In the Rising Darkness

Ten years ago,

A blood-red sky loomed ominously over the land, casting a sinister feel over everything below.

"Listen, Asahi... you must protect the Yonzol, no matter the cost! Whether you see it as an order, a request, or a responsibility-" The frail woman's voice faltered, each word dragging with pain. Her once vibrant skin had turned ghostly pale, streaked with blood that clung to her like a dark omen. In her trembling hands, she held an object that gleamed with an eerie, purplish-black sheen-a heart-shaped entity known as the Yonzol. She passed it into the hands of a child, his face etched with terror, his eyes red from weeping.

"Please... coughs... Don't let anyone gain control of it. The world will fall to ruin if an evil force claims it."

"But... but mom," the child stammered, his voice breaking as fresh tears streamed down his face. "What's going to happen to you?"

"Forget about me," she whispered with a rasp. "My fate was sealed the moment I chose to fight him."

"No... This can't be happening. I can't lose you!" The child cried out, his world crumbling around him.

With her last breath, the woman's eyes glazed over, leaving the boy standing there, helpless and crushed by grief.

"Go," she gasped, her voice barely audible. "Go now... Please."

The boy, heart heavy with sorrow and rage, stood frozen for a moment before he whispered, "I'm sorry... I was too weak," his hands shaking violently as he clutched the Yonzol and absconded the scene.

Next moment, a mysterious figure appeared-a tall, imposing man, his body adorned with black wings and twisted devilish horns. He stepped forward, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

"Look at you," he mocked, his voice dripping with disdain. "Once, you dominated the realms with ease. Now, here you are, groveling at my feet." His words were laced with a sardonic bitterness.

He chuckled darkly, his eyes burning with contempt. "Hahaha... how satisfying this is."

Crouching low, he grabbed her by the hair, yanking her head back so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

"My sweet little Asina," he purred mockingly, his tone dripping with malice. "Now, tell me where the Yonzol is... Hmm?"

Asina remained silent, her gaze empty and unyielding. The man's grip tightened, forcing her to wince in pain as he leaned closer.

"Tell me the location," he threatened, "and I might spare your life."

"Go to hell," Asina spat, her voice hoarse yet defiant.

With an exasperated sneer, the man's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fist, his powers flaring as he spoke a dark incantation. "You should be grateful."

Those were the last words she heard before everything went black, and her body was torn apart in a whirlwind of cruel magic.