The Key to Destiny

The path stretched far, dusty and worn. Beneath their feet, the earth cracked softly, and dry leaves danced in the autumn wind that whispered past their ears. The silence that had wrapped around them at first felt almost comforting—but as time dragged on, it grew heavier. A tense quiet, where each of them seemed lost in their own thoughts and buried regrets.
Eventually, Mizuki snapped, her patience worn thin. She stopped abruptly and turned toward the others.
— Why are you following me?! — she burst out, her sharp glare like a dagger thrown from behind a wall of suspicion.
Kurogane shrugged with little interest, his voice flat, almost bored:— Who's following you, shorty? I'm on my way to kill the Demon King. I’ve got an old… bloody score to settle.
— Who are you calling short?! — Mizuki exploded, her cheeks flushing red with anger. — And you, red-eyed freak, where are you going?!
Raizen, a rogue lock of hair falling over one eye, ran a hand through it with theatrical flair. His ironic smile lit his face like a spark in the dark.
— I’m Raizen. Remember that name. Yeah, I’m heading out to kill demons too… and to uncover my past. What about you? Why are you following us?
Mizuki sighed, rolling her eyes.
— Because I’m doing the same thing, obviously!
A collective sigh escaped everyone's lips, as if their bodies all felt the same weight of the journey.
— Since we’re headed the same way, why not travel together? — said Kuragane with a softer tone. — It’s safer. This world isn’t kind to loners.
Mizuki stopped in her tracks, crossed her arms, and glared at him.
— With you two? No way! I don’t want to be dragged down by a bunch of... weirdos!
Raizen snorted and raised an eyebrow.
— You sure? You almost died yesterday falling into that demon trap in the forest. Doesn’t exactly scream "I got this" to me.
Mizuki bit her lip, half-ashamed, half-annoyed. She stayed silent for a few moments, then gave in with a heavy sigh.
— Fine... But only until we defeat Malvor!
— Perfect! — Raizen grinned. — I like the way you think.
And so, the three of them set out on a path that would change their lives. Each carried a goal in their heart — revenge, truth, hope. And a quiet fear that maybe, they wouldn’t make it.
They had already been walking for hours, and their legs were starting to complain.
— Hurry up already! — shouted Raizen over his shoulder. — The barrier falls in three months! We’ve got a whole world to cross!
— And whose fault is it we’re walking?! — Mizuki snapped, picking up a rock and throwing it at him. — If that merchant hadn’t screamed like a lunatic after seeing you, we’d be in a comfy cart by now!
— Maybe he was scared of you! — Raizen replied with a smirk.
— Kuragane, hold me back or I’m gonna punch him! — Mizuki yelled, ready to leap.
— Come on then, I dare you! — Raizen grinned.
— Enough! — Kuragane stepped between them, exasperated. — I’m already carrying all the supplies by myself...
— Shut up!!! — they both yelled at him in unison, then turned their backs to each other, grumbling.
Tension rose and fell like a boat on waves. And yet, there was something in that chaotic harmony that held them together.
The sun was slowly dipping below the horizon.
— Let’s stop here. — Kuragane pointed toward a shady tree.
— We’re sleeping outside? — Mizuki grumbled, dropping onto the grass.
— Yup. And if you snore again, Kuragane, I’m rolling you downhill! — joked Raizen as he sat.
— I want food! — both Raizen and Mizuki said at the same time.
— First day and you're already starving... — Kuragane sighed, pulling a food pack from his bag and placing it between them. — That’s all we’ve got. If we don’t find supplies tomorrow, we eat whatever we can.
But Mizuki and Raizen were already stuffing their faces. Kuragane stood there, hand extended, watching in despair.
— Hey, leave some for me!!!
After the meal, they rested. Under a sky full of stars, wrapped in the forest’s whispers, they forgot for a moment what awaited them.
Morning came with a piercing scream.
— Aaaaahhh!!!
Raizen jumped to his feet, ready to fight.
— What is it?! Demons?! Where?!
But his eyes landed on Mizuki. Her arms were covered in red welts. She scratched at them frantically, her face twisted in misery.
— The bugs ate us alive! — Raizen yelled too, staring at his own bitten hands.
Kuragane sat up groggily, muttering.
— What now...
