Chereads / between shadow and light (english) / Chapter 1 - inner glow

between shadow and light (english)

Bandit_counte
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Synopsis

Chapter 1 - inner glow

Once upon a time, in the darkness of the demon kingdom, there was a mighty demon king named Ares. His crown was forged in the flames of hell, and his scepter was a poisonous blade capable of destroying his enemies with a simple gesture. The demonic lands were subject to his tyrannical will, and his reign of terror was undisputed.

However, Ares's pride and ambition knew no limits. He sought to extend his power beyond demonic boundaries, wanting to conquer human kingdoms. This thirst for power led him to a forbidden ritual aimed at transcending the limits of his demonic existence.

During this ritual, something went wrong. Mystical forces mingled in unpredictable ways, and Ares found himself reincarnated in the body of a simple peasant. His old demonic consciousness now coexisted with that of the peasant, but he found himself powerless, his superpower powers hidden.

So Ares woke up in a small cottage, surrounded by wheat fields rather than infernal flames. He quickly learned to live the modest life of a peasant, keeping his demonic identity secret to avoid suspicion. Despite his new appearance, the darkness of his past haunted him, and he sought a way to regain his power while making his way to redemption.

As time passed, Ares, the peaceful and demonic past, discovered that his latent power could be channeled through words full of wisdom and authority. When an argument broke out in the village, he intervened, using his calm voice to calm the spirits.

One day, as villagers gathered to resolve a land use dispute, Ares spoke. His words were carefully chosen, imbued with the wisdom accumulated over the centuries as a demon king. The land is our most precious asset. By sharing it equitably, we ensure prosperity for all,' he says, captivating the audience.

The villagers, astonished by the insight of the paisan, followed his advice and found a compromise. Ares, though intrigued by his own impact, remained vigilant not to reveal his true demonic identity.

However, at nightfall, when the tranquility enveloped the village, Ares gave free rein to his inner duality. In the shadow of his cottage, he engaged in dialogues with his old demonic consciousness, seeking to understand the reason for his reincarnation.

The nightly dialogues revealed Ares' internal conflicts, oscillating between the temptation to resume his demonic reign and the desire to find redemption through his humble peasant life. These intimate conversations reflected the constant struggle between light and darkness in the tormented soul of Ares.

Thus, between the words of wisdom that guided the village and the nocturnal inner dialogues that revealed its inner burden, Ares continued his singular journey at the crossroads of two opposite worlds.

As the night settled, Ares isolated himself in the silence of his cottage. In the darkness, his voice, imbued with the echo of past centuries, resonated in an inner dialogue.

Ares said to his old demonic conscience, "Why am I here, condemned to this peasant existence?"

The demonic voice murmured in response: "You are here to learn humility, Ares, and perhaps find redemption. But the temptation to take back your demonic reign haunts you, doesn't it?"

Ares, with a sigh, confessed: "Yes, I miss the power, but I feel a strange satisfaction in these moments of tranquility. Perhaps there is a middle way."

The demonic voice replied, tinged with sarcasm: "A middle way, Ares? Between light and darkness, between the peasant and the demon king? An illusion you tell yourself to justify this mediocre existence."

Yet Ares persisted: "There is something liberating about getting rid of the burden of absolute power. I have seen how my words can influence, appease. Perhaps this is my new form of power."

The demonic voice laughed: "A dull power compared to what we once had. But do as you please, Ares. Choose between apparent peace and fallen greatness."

These nocturnal dialogues became the reflection of the persistent duality that inhabited Ares. Between the soothing teachings he gave to the villagers and the tempting whispers of his old demonic nature, the reincarnated demon king moved on a tenuous thread between two worlds, seeking to define his uncertain destiny.

The next day, as Ares went about his usual duties in the village, he met the curious gaze of a young girl named Kushina. Intrigued by the serenity emanating from the mysterious peasant, she approached with a shy smile.

Kushina asked innocently, "Hello, my name is Kushina. I heard about your wise words yesterday. Can you teach me anything?"

Ares, recognizing the sincerity of the girl, softly replied, "Of course, Kushina. Wisdom often lies in balance. What do you want to learn?"

