The world had evolved into a brutal landscape, where the execution of those considered unworthy became a frequent occurrence. This period was characterized by rampant violence, with bloodshed infiltrating every corner of society. Such savagery left profound scars on innumerable individuals, particularly impacting Ethan and his mother, Akari.
On a sunny day in Morn, Ethan and his mother Akari set out for grocery shopping.
"Ethan, where are you hiding?" Akari called out, fully aware of his location; she was merely engaging in playful banter.
"What's the matter? Can't find little old me?" Ethan replied, oblivious to the fact that she could see him from her vantage point.
"I believe I have figured out your hiding spot," Akari quickly responded to his voice, scooping him up and lifting him into the air.
"It's time to head out. I sense something is beckoning us, perhaps a bit of rest and relaxation, hmm?" She smiled, and Ethan nodded in agreement. She turned to leave.
"Where do you think you're going, missy? And that little one of yours, isn't he a demon?" Suddenly, she felt a grip on her shoulders. A man approached from behind, clad in a black and green outfit. He posed what seemed to be a simple question for the average person. "Ye—I mean no. Why do you ask?" She caught herself from affirming and quickly redirected with another question.
"Indeed, I am intrigued. I heard tales of a baby who fell from the sky five years ago, marked by a crest on his hand. They say he is the offspring of a formidable monster. However, as long as I do not see a crest, there is no reason for concern. My name is Ciel, by the way; do remember it," he stated, appearing satisfied. Akari nodded in acknowledgment.
"If you don't mind, I would like to inspect that child's hand for further proof that my intuition regarding a demon's presence is not mere coincidence. Would you allow me to do so?" Ciel asked, still harboring doubts. "I don't think that's a go—hey, what are you doing to the child?" She noticed something enter his eyelids and exit through the opposite side of his head.
"Eh? What a waste if he doesn't heal! That indicates he doesn't have the crest, and others have confused him for someone else." The sight of his eyes being grinded into bits transformed the mother's attitude from one of happiness and joy to one of what should I do.
As she sat there, unable to reach her son's dead body, she wept. Blood spilled everywhere, painting the town square crimson, bringing forth something unexpected: a creature crawling from his eyes sucked up all the blood and pumped it back into his body, recreating his entire face that had been lost seconds before. The mother for a moment then took a moment to recollect herself. The mother hesitated briefly, allowing herself a moment to compose her thoughts; this was not the first occasion on which he had perished. During the initial incident, the entire timeline regressed by a decade, plunging her and Ethan into a nightmarish reality where they were relentlessly pursued by bloodthirsty creatures that hunted every living being in sight. She was genuinely worried that he might die one day.
Ethan inquired with concern, "Mother, what troubles you? Why do your eyes reflect such pain?"
"What are you talking about?" she replied defensively.
"You cannot deceive me; I have endured suffering and torment, and I recognize that expression. It conveys a sense of mental fatigue." Ethan's tone shifted, taking on a more mature quality.
"I am simply worn out from encountering those who wish to take you away from me, and it is becoming burdensome," she explained.
"Ah, it appears they are no longer pursuing him, but rather you. Take comfort in that," the older Ethan remarked, possessing knowledge that seemed beyond his years.
"Hey, you there! Wasn't he supposed to be dead some time ago?" This was the moment when Akari and Ethan found themselves enslaved by humans. Years later, after enduring extensive abuse, the mother and son managed to escape, arriving in a small town named Nightfall while leaving their true identities behind.
"The flowers are quite beautiful, are they not? I do not believe I have encountered any quite like these before." She beamed, her smile illuminating the surroundings.
"Those are roses, Mother. Seriously, how could you not know? It is the first gift a Demon receives at birth. I find it hard to believe a Demon would be unaware of what a rose is, unless you are not truly my mother. Or perhaps you are suffering from amnesia? I lean towards the former, as amnesia in a Demon typically occurs only after their thousandth year. Remind me, how old are you?" Ethan inquired.
