In a world where magic reigns supreme, an organization known as the Devil Hunters stands as humanity's last line of defense. Armed with powerful elemental magic, they hunt devils to protect the innocent and keep the forces of darkness at bay. Yet, every day is a struggle—each battle a gamble with death.
Fourteen-year-old Ryuji Takahashi stood in the training grounds, sweat dripping from his brow as he faced his father, Takeshi Takahashi, the renowned Supreme Devil Hunter. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the battlefield as father and son engaged in an intense sword duel.
Ryuji, breathing heavily, couldn't help but admire his father's skill. His sword clashed against Takeshi's with a resounding thud.
Ryuji (grinning): "Dad, you're so strong. I guess they don't call you the Supreme Devil Hunter for nothing."
Takeshi (smirking): "You think so?"
Their swords locked once more, the tension in the air palpable. Ryuji's sword cracked under the force of his father's strike, shattering into pieces. Ryuji's eyes widened in disbelief.
Ryuji (stunned): "Oh no... no way! It's not fair that you broke my sword!"
Takeshi (chuckling): "My bad, son. I'll get you a new one tonight. I promise."
Ryuji (scowling, fists clenched): "You'd better keep that promise, old man."
As Ryuji's temper flared, an unexpected voice cut through the air.
Devil Hunter (rushing onto the scene): "Captain! We have a problem. The King has summoned you."
Takeshi (pausing, his expression hardening): "Alright, Ryuji. We'll finish this later. Go home and help your mother with dinner."
Ryuji (grumbling): "Fine. But don't forget about that new sword!"
The scene shifted to Ryuji's home as he walked through the gate. His heart still raced from the duel, but he pushed the thought of the broken sword aside.
Ryuji (calling out): "Hey, Mom! I'm home!"
But as he reached the door, he felt a sudden weight on his shoulder. A cold hand rested there, and without thinking, Ryuji spun around, throwing a wild punch.
His fist stopped just inches from the stranger's face.
Ryuji (eyes wide): "Who—?!"
The person who had stopped his punch was none other than Leoric, the Prince of Virelia—and Ryuji's cousin. They were the same age, but their rivalry ran deep, with both striving to surpass the other.
Leoric (grinning): "Watch where you throw those punches, you idiot."
Ryuji (snarling): "You scared the hell out of me, Leoric!"
Ryuji's mother, Ruka, came out from the house with a warm smile, unaware of the tension brewing between her son and her nephew.
Ruka (cheerfully): "Leoric! How are you, dear? What brings you here?"
Leoric (grinning): "I'm doing well, Aunt Ruka. I couldn't resist the smell of your cooking. What are you making today? I'm starving."
Fumiko, Ryuji's younger sister, entered the scene with a quiet smile. Her presence always calmed Ryuji's nerves.
Fumiko (softly): "Hello, Big Brother Ryuji. Hello, Big Brother Leoric."
Ryuji shot a quick glare at his cousin but didn't say anything, more frustrated by the interruption than anything else.
The scene shifted to the royal palace of Virelia, where King Lucien stood at the head of a council meeting. His two eldest sons, along with the three kingdom generals, were in attendance. But it was Takeshi, the most trusted and respected of all Devil Hunters, who had been summoned for this urgent meeting.
Takeshi (bowing slightly): "My King, I've heard you've summoned me."
Lucien (with a weary sigh): "Takeshi, please. We're beyond formalities now. Everyone else, leave us."
The room cleared, leaving just Takeshi and the King. Takeshi's face darkened with concern as the King gestured for him to step closer.
Takeshi (frowning): "What is it, Lucien? What's wrong?"
Lucien (his tone grave): "I fear our kingdom is in great danger, Takeshi."
Takeshi (raising an eyebrow): "What do you mean?"
Lucien (his voice tight with tension): "Do you know of the Ancient Dungeon?"
Takeshi (nodding slowly): "Yes. The dungeon that breaks open once every 800 years. It's a well-known part of our history."
Lucien (his face grim): "Today is the day it will open."
A wave of anger and frustration passed over Takeshi's face. He clenched his fists.
Takeshi (snapping): "Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could have prepared!"
Lucien (his anger matching Takeshi's): "Do you think I had the luxury of knowing? The ancient texts say it will break every 800 years, but there was never a definitive timeline! How was I supposed to know it would be today?"
Takeshi: "Then we need to evacuate immediately."
King Lucien: "Are you a fool? Every other kingdom is our enemy. Do you think they will open their walls for us? And we don't even know the exact number of enemies. You could assume the entire kingdom will be under attack."
Takeshi's face tensed with worry.
Takeshi (gritting his teeth): "Then what should we do now?"
Lucien (his voice heavy with defeat): "There's nothing we can do but prepare for the worst. We can only hope the gods have mercy on us."
Back at home, Ryuji's thoughts were elsewhere. As he sat at the dinner table with his family, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Fumiko tried to cheer him up, but his mind kept racing.
Ryuji (muttering): "What the hell is going on? Why do I feel like everything's about to change?"
Leoric (teasing): "Because you're being melodramatic, like always."
Ryuji (annoyed): "Shut up, Leoric."
As the night stretched on, tension hung in the air. Ryuji could feel it — something was coming. The world was on the brink of collapse, and his family, his kingdom, everything he knew, was about to be torn apart.
And it all began with the breaking of the ancient dungeon.