Then he saw their faces, and Mizuki summoned a glowing mirror to show him the truth — he looked like a diseased ghost.
— I’m never sleeping outside again!
— Oh! I forgot! I have a cure in my bag! — Mizuki shouted.
She quickly pulled out a small blue vial, took a sip, and the welts vanished instantly.
— You what?! — Kuragane grabbed the vial and downed half of it.
— Leave some for me! — Raizen yelled, punching him on the head and taking his own dose.
Once the itching was gone, the three collapsed onto the grass, relieved.
— Life’s beautiful... when you’re not scratching like a madman... — sighed Raizen.
But peace didn’t last long. The weight of reality hit them again. Time was ticking. The world was in danger.
They got up in silence. Packed their things. Continued walking through a beautiful yet threatened land.
Among the tall trees and dancing grass, they spotted something in the distance.
— A village! — they all shouted, as if seeing an oasis in the desert.
— Finally, a bath! — Mizuki cheered, happy to not feel gross anymore.
— Food! — Raizen practically jumped with joy.
— Thank the gods, I can sleep in a bed! — said Kuragane, wiping his nose and scratching his head with a wide grin.
— First one there wins! — Raizen grinned challengingly.
— Why not? — Mizuki smirked confidently. She was sure she’d win.
— Where am I supposed to run with all this armor? But no way I’m letting Raizen beat me! — said Kuragane.
— Last one there gets kicked by the winners! Start! — shouted Raizen, with an evil smile.
They took off with all their strength — tripping, shoving, doing whatever it took to be first.
Mizuki, light and agile, led the charge, Raizen hot on her heels. Kuragane lagged behind, already winded.
— First! — Mizuki shouted joyfully.
— How’d an angel beat me?! — Raizen said, disappointed.
Barely dragging himself, Kuragane reached the village gates, panting and exhausted, leaning on a post.
— I can’t... I’m dying...
Mizuki and Raizen looked at him with mischievous smiles. Raizen chuckled, and Mizuki declared:
— Muhe he he... You lost! Time for your punishment.
— Gods, who did I team up with? — Kuragane muttered, turning his back.
Raizen swung a mighty kick at him — only to recoil in pain.
— Ow! What the hell, is your butt made of iron?! — he cried, holding his foot.
— Ugh, not only are you dumb, you’re weak too... Let me show you how it’s done. — Mizuki gave Raizen a withering look.
She walked up, shouted, and kicked Kuragane so hard he flew a few feet and smacked into a tree.
— That’s how you do it! — she said, flashing Raizen a goofy but cute smile.
As the three approached the village gates, their expressions turned serious and puzzled.
— Looks normal... but why hasn’t anyone come out after all that noise? — asked Kuragane.
— Even without the noise, there should be people. Or... maybe they were killed...Mizuki spoke — Calm at first, but then agitated.
— I don’t think so. If the demons had come, they would’ve destroyed everything. Maybe they hid or fled — Raizen replied, looking serious.
— Let’s go check it out! — Kurogane added.
The three of them entered the village, which seemed rather small, with about 30 houses and a larger building in the center. The rest were stone cottages with wooden roofs. There wasn’t a soul in sight. Reaching the door of the central house, Mizuki, trembling, said:
— I’m scared to go in. You two go first...
The two looked at each other and carefully opened the door. They pushed it slowly, and then suddenly, it swung open. Stepping in with cautious steps, they reached the center of the room.
— Huh, see? Nothing scary — Kurogane said with relief. But before he could finish, the floor suddenly gave way, and the three of them fell into a deep pit about six meters down.
They hit the ground but quickly got up. Around them were wounded, weakened, and starving people. The silence was suddenly broken as two silhouettes appeared above them, looking down, and one of them said:
— We’ve caught them! Tell the general — Then closed and locked the door.
Raizen, still confused, asked softly:
— What’s going on here?
The old woman didn’t answer but covered her face, frightened of him. A woman from the crowd approached and said:
— What do you think? These people were attacked by demons and locked up here. And from what I’ve heard, they need you — she said as she stepped closer. She was a beautiful, tall woman with a striking figure, wearing a long purple dress, holding a staff, and a witch’s hat.
— How did you get here? — Mizuki asked.