Kushina, searching for his words, asked: "How do you stay so calm, even in difficult times?"

Ares smiled lightly and shared his experience: "Inner peace, Kushina, comes from understanding. Understand that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and that anger only brings destruction. Seek the way of harmony, even when the world seems discordant."

Kushina seemed absorbed by his words, then asked him a more personal question: "You have something special in you, something I cannot explain. Who are you really?"

Ares, aware of the mystery surrounding him, replied with an enigmatic smile: "I am simply a man who has learned that true power lies in understanding oneself and others. The rest is a secret that everyone has in them."

Kushina looked at him with admiration, seeming to accept the answer without looking any further. They continued to exchange words, weaving a special bond between the curious girl and the paisan with the demonic past, each bringing something precious to this unlikely encounter.

That night, Ares was tormented by an intense nightmare that dragged him into the depths of his demonic past. He found himself in a devastated landscape, the skies darkened by dark clouds. Before him arose a monster of human appearance, but imbued with an aura much more powerful than his own.

Ares, reliving his past demonic power, unleashed infernal flames and unleashed his powers with devouring intensity. However, the monster, a manifestation of its own inner demons, resisted with surprising force.

In the whirlwind of battle, the monster spoke in a familiar voice, mixing echoes of Ares' ancient demonic voice: "You cannot escape what you were, Ares. Demonic power flows through your veins. Accept it, or be devoured by your own darkness."

Ares, fighting against the monster and his own doubts, replied: "I refuse to be a slave of this power again. There is more to life than domination and destruction."

Yet the monster persisted, becoming stronger as the battle raged. Ares, trapped in his own nightmares, awoke in sweat, his chest oppressed by the weight of his memories and past fears.

As he regained the apparent tranquility of the cottage, Ares knew that this nightmare was not just a dream, but a symbolic confrontation with his old demonic nature. The struggle between light and darkness in him was not over, and he wondered how he could transcend these shadows without succumbing to their hold.

Shaken by the nightmare that persisted in his mind, Ares decided to leave his cottage to take the air. He headed to the local bar, a place where he used to find momentary comfort.

Upon entering, the lively atmosphere of the bar contrasted with the gravity of his thoughts. Ares sat at the counter, trying to chase away the remnants of the nightmare that haunted him. However, he soon noticed the presence of people with stealthy looks and muffled whispers in a dark corner of the bar.

Intrigued, Ares quietly listened to their exchanges. The conversations were about mysterious subjects, evoking obscure alliances and unknown plans. Ares' demonic instinct, though tempered by his peasant life, shudders at this atmosphere full of secrets.

Suddenly, one of the suspects approached him with a hidden smile. "Welcome, stranger. You seem to be looking for something... or someone," he said in an enigmatic voice.

Ares, deciding to play the game, cautiously replied, "I am simply looking for a moment of respite. Nothing more."

The stranger smiles more, revealing a hidden intention." Respite is rare here, but you might find what you're looking for. Just know where to look."

The others, noting the interaction, turned to Ares with scrutinizing glances. A palpable tension permeated the atmosphere of the bar, leaving Ares wondering if he had just plunged into a world of conspiracies far beyond his peasant experience.

Thus, in the darkness of the bar, Ares found himself at the heart of a mysterious intrigue, his demonic past and his quest for redemption colliding with a troubled present where the shadows seemed to thicken around him.

As the evening progressed, Ares discovered that the mysterious people were not threats, but rather friends inclined to play a trick. They had created this intriguing atmosphere to surprise Ares, knowing his past demonic nature.

Laughing heartily, Ares joined the farce, recognizing the irony of the situation. The mysterious people shared their stories, explaining how they had discovered the past of demon king of Ares and wanted to show him that life could be light and fun, even for someone with such a burden.

The evening turned into a lively party, with laughter, music and dances. The shadows of the night seemed to recede, and Ares let himself be carried away by the euphoria of the moment. The burden on his heart eased, and he realized that redemption could also pass through moments of shared joy.

