The following evening, a serene atmosphere enveloped the room where Jacob lounged on the living room sofa of the residence. Lying down with a look of contentment, he allowed himself to be lulled by the comfort of the furniture. His hand kept gently caressing his sore shoulder, occasionally emitting soft sighs mixed with pain and satisfaction.
Suddenly, as if drawn by childlike curiosity, Garnal appeared, carrying a basket of clean laundry in both hands. A mischievous smile stretched across his lips as he noticed Jacob's peaceful distress. Intrigued, he slowly approached, ready to strike up a conversation about the source of his friend's discomfort:
"Well, well, Jacob? What's going on?"
"It's Marshal's training... I hurt all over... It feels like my body is shattered into a thousand pieces..."
Surprise painted Garnal's face. The joy that once lit up his cheerful smile vanished as soon as Jacob spoke those words.
"Hold on, what?! You had the privilege of learning Adaken? From Marshal Anabito?"
"Yeah... and it's just the beginning..."
Stepping out of her room and hearing Garnal and Jacob's voices, Gwendoline joined her two friends in the living room.
"And who is he?" she asked.
"The second angelic energy holder in the village."
The three other Lost Ones, Alora, Rogue, and Yanis, who had until then stayed in their rooms, also gathered to join the conversation.
"The second one is here?" Yanis wondered.
"Yes, Marshal and Hermiel both live in Haradi."
"This city must be incredibly well protected, then," Alora remarked.
"You can say that. They both met after an attack by two thousand archdemons."
[Four years ago, in Haradi, during the Haradisian festival]
In the quaint village, excitement reached its peak as preparations were underway to celebrate the much-anticipated Archangel event, held every last Sunday of the month. Cobblestone streets were adorned with shimmering garlands, and houses proudly displayed brightly colored flags, testament to the prevailing jubilation.
The village's central plaza had transformed into a mesmerizing open-air spectacle, where magic and wonder intertwined in a captivating dance. Talented performers showcased their skills, presenting awe-struck spectators with spellbinding magic tricks and exceptional artistic displays.
Navigating towards the village's heart, Garnal walked alongside his younger brother, a heartwarming scene unfolding beneath their feet. The boy, with golden curls and soft pink eyes, radiated an innocent glow, resembling a true angel. Dressed in an endearing angelic costume, he appeared as if he had stepped out of a fairy tale.
As they settled down to enjoy a dance performance, Garnal's facial expression was hard to miss. A mix of weariness and irritation tainted his eyes, his slightly furrowed brows revealing his mood. This stood in stark contrast to his five-year-old brother, who beamed with joy and enthusiasm, his radiant smile lighting up his young face.
"What's wrong, big brother?"
"I hate it! I'm fed up with this pointless celebration every month. The Archangels don't care about any of this. I don't see how a festival would please them!"
His little brother's smile faded upon hearing Garnal's gripe. He lowered his head, looking disheartened. The gathered villagers turned to Garnal, their faces a mask of shock.
"How dare you say that?" a young man challenged.
"Seriously, don't you all get tired of partying every end of the month?"
"It's a Haradisian tradition!"
"Haradi this, Haradi that! Is that all you talk about? As if Haradi is the center of the world! Let me remind you the largest city isn't even in this country! I can't understand how anyone lives here, especially when the kingdom can't even keep up technologically."
His brother interrupted, tugging incessantly at the sleeve of his coat, an apparent concern in his eyes.
"Big brother?"
"What?!"
"Why are there monsters over there?"
Garnal grasped the unfolding horror. Slowly, his gaze shifted to the root of his growing concern: a massive horde of archdemons ruthlessly ravaging the tranquil streets. Like a plague, these malevolent creatures mercilessly ensnared the unfortunate villagers in their path.
Fear and urgency consuming him, Garnal acted on instinct. Racing towards his brother, he tightly embraced him. His heart raced as he sought the quickest escape route, sprinting through the village's winding streets. Driven by an unwavering determination to protect his beloved sibling, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him.
Elsewhere, in the streets away from the village center, Marshal stood with a fierce, resolute gaze, tightly clutching his green-glinting katana.
"An invasion during the festival?! Unforgivable!" he proclaimed aloud.
His words foretold a matchless vengeance. Marshal dashed towards the village's core, unwavering determination propelling him. The path ahead shimmered with uncertainty, but he hesitated not. With sword drawn, he mercilessly cut down corrupted souls of numerous archdemons, ending their lives with almost morbid grace
His movements formed a deadly dance, executed with unsettling ease, as if his life had been dedicated to mastering this craft. Each sword strike flowed effortlessly; satisfaction mingled with revenge. Determination burned in his eyes, advancing fearlessly, ready to confront any dark force that dared oppose him.