"I am merely fifty-five," she responded.
"Then why the deception? I feel as though I have been living a lie," he said, frowning.
Their bond remained intact, yet his feelings of betrayal created a rift between them.
"You conceal yourself behind a façade, driven by fear. You are afraid for your life, are you not?" he asked.
"Why are we meeting again?" she questioned, sitting at the edge of the round table, facing a man who would tower over her if he stood.
"Well, we are having a feast, so do not forget to care for my son Ethan, ensuring he remains unaware that you are not his true mother," he replied.
"What will happen if he discovers the truth? Is it the end for me?" she asked.
"Do not ask foolish questions. Until my wife is revived, I will not harm you, despite the fact that you killed her without mercy. I am unable to care for my son because of that. Do you even understand? Well, you need not worry. Just wait until he is at least ten before revealing the truth," he stated.
Everything faded away. The memory concluded.
"Listen, today is your tenth birthday. How about we play tag?" She struggled to find the motivation to reveal the truth, even though he was aware she was not his biological mother. Nevertheless, she had grown fond of the little boy.
"Mom, I am too old to play tag," Ethan replied.
He had always believed her to be his mother until recently. Although he still referred to her as "mom," his words lacked the warmth they once held, indicating a growing distance. What would she do when that man came to take him away from her? The thought filled her with despair, as it would be traumatic for her to face such a loss, It would result in her being entirely alone, anticipating a death that would never arrive.
On an unusually bright day in Nightfall, a place typically characterized by darkness and scarce agricultural growth, the atmosphere was strikingly beautiful and enjoyable, almost dreamlike. The inhabitants had longed for such a day, yet it could also be perceived as the last day of their tranquil existence. A violent mob of humans descended upon the town center, seizing women indiscriminately for the purpose of trafficking. "Hey, stop! That is my mother!" A young boy cried out in despair as his mother was forcibly removed from his side; there was no way to stop their descent into the hands of humans unless someone intervened. She had been restrained on the ground.
"Cease your struggles, madam; we will address that child at a later time if you do not comply. Rest assured, I uphold my commitments; the safety of the children is guaranteed provided you refrain from further objections. So what is it going to be?" he inquired. She responded by spitting on his foot.
"I will never give up, believe me! I am just like you! I want the same treatment as you! Nobody is a slave. This is especially true for a sex doll. I understand that this is your intention, especially given your inappropriate gaze directed at my chest. This behavior may also clarify the incidents involving the women you kidnapped last week. However, I would suggest that you consider pursuing a more fulfilling life for yourself rather than resorting to the objectification of others for your own gratification." She spoke. The man gazed into the distance for a fleeting moment, as if he perceived the presence of someone.
"The first meeting you experienced with a particular young woman may have appeared agreeable; however, it ultimately culminated in a tragic and violent outcome, did it not? You caused her considerable harm, and it is apparent that your conduct was unacceptable. Therefore, it is evident that you must confront serious repercussions for your actions." A spear materialized suddenly, plunging downward to impale both individuals in the abdomen, causing blood to surge forth.
"Mother, what just transpired?" It happened with such rapidity that it appeared as if he had been felled by a god or a force capable of delivering swift divine punishment. Yet, one must contemplate: do such entities genuinely exist? Is there any hope in this liberated world should they prevail? A shaft of light broke through the night's darkness. A man, approximately 6'7" in height, was dressed in a complete blue outfit, except for a black crown that rested upon his head. His long, wavy hair flowed down, and two elongated swords were secured at his side. "Greetings, I am Danny, a fellow demon. I hold the title of Demon Lord, or at least I am in the early stages of becoming one. Might you be the individual who called me forth?" Danny asked.
"No, I did not summon you." The response was delivered as the boy turned his gaze away from the Demon Lord." Danny inquired, "Could you please tell me your name?" He directed his question towards the boy, who was deliberately avoiding his gaze.
