In the Kingdom of Aldervain, night had fallen, but darkness did not rule.
The palace was alive with celebration. Golden lights filled the halls, music echoed through marble corridors, and laughter rose high beneath painted ceilings. King Baldrick celebrated alongside his officials, generals, and nobles. Tables overflowed with food and wine, and dancers moved freely across the grand ballroom.
Outside the palace walls, the people celebrated as well. Fires lit the streets, fireworks burst across the sky, and children swam freely in the rivers. For the first time in a long while, fear had loosened its grip on Aldervain.
It was a celebration of victory over demons.
Even though Baldrick knew the truth.
He stood, raising a glass of wine, and the hall slowly quieted.
"The demons have fallen," he said clearly. "We do not know who struck the final blow, but we must not deny our own sacrifice. Over ten thousand of our soldiers gave their lives. In return, forty three thousand demons were slain by our hands before the rest were wiped out by a force unknown to us."
The nobles listened in silence.
"We also do not know what became of the demon lord," Baldrick continued. "But I believe, without doubt, that he has been defeated. For now, this is a victory. So tonight, we celebrate."
The hall erupted in cheers. Music resumed. Dancers returned to the floor, spinning and laughing. Baldrick returned to his seat with his officials, observing the joy around him.
One of his officials leaned closer. "Your Majesty, we still have no information on the one responsible. Our spies have found nothing. No nation claims responsibility."
Baldrick nodded slowly. "Is that so. Then we will remain patient. Whoever that person is, we owe them everything. Because of them, the Vastyrion Realm still exists. They are a hero whose name we do not yet know."
A general frowned. "With respect, Your Majesty, it may be impossible to find them. Our spies cannot even find traces of their presence."
Another palace official spoke, cautious. "If that is the case, then we must remain prepared. We should understand that person's purpose."
Baldrick folded his hands. "Saving lives. Killing demons. That is what I believe. It is only an assumption, but I hope they are nothing like the demons themselves."
The officials nodded in agreement.
Later that night, in his private chamber, Baldrick drank a glowing potion. Its warmth spread through his body, restoring strength and slowing the passage of age. This power was one of the reasons he had lived for over a century.
As he sat alone, his thoughts grew heavy.
Most of his life had been spent fighting demons. He knew better than anyone that they would never truly disappear. But still, he felt confident.
There was always someone.
Then a thought struck him, unexpected.
"What if the one who destroyed them is a Sentinel," he murmured. "Not fully awakened perhaps. Or just beginning."
He smiled faintly.
"If that is true, then the Vastyrion Realm will always stand at the top. Demons have tried for countless ages to claim this realm and others. Trillions of years of failure. Because Sentinels exist to stop them."
Elsewhere.
Michael stood naked in a quiet river beneath the open sky. Cold water rushed over his body, but he ignored it completely. His sword lay nearby on the riverbank, carefully covered so its glow could not be seen.
His dark blond hair hung wet and messy, falling to the back of his neck. Not long. Not short. His body was lean, defined, and impossibly tall for someone so young. Fifteen years old, yet standing close to one hundred ninety four centimeters.
He stepped onto the riverbank, water dripping from his skin, and looked up at the sky.
"I am starting to understand more," he said calmly. "Soon, I will learn how to live as a human who knows how to coordinate with others."
He paused, then continued.
"I am a Sentinel. And the higher being who owns this sword chose me."
The wind moved gently around him.
"I will fight demons for the sake of the Vastyrion Realm, and for all other realms that protect their people and reject demons."
His expression did not change. Not cold. Not happy. Just resolved.