The dark summoning circle beneath Kurai pulsed violently, casting shadows over the throne room. The air turned cold. Everyone stepped back in fear—this was no ordinary magic.
Just as Kurai's body began to sink into the circle, a voice rang out.
> "Stop!"
Priestess Aelina rushed forward, her hands glowing with holy energy. Alongside her, the temple's High Priests chanted purification spells. The demonic circle flickered, cracked... and vanished.
Kurai collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
The room fell silent, eyes flicking between the priestess and the boy.
> "What was that?" the king muttered, eyes narrowed.
Aelina slowly walked up to King Alvaron, her tone soft but firm.
> "Your Majesty… I beg you to spare him. Perhaps his abilities are sealed or dormant. He may be a late awakener. We cannot discard a summoned hero so recklessly."
The king's frown deepened.
> "He showed nothing but weakness."
Aelina leaned close and whispered something into his ear. His gaze sharpened for a moment—but he nodded.
She turned and knelt beside Kurai, pulling out a silver ring etched with protective runes.
> "This will shield you from fatal harm… for now," she said softly, slipping it onto his finger. "Even if the world turns against you… don't give up."
The king stood and addressed the court.
> "General Dragunov," he called, "you will personally train this one."
From the side stepped a tall, battle-hardened man in red-black armor. His gaze was sharp, and his arms crossed firmly.
> "As you command, Your Majesty."
The king turned away, his golden cape flowing behind him.
---
Later that Night
The royal Head Butler, a gaunt man with emotionless eyes, stepped forward.
> "Heroes, your rooms await. Follow me."
He guided the group through glowing marble corridors lit by floating lanterns. The students gasped as they entered their chambers—each room was like a palace suite.
Sonic's room had velvet carpets, a massive canopy bed, a private bath, and enchanted chandeliers.
Yuna's chamber had flower beds with healing aura, plush pillows, and a mirror enchanted to display beauty advice.
Tessa's room gleamed with crystal ornaments, a personal combat dummy, and silk curtains.
and other students get luxurious rooms
But when they reached the final door… the butler led Kurai down a narrow, creaking stairwell—into the basement.
It was filthy, filled with cobwebs, broken crates, a cracked stone wall, and a rotting wooden bed.
> "This is your room," the butler said flatly.
Kurai blinked. "Why... this place?"
The butler sneered.
> "Because it suits you. You're lucky His Majesty let you live. Be grateful we gave trash like you a roof."
> "Good for nothing like you should be thankful we didn't throw you in the sewers."
He turned and left, slamming the door.
Kurai sat silently on the creaky bed, staring at the ceiling.
> So this is how they treat the powerless… like filth. A summoned hero, they called me... but I'm nothing more than a slave to them. And all because I didn't shine like the others…"
His fists clenched. His heart, though hurt, remained quiet.
---
Dinner Time – Royal Dining Hall
Golden tables filled the hall. Steaming dishes lined the tables—roasted beast meat, glowing mana fruits, elven pastries, floating drinks, and fine silverware.
As Kurai approached a seat, Sonic stood and smirked.
> "Whoa, whoa, whoa. You think you can sit here?"
> "You're a stain, not a hero. Sit on the floor like the mutt you are."
He kicked Kurai in the stomach, sending him sprawling.
Laughter erupted. No one intervened. Not even the priests.
> "Someone bring the dog his scraps!" Sonic laughed.
A plate was thrown on the floor near Kurai. It had burnt bread, half-cooked rice**, and a bowl of watered-down soup.
While others dined like royalty, Kurai sat on the cold floor.
But he didn't eat.
He stood silently and left the hall, hunger in his gut and fire in his eyes.
---
Midnight – Royal Library
A towering building, surrounded by magic runes. Inside, thousands of ancient tomes floated mid-air and whispered knowledge into the silence.
Kurai walked in. A girl with gentle eyes and auburn hair looked up from her desk.
> "Oh! Hello, sir," she said with a smile. "I'm Lyra, a scholar-in-training. How may I assist you?"
Kurai's voice was quiet.
> "I need books. On awakening powers… and demon history."
Lyra tilted her head, then nodded.
> "I know just the ones."
She brought two tomes:
"Essence and Blood: Unlocking Inner Force"
"Lost Lineage: Forbidden Truths of the Demon War"
> "Be careful," she said softly. "Not all knowledge is safe to know…"
Kurai nodded and returned to his filthy room. His hands opened the book under candlelight.
He read deep into the night.
---
Next Morning – Training Ground*
Kurai stood in the dust-covered training field behind the palace, where General Dragunov awaited.
> "Where are the others?" Kurai asked.
> "Training at the Royal Academy. You're not welcome there."
The general tossed him a wooden sword.
> "Now. Show me how long you survive."
Without warning, Dragunov dashed forward and attacked. Kurai barely blocked, his arms shaking.
Blow after blow struck him down, but he stood back up. Again. Again.
Blood on his lip. Splinters on his hands.
> "You're weak," Dragunov muttered.
> "But not spineless. Keep going."
---
Late Night – Basement Room
Kurai sat by the candle again, flipping the pages.
From the power book:
> "Ki exists in all living beings. To awaken it, one must meditate while pushing the body to its limit. Blood. Pain. Discipline. That is the price of power."*
From the demon history book:
> "The last Demon Lord did not die. His essence shattered. His soul scattered—awaiting one with the vessel to awaken it once more."
Kurai's eyes widened slightly.
> "A vessel…?"
He stood and tried the breathing technique from the book.
His body trembled. His vision blurred. He forced energy into his core—too soon.
He collapsed, coughing up blood.
> "Hgh…!" He wiped his mouth. "I… I can't stop."
He leaned against the wall, breathing ragged.
> "I have to grow stronger… even if it kills me."
> "I have to return… to her."
Tears welled in his eyes.
> "My sister… she's all alone. Scared. Crying without me."
> "I promised her I'd come back… and I will."
> "Your brother will come home… I swear it."
He closed his eyes, blood on his lips, resolve in his soul.
---
To Be Continued…