THDK Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Abandoned in the Forest, Picked Up by the Demon King

I was abandoned in the forest on my tenth birthday.

Ever since I was about three years old, when I accidentally injured my beloved older brother with magic, my parents had despised and hated me.

In the world I live in, magic exists. There are two main races: humans and demons. Humans generally cannot use magic, while demons can easily wield simple spells. Occasionally, humans with powerful magical abilities are born. These individuals are protected by the state and trained in special institutions to control their magic.

Among these magic users, once every few centuries, a Hero emerges. The Hero is tasked with defeating the Demon King and sets out on a journey with companions. Humans and demons have been locked in this conflict for thousands of years.

However, my parents never reported my magical abilities to the state. When my uncontrollable magic struck my brother, he barely survived but was left with a permanent limp. My parents, who hated magic and despised me even more, refused to let me live a happy life.

Though I was born as the second son of a moderately wealthy viscount family, after that incident, I was treated like a servant. I survived on scraps and leftovers that the servants secretly left for me. I was ordered to clean the vast mansion alone and was given only one set of clothes.

My brother tried to help me many times, but my parents forbade him from even approaching me. My brother, who had always been frail, passed away from illness the day before my tenth birthday. My parents blamed me for his death and abandoned me in the forest the next day.

◇◆◇◆

“Ah, a rabbit!”

I used lightning magic to stun the wild rabbit, then used wind magic to skin it and water magic to wash away the blood. Gathering some sticks, I used fire magic to start a fire and began roasting the rabbit.

“Whoa! The fire’s too strong. But with this much heat, it’ll cook quickly.”

It had been about three months since I was abandoned in the forest. Using magic, I managed to survive. Without any seasoning, I bit into the plain meat, savoring my first proper meal in two days. When I couldn’t find rabbits or birds, I foraged for edible berries to stave off hunger.

(I’ll save the rest for later.)

I used earth magic to create a container by hardening the soil. The first attempt cracked, but the second one worked. Using water magic, I froze the leftover meat to preserve it and stored it in a tattered leather bag I had found. The bag also contained berries and edible plants I had gathered, along with dried seeds from the berries.

After finishing my meal, I decided to return to my shelter—a large hollow in a massive tree, a short walk from here.

On the way back, I noticed a narrow side path I hadn’t seen before and decided to explore it. Pushing through the dense foliage, I arrived at what looked like an ancient ruin.

(A sword?)

A simple sword was embedded in the chest of a skeleton leaning against the wall, as if it had died in its sleep. Drawn to it, I reached for the hilt and easily pulled it free. The moment I did, the sword began to glow, transforming into a sleek, silver blade adorned with intricate designs. It felt perfectly balanced in my hand, and a surge of energy coursed through my body.

“The master of this era seems a bit young.”

“Eh? The sword talked!”

A deep, masculine voice came from the sword, startling me. Was this some kind of magic?

“I’m the master?”

“My name is Oreole. If you can wield me, then you are undoubtedly my master. What is your goal, and how may I assist you?”

“…Hmm. I don’t really have a goal. I just found you by chance.”

I was content to live peacefully in this forest. I didn’t have any grand ambitions, nor was I the Hero destined to defeat the Demon King. But having someone to rely on was reassuring.

“Do you have no wish for me to fulfill?”

“Hmm… Oh! Then, will you be my friend? I don’t have anyone to talk to.”

“…An unusual master indeed. If that is your wish, I shall grant it.”

“Fufu, thank you. My name is Sol. Nice to meet you, Oreole.”

Holding Oreole close, I headed back to my shelter. As I walked, the sky above me suddenly darkened, and a bolt of black-purple magic struck the ground in front of me. When the dark mist cleared, a tall, well-built man with black hair and sharp features stood before me. His crimson eyes narrowed as they locked onto me.

“…You’re younger than I expected.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Nox. I am the current Demon King.”

“The Demon King… the king of the demons?”

“That’s right. You are the—”

As Nox began to speak, Oreole suddenly glowed, releasing a blinding flash of light. Nox dodged it effortlessly and glared at Oreole.

“Quite the welcome.”

“Stay away from my master.”

“…So, this child is indeed… What is your name?”

“I’m Sol. But more importantly, you’re hurt!”

“Hey, what are you doing?”

Oreole’s flash had grazed Nox’s hand, leaving a red mark. I quickly grabbed his hand and cast healing magic. Though Nox seemed surprised at first, he allowed me to heal him once he realized what I was doing.

“Why are you alone in a place like this? Where are your parents?”

Nox’s cool, almost cold expression didn’t waver as he questioned me. His gaze swept over me, making me feel a little embarrassed.

“I was abandoned here. I don’t think my parents are coming back for me.”

“…Abandoning a child in the forest? Humans truly are a foolish and heartless race. …Very well, Sol. Come with me.”

I was too stunned to respond. Oreole shouted, “Don’t be ridiculous!” but couldn’t find the words to speak.

I stared at the large hand Nox had extended toward me, unsure of what to do. If I refused, would something terrible happen?

“Why?”

I smiled and asked him. There was no reason for him to take me with him.

“To keep you close and monitor you.”

“Monitor me?”

“That’s right. Will you come? If not, I’ll have to kill you right now.”

The word “kill” didn’t scare me. Ever since I was abandoned in the forest, I had felt like I was already dead. If that’s what he wanted, I didn’t mind.

“Sol, run away!”

Oreole’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I didn’t mind dying here, but what would happen to Oreole? I couldn’t abandon my new friend. There was only one choice.

“I’ll go with you!”

“Sol! What are you saying?!”

Oreole’s angry shouts echoed, but I ignored them and took Nox’s hand. It was warmer than I expected. As I was pulled closer, my vision was engulfed in black and purple.