— I’m a witch. I travel between villages, selling potions and earning a bit to live. I came to this village, but at the wrong time, and got captured...
— Don’t be afraid! We’ll get out of here and face all the demons! — Kurogane said, confident in his strength.
— Face them? — the witch asked, nearly laughing. — We were captured by one of Lord Malvor’s five generals, who commands over 10,000 soldiers. How do you plan to face him?
— What?!! Ten... ten thousand?! — Mizuki exclaimed, shocked, falling back. — We’re going to die here! I don’t want to!
— Please, help us! — a man said with a trembling voice.
— I’m not planning to die here!!! We’re getting out! Don’t be afraid! — Raizen said with great confidence.
Kurogane turned to him, serious:
— Raizen... But how are we going to escape with such a large army? We can’t fight them.
— Raizen? — the witch said, surprised.
— Something wrong? — Raizen asked.
— Everything’s fine... — she said with a strange laugh.
The three of them, along with the witch and the villagers, began thinking of a way to escape, especially since they had heard from a demon that their general was approaching with a demon army, and if they didn’t leave before he arrived, they’d be doomed.
— What do we do?! — Raizen shouted, rubbing his head in frustration.
The witch turned to him with a serious voice:
— And what about the villagers? Where will they hide?
Raizen stood up, looking determined, and like a hero, he said:
— No one will perish! We’ll save everyone and take them to a safe place!
The people rejoiced, and hope lit up in their eyes.
— And how do you plan to save them all? — the witch asked.
Raizen looked at her and, with a mysterious smile, answered:
— Don’t worry! I’ve got a plan. Listen... First, Mizuki will lift me with her wings. I’ll break through the roof and get out. Then I’ll silently take out the guards. After that, Mizuki will lift Kurogane and—
— Wait! — Mizuki interrupted. — I can lift you, but how am I supposed to lift Kurogane?
— Fine, fine. I’ll throw down a rope, and you’ll climb up. Once we’re all out, we’ll leave quickly before their general arrives — Raizen continued.
The witch looked thoughtful and said:
— But once we’re out, what then? Where do we hide twenty people?
A villager replied:
— Don’t worry about us. We’ll head to a nearby village where we’ll be safer.
— See? Everything will be fine! — Raizen said, smiling.
They began to understand the plan before it was too late. Mizuki revealed her angel wings, and everyone was stunned. She grabbed Raizen by the shoulders and, with effort, lifted him. Raizen struggled, kicking at the wooden hatch above. The hatch collapsed, but the demons were already there. Instead of two, there were ten.
—Hey! Get them!— shouted an angry demon. All the demons began to move toward them.
Raizen, shocked, yelled:—Mizuki, throw me and lift Kurogane, or we’ll perish!
Mizuki threw him, and with demonic energy glowing in his red eyes, Raizen slashed a demon almost fatally, but it began to regenerate. Mizuki flew quickly toward the pit to lift Kurogane. Raizen fought with all his strength. Mizuki grabbed Kurogane, grimacing from the weight:—You’re too heavy! I can’t lift you!
Kurogane, using his powers, made the markings on his body glow. Raising a hand, he said:—God Harris, god of earth, grant her the strength to lift all that stands in her way.
Suddenly, a yellow aura surrounded Mizuki, and Kurogane's weight vanished. With amazing speed, Mizuki lifted him, and as they emerged from the hole, blazing, she saw Raizen exhausted and surrounded. Kurogane, with a warrior’s shout, leapt toward the demons and helped Raizen.
—You finally came! I missed you!— said Raizen, smiling.
—Less talking, more fighting!— replied Kurogane, starting to cast enhancement and ability spells. Mizuki, from the back, supported them with her healing powers and magical arrows. Soon, the three managed to defeat the demons. But just as they were about to help the villagers, a dying demon muttered:—You have no chance. It’s too late.
Mizuki shot an arrow through its head and they paid little attention to the demon’s words. They began lifting the villagers, and after getting them all up, the witch approached and, with a gentle face, said:—I didn’t believe we’d really escape. Thank you so much. Without you, we would’ve perished.
The three smiled in response and prepared to leave the village as quickly as possible. But their smile did not bring much joy, because in front of them stretched a field full of demons.