"My name is Ethan. What prompts your inquiry?" The Demon Lord's eyes gleamed with an intense longing to hold the boy, which altered his expression to one of deep sorrow.
"Young one, may I know your surname?" Danny's attitude changed, revealing a palpable tension as he seemed close to tears.
"Ethan Izumi." The sight of tears cascading down the Demon Lord's face compelled Ethan to question the source of his sorrow. "You are the offspring of my wife. I never expected you to endure in this realm without your abilities. Yet, you have. You even succeeded in summoning a deity, your father, back to the physical plane. I assume this is the person who took you in at our request?" Danny inquired, casting a glance at the girl nearby. "Indeed, sir. I am Akari Rosenfeld, and it is a pleasure to meet you in person," she responded with a smile, only to notice that some of her attire was torn, prompting her to quickly cover herself.
"Here, Akari, take this as a token of my gratitude for caring for my son." Danny produced a cloak from a sheet of paper, leaving Ethan to wonder how he accomplished that. As she wrapped the cloak around herself, she expressed her thanks to Danny.
"Shall I now inspect the crest upon your hand, young man?" Ethan acquiesced, succumbing to the intensity of Danny's gaze.
"Ah, I see. The crest of immortality and suffering. You bear an extraordinary emblem. It represents a deity whom you will eventually surpass," Danny observed, casting a glance at something on his own hand.
"You mentioned that you are only one half; where is the other half?" Ethan asked.
"Ah, Azathoth will arrive in twenty seconds. I am confident he will be pleased to witness your development," Danny explained. At that moment, a flash illuminated the dark sky with a reddish glow, signaling the arrival of another being. He stood around 6'9", dressed entirely in black, except for a crimson crown tilted on his head. His long, curly hair flowed down, and a long sword was fastened at his side.
"Who are you, child?" he inquired. After a prolonged silence, Ethan finally responded, introducing himself.
"I am Ethan Izumi." He remarked with an uncomfortable grin. "It is imperative that we once again take action in the affairs of this world. Did you see what that human intended to do to that woman? Such human filth does not deserve to exist. Would you not agree, Azathoth?" Danny inquired, his smile taking on an unsettling quality as Azathoth returned the gesture, glancing towards Ethan. "What if we were to train Ethan and the demon populace to become the most formidable adversaries against these human miscreants and any challenges they may present? We shall also engage in the fight to demonstrate that we are not to be trifled with, in the hopes that they will retreat." Azathoth responded with a subtle expression of desolation, suggesting that something was amiss. Ethan, curious about what could cause someone of Azathoth's stature to appear so vacant, sought an explanation. However, Azathoth remained mute until Danny gently tapped him on the shoulder and leaned in to whisper to Ethan, "The individual responsible for his wife's death stands before us now. He abandoned his quest to kill her, having lost all hope of reconnecting with you. He has since taken a new wife named Hirayama Yuu, but he would prefer not to disclose that information. This marks the beginning of your first confrontation. Now that this is clarified, what course of action do you wish to take regarding the girl?" Danny inquired of Azathoth, who then turned his attention to me.
"Let's take her in, I can figure something out." Ethan replied.
