Mizuki looked over to Yuto and saw his face darken with so many different emotions.
Fear
Anger
Despair
Yuto thought it was a dream as he pinched his left leg only to feel the pain, "N-no please"
Mizuki can sense his shock and disbelief at the news they're bringing. She can see how hard it is to process the situation.
"M-mizuki this is a dream right?"
Mizuki wanted to tell him, "Yes, it's just a dream," but she knew deep down that this nightmare was the harsh reality he had dreamt of.
They all quickly run back into the mansion where Aunt Lily's teleportation spell is set in her room, and Mizuki goes back into the ring.
"Come on, we need to hurry! We have to get back to the village as soon as possible!"
Yuto shouted, it was the same as the dream, it always starts with the village, he can prevent his family's death if he saves the town right?
As they enter the house, Aunt Lily rushes over to her teleportation spell, her eyes focused and alert, she quickly performs the necessary incantations and preparations, creating a portal leading back to the village.
Cynthia stands beside her, her heart pounding with anxiety and fear for the safety of the village.
"Hurry, Aunt Lily!" Cynthia urges, her voice betraying her growing restlessness
Aunt Lily finishes the preparations for the teleportation spell, and the portal shimmers to life before them, the air crackles with magical energy, and a clear path to the village is visible through the shimmering gateway.
Yuto's mother and Aunt exchange worried glances with Ryoko and Sayuri, the realization of the impending battle heavy in the air.
Yuto could hear the distant sounds of chaos and destruction as the Demon King's army closed in on the village, some demons had already made their way inside causing massive bloodshed.
It was a pretty big village, and any adventure or mercenary sent where fighting to the death against the masses.
Screams and fires fill the air, and a dread washes over Cara, "Oh no... no, no, no. This can't be happening…"
Cynthia's eyes widen, her heart sinking further with each passing moment as she takes in the unfolding scene of terror and devastation.
Aunt Lily and Sayuri are stunned, they know the destruction that the demon king's army could do but the sight is disgusting to take in.
Humans were hanging from their organs, most were beheaded and put on display, and many were trying their best not to be discovered.
"D-dad we'll be fine right?" Yuto asked, although he has never run from a fight, this scene only served as a reminder of a real battle.
Ryōko places a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his eyes meeting Yuto's with a firm but gentle gaze.
He spoke calmly, his voice steady and confident, despite the gravity of the situation.
"We'll be fine. We've faced difficult challenges before, and we'll face this one together too, all of us will be fine, we're a family"
Cynthia looks up at her father, his reassuring presence calming her racing nerves at least a little.
His words resonate in her mind, reminding her of the hours spent training and preparing for situations like this.
With a determined nod, she squares her shoulders and clenches her fists, "You're right. We'll face this together. So let's do this"
Cara took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and responded in a slightly shaky voice.
"You're right... We've gone through tough times before, and we'll also get through this. I trust in your leadership, and I trust in all of us. We'll fight together and protect our village"
Aunt Lily and Sayuri smile, as both summon their weapons at hand, ready for any order, their confidence leaves Cara and Cynthia smiling and ready.
[-System Equipment-]
Ring of Ernaline in use
Yuto's armor reinforces, his black suit of armor wraps around him, and his long red scarf symbolizing victory, appears to be flowing with the wind.
Mizuki smiles as Yuto's confidence returns, she takes the form of a great sword, shocking Yuto's father, he wants to ask but will wait until the battle is over.
Yuto took a step upfront as Mizuki supplied him with stronger buffs, ready to support him in any way he needs
+25 Attack
+25 Speed
+25 Defense
+25 Stamina
[-Black Smiths Blessing is now active-]
+40 Attack
+40 Defense
<- System Rewards ->
+20 Defense
+20 Attack
+40 Stamina
+20 Mana
+5 levels
- Lunar Arts, 2 more techniques unlocked
-New Skill: Iron Wall, Can use armor to act as a tanker for up to five minutes
-New Title: First Blood, If Host lands the hit first all stats increase by 10 for 10 minutes
"Status Window"
Yuto Akimitsu
Title: Youngest Demon Prince
One-Sided Slaughter Victim
First Blood
Class: Prince of Darkness
Level: 45
Stats: Strength 193 (1065) / Speed 73 (25) / Agility 73/ Defense 143 (1065) / Health 1013 / Mana 143 / Mentality 1010 / Stamina 1050 (25)
Passive: Grace Healing - Heals twice a day when below 30 Hp
Black Smith's Blessing - Increases the attack of any weapon by 20
Skills: Dash - Sudden Movements in battle / Click to see more
Martial Art collection: Click to see more
Yuto was fully ready for any command his father gave him, Ryoko smiled proudly at how tall his son stood, Ryōko led the charge, his blade gleaming ominously.
