1 Chapter 1: prelude

"Father," Zhekaï spoke, his voice filled with frustration, "Do you still believe that humans can change? You keep forgiving them, hoping they will finally see the light, but generation after generation they only seem to get worse." He stood tall, his wings stretching behind him, a symbol of his celestial heritage.

"What would you have me do, Zhekaï?" The being known as Father replied, his voice deep and impossible to describe. It was as though he had been plucked from the very fabric of existence, his form and presence beyond human comprehension. He sat atop an immense throne in a white room, his aura radiating power and authority.

"Erase them," Zhekaï replied, his gaze fixed on a portal carved into the ground. Through the portal, they could see the humans in the mortal world, raging wars against each other over petty matters, killing, raping and succumbing to vices that seemed to only get worse with each passing moment. "Or let the demons take care of them. For millennia, you've protected them from the creatures from the other side, but look how they've repaid you. They continue to destroy each other and the world you cherish."

"Zhekaï is right, Father," chimed in a voice that was eerily similar to Zhekaï's. This man, however, had golden hair and matching golden eyes, in contrast to Zhekaï's black hair and eyes. "They are a nuisance, both to the world and to themselves. Let them face the consequences of their actions, and maybe one day they will change."

"What good will come from seeing the weak suffer?" another voice spoke up, belonging to a man standing to the right of Father. "Humans have only existed for a mere 20,000 years, how can we compare them to races that have lived billions of years? They are still in their infancy."

"Don't listen to Ezekiel," Zhekaï replied, his anger palpable. "He's only saying that because he voted for the creation of humans. In just 20,000 years, they've caused more destruction than all the lesser races combined. If we let them be, the layer separating the celestial world and the demons' world will crumble, and a new war will begin. Our kind will unnecessarily perish, fighting those demons."

"Oooh! I see, you're just scared of the weakling demons, brother," Ezekiel retorted, a mocking tone in his voice. "It all makes sense now."

"Me? Scared?" Zhekaï shot back, his wings flaring in anger. "Watch your words, Ezekiel. Just because you stand at Father's right side doesn't make you stronger than us."

"Only weaklings fear war against demons and *him*" Ezekiel replied with a grin spreading across his face.

"You dare talk about fear when you're the one who let *him* escape into the demons' world," Zhekaï started, but before he could finish, a thunderous voice boomed across the room, cutting him off.

"ENOUGH!" Father bellowed, his voice sending shivers down the spines of the three brothers.

"Forgive us, Father," the brothers said in unison, dropping to their knees in respect.

"I've decided what to do with the humans," Father declared, his voice ringing with finality.

Ezekiel's face turned grim as he realized what Father had decided. The fate of the humans and the future of their world hung in the balance, and the consequences of Father's decision would be felt for eternity.

Approximately 2000 years ago.

A catastrophic event transpired. The gods, who once protected and guided humanity, had suddenly abandoned them. Without their protection, the human race was left vulnerable to the demons that roamed the depths of the earth and the attacks from other races. It was a dark time for the human race, as they were pushed to the brink of extinction.

But humanity is a resilient species, and they soon realized that the only way to survive was to rely on themselves. Over the centuries, they learned to adapt and some even developed strange powers. At first, these powers were not enough to fight back, but as the years went by, the humans learned to understand and control them.

Eight hundred years after the first human warriors, known as "Meisters," emerged, humanity emerged victorious in their war against the demons. A peace treaty was signed with the other races, who could no longer recklessly attack the humans, who were becoming stronger with each passing day.

What remained of humanity migrated to a place now known as the Last Continent, where they divided the land into 12 kingdoms. In the center of these kingdoms, they built a neutral city, and at its center, an immense academy was established to train future Meisters and warriors to protect the human race.

"Don't you have another story, Grandpa? You keep telling me this one every time I ask for one," said a young boy named Adam, with a hint of boredom in his voice.

The old man, sitting on a bed, turned to Adam with a warm smile. "My dear boy, this story is one that every young man of your age should know. It is the story of the perseverance of the human spirit and the bravery of our ancestors."

"But Grandpa, I'm tired of hearing the same story over and over again," Adam protested, crossing his arms.

The old man chuckled. "I understand, my boy. But let me tell you, every time I tell this story, I see it in a different light, and I am reminded of the sacrifices our ancestors made for us to be here today."

