The commander returned trailing the robes of disappointment, wrapped in a bitter silence as he stepped over the snow that showed no mercy to his broken spirit. Upon his arrival, his first question was about his son: Was he still confined to his place, or had he departed in rebellion? The guard answered in a calm tone, "He showed no resistance, sir. He awaits you in his tent with the dignity of the patient."

  Inside the tent, the scene hinted at a deferred storm. Everything was organized with meticulous precision. In the center sat the young man on the ground, his sword cast beside him like a tamed beast, his eyes fixed on the entrance. It was not peace that enveloped him, but rather the stillness of a volcano seething beneath a thin layer of ice.

  The son raised his gaze toward his father and spoke in a decisive tone: "I expected this outcome, Father, so do not grieve. The solution was clear from the beginning: to fight the Ice Lord and reclaim my sister’s necklace."

  The father tried to absorb his anger: "My son, you realize full well who the Ice Lord is... he is our savior."

  The son interrupted him sharply: "I know that all too well. I witnessed his miracles long ago. But for how long shall we continue to feed on that memory?"

  The father sighed deeply: "We shall remember them as long as we live. And if you wish to remember, then remember the hero you have forgotten... or have you forgotten Rose?"

  The son’s face darkened, and pain gripped his features: "I have never forgotten her. The blade of her agony is still embedded in my heart. I am trying to be patient, Father, but the time for waiting has run out. I have a right I will reclaim, and there is nothing left to keep me here."

  The father took his son’s hand in a final attempt: "My son, the Ice Lord has never committed an evil act. If it weren’t for him, the sea beast would have devoured us in a moment of treachery. Even you... you were once his loyal deputy."

  The young man replied as he withdrew his hand: "Father... I either return with the necklace, or I do not return at all."

  Chapter Two: The First Demon’s Sword

  At the Ice Squad camp, Andrei asked curiously: "Why did that tribe attack us?"

  His companion replied: "You are new here, Andrei. You will know everything in due time."

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Their conversation was cut short by the appearance of Hyuga, the leader of the Ice Squad, who eyed the newcomer with a scrutinizing look: "Welcome... so you are the one sent by Alexander, the Commander of the Knights? I wouldn't have accepted a new member if it weren't for his recommendation. Now, show us the strength you possess."

  Andrei answered hesitantly: "In truth, I cannot use my magical powers, but I possess this sword."

  The onlookers were astonished: "A sword without power?"

  Andrei added in a low voice: "This is the First Demon’s Sword."

  A heavy silence fell, and all eyes turned toward the cloth-wrapped blade with suspicion. Hyuga said in a commanding tone: "A warrior without a sword and shield is nothing but a walking corpse. Remove those wrappings and swing it."

  Andrei removed the bandages and moved the sword through the air, but silence was the only response. No spark, no glow, no power.

  Hyuga commented coldly: "Perhaps its power has faded through the centuries. No matter. Your first mission begins tomorrow; you will accompany Emily to the neighboring village."

  Chapter Three: Clamor and Innocence

  In the village, the meeting was warm with Uncle Takumi, who thanked Andrei for his kindness toward his daughter, Emily. Emily asked in a mischievous tone: "There is one thing you must admit... I am the eldest here!"

  Andrei laughed: "Eldest in what? In your short stature or your long tongue?"

  Before he could finish his sentence, a cooking pot landed on his face. Emily shouted: "In the wisdom of my mind, you 'Rice-Brain'!"

  They set off toward the mountain to collect the bears Andrei had hunted earlier for their meat and pelts. While Emily was prattling on about her commercial brilliance, Andrei suddenly felt a terrifying aura approaching.

  He shouted a warning: "Emily, hide now! An extraordinary power is drawing near."

  Chapter Four: The Thundering Encounter

  A stranger appeared, glancing at Andrei with a look of appreciation tinged with arrogance: "Who are you? You aren't a familiar face. Are you the one who felled these bears? Not bad, boy."

  Andrei answered firmly: "I am Andrei, of the Ice Squad."

  The stranger replied with a mysterious smile: "The Ice Lord has begun choosing his members carefully, then. Forgive me, for I have business in that village."

  Andrei blocked his path: "You shall not pass. That direction leads to our village. What are your intentions?"

  The stranger laughed: "I am going to fight the Ice Lord to reclaim what was stolen from me."

  Andrei said as he drew his sword: "Then you shall not pass except over my dead body."

  "Boy... you talk too much. I have already passed you."

  In the blink of an eye, the man vanished from before him and appeared behind him. Andrei could not comprehend what had happened; the man's speed defied logic. Andrei tried to attack, but the stranger toyed with him like an untouchable shadow, ending the bout with a powerful kick that sent Andrei to the ground.

  The stranger said, looking down at him with contempt: "You need training. You are far too weak."

  At that moment, deep within Andrei’s consciousness, the Demon King dwelling within the sword smiled a terrifying smile and whisper

  ed: "This is truly interesting..."