A week after the culling.
The twin suns’ blaze illuminated the demon realm. A new day, a new beginning.
In the Chancellor's Mansion – The Front Gate
A guard on the left of the gate said, "Have you heard the news?" to the right guard. He replied, "What is it?" The former continued, "They say yesterday an envoy from the demon king's castle appeared. They appointed the previous lord as the ruler again and left without a word." The latter asked curiously, "Really, just like that? Does that mean the people's sufferings will finally end?" The former replied, "Maybe it's finally time for peace to return to the western kingdom."
A veteran old guard came by. He said, "Stop your chitchat while on duty." "Sorry, sir," both replied simultaneously, bending their heads down.
Shield’s Rest Tavern – Second Floor
In the rebuilt Shield's Rest Tavern, in a room on the left corner of the second floor, sunrays fell on Leo's face, who was lying on his cot. He slowly opened his eyes.
Knock knock... Someone was outside Leo's room. Leo stood up, walked to the door, and opened it.
Outside stood Ryan. He said, "Good morning, friend," with a bright smile almost as bright as the twin suns themselves. Leo, with a warm smile, replied, "Good morning, Ryan." Ryan continued, "Leo, sorry for disturbing your rest. The old lord has called you to his castle." Leo replied, "It's about time I moved this body lest it rusts." "Hahahaa," laughed Ryan. Then the duo left for the mansion.
Streets of the Kingdom
On the way, the duo could see the streets being rebuilt. The homes were all in shambles.
The demons of the kingdom, though strong, are also at the end of the day just living, breathing people. Their faces showed signs of fatigue. From the young to the old, all were tired. But something was different from the past—though work had pushed their bodies to their limits, their eyes held a fire in them. It was filled with life, a hope for tomorrow, a new beginning.
Seeing this, Leo was satisfied. The duo finally reached the mansion.
Inside the Mansion
"Greetings, saviours." The guards greeted the duo, then led them into the luxurious, gold-clad, sunlit mansion. They arrived outside the head office. Guards were at the door entrance.
"The saviours of the western kingdom have arrived," they shouted. "Let them in," an old, gentle voice called from within.
The duo entered the room. It was a medical-style huge room plated in gold-bordered walls, painted with elegance. Bane was sitting in his majestic golden chair, at a desk filled with paperwork almost reaching Leo's shoulder height.
The duo saw familiar faces in the room—Tom, Reed, and Stark already seated opposite Bane. "We were waiting for you both," said Stark. "Sorry for the delay. Our hero was sleeping like a log," said Ryan. The gang laughed.
"Now that all are here, let's get to the matter at hand," said Bane. Everyone nodded.
The Meeting
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"Yesterday, an envoy from the demon king arrived. He gave orders for me to lead the western kingdom again and left," said Bane.
"It has to be a scheme, some elaborate plan to harm people, exploit them," Ryan voiced his opinion.
"Maybe so, but this is at least favourable to us," said Tom. "Exactly. With Lord Bane here, we can be rest assured," said Stark. All agreed.
"Now, on to the next topic," continued Bane. "What of the core's status?" asked Bane.
Tom replied, "The core is made anew. It will at least last for a few hundred years. The barrier is back online. The maintenance crew is ready and working as we are talking."
"Good job. I can rest assured with you here," said Bane. Reed spoke, "That's great to know." "Exactly," said Ryan.
"What do you plan to do, Leo? If you can stay, I will give you the vice-lord position. You can serve the people and lead them when the time is right," said Bane.
Leo replied, "Sir, thank you for thinking so highly of me, but I have to kindly refuse your offer. I have to search for my master. I only have this medallion he left for me," he said, showing the medallion to Bane.
Ryan asked, "Do you know where to start, Leo?"
"I don't have the slightest idea," replied Leo.
"Maybe I can help you, Leo," said Bane. "Meet me after the meeting," he continued.
All understood the meaning of this and decided to remain silent.
The meeting continued and ended after a long time. It was almost noon. Reed, Stark, Ryan, and Tom exited the room. Only Leo and Bane remained.
The Truth Revealed
"Leo, tell me all about yourself," said Bane.
