The screen fades in from black, and a vast, desolate landscape stretches out—burnt earth, cracked mountains, and a sky swallowed by swirling, unnatural darkness. A storm of energy crackles in the air, distorting the very fabric of reality itself. This is a place untouched by time, a forgotten battlefield from an age long past.
The silhouettes of two figures—one towering, one lithe—appear against the horizon. They stand apart, facing each other across the devastated terrain. These are the Demon Lords, their forms outlined in shadows, radiating an overwhelming aura of power. The ground trembles beneath their feet.
The first Demon Lord raises their hand, and the earth itself begins to pulse with energy. With a single motion, they unleash a "Vortex of Gravity," pulling massive boulders and chunks of the landscape into the air, before hurling them at their opponent. The force distorts space itself, crushing everything in its path with the weight of a collapsing star.
In response, the second Demon Lord gestures, and the air shimmers as if it's alive, warping into an "Essence of Void." A black, liquid-like energy pours from their outstretched hand, enveloping the incoming barrage of debris. The void consumes everything it touches, erasing it from existence—leaving behind a chilling empty silence.
The Demon Lords face each other, unyielding. Their magic seems to defy the laws of nature, as they wield their powers with a terrible grace.
The first Demon Lord snaps their fingers, causing the very ground to rupture in a violent "Chrono Tear," creating fissures in time itself. The landscape ripples, as if torn between past and future, distorting reality, and twisting the flow of time.
The second Demon Lord counters with a wave of their hand, calling upon the "Ether Collapse," summoning a whirlwind of radiant energy that tears through the space-time rift. The chaotic magic cascades around them like an explosion of pure, concentrated force, causing the battlefield to shake as if it's on the brink of collapse.
The intensity of their powers grows, the two forces colliding in an apocalyptic wave of destruction. As the magic collides, it sends shockwaves across the land—shattering mountains, ripping the sky open,, and shaking the very foundations of the world. The sheer power of the battle causes the ground too crumble, the air itself to burn, and even time to flicker and warp. In the aftermath, all that remains is field of chaos—a wasteland where even the echoes of the battle are silenced. The Demon Lords, though diminished, stand resolute in the wake of their destructive clash, each wielding magic that reshapes reality itself.
"Their power shattered the world. And chaos was born from their war."
5,000 years later. The world now thrives in peace—cities gleam with prosperity, and magic is woven into daily life, revered as both a gift and a tool. Within the walls of grand kingdoms and humble towns, the people live their lives in harmony, unaware of the ancient chaos that once tore the world asunder.
But outside these walls, beyond the borders of civilization, darkness stirs. Ancient, forgotten lands are still scarred from the battle of Demon Lords, where the very fabric of reality was torn. Monsters roam freely in the wastelands, and fragments of time and space continue to warp, creating pockets of chaos that threaten the world's fragile peace.
The world may appear serene on the surface, but beneath it, the remnants of the past wait—hidden, waiting to be unleashed.
The screen fades in on a small, quaint farm surrounded by lush fields of grain. The midday sun cast a golden glow over the land. A young boy, Rux, leans against a wooden fence, staring at the clear blue sky. His messy hair shifts gently in the breeze as he absentmindedly plays with a small wisp of wind magic swirling in his palm.
(Rux inner monologue)
"Life here is simple, quiet... peaceful. I don't need much more than this. But peace doesn't last forever. Sometimes, I wonder if my future will be as ordinary as today. Will it stay like this? Should I even want it to?"
"Rux!" His mother's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.
"Come inside! Lunch is ready!"
Rux sighed, letting the wisp of wind dissolve. He hopped off the fence and started toward the house.
"Coming!" he called back, then muttered under his breath, "Wonder what she made this time."
As Rux approached the house, his mother stood at the door, wiping her hands on her apron. Her warm smile made the cozy farmhouse feel even brighter.
"Don't make me call you twice, young man," she teased, her tone light but firm.
"And tell your father to come in. He's been out there with that horse for hours."
Rux glanced toward the small stable where his father was brushing their old horse.
"Alright," he said, waving her off as he walked toward the stable.
"Dad! Mom says lunch is ready. You're going to starve out here at this rate."
His father, a tall man with calloused hands and a friendly grin, chuckled as he gave the horse one last pat. "This old boy needs care, Rux. You'd understand if you weren't always daydreaming."
"Daydreaming? I was thinking about the future," Rux replied, half-joking, half-serious.
"Oh? And what does the great future hold for my son?" his father teased, slinging an arm around Rux's shoulder as they walked toward the house.
Rux shrugged. "I don't know yet. I'll probably just stay here, help out around the farm, maybe improve my magic a little." He paused. "It's not like I'm going to become some great mage or anything. I've got wind magic, and not even good wind magic—just the basics."
His father frowned, stopping in his tracks. "Don't sell yourself short, son. Magic is about more than how strong it is. It's about how you use it."
