In the world of Varkhane, humans, magicians, monsters, and the church lived together in peaceful harmony.
This world was ruled by a demon named Karboka, the Demon King, who maintained control without a drop of violence.
He connected all its peoples through unity and strength.His closest friend was Moza Kada, leader of the human tribe located in the northern outskirts.King Karboka often visited Moza Kada's tribe, where the people adored him immensely.
He had become their life-giver, a beacon of hope in shadowed times.Moza Kada was always there to aid the Demon King. Whenever a problem arose, the king sought his friend's wisdom, and together they unraveled every challenge.
But this unbreakable friendship drew the ire of the church. They despised demons and constantly warned Moza Kada: "One day, they will show you their true face. They are nothing like us—mark my words."Moza Kada never heeded them. He simply smiled and turned away, his trust unshaken.Then, the church's leader, Matthew Ko, decided to strike.
He launched a brutal attack on Moza Kada's tribe, forcing the leader to learn a harsh lesson: never trust demons with eyes closed.Time passed, and Moza Kada married a stunning elf girl.
She had flowing golden hair and a face of ethereal beauty. Anyone who saw them whispered, "They are the perfect couple," their union a rare light amid the world's encroaching darkness.
His friend, Demon King Karboka, asked Moza Kada, "When did you first meet her?"Moza Kada replied, "We met four years ago in the magical tribe, when I had nothing left.
Two robbers had stolen everything from me. She punished them swiftly and offered me work in her tribe.
She was the princess of the magicians."The king pressed, "Tell me, my friend—when did you fall in love with her?"Moza Kada blushed deeply and said, "It began after she protected me there. I admired her strength, always finding reasons to visit. She grew fond of me too.
At the year's end, I proposed marriage, and she accepted."The king teased, "Oh, I know you don't want to share that kind of information."
His friend shot back, "You already have, haven't you? Done it with her before the marriage, my friend?"Moza Kada flushed crimson.
"What are you saying? Nonsense! We haven't done anything like that."His wife grew embarrassed, her head bowing low as heat rose to her cheeks.
The king burst into hearty laughter, clapping a hand on Moza Kada's shoulder. "I'm overjoyed for you, my friend Moza Kada. I hope you and your wife live in eternal peace."Moza Kada asked, "What do you mean by that, King Karboka?"The king paused, his mirth fading into solemn gravity.
"As you know, I am the Demon King, but one thing troubles me deeply. A large number of orcs refuse to follow my orders. They believe I've cut them off from the mainstream of society.""I've spoken to their leader, Ochina, but he won't listen. I want his tribe to thrive, yet he hates me.
And you know the church's Matthew warns against us—you never heeded him."Moza Kada nodded thoughtfully. "I see the situation clearly. I suggest one thing: keep a close eye on the church. I hate to say it, but in my eyes, they're planning something massive.
"King Karboka's expression darkened. "If you're saying that, it's a grave issue indeed. I'll watch the church's every move. Don't worry, my friend—sorry, I came to congratulate you, yet I soured the moment with problems."Then he gifted his friend a pendant.
"This is for your child. It's connected to me—whenever he or she needs anything, I'll fulfill it. It will protect them too. I know it's not an expensive gift, but I think it's the best one."Moza Kada's eyes welled with emotion. "Oh, King, you think so far ahead about our child. This gift is precious to me—truly the most valuable, my friend Karboka."The two embraced warmly, their bond a fortress against the gathering storm.
But then a messenger arrived for King Karboka. "Something terrible is happening in the orcs' tribe. We sent scouts to check, but few have returned. I contacted one briefly—he said it's a trap to blame the demons for everything. Then the connection died. I think he's gone.
"The king commanded, "Got it. Prepare a few solid soldiers—I'm coming. Don't do anything without my orders. Understood?"The messenger replied, "Yes, King. I'll inform everyone."King Karboka turned to Moza Kada. "My friend, I must go. A problem has erupted—it's vital I handle it personally. If I don't, chaos will reign."Moza Kada urged, "Don't worry, King.
Go calmly and solve it. But promise me—no fighting unless the situation demands it. If it turns bad, come back."The king agreed. "Okay, my friend." They shook hands firmly. Then the king mounted his demon horse and departed the tribe for the orcs', with a few soldiers joining him en route.Karboka thought to himself darkly, What schemes brew in Ochina's mind? What does this mean for the messenger? I hope his tribe hasn't betrayed us.
If they turn against me or harm anyone, I'll have no choice but to destroy them all—but gods, I don't want that.Minutes later, they reached the orcs' tribe. A poison hung thick in the air. King Karboka warned, "Hold your breath!" They pressed inside.Everywhere lay dead orcs—bodies strewn across the blood-soaked ground, the tribe a
slaughterhouse of carnage and despair.The Demon King growled, "What is this? Who did this?" Then he spotted a clue: a massive nail driven through the head of the orcs' leader, Ochina."No... no, no! How is this possible? How did they breach my territory? They'll pay dearly."King Karboka ordered his soldiers, "Go to every tribe! Warn their leaders: do not accept any girl with big nails. She's a demon from another realm—she's the one who did this.
Go, go—fast, idiots! We have no time!"The soldiers raced off to spread the message.Karboka seethed inwardly, If I'm right, demon rogue, you'll die by my hand.He commanded further, "Start a full search. Check if anyone's alive." The soldiers scoured the tribe, but found no survivors—everyone had perished in the poisoned massacre.
The messenger reached Moza Kada's tribe last. He approached a soldier and said, "I have a message for your leader, Moza Kada, from Demon King Karboka."The soldier replied, "Follow me.
" He led the messenger to the tent where Moza Kada and his wife relaxed after the wedding festivities.The soldier announced, "My leader, a messenger from King Karboka is here."Moza Kada said, "Send him in—quickly, no delays."The messenger entered the tent, where Moza Kada and his wife stood ready.
"King Karboka orders: no tribe is to accept any girl with big nails. She's a demon from elsewhere—she destroyed the entire orcs' tribe."Moza Kada's face hardened. "This is dire news. A demon infiltrated his territory, and he didn't know? Troubling."He instructed the soldier, "Tell King Karboka not to react rashly—Moza Kada wants to speak with him."His elf wife asked, "Why would she do this?"Moza Kada replied grimly, "I'm certain they're orchestrating something massive. But what... I don't know yet."