Morning light slid through the window and landed straight on Mark's face.
"Mark! Get up!" his mother called.
"I'm up! I'm up! Okay, okay, I'm coming, Mom!" Mark shouted back.
His mother stepped into the room, smiling warmly, and kissed him on the forehead.
"Happy birthday, my son."
"Thanks, Mom…"
She placed her hands on his shoulders proudly.
"You're ten years old now. That means we're sending you to the Royal Academy. You'll become a great warrior one day."
Mark hesitated.
"Mom… is Dad home today?"
Her smile faded a little.
"No, son. He's still working. You know how busy he is. Being the 5th Commander of the Royal Army doesn't leave him much time."
"Yeah… I know," Mark said softly.
"And you," she continued, "are going to the Academy today."
"What? Today??"
"Yes. Today. Now get ready for the trip."
An Hour Later
Mark came downstairs dressed neatly in brand-new Academy robes.
He picked up the morning newspaper while waiting for his mother.
The headline caught his attention:
5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMON ATTACK
NEVER AGAIN
NEVER SLAVES
The article read:
"Five years ago, demons stole King Ram's body.
Since then, humans have trained harder than ever.
We prepare for war — but no signs of demons have appeared in years.
Is the threat truly gone?"
Mark frowned.
"…It's been peaceful too long."
Meanwhile — Demon World
A hulking demon slammed his fist on the stone table.
"So we stole RAM's body. And what did we get? NOTHING!
You said with Ram's body, we could invade and rule the human world!"
Across from him stood a thin, sharp-eyed demon with long nails and glowing red veins — Asur, the demon scientist.
"Demon King," Asur said calmly, "be patient."
"Five YEARS, Asur! How much time do you need!?"
Asur adjusted his glasses.
"I need fifteen more."
The Demon King frowned.
"Fifteen… months?"
Asur smirked.
"No, Demon King.
Fifteen YEARS."
Silence filled the throne room.
"FIFTEEN YEARS!?"
"Asur continued, "To gain FULL control over Ram's body, his strength, memories, and magic — yes. Fifteen years.
And then… we will begin our attack."
The Demon King groaned loudly.
"Fine… but this better work."
Back to Mark
"Mark! The carriage is here!"
"Yes, Mom! I'm coming!"
A beautifully decorated red carriage waited outside, the symbol of the Kingdom painted in gold on the side.
Mark hugged his mother.
"Bye, Mom. See you on weekends."
"Goodbye, son. Make us proud."
He stepped into the carriage—
and saw a girl about his age sitting by the window.
"N-Nice weather today, Miss," Mark said awkwardly.
The girl smiled.
"Yes… it is. May I know your name?"
"It's Mark," he said. "And you?"
"Aa… my name is Sofia."
Both froze.
Then—
At the exact same time, they said:
"It's nice to meet you."
"I think I've met you before."
Their eyes widened.
"I think so too…" Sofia whispered.