His mother called from the doorway. "You two! Stop dawdling, or the food's going to get cold."
"Coming!" his father called back, giving Rux a gentle nudge forward. "But seriously, Rux, don't limit yourself. The world's bigger than this farm. You'll see someday."
Rux sighed as they reached the house. (Inner monologue)
"Dad always says things like that, like he's certain I'll do something great. But I'm fine with things the way they are. I don't need a big, exciting life."
As they sat down to eat, the conversation shifted to chores, the weather, and a neighbor's unruly chickens. But in the back of his mind, Rux couldn't shake his father's words.
"The world's bigger than this farm."
He glanced out the window, the horizon stretching endlessly beyond the fields. For now, this life was enough. But something deep inside him stirred—just a flicker, like a gust of wind waiting to become a storm.
As Rux sits at the table, his gaze drifts out the window. The camera slowly pans out of the farm, showing the wider landscape of the Arcathia Kingdom while his thoughts narrate.
"We live in the Arcathia Kingdom—a place that feels like two worlds smashed into one. Here, the commoners like us tend the fields, raise livestock, and live simple lives. Our magic isn't anything special, mostly just enough to help us get by. A little wind to clear the fields, a spark to light the stove... it's practical, not powerful."
The scene shifts to the bustling village streets. Merchants call out from wooden stalls filled with fresh produce, bread, and fabrics. Blacksmiths hammer away at glowing metal, shaping tools and weapons. Kids run through the streets, laughing, their carefree energy filling the air. Rux's voice continues.
"Most of us are content with this. The villages and towns are lively, full of people who work hard and help each other. It's not glamorous, but it's ours."
The scene pans upward, toward the towering palace in the distance. It's pristine white towers glimmer under the sunlight, adorned with intricate designs that almost seem alive with magic.
"But then there's them. The royalty and nobles live in a different Arcathia—a world of power and perfection. They almost worship magic. It's everything for them. For centuries, they've trained and perfected it, making their magic stronger, faster, and more precise. They don't just use magic. They are magic."
Inside the palace, the scene shows nobles in flowing, ornate robes walking through grand halls. Their conversation is elegant but sharp, discussing trade agreements courtyard—spells that conjure glowing geometric patterns, radiant constructs, and otherworldly phenomena. Rux's voice continues.
"To them, we're nothing than ant. Sure, they smile and bow when they visit the villages, but I know what they're thinking. They look at us and see people who'll never be their equals. Not in power, not in magic, not in anything."
The scene shifts to a lavish market in the noble district. Magic-infused stores sell glowing potions, enchanted jewelry, and spellbound weapons. Noble citizens walk with perfect posture, their aura radiating confidence. The contrast to the humble village life is stark.
"And they're probably right. How could someone like us—a commoner with weak magic—ever compare to them? They're practically untouchable. They rule this kingdom with power so overwhelming it's hard to imagine anyone standing against them."
The view shift to show the entire kingdom—a patchwork of villages and towns, all surrounding the magnificent palace. The divide between the commoners and nobles is clear.
"Still, this is home. Arcathia may be split between the powerful and powerless, but I've never minded. Let them perfect their magic and rule from their shining towers. I don't need any of that."
The scene shift, returns to Rux, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
"At least... that's what I tell myself."
The scene shifts back to the cozy dining table. Rux's mother and father are chatting and laughing, the warm light from the window casting a golden glow over them. Rux picks at his food, his mind wandering again.
"This is my family. My parents might not have perfect magic or grand titles, but they're more than enough for me."
The focus shifts to his mother, a gentle, kind woman with a nurturing presence. Her laugh is soft and comforting as she teases her husband.
"Mom's the heart of this family. She's the one who keeps everything running, whether it's cooking meals, tending the garden, or making sure I don't lose my head in the clouds. She's also the only one who can scold Dad without him talking back."
His mother wipes her hands on her apron and shakes her head with a smile as his father says something ridiculous. Her laugh fills the room.
"She's got no magic at all, but honestly, I think she's stronger than both of us combined."
The focus shifts to his father, a sturdy man with a weathered face and kind eyes. He gestures animatedly while telling a story, his voice booming with laughter as his wife rolls her eyes affectionately.
"And then there's Dad. He's as tough as the land we live on and twice as stubborn. He can fix just about anything on the farm, and he works harder than anyone I know. He's always talking about how I should dream big, see the world, and aim higher than this farm."
Rux's father turns to him mid-bite, grinning.
"Hey, Rux, what's with the serious face? Thinking about something important?"
Rux snaps out of his thoughts and shakes his head quickly. "Nothing, Dad. Just... enjoying lunch."
His father chuckles, then leans back, clapping a hand on Rux's shoulder. "He doesn't know it, but I think he worries too much about me. Always hoping I'll be more than what I am. But I'm fine with this life. Honest."
