CHAPTER 3 — A War That Started With Love

  "Are we there yet?"

  "No, we aren't."

  "But we've been walking for hours."

  "We’ve only been walking for ten minutes."

  "Yeah? Well, it feels like hours."

  "Just be patient."

  "Fine, fine..."

  We continued down the winding dirt path, surrounded by twisted trees and hazy skies. It was quiet. Too quiet.

  Then it hit me—this was the perfect time to gather info.

  "Hey, Mom... you know how the humans and demons are at war? How did that even start?"

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  She glanced at me. "You do know about that. When did you suddenly get interested in history?"

  "Guess it’s never too late to learn new things. Or maybe I just hit my head a little too hard."

  She smiled faintly, then sighed.

  “Well, there's never been love lost between us. But the war? That started with this generation’s Demon King.”

  I stayed quiet as she continued.

  “Humans have always seen demons as monsters—bloodthirsty creatures who kill for fun. They’d slay us on sight. Still, we never fought back. Not until…”

  “Until?” I leaned in, curious.

  “Let me tell you a story.”

  She spoke slower now, her tone quieter.

  “One day, the Demon King fell in love with one of his most trusted aides. They adored each other, deeply. Their love blossomed… and eventually, she became pregnant.

  "One day, while patrolling the borders of his territory, she was ambushed by a human. She was struck down—and the place she fell became her grave.

  "The Demon King lost the one he loved most… and their unborn child. Grief turned to fury. In his rage, he declared all-out war against the humans."

  I stayed silent, processing everything.

  “And it’s been war ever since.”

  “That’s… awful,” I muttered. “But wait—you said she was the Demon King’s trusted aide. She must’ve been crazy strong. Who could’ve possibly killed her?”

  Her eyes narrowed.

  “The Heroes.”

  “Heroes?” I blinked.

  “Yes. The humans’ strongest warriors. Their champions. Each one possesses great power… and deadly skills.”

  So they have heroes in this world too?

  “That’s cool, I guess… but also terrifying.”

  More problems for me to deal with.