"Yuto and Cara, both of you support the Mercininers, Cynthia, and Lily will support the Adventures, and Sayuri help protect Yuto in any way"
"Everyone has their orders now!"
Everyone nods and splits off to the opposite ends of the town to provide support, Cara, chanted incantations, her voice steady amid the clamor, providing a form of defense against any ghost or spirit-type demon.
Yuto dashed into the fray, slashing through the hordes of goblins and ogres trying to break the tankers.
Cynthia stood her ground, weaving intricate spells, her fingers moving deftly as she conjured shields of shimmering explosion magic and blasts of energy, with a flick of her wrist, she sent a surge of energy that blasted a group of demons away from Yuto's side.
"Watch yourself, Yuto!" she shouted, her voice ringing clear over the chaos.
Lily ran up gathering the Adventures to join up with the Mercenaries and joined forces with Cynthia, combining their magical prowess.
"Double mana burst, now!" she commanded, sending a wave of force that staggered the advancing demons.
Sayuri moved like a shadow beside Yuto, she was a whirl of motion, her aura sword flashing as she took down demons with precision, "Keep moving!" she encouraged, her voice a melody amidst the battle clamor.
Cara only took a moment to reset before launching ethereal chains from her hands, binding several demons in place. "Now! Attack while they're immobilized!"
Cynthia commanded, her magic swelling around them as she summoned glowing orbs of energy that rushed toward the trapped attackers. Each orb explodes upon impact, illuminating the night sky.
Among the chaos, Yuto spotted a larger demon wielding a huge ass scythe, rallying the smaller ones around it. "Let's take that one down!" He shouted to his family.
Yuto and Sayuri exchanged glances, understanding what needed to be done immediately. They surged forward together, flanking the creature stealthily.
Yuto delivered a precise strike, while Sayuri followed up with a rapid flurry of attacks, clearly displaying her growth from the training they had.
"Hah it looks as if I have grown again, I might request another match after this Yuto!"
Mizuki laughed as she teased Yuto, 'It looks as if another has fallen for you, I don't blame her though'
Yuto tried his best to ignore her comment, 'Just focus on support', but his ears gave away his embarrassment.
Lily and Cynthia combined their magic again, creating a magnificent vortex that spiraled around hoards of smaller demons, entrapping it in a mesmerizing display of power.
It was clear that some level of hope was returning, as the Adventures and Mercenaries cheered, Yuto felt as if things were going well but noticed that his father was missing during this pushback.
"Sayuri, where is my father?"
Sayuri looked surprised as she looked around, she looked at Lily who looked at Cara, he was nowhere to be seen when they heard a loud explosion where their cabin was located.
- Cabin on top of the hill -
Ryōko, stood alone, facing off against the demon generals: Wrath, Greed, and Sloth, this wasn't how the Demon Lord usually did things, so he went alone to find answers.
They towered over him, each exuding a potent aura filled with malice and hunger for chaos, pure evil was the only way to describe them.
Wrath, enveloped in black flames, took a step forward, his fists clenched and radiating fury. "You dare stand alone against us, Sword Master?"
"And what exactly do I need to fear, you three?"
Wrath growled, the flames flickering dangerously close, "Human, you should be begging for mercy!"
Ryōko gripped the hilt of his great sword, its blade shimmering with a holy light, a counterbalance to the darkness surrounding him.
"Mercy is for the weak," he declared, his voice steady, resonating with unwavering resolve.
"I am here to end your miserable existence and after you answer my questions!"
