The secluded planet of Gruu, nestled in a small star system in the far north of the demon domain within the Skyreach Sector, boasted a moderate climate. Despite being smaller than Mars, it accommodated a population of less than ten million demons. The atmosphere was serene, and the planet's beauty lay in its untouched landscapes.
In a small country to the south of the continent, a young man in his early twenties emerged as a figure of significance. Dressed in common garb, he wielded a yellow axe imbued with runes, swinging it with precision as he cut down a tree. His long hair, tied in a ponytail, framed a face marked by dark eyes and scars on his cheeks, neck, left arm, and leg.
Completing his task, the man effortlessly hoisted the entire trunk and carried it to a small cabin situated by a lake, not far from a nearby village. "Dad, I'm back," he called out upon entering. His voice betrayed a hint of disappointment as he found his father, Henry Ries lying in bed, eyes closed, a coma that had persisted for over four years.
After changing into fresh clothes, the young man prepared lunch and a herbal soup for his father. Tenderly caring for the unconscious man, he fed him and attended to his needs, a routine he had faithfully followed for years. Sighing, he headed to the back of the cabin for his daily training, demonic energy threading through his body, with certain patches of his skin turning gray.
As he grappled with the advancing demonization, he pondered, "I wonder if we will ever find the way back."
His musings were interrupted by sounds from the front of the house. Rushing to investigate, he was met with a distressing sight, silver demons, of high rank, holding a mixed-blooded scaled demon by the neck. The young man's eyes widened, recognizing her as Allysa.
"Allysa!" he exclaimed, but his protest was silenced as one of the demons threatened her with razor-sharp claws. "More one step closer and she dies, Mera!" The derogatory term, laden with prejudice, stung as the young man gritted his teeth in frustration.
The young man, Alexander, cast a swift glance at the dozen men and women, all clad in standardized armor bearing a crest, the mark of allegiance to a demon house, likely under the command of at least one demon lord. Despite the ominous situation, he assured Allysa that everything would be fine, though deep down, he knew the odds were stacked against him. He waited, bracing himself for whatever demands these demons had.
The leader of the group, a demon with a gruff smile, stepped forward. "Well, great you are cooperating. You see, we heard from the citizens of the town near here that this girl possessed a friend of rather mysterious origin, and seeing you from close, I must say she was quite right. You don't smell like a demon yet; your energy is quite dense, at least close to a demon general. Yet even now, the demonization hasn't transformed you, which means it will take more for the energy to take over, at least the energy of a demon lord."
"So, what do you want with me?" Alexander inquired.
The demon leader's smile grew. "Our master wants to have you join our family. We will provide enough resources to complete your demonization, making you a demon lord. You'll be granted a piece of land near the capital, including this lake and the nearby town. The condition is that you sign a pact with our master, serving directly under him for fifty years, and be engaged to one of his daughters."
Internally, Alexander scoffed at the material gains offered. Such things meant little to him, especially considering the likely ownership these demons would assert over his very being. "Nice offer, but I'm too young to marry. I don't even know your master and his daughter. I'm also just a weak man of a small race. Even with demonization taking over, I would not be of much help."
The demon leader's eyes narrowed, and his smile vanished. The others turned visibly hostile. "Is this your final answer?" he demanded, tightening his grip on Allysa's throat, making his intentions clear: Refuse, and this Mera here dies.
Before the demon could make good on his threat, something large struck him on the head, causing him to release his grip. An arm pulled Allysa away. Alexander, now with Allysa in his arms and the axe in his hand, roared in anger as his eyes glowed orange. In that instant, all the demonic energy in his body was held back as his own blood burned in his veins.
The dozen demons looked at the man in terror as none recognized the power that manifested at that instant. Alexander pulled his hair back, muttering, "I didn't expect to use that this early, especially since it was this that put Dad in a coma. But I guess some things can't be evaded."
Utilizing the power in his blood, Alexander raised his hand, and the axe transformed into an even grander weapon, a large battle axe. This was the Trinity Armament, a bloodline trait that originated from their ancestor, a powerful man who had come to their world and and had a son with a woman a couple thousand years ago. Until now, only Alexander and his father could wield this power, a secret kept hidden due to the troublesome events it had caused his family.