Before continuing with our story, we go back in time to meet a great man and witness the beginning of a massive feud.
Five thousand years ago in Hell, before the arrival of DANTE, a human wearing long, poncho-like hooded robes wandered through the desert, walking vast distances. At times, he would sit down to rest. Eventually, he found a cave where he began to train. When he took off his poncho, he revealed a heavily muscled physique; he had an excellent, highly developed figure.
He was a powerful man. Whenever he encountered strange creatures, he fought and defeated them all to survive; such was his lifestyle. Resigned to the life he had adopted, he wandered everywhere, listening to screams of suffering and fighting anything that crossed his path. Sometimes, he would eat the meat of the beasts he killed, building campfires to spend the night. For him, life in this place no longer made sense, but he didn't want to fade away, so he simply continued his dull routine—until one day.
HUMAN: What a nuisance, the same thing all over again. I think it's about time to eat; it's been three months since the last time I had a meal. Hmm, time to hunt. I hate speaking out loud, but I feel like if I don't, I'll go crazy and forget how to talk. Fine, let's start with that dry forest; there are several creatures there." (The sounds of people being tortured echo in the distance). "My God, there's a farm around here. What should I do? Well, I'll climb to the treetops to get closer and see what's there from a distance. Maybe this time I'll feel like saving someone so I won't be alone... or maybe I won't do anything at all. Alright, here we go.
The human leaped onto the tallest trees in a single bound, approaching the source of the noise. When he arrived, he saw a macabre site covered in blood, yet there were structures resembling houses where demons lived; it was like a village. Beyond the small town, there were farm-like areas with massive fences, but these enclosures didn't hold animals. There were humans tied to poles with chains around their necks like wild beasts. Demons were everywhere, torturing the poor souls in various ways for their own delight, never letting them die.
The HUMAN watched all of this with disgust. However, in a corner, there was a very small, peculiar demon with a strange gaze. He had yellow eyes, but the area surrounding the irises was pitch black, and his smile was the most disturbing thing in the world—a grin carved into his face. He had no lips, but the most curious thing was that he was only watching; he looked uncomfortable witnessing the atrocities being committed.
Suddenly, a larger demon began beating him with a piece of wood, kicking him, punching him, and finally violating him, leaving him discarded on the ground. The only thing heard was: "That's for being an idiot. If you aren't going to torture, you'll be the one tortured!"
The poor little demon, sprawled on the ground, crawled away to a distant corner to wait for his recovery. Meanwhile, the HUMAN watched, filled with fury at the acts being committed in that place.
HUMAN: (In his mind) I wasn't planning on getting involved, but this is too much. I think there are about twenty humans there. If I save them, what will I do with them? What a mess. Fine, it's decided; once midnight hits, I'll attack this damned demon village and kill them all. I'll figure out what to do with the humans later. Time to get ready. (He gives a serious look).
When midnight arrived, the humans were slowly recovering from their beatings while the demons gathered in their small village, boasting about their cruelty. The small demon had already recovered from his wounds and walked toward a bar-like establishment in the village. Almost all the demons were there, celebrating and drinking something that looked like blood. The room was buzzing with loud conversations when the boy appeared, approaching a table to ask for a drink.
CHILD DEMON: Sir… could I have something, please?
DEMON: Hahaha! Look at this piece of trash asking for things! (He backhands him, knocking him to the ground). Get out of here, garbage. If you can't even torture human scum, you're useless as a demon. You're only here because sometimes we like hearing your screams too, hahaha!
While all of this was happening, the HUMAN was on the roof, watching everything through a hole, waiting for his moment and planning his next move.
HUMAN: (In his mind) Maybe this is for the best. Alright, it's time to start.
While the demons were having fun, the ceiling suddenly broke and the HUMAN fell onto a table, shattering it and landing instantly in the middle of the room. All the demons stared at him and the room fell into a deathly silence, when suddenly a glass fell to the floor, shattering, and a demon screamed, starting a great fight. The demons rushed at the HUMAN; he struck them all with swift movements, knocking them to the ground.
He kicked some in the neck, taking them down instantly, then drew a dagger from his waist and began cutting their throats with terrifying speed. He leaped from table to table and bounced off the walls like a frog. The demons' screams echoed everywhere, drawing the rest of the village toward the bar to see what was happening. Upon entering, they saw a macabre scene: the HUMAN slaughtering everyone, decapitating them. Terrified, the remaining demons fled, screaming that he was a monster.
HUMAN: Hahaha! I didn't know demons could feel fear! Hahaha, this is the best!" (Decapitating a demon). "You won't escape. Every single one of you dies here today.
RANDOM DEMON: What... what is he?! Run! Inform a High Demon—" (His head is blown off).
HUMAN: I won't let anyone escape. I am your goddamn death! Hahahaha!" (He catches a glimpse of the demon child out of the corner of his eye).