In a fury, Wrath lunged, fire trailing behind him like a comet. The air sizzled with heat as he swung a fiery fist toward Ryōko, who sidestepped the blow, his movement swift and calculated.
With a swift reaction, Ryōko countered with a precise strike, aiming for Wrath's flank. The blade met flesh, scoring a deep cut.
"A mere general cannot defeat me, what is the Demon Lord planning, answer me, Eldon!"
"Don't call me that!" Wrath roared, stumbling back, flames erupting around him in an uncontrolled frenzy
Greed interjected, his voice a silken hiss as he swept forward, gold and jewels glittering along his armor. "Why waste your time protecting a dead dream, when you can seize power, Ryoko?"
"You were once our leader, you can protect that 'son' of yours if you join our ranks"
Ryoko slashed through the illusion, "Stop wasting your breath on useless shit!"
Greed smirked as his outstretched hand unleashed a torrent of golden spikes. Ryōko, anticipating the move, spun low, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles.
Rising quickly, he unleashed a powerful slash toward Greed, aiming for the chest, but the demon sidestepped deftly, his laughter like shards of glass.
"You think you can touch me, pathetic!" Greed taunted, extending his fingers as waves of shadow and wealth swirled around him, forming a barrier
Meanwhile, Sloth lingered in the background, trying to find any weak point available.
Ryōko turned his gaze to Sloth, then back to the active threats before him. "One must never underestimate an enemy, I thought you better than this," Ryōko muttered to himself.
He lunged towards Wrath, his sword igniting with pure light as he anticipated the Wrath's retaliation.
With a swift flick of his wrist, he redirected the flames back towards Wrath, causing him to screech in agony.
"Energy means nothing without purpose", Greed crafted his movements with precision, stretching shadows around him like a cloak.
They surged forth, aiming to entrap Ryōko in a web of greed, attempting to sap his vitality.
But Ryōko was quick, pivoting gracefully, the essence of his sword gleaming as he cut through those shadows as if they were mere smoke.
"Your tactics bear no fruit against someone who fights for something greater"
Wrath, recovering from the earlier assault, burned with fury anew. "I will crush you as I should have years ago!" he bellowed, his fists engulfed in flames.
He charged at Ryōko, whose sword moved like a flowing river, parrying each flaming attack with grace. Each clash sent sparks flying, lighting the air with a fierce radiance.
Greed readied another attack, taking advantage of the distraction. "Focus on the real issue!" He hissed, sending a wave of gold that shimmered with dark energy.
The very ground seemed to groan under its weight, eager to drag Ryōko down with it.
Ryōko focused, merging his energy with that of the sword. In a sudden decision, he unleashed a surge of light, shattering the gold aura surrounding him.
The remnants of Greed's power exploded into an array of glittering fragments. "You will not bind my spirit!" Ryōko proclaimed, emboldened.
With Greed momentarily distracted, Ryōko turned back to Wrath, whose leg was weary from the previous effort.
Seizing the moment, he charged, the light of his sword illuminating the darkening sky. "Your rage blinds you!" he shouted, thrusting forward with precision.
Ryoko charged in striking Wrath in the chest. The demon let out a deafening cry as he staggered backward, flames flickering as if losing their source of power.
"This cannot be!" he croaked, before collapsing to the ground.
"None of you have ever heard the name of my martial art have you?" Ryoko's entire aura changed, he stood still as golden light started to envelop his body.
Sloth decided to act, finally sinuous and deliberate, as he stretched his limbs. "At this rate, we won't reach our ultimate goal," he said lazily, yet his eyes burned with malice.
He inhaled deeply, a black mist gathering around him before exploding like a wave of despair toward Ryōko.
But Ryoko stood resolute, when he opened his eyes, only golden light appeared, the remaining two sins that saw this scene both mumbled, "T-this energy, his true technique!"
"Heavenly Martial Art: Stellar Pulse x Divine Punishment"
Ryoko's great sword grew bigger with holy energy and with one quick slash, broke through any remaining defense, thousands of cuts appeared all over their bodies, causing massive blood and limb loss to all generals.
Before Sloth lost consciousness the last words he mumbled, "T-the Heavenly K-king"
Ryoko stood tall, and although his body suffered massive wounds and blood loss, the outcome was clear, he had won despite his body being a bit rusty.
