Asmodeus was thrown into the Sacred Forest the moment he was born, before he could even understand what was happening.
If an old sword master had not found him, he would have died there.
(Asmodeus tries to secretly escape from sword training.)
"Trying to run away again, you filthy brat?"
The moment those words were spoken, Asmodeus was grabbed by the back of the neck.
Arthur.
Arthur was the legendary king who once ruled Britannia. Betrayed by the Church, he had fallen into this forest, waiting for death.
BAM! CRASH!
"Hey! Brat! Where are you?! What was that sound?!"
It looked as if Asmodeus had been taken by something.
Arthur searched every inch of the forest, but found nothing—
until he looked beneath the ground.
A gigantic worm.
Arthur drew his legendary sword, Excalibur, and cut the creature down in a single strike.
"Didn't I tell you not to go outside without me, you idiot boy?
This place is extremely dangerous—especially for a brat like you who can't even use a sword properly."
"Stop looking down on me, Arthur! If my hand hadn't slipped, that thing would be dead already!"
Arthur burst into laughter.
"What are you laughing at?!"
Arthur lifted Asmodeus onto his shoulder and carried him back to the house he had built from wood.
"Asmodeus… if you ever manage to leave this place, you will be my successor.
This sword will be the proof of that."
"There is a great darkness within you. But whether you control it or are consumed by it—that choice is yours."
"My time is running out. If I die… my sword will be yours."
"Don't say such stupid things, Arthur. You're strong—you won't die."
Asmodeus said this with tears filling his eyes.
Night fell.
"Hey, Arthur… what is the outside world like? Beyond the barrier?"
"Humans are cruel and cunning creatures. But one day, you will find people you love—friends you can trust."
"Choose them carefully. Do not be betrayed."
"The moment you escape into the outside world, go to Lancelot.
He is the only man I ever trusted. He will help you."
Because Asmodeus possessed dark techniques, the barrier would turn him to ash instantly.
But the barrier had one weakness.
The next day—
"Hey, Arthur… wake up. Arthur? Great King Arthur?"
Arthur was no longer breathing.
The moment his presence vanished, demonic creatures began surrounding the house.
There was no time to mourn.
BAM!
The door was smashed open.