The Heroes' Side – Sacred Training
In the western highlands of Iseria, at a vast military camp known as the "Garden of Light," the five heroes of mankind were undergoing intense training.
Rather than being sent directly to the frontlines, they were instructed to "learn to root out evil from its smallest seed," as the priests proclaimed.
Takeshi, the class president, held the holy sword in his hand, sweat dripping from his earnest face. He was being trained by an old man with white hair and sharp eyes—a direct descendant of the Hero of Light from a hundred years ago.
> "Grip it firmly. Light is not just power—it is conviction."
Elsewhere, Rael arrogantly showed off his magic skills against small monsters like goblins and shadow wolves.
He earned praise from the soldiers, but sincerity never once touched his face.
> "Hah, these are what they call threats? This world is too easy."
But none of them yet knew the truth:
that this training was not to save the world from real darkness—
but to mold them into weapons.
Strengthened, purified, and eventually deployed into conflicts that were carefully engineered.
---
Arian's Side – A Civilization from Ice
Snow fell gently on the village below the castle.
But now, it no longer symbolized suffering—it had become a sign of beauty.
In the village center, low-ranking demons stood in simple rows, listening to a black-haired young man who stood atop a flat stone.
Arian.
He was no longer just a demonic hero.
He had become a leader.
After establishing a hunting party to gather wild animals from the nearby frozen forests, the village's food supply was finally stable.
Children began to play, demon women sewed warm clothes from animal hides, and the men began constructing simple buildings—food storage and watchposts.
Snow was no longer a threat.
---
The Castle Tower – Nighttime
On a castle balcony not yet fully restored, Arian and Velmira sat side by side, gazing at the stars.
> "If you weren't the first to call that sword… how do you know so much about Necral?" Arian asked softly.
Velmira gave a faint smile.
> "My father was once the high priest of Necral. Since childhood, I was taught the history of the Ice's power—and how the world feared the will of frost."
She turned to look at Arian.
> "But you… you're different. You don't seek to terrify the world.
You want to reshape it."
Arian didn't answer, only staring at his hand, which grew colder each time he used ice magic.
> "I don't want to be a hero.
But if no one else will stand for them…" he pointed toward the village,
"…then I'll be the world's enemy for their sake."
Velmira paused for a moment, then said,
> "You're insane."
"But the kind of insane that has purpose."
They laughed softly.
And maybe, for the first time, the night felt warm.
---
Next Steps
In the throne room, Arian spread out rough diagrams of the surrounding lands.
Several old map scrolls were unrolled across the stone table.
> "We need to expand the castle grounds," he said seriously.
"I want to build an outer wall, strengthen our defenses, and search for metal or hard stone mines. This village is far too vulnerable."
Velmira nodded.
> "If we can find a cave path in the northern mountains, there may still be ruins of the old demon clans. Many used to live there before they vanished."
> "Good. I'll send a small squad. Choose only the ones you trust the most."
With the village foundation stabilizing, and the bond between Arian and Velmira quietly growing amidst snow and starlight,
the Ice Demon race finally began a new chapter: Reconstruction.
---
Closing Notes:
The Heroes still remain unaware of the true conflict.
The Church prepares its propaganda to spark war.
Arian begins expanding territory and reinforcing the castle's foundations.