At that moment, I found myself staring into the horizon, my thoughts obscured by the vision of floating orbs in shades of green, black, red, and blue, each appearing to seek a connection with me. I extended my hand towards the black orb first. "Greetings, Ethan. I am Esvair, the first crest God. I have been watching you up to this point. I apologize for not intervening earlier," Esvair declared as he took on a human form before me. "It is perfectly fine. All's well that ends well, wouldn't you agree?" Ethan responded, providing comfort. "Indeed, that is true. However, I do have a request," Esvair proceeded, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. "What is it?" Ethan asked, curious about the nature of the request. "I wish to implant my essence within you so that I may assume control when necessary." Esvair elucidated his intentions while extending his hand. I agreed, albeit with specific stipulations. Subsequently, the green orb unveiled a woman named Tio, the third crest goddess, renowned for her proficiency in firearms and machinery. I embraced her presence within me but failed to establish any limitations, resulting in recurrent breaches of my implicit guidelines. A foreboding figure emerged from the red orb, a reaper standing at an imposing height of 100'6", infamous for beheading those within his gaze. Despite my refusal to accept him, he intrusively invaded my body without consent, eliciting a weary sigh from me. Subsequently, the blue orb revealed a male figure, embellished with feathers and a crown, his crimson eyes suggesting a power to resurrect the deceased. The consequence for anyone who slays this individual is a decade of enduring torment.
During that period, my father and I reconciled for the time we had lost while safeguarding our territory, known as Nightfall.
"Then he remarked that he could perform better in bed than both of us. That did not end well; I was asked to leave for the night, as she did not find it enjoyable. My advice is to strive to please a woman in any way you believe she would appreciate. Nevertheless, my son, what was life like down on Earth?" Azathoth inquired while staring directly at the ceiling, as though he found it unbearable to look at me.
"The experience was severe. I was regarded with disdain by all around me. I felt that I was in a better position, even in the depths of despair, than in that environment," Ethan remarked, concealing his face behind his hand.
"They ought to feel embarrassed. You would never cause harm to anyone or anything, and labeling you as a bad person is simply unjust. I am certain they did not even take the time to get to know you before passing judgment, did they?" Danny inquired, visibly angry.
"No, they never afforded me that opportunity," Ethan responded.
"They are the shitty individuals that require a lesson or two in judgment, but who am I to say that they aren't already receiving punishment?" Danny cracked a smile. "I noticed something: you constantly appear to wear a mask. Why are you hiding behind that mask, Ethan?" Azathoth focused over the mask's design before returning his attention to him. "I don't know." Ethan responded, wondering how he'd been wearing the contraption. "It's a talisman, and this design appears to be intended for protection. I wonder what would happen if I touched it? Ouch!" Danny tried to touch the mask, and his fingertips caught fire. "Damn, these things are the real deal." Danny instantly grasped and dipped his finger in cold water.
"Anyways," Azathoth facial expressions hinted that this was serious so I stood up stern. He continued, "It's about time we prep for war how's about it son?" He knew what was coming, so he accepted his father's imaginary outreached hands.
Ten years later...
Ethan had instructed his fake mother to blindfold herself. After a considerable amount of time, she eventually pleaded for his forgiveness. Ethan was the type of individual who would accept apologies but never offered a second chance once trust was broken, so he accepted her plea earnestly for the moment. He then removed the blindfold from her eyes, at which point the spirit manifested and regained its human form. Ethan had successfully resurrected his mother by utilizing the body of his fake mother.
"Hello, Dad, how is Mom?" Ethan inquired with a slight yawn, having just awakened and finding both of his fathers in his room. "She is doing well, dear," Danny responded with a smile. "Indeed, she is in the kitchen preparing breakfast for us all. It would be wonderful if you could greet her; she hasn't seen you in twelve years," Azathoth remarked, his frown betraying his attempt to conceal his emotions by covering his face with his hands. He chose not to press his father any further. Stepping out of his bedroom, he was met by the maid, Lily.
"Master Ethan, you appear well. I anticipated you would be fatigued after reviving Yuzu just yesterday. I am unsure how magic operates, but it is truly remarkable, I must say. Will you teach me magic someday?" Lily inquired, her cheeks flushing as she spoke timidly. He was convinced that this maid harbored feelings for him; whenever she was near, she would blush and attempt to engage him in conversation, which often led to discussions about potential dates. While he appreciated her affection, he was reminded that she was human. At eighteen, he felt that the age difference of four years was not significant.
