Chapter 1: Investigation
There was a certain land called Elysia, which was the world most peaceful land since it got served from the darkness.
They called it pure, not because it was untouched by evil , but because its people never stopped believing in the light.
The Land of Elysia stretches between misted mountains and silver lakes, wrapped in an eternal morning haze. The locals say the sunlight here feels different ; softer, older , as if filtered through memory itself.
It's peace didn't prevail, some hearts suffered from the world's upcoming terror.
In a dim lit room, red candles flickering. The room filled with the unknown tension as the elders had their chat.
"There are crazy rumors going around about the Xylonia Empire these days," Shinji said, his voice sounded with concern.
Haruto nodded. "Oh, you mean the despicable monsters?"
Shinji's eyes locked onto him. "So you've heard about them, huh?"
"Yeah. I'm worried about the situation. They've been sending messages nonstop to the capital, searching for a hero."
Ryota gasped. "Hero??"
"Yes, according to the legend..." Haruto began to explain, but was cut off by Ryota, who didn't like stories.
"Another legend story," Ryota muttered dismissively.
"Hey, shut up. I'm trying to listen," Shinji warned, giving Ryota a sharp look. "Continue Haruto."
"Okay, then I'll continue. I don't know about this one, but I guess it's real," Haruto said quietly.
Shinji muttered under his breath, "Real, my foot..."
"I've checked many books, and I think it's real," Haruto added confidently.
"Stop beating around the bush, Haruto. Get to the point already. I've already said I want to listen, so I am," Ryota said impatiently.
"Alright. Long ago, maybe not too long , there was a demon lord." (Ryota gasped at that line, signaling he wasn't paying attention.) "He sent his followers here to destroy our pure land, but lucky Elysian, thankfully we were saved. Saved by one man!"
*Flashback*
A man who was wearing in blacks confronted a huge shadow that was fierce, with red eyes piercing through it, carrying the real demon lord. The real demon lord had a frightening mask that gave the hero a bit of a tremble. It wasn't really a mask, it was it's skin.
In a clear dark land in the mountains the lord agreed to be challenged by a mere human. The human who proved to be the world strongest man was carrying a sharp sword, his eyes blazing with rage with his mouth gritted as he thought of attacking the demon lord.
The war raged between the two, created a war that lasted for a full day without a break.
The mere human was a magic user, while the demon lord was also one. The two used all of their skills to finish what was supposed to be ended.
The hero managed to land a lot of hits to the Lord and ended up finishing him.
*Present*
"Wait, one guy?" Ryota asked curiously.
"Yes. The books say he was a swordsman and he..."
As the men discussed the legend, in another place, a dark room, with a growling voice.
"...almost killed me, but luckily, I survived using my skills," the growler muttered. "Now these stories are being passed down through generations by these lowly humans. To them, I was..."
Meanwhile, in a cozy room, a father read a story to his son.
"He was killed by that man, and he was the...."
Back in the dimly lit room, Haruto suddenly exclaimed, "...HERO!"
Ryota raised an eyebrow in astonishment. "That hero guy died a long time ago, didn't he?"
"Obviously, but..." Shinji interrupted, "There's something called an heir."
"Wait a moment. An heir? How are we supposed to find the heirs of that guy? I doubt they'll be found easily." Ryota said while rubbing his mustache.
"I'm sure they can be found," Haruto said confidently. "I can look into the heirs because they once became quite popular."
"So who will search for the guys?" Shinji asked.
Just then, a female voice echoed through the room. "I will."
Ryota and Shinji turned, surprised. "Mika??"
Mika smiled, her eyes sparkling. "What's wrong, boys? Surprised to see me?"
Shinji stammered, "Ahh, I... um..."
Ryota asked, "Wait, how are you going to help here?"
Mika responded confidently, "Investigation, of course."
"Suit yourself. I'm sure such information won't be easy to find. It requires focus, effort, and many people," Shinji said.
"Yeah, that's right. But we won't be doing it alone," Haruto added.
"What do you mean, Haruto?" Ryota asked with eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Shinji enterrupted.
"I didn't ask you, Shinji! I know you're here."
"Hey, stop fighting like puppies. Mika's here, and she's good at investigations." Haruto stopped the quarrel before it got out of hand.
"Yes, maybe he's right. I can do it. Once I get the name, I'll start digging." Mika confidently said, with a smile curling her lips.
"Oh, yeah, the name. Check out the Tanaka family. According to my research, the hero was from that family."
"On it. Wait, is that even possible?" Mika asked as she heard the surname.
"Oh, yeah. I had the same question." Ryota added while holding his head.
"Yes, it's possible. And they also need protection." Haruto said, as he held his face in confusion.
"Protection from what?"
"Either from the Xylonians or monsters trying to finish the hero's heir."
"Oh, okay."
"Mika, we're all counting on you. Make this mission a success!" Haruto pleaded.
"Yes, sir!"
Mika left the room, cautious about calling the elders "boys."
The Next Day
The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the landscape. A five-year-old boy named Akirion played with his toys ; a knight, a horse, and a demon. His mother called out, "Akie! Akie!"
Akirion ran to his mother, his face lighting up with a smile. "Yes, Mom."
"Could you help me set the table, please?"
His father, Eriolth, arrived carrying a wild rabbit. Akirion's eyes widened as he ran towards him. "Daddy!"
Eriolth chuckled. "Wow, that was quite a run, son."
They laughed together as Mirabel, Akirion's mother, came over.
She greeted Eriolth with a cheerful smile and asked, "So,the food is ready. Do you want a bath or food?"
"I'll go for a bath, please."
Eriolth went for a bath while Akirion and his mother prepared for lunch.
After Eriolth finished his bath, they all sat down to eat. Akirion exclaimed, "I've made up my mind: I want to be a knight. You know, saving people from monsters, just like my knight toy."
"There's no such thing as monsters, Akie," his mother replied.
"But there are, Mom! Oh, wait, I left my knight outside."
"What? You left your comrade outside?" Eriolth asked.
"I'll go get it now."
Akirion ran outside to retrieve his knight toy. As he turned back, he saw black clouds gathering, and within them, a pair of frightening red eyes stared back at him.