Knight's past explored

You're too weak!" Lycone's voice echoed in the aftermath of his departure. Knight, exhausted and drained, collapsed to the ground. As the scene faded, the story took a leap back in time to the beginning.

"Keiko, wake up!" Mazoku, the Demon Lord and Keiko's father, berated him. "You useless child, go train with Yorg, the Demon General made from rock, though he looks more human than anything else."

The training began with combat. Keiko would attempt an attack, only to stumble and fall. Yorg emphasized the importance of balance, even though Keiko had managed to dodge the attacks effortlessly. Yorg insisted that a clear mind was essential, though Keiko wasn't entirely sure what that meant.

After the combat training session, Keiko retired to his room. Just as he was trying to sleep, his brother Yukie barged in. "What are you doing, brother?" Yukie inquired. Keiko responded, "Nothing, just trying to sleep." Their eldest brother, Ikusagami, then entered the room. "Let's spar," he insisted.

"I don't want to," Keiko protested, but it seemed their father overheard the conversation. "Keiko, spar with your brother," their father commanded. Reluctantly, Keiko found himself on the battlefield, facing Ikusagami. He effortlessly dodged Ikusagami's strikes, enjoying the challenge. Their skins began to glow, a beautiful sight that only occurred when demons fought and embraced the thrill of battle.

Ikusagami unleashed fire lances toward Keiko, but he utilized a rare ability he seldom used: magic cancellation. Keiko nullified the flames with his power, preparing to rush in for a counterattack. However, amidst the commotion, he heard his father's voice, filled with excitement. "Yes, Keiko! That's the power of a Demon Lord!"

Normally, Keiko struggled to earn his father's approval, but now he had managed to impress him. His father explained that magic cancellation was a skill bestowed upon the strongest beings. However, in the midst of his distraction, Ikusagami appeared in front of Keiko, delivering a devastating punch to his stomach. Everything went blank as Keiko lost consciousness.

"Keiko!" his father's voice called out urgently. Regaining consciousness, Keiko found himself in front of his father, the Demon Lord. His father informed him that he must participate in a tournament. Leaving their domain, Keiko embarked on a journey to the Lionsgate Kingdom. He braved scorching deserts and bone-chilling cold, enduring the hardships of his path. Finally arriving at his destination, he was unexpectedly attacked, his trials far from over.