The sun hung low over the village of Gloomhaven, casting long shadows that danced along the cobbled streets. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and smoke, the latter billowing from the humble homes scattered throughout the town. Children played near the fountain in the square, their laughter ringing like sweet chimes, blissfully unaware of the darkness that lurked just beyond their sight.

Inside a modest cottage adorned with colorful flowers, a young boy named Alucard sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in a worn book filled with tales of heroes and warriors who fought against the darkness. His dark hair fell over his brow, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with dreams untainted by the harshness of reality.

"Alucard!" called a warm voice from the kitchen. "Come help your mother with dinner!"

With a sigh, Alucard closed the book and dashed toward the kitchen. His mother, a gentle woman with kind eyes, was bustling about, preparing their evening meal. The fragrant aroma of herbs and roasted meat filled the room, a comfort to Alucard's senses.

"Did you finish your lessons today?" she asked, her voice melodic and reassuring.

"Yes, Mother! And I read about a great warrior who saved his kingdom from a fearsome dragon!" he exclaimed, excitement bubbling in his voice.

His mother smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "One day, you will be a great warrior too. Just remember to use your strength to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

He nodded, pride swelling within him. Yet, deep down, an unease settled in his gut, an instinctual awareness that shadows were creeping closer.

As they sat down for dinner, the sound of distant thunder rumbled ominously. Alucard's father, a strong man with a commanding presence, joined them at the table, his expression grave. "There have been whispers of demons in the woods," he said, his voice low.

Alucard's heart raced at the mention of demons. The stories of their brutality sent shivers down his spine. He glanced at his mother, whose expression mirrored his concern. "But those are just tales to scare children, aren't they?" Alucard asked, trying to convince himself.

His father shook his head, eyes darkening. "Evil is rising, and it is our duty to protect this village."

The family finished their meal in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts, the shadows of unease creeping closer. When night fell, Alucard was sent to bed, his mother's soothing lullabies guiding him to sleep. But sleep would not come easily. The shadows danced outside his window, twisting and writhing like dark phantoms.

Hours passed, and the village lay still until a bone-chilling scream pierced the night. Alucard shot up in bed, heart pounding. He rushed to the window, throwing it open to the night air. Below, chaos erupted. Flames licked the sides of buildings, and terror filled the air as dark figures moved among the villagers. The whispers of demons were no longer just tales. They had come for blood.

"Mother! Father!" Alucard shouted, fear clawing at his throat. He scrambled out of bed and raced down the hall. Just as he reached the living room, a shadowy figure burst through the door—a monstrous silhouette illuminated by the fire outside.

"Get away from them!" Alucard yelled, grabbing a small dagger from the table, but his heart sank as he saw his father fall to the ground, lifeless.

"No! Father!" The world around him shattered, grief turning into a cold rage. "I will avenge you!" he screamed, rushing at the demon.

With the dagger clenched tightly, Alucard charged. The demon roared, turning its wicked gaze on him. In that moment, the boy became a warrior.