In a dark forest under a red moon, a grand mansion loomed ominously. Inside, a voice spoke, "Lord Makoto, I have news." A figure, barely visible in the dim light, sat on a throne. "What happened, Toro?" he asked. The man named Toro replied, "The 5th ranked demon king is dead."
Makoto leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "Hmm, did he fight with a superior dragon or any demon lord?" Toro shook his head. "No, he was killed by a human and lost the war." Makoto's eyes narrowed. "Well, it's his fault for being weak enough to be defeated by a human." Toro nodded and vanished in a dark light.
Meanwhile, under the bright sun, Rena sprinted through the jungle, launching fireballs at Zeix. He absorbed the attacks effortlessly. From above, Roky charged with his sword, but Zeix caught the blade and tossed Roky skyward. He launched a small wind ball that Roky tried to cut, but it exploded, sending him flying even higher.
From below, Runy and Rudy emerged from a hole, grabbing Zeix's hands. Roky descended again, but Zeix raised his hands, sending Runy and Rudy crashing into Roky. They landed in a heap, with Runy clutching his nose. "Ow, ow, my nose," he groaned. Zeix approached them, "Let's call it the end of training for today." He used healing magic on the trio.
Rena complained, "We've been trying for three weeks and still can't lay a hit on you, Master. It's unfair." Zeix smiled, "If you work hard, you can surpass me one day." Roky, determined, said, "Yeah, one day I'll surpass you and beat you." Zeix chuckled, "I'll be waiting for that day."
A flash of light appeared, and Flitz emerged. "Everyone, it's time for lunch!" he announced. Rena, Roky, Rudy, and Runy sprinted toward the village. Zeix turned to Flitz, "Any demons around?" Flitz shook his head, "No, thanks to you. The 300-meter protection barrier you created keeps them out." Zeix nodded, "That's good. I'm enjoying this peace, but I feel there's something important I need to do now." Flitz, puzzled, asked, "Important?"
**To be continued...**