World

Over the last two years, Nyx endured rigorous training sessions with his mother, pushing himself to the brink of his physical and mental limits. Each day was a battle, each moment a lesson in resilience and determination. His mother's relentless training regimen was designed to break him down, only to build him back up stronger and more formidable.

Nyx wielded every weapon imaginable, from swords and spears to axes and bows. His mother, a grandmaster in both the sword and spear and a master in all other weapons, was an unstoppable force. Despite his best efforts, Nyx found himself outmatched time and again. His strikes, though improving, rarely found their mark. But in a moment of sheer tenacity, he slightly scratched her neck.

Their training grounds were littered with evidence of their intense battles. Scorched earth, shattered targets, and broken weapons bore witness to the brutal sessions they shared. Nyx's mother, a warrior of unparalleled skill and experience, moved with an elegance and precision that spoke of years of dedication. Her eyes, normally filled with warmth, now held a steely determination during their training, pushing Nyx to achieve more than he ever thought possible. Despite the constant defeats, Nyx never lost his confidence. 

One particularly grueling session involved the spear, a weapon his mother wielded with deadly efficiency. Nyx lunged, aiming for her midsection, but she deflected his attack with a fluid motion, spinning the spear around to strike at his exposed side. Nyx barely managed to parry the blow, his muscles straining under the force of her attack.

"You need to anticipate my moves, Nyx," she said, her voice a mixture of instruction and challenge. "Read my body language, understand my intentions before I strike."

Nyx nodded, sweat pouring down his face. He focused intently on her movements, trying to predict her next action. When she came at him again, he sidestepped and aimed a counterstrike at her shoulder. She blocked it effortlessly, but he could see a flicker of approval in her eyes.

"Better," she acknowledged, stepping back to give him a brief respite. "But you need to be faster, more decisive."

As they switched to swords, the clang of metal rang out through the training grounds. Nyx felt every muscle in his body protest, but he refused to yield. His mother's strikes were precise and unyielding, forcing him to react with speed and accuracy. Each clash of their blades was a symphony of skill and power, a dance of death that left no room for error.

In one intense exchange, Nyx managed to catch his mother's sword with a clever parry, twisting his blade to create an opening. He struck out, and for a brief moment, his sword nicked her neck. The cut was shallow, but it was a mark of progress, a sign that he was improving.

His mother stepped back, a smile playing on her lips despite the minor wound. "Well done, Nyx. You've come a long way."

Even though he had never defeated her, Nyx felt a surge of pride. He had earned her respect, and that was worth more than any victory.

After their training sessions, Nyx often found himself reflecting on his progress. He understood that his mother's mastery came from a lifetime of dedication, while he had only just started. Yet, his rapid advancement was undeniable. He had achieved a master stage in all weapons in just two years, an accomplishment that would be considered impossible for anyone else.

His mother, observing his growth, felt a swell of pride mixed with happiness. Her son was not just talented; he was extraordinary. She knew that with continued training and perseverance, Nyx would surpass even her, carving out his legacy in the annals of history.

As they concluded another grueling session, Nyx's mother placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes softening. "Nyx, you have a gift. But remember, true strength comes not just from skill, but from heart and determination. Continue to push yourself, and you will achieve greatness."

Nyx looked up at her. "I won't let you down, Mother. I'll become even stronger."

During the past two years, Nyx didn't just dedicate himself to the rigorous physical training imposed by his mother. He also spent countless hours in the library, delving into the ancient scrolls that held the history and secrets of his world. The more he read, the more he understood the complexity and richness of Eldoria, the world he inhabited.

Eldoria was a realm of immense diversity, with vast continents housing different races: humans, demons, witches, and dragons. Each race had its own distinct cultures and territories. The human continent, the largest of them all, was divided into four empires, among which the Holy Empire stood apart due to its immense influence and power. This empire was unique because it was not bound by the rule of the royal family overseeing, like the other three empires.

Nyx's curiosity was piqued as he read about the ancient animosity between humans and demons. This rivalry had led to numerous skirmishes along their shared borders, but the reasons for such deep-seated hatred remained a mystery. His attention was drawn to the accounts of the Great War, the most devastating conflict in Eldoria's history.

The Great War fought ten thousand years ago, was a cataclysmic event nearly tearing Eldoria apart. Led by the Holy Empire, with the royal family's backing, humans sought to annihilate the demon race. This war saw the emergence of otherworldly heroes, summoned from distant realms, who tipped the balance in favor of the humans. These heroes possessed unique abilities and unparalleled strength, and their involvement led the humans to the brink of a decisive victory.

However, just as the demons faced imminent defeat, an unexpected force entered the battlefield. The sky darkened, and from the heavens descended the Dragon Emperor, a being of legendary power. Though known to exist in Eldoria, dragons were reclusive and seldom seen. Their sudden appearance shocked both factions.

The Dragon Emperor, majestic and imposing, roared across the battlefield, his voice resonating with an authority that demanded obedience. He declared an end to the senseless war, decreeing that any future conflicts between humans and demons would only be allowed once every ten thousand years and would involve only the younger generation of that time. This was to prevent the catastrophic destruction witnessed in the Great War. Any violation of this decree would incur the wrath of the dragons.

Both the Holy Empire and the otherworldly heroes were left in shock. They had been on the cusp of victory, only to have it snatched away by the Dragon Emperor's intervention. With his proclamation, the Dragon Emperor vanished, returning to the secluded realm of dragons, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

After immersing himself in the ancient texts and learning about the Great War, Nyx realized that another conflict between humans and demons was imminent. The ten-thousand-year truce was nearing its end, and preparations for the next war were already underway. As he delved deeper into the historical accounts, he came to understand the reasoning behind the Dragon Emperor's decree that only the younger generation could participate in these battles.

If the older generation of high-rank cultivators were allowed to fight, their immense power would bring catastrophic destruction to the world. The sheer force of their battles could reduce entire continents to barren wastelands, endangering all of Eldoria's inhabitants. Thus, limiting the conflict to the younger generation was a measure to prevent such devastation and ensure the survival of the realm.

As Nyx continued his studies in the library, he discovered more about the aftermath of the Great War, particularly the devastating impact it had on the demon race. Initially, the demons had the upper hand, their formidable strength and dark magic giving them a significant advantage over the human forces. However, the arrival of the otherworlders tipped the balance. These powerful beings, summoned by the Holy Empire, brought with them abilities and strategies that the demons were unprepared for.

The demons began to suffer heavy losses. Despite their initial dominance, they were pushed back, their ranks decimated by the relentless onslaught of the otherworlders. The previous Demon King, a legendary figure known for his unparalleled might and strategic brilliance, fought valiantly to defend his people. But even he could not withstand the combined forces of the otherworlders and the Holy Empire.

When the Dragon Emperor intervened, the situation stabilized, halting the relentless advance of the human forces. However, the damage had already been done. The Demon King had sustained grievous injuries during the battles, and although his life was spared by the Dragon Emperor's decree, he was left weakened. For the next 9,000 years, he ruled as best he could, but his strength waned, and the demons struggled to rebuild their once-great empire.

Eventually, the Demon King succumbed to his injuries and the toll of time. On his deathbed, he passed his crown to his daughter, Morganna Celestia Nightshade, Known for her fierce determination and cunning intellect.

Morganna was a formidable leader, her ascension marked a new era for the demon race that was fraught with challenges and opportunities for renewal.

Nyx was particularly intrigued by the stories of his mother. Described as a fierce and cunning leader, she had assumed the throne amidst turmoil and strife. Under her rule, the demons had begun to rebuild and regain their strength. However, the scars of the Great War remained, both physically and emotionally, within her people.