.
Principal: (smiling) Tell us, Dark. What drives you? What gave you the strength to achieve something so... remarkable?
Dark swallowed hard. His throat felt dry, and he wasn't used to speaking in front of so many people. But something inside him stirred. Perhaps it was pride, or maybe the anger he felt from being mocked earlier, but whatever it was, it gave him the strength to speak.
Dark: (quietly at first, then gaining confidence) I... I survived. That's what gave me strength. I've been living out there—alone—in the wild, for years. No family. No one to help me. All I've known is survival.
His voice grew stronger, his eyes hardening as he addressed the crowd.
Dark: (defiantly) So when I took your tests, I treated them like another fight for survival. And I won.
The hall remained eerily quiet. No one laughed now. There was no mockery, no jeering. For the first time, Dark's story broke through the superficial judgments. He wasn't just some "wild boy" or "Nature's freak." He was something more—someone forged in hardship.
Principal: (nodding thoughtfully) It seems you've already been through more than most of the students here.
The principal's eyes scanned the assembly, as if challenging anyone to object.
Principal: And because of that, you will not just join the academy, Dark. You'll be placed in the Elites class, where you'll face challenges that will push you even further.
A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd. The Elites class was reserved for the best of the best—students born into royalty, nobility, and those with years of training in the mystical arts. Dark, a boy raised by the wilderness, had earned his way there in a single day.
Random Student: (whispering) Elites class? He doesn't belong there...
Another Student: (bitterly) This must be some kind of mistake.
As if on cue, a ripple of laughter broke out, not out of amusement, but derision. It started softly, but soon more and more students joined in, as though clinging to their disbelief as a last defense against accepting Dark's achievement.
But then, out of the noise, a strong voice cut through.
Leona: (shouting) ENOUGH! Just because he's different doesn't mean you can tear him down!
Her voice silenced the laughter instantly. All eyes turned to the small figure standing defiantly in the crowd. Leona, her face flushed with anger, stepped forward.
Leona: (glaring at the others) Can't you respect someone for once? He earned his place here, just like any of us!
Dark looked at her, surprise and gratitude swelling in his chest. No one had ever stood up for him before.
The principal smiled slightly, impressed by Leona's outburst.
Principal: (gesturing to Leona) Leona, come up here, if you will.
Leona hesitated for a moment, but then, with her head held high, she made her way to the stage. She brushed her hair behind her ear, blushing slightly as she stepped up beside Dark.
Once on stage, she turned to Dark, her expression softening. Gently, she reached out and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. It was a small gesture, but in that moment, it meant the world to Dark.
Leona: (whispering) Don't let them get to you. You're stronger than all of them.
Dark nodded, the fire in his chest burning brighter now.
Principal: (looking at both of them) Now, Dark, why don't you introduce yourself properly?
Dark took a deep breath, clearing his throat nervously. He glanced at the crowd, seeing a mix of awe, confusion, and resentment in their faces. But now, with Leona beside him, he felt steadier.
Dark: (clearing his throat) Uh... hello, everyone. My name is Dark... people also call me Nature's boy.
The crowd shifted, some students snickering under their breath, but Dark didn't let it faze him this time.
Dark: (calmly) I know I don't look like much. But I've survived things you can't even imagine. And now... now I'm here to become stronger. I don't care what you think of me. I'll prove myself, not to you, but to myself.
For a moment, the hall was completely still. The students, the teachers, even the principal seemed caught off guard by the intensity in Dark's voice.
And then, from the back of the hall, a single pair of hands began to clap.
Principal: (clapping) Well said, Dark.
The principal's applause was followed by a few hesitant claps from the teachers, then, reluctantly, more students joined in. Soon, the entire hall was filled with the sound of applause, though many students did so begrudgingly.
Dark stood there, his heart racing, but this time, it wasn't out of fear. It was pride. For the first time, he felt like he had truly earned his place.
Leona smiled at him, her hand still gently resting on his.
Leona: (whispering) I told you. You're stronger than them.
Dark nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. Dark: (thinking) Maybe... just maybe... I belong here after all.
