Cassian wallowed in despair for a moment before his mind shook with intensity.
"I swear to protect the human race with my very life. Contributing any and every ability I possess to the furtherment of mankind."
It was the pledge his father had taught him, and it was the words he planned to live by. His father was also a swordsman, and a powerful one at that.
He picked Cassian up after he ran away from an orphanage and took care of him for several years. During that time, he taught Cassian swordsmanship strictly and even more religiously taught him about morals.
Dozens of phrases and memories about his father passed through his head. Strength filled his heart, and he stood straight up.
"I won't give up,"
"I won't ever give up."
One man had done it before, Gustav Drake. The only F-rank in the world to become a powerhouse. He had the martial artist class, which had powerful skills, but relied on high stats. He had a similar starting point to Cassian, which filled him with hope.
Cassian had spent hours testing his sword slash skill and trying to acquire the new skill he decided to get first. He knew that it wouldn't be simple to gain any skill, but it was his only option. He did not have money for any resources, and entering a dungeon in his state would kill him.
The sun had long gone down, and a slight chill was gnawing at his burning muscles. He checked a clock inside the house and found it was his usual time to go to bed. Training too much would have an adverse effect.
Just as he went to clean up his gear, a man appeared out of thin air. He was wearing a noble white suit, with slicked-back black hair. His face was handsome and held a respectful smile.
"May I ask what you are doing here?"
He knew that the man was vastly more powerful than himself.
"I am here to offer you a deal."
As the man spoke, Cassian's gut tugged at him in worry.
"And what would that deal be?"
The man walked closer until he was right in Cassian's face.
"Simply put, I am the demon king, and I have plans to invade the human realm." As he said these words, two long horns grew out of his head.
Cassian's eyes widened. Humans mainly fought monsters in the dungeons, but demons invaded the human world. They attacked every couple of decades, and each time they brought mass death and devastation. Humanity kept losing its strongest awakened every time they invaded.
"And what is this deal?"
He knew that he had no ground to stand on in front of the demon.
"Very good, the deal is that I and my forces won't invade the human world as long as you allow me to torture you."
The demon kept his face calm.
"Torture me?"
He was afraid, but it was not the time for such emotions. This was much bigger than himself.
"Yes, it's a tradition of the demons to hold out until the person tortured admits defeat."
Cassian's mind raced; now was the time to prove himself. That he could save humanity.
"What are the specific conditions?"
The demon smirked, "Brilliant, the conditions are that neither I nor any of my forces will invade the human world until you verbally give in or die, and you cannot tell anybody about our deal, you being tortured, or your knowledge of the existence of demons."
"What if you kill me?"
He would not let such an obvious loophole go unnoticed.
"I will not kill you."
"That doesn't sound very reliable."
"Do you have a choice?"
Cassian froze, but quickly recovered.
"You say your forces won't invade. How many of the demons are in your forces?"
"All of them." The demon said beguilingly.
Cassian froze; every single invasion from the demons before was not united. Each demon king led their own forces separately. It was one of the reasons humankind was able to repel them.
If this demon was able to gain dominion over them all…
'Just how powerful is he?'
"Do you have any other questions?"
"What will you do if I refuse?"
Cassian felt a subtle change in the demon's demeanor; there was no visible change, but he seemed just a bit happier.
"Then I will simply have to choose another person to bear the weight of mankind."
Cassian knew exactly what the demon was trying to do; he wanted to pressure him into accepting. How comfortable could he be leaving the fate of humankind to another? He did not forget the pledge he recited mere hours ago.
'If I run now, won't I be a coward?'
"Is that all?"
"I believe so."
Even his words were so uncertain, they were completely unreliable, but that did not change anything. He had no choice but to accept.
"I will agree to your deal."
The demon smiled evilly, "Then I must introduce myself. I am the king of all demons, but you can just call me Cypher."
"Cassian." He gave an equally confident smile and extended his hand to the demon. It was the only thing he could do: stand bravely. His life was entirely in Cypher's hands since he appeared in the yard.
If Cypher wanted him dead, it was as easy as a snap of his fingers.
Cypher's smile grew even wider, revealing sharpened teeth and his cheekbones raised too high. He took Cassian's hand and shook it firmly, "Shall we begin?"
Before even waiting for an answer, he clapped his hands twice in quick succession. Their surroundings changed immediately. They were now in an empty room with only three features: a white tiled floor, black walls and ceiling, and a single wooden door on the far side of the massive room.
"You will come here every night for your torture."
Cypher informed him as they walked closer and closer.
Once they were mere inches from each other…
WHAM!!
Cypher had slapped him across the face.