As he finished decapitating the rest, only one remained, backed against the wall. The human stood before him, and the demon stared up in terror.
DEMON: (Sweating) Hey... human, what are you doing? Don't you know we are superior? You don't have to do this, you kno—
HUMAN: You've got some nerve, heh. Well then, 'excuse me,' Mister Demon." (His expression turns to pure rage) "You know, I hate every single one of you damn demons. If I could kill them all, I would, but I'm not strong enough yet... so I'll use you for practice.
With that, the HUMAN delivered a powerful blow to his abdomen, sending him flying through the air and smashing through the bar wall. As the demon died from the impact, he thought: "And he says he lacks strength... goddamn monster... agh."
There was no one left alive in the bar. The human ran out to hunt down the survivors. As he headed for the exit, he saw the little demon lying on the ground, watching him in terror, but the HUMAN ignored him and kept going.
He spent the entire morning slaughtering demons. By late afternoon, the HUMAN had killed every last one; no demon was left breathing. He then headed to the enclosures where the humans were kept. Upon arriving, he freed them all. The captives began to cry, trying to hug him in gratitude.
HUMAN: Hold on. I only saved you, but what happens from here on out is on you. I'm sorry, but I can't protect you all.
MALE HUMAN: Hey, my name is RENJIT. Who are you? Why can't you protect us?
HUMAN: (Sighs and pulls back his hood) Alright, listen up everyone. My name is HERACLES. I know this Hell is filled with people from different cultures and worlds. I can't look after all of you. I have only two options for you: survive on your own, or die right here. I will give you peace. I'm no damn fairy-tale hero; I just want to survive. The rest is up to you.
RENJIT: (Shocked) You… you're a hero from Greek mythology. I know those stories. You truly are a hero, don't lie to us.
HERACLES: (Tch) So, you know me? No. Now, I am just a mortal lost in a Hell that isn't mine. I don't know much about this place, but I won't risk my life for strangers. I am no longer a hero; I care for no one but myself. So, make your choice. (He gives them a cold, serious look).
At that moment, the humans were desperate, not knowing what to do. HERACLES stepped aside to let them decide, and they huddled together to talk. While this was happening, the small demon that Heracles had spared suddenly appeared and knelt at Heracles' feet.
LITTLE DEMON: (Sadly) Co... could you kill me too, please?
HERACLES: Umm... (Taken aback). "Get up. We'll talk later. Move aside, kid; you're going to scare everyone here.
The humans approached HERACLES, and RENJIT, having declared himself their leader, spoke up.
RENJIT: Fine. I see now that you aren't the hero I knew from the Greek myths. You're just trash. (He spits near Heracles' feet).
HERACLES: So, I'm part of the mythology in your world, huh? Well, the truth is, I actually exist in mine. I won't go into the details, but anyway… what have you decided?
RENJIT: (Sighs) Most will follow me. But there are five people who can't take this anymore. So, please… end it for them. I beg of you, don't make them suffer. Do it quickly.
HERACLES: (Disappointed) Fine. Have them kneel, facing away.
The five humans, two women and three men, knelt, gazing at the sunset. The small demon watched the unfolding scene from afar. Heracles, knife in hand, prepared himself and uttered the words, "May they rest," before wielding a swift cut that decapitated all five in an instant. Afterward, the others departed with Renjit, while Heracles remained to bury the bodies. As he dug the graves, the small demon approached him.
LITTLE DEMON: (In a sad tone) Why did you kill them? I want to leave, too.
HERACLES: (Sighs) Look, they chose that for themselves. But you… you were born here, weren't you?
LITTLE DEMON: Yes, that's true. I'm a demonic hatchling; I was born a couple of years ago. I'm an experiment; a human was impregnated by several demons, and that's how I was born, or so they told me. But as you can see, I'm neither human nor demon. My face is too malevolent to be human, and I don't have the coldness of demons.
HERACLES: (While digging) You see? That's why I didn't kill you. I don't know how you'll survive in these lands, but I'd advise you to become strong. Hunt as many creatures as you can and grow stronger. That way, you'll be unstoppable. I think you could be someone powerful; try your best. Ah, right, here (he throws him a piece of his clothing), put this over your mouth like a handkerchief so you don't frighten any humans you might encounter; if you do me the favor of saving them, that would be a good idea.
LITTLE DEMON: Thank you. I… I don't know if I could travel with you. Please, I beg of you.
HERACLES: Umm, no, kid. I work alone. Most likely, you'd just be a burden.
LITTLE DEMON: Please, think about it! I'll get strong just to help you.
HERACLES: (Uncomfortable) Umm… (Sighs) Alright, fine. I'll make you a deal: I'll give you three months. If you survive those months, I'll take you with me. You'll be on your own here for that time. I will return—you have my word—and if I find you alive by then, I'll take you. Do you understand?