"UNFORGIVABLE!" he roared again.
In the distance, Marshal spotted a family on death's doorstep, threatened by an archdemon. With a burst of courage, he unleashed a swift stroke, projecting an anti-demonic magic-laden energy to save them. Like a meticulously sharpened blade, the energy sliced through the air, beheading the archdemon before it could react. It vanished, leaving behind a deep red mist. After rescuing them, the mother knelt in gratitude.
"Thank you... I don't know how to repay you..."
"Worry not. I'm here to rid our village of these vile creatures. They'll pay for every life taken."
Marshal quickly made his way towards the ceaseless screams that rang out in desperation, begging for help. As he relentlessly took down archdemons in his path, he spotted two young boys in the distance, kneeling before a pink-haired archdemon, pleading for their lives. The boys were Garnal and his younger brother. Without wasting a moment, Marshal dashed towards them, his katana gripped tightly in his hands. Mere meters from the archdemon, he swiftly swung his blade, preparing to strike the demon down.
"Don't touch them!" he roared.
However, the archdemon nimbly dodged the blade aimed at him, crouching with unsettling agility. This demon was distinctly different from the rest, appearing almost human. Dressed in simple jeans and a deep red shirt, he was the paradoxical embodiment of demonic power and earthly simplicity.
"Foul creature, don't think I'll let you live after what you've done."
Rising with a malevolent grin on his lips, the archdemon's pink hair danced in the wind, concealing his glowing red eyes, evidence of his atrocious demonic nature. Rolling up his sleeves, he finally addressed Marshal, who was still poised with his katana, ready to strike.
"I'd recommend you flee. But now that you're here, I might as well absorb you.
"Dream on!"
"Say your goodbyes, human. Know th—"
Suddenly, Marshal cut off Abaguo by slicing at the hand reaching towards him. At this action, Abaguo's smile widened, stretching across his cheeks.
"You're quick for a mere human. And you wield that sword quite adeptly. Who are you?"
"You're not worthy of knowing! Vile creature!"
Amused by this, Abaguo laughed heartily, showcasing his utter indifference by clutching his stomach.
"Ahah! Oh... please, spare me that attitude. Nearly every human I've slain has said the same."
"Why attack the village? You have no reason!"
"I'll tell you, but only if you give me your name."
After a brief hesitation, Marshal chose to reveal his identity. He knew he had to put his pride and honor aside to glean more about the situation.
"I'm Marshal Anabito! Now, explain!"
"Oh, I see! You're from the family that once guarded the Rymis lineage. I've always wondered... Why did such a prestigious lineage stop their guardianship?"
"Times have changed! It's no longer my lineage guarding the King; it's Dasra, the half-human, half-Phoenix warrior."
"Very well! Thank you for that. I am Abaguo, here to harvest human souls to become stronger."
"Hmpf... If you want to grow stronger, train like everyone else."
"I would if I could, but demonic rules don't apply to other beings. To become more powerful, we absorb souls..."
Abaguo paused mid-sentence, instantly assuming a more threatening posture. His cruel, reddened eyes met Marshal's in a stare filled with violence and resolve.
"But I... I have bigger ambitions than the other so-called 'demons'. I want to rise above my existence! I want to reach the level of the archdemons of emotion. I want to become the very first transcendental archdemon!"
"You're nothing but a coward... a weakling... filth."
"Be careful how you speak to me. Remember, you're only breathing because I allow it!"
"Talk all you want; I couldn't care less!"
In a swift and decisive motion, Marshal, armed with his katana, cleaved Abaguo in two, the speed producing a powerful shockwave.
"It's over, Abaguo. That strike was infused with anti-demonic magic. You can't regenerate."
However, nearing transcendental archdemon status, he was immune to such energies. Marshal, horrified, watched Abaguo regenerate completely.
"At last... I'm so close! Let's savor this evening, Marshal. Celebrate my ascension!"
Suddenly, Abaguo delivered a painful blow to Marshal's groin, pinning him down. The agony was so intense Marshal screamed out. Abaguo crouched down, flashing a triumphant grin.
"So, how does that feel? Men are so fragile. A simple blow there, and they're at my mercy!"
Yet, to Abaguo's astonishment, Marshal resisted the crippling pain. Despite his screams, Marshal stood with renewed vigor, delivering a powerful punch to Abaguo's face, knocking him back several meters.
"How?!"
"Fear not, children. I'll protect you to my last breath!" vowed Marshal.