Resolve and Vows

Almost immediately, both Enuma’s voice and Akari’s, almost in perfect unison, responded with a firm, clear message: “It never is pointless!”

The sound of their words echoed inside my mind like a thunderclap, a vibration that shook through my skull. It was an overwhelming sensation—almost like a boom reverberating through my very bones. For a moment, I had to steady myself as the mental and physical shock rippled through me.

Despite the intensity, I was grateful. Deep down, I knew they were right. No matter what my father, Heero—the legendary hero of the demon war—believed, I knew that my training, my strength, and my growth weren’t pointless. I had surpassed my father in skill and power because of Enuma’s teachings, because of my own relentless effort.

Because I was the disciple of the Demon King—Enuma—I had gained a strength that linked me to a legacy far beyond that of any ordinary warrior. I had broken free from the chains of my past, from the shadow of my father’s victories. I had forged my own path—one where I could surpass even the greatest of heroes.

Now, after a year of relentless training, I felt that I had reached a new plane of existence—something only Enuma had reached before me. The power, the mastery, the understanding—it all felt like a culmination, a true transformation.

But my mind was already racing ahead. The rumors from the Kingdom of Uragile—an ancient, mysterious land that Enuma had once spoken of—began to surface in my thoughts. Was it true? Were the humans and demons trying to unify as a single nation? Was this alliance, if it truly existed, a sign of something greater—a new era of peace or a new chaos waiting to unfold?

My heart pounded with anticipation. Whatever the truth, I knew I had to go there, to see with my own eyes. To find out whether the rumors of cooperation between humans and demons were real, or if it was just another deception.

Terran took a deep breath, gratitude swelling inside him as he looked at his mother. "Thank you, Mother. I’ll follow the breadcrumbs you’ve laid out. I won’t rest until I uncover the truth and solve whatever threat is looming."

Akari’s expression softened, her voice filled with pride and a touch of solemnity. “Terran, you are very capable, my boy. Your father and I need to remain here in the Imperial City. We’ve uncovered what I feared might be a possible catastrophe—something that could threaten the empire. I trust you to find out the truth and to do what’s necessary to protect our home, our nation.”

I nodded firmly. “I already have a plan—and a team I trust to help me.”

Sadie, ever sharp and quick-witted, leaned forward with a grin. “Will you be inviting me on this team?”

I looked at her, a small smile forming. “Yes. You’re coming with us.”

With that, his plans accelerated. His training under Enuma had prepared him for this moment, and now he was assembling a small but powerful team—one capable of facing the unknown. He knew his parents deserved the little time they had together, especially with everything happening around them—missions for Emperor Solja, the political fallout after Eldrin’s arrest, and the tensions with the demons in the city.

My team would consist of myself, Sadie, Vin, Eldrin, and my fiancé, Uriko—the princess. Poh, the son of the great mage, would also join, bringing his formidable magic and insight. Eldrin’s connections to the black market would be invaluable—he was loyal to me, and I plan to leverage that loyalty, even if it meant pushing Eldrin a little to get what he needed.

I knew convincing the princess to join would be the hardest part—especially given her previous daring venture chasing me, then joining the hunter's guild with me. The emperor’s protective nature meant he was wary, and securing permission would require a delicate touch.

Thus, the deal the emperor made with me. I could take Uriko, the princess, if he publicly declared my love for her. The thought made me blush—embarrassed by the spectacle but understanding its importance. It was a small price to pay for the opportunity to join the team.

Terran’s resolve hardened. My team was ready, my plan set in motion. Whatever danger awaited in Uragile, I would face it. My team would consist of myself, Sadie, Vin, Poh, Eldrin, and my fiancé, Uriko—the princess. Poh, the son of the great mage, would also join, bringing his formidable magic and insight. Eldrin’s connections to the black market would be invaluable—he was loyal to me, and I plan to leverage that loyalty, even if it meant pushing Eldrin a little to get what I needed.

I knew convincing the princess to join would be the hardest part—especially given her previous daring escape during their last trip. The emperor’s protective nature meant he was wary, and securing permission would require a delicate touch.  

I remembered the deal I made with the emperor: I could take Uriko, the princess, if I publicly declared my love for her. The thought made me blush—embarrassed by the spectacle but understanding its importance. It was a small price to pay for her trust and the opportunity to keep her safe. 

Terran’s resolve hardened. His team was ready, his plan set in motion. Whatever danger awaited in Uragile, he would face it—guided by his strength, his loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds he had forged. The future was uncertain, but he was determined to carve his own path forward, no matter what. 

There I was giving handshake and nodding in agreement with Emperor Solja. As he smiled with a huge grin. "I look forward to what you come up with." Then I rush off to my next task.

I stood at the edge of the bustling courtyard, trembling slightly as the gathered crowd of soldiers, officials, and courtiers looked on. The air was thick with anticipation and curiosity. My heart pounded in my chest—not just from the public nature of the moment, but from the weight of the promise I was about to make. Beside me, Uriko’s eyes shone with a mixture of defiance and affection, her hand resting confidently on my arm.

Taking a deep breath, Terran stepped forward and raised his voice so it could carry over the murmurs. “Everyone here today,” I began, voice steady but filled with genuine emotion, “I stand before you not just as a warrior, but as someone who has found in Uriko a reason to fight harder, to protect more fiercely, and to love more openly.” I paused, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity. “Uriko is not just my fiancée—she is the future of a new alliance, a symbol of hope between our worlds. And so, I declare here, before all of you, that I love her with all my heart, and I vow to protect her, cherish her, and stand by her side—always.”

The crowd erupted into murmurs and whispers, but my focus remained on Uriko. With a sweeping gesture, I reached into my armor and pulled out a simple, yet elegant ring—one my mother had prepared for this moment. “Uriko,” I said softly, kneeling on one knee, “will you accept my love, my loyalty, and my promise to honor you not just as a princess, but as my partner in this new path we forge together?”

For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, Uriko’s lips curled into a radiant smile as she stepped forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Yes,” she whispered, voice clear and confident. “A thousand times yes.”

The crowd cheered as I slid the ring onto her finger, sealing his declaration. The spectacle was brief, but its significance was profound—a public vow of love that would forever mark this moment in history and secure my place to take her with him into the uncertain future, united and unbreakable. 

As we enjoyed the spectacle and wedding date was scheduled weeks ago, however the planning and invitations had been sent. Today there would be a fairy tale of romance of royalty. What we did not know is what tomorrow's challenges would be terrifying just to try and make it to the wedding day. 

Meanwhile Enuma stood tall over my shoulder with a smirk. He had many expectations, and he had plenty of patience. Yet today he felt a little anxious and proud.