LITTLE DEMON: Okay. But do you swear you'll come back?
HERACLES: I swear it. When I swear on my name, it's law. So, by my name, I promise you. Don't worry.
LITTLE DEMON: Alright. Thank you.
HERACLES left after burying the bodies, leaving the little one alone in that ghost town, since no demon remained alive. Day after day, he kept his handkerchief over his mouth and worked cleaning the bodies. As a demon, he was able to survive by eating the bodies of other demons and their hearts. Over time, he grew quite strong. The days passed quickly; after two and a half months, he was in excellent shape. He could train and conduct experiments on the bodies of the fallen, since demon bodies take a long time to decompose. His days continued like this; with only one day left until the three months were up, an incident occurred.
LITTLE DEMON: (Sweeping the street) Well, it's been three months. Tomorrow is the big day. I really hope he didn't lie to me.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: So, they're all dead. Who the hell are you, kid with the rag over your mouth?
LITTLE DEMON: Huh?!" (He spins around quickly) "Who are you?
MYSTERIOUS DEMON: My name is BACON. What the hell happened here? Why is everyone gone? Why are you the only one left? Start explaining.
LITTLE DEMON: Look, well...
BACON: Don't tell me you killed them all? How did you pull it off? You look somewhat strong, but I don't believe you did this alone. Alright, brat, who else is with you? Honestly, I'm jealous; I came here to kill everyone myself, but you beat me to it. How irritating. But you know, you'll do just fine too, hehe. (He licks his lips).
Terrified, the boy takes a fighting stance and pulls a knife from his waist.
LITTLE DEMON: I'm... s-sorry. I'll have to kill you so you don't interfere with my goals. I made a promise. (He gives a serious look).
BACON: Your optimism makes me sick, hahaha! You're no match for me, brat.
BACON lunges at the little one, punching him in the face with his hand, sending him flying into a house and completely destroying it. The little one emerges from the rubble, bleeding; he gets to his feet, gripping the knife tightly, and runs, trying to hit BACON, but he just moves aside and the little one falls to the ground. BACON kicks him in the stomach and lifts him into the air; Before he falls to the ground, Bacon grabs him and lifts him higher and slams him brutally to the ground and kicks him, throwing him a couple of meters, causing his handkerchief to fly off and leaving his face exposed.
BACON: (Approaching the boy's body) Just look at that hideous face with that macabre grin. Hahaha! You're a broken demon—a half-breed.
LITTLE DEMON: (Broken on the ground) I won't... (gasping)... won't... give up! (He stabs Bacon in the leg).
BACON: (Infuriated) YOU DAMNED BRAT! Who do you think you are to wound me?! (He stomps on him repeatedly).
LITTLE DEMON: (In his mind) It looks like I won't be able to keep my promise after all. I'm sorry, HERACLES... (Tears well up in his eyes).
As BACON continued to mercilessly stomp on the boy, who was beginning to fade away, a rock suddenly slammed into BACON'S face, knocking him to the ground.
BACON: Who the hell are you?! Damn it, that hurt!
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: You bastard... (In a voice filled with rage).
Losing consciousness, the boy only caught a glimpse of someone strangling BACON. Seeing BACON'S face twisted in agony, the boy finally blacked out. When he opened his eyes, he saw a very familiar figure standing beside him; it was HERACLES, watching over him. The little demon sat up and looked at him, ashamed.
LITTLE DEMON: I'm sorry, HERACLES... I couldn't survive the three months like I said I would.
HERACLE: No, brat, all this time I was watching you go about your life and you didn't give up. Until the very end, that thing overcame you and you managed to hurt it despite everything being against you; that inspired me, it reminded me of myself. You earned the right to follow me; only those I see who have the strong desire to continue living alone, those are the ones I will protect.
LITTLE DEMON: (crying) Thank you, it really means a lot to me to receive even a tiny bit of approval from someone; truly, thank you. (Cries harder.)
HERACLES: Alright, little one, it's time to go. Umm, actually... what's your name? Sorry for waiting until now to ask.
LITTLE DEMON: Well, to tell you the truth, I don't have a name. I was just born, and no one took me in, and my mother died right after I was born. (sadly) They ate her, that's what those demons told me.
HERACLES: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you of those misfortunes. Well, then I'll give you a name. Let me see... Um, let's see, I know. How about MALEKIN?
MALEKIN: (Surprised) I like that name! Thank you. From now on, I am MALEKIN.
HERACLES: Alright, Malekin. It's time to move out.
MALEKIN: Yeah, we'll get stronger so we can destroy everything, hahaha.
HERACLES: (Giving him a weird look) Hey... put your handkerchief on and don't laugh like that. You're creepy.
MALEKIN: (Embarrassed) Sorry... it's my demon half, hehe.
The two friends began to walk across the vast desert. Now, what will happen next? We'll find out in the next chapter.