As Sasaki watched over the infants, he observed their rapid growth. To him, it felt like a time-lapse, witnessing their limbs extend, their height increase, and their bodies change.
Demon infants grew much faster than humans - one day equated to one to two years of human growth.
Sasaki was amazed by this evolution, seeing it as something magical. It felt like a miracle. He pondered the reasons behind it and concluded it was likely due to their demonic nature and evolutionary traits.
Living in the forest and served as protectors for long time over millennia, they needed to grow quickly to gain power and age rapidly.
The next day, the three infants began walking. With only Sasaki around, they saw him as their father. For five days, Sasaki nurtured them, feeding them, keeping them warm, cooking for them, and doing everything he could to ensure they grew smoothly.
A week passed, and the hobgoblins could now run and talk more frequently. To Sasaki's amazement, he could understand their language. No longer infants but more like teenagers, he realized he needed to give them names. They always called him "father," which filled his heart with joy and happiness.
Sasaki called all three of them, and they stood up in a row from left to right. He told them he would give them names, and from now on, they would be known by these names.
He scratched his head, placing a finger under his lips in a thinking posture, trying to come up with suitable names.
"Alright," he began, looking at the first hobgoblin. "I'll call you Goro." The hobgoblin's eyes sparkled with pride.
Turning to the second, he said, "And you, I'll name you Kuro." The second hobgoblin grinned widely.
Finally, he faced the third, "And you, you will be Shiro." The third hobgoblin nodded eagerly.
"Goro, Kuro, and Shiro," Sasaki repeated, smiling warmly. "From now on, these are your names. Wear them with pride."
The three hobgoblins beamed, thrilled with their new identities. Sasaki felt a sense of accomplishment and connection with them. They were not just his charges; they were his family.
As the days continued, Sasaki and the hobgoblins grew closer. He taught them everything he could, from survival skills to the history and true nature of demons. In return, they listened attentively and followed his guidance.
Over the next two weeks, Sasaki focused on teaching Goro, Kuro, and Shiro about the world they lived in. Although he lacked martial arts or sword skills to pass on, he provided them with basic education and a deep understanding of the world's history and politics.
He began by explaining how the goddess of light, Illumina, had banished demons as traitors.
He detailed the cycle in which every fifty years, a new demon king was selected by the goddess of corruption. This role was a cruel twist meant to perpetuate fear and hatred against demons.
Sasaki also taught them about the system bestowed upon humans by Illumina.
This system allowed humans to kill demons and monsters to level up and gain new skills. He explained the secret behind human classes, which were unlocked when individuals reached the age of fifteen through a ritual at the Church of the Goddess of Light.
Moreover, he provided insights into the hierarchy of human society. He described the stark divide between nobles and commoners, explaining how noble bloodlines determined the system's power and privileges they received.
He revealed the cruelties nobles inflicted on commoners, demons, and monsters alike, painting a vivid picture of the systemic oppression and injustice prevalent in their world.
Each evening, as the bonfire cast a warm glow in the lair, Sasaki and the three kids sat together. He shared stories of the past, the betrayals, and the suffering inflicted by those in power.
Goro, Kuro, and Shiro listened intently, their eyes wide with both horror and determination.
Sasaki watched as their understanding deepened, noting how their expressions shifted from curiosity to anger and resolve. They began to see themselves not just as survivors but as future warriors who could change the fate of their kind.
During these sessions, Sasaki emphasized the importance of knowledge and strategy over brute strength. "Strength alone won't change the world," he told them. "You must understand your enemy, their strengths, and weaknesses. Knowledge is a weapon just as powerful as any sword."
The bond between Sasaki and the hobgoblins grew stronger. They began to see him not just as a father figure but as a mentor and leader. Despite the dark truths he shared, Sasaki also instilled hope in them. He spoke of a future where they could reclaim their honor and fight for justice.
He was not just nurturing the next generation; he was planting the seeds of rebellion and change. With each passing day, Goro, Kuro, and Shiro became more than mere students - they were the future of the demon race, ready to rise against the forces that sought to oppress them.
Since Sasaki lacked martial arts skills, sword skills, or specific demon techniques to teach Goro, Kuro, and Shiro, Sasaki decided to rely on their natural instincts as demons to hone their basic fighting skills.
He devised a plan for them to spar with each other daily, believing this would sharpen their survival instincts and prepare them for future challenges.
Every morning, Sasaki gathered Goro, Kuro, and Shiro in the clearing near the lair for their sparring sessions. The rugged terrain served as an ideal training ground, pushing them to adapt and hone their instincts.
"Alright, let's begin," Sasaki announced, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Remember, this is about learning and improving, not just winning."
Goro, with his impressive physique and brute strength, always took a straightforward approach. He charged at his brothers with raw power, relying on his muscles to overpower them. His movements were forceful but often lacked finesse.
Kuro, on the other hand, was strategic. His sharp mind and curiosity about the world translated into his fighting style. He analyzed each move, looking for weaknesses and opportunities. His eyes always gleamed with curiosity, and he often asked Sasaki for feedback during breaks.