Adam sat up, intrigued. "Really? Can you tell me more about the Meisters? They sound so powerful and brave."

The old man's eyes lit up as he began to recount the tale of the Meisters. He described the way they wielded their powers, and how they stood tall against the demons and other races. He spoke of the trials they faced and the battles they won, and how they emerged victorious in the end.

Adam listened with wonder, as the old man's voice grew louder and more dramatic with each word. He could almost picture the Meisters in his mind, fighting against the demons and saving humanity.

"And that, my boy, is why it is important to know this story," the old man said, his voice trailing off as he leaned back on the bed.

Adam let out a sigh of awe. "Wow, Grandpa. That was amazing. I can't wait to become a Meister and protect humanity just like they did."

The old man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I have no doubt that you will, my boy. You have the heart and courage of a Meister. Now, it's time for you to rest. Sweet dreams, my child."

And with those words, Adam closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a future where he would become a powerful Meister and protect the human race, just like those brave warriors from long ago.

As the old man stepped into the narrow hallway of his small abode, he felt an ominous energy lurking in the air. His eyes narrowed, and with an almost instinctual sense, he strode out of his home and into the quiet street.

The street was lined with houses much like his own, but some were smaller, and others were more worn with time. The old man didn't linger, instead, he set his sights on the dense forest that loomed at the edge of the village.

With a purposeful step, the old man began his journey into the unknown depths of the forest. The night was dark, and the only light came from the stars twinkling in the sky and the pale moon illuminating his path.

As he walked deeper into the forest, the old man suddenly came to a halt. In front of him stood a young man, leaning against a tree trunk that had been felled to the ground. The young man fixed the old man with a curious gaze.

"Well, well, look at you," the young man exclaimed with a sly smile. "Who would have thought that living amongst humans could make you grow old, brother?"

"Cut to the chase, what do you want?" the old man replied, his voice cold and uncompromising.

"Why do you subject yourself to this, brother?" The young man continued. "Living amongst humans will only dull your power and take away your 'Grace'. You once were the greatest..."

"Spare me your speeches," the old man interrupted. "It's late, and I have no patience for your games. Just tell me what you've come here for."

The young man's expression turned serious. "Very well. I came to deliver a warning. They've found you, brother. They know where you're hiding, and they're coming for you."

The old man's eyes blazed with anger. "Did you tell them where to find me?"

The young man shook his head. "I am only a spectator in the events to come, I have not told them anything. But for your own sake, and for the sake of the boy, you must leave this village and abandon him. If you want him to survive, that is."

The old man's eyes narrowed. "If anything happens to him, I will kill you," he spat, his voice carrying a strange power that sent chills down the young man's spine. The aura the old man emitted was so intense that the birds perched in the trees nearby took flight in fear.

The young man took a step back, intimidated by the old man's display of power. "How can he still be so strong after all these centuries in this world?" he wondered to himself.

"Just go," the young man urged. "I promise you, they will never find this village or the boy."

The old man turned and strode back towards the village, his mind heavy with thoughts of leaving the young boy behind for his own safety. As he walked, he gazed up at the star-filled sky, a sense of sadness settling over him.

When he finally arrived back at his home, the old man walked into the small room where the young boy, Adam, was sleeping. He gazed upon the boy's innocent face and felt a deep sadness wash over him. He knew that he had to leave the boy behind to keep him safe, and the thought broke his heart.

He reached up to remove a strange necklace from around his neck and placed it gently around Adam's.

The old man then placed his hand on the boy's forehead, and a bright white light began to glow from his palm. After a few seconds, the light faded and the old man removed his hand.

"I hope this will be enough," he said, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Grow stronger, my young Adam. I am certain that you will succeed where we have all failed."

The old man spent a few moments longer in the room, drinking at the sight of the sleeping boy. He then turned and walked out of the house, casting a last, sad look back at the building before staring up at the night sky filled with stars.

"Goodbye, Adam," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

And with those words, the old man spread his arms wide, and beautiful white wings burst forth from his back. He lifted into the sky, his wings glistening in the moonlight, and disappeared into the dark. The boy was left behind, protected by the necklace and the old man's love, but also alone in the world.