At the end of the party, surrounded by unexpected friends, Ares felt a fullness he had not experienced for centuries. The mysterious people greeted him with friendly smiles, revealing a benevolence hidden behind their intrigues.

Ares returned home exhausted but satisfied. The duality between his demonic past and his current life as a peasant faded, giving way to a man in search of balance, having found in this improbable night a moment of respite and unexpected human connection.

As Ares awoke, he realized with amazement that the whole party, the laughter, and the mysterious people were just a dream elaborated by his old demonic consciousness. The reality of his humble and peaceful cottage confronted him abruptly.

In the darkness, the demonic voice murmured, "Is that what you want, Ares? An insignificant life, an ephemeral farce?"

Disappointed by the turn of events, Ares replied bitterly: "Why are you doing this to me? Why show me something I can never have?"

The sarcastic demonic voice replied, "Perhaps to remind you of what you have lost. This peasant life is an illusion, a weakness that does not suit you. You are destined to reign, to be feared and respected."

Ares, seeking truth beyond his own inner demons, questioned his demonic consciousness: "Perhaps, but what is power without compassion? Why show me a life of fleeting pleasures when I'm looking for something deeper?"

The demonic voice remained silent for a moment, then said in a darker tone: "You are weak, Ares, succumbing to such desires. But if it's compassion you're looking for, prepare to face the consequences of your choices."

Thus, Ares' inner duality persisted, his ephemeral dream serving as a mirror to reflect on his own aspirations and dilemmas. The confrontation between the humble peasant life and the demonic nature he carried in him intensified, leaving Ares with a quest for answers and true balance.

As Ares roamed the village, he was amazed by the diversity of the fantastic beings that surrounded him. Knights with sparkling armor, magicians casting sparkling spells, and other mystical creatures were an integral part of this amazing world.

In an alley, Ares discovered a school of magic. The young students, fascinated by the learning of elementary spells, seemed to overflow with energy and curiosity. A wave of nostalgia suddenly invaded him, and he realized that the body in which he had reincarnated was not that of a simple peasant, but that of a young man of sixteen years.

Observing the students, Ares recalled centuries past when he had mastered the mysteries of demonic magic. A glimmer of determination shone in his eyes, and he decided to approach the school.

The children, intrigued by the presence of the stranger, greeted him with enthusiasm. Ares, astonished by the warm welcome, timidly asked if he could observe their magic lessons.

The teachers, understanding that this man had unexploited magical potential, invited him to participate in a learning session. Ares, returning to his dormant magic skills, discovered that he was able to manipulate elements with surprising ease.

The day spent studying and practicing magic with the young apprentices, and Ares realized how this experience brought him a new perspective on his current life. Although his memories as a demon king did not disappear, he learned to appreciate the opportunities offered by his reincarnation.

At the end of the day, surrounded by joyful children, Ares felt revitalized, as if he had regained a part of his youth. This unexpected encounter with the school of magic offered him a balance between his demonic past and his new life, allowing him to reconnect with the fantastic world that stretched before him.

As Ares was about to leave magic school after a wonderful day of exploring and rediscovering his talents, he was challenged by an arrogant boy named Paul. The latter, wearing a contemptuous expression, stopped him dead.

"Who are you, and how dare you enter such a prestigious school as this one?" asked Paul, obviously dissatisfied with the presence of Ares.

Ares, calm despite the arrogance of the young man, politely replied: "My name is Ares. I'm just a curious visitor, and I was invited to observe the magic lessons."

Paul, don't seem convinced, look at him with disdain. " A visitor, really? I've never seen you here before. We don't let just anyone into our courtyards. What makes you so special?"

Ares, aware of the need to remain discreet about his demonic past, simply explained: "I am here to learn more about magic and perhaps share some of my knowledge. I'm not trying to cause a problem."

However, Paul, persisting in his arrogance, replied: "Your words are not enough to convince me. Foreigners are not welcome here, especially if they cannot prove their worth."

Upset by the confrontation, Ares decided not to engage in a quarrel. He politely greeted those present and left the school, leaving Paul perplexed.

However, the encounter with Paul left Ares with a mixed impression of how some might perceive his presence. On his return, he wondered how he could find his place in this magical world while keeping his demonic identity hidden.

