It is said that Patal Lok is the most dangerous place in existence… but beneath even Patal Lok lies another realm known as the Demon Realm — a world inhabited by demons.
In the human world, demons are believed to be ruthless, terrifying creatures… but is that truly the reality?
Demon Realm
Inside a massive mansion surrounded by towering trees, two voices echoed through the halls.
"I know choosing the Demon King is extremely important," said Hirotami, "but bringing a human into the Demon Realm for this… it doesn't feel right."
He appeared almost human — long crimson hair flowing down his back, dressed in an elegant suit — yet his sharp fangs and the two horns on his head revealed his true nature.
"The decision has already been made," a rough, aged voice replied. "Now only the selection remains."
The speaker was Keruman — an elderly-looking demon famous throughout the Demon Realm. Despite his cheerful demeanor, he was known to be incredibly powerful.
Earth — Delhi
On a cold evening in Delhi, a boy ran down an empty road. The setting sun painted the sky beautifully, but his face trembled with fear and pain. His body looked as if it had no strength left, yet he forced himself to keep running. His features were sharp and handsome like an actor's, but his miserable condition could make even a beggar feel pity for him.
He finally reached a slum and stopped in front of a broken, worn-down hut. Before entering, he tried unsuccessfully to steady his heavy breathing. The moment he stepped inside, the sound of utensils crashing to the floor echoed through the room. A woman glared at him angrily.
"Where is my alcohol, you cursed boy? Tell me where you threw my liquor bag!" she shouted.
The boy remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.
"Mom… you look perfectly fine. Then why did you call and say you were sick?"
He took a deep breath.
"The doctor told you not to drink… that's why I threw it away. Please rest. I'm going back to work."
His name was Ayush Trivedi — a boy whose life seemed written in misfortune. His father had abandoned the family when he was young, leaving behind a massive debt. Raised by his grandmother and mother, Ayush had grown up fighting the harshness of the world. After his grandmother — the only person who truly loved him — passed away, he felt completely alone. Even with his mother alive, he lived like an orphan. Perhaps she blamed him for his father leaving.
Just as he was slowly repaying the debt, he discovered that his mother had liver cancer. Now every rupee he earned went into her treatment — but Ayush didn't care about money. All he wanted was for his mother to survive.
"To hell with that doctor!" Geeta snapped. "And who are you to touch my alcohol? Fine… what's done is done. Just give me some money — I'll buy it myself."
Her words shattered his heart. Before they could continue, loud voices echoed from outside.
"Come out, Ayush! Where are you hiding, you dog?"
Fear filled Ayush's eyes. He rushed outside — not because he feared the thugs, but because he didn't want them anywhere near his mother.
"Bhaiya, please… give me some more time," he begged. "I will repay everything. Please trust me."
"Didn't my boys tell you? Fifteen days!" growled Bagga — a notorious gangster who lent money at high interest. Pulling a gun from his dhoti, he smirked. "I want my money now."
"Please… just a little more time," Ayush pleaded while neighbors gathered to watch.
"Don't waste my time," Bagga laughed cruelly. "And don't say killing you won't benefit me — I'll sell every part of your body to recover my money."
With a single gesture, his men surrounded Ayush.
Ayush noticed his mother watching silently from inside the hut — she didn't step forward to help him. His heart broke.
"Please… I will repay everything," he said with the last of his strength.
But Bagga had already decided.
"Beat him until he faints without anesthesia!"
The men attacked mercilessly. Blood spilled from Ayush's mouth as the world spun around him. Just when he thought everything was over, a voice echoed — and he forced his eyes open.
His mother stood there holding a knife.
"Leave Ayush or I'll cut each one of you!" she shouted, trembling but brave.
"Shut that woman up first," Bagga said casually from his jeep.
Two men attacked Geeta. She fought fiercely but was too weak. Ayush's eyes turned red with rage. Summoning his remaining strength, he fought back — but it was too late. By the time he reached her, she lay motionless on the ground.
Enraged, Ayush attacked again but collapsed after brutal blows. Bones cracked, shattering his last hope. As he tried to reach his mother, a thug stepped on his hand, crushing his fingers. His scream echoed as darkness closed in.
Is this the end…? he thought.
Then a mysterious voice filled the silence.
"I can save you… if you sell yourself to me."
Suddenly, everything froze — people, air, even falling leaves. Standing before him was an elderly man with glasses, a bald head, two horns, and strange formal clothes.
"W-what did you say?" Ayush stammered.
"I am Keruman — a senior demon of the Demon Realm," he said calmly, striking his staff on the ground as lightning cracked across the sky. "I can save you and your mother… but you must sell yourself to me."
Fear overwhelmed Ayush. Sell himself… to a demon? Were demons real? Would he be eaten?
Countless questions filled his mind. Then he looked at his mother's lifeless body… and gathered his courage.
"I agree."
A smile appeared on Keruman's face.
Whatever happens… I will save my mother. Even if he devours me, it will hurt less than watching her die before my eyes, Ayush thought, staring at Geeta — the only weakness in his life.
But why had a demon come to buy a human?
Was Ayush's decision right?
What is the Demon King selection?
And who truly is Keruman?
To be continued…
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