Centuries ago, a mysterious rift tore open in a secluded part of Maple Village. From its depths emerged creatures known as Devils, crawling out of the underworld to wreak havoc. These abominations terrorized mankind, forcing them to kneel in submission and bow before their dark masters.
The Devils were no ordinary foes. Each one possessed superhuman strength and speed, along with unique and devastating abilities. Taking control of Maple Village was no challenge for them—they crushed resistance with ruthless efficiency.
For many years, the Devils ruled unopposed, their dominance absolute, until a small group of humans decided they had endured enough suffering. Determined to reclaim their freedom, these individuals sought a way to fight back. They spent months meditating and delving deep into their inner selves until they unlocked the hidden potential within their magical cores. This awakening granted them extraordinary powers over elements such as fire, water, earth, and more.
These pioneers of magic didn't stop at awakening their own abilities. They extended their newfound knowledge to others, teaching them how to harness their latent powers. United under a common cause, these empowered villagers waged war against the Devils. After a grueling struggle, they succeeded in driving the Devils back into the underworld and sealing the rift that had unleashed them.
But the victory was not complete. Though the rift was sealed, some Devils had been trapped outside its barrier, stranded in the village. These stragglers roamed the land under the cover of darkness, preying on the weak and defenseless.
To combat this lingering threat, the awakened villagers formed a specialized group dedicated to hunting down the remaining Devils. This elite force became the village's shield against the nocturnal menace.
---
Draco was one of the many villagers living under the shadow of this grim reality. As he did every day, he ventured to his father's farmland to tend the cattle and harvest crops. The work was demanding, and he often lost track of time in the rhythm of his labor.
When the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the skies in hues of deep purple and orange, Draco realized he had stayed out too long. Gathering his tools, he hurried home.
But when he arrived, he was met with a horrifying sight. His parents lay lifeless, their bodies mangled beyond recognition. The culprit was clear—a Devil had found them. Despite their age, Draco's parents had once been powerful mages, but even their magic had proven no match for the beast.
Amid the carnage, Draco discovered a small backpack tucked away in a corner. Inside, his baby sister lay, silent and terrified. A hastily written note was attached to the bag, penned by his mother in her final moments.
"Draco, take care of your sister. Protect her. She is all that's left."
Tears blurred Draco's vision as he clutched the note. Grief and anger warred within him, but a cold reality began to settle over his heart. Protecting his sister was a promise he wasn't sure he could keep—not in a world like this.
---
Now, he stood at the edge of a towering cliff, his sister hidden far away in a temple, and a Devil advancing on him with a menacing grin. There was nowhere to run. His back was against the precipice, and his options were quickly dwindling.
"Stay back!" Draco shouted, his voice trembling but firm. His wide eyes were fixed on the Devil, whose grotesque form seemed to exude malice. It licked its lips, savoring the fear radiating from its prey.
The Devil laughed, its deep, guttural voice echoing through the night. "What are you going to do, human? You're weak, just like the rest of them! Do you think you can stop me? A high-ranked Devil?"
The words sent a chill through Draco's spine. He studied the creature carefully, noting the signs: its ability to speak, the commanding aura, the sheer power it radiated. This was no ordinary Devil—it was one of the elites.
Draco clenched his fists, his mind racing. That explains why it defeated my parents so easily. They were skilled, but against a high-ranked Devil... He gritted his teeth, rage flickering in his heart.
"I said, stay back!" Draco yelled again, his voice cracking as he retreated another step. The Devil paid no heed to his warnings, its sadistic grin widening.
Suddenly, Draco's foot struck a loose rock. The ground beneath him crumbled, and he stumbled. His arms flailed as he struggled to regain balance, but gravity was merciless. He fell backward, his scream cutting through the air as he plummeted into the abyss.
The Devil sauntered to the edge of the cliff, peering down into the darkness. It saw no sign of Draco and sneered. "What a waste," it muttered. "I was looking forward to feasting on him."
Then, something clicked in the Devil's mind. "Wait... he wasn't carrying that backpack." It paused, a sinister smile creeping across its face. "I heard a heartbeat in that bag. That brat hid it in the temple and lured me here to die."
The Devil's grin widened as it turned and sprinted back toward the temple at blinding speed.
---
Draco felt nothing. No pain, no sensation—only an overwhelming void. He was surrounded by total darkness, his body numb and unresponsive. His mind spun with confusion.
Am I dead? he thought, dread creeping in.
Before he could process further, the void began to shift. A warm, golden light spread through the darkness, banishing the shadows. Draco blinked, his vision adjusting as a vast, gleaming hall materialized before him.
The floor beneath his feet was smooth and golden, reflecting the brilliance of the chamber. At the far end stood a magnificent throne, glowing with an ethereal radiance. Seated upon it was a woman of unparalleled beauty.
Her long, white hair cascaded to her knees, shimmering faintly in the light. She wore a flowing black robe, and her piercing gaze seemed to see straight through Draco.
"Excuse me," Draco called out hesitantly as he approached, his steps echoing in the cavernous space. "Who are you? Where am I?"
The woman's voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority. "I am a goddess," she said simply. "And you, Draco, are dead. This is the afterlife."
Draco froze, her words hitting him like a physical blow. His eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the reality before him.