Prologue

Across the desolate, demon-scorched lands of Aetheria, the obsidian spires of Valrök's citadel clawed at the crimson storm clouds like malevolent talons. The demon lord's burning gaze swept over his vile domain, an unsettling demonic handsomeness marring his grotesque, muscled form – chiseled features twisted by wicked horns and fangs dripping with vile ichor.

An aura of suffocating malice radiated from his bone-and-skull throne. "Your screams will rise like smoke over shattered cities," Valrök rumbled, his voice a guttural rasp etched with sadistic relish, "your existence extinguished beneath my reign."

A wave of panic rippled through Aetheria's kingdoms as Valrök's awakening reached them, armies mustering against the demonic horde. King Rendal gripped his ancestral sword, knuckles whitening as dread settled upon him like a shroud. Even if they repelled the demons, eventually this entire world would fall to Valrök's relentless attrition.

"Summon the high priestess," he commanded, his voice cracking.

Priestess Elysia paled, trepidation gripping her features. "To attempt the summoning rites risks apocalypse, my lord! The hero is merely myth!"

Rendal's eyes blazed with grim determination. "We're out of options!" he roared. "Summon this 'archon', or oblivion takes us all!"

Nobles scoffed as Elysia began the intricate summoning rites, muttering about children's tales and myths. Until mana energies erupted in a blinding vortex!

As the maelstrom collapsed, a lone figure remained – a bewildered young man seemingly pulled from another realm entirely.

"Wh-What's going on? Where am I?" he stammered, eyes wide with shock.

Elysia fell to her knees, awe and reverence etched into her delicate features. "The prophecies were true...You are the hero summoned to stand against the demon lord's darkness!"

The young man could only gape as the gravity of his situation settled upon him, an unwitting player thrust into Aetheria's cosmic struggle...