Ruby the child ..

After the day David became part of the Mage Tower and ascended as a dark mage—one who wielded a power no human had ever mastered—life in the city continued as usual. The sun rose, birds sang their morning melodies, children laughed and played, the wind carried the golden leaves through the streets, and people lived in peaceful bliss, unaware of the dark storm brewing beneath their world.

David stirred awake, his muscles aching from the rigorous training the day before. Without a word, he went to the bathroom, stripped off his robe, and lowered himself into the bathtub. The warm water enveloped him, soothing his exhausted body. He leaned back, his crimson eyes reflecting in the surface of the water, his mind heavy with thoughts. He had become something that was feared, yet something that held immense power. The first human to master dark magic.

After his bath, he dried himself and dressed in his mage robe—white and purple, symbolizing his status. The colors clashed with his identity, but they were given to him as a dark mage of the tower. As he stepped into the great hall, a voice called out.

"David! Over here!" The receptionist waved at him.

David approached with a calm demeanor. "What is it?"

"The Tower Master has summoned you. He wants you to head to the Holy Church immediately."

Without hesitation, David left. As he arrived at the Holy Church, he was met with a breathtaking sight—grand marble pillars stretched into the heavens, stained glass reflected the divine light, and sacred chants filled the air. Holy knights stood guard, and among them were priests, archmages, and the highest of clergy. It was a place of power, a place where light thrived.

Inside, at the center of the holy sanctuary, stood Richard, the High Priest, the master of the Holy Mages. Beside him was the Tower Master. David walked forward and bowed respectfully.

"Dark Mage David, at your command."

Richard studied him carefully. "So, this is the one. The human who has mastered the forbidden magic," he murmured. "A god-gifted child... truly a miracle."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of the priest's lips. "Child, it is a blessing to meet you. I believe the gods have brought us together. Please, take your time to look around."

David wandered through the church, eventually finding himself in the orphanage. Children ran through the courtyard, their laughter like wind chimes in the breeze. He watched them for a while until his gaze settled on a lone girl sitting beneath the shadow of a large tree. She was fifteen, her dark hair cascading over her delicate shoulders. There was a quiet sadness in her eyes, as though she carried a weight she could not share.

Intrigued, David walked over and sat beside her in silence. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, David finally broke the stillness.

"Why are you sitting here alone?"

She remained silent, then slowly turned to face him. Her gaze settled on his robe—the white and purple colors standing out among the golden hues of the church. Curiosity flickered in her eyes.

"Are you a dark mage?" she asked.

"Yes," David answered.

Her lips parted slightly. "Really...?"

David saw something shift in her expression—an interest, a fascination. He leaned forward slightly. "Do you like dark magic?"

She nodded. "I do. I like the colors purple and black."

David chuckled softly. "That's an unusual reason."

"But it's true," she said with a small smile.

David looked at her thoughtfully. "Would you like me to teach you?"

Her eyes widened. "You would?"

"Yes, but only under one condition. If I teach you, you must promise to be happy and make friends."

She hesitated, then nodded eagerly before running off to join the other children. David watched her with a faint smile. There was something special about this girl.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, darkness festered in the heart of a so-called hero. Habil—one of the chosen warriors blessed by the God of Thunder. But before he was granted power in this world, he was something else—a vile monster in his past life. A man who preyed upon innocence, a depraved soul who had ruined twelve children, including his own sister's daughter. His sins had condemned him to death, yet fate had given him another chance in this new world. And he had not changed.

Now, within the silence of his private quarters, behind locked doors, he committed the same horrific act he had in his previous life. His latest victim, a small child, lay lifeless in his grasp as he whispered a twisted prayer. Then, with a mere flick of his divine power, he reduced the evidence of his sin to nothing but dust.

But his hunger remained.

Later that day, Habil roamed the grounds of the Holy Church, his eyes scanning the innocent faces playing in the garden. His gaze landed on Ruby. Something in her innocence, her purity, stirred a depraved desire in him. His fingers twitched as he placed a hidden mark upon her—an invisible curse that only he could activate. Then, he turned and left to meet the Tower Master, already plotting his next move.

From a distance, David watched him. There was something unsettling about the way Habil had looked at Ruby. Acting on instinct, David cast a protective shield around her, ensuring that if any danger befell her, it would activate immediately. But he did not realize that Habil's gaze had also lingered on another girl—Chaein.

As the sun set, David approached Ruby. "When I return, I will teach you magic," he promised.

She nodded eagerly.

Meanwhile, in his luxurious chamber, Habil indulged in his perversions. Surrounded by half-naked maids, he reveled in his power. In his twisted mind, visions of Ruby and Chaein took form, his tongue darting out as he imagined defiling them. But he was patient. These girls were the children of the Holy Church, and he knew he had to wait for the right moment.

One of the maids stirred beside him. "My lord... you're still... hard?"

Habil grinned. "Of course. Come here."

And with that, he pulled her into his grasp, his dark desires knowing no limits.

Elsewhere, David walked through the bustling market, searching for a gift for Ruby. His eyes settled on a beautiful ring infused with magic. It was designed to allow mana to flow freely through the body, enhancing one's magical control. Satisfied, he purchased it and returned to his quarters.

As he made his way back, a shadow moved behind him.

David stopped. He did not turn around, but he could sense it—an assassin.

Before the attacker could strike, David raised his hand, and with an unseen force, he grabbed the figure from afar. The assassin gasped, suspended in the air as if gravity itself had betrayed him.

David's voice was calm, yet ice-cold. "Why are you following me? Who sent you?"

The figure struggled, then finally managed to speak. "I am from the Elf Kingdom. I bring a message from our king."

David narrowed his eyes before releasing his grip. The assassin landed on his feet, rubbing his throat before pulling out a sealed letter and handing it over.

David took the letter and read it: 'I am the Elf King. I request an audience with you.'

David glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Is that all?"

The assassin hesitated, then nodded.

"Then go."

Without another word, David dismissed the assassin, uninterested in whatever the Elf King wanted. He had more pressing matters to attend to. But what he did not know was that this encounter, this seemingly unimportant message, would one day change everything.

And with that, the day came to an end.