Ryoko Akimitsu
Titles: First Blood
Sword Saint
Heavenly Master
One With Aura
Soul Mate
Demon Hunter
Demon Executioner
Demon Nightmare
Cold Demon
General
Heavens Favorite
The Golden Sword Master
Class: Successor of the Heavenly Arts
Sword Master
Chef
Level: 500
Stats: Strength 5,500 / Speed 5,500 / Agility 4,500 / Defense 500 / Health 4,500 (Currently at 10) / Mana 100 / Mentality 10,000 / Stamina 1,500
Skills: Way too Many
Martial Art collection: Too many to count
Ryōko turned his attention back to Greed, who was the last sin still alive, who now seethed with desperation.
"You cannot escape this! The Demon Lord will have your essence!" Greed howled, gathering his remaining power. But there was an unmistakable flicker of fear in his eyes...
"Your greed blinds you, Vandran always has! It was your downfall," Ryōko declared, lunging forward, his blade cutting through Greed's neck seemingly ending the battle.
Ryōko heard Yuto trying his hardest to climb up, he smiled, some part of him knowing that everyone was successful in driving the army back, he was going to leave the field before he felt blood dripping from his chest.
His chest had been pierced by Wrath, "T-this how? You were dead?"
Wrath chuckles as the other sins begin to awake, their bodies fully healing, "Oh, you seem to have forgotten, Demons have 2 hearts, higher ranks have 5, and we generals have 10, you destroyed all but 1, this is the end, old friend"
He falls to the ground, bleeding out, his body no longer having the strength to move even a finger.
Had this been his prime, he would have killed them without even moving his hand, but age has caught up to him, along with all the wounds he's sustained over the years.
The Demon God's curse, even to the end most of his abilities were reduced by half, "Hah, what a pain this is"
Yuto, who finally reached the top, saw his father bleeding out and ran over with tears in his eyes.
Ryōko saw a girl with silver-colored hair beside Yuto trying to support him, Ryōko chuckled.
"G-guess my s-son is like me a-after all," his last breath, his last thought, was apologizing to everyone, especially his wife, the only woman he has ever loved.
"I-am so-sorry Cara"
His eyes lost any sign of life, and Yuto's tears began to overflow.
"D-dad, Dad please wake up, WAKE UP, MIZUKI DO SOMETHING ANYTHING!"
Mizuki gently put her hand on Yuto's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort and support, she spoke in a quiet but steady voice.
"Look up, we need to deal with them first, only then can we grieve his loss"
Yuto picked up his father and laid him gently down, he called Mizuki to his side as a Great Sword, she felt the weight of his sorrow, and she helped channel all the anger into a red aura blade.
His tears trickle down, "None of you shall leave alive"
<- System Equipment ->
Ring of Ernaline in use
-Error-
The armor is damaged and will need time to recover, will the host still use it?
"Yes!"
Ring of Ernaline in use
"None of them will Yuto, I'll make sure of it," supportive words were all she could do for now, feeling the rage boiling inside.
The 3 sins look at each other and back at Yuto, they all laugh but notice Mizuki, a fine spoil of war to offer the Demon Lord, Wrath steps up, "Come at us child"
As the generals drew nearer, wrathful flames ignited in Wrath's eyes, greed glimmered in Greed's grin, and Sloth's laziness morphed into a lethargic, numbing power.
With the fire of battle igniting inside him, Yuto's sorrow twisted into anger. "I am not afraid! I shall show you all the cost of your sin!" he shouted, the very act of defiance igniting his spirit.
The words invigorated him, and Mizuki shimmered brighter, resonating with his fury. With a determined cry, he lunged forward, the echoes of his defiance ringing out into the night.
<- System Quest ->
Vengeance for the Fallen Hero
Kill the 3 remaining demons.
-Rewards-
New Martial Art Collection
+30 to all stats
+20 Levels
A new title
Wrath, with his booming laughter, charged first, flames swirling around his fists in a furious inferno. Yuto ducked under the onslaught, Mizuki slashing through the air, connecting with Wrath's fiery form.
