The world stopped. The raindrops remained static in the air as if someone had frozen time.
The sky split, as if the darkness of night were nothing more than a lie.
The veil of the world fragmented like broken glass, revealing through it a clear and soft light that descended like a column joining heaven and earth.
A celestial chorus began to resonate in the ruins, announcing the arrival of a divine messenger.
From the sky began to descend a winged giant creature with ivory-colored wings and a golden halo shining above its head.
The creature descended slowly through the column of light, before the astonished eyes of Sylvie and Aku.
The demon king analyzed the creature, wondering if he could face it.
However, in his state he doubted he could do anything.
So he decided the best thing would be to maintain a peaceful position. He didn't know why it had come after all. Perhaps that angelic being didn't threaten his life.
"Hero," the creature's voice then resonated. It was soft but authoritative.
It was imposing but gentle.
Aku didn't feel in danger. Perhaps that being truly believed he was really Alexander.
"Yes?" Aku responded calmly.
The angel flapped its six pairs of wings rhythmically as it observed Aku.
"You have failed your mission, your sacred task of saving the world," the being began to explain. "However, the heavens are merciful, hero, and you will be granted a second chance."
Aku raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Sylvie, as if wanting her to explain what was happening.
However, the fairy didn't seem in condition to provide any information.
Not only did she seem just as confused as him, but she also seemed very impressed by that creature, perhaps even scared.
"I understand. What will this new opportunity consist of?" Aku asked with genuine curiosity.
The angel continued flapping while emanating golden light from its body.
With each flap, ivory-colored feathers detached from its wings, falling slowly, as if gravity affected them differently.
"As you may already know, this is not the only world, and you are not the only hero. There exist countless worlds with hundreds of different dangers, just as there exist thousands of heroes to save them."
The creature explained.
Aku was very interested in those words.
In his library, these worlds were already theorized about, and the hero himself came from a different cosmos.
He was aware that his world wasn't the only one in all existence, however he hadn't managed to discover too much information about these others.
"You see, when a hero saves the world, they are granted a wish. They can stay in their world, return to their old world with a gift, or be given the opportunity to save more worlds," the creature said as its body pulsed light particles that slowly filled the space around Aku.
The demon king wondered about their function, hoping they weren't dangerous for a "malignant" entity like him.
Still, it was comforting that that creature hadn't noticed the azoth in his body.
Or perhaps it had, but simply didn't care.
"However, if the hero fails, they are given two options: return home without remembering anything, or attempt to save other worlds," the angel explained.
Aku didn't have to reflect much on which he preferred.
He wanted to feed his curiosity. Returning to Alexander's world without memories was undoubtedly a terrible idea.
On the other hand, having the possibility of traveling to other worlds sounded much more interesting.
"Though if you choose the latter, it won't be easy. You must participate in trials to prove you have enough power to survive in other worlds, and attend an academy for heroes, where you will be instructed not to repeat your mistakes," the angel explained as it continued dancing delicately in the air.
Aku felt a smile draw itself on his face as growing excitement burned in his chest.
Participating in a trial sounded challenging and fun. He was very curious to know what dangers he was going to face.
On the other hand, the idea of attending an academy pleased him less.
Having to be locked up and study reminded him of his old hell in the castle.
However, he was still the demon king. If he wanted to be a hero, he had to learn about them.
"So hero, which path will you choose?" the angel asked with a majestic voice that resonated through the castle ruins.
Aku already knew the answer. There was no reason to doubt.
"I choose to be a hero," he responded. His normally indifferent voice now had hints of emotion in it.
At Aku's response, the angel flapped harder.
"So be it," it said as its brightness intensified until the observable world became an undifferentiated mass of white light.
Aku's heart beat strongly inside his chest.
His adventure had just begun.