Master Arcturus surveyed the yard, his gaze steady and thoughtful.
Turning to Azrael, he began with a grave tone, "You see, while demons are indeed rampant in this world, spreading chaos and destruction wherever they tread, there exists a unique group of individuals trained specifically to hunt them down. They possess skills that allow them to eliminate these malevolent beings in ways ordinary people cannot."
Azrael's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean there are people who can actually kill those terrifying creatures?"
"Yes," Master Arcturus chuckled softly, nodding in affirmation.
"Who are they?" Azrael asked eagerly, his curiosity shining through.
"They're known as the Demon Executioner Guild," Master Arcturus explained with a smile. "Those who earn the right to join this guild become Demon Executioners, extraordinarily powerful warriors."
"Wow!" Azrael exclaimed softly. "How powerful are they?"
"Let's just say that a skilled Demon Executioner can obliterate an entire mountain with ease! Even the least experienced among them could handle the demons that attacked your village without breaking a sweat," Master Arcturus replied thoughtfully.
Azrael felt a surge of excitement as he absorbed this information.
The idea of such formidable warriors existing in his world fascinated him beyond measure.
Eagerly, he looked up at Master Arcturus and asked, "Can I become a Demon Executioner?"
Master Arcturus regarded him thoughtfully before responding, "Anyone has the potential to join the ranks of the Demon Executioners, but not everyone is cut out for it."
"What do you mean by that?" Confusion clouded Azrael's face.
"Becoming a Demon Executioner is no simple feat; it will change your life forever," Master Arcturus said seriously. "You'll be living on the edge, one wrong move could cost you everything. A true Demon Executioner must be prepared to face death at any moment and possess unwavering conviction, dedication, determination, and an acceptance of mortality."
Azrael fell silent as he processed Master Arcturus's words. He hadn't realized how much was at stake if he pursued this path.
After a moment of contemplation, he looked up and asked hesitantly, "Are you also a Demon Executioner?"
With a warm smile, Master Arcturus nodded. "Yes."
"Then that means…" Realization washed over Azrael like cold water.
"Yes," Master Arcturus confirmed gently. "Your grandfather was also a Demon Executioner."
"But if he was so powerful," Azrael protested, "how did all this happen? Didn't you say they were invincible?"
"Remember," Master Arcturus replied patiently, "even powerful beings have their limits. There's always someone stronger."
He paused for emphasis before continuing. "A few years ago during one of his missions against demons, your grandfather sustained severe injuries that affected his core strength; that's why he settled down in Wind Moon Village to retire ".
"Let me guess, it was his powerful demon enemy, right?" Azrael asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"You're right," Master Arcturus nodded, not denying the truth.
"Let's not dwell on that for now; you'll come to know all this in due time," he added with a wave of his hand, dismissing the topic.
Azrael lowered his head and fell silent. Master Arcturus glanced at him but chose to remain quiet as an uncomfortable silence enveloped them, each lost in their own thoughts.
After a few minutes, Azrael finally lifted his gaze and spoke with newfound determination. "Old geezer, I want to become a Demon Executioner!"
A spark of interest flickered in Master Arcturus's eyes as he regarded Azrael. "Are you sure about that?"
"Yes! Absolutely!" Azrael replied fervently. "I have nothing left to lose, I'm all alone in this world. My friends are gone, my grandfather is dead, my entire village is destroyed...everyone I grew up with is dead! So what do I have left to lose?" His voice carried the weight of his grief.
Master Arcturus nodded thoughtfully before adding, "But let me warn you: becoming a Demon Executioner will subject you to unimaginable pain, pain you've never experienced before. The trials ahead will be far from child's play."
"I'm not afraid of pain!" Azrael declared fiercely, his eyes blazing with intense hatred. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes! I want revenge, I want to slaughter every single demon in this world!"
His crimson pupils darkened further as he clenched his fists so tightly that they creaked ominously.
Master Arcturus observed the fury radiating from Azrael and fell silent for a moment, contemplating the beautiful scenery around them while maintaining a calm demeanor.
"I will train you to become a Demon Executioner," he finally said softly.
"Really?!" Azrael exclaimed eagerly, hope lighting up his features.
"Yes," Master Arcturus replied with a gentle smile.
"When do we start?" Azrael asked impatiently, excitement bubbling within him.
"Right now!" Master Arcturus announced with enthusiasm before looking at the eager young man beside him.
A playful smile curled at the corners of his lips as he added, "For your first stage of training... it's simple: eat and sleep."
"What?! Eat and sleep?!" Azrael was taken aback and stared at Master Arcturus blankly.
"Yes, eat and sleep," Master Arcturus said with a knowing nod as he gazed at Azrael.
Azrael's lips twitched slightly, as he looked at Master Arcturus who was also looking back at him with an amused smile on his old face.
"You've been holed up in that room for over two weeks now," Master Arcturus continued, his tone shifting to one of concern.
"Refusing to eat or drink has taken its toll on you. Just look at yourself, you're far too frail and weak! It's time to prioritize rest and regain some weight and strength."
Azrael felt a wave of realization wash over him; Master Arcturus was right.
He had indeed lost a significant amount of weight and energy during those long days without proper sleep.
"Listen," Master Arcturus added, leaning in closer, "your current physical state won't hold up against the training I have planned for you. It's going to be intense, painful even, but you need to rebuild your strength if you want to keep up."
"Okay," Azrael replied thoughtfully before asking, "How long will this last?"
"Well, until I say so!" Master Arcturus chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
With newfound determination lighting up his face, Azrael nodded and declared, "Alright then! I'm ready!"
As he looked back at Master Arcturus, a smile broke through the fatigue etched on his features, a sign that he was prepared to embrace the challenge ahead.