"I believe it is due to my extensive mana pool that I do not require much rest. It is nothing, really. However, I do have a question," Ethan stated, his curiosity piqued as he decided to approach the topic gradually.
"Yes, what is it, Master Ethan?" she replied, her gaze locking onto his, making him feel as though she was peering deep into his soul.
"Are you in love with someone?" he asked, noticing her eyes shift away in embarrassment.
"U-um... I cannot say that I am! I mean, I do enjoy holding Master's hand while he sleeps..." she answered with a smile.
"That's somewhat unsettling—" Suddenly, a loud thud followed by a crash echoed through the room as the ceiling gave way. In an instant, chaos ensued. Ethan shielded Lily, who was injured but managed to narrowly escape the falling debris. There was no immediate way out; he would have to dig through the rubble for hours to reach the surface. The air was growing thin, and he realized that both of them were in grave danger. However, he remembered that he was immortal, while she was not. She was likely trembling in fear at that moment. " He glanced downward and observed that she was drooling.
"Master is embracing me so affectionately. Such devotion is remarkable. I feel so warm. I doubt I can endure this heat much longer." She seemed lost in her own thoughts.
"Goodness, why do I have the impression that this peculiar maid harbors fantasies about me?" Ethan exclaimed. At that moment, another thud and crash echoed as additional debris tumbled down. With Lilith still in his embrace, he grew concerned for their safety. He perceived a voice—the voice of the orb he had once dismissed, which had inexplicably fused with him.
"I understand the nature of this situation. I am capable of managing it in my human form," he questioned.
"I permit you to act as you see fit with this person, but first, kindly remove the rubble," Ethan replied, his smile revealing a sense of relief.
"It is wonderful to see you safe and sound, boss; we were genuinely worried after that large metal object hit." said the man associated with the blue orb, who was named Gavin, as he effortlessly lifted the rubble.
Ethan was understandably bewildered. "What—how did you even— I mean, I didn't even bring it up? Wait?"
"Where is Reaper?" Ethan observed his absence and sensed a lack where his presence ought to be.
"Do not worry about him. He will come back; just take it easy for now, alright?" Gavin remained calm as he provided this succinct reassurance.
"I requested that he remove the debris. Wait, can you clarify what you mean by a large piece of metal? I'm holding onto Lilith right now, and I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going before I collapse. Please tell me you have a plan." Ethan directed his gaze at Gavin, but silence prevailed until the final remnants of rubble were removed.
"In this realm, there are six deities. We are the foremost and most powerful, referred to as the Crest Gods. The second group comprises the Demon Crest Gods, acknowledged as the next most formidable. The third is the Robot God, who has never been vanquished by those of lower rank. The fourth is the Human God, perceived as one of the least powerful yet the most intellectually advanced species. The fifth is a rather unintelligent goddess, a feline deity, who possesses a somewhat menacing presence; she is known to stalk her prey and can inflict harm upon you through your dreams. Finally, the sixth deity is deemed the weakest, symbolized by a wooden sword that has the ability to slice through the fabric of space." Gavin conveyed the information he possessed. Nevertheless, if his claim about the weakest individual possessing the ability to traverse space holds true, one must consider the potential of the strongest. "I now realize that I miscalculated the ranking of the sword god; he ought to have been positioned fourth, while the human god was, in fact, sixth," Gavin stated, a hint of embarrassment apparent on his face. Ethan caught a fleeting glimpse of something from the corner of his eye; could it possibly be his father, Danny? Just as he was about to leave, someone grabbed him, but he succeeded in breaking free. There, among the ruins of the castle, lay his father, lifeless and severed in two. This horrific sight ignited a fury within Ethan; he struggled to fathom the extent of cruelty that could result in such a tragedy. In his embrace was the maid, the one who had always been there for his father. It was his responsibility to keep her safe. He was resolute in his decision to take action if his skills could protect his family and rescue his parents from their dire circumstances. Those who attempted to obstruct his path would encounter severe repercussions.