Where It All Begins

Just as Abel was about to leave, Vince stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

"You don't think we're done yet, do you?" Vince asked with a grin.

Abel raised an eyebrow, surprised. "What's up?"

Vince smirked. "You know you can't end the day on a loss. That's just wrong."

"Yeah, you're like 0-1000 against us," Valerie added. "Now, we're giving you a rematch against the one opponent who beat your ass so bad you forgot what day it was."

Abel paused. "Wait, are you saying—"

Jess cut in, alarmed. "Hold on! Why would he fight a demon again?! Sure, he's better than before, but he's not ready for that! If he freezes up again, everything we did will be pointless!"

Kyle folded his arms and looked at Abel. "You've come this far. Don't you want to test yourself? See just how much you've grown?"

He held out a bow.

Jess approached Abel, her voice softer. "You don't have to, Abel. You can take your time."

But Abel shook his head.

"I don't have time," he muttered. Then, turning to Kyle, he took the bow. "Let's do it."

Valerie grinned. "That's what I'm talking about! Hell yeah, Abel!"

He strapped on his armor, adjusting the fit, and gripped the bow tightly.

Then, with the others following behind, he set out in search of a demon.

It didn't take long.

Ten minutes later, they found one.

A couple days had passed since his humiliating defeat.

A couple days of relentless training, pushing his body and mind to their limits.

He had faced countless sparring matches, endured exhaustion, and refined his technique. Now, it was time to see if it was enough.

Kyle, Vince, Jess, and Valerie stood behind him, watching silently. No words of encouragement, no last minute advice. They knew this was something he had to face alone.

A ominous snarl echoed through the area, sending a chill down Abel's spine. His breath hitched as a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

The demon.

It had the same unnatural form as before, a low ranking, instinct driven demon with glowing yellow eyes and a jagged, sinewy frame that seemed barely held together.

Its sharp claws scraped against the ground as it let out a distorted screech and charged.

Abel exhaled sharply, lifting his bow. His hands were steady, his mind focused. He had trained for this.

He released an arrow.

The arrow shot forward, aimed directly for the demon's head.

But in a blur of super speed, the demon twisted its body, dodging it entirely. Abel barely had time to react before it was upon him.

He dove to the side, rolling across the dirt as the demon's claws slashed the air where he had stood. Quickly nocking another arrow, he loosed a second shot and this time, it struck.

The arrow struck itself in the demon's shoulder, but the creature barely reacted.

It lunged again, its movements erratic, relentless. Abel had no time to shoot again. Instinct took over and he reached for the dagger at his waist.

The creature swiped at him, but a translucent blue barrier flared to life, the armor's protection saving him just in time. The impact sent him staggering backward, his breath leaving him in a sharp gasp.

The demon pressed forward, unpredictable and aggressive. Abel sidestepped, dragging the dagger across its side.

A dark, inky substance dripped onto the ground, sizzling against the red dirt.

The demon let out a piercing shriek, twisting violently. Abel barely had time to react before it struck again, sending him sprawling.

The barrier absorbed the brunt of the blow, but the force behind it left him breathless.

His heart pounded. His body ached.

The demon advanced, preparing to strike once more.

Abel forced himself to move, rolling onto his back and raising his bow. He had one chance.

He inhaled, blocking out the pain, the fear, the pressure. He focused.

The demon leaped.

Abel released the arrow.

Thud.

The arrow struck true, hitting the golden core in the core in the center.

The demon stumbled, its momentum faltering before it collapsed onto the ground, dead. Its body slowly evaporating.

Abel lay there, panting, staring at the demon's body vanishing. His hands trembled, adrenaline still coursing through his veins.

He had done it. He had won.

A slow clap broke the silence.

"Congratulations," Vince smirked, stepping forward. "Now you ended the night off on a win."

Jess rushed over, beaming. "I'm so proud of you!"

Valerie gave him a nod of approval. "Still rough around the edges, but you didn't freeze up. That's progress and proof that you've gotten stronger."

Kyle simply smiled. "Nice job."

Abel let out a weak chuckle, slowly pushing himself up. His entire body was sore, and exhaustion weighed him down like a boulder. He had already taken too many potions and any more, and his body could be harmed. He had no choice but to let himself recover naturally.

Luckily, training was finally over. He could go home and actually rest.

Before he could leave, Kyle spoke up, his tone turning serious.

"By the way, the lowest-ranked demons don't understand danger unless it comes from their own kind. They take hits without thinking of the consequences. The only thing they truly care about is protecting their life core."

Abel listened carefully even though he knew what he was going to say.

"But the stronger ones?" Kyle continued. "They have crazy regeneration abilities. Their life core is the size of a pebble, hidden somewhere in their body, and they can move it at will. I'm telling you this so you don't get the wrong idea and think all demons are as easy as the ones you fought today."

Abel chuckled. "Don't worry, I know that. I don't plan on fighting those demons for a long time."

He handed back the bow and armor to Kyle.

"By the way, can I get your numbers? If I'm ever on break from the academy, I'll meet up with you guys and teach you four a lesson next time," Abel said, smirking.

Valerie rolled her eyes, smirking right back. "You beat one demon, and now your head's up your ass."

She patted his shoulder. "That confidence is good. Just don't get too cocky."

"Unless you're me," Vince chimed in.

"No one wants to be you, bro," Kyle shot back.

Vince shrugged. "I'm not so sure about that, bro."

With some laughs and playful words exchanged, they eventually swapped numbers, and Abel headed home.

Except Vince was walking with him.

Afte a moment of silence, Vince spoke. "Did you have time to think about what we talked about a few days ago?"

Abel blinked, momentarily confused until he remembered.

The devil Vince was searching for.

The devil the main character killed was the strongest devil in the demon realm.

He still didn't know exactly which devil it was. But devil's were strong enough to be supremes, then it would definitely affect the course of the story if he killed one.

Besides, Vince had helped him. If it weren't for his words, Abel might still be sitting around, waiting for death to claim him.

This was a win-win.

Not only could he repay Vince, but having Vince on his side was a strategic move. With his intelligence, he could craft bulletproof plans for the future.

And even if this wasn't a smart decision…

What did he have to lose?

He had nothing to return to back on Earth. No family. No friends. No girlfriend.

Plus… that adrenaline he had felt during the fight, it was addicting. The first time he had faced a demon, it had been pure terror. But this time? It had felt amazing.

A slow smile spread across his face. "I'm in. What do I have to lose, anyway?"

Vince's eyes lit up with excitement. "Thank goodness! I've been waiting years for my revenge, and with your help, I'm one step closer!"

He took a deep breath, calming himself, his expression turning serious.

"I didn't know you'd be at the academy, so we'll have to push the plan back a little. But once you're on break, hit me up. I'll let you know the details then."

Stopping at a crossroad, Vince turned to face him. "Thank you again, Abel."

Abel shook his head. "I should be the one thanking you. You guys taught me a lot."

Vince grinned. "Until next time, bro." He threw up a peace sign before walking off.

Abel watched him disappear into the distance before stepping into his apartment.

He closed the door, exhaled, and leaned against the wall.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Now… this is where it really begins."