In ancient times, the entire world was at peace with each other. Heroes saved citizens from villains' evil deeds.
However, the sudden arrivals of foreign monsters announced the start of a dark age.
Demons were powerful and numerous. They were challenging to deal with because of their high magic resistance.
Many kingdoms had fallen due to their brutal slaughter.
How could such fearless and merciless creatures exist?
Under the same threads, heroes and villains unwillingly allied together to retaliate against these creatures.
The fight was difficult, but not impossible.
With great difficulties, they gradually started to recover their once lost territories.
People admired them for their courage and strength.
However, appearing out of nowhere, the demon king, Valmes, quickly crushed them in a day.
Seeing people whom they admired killed like ants, citizens fell into despair. There was no one to save them anymore, and their days were now numbered.
But, who could have expected that amid that hopeless situation, a man they had never heard of, would defeat Valmes and slay the demons all by himself?
People tried to find him to express their gratitude, but the man was nowhere to be found. He disappeared as quickly as he arrived.
All they could remember about him was his fantastic lightning magic. His speed was so quick that no one could see his appearance. In the fight, thunders resounded around the area.
Even if his location was unknown, he was given a prestigious alias, "Lightning God".
Eventually, as time passed, everyone started forgetting about him.
—Thousands of years later—
Ted Tylers, a 9-year-old teenager, lived with his old grandpa in a forest filled with various vegetation and animals. The warm climate made it an ideal place to live. Besides, as their house was in the midst of a forest, they could enjoy the sounds of nature.
"Keep running. There are 5 miles left," an old man ordered with a straight face.
Despite his old age, his muscular body could scare off any bandits. Without anything to hide his upper body, anyone could see scars that were left from fierce battles. His white beard fell until it reached his knees.
"Aaaargh..."
Ted was bent over, trying to catch his breath. His body was heavy as if he was running with a giant stone attached to his back.
Even after a month, he still hasn't gotten used to doing that much. Zane was merciless as usual.
At three years old, Ted was abandoned by his parents in a forest. At that time, he had no idea of what he did wrong for them to leave him alone like that.
But fortunately, Zane found him when he nearly died from a wolf. Since then, the old man has treated him as he would to his beloved grandson.
Sometimes, they would go to a breathtaking place and chat with each other for hours.
One time, they went on top of a waterfall. From there, they could appreciate the mesmerizing sight.
However, Zane was so harsh during training that Ted couldn't recognize him anymore. It was like he became another person. His gentle expression changed into an indifferent one.
For four years, Ted has been training his body and lightning magic every day.
If it made grandpa proud of him, he did not mind doing them.
"You've done well Ted. You can rest for the day," Zane said while ruffling his hair.
"Don't do this, I am not a kid anymore!"
"You will always be my little grandson no matter how old you are," grandpa started laughing and walked away.
"Hmpf"
Whatever...
He should enjoy his free time rather than complaining. Thinking that way, he took a deep breath and calmed himself.
After arriving at his favorite spot, Ted rested his body against a tree.
In front of him was a plain of beautiful waving grass with colorful flowers. Because of the gentle breeze, their fragrance reached his nose, making him feel better.
Gradually, exhaustion caught him up.
A little far away stood a hidden figure watching over Ted.
"Ted, I hope you can forgive me but this old man has an urgent matter to take care of," Zane muttered before disappearing like a shadow.