I. The Inferno and the Vow (Flash-Forward)
The story ignites amidst a catastrophic battlefield. The air is thick with the stench of scorched earth and spent magic. A lone figure stands amidst the devastation—our protagonist. He is silhouetted against a chaotic canvas of fire and raging flames that consume everything around him. He is utterly exhausted, his body trembling, yet his grip on his sword remains rigid and defiant. His voice, raw and broken, cuts through the inferno: "I won't let anyone do this as long as I draw breath."
II. The Scorned Childhood
The scene shifts dramatically, plunging us into the past. We return to eight years earlier.
We meet Hiro, a frail, five-year-old orphan dwelling in constant, agonizing misery. He is universally shunned and hated by the people of his village, but he does not even comprehend the reason for this universal loathing. To escape the cruel glares and whispered curses, he constantly retreats into the dense, silent refuge of the nearby forest.
Yet, the peaceful sanctuary of the woods is no match for human malice. The people's hatred pursues him even there. Their contempt manifests physically as sharp stones, hurled at him with casual disdain, striking him with pain both brutal and profound. This silent torment—this daily ritual of suffering—is the only reality of his childhood.
III. The Label: "Demon"
Three desolate years crawl by. Hiro, now eight, attends the local children's magic school, but the walