Chapter 8 – The Final Lesson

Four years had passed.

Leo, once a scrawny servant child, had grown into a hardened twelve-year-old — lean, tall, and carved by discipline. The years of consuming magic beast meat and enduring merciless training had made his body comparable to a grown warrior. His hands were calloused, his mind sharp, and his heart steady.

Each day, he ran through the forest with boulders strapped to his back, hunted with traps and grit, and studied ancient strategy in the Hall of Honors — a library once lost to the world, now etched into his memory.

Late one evening, Leo emerged from the musty archives, his breath heavy, his thoughts focused.

Outside, under a sky bathed in gold, his master sat on a worn wooden bench. Though his frame had grown weaker, his eyes remained fierce — like fire beneath old ash.

> “Leo,” the old man called. “Sit with me.”

Leo obeyed and sat beside him, sensing something different in the air.

> “You are ready,” the old man said, voice quiet.

Leo turned to him.

> “Ready… for what, Master?”

> “Ready to leave.”

The words struck like a hammer to stone. Leo's thoughts spiraled — the warmth of their shared meals, the pain of training, the sound of the old man’s laughter, the cold nights spent around the hearth.

His throat tightened, but he swallowed it down. There was work to be done. And duty always came first.

The old man leaned back and asked,

> “Leo… what is a demon?”

Leo blinked.

> “I… I don’t understand. A demon is just… a demon.”

The old man let out a deep, long laugh. Not mocking — but weary. Understanding.

> “Hahaa… that’s what the world says too. But this is your final lesson, boy.

Before you fight to free demons — know what it truly means to be one.”

He continued:

> “A demon is one who is free.

Free from chains — from laws, from fear, from even their own desires.

A demon is not a slave to instinct — he is its master.

A being of true will, not chaos.”

His voice softened.

> “Remember this.

The day a true demon is born... the realm will be free.”

Leo took in his master’s words, letting them carve themselves into his soul.

> “I shall keep that in my heart, Master,” he said. “Good night.”

And with a thousand thoughts whirling in his mind, he walked toward his bed — unaware that this would be  fated farewell.

Stay tuned to see his journey

---