—Now I understand what that demon meant. It’s too late...— said Raizen, horrified. The peasants fell to their knees, hopeless, and an arrow flew fast, piercing the hearts of two of them. Everyone looked around, not knowing where the arrow had come from. It was Malvor’s general, with a dark aura that could be felt from a kilometer away.
—R... Run!!!— shouted Raizen at the top of his lungs. Kurogane activated agility for all the villagers, and Mizuki flew at full speed, and everyone started running to escape. The demons surrounded them, shooting arrows and balls of black energy that disintegrated the villagers. Raizen looked back, horrified, but knew he could do nothing. The witch grabbed his hand and, with a single glance, showed him that now they had to think only of themselves.
They managed to hide in the dark forest, with tall and thick trees. The demons, unable to fly, retreated because entering the forest was dangerous due to the living trees.
—Why are we here? The trees will kill us...— said Mizuki, trembling slightly. The people, scared and some crying, looked at the witch who had led them in that direction.
—Don’t be afraid! This forest is my territory and nothing here will harm us,— said the witch, calming them.
The people breathed deeply, but still didn’t fully understand what had happened.
Raizen, his gaze lost in the distance, said sadly:—If I were stronger… If I hadn’t thought only of myself, we wouldn’t have suffered such great losses…
Mizuki turned to him and, with tears in her eyes, slapped him gently, saying:—You’re not to blame! Everyone was thinking only of themselves. You couldn’t do anything. Instead of whining that you’re weak, you should become stronger!
Kurogane stepped between them and stopped them, holding Raizen by the face. Mizuki, annoyed and tearful, backed away.
—Alright, enough! Calm down! In this situation, no one is to blame,— said Kurogane, trying to soothe them.
The witch interrupted the conversation and said:—People, the forest will show you the way to a nearby village. There are many soldiers there, and you’ll be safe. The trees will guide you.
The people thanked her and headed toward the village.—And you,— she continued, —will come with me. I have something important.
The three didn’t object and followed the witch. Eventually, they reached her home — a small house perched in a giant tree in the heart of the forest, surrounded by mushrooms, wood, and all sorts of strange things. It was a cute house, like something out of a story. They entered, and the witch made each of them a cup of herbal tea.
—Raizen, do you know what those markings on your face are?— she asked, watching him closely.
—Hmmm… I was born with them. The only thing my mother told me was that they’re important,— answered Raizen.
Kurogane looked at him suspiciously and added:—Interesting... they’re identical to the symbols of my clan. Where did you get them?
—I always thought they were tattoos!— said Mizuki, laughing playfully.
The witch looked at them with a gentle smile and said:—Indeed, these symbols were created by your clan, Kurogane… about 367 years ago.
—Wait… what?!! How old are you?— asked Mizuki, eyes wide.
—394…— she answered calmly. —Alright, stop interrupting me! Now, where was I… Ah, yes. 367 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. Outside there was a heavy rain, and a woman knocked at my door holding a child in her arms. At first, I wondered why the trees hadn’t attacked her, but then I felt her aura — it was so pure, I understood. Trees don’t touch those in whom there is only kindness. I let them in, dried them, and gave them tea. Then I asked what had happened.
The woman said to me, "Help us take this child to the human world, safely. He is humanity's only hope." She said it with such sincerity that you couldn't doubt her. I asked her to tell me more, and she told me everything. She was... Malvor's wife.
At first, I didn’t believe it. But after hearing everything, I understood she wasn’t lying. She confessed that she had gotten pregnant by Malvor, and when he captured a clan and forced them to create an amulet to distinguish angels, she tried to stop him... but she failed. Malvor already had everything under control.
The clan leader, knowing the consequences this artifact would have if it fell into the wrong hands, decided—with my agreement—to use his own son to create the key that could stop Malvor. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from this woman. I helped them escape to the human world, and as they left, she said:
"My son Raizen and I thank you."And yes, that child... is you.
A deadly silence fell in the room. The other two looked at Raizen, who was in shock. Then, all three shouted in unison:
— Whaaaaat!!!
— This means we have a chance to defeat Malvor! Mizuki shouted happily.
— Finally, I’ll be able to avenge my clan! Kurogane added, his eyes burning.