The applause slowly died down, leaving behind an uneasy quiet in the hall. Dark stood beside Leona on the stage, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. For the first time since entering the academy, Dark felt a sense of belonging, though the weight of skepticism still hung in the air.
The principal, with his usual authoritative air, motioned to Leona to introduce herself.
Principal: (addressing the hall) Leona, why don't you share with us who you are? It seems you have a natural sense of leadership, standing up for your peers like that.
Leona, ever graceful, brushed her hair back again and took a small step forward. Her voice was soft but steady, with an air of confidence that belied her youth.
Leona: (clearing her throat) My name is Leona... and yes, I'm royalty. But that doesn't matter here. What matters is that everyone, no matter where they come from, should be treated with respect. Dark earned his place, and I believe he'll show you all just how strong he really is.
Her words hung in the air, resonating with a truth that was difficult to deny. Some of the students, especially those from noble families, looked down, ashamed of their earlier behavior, while others exchanged uneasy glances.
Leona stepped back beside Dark, her eyes warm as they met his again. Dark could feel his heart racing, but this time, it wasn't just the adrenaline from being on stage—it was something else, something unfamiliar.
The principal nodded, clearly impressed by both of them.
Principal: (smiling) Very well. Both of you have shown qualities that we highly value here at the Academy of the Elites—strength and integrity. I believe the two of you will do well in the Elites class.
He turned his gaze back to the rest of the assembly.
Principal: (sternly) Let this be a lesson to all of you. True power doesn't come from lineage or wealth. It comes from within. Dark and Leona have proven that today. Now, let us return to our studies. I expect each of you to demonstrate the same determination and respect moving forward.
With that, the students were dismissed, but the atmosphere remained charged. As they filed out of the hall, many threw curious glances at Dark, no longer dismissive, but intrigued. He could feel their eyes on him, but now, it didn't matter. He had made his mark.
Later, as the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the academy grounds, Dark and Leona found themselves sitting together on a bench outside, away from the noise and chatter of the other students.
Dark stared down at his hands, still processing everything that had happened that day. Beside him, Leona sat comfortably, her presence a quiet comfort amidst the whirlwind of emotions.
Dark: (quietly) Why did you stand up for me back there?
Leona glanced at him, her expression thoughtful.
Leona: (gently) Because I know what it's like to be judged before people even know who you are. Just because I'm royalty doesn't mean my life's been easy. And you... well, you've been through things most of these students could never imagine. I saw that the moment I looked at you.
Dark's gaze shifted to the ground, his mind replaying the moments in the exam hall. He wasn't used to kindness—not like this. He had always relied on himself, never expecting anyone to care.
Dark: (thinking) Is this what it feels like to have someone on your side?
After a moment, Leona broke the silence.
Leona: (curious) So... why did you come to the academy, Dark? What are you hoping to find here?
Dark hesitated, unsure of how to answer. He had come to the academy on a whim, drawn by the chance to learn more about the world of humans. But now, after everything that had happened, he realized there might be more to it than just curiosity.
Dark: (shrugging) I don't know... I guess I just wanted to see if I could be more than what I am.
Leona smiled at that, her eyes sparkling with understanding.
Leona: (nodding) You already are. And now, you'll have the chance to prove it—to everyone, and maybe even to yourself.
The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the academy bustling around them. Dark watched as students walked past, some still glancing at him, but this time with a mix of curiosity and something like respect.
Leona leaned back on the bench, gazing up at the sky.
Leona: (softly) You know... I've always wanted to make a difference. Not just for my family, but for the world. My brother... he's the one who always talked about changing things. But maybe it's time I try to do that too.
Dark looked at her, seeing a determination in her eyes that mirrored his own. He felt a strange connection forming between them, something that went beyond the academy, beyond the tests. It was as if, somehow, their paths had been destined to cross.
Dark: (thinking) Maybe I'm not alone in this after all.
The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, but as the sun began to set, Dark felt something new—a sense of purpose. He wasn't just a boy raised by nature anymore. He was part of something bigger now, something that could shape his future.
And for the first time, that future didn't seem so far away.
End of Chapter 1