Volume 1.14 Ares (3)

"Demons are a race detested by all races in the world; from the time of the first demon lord to the present, demons have had only one goal: to conquer the world and reign as the strongest. And this caused great threat to everyone."

Several days had passed in the blink of an eye. Right now, Ares was discussing the history of Demons to Myrene.

"Where does the demon race start existing?" Myrene asked. Her fingers unconsciously drummed on the table as she awaited Ares' answer.

"Demons are already there at the beginning of the world. Just like the angels and gods. Just like how darkness and light are always there." Ares explained.

'It was still kind of vague.'

"I see. But why is that the only way? Why is being the strongest is the only way for us, demons?" Myrene asked. "Was it really necessary for us to conquer the world?" Since this was not entirely discussed in the novel, she found this topic quite interesting.

"Milady, based on every fairy tale that you've read, who is always the villain? The heroes that need to kill? And those who do evil, what are they commonly called?"

"It is mostly demons or anyone who is using dark magic and causing destruction and harm to others." Myrene answered. "Then we have no choice but to be cruel because that is what the world has demanded to become?"

"You're half right and half wrong, Milady," Ares said. "Right at the fact that it's how the rest of the world perceives us, but," an ominous black energy encircled Ares. "Demons are the embodiment of desire, not because that is what the world demands of us. Demons are true to what they desire. If they desire destruction, or to become the strongest, or to conquer the world, they will do it regardless of the cause. That is why those of different races feared us. If a demon desired something, only death would prevent them from obtaining it. However..."

His ominous energy submerged and continued to speak. "There were some because of their lack of strength; they abandoned their desire and just lived aimlessly. That is why every demon strived to become the strongest in order for their desire to be fulfilled."

"Desire, everything has a desire, and some even go to great lengths to achieve it, like how kings desire more power or for their kingdom to prosper, or how some parents desire for their children to be happy, or even some develop a desire to take revenge, even if it means throwing everything and their life, regardless of their race?" Myrene met Ares' gaze. "From what you've told me, it's no different from other races."

'There are even people back on earth even though they are not demons, sacrificed a lot in order for what they desired to be achieved. So I can't really make any difference with other races.'

"How is the demon's desire to be completely different from others?"

"That is a good question, Milady."

"When a desire begins to grow deep within the hearts of our kin, it will generate an unquenchable thirst, and you will begin to hear the voice of the Abyss, which no one of us will be able to escape until you sacrifice something of greater value."

Ares green eyes glistened for a moment, giving Myrene some chills. But she maintained her calm. "Voice of the abyss?"

"It is akin to a devil's whisper."

Myrene tensed with his answer but she was still able to keep her composure. "Desire. Then Ares do you have something that you desire?" Myrene asked, looking intently at the old man.

"I had once, Milady." Ares spoke. "But I'm one of those who abandoned it already, living with no particular goals and already paid it with a greater price. That is why if you truly desire something, you must become stronger in every aspect so that you will be able to obtain what may come your way."

Myrene didn't ask any further about his desire. If Ares mentioned that she needed to become stronger, it meant that was the end of the conversation they were talking about. 'But asking one more thing won't hurt.'

"Then Ares what could be a desire for us, demons?"

"Desire is as the word itself, Milady. It is something you wish to achieve and obtain. Just like I said, it is something that would cause you the feeling of unquenchable thirst along with the voices of the abyss. When you begin to develop something to desire, milady. Selfishness and greed might engulf you like a raging fire. No one could easily escape that feeling and some even lose their minds so better be careful Milady.

'Desire. I already have one now. And that is to see my brother and save him.' Myrene fell into contemplation. 'There is nothing I desire more than that now. There are no voices of the abyss nor thirst from what Ares was speaking. However if I suddenly found out my brother was gone. I might indeed lose myself from everything that is happening to me.'

'Desire...' These words for some reason lingered with Myrene for some time.

They discussed other things, but none of that was more interesting than what they discussed before.

The next day, it was time for her morning training. Her body was becoming used to jogging, developing endurance and flexibility.

Ares was now teaching her how to utilize the daggers and archery that had been handed to her. Because daggers could be used for both near and long range weapons, Ares taught her archery as well so she could completely understand hitting targets and be able to apply it with the daggers.

She recalled the time she received the white daggers from Ares as she held them in her hands. But when they met the next time before that, Ares acted normally, not mentioning the present. Myrene remained silent as well. They went on with their lives in this manner.

"Milady, your shoulders are tense. Take a deep breath to calm yourself. Relax your wrist and release the arrow."

*Twack!*

The arrow hit near the outside of the round much to Myrene's surprise. It was the first time that her arrow finally landed inside the wooden round. For the past few days, Ares started teaching her archery. Ares told her that it would be a better match with her daggers, since she would be able to be more focused on hitting the targets.

Ares informed her that daggers may be employed for both close-range and long-range fighting. In comparison to swords, it has an unrestricted usage and is incredibly convenient because it can be hidden.

Myrene stared down at her blistered hands, her expression unfazed. Rather than fleeing blindly and confronting unknown opponents with unrivaled might. It was the truth that she was a child right now, and a defenseless one at that. If she managed to reach his brother, even by luck, both of them could find themselves defenseless against the demons that inhabit this realm. This was the greatest way for her to build strength and survive in this world with her brother.

"The training is already over, Milady," said Ares as he started picking up the arrows that has been shot now.

"Ares, will you give me more time now?" Myrene asked. "I want to practice for another hour."

There was a brief silence that filled the air. "If that is what you wish, Milady."

Myrene picked up the bow once again and started shooting. While she was on it,

"Ares, there is one more thing I want to ask you?"

"You may ask anything, Milady."

"What does being stronger than anyone mean?" She released the arrow, and it was much nearer to the center now this time.

*Twack!*

"It is as I said, Milady: being the strongest allows you to attain your desires without fear of being hampered, therefore Milady, become stronger than everyone so that you can do everything for you to achieve what you desire."

Myrene didn't say anything in response and simply launched another arrow. *Twack! * It was closer in the center, but still not enough.