Yuto's heart raced—this was his chance to strike while the iron was hot.
"Is that all you've got?" Yuto taunted, Wrath roared with rage, his eyes alight with fury, and retaliated with a wall of flame
"A BRAT LIKE YOU DARES MOCK ME!"
Yuto barely managed to evade it, the heat singeing the edges of his armor.
But before he could catch his breath, Greed lunged in with a smile that twisted his features into something grotesque. "Why fight for revenge, when you could claim power for yourself?"
He jeered, extending his hand and unleashing a barrage of golden shards aimed straight at Yuto.
Yuto barely had time to react, a few shards cutting into his skin, his armor had been broken, and some of his skin was open to any attack.
"SHUT UP AND DIE ALREADY!" Yuto shouted defiantly, dodging as best as he could
Just as he was about to strike against Greed with everything he had, Sloth decided to join the fray. "Why rush, little boy? Let the world fall around you, what does it matter?"
His voice was languid, almost mocking his loss.
At that moment, an overwhelming wave of lethargy washed over Yuto, and he felt his limbs grow heavier. But he fought it; he couldn't succumb now, infused with fury, he pushed himself to lash out at Sloth.
"WHY NOT LIFT YOUR ASS FOR ONCE YOU LAZY FUCK!" He yelled, spiraling toward Sloth...
Mizuki shimmered in response, but Sloth merely waved a hand, and an invisible force knocked Yuto off his feet. He landed hard on the ground, pain shooting through his body.
"You think your rage can defeat us? You are but a child blinded by anger, a disgrace to your father!" Sloth chuckled, his casual demeanor infuriating Yuto even further.
Yuto refused to let them see him falter. Fueled by adrenaline, he charged again, fury coursing through his veins as he slashed all three at once, surprising all of them.
Mizuki helped aim strikes with perfect precision. But with each attack, it felt like the demons were playing a game, easily countering his moves.
Sweat dripped from his brow, his strength waning as he desperately fought against the tide of despair. "No! I can't lose…" he shouted breathlessly, eyes blurring as exhaustion threatened to take over.
Wrath, finally losing patience, unleashed a torrent of flame that engulfed Yuto.
Yuto screamed, feeling the heat burst against him, searing through his armor and skin. The pain was blinding, and for a moment, he found himself suspended in a world gone dark.
Just when his consciousness began to slip, he saw a figure breaking through the flames—a man whose presence lit up the abyss, his hair as white as snow and his eyes glowing silver.
His uncle had appeared as if from another realm, wielding a sword radiating with purity. With a fluid motion, he cut through Wrath's flames as if they were mere mist, stepping into the fray with grace and power unparalleled.
"Step aside, Yuto"
With a wave of his hand, he launched a counter-offensive, engaging Wrath first. The demon general, taken aback, stumbled as the Sword Saint launched holy energy forward.
"Time to pay for your arrogance!" He boomed, the light enveloping Wrath in blinding brilliance.
As the flash subsided, Yuto blinked, realizing his vision was still blurred. He watched in awe as his uncle moved like a tempest, each swing of his sword sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Greed, undaunted, attempted to attack, brandishing his shadowy strikes, but the Sword Saint was quick and agile.
"You think you can claim power by such meaningless shortcuts?" He chastised, redirecting Greed's attack effortlessly, sending them sprawling back.
Even Sloth, sluggish as he was, found it difficult to keep up. "Wait! This is not how it's supposed to go!" he exclaimed, trying to retreat, but it was too late.
The Sword Saint unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one flowing seamlessly into the next, overwhelming and finally ending them all.
The last conscious moment spent was Yuto trying to reach out for his father's body before his uncle picked him up and everything went blank, he was safe now.
- The Village Chief's House-
Yuto opened his eyes and slowly sat up straight, he let out a sigh, his head still slightly throbbing from the injuries he sustained
He looked around, and seeing that he was in the village Chief's home, brought him a bit of peace, Yuto tried to recall the events that happened earlier.
He hears a knock on the door and it's his uncle, the sword saint, the strongest human in the kingdom beside his father, he hasn't seen him in two years.
Yuto slowly sat up straight in his bed, trying to act calm, ".. Uncle.."
