For the next 17 moons, the five warriors and fifteen young men ran around the open area, their feet pounding the earth in a relentless rhythm. Demos, meanwhile, crafted wooden swords and spears, his hands moving deftly as he shaped the wood into deadly instruments.
As the moons passed, Demos began to teach the five warriors—Gorthok, Thane, Ryker, Maverick, and Kael—the art of hand-to-hand combat. They gathered around him, their eyes intent as they absorbed the intricacies of every move.
"Use your opponent's strength against them," Demos instructed, demonstrating a series of throws and takedowns. "A true warrior uses his mind as much as his body."
Gorthok, a towering giant of a man, proved to be a quick learner—his massive fists crushing any opponent who dared to step into the circle. Thane, on the other hand, relied on his speed and agility, dodging and weaving with graceful precision.
Ryker, Maverick, and Kael each brought their own unique style to the training, their movements fluid and deadly as they practiced Demos' techniques.
Occasionally, Demos would join the young men during their laps around the training field, his wooden sword slicing through the air with a menacing whoosh and striking true with a bone-jarring crack. Laughter and the clashing of wood filled the air, echoing across the land.
The fifteen young men, once inexperienced tribesmen, were slowly transforming into skilled fighters, their bodies hardened by the relentless training. Demos watched them with pride, knowing they would soon be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Beneath the shade of a tree, Demos opened the system interface.
Name: Demos S. Sparta
Age: 15
Level: 2
Health: 100/100
Strength: 27
Agility: 27
Intelligence: 30
Ability: Warrior's Heart
Status: (Info) $#$$¥₩$##¥¥¥ / (#_#$#) Sealed / (#$$#$$) Sealed
Unique Ability:
– Five-Colored Lightning (First color: Blue)
– Ice Age (Sealed)
Language Pack Installed: Azuran Language
Skill: Hand-to-Hand Combat (Level 1)
Mission: Rename the Tribe – Complete
Reward: Location of the Next Race – Complete
Task: Train 15 young warriors to become true warriors; teach five elite warriors the art of hand-to-hand combat.
Reward (Pending): Weapon Master – Grants the ability to instinctively understand and wield any weapon as if it were part of the wielder's body.
Demos' eyes gleamed. The reward, Weapon Master, was exactly what he needed. He stood and called out across the training grounds.
"Thane, Ryker, Maverick, Gorthok, Kael! Gather around!"
The five warriors strode forward with purpose. Demos met their eyes and smiled.
Demos: "Today, we take our training to the next level," he announced. "We will push ourselves to the limit—and beyond. Are you ready?"
The five warriors nodded without hesitation.
Demos: "Then let us begin!"
For the next 20 moons, Demos personally trained the five warriors in advanced techniques.
He taught Thane the Kratos' Strike, a devastating blow meant to end fights instantly. Ryker mastered Aether's Dance, a fluid and evasive style allowing him to slip through enemy lines. Maverick learned the Vortex's Pull, a grappling technique that disrupted opponents' balance. Gorthok was trained in Terra's Fury, a raw and brutal form relying on overwhelming power. Kael perfected Nova's Burst, a relentless flurry of rapid strikes.
At the same time, the 15 young warriors continued their own training. Their movements grew sharper, more coordinated, and efficient with each passing day. Demos decided to pair them with the elite five for a new training method called Chaining—a combat style based on synchronizing attacks in fluid succession.
Thane, Ryker, Maverick, Gorthok, and Kael guided their students, working side by side to form a cohesive fighting unit.
Demos: "Remember, the key to Chaining is anticipating your opponent's moves and reacting together. Support each other, move as one—and you will be unstoppable."
The young warriors nodded, sweat and resolve in their eyes.
Many moons passed. Though the tribe flourished under his leadership, Demos felt a growing unease. He couldn't stop thinking about the tall people he'd seen… and what else might be hiding in the forest.
He called for Akira—the wisest elder of the tribe.
While waiting, he checked the system interface again.
Mission: Rename the Tribe – Complete
Reward: Location of the Next Race
Location: To the north, in the Forest of Blood Vines
When Akira arrived, her age-worn face was calm and serene.
Akira: "Demos, what do you seek?"
Demos: "Where is the Forest of Blood Vines, and what dangers lie within? Are there any other powerful races we should be aware of?"
Akira's gaze grew distant, as if reliving an old nightmare.
Akira: "To the north… lies a place of legend. The Forest of Blood Vines. It was once home to the Shadowborn—beings with coal-black skin and ember-glowing eyes. But they are all gone now…"
Demos leaned in. "Who killed them? And what about the tall people?"
Akira's voice darkened.
Akira: "The Long Ears. Led by their Queen. The tall people are known as Giants—ancient beings of power. But the Long Ears… they wiped out the Shadowborn. They dwell in the bloodvine forests now. A matriarchal society."
Demos' curiosity burned.
Demos: "Are there other races?"
Akira nodded. "To the east, the Orc Clan—proud and strong, in the Black Mountains. To the west, the Goblin Tribes—in the dark Iron Depths. Cunning and resourceful."
Then she added, "To the north… the Long Ears. Mostly women, and fierce warriors. Their queen is unmatched in power."
Demos: "And… Elves? Are they known here?"
Akira frowned. "Elves? That name means nothing to me."
Demos was stunned.
Demos: "You don't know Elves? Tall, elegant, with slightly pointed ears, long flowing hair, and glowing eyes?"
A light dawned in Akira's eyes. "You mean… the Long Ears? That description fits them. I never knew their true name was Elves."
Demos frowned. "Then why are they called Long Ears here? Why are they different in this world?"
Before Akira could answer, Demos heard her voice again—his mother's.
"I have to go," he said quickly. "We'll finish this conversation soon."
Akira opened her mouth to speak about the south, but Demos raised a hand. "I know. Something important has come up."
As she turned to leave, Akira noticed the glowing markings on his arms and legs—brighter than ever before.
Demos turned to the system interface. It flickered. Her voice returned.
Mother: "I suppose it's time to tell you what's truly going on."
Demos cut her off.
Demos: "How can I even be your child? Celestial veins? Your story sounds like bullshit."
She paused, stunned.
Demos: "If you're a god, why not just heal me with magic or some divine artifact? Why keep calling yourself my mother? Trying to get into my head? You said you were the First Queen and Goddess of Sparta—but Spartans never prayed to gods. If you're lying—if you destroyed Sparta—I'll find you and kill you, no matter what you are. I've played your game long enough."
His words carried killing intent. In the void, she smiled fondly.
Mother: "You didn't trust me from the start… good. Your grandfather—no, your father—was just like you. But if you want the truth… step into the Void."
Demos: "And why should I?"
Mother: "If I wanted you dead, it would've happened when you threatened me."
Demos sensed no ill will.
Demos: "So, you'll tell me the truth?"
Mother: "Yes. And the reason behind all of this."
Demos: "Then… what should I do?"
Mother: "Walk into the Void."
The interface turned pitch black. Demos flinched, but nothing happened. Slowly, he stepped toward it.
Demos: "Is this a trap? I knew it—"
Her voice cut in, soft and teasing. "Can't a mother play with her son, Demos?"
Suddenly, light filled the darkness. A grand castle appeared before him, its architecture eerily familiar.
He walked the road that led to its entrance, heart pounding.
Inside stood a woman of unmatched beauty—glowing white markings across her body, and long, silken white hair.
She smiled warmly and said:
"Hi, Demos. I'm Crimson S. Sparta."