Saruto stood in a realm untouched by human foot, his eyes wide with wonder and apprehension. This world was known as the Black Goetia, a dark dimension beyond human time, governed by the laws of power, knowledge, and absolute dominance.
Its cities were built of black stone, pulsating with infernal energy. At the heart of the kingdom rose a colossal palace, like a pillar supporting the sky, surrounded by smaller palaces, no less awe-inspiring or mysterious.
The sky was purple, constantly crackling with blood-red lightning. The rivers flowed not with water, but with cold flames, glowing without heat, gliding like liquid fire across the black earth.
Saruto stood in awe, observing this strange world, then murmured, "The world of demons… is unlike any world I have ever seen."
He strode steadily toward the kingdom until, in the distance, he glimpsed a colossal gate, so towering that one felt small before it. He moved closer, determined to enter, but before he could take another step, a terrifying creature appeared before him.
A huge black dog with eyes that glowed red and three heads, all staring at him simultaneously, each head bearing a different expression. Saruto froze, taken aback by the creature's imposing presence. Then the dog spoke in a terrifying, booming voice: "Intruder… stop right there."
Saruto eyes widened in astonishment. "It's talking…!" he thought to himself.
The dog continued in a menacing tone: "I am Cerberus, the gatekeeper of the Demon Realm. I will not allow you to pass. Go back the way you came."
Saruto raised his head steadily and said, "I want to meet the Demon King. I have something important to discuss."
Suddenly, Cerberus let out a terrifying howl, a sound that cut through the air like a sword, so loud that Saruto felt as if his skull would explode. He fell to his knees, clutching his ears, trying to block out the pain. "How could a dog's bark bring me down like this...?" he thought to himself with difficulty.
On the kingdom walls, a number of demons appeared after hearing the howl. They watched the scene intently, then one of them said disdainfully, "Intruder, go back where you came from."
Saruto didn't reply. Another demon said menacingly, "We warned you... bear the consequences of your actions. Cerberus, finish him off."
Cerberus sped off with terrifying speed, leaped toward Saruto, and struck him with a powerful blow. Dust billowed, and the target's vision was obscured for a moment. One of the demons said confidently, "He's finished... let's get back to our work."
But another demon suddenly shouted, "Wait... look there!"
Everyone turned, their eyes wide with shock. Saruto was holding Cerberus arm with one hand and had stopped his attack with astonishing ease. The dog was taken aback, before Saruto vanished from his sight in an instant.
In a flash, it appeared above Cerberus head, then placed its paw firmly on his head, crushing him to the ground and pinning him down with overwhelming force. Silence fell over the demons. "How can a mortal possess so much power...?" Cerberus said in shock.
But the dog didn't give up. It surprised Saruto and bit his arm so hard it severed it. "His hand is cut off!" one of the demons shouted with glee.
Cerberus laughed mockingly. "My fangs hold a poison capable of killing a hundred demons... It will tear your flesh apart from within!"
But Saruto smiled coldly. "You compare me to those weak demons?" he said contemptuously.
Before everyone's eyes, his hand began to grow back, forming from dark energy until it was completely restored. Then it spat out a black substance from its mouth, wiped its lips, and said, "Even your poison has no effect on me."
Cerberus and the demons recoiled in utter astonishment. "His hand… it's grown back… and he's rid himself of the poison! Who is this boy?" Cerberus exclaimed in astonishment.
"Boy! Who are you? And why have you come to the demon realm?" shouted a demon from atop the wall.
Saruto raised his head, and a tremendous aura of dark energy emanated from him, pressing down on everyone and forcing them to take a step back. "My name is Saruto… and why I'm here is none of your business," he said in a cold, decisive voice.
"What an arrogant fool!" one demon said angrily.
"Saruto… that name… where have I heard it before? Wait… isn't it…?" another muttered to himself anxiously.