Chapter 1: Investigation
The dimly lit room was shrouded in shadows, candles flickering like fireflies in the darkness. Three men huddled together, their voices hushed.
"There are crazy rumors going around about the Xylonia Empire these days," Shinji said, his voice tinged with concern.
Haruto nodded. "Oh, you mean the despicable monsters?"
Shinji's eyes locked onto him. "So you've heard about them, huh?"
"Yeah. I'm worried about the situation. They've been sending messages nonstop to the capital, searching for a hero."
Ryota snorted. "Hero??"
"Yes, according to the legend..." Haruto began to explain, but was cut off by Ryota, who didn't like stories.
"Another legend story," Ryota muttered dismissively.
"Hey, shut up. I'm trying to listen," Shinji warned, giving Ryota a sharp look.
"Okay, then I'll continue. I don't know about this one, but I guess it's real," Haruto said quietly.
Shinji muttered under his breath, "Real, my foot..."
"I've checked many books, and I think it's real," Haruto added confidently.
"Stop beating around the bush, Haruto. Get to the point already. I've already said I want to listen, so I am," Ryota said impatiently.
"Alright. Long ago—maybe not too long—there was a demon lord." (Ryota gasped at that line, signaling he wasn't paying attention.) "He sent his followers here to create our pure land, but lucky Elysian—thankfully—we were saved. Saved by one man!"
"Wait, one guy?" Ryota asked curiously.
"Yes. The books say he was a swordsman and he—"
As the men discussed the legend, a dark figure lurked in the shadows, listening quietly. The figure growled softly.
"...almost killed me, but luckily, I survived using my skills," the figure muttered. "Now these stories are being passed down through generations by these lowly humans. To them, I was..."
Meanwhile, in a cozy room, a father read a story to his son.
"He was killed by that man, and he was the—"
Back in the dimly lit room, Haruto suddenly exclaimed, "...HERO!"
Ryota raised an eyebrow in astonishment. "That hero guy died a long time ago, didn't he?"
"Obviously, but..." Shinji interrupted, "There's something called an heir."
"Wait a moment. An heir? How are we supposed to find the heirs of that guy? I doubt they'll be found easily."
"I'm sure they can be found," Haruto said confidently. "I can look into the heirs because they once became quite popular."
Just then, a female voice echoed through the room. "I will."
Ryota and Shinji turned, surprised. "Mika??"
Mika smiled, her eyes sparkling. "What's wrong, boys? Surprised to see me?"
Shinji stammered, "Ahh, I... um..."
Ryota asked, "Wait, how are you going to help him?"
Mika responded confidently, "Investigation, of course."
"Suit yourself. I'm sure such information won't be easy to find. It requires focus, effort, and many people," Shinji said.
"Yeah, that's right. But we won't be doing it alone," Haruto added.
"What do you mean, Haruto?"
"I'm here, aren't I?"
"I didn't ask you, Shinji! I know you're here."
"Hey, stop fighting like puppies. Mika's here, and she's good at investigations."
"Yes, maybe he's right. I can do it. Once I get the name, I'll start digging."
"Oh, yeah—the name. Check out the Tanaka family. According to my research, the hero was from that family."
"On it. Wait— is that even possible?"
"Oh, yeah. I had the same question."
"Yes, it's possible. And they also need protection."
"Protection from what?"
"Either from the Xylonians or monsters trying to finish the hero's heir."
"Oh, okay."
"Mika, we're all counting on you. Make this mission a success!" Haruto pleaded.
"Yes, sir!"
Mika left the room, cautious about calling the elders "boys."
---
**The Next Day**
The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the landscape. A five-year-old boy named Akirion played with his toys—a knight, a horse, and a demon. His mother called out, "Akie! Akie!"
Akirion ran to his mother, his face lighting up with a smile. "Yes, Mom."
"Could you help me set the table, please?"
His father, Eriolth, arrived carrying a wild rabbit. Akirion's eyes widened. "Daddy!"
Eriolth chuckled. "Wow, that was quite a run, son."
They laughed together as Mirabel, Akirion's mother, came over.
She greeted Eriolth with a cheerful smile and asked, "So, is the food ready? Do you want a bath or food?"
"I'll go for a bath, please."
Eriolth went for a bath while Akirion and his mother prepared for lunch.
After Eriolth finished his bath, they all sat down to eat. Akirion exclaimed, "I've made up my mind: I want to be a knight. You know, saving people from monsters."
"There's no such thing as monsters, Akie," his mother replied.
"But there are, Mom! Oh, wait—I left my knight outside."
"What? You left your toy outside?"
"I'll go get it now."
Akirion ran outside to retrieve his knight toy. As he turned back, he saw black clouds gathering, and within them, a pair of frightening red eyes stared back at him.