As Ares left magic school, Kushina, the girl who had approached him the day before, challenged him enthusiastically. Wait, I wanted to talk to you.

The two met, and a smile illuminated Ares's face when he saw Kushina. They exchanged warm reunion, sharing their respective experiences since the last time.

Kushina, perceiving the incident with Paul, explained, "Sorry for Paul's attitude. He's always been a little arrogant, but don't worry, he's harmless."

Ares, recognizing the warning, smiled and replied, "No problem, Kushina. I'm here to learn, not to create conflict."

Kushina smiled and said, "By the way, I'm a student at this prestigious school. I noticed you were interested in magic, so I thought you'd be here to learn more.

Ares, surprised by Kushina's revelation, bowed slightly. "I did not expect to meet someone as talented as you here. It seems like I still have a lot to learn."

Kushina, humble despite his powerful abilities, kindly replied, "Oh, don't worry about it. Everyone has their own way to go. If you have any questions about magic, don't hesitate to ask me."

The two exchanged stories and anecdotes, creating a deeper connection. Ares, impressed by Kushina's magical skills, promised to make the most of her time at the prestigious school, determined to explore the mysteries of magic with the help of this new friend.

As Ares prepared to sleep, his demonic consciousness emerged in his thoughts, whispering to him: "This girl interests you?"

Ares, surprised by the direct question of his demonic consciousness, felt a strange mixture of emotions. However, what struck him more was the surprisingly calm tone of the demonic voice, devoid of the usual aggressiveness.

Shocked, Ares cautiously replied: "Why this question? And why do you speak to me so calmly, without your usual hostility?"

The demonic voice, surprisingly cooperative, replied, "It's time we learned to coexist, Ares. And to answer your question, I notice a special connection between you and this girl, Kushina. It piques my curiosity."

Ares, intrigued by this sudden neutrality in the voice of his demonic consciousness, took a deep breath and dared to ask: "Can you speak to me kindly, for once?"

The demonic voice seemed to reflect for a moment, then replied with an astonishing sweetness: "All right, Ares. If that's what you prefer. After all, we share this body. Maybe it's time to find common ground."

Thus, in the stillness of the night, Ares and his demonic consciousness engaged in an unusual conversation, exploring nuances of dialogue that seemed unsuspected until then. A strange truce had begun, and Ares wondered what new dynamics would emerge from this attempt to co-exist between two seemingly opposite aspects of himself.

In the silence of the night, the demonic voice echoed softly in Ares' mind: "Remember, Ares, I am you and you are me. Our destinies are woven together, even if our paths seem to diverge. Let us find a balance in this duality."

Ares, pondering these unusual words, realized that, despite their differences, his demonic consciousness was an integral part of himself. A new understanding was born, a mutual recognition that went beyond past conflicts.

"Perhaps we can find harmony, after all," whispered Ares in the darkness, envisioning a future where his inner duality could be channeled towards a common goal rather than endlessly colliding. The night passed peacefully, leaving Ares with the fragile hope of peaceful coexistence with his demonic part.

The next morning, Ares woke up thinking that the peaceful dialogue with his demonic consciousness was just a fleeting dream. However, as he got up, the demonic voice came up again, reminding: "Idiot, this was not a dream. This is our new reality.

Ares, amazed that his demonic consciousness was still there, even after the sweetness of the previous night, sighed and said, "I guess I'll have to get used to it."

As usual, Ares walked around the village. It was then that he noticed an imposing structure: "The Guild". Intrigued, he decided to enter to see what was hidden inside.

Inside the guild, the atmosphere was lively. Adventurers discussed, exchanged information and displayed quests on a board. Ares felt attracted by the energy of the place, his curiosity growing as he explored the different sections of the guild.

A guild official approached him and asked, "New around here, huh? If you're looking to engage in quests or find adventure companions, you've come to the right place."

Intrigued by the possibilities offered by the guild, Ares decided to register and discover this new world of adventures that opened to him. It was perhaps the perfect opportunity to use his magical skills and find a balance between his current life and his complex demonic past.