Leo decided to trust him and shared his story. "So your sister was killed, you escaped to the Forest of Nightmare, and an old bald man saved you and became your master. After he left, you came here, and the rest is history," said Bane.
"More or less, you are right, sir," replied Leo.
"Can you give me the medallion?" asked Bane.
Leo placed the medallion in Bane's hands. The moment his hands lost contact, white smoke arose from Bane’s palms, he bit back is pain, his hands scald, He shook his hand; the medallion fell.
Leo saw this. Agitated, he immediately rushed over, retrieved a healing potion from his pouch, and applied it on Bane's hand. The wound did not heal as fast as it should have.
Leo was surprised. "Sorry, sir, I didn't know that would happen. I don't know why the potion isn’t working," he said, trembling.
"It's alright. Calm down, Leo. It's just as I thought," said Bane.
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Leo, confused.
"I understand now why the demon king killed your sister. He must have found out," said Bane.
Leo was flustered. His hands shook as he stepped toward Bane. "The hell do you mean? What do you know about my sister? Tell me!" he shouted, slamming his hands on the desk.
Bane stepped forward, picked up the medallion with a kerchief, then went near Leo—about a foot away—and knelt down, holding the medallion high.
"It is an honour to be in the presence of the descendant of the great King Leonard. Decades ago this old bone swore an oath to the old king i was unable to proct him but I swear now I shall protect you with all that remains in this old bone . Accept my oath, my king."
Leo was flustered. His anger turned to confusion.
"Sir, please explain. What do you mean?" he asked, gently helping Bane up.
"This, my king, is the Medallion of Heaven. Only those of the bloodline of the demon kings can hold it without being burned. I heard stories the old king met the love of his life after he brought back the adopted prince. Rumours say he had two children—a boy and a girl. But the king soon announced both were stillborn, and the queen died giving birth, the castle walls held the secrets whispers of your birth ,the whispers died down as quietly as they arouse.."
Leo was stunned.
"I always thought, if only you survived, the kingdom would not have lost its peace. But heaven’s not cruel after all. You live. There is still hope," said Bane, tears flowing.
"Is it really true? I am the king's son? So my sister was killed because she was found out by the tyrant?"
"I do not know the answers to your questions, my king. But I do know who does," said Bane.
"Who?"
"The old magic demon, Star. He’s still in the Magic Towers, just retired. He was a loyal servant of His Highness."
Leo's mind raced. “So that’s why my sister was killed. So I am the heir to the throne. Then the duty I adopted was not something I adopted—it was one I was born to. It’s my duty to protect the people from that tyrant.” His resolve never stronger.
"Thank you, sir. Thanks to you I now understand the path I should traverse. But please keep it a secret. Nobody should know of this. And please... call me Leo."
"Your wish is my command, my king," said Bane.
Nightfall
Bane offered to prepare travel supplies. Leo declined the escort to avoid suspicion. They exited the room.
Leo returned to the tavern, ate lunch, then rested. He had a lot to think.
That night, the blue moon illuminated the sky. Leo wandered, unknowingly ending up by the pond near the park.
The owls hooted. Fishes swam. The wind whispered. Nature’s calm helped him reflect.
Thud. Thud. Thudd... Footsteps neared.
Leo turned. A shadowy figure stepped out.
"Hey Leo, you free?" asked the figure. It was Ryan.
Regaining his composure, Leo said, "What’s up, friend?" "I have something to talk to you about," said Ryan.
Now Leo’s birth secret is revealed. What does Ryan want to talk about? Where will this journey take our young king? Stay tuned to find out.
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Dear seekers of lore,
Season 2 begins today, and the legend continues to burn ever brighter! As promised, chapters will be posted every other day, starting from August 9, 2025. Mark your calendars and keep your fires lit—each new tale is forged in the glow of destiny.
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Chapter 21: Saturday, August 9, 2025
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Chapter 22: Monday, August 11, 2025
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Chapter 23: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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Chapter 24: Friday, August 15, 2025
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Chapter 25: Sunday, August 17, 2025
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(Ongoing: every other day thereafter)
Episodes will appear each evening, so you can gather round the fire at sunset and lose yourself in the saga.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and spread the legend. Your presence and words keep this fire alive!
—Lore Weaver