The mysterious man

Long before the present age, when the world was still young and unscarred, four great regions were formed—each shaped by power, fear, and unbreakable laws.

First rise the Mountains of Arrayk, a realm that touches the skies. Snow-covered peaks surround Mount Gods’ Hope, where the gods built their great castle. From there, they watch the world below, rarely interfering, believing mortals must face their own fate.

Second stretch the Deserts of Death, a nightmarish land of endless sand, burning winds, lava lakes, and ever-awake volcanoes. This is the domain of demons, where survival itself is proof of strength. Near the greatest lava lake, Llahala, rises the Demon King’s palace, forged from black stone and molten rock. Here, cruelty is law, and power decides rank. Mercy does not exist.

Nearly a hundred years ago, these two realms collided in a war that nearly tore the world apart. Gods and demons clashed for dominance, and the land bled fire and light. In the end, neither side could claim absolute victory. Thus, a fragile pact was forged: demons would never enter Arrayk, and gods would never step into Llahala. Outside these sacred regions, however, no such rules existed. Mortals would bear the consequences.

Third lies the Black Water Ocean, known as Karoka. Its waters are darker than night and deeper than memory. No map has ever fully charted it, and no ship has crossed it entirely. Ancient sea beasts, forgotten races, and horrors beyond naming are said to sleep beneath its surface. Many believe Karoka is not merely an ocean, but a boundary separating the known world from something far worse.

Fourth are the forests, plains, and kingdoms of mortals—elves, humans, and countless other races. These lands are rich and alive, yet fragile. Demons raid them for sport, resources, or slaves, while the gods rarely descend, bound by pride and ancient law. Between divine indifference and demonic cruelty, mortals struggle to survive, adapt, and resist fate.

It is in this unbalanced world—where power is feared, hope is fragile, and destiny is cruel—that our story begins. 

THE ELF VILLAGE---

The elf village shimmered with light. It stood near the border between the open plains and the great forest, not far from the Deserts of Death. Garlands of leaves hung between trees, glowing softly with magic, while laughter echoed through the air. It was a day meant for celebration.

Near the village square, several elves whispered excitedly.

“Is today really the fight?” one asked.

“Yes,” another replied. “The duel that will decide Princess Liza’s husband—and the future king of the Elf Kingdom.”

“I’ve heard both candidates are incredibly strong.”

“That’s true. The first is Zoa, son of the king’s younger brother. The second is Kenya, son of our kingdom’s chief advisor.”

“Then let’s hurry. We can’t miss this.”

Together, they ran toward the arena. 

 The Princesses’ Resolve

Inside the royal palace, in the chambers of the First Princess, three sisters stood facing one another.

“I don’t understand what your problem is,” Liza said quietly.

“And I don’t understand yours,” Eris snapped back. “Why would you marry a man you don’t even know? Sara, say something to her.”

Sara sighed. “She’s doing this for the kingdom. Father’s health is failing. He needs rest… and our people need a ruler.”

“But why can’t Liza rule?” Eris protested. “She’s better than any man in this kingdom.”

“Enough,” Liza said, her voice trembling. Tears welled in her eyes. “You both know the law. Only a man can become king.”

“Please don’t cry,” Sara said gently. “Eris, look what you’ve done.”

“I’m… sorry,” Eris muttered.

At that moment, the king entered the room.

“Good morning, Father,” the three said together.

“What were you discussing?” the king asked.

“Nothing important,” Sara replied quickly. “Just tonight’s duel.”

The king nodded. “Then let us go. The fight is about to begin.”

The arena roared with excitement.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host shouted, “are you ready?”

“YEAHHH!” the crowd answered.

“Here comes our first candidate—Zoa! And now, the second candidate—Kenya! Let the duel begin!”

Suddenly, a thunderous explosion echoed from the village center. Panic rippled through the arena.

A wounded elf burst inside. “Run! The demons have attacked!”

Chaos erupted.

“Do not panic!” the king commanded. “All soldiers, to the village center!”

As the king rushed forward with his guards, Liza turned to her sisters.

“Sara, come with me. Bring my sword—and your bow. Eris, go back to the palace.”

“No,” Eris said firmly. “I’m coming too.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“You always say Father underestimates me,” Eris replied. “Let me prove my strength.”

Liza hesitated… then nodded. “Get your sword.”

Together, they ran toward the flames.

 The Sixth Sinner

At the village center, elf soldiers clashed desperately with demon warriors.

“Be careful,” Liza warned her sisters.

“Where’s Father?” Eris whispered. “I can’t see him.”

Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed. A demon stepped forward, carrying something in his hand.

“My name is Kamas,” the demon declared. “The Sixth Sinner of the Demon King’s Sinister Six. I have come for the Blessed Elf—Eris.”

He dropped what he held.

It was the king's head.

“Father!” Sara screamed.

