Demon Executioner

As dawn broke, the morning sun slowly ascended from the far east, casting its golden fingers of light across the sky.

The melodious chirping of birds echoed throughout Wind Moon Valley, infusing the air with a sense of peace and beauty that felt almost magical.

In Wind Moon Village, the day began to bustle as villagers stirred from their slumber and embarked on their morning routines.

Wisps of smoke curled up from chimneys, carrying with them the enticing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air.

The streets grew lively as people woke up to embrace a day filled with promise.

But today was different; an unmistakable festive spirit enveloped the village.

Broad smiles adorned every face, and there was a glimmer of excitement dancing in their eyes.

"Ahhhh!"

"Good morning!" Azrael groggily emerged from his bed, stifling a yawn that revealed a faint smile on his lips.

His long crimson hair resembled a chaotic nest as he stretched and scratched his back lazily.

He opened his windows wide, allowing sunlight to spill into his room like liquid gold.

Squinting against the warm glow, he spread his arms wide as if to embrace the sun itself.

"Today is going to be an amazing day!" Azrael grinned at the bright morning before him, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

A few minutes later, after washing up quickly, Azrael dashed out of his room and into the expansive yard where he found his grandfather lounging on a recliner, soaking up the warm rays of sunshine.

"Good morning, Grandfather!" Azrael called out cheerfully.

His grandfather opened his bleary eyes and smiled back warmly. "Morning, Azrael! Did you sleep well?"

"The best sleep ever!" Azrael beamed, flashing his pearly white teeth.

"Good," replied Grandpa as he gazed at the sun rising higher in the sky. "Today is Wind Moon Festival day! Go help with preparations."

"Okay! I'm off!" With a wave goodbye to his grandfather, Azrael sprinted out of the house.

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"Hey Azrael!" Lykon shouted from afar, waving enthusiastically.

"Hey Lykon! What's up?" Azrael yelled back while hurrying towards him.

"Hahaha! Today is going to be epic!" Lykon laughed heartily as he threw an arm around Azrael's shoulders.

"Yeah! This is my favorite day of every year," Azrael chuckled in return. "Come on, let's go help with preparations!"

"Yes! Let's do it!" Lykon grinned as they both walked down the wide road together, chatting and laughing along the way.

The villagers bustled with excitement as they transformed every corner of Wind Moon Village into vibrant colors.

Flowers bloomed in abundance, and intricate patterns adorned the streets, creating an atmosphere of joy.

At the heart of the village lay a spacious square, where enormous pots simmered over roaring fires, tended by dozens of women.

A rich, mouthwatering aroma wafted through the air, enveloping everyone in its enticing embrace.

"Snow! Bring that here!" shouted a plump woman, her voice cutting through the cheerful chaos.

"Yes, I'm coming!" Snow replied with a bright smile as she trotted forward.

"Snow, add more firewood!" another woman called out.

"Yes, coming!" Snow responded hurriedly, her energy infectious.

" Snow…! "

" Snow…! "

" Snow…!"

Amidst this lively scene, Snow moved gracefully from one task to another, her beautiful face glowing with happiness.

Azrael and Lykon joined in too, lending their hands wherever needed while sharing smiles that reflected the festive spirit around them.

As time slipped by unnoticed, the sun began its descent toward the horizon.

Normally at this hour, villagers would be winding down for dinner and rest; instead, Wind Moon Village was ablaze with light and laughter as everyone prepared for an unforgettable evening celebration.

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Meanwhile, at Azrael's house, his grandfather lounged lazily in his recliner as if he hadn't stirred since morning.

Suddenly opening his eyes to gaze at the clear sky above him, he muttered under his breath, "Hmmm... what a bad day!"

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"Azrael! Azrael! Azrael!" A thirteen-year-old boy sprinted towards him breathlessly.

"Yeah?" Azrael set down the barrel he was carrying and looked at him quizzically.

"Your grandfather is calling for you! He said you should come right now!" The boy gasped for air.

"Oh," Azrael paused for a moment before confusion flickered across his face.

"Go on," Galen urged with a grin. "We'll handle things here."

"Yeah," Lykon added while giving Azrael a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "By the time you get back, we'll be ready for some real fun!"

"Okay! Just wait for me; I need to see what Grandfather wants." With that promise hanging in the air, Azrael hurried home.

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"What could Grandfather want at this hour?" he wondered aloud as he ran back.

Moments later he arrived home to find his grandfather still lounging lazily in his recliner, a sight that left him speechless.

"Grandfather! I'm here! Why did you call me?" Azrael approached with curiosity etched on his face.

"Oh good, you're here." His grandfather slowly opened his eyes and regarded him thoughtfully. "Go check my fish trap down by the river."

Azrael's eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously? Right now?"

"Yes right now!" his grandfather said with a grin.

"But wasn't that supposed to be tomorrow?" Azrael asked, confusion etched on his face.

"I'm craving fish today, and it's the Wind Moon Festival! I want to enjoy some delicious fish on this special day," his grandfather insisted, waving his hand dismissively.

"But...."

"No buts!" he interrupted sharply. "Now hurry up and go before the sun completely sets!"

"Okay..." Azrael sighed as he grabbed a basket from the yard and set off down a different path leading out of the village.

He glanced up at the sky, noting how quickly the sun was sinking. "I better hurry back before those guys start without me!"

He dashed along a narrow trail, and just a few minutes later, he arrived at a small lake shimmering under the sunset's golden glow, a breathtaking sight.

Approaching a corner of the lake where traps were set for fishing, he felt right at home as he got to work with practiced ease.

"Wow! What a haul!" Azrael exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement as he spotted fish leaping in the trap.

Though he often caught plenty of fish, today's catch was extraordinary!

But as he finished up, darkness began to fall; the moon slowly ascended into its rightful place in the sky.

"Oh no! It's already this late!" Azrael gasped, glancing at the moon.

He hurriedly tidied up and sprinted back toward the village.

A few minutes later, nearing home, confusion clouded his expression.

From afar, he could see smoke rising from the village, it was brightly lit.

"Damn it! Are they starting without me?" he cursed under his breath as he quickened his pace.

"What... what happened?!" The basket slipped from his grasp as disbelief washed over him; his eyes widened in shock at what lay ahead.

His body trembled violently as he couldn't believe what he was currently seeing.