On the vast continent of Eryndor stood two kingdoms.
At its southernmost edge lay Frostalia, a small kingdom ruled by humans. Though peaceful, it was constantly overshadowed by the immense empire that controlled the rest of the continent.
That empire was Darkain.
Unlike Frostalia, Darkain was not inhabited by humans. Instead, it was home to a race collectively known as the Dark Beings. Despite their name, they were not a single species but many.
Dragons ruled the skies.
Vampires hid within ancient castles.
Demons forged endless armies.
Elves protected enchanted forests.
Dwarves built magnificent underground kingdoms.
Werewolves roamed the endless wilderness.
Though vastly different from one another, every race bowed before a single ruler.
The one known throughout the world as...
The Demon King, Kritos.
To the people of Frostalia, Darkain was the enemy of the gods themselves.
Believing that no mortal could defeat the Demon King, they committed the greatest taboo in history.
Using a forbidden divine ritual, they summoned six heroes from another world.
Their sole purpose...
To kill the Demon King.
---
The battlefield was engulfed in flames, shattered mountains, and rivers of blood.
Countless demons charged fearlessly toward six figures standing amidst the destruction.
Leading them was a young man with snow-white hair that danced in the wind. His piercing sapphire-blue eyes remained calm despite the chaos around him.
He wore magnificent armor forged from the legendary metal Adamantium, reinforced with the scales and hide of an Ancient Dragon. Every movement reflected the craftsmanship of divine blacksmiths.
In his hand rested an elegant silver sword whose blade shone beneath the crimson sky.
Each swing was graceful...
Yet devastating.
Dozens of demons fell before they even realized they had been struck.
Beside him stood a beautiful young woman with long pink hair flowing behind her. Her emerald-green eyes glowed with overwhelming mana.
She wielded a magnificent golden staff crowned with a brilliant purple crystal.
Unlike ordinary mages, she required no chants.
She simply raised her staff.
"Infernal Flames."
An endless sea of fire erupted across the battlefield, reducing entire battalions of demons to ash within seconds.
A loud roar echoed through the battlefield.
A gigantic white lion charged forward, carrying a warrior with fiery orange hair and crimson eyes.
He wore pristine white armor beneath an elegant cloak made from the fur of a mythical beast. A beautifully crafted golden dagger rested at his waist.
The lion opened its jaws.
A tiny sphere of dazzling white light condensed before its mouth.
"Unleash..."
"Mighty Blast!"
The tiny orb exploded into an enormous beam of holy energy that erased everything in its path, leaving only scorched earth behind.
Near the rear stood a woman dressed in elegant white priestess robes embroidered with golden divine symbols.
Her long purple hair swayed gently as her deep violet eyes radiated compassion...
And judgment.
She raised her sacred staff.
"Divine Judgment."
A colossal pillar of heavenly light descended from the skies, vaporizing countless demons instantly.
Not far away, another hero calmly drew the string of his magnificent bow.
His jet-black hair fluttered in the wind while his steel-gray eyes remained fixed on his target.
He wore luxurious black-and-silver armor beneath a royal cloak lined with blue silk, each piece adorned with enchanted gemstones that shimmered with magical energy.
He released a single arrow.
The projectile pierced one demon...
Then split into hundreds of radiant arrows that rained across the battlefield like a meteor shower.
Death followed wherever they landed.
The final hero never fought openly.
Shadows twisted beneath the feet of unsuspecting demons.
Without warning...
A man with short brown hair and pitch-black eyes emerged from the darkness.
His dagger silently severed necks before disappearing once more.
Dark aura poured from his body, taking the form of gigantic shadowy arms that crushed every nearby enemy without mercy.
Within minutes...
The once endless army of Darkain had fallen.
Only one enemy remained.
---
Standing before them was an enormous pair of ancient wooden doors.
The air surrounding them felt unbearably heavy.
The white-haired hero tightened his grip on his sword.
"We're finally here."
He looked at his companions.
"Beyond these doors lies the throne room of Demon King Kritos."
"Today..."
"We end this war."
"We free this world from darkness."
"Everyone."
"Stay alert."
The six heroes slowly pushed open the gigantic doors.
BOOOOM!
The ancient gates creaked open.
Inside sat a colossal golden throne.
Upon it rested a terrifying figure.
The Demon King.
His body possessed the muscular form of a giant warrior.
His head resembled that of a massive goat, crowned with twisted black horns.
Golden lion fur covered his shoulders.
Razor-sharp tiger claws rested upon the throne's armrests.
His crimson eyes glowed like burning stars in the darkness.
The white-haired hero stepped forward.
"Demon King Kritos."
"We are the Six Heroes summoned from another world."
"Our destiny..."
"...is to kill you."
Silence filled the throne room.
Then the Demon King slowly opened his eyes.
His deep voice shook the entire castle.
"So..."
"Lowly humans have finally reached my throne."
"I showed your kind mercy."
"I allowed humanity to live upon this continent."
"And yet..."
"You dare raise your weapons against me?"
"Foolish."
The white-haired hero pointed his sword toward the throne.
"Enough talking!"
"I'll end your reign here!"
He vanished.
"Moon Slash!"
A crescent wave of brilliant silver energy shot toward Kritos.
Just before it struck...
A transparent magical barrier appeared.
BOOM!
The attack shattered against the invisible shield.
The priestess immediately raised her staff.
"Judgment of Heaven!"
A divine pillar descended from the heavens, crashing directly onto the Demon King.
Before the light disappeared—
The lion opened its mouth.
A tiny white sphere formed once again.
"Mighty Blast!"
A gigantic beam erupted forward.
The explosion consumed Kritos.
When the dust settled...
His left arm had been completely destroyed.
The assassin emerged from the Demon King's shadow.
"You've already lost."
"Shadow Hand!"
A massive arm made entirely of darkness burst from beneath Kritos, piercing straight through his chest.
Before he could retaliate—
The archer released another arrow.
"Light Arrow!"
The glowing projectile severed Kritos's left leg.
The mighty ruler collapsed onto one knee.
The pink-haired mage extended her staff.
A terrifying smile appeared on her face.
"Inferno."
Walls of crimson fire surrounded the throne.
The flames merged into a blazing vortex that swallowed the Demon King whole.
The castle trembled.
Kritos roared in agony as the inferno consumed his body.
Slowly...
He closed his eyes.
So...
This is defeat.
A fitting end.
I never imagined I would fall to...
He paused.
A faint smile formed on his burned face.
No...
Calling them ants would only insult the warriors who defeated me.
I...
Kritos...
The Demon King...
...have been defeated by the greatest heroes this world has ever known.
Darkness swallowed his vision.
Then...
A gentle woman's voice echoed through the void.
"Kritos..."
"Kritos..."
"Open your eyes..."
His consciousness stirred.
Who was calling his name?