Raizen, still stunned by what he had just learned, clenched his fists. In his mind, a new hope began to grow in his heart: defeating Malvor was no longer just a dream. Maybe he could even save humanity. Only a few months were left before the barrier would fall, and thousands of demons would attack.
— Thank you for this information, he said, looking determined. But we have to leave. We don’t have much time...
The three walked through the forest along an old path, with moss-covered stones and fallen leaves. The shadows of the trees moved with the wind, and the air seemed heavier with each step. It seemed quiet, but something about the atmosphere made them walk more cautiously.
— Do you feel that? Raizen asked, looking around.
— Yeah... the air smells like blood, Kurogane said, gripping the sword hilt.
Mizuki, with her bow in hand, furrowed her brow.
— It’s too quiet. I don’t like it...
At the same time, somewhere in the forest, Zarnok and his hybrid monstrosity moved silently. The demon doctor, with skin as white as bone and eyes hidden behind round glasses, gnawed on his dirty blood-stained nails.
— Vorgash... can you feel their warmth... their fear... It’s almost here! Mmmm... Three good subjects! Maybe I’ll cut off their legs and attach them to others... or... ah! Maybe I’ll combine them with a blind dragon! Hi-hi-hi!
Vorgash, the giant beast, with claws as long as swords and four red eyes, moved swiftly beneath the trees, leaving deep tracks in the damp earth.
In a clearing, the three stopped for a moment to rest. Mizuki had started a small fire, and Kurogane was cleaning his sword blade. Raizen stood apart, his mind full of what he had learned from the witch.
— I... am the key, he whispered. Everything that has happened... all the lives lost... it’s because of my blood.
— You didn’t choose to be born this way, Raizen, Mizuki said in a gentle voice. But you can choose what to do with it.
— Exactly, Kurogane said. If you’re the key, then you’ll close the gate to hell. And we’ll be right by your side, brother.
Raizen smiled faintly, but just then, the ground began to vibrate. Branches snapped, and a horrible howl echoed through the forest.
— What was that?! Mizuki asked, standing up.
— It’s coming closer, Kurogane said. We’re not alone.
Out of the forest galloped a monster with wolf fur, bear claws, a scorpion’s tail, and dragon claws. Its eyes burned with a red light, and its saliva was a greenish acid that melted the leaves beneath it. On its back, riding like a happy spider, sat Zarnok, grinning madly.
— Uraaa! I’ve found you, little pieces of meat! Welcome to my mobile laboratory! Hi-hi-hi!
— Who the hell is this?! Raizen asked, drawing his sword.
— Zarnok... I’ve heard of him. He’s one of the demon generals, a specialist in living creations... a sick mind, Kurogane said.
— Is he yours? I want to send him to recycling! Mizuki shouted, shooting an arrow directly at Vorgash's head.
But the arrow ricocheted. The monster's fur was as hard as stone.
Vorgash roared and attacked.
A battle ensued. Raizen rushed forward with his sword, cutting off the monster's front leg, but the creature slammed him against a tree. Kurogane came to his aid, raising his shield and absorbing the freezing shock from the creature's toxic tongue. Mizuki sent magical arrows one after another, but with little effect.
Zarnok laughed:
— Is that all? My little one’s just getting warmed up!
At that moment, Raizen rose from the dust, and the symbols on his face began to glow.
— Enough!
A wave of energy burst from him, pushing the creature back several meters. Kurogane and Mizuki watched in astonishment. Raizen's eyes glowed red, and a dark light aura surrounded his body.
— No one... hurts my friends!
With dizzying speed, Raizen appeared in front of Vorgash and, with a precise cut, shattered one of its arms. The monster screamed in pain, and Zarnok fell off it.
— Vorgaaash! Run! Fuu—
But before he could finish, Kurogane threw his sword and pierced his chest.
— Experience this, you bastard, he said.
Zarnok, with a spasmodic laugh, fell dead. The monster, gravely wounded, fled into the forest, leaving trails of blood and acid.
After the battle, the three stood panting heavily.
— That wasn’t an ordinary demon... Mizuki said.
— And it’s probably not the last one, Kurogane said.
Raizen looked in the direction where the monster had fled.
— We’ve attracted their attention. There’s no turning back... But this is proof: they can be defeated. Even Malvor... one day.
The other two nodded, and the group continued their journey toward the edge of the forest.