The sun was up, casting a warm, golden light through the window of Lucian's room. The soft chirping of birds outside heralded the new day, starkly contrasting the turmoil of the previous night. Lucian stirred, his eyelids fluttering as consciousness returned to him. He felt an unfamiliar sense of peace, his body remarkably pain-free.
His eyes now opened, fully regaining consciousness, and then flashbacks of how a demon named Gorath killed his father surged through his mind. The memory was sharp and vivid, like a fresh wound. He could still see the monstrous figure of Gorath, towering over his father, Orion. The demon's eyes glowed with malevolence, his hands dripping with the blood of his father.
Orion had fought bravely, his fire magic illuminating the battlefield. But Gorath's power was overwhelming. Lucian remembered the desperate screams, and the moment when Gorath's hands pierced Orion's chest was burned into Lucian's memory, a nightmare he would never escape.
A wave of sorrow and rage crashed over Lucian. He clenched his fists, imbuing his hands with energy. "No, not you too, father," Lucian said as fire surrounded his hands. He slammed them on the bed. His fists hit the bed, and the sheets instantly caught fire. Lucian jumped out of the bed he was on, startled by the flames now consuming the fabric.
"What, what the hell is this? Did I just do that" Lucian said and then he could see a screen in front of him that looked to be covered in flames.
[Set up completed]
Lucian's heart pounded in his chest as the mysterious screen flickered in front of him, its edges wreathed in flames. He blinked, trying to comprehend what he was seeing. Words and numbers began to materialize, arranging themselves into a coherent format.
Name: Aurelius Lucian
Level: 1
Exp:0/100
Health: 100/100
Mana points:1500/1500 (Ki was converted to mana)
Strength: 300
Agility: 300
Endurance: 300
Intelligence:250
Magic Affinity: 200>(Fire)
Stats point: 0
Skills:
Basic Combat Training: Level 3
"What is this? Is this the effect of what I injected into myself? Lucian said aloud "If so, what the hell did I inject into myself? Just as he said that two demon hunters entered the room, and they first noticed the bed on fire. Selene casts a wind spell to put out the fire. Wind Gale," she said, her voice firm and commanding. The room fell silent, the crackling of the flames now replaced by the soft rustle of her cloak.
The flames on the bed were extinguished by a sudden gust of wind, leaving the room with a faint smell of smoke. Lucian turned to see two demon hunters standing at the doorway, their eyes wide with shock.
"Who are you two and where am I," Lucian said getting in a fighting stance. "Hey hey hey, we are not here to fight you, and you are in the house of the Commander of Region 7," Galen said
Selene stepped forward, her hand raised in a gesture of peace. "Relax, Lucian. We are here to help. My name is Selene, and this is Galen. We are demon hunters.
Galen nodded, his expression serious but kind. "while we were coming back from the capital, the commander sensed a demon while heading back here and you were found in the forest which looked like a battlefield, barely alive. Then the commander of Region 8 ordered us to bring you here for treatment and questioning."
Lucian's tense stance relaxed slightly, though the fire still flickered in his eyes. "Commander of Region 8?" he echoed, his mind racing. The events of the previous night were a chaotic blur, but he remembered the powerlessness he felt against Gorath. Now, he had to focus and understand what was happening.
Selene nodded. "Yes, Commander Draven. He's one of the most respected leaders among the demon hunters. He's eager to speak with you once you're ready."
Lucian took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. The names and faces were unfamiliar, but the sincerity in Selene and Galen's eyes gave him a sliver of hope. He nodded slowly, lowering his fists.
"Alright," Lucian said, his voice still tinged with uncertainty. "I'll speak with Commander Draven."
Selene smiled gently. "Good. Follow us, and we'll take you to him."
As they walked through the corridors of the house, Lucian couldn't help but notice the intricate designs and symbols adorning the walls. It was clear that this place was steeped in history and power. They finally arrived at a large wooden door, and Galen knocked before pushing it open.
Inside, the room was spacious and filled with books, maps, and various artifacts. Behind a large desk sat a man with a commanding presence. His eyes were sharp, and his aura exuded authority. This was Commander Draven.
"Commander, this is the boy," Selene introduced, stepping aside to let Lucian enter. Commander Draven rose from his seat, his piercing gaze fixed on Lucian. He was a tall man, with black hair that hinted at his years of experience, and eyes that seemed to see right through Lucian. His presence was imposing, yet there was a calmness about him that put Lucian slightly at ease.
What is your name kid" Draven asked and Lucian replied " I am Aurelius Lucian" "That name Aurelius sounds familiar" Draven said rubbing his chin. "Yes, it does. Wait, are you Orion's son" Galen asked.
"Do you know my father?" Lucian asked looking at all three of them. "Yes, we knew him well," Galen replied, his voice tinged with respect. "Orion before he became a captain of a squad was an instructor to both Senele and I and many others. He trained us, and his skills and dedication were unparalleled."
"But after the incident that happened ten years ago, he retired from being a captain which I don't know the reason. Where is he now."
Lucian's face now shows sadness and rage, "Dead. he was killed by a demon" His fists clenched "Killed by a demon? Orion was too skilled to be killed by any demon" Draven said.
"According to my father, the demon was a demon general and I swear, I will become a demon hunter strong enough to kill that demon general and even the demon kings," Lucian said
Commander Draven's eyes narrowed, assessing the determination burning in Lucian's gaze. "A demon general, you say? Selene and Galen exchanged glances, their expressions grave. Commander Draven leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he studied Lucian.
"A demon general is no ordinary foe," Draven said, his voice calm but intense. "Only the most skilled and powerful captains with strength close to that of a commander can confront such a creature and live to tell the tale."
"Galen, Selene. We are going to take another look around" Draven said. Lucian's resolve was unwavering as he addressed Commander Draven. "I want to follow you, and I need to retrieve my father's research and equipment."
Draven's expression softened slightly at Lucian's determination. "Very well, Lucian. Your father's research and equipment hold valuable insights, and we cannot afford to lose any of them. But first I want to see if you have what it takes to become a demon hunter. Why don't you have a friendly duel with my second daughter?