The scene lingers on the family, their laughter filling the room. Rux glances at his parents and smiles faintly.
"They've given me everything I could ever need. A home, a life, and peace. What else could I ask for?"
The smile fades slightly as his gaze drifts out the window again.
"And yet... sometimes, I wonder if this is enough. Is it wrong to want nothing more than this?"
The family finishes their meal, the clinking of plates and cheerful conversation fading as they tidy up. Rux leans back in his chair, his thoughts wandering as his father stands up and grabs his coat.
"Dad's a merchant. Not the kind with fancy shops in the city, but the kind who travels. He goes from village to village, trading goods, picking up supplies we can't grow or make ourselves, and selling what we don't need from the farm. It's not glamorous, but he's good at it. He always come back with just enough to keep us going—and a few odd trinkets or stories to share.
His father slings a worn leather bag over his shoulder, his hand brushing against the small talisman hanging from its strap—a charm mother made for protection.
"I don't think people realize how hard his job is. Traveling isn't exactly safe. Sure, the kingdom's peaceful inside the cities and towns, but the roads between them? Bandits, wild beasts, even magical storms—they're all out there. But Dad just laughs it off, like it's no big deal.
His father turns to Rux and his mother, his usual broad smile lighting up his face.
"Well, I'll be off now. Don't burn the house down while I'm gone, Rux."
Rux rolls his eyes but grins. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get into any trouble out there, old man."
His father ruffles Rux's hair before stepping toward the door. His mother steps forward, straightening his coat and fussing over him like she always does.
"Mom worries every time he leaves, but she tries not to show it. She'll spend the whole day busying herself around the house, but I know she's always thinking about him until he comes back."
His father plants a quick kiss on her forehead and waves as he steps outside. He calls back, his voice light. "Take care of each other! I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone!"
Rux watches his father walk toward the distant road, his silhouette fading into the horizon. His mother quietly shuts the door and begins clearing the table.
"Mom's a housewife. She's never wanted anything else. She says taking care of the farm, the house, and us is more than enough. And honestly, I don't think anyone could do it better."
Rux picks up a plate to help, glancing at the closed door where his father just left.
"Dad's work keep us going, but sometimes I wonder what it's like—out there, beyond the farm. He's seen so much more of the kingdom than I ever will. And yet, every time he comes back, he says the same thing: that nothing out there is better than what we have right here."
Rux sets the plate down and looks out the window again, his reflection blending with the view of the open sky.
"Maybe he's right. But sometimes, I can't help but feel like there's something waiting for me out there—something I don't understand yet."
Rux finishes dying the last plate and sets it aside. As he glances at his mother, who's now folding a towel by the sink, a thought tugs at the back of his mind. He leans against the counter, watching her quietly for a moment before finally speaking.
"Hey, Mom..."
She looks to Rux, raising an eyebrow at his hesitant tone. "Yes, Rux?"
Rux hesitates, scratching the back of his head. "I was just... thinking. Why did you choose Dad?"
His mother blinks in surprise, then burst into a warm laugh. She sets the towel down and turns to face him, her hands resting on her hips. "Why did I choose him? What kind of question is that?"
Rux shrugs, looking out the window where his father had disappeared minutes ago. "I don't know. He's... Dad. He's loud, he's stubborn, and he's not exactly the most graceful guy out there. So, I guess I just don't get it. How did someone like you end up with someone like him?"
His mother smiles, shaking her head, her expression softening as she steps closer. "Oh, Rux. Your father may not be perfect, but he has something far more important than grace or charm. He has a good heart."
She pauses, as if searching for the right words, then continues.
"When we first met, he wasn't some great hero or wealthy merchant. He was just a hard-working young man trying to make a living, just like me. But he was kind, and he made me laugh—even on the hardest days. He had this way of making me feel like I was the most important person in the world. And he still does."
Rux tilts his head, considering her words. She reaches out, gently brushing a strand of hair out of his face.
"I chose him because he's strong where it counts—in here." She taps her chest, over her heart. "And because I knew he would always do everything he could to take care of us. That's the kind of person you build a life with."
Rux looks down, thoughtful. His mother chuckles and pats his cheek. "Besides, don't let him fool you. Your father can be quite charming when he wants to be. He swept me off my feet before I even realized it."
Rux groans, rolling his eyes. "Okay, okay. That's enough. I don't need to hear the mushy details."
His mother laughs again, turning back to her work. "You asked, didn't you? Maybe one day, you'll understand. When you meet someone who makes your heart feel just a little lighter."
Rux crosses his arms, still processing her words. His inner monologue returns as he watches her work with a contented smile on her face.
"I guess I've never thought about it that way before. Dad might not be perfect, but maybe... that's okay. They're happy, and that's what matters, right?"
He looks back out the window, his expression softening. "Still... I wonder if I'll ever find something like that. Someone who makes me feel like the world's just a little brighter."