Meanwhile in the Demon Forest...
The Demon Lord Deitas paced slowly through the cold, dark halls of his castle, accompanied by one of his trusted commanders — the Third General, Dektor.
Deitas stopped and looked at Dektor.
"Tell me, Dektor, why did you want to speak with me?"
Dektor hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I've been wondering, my lord… why didn't you kill that hero? What was his name… Ah, yes. Hero Aric."
Deitas smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with a strange light.
"Good question, Dektor. Let me ask you something first. What makes a demon a demon? Is it our terrifying appearance? Our horns? Or is it simply because we live in this dark forest?"
Dektor thought for a moment, then spoke confidently.
"Because, unlike other beings, we live to kill, to destroy, and to rule through fear. And the cruelest part… we take pleasure in the things everyone else hates."
Deitas chuckled darkly.
"Exactly. So why do you think I spared that hero?"
Dektor frowned, confused.
"If we love killing so much, why not kill him? And if we enjoy destruction, why haven't we destroyed and taken over the Empire of Vance yet?"
The Demon Lord's smile turned devilish.
"Because, dear General, if we destroyed everything… what would be left to enjoy? No more challenge, no more fun."
Dektor nodded slowly, finally understanding.
"No fun left, huh? I never thought about it like that, my lord. You're right."
Deitas grinned proudly.
"Of course I'm right. Why else would I be the Demon King?"
Dektor bowed.
"You are wise, my lord. I will take my leave now. Oh, by the way, Elder Nyx wished to speak with you."
Deitas's expression changed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"Elder Nyx? It's been a long time since I last heard from him. I mustn't keep him waiting."
As Deitas made his way to the elder's chambers, his mind raced. Elder Nyx… one of the oldest demons alive. He's served many demon lords before me and is said to be close to death.
What could he want? Maybe to say his dying words?
Deitas knocked gently.
"It's me, Deitas. You called for me, Elder."
A weak voice responded.
"Come in, Deitas. My time grows short, and there is something I must tell you."
Deitas entered, bowing respectfully.
"Speak your dying words, Elder."
Nyx's eyes, though dim, burned with urgency.
"You are the strongest demon lord of all those I've served, Deitas. You've conquered three of the four empires on this continent."
Deitas inclined his head.
"Thank you, Elder."
Nyx took a slow breath.
"But I have one question for you before I go."
"Yes?"
"I thought you were going to destroy the Empire of Vance today. Why haven't you destroyed it yet?"
Deitas stiffened, but quickly said
"I know you have always wished to see us demons conquer all the empires and rule over them, but I don't wish for my amusement to end yet."
Nyx gave a faint smile.
"An answer befitting a Demon Lord. Now, leave me be. By tomorrow, I will be gone."
"Elder, please don't say such things," Deitas said, forcing concern into his voice while inwardly wishing he could hasten the elder's death.
Yes, die already, you stupid Elder! Out of the four Elders, you were the most annoying one who always told me what to do. I wish I could kill you myself!
"Goodbye, Elder Nyx."
Deitas left the chamber, stretching his arms.
"That was exhausting… I could use some rest. I'll go to my room and take a nap."
Back in the Empire…
Aric walked slowly toward a small village outside the city. He carried a bundle of simple gifts — things he'd bought for his grandmother.
He knocked at the door of one of the houses in the village.
"Hey, Grandmother. It's me, Aric."
"Aric?" said his grandmother Elera in shock. "Is it really you? We haven't seen each other in a long time."
His voice was gentle as he entered the house. "I brought you some things."
He continued talking quietly as he sat on the couch, telling her about his journey and struggles. After a couple of hours, he stood up.
"I'll be off then, Grandmother. I'll go on a journey to get stronger, so stay safe."
"I should be saying that to you. So, you stay safe." Said his grandmother worried.
Aric looked toward his grandmother, sadness in his eyes. The doctor said she didn't have long to live… less than a year, maybe?
"Don't worry grandma, I'll stay safe.Goodbye."
"Bye, Aric. See you."
What now? he thought. Where should I go to train?
He had traveled far, training alongside the other heroes. But he needed something different now.
I could go to the same places I traveled with the other heroes. Since the other heroes did most of the fighting, I didn't really train that much. I'm a commoner — how could I step into the middle of a battle where nobles are fighting?
After a lot of thinking, he decided to go to a city called Aegis. He took a carriage to go there and put a cloak over him so people wouldn't recognize him as the red-eyed hero everyone hated.
The carriage jolted slightly as it neared the city of Aegis.
Aric looked out the window. Aegis… the city closest to the Demon Forest, the one most attacked by demons. If I go there, I can get stronger fighting the demons and protect the people.
He smirked for the first time in days.
Two birds, one stone.
The carriage suddenly stopped.
"Huh? What's going on?" Aric asked.
One of the riders spoke.
"Aegis is under attack again. We'll have to wait for the knights to deal with the demons."
Aric's mind raced. This is perfect. Well… bad for the city, but good for me.
"I'll help."
The rider shook his head.
"You'd best leave it to the knights, young man."
Aric nodded but made no move to sit back down. Now, as he stepped off the carriage, he pulled back the hood, revealing his piercing red eyes.
Whispers rose around him.
"Look! The Crimson Hero!"
"Is he here to fight the demons?"
Yes, he thought. I am the Crimson Hero, the hated commoner hero. You don't need to say it every time you see me.
With resolve, he stepped forward toward the city.
"I am the Crimson Hero, Aric," he said to the guards blocking the carriages from entering Aegis. "Let me help you fight the demons. I will save Aegis."
And with that, he charged foreword to protect Aegis.