"Yuto," his uncle, came to deliver the outcome of the battle.
He noticed his uncle's expression and immediately fell silent, his heart clenching tight.
He didn't want to believe the truth.. his mind tried to convince himself that his father was alive, that he'd walk through the door and say that everything was okay.
"..is he..?" Yuto croaked out quietly
"I'm sorry, I came too late to help"
Yuto felt a lump in his throat as his uncle confirmed it, the feeling of denial slowly leaving and reality starting to set in.
Tears slowly filled up in Yuto's eyes as his uncle's words repeated in his head, over and over again.
"No.. you're lying.. this can't be real.." he whispered, his voice shaking.
He pulled Yuto into a tight hug, "I'm sorry"
Yuto slowly started to sob, letting his tears fall from his eyes.
He tightly hugged his uncle's back, "Why.. Why did he go alone?" he said quietly, his voice cracking slightly.
"Your sister is in the next room, your Aunt and Miss Sayuri decide to give her space"
Yuto's eyes slowly widened upon hearing what his uncle said.
He quickly moved away from the hug, "Cynthia.. is she..? Is she alright?"
He nods, "She exhausted her magic that's all"
Yuto let out a shaky sigh of relief, knowing that his little sister was safe, and lifted a huge weight from his shoulders.
"Can.. can I see her?" he asked softly.
He leads Yuto to a private room, Cynthia is in the middle of sleeping, with Mizuki watching over her.
Yuto slowly approached the bed, looking at his sister's passed-out form.
His heart ached when he saw her in that state, and a part of him felt guilty for not being there beside her.. but he slowly pushed that thought away.
He sat next to the bed, gently reaching out to hold Cynthia's small hand.
Mizuki pulls him into a hug, "I'm sorry love"
Yuto let out a shaky sigh as Mizuki hugged him.
He buried his face into her shoulder, his tears slowly starting to fall once again.
"This can't be real... it has to be a nightmare.." he mumbled, his voice muffled by her shoulder.
All Mizuki could do was brush his hair, after a while of crying Yuto got up to get some fresh air, his uncle waiting for him to come out.
"So you have an ego sword?"
Yuto looked up at his uncle as he stepped out of the door, he nodded in response to his question before replying.
"Yeah... her name is Mizuki"
"Do you know how rare they are?"
Yuto shook his head, a curious expression on his face.
"No... I never really researched how rare they are" he replied, his interest in the topic slowly growing.
"Finding an ego sword alone is a 1 in a million chance, and finding one so loyal is rarely seen, even the king only has 2, and that's generations of searching, so let me ask, how did you get one?"
Yuto's eyes widened in shock as he heard his uncle's words, he had no idea that ego swords were that rare.
He thought silently to himself for a moment before replying, "Well.. it might be hard to believe, but one day.. she suddenly appeared in my room, where we made our contract "
"Sounds about right"
Yuto let out a soft chuckle at his uncle's response.
"Yeah.. she can be stubborn sometimes," he said with a small smile on his face.
"Do you love her? From what it seems, you've known each other for 2 weeks?"
Yuto felt his cheeks heat up as his uncle asked the question, he coughed awkwardly for a moment before replying, ".. yeah... I do"
He paused for a moment before continuing, "I know we haven't been together for too long, but I feel drawn towards her, it's. strange"
Yuto took a deep breath and composed himself before asking his first question, "Do you know anything about the Demon Lord army?.. like why they're here"
"Your father didn't tell you, but that's why the king called for him to return. The demon lord is active again"
"The demon lord.. is active again?" He repeated, the worry and dread starting to rise in his chest.
"I guess the reason 3 generals showed up to a small village was because the Demon Lord knew your father was a candidate to be the next hero"
Yuto's eyes widen in shock as the realization dawns on him.
He felt a chill run down his spine as his uncle's words sunk in
"You mean.. the demon lord targeted our village because of my father?.. He's looking for a hero?"
"Precisely, a hero with the Holy Sword is the only thing that can threaten his life"
"And.. when he finds this hero?" Yuto asked, his voice shaking slightly with anger
"He kills them, no matter how many die or even his kin, anything that threatened his position dies, he's after me as well"