“Father!” Eris cried, collapsing to her knees.

Liza stood frozen… then slowly raised her sword.

“I’ll kill you,” she said, her voice shaking.

She charged. Her blade struck, wounding the demon’s hand.

“Hmph. Impressive,” Kamas sneered, drawing his axe. “But you are no match for me.”

His blow shattered Liza’s sword and struck her down.

“Liza!” Eris screamed.

Kamas sniffed the air. “So she is the Blessed Elf. There is a sweet scent coming from her, just as ZOREX said.”

As Kamas advanced, an arrow pierced his eye.

“Move!” Sara shouted.

They lifted Liza and fled into the forest.

At the edge of the elf forest stood a dense woodland sealed by ancient magic.

“Have you healed Liza?” Sara asked desperately.

“I’ve done everything I can,” Eris replied, her voice shaking. “The wound is infected with powerful dark magic. I can’t heal her completely.”

Liza tried to speak. “Fa—”

“Don’t,” Eris said quickly. “Save your strength.”

Behind them, screams echoed—elves and beasts alike.

“He’s coming,” Sara whispered. “We’re at the entrance of the forbidden forest.”

“We’re not allowed to enter,” Eris hesitated.

“And if we don’t?” Sara snapped. “We die.”

Grinding her teeth, Eris placed her hand on the seal and shattered it. They ran inside.

They moved deep into the forest.

“Do you remember what Father used to say about this place?” Sara asked while running.

“He said a monster is sealed here,” Eris replied. “One of the most powerful beings in the world. If anyone enters, it will kill them.”

“I never believed him,” Sara said. “I always thought he was hiding some great treasure.”

“This isn’t the time,” Eris said sharply.

They spotted a cave and rushed inside.

“It’s dark,” Sara muttered.

Suddenly—

A scream echoed from outside.

“Oh no,” Eris whispered. “He’s here.”

A deep voice echoed from the darkness of the cave.

“Who’s there?”

Eris spun around. “Who are you?!”

“I’m not talking to you weaklings,” the voice replied calmly. “I’m talking to the one outside.”

“Who are you calling weaklings?!” Sara snapped.

“Obviously you two,” the voice said. “The one on your back is somewhat strong.”

They stepped forward.

A man stood there—bound in heavy chains, his body covered in scars.

“Who are you,” Sara demanded, “and why are you tied up?”

“Free me,” the man said simply.

“We don’t even know why you’re chained,” Sara argued. “And you want us to free you?”

“So,” the man replied coldly, “you’d rather die fighting that thing outside?”

Eris pulled Sara aside. “We should help him.”

“What if he’s the monster Father warned us about?” Sara whispered.

“You never believed that story,” Eris replied. “And if he can save us, it’s worth the risk.”

Another roar echoed.

“We’re going to die anyway,” Eris said. “Please.”

Sara hesitated… then nodded. “Fine.”

Eris rushed to the chains—and froze.

“These are heavenly restricted chains,” she whispered in shock.

“Oh?” the man said. “So you really are a blessed elf.”

“What?” Sara snapped. “Who are you?”

“The demon is near the entrance,” the man said calmly.

“Enough talking!” Sara shouted. “Eris, break them!”

“I’ll try,” Eris said.

“Found you, little rats,” Kamas growled, entering the cave.

Sara stepped forward. “I’ll hold him. Eris—now!”

An arrow flew.

“You think you can defeat me?” Kamas laughed.

He swung his axe.

Sara was struck aside, crashing into the cave wall.

“Sara!” Liza cried weakly.

“Now come quietly,” Kamas said, grabbing Eris.

Lightning cracked.

The chains shattered.

In an instant, the man appeared—his fist slamming into Kamas and sending him flying out of the cave.

“What…?” Kamas staggered. “Who are you?”

The man drew two Dagger's.

"Who are you," the man "What's your name."

“I am Kamas,” the demon snarled. “The Sixth Sinner of the Demon King’s Sinister Six!”

“The Sinister Six?” the man said calmly. “They’ve grown weak.”

“What did you say?!”

Thunder roared.

In a flash of lightning, Kamas was cut apart.

Silence followed.

“That,” the man said, turning away, “is what I meant.”

He walked toward the forest.

“Please wait!” Eris shouted. “Help us!”

“I already did,” he replied.

“My sisters are badly hurt,” Eris pleaded. “We’ve been running all day.”

“You’re a blessed elf,” he said. “Heal them.”

“I can heal Sara in a few hours,” Eris said desperately. “But Liza’s wounds are deep—and cursed by dark magic. It will take days. What if another demon attacks?”

The man stopped.

“…No.”

Eris fell to her knees. “Please. I beg you.”

Memories flashed through the man’s mind.

“…Fine,” he said quietly. “I will help you.”

Thinking, They are just like us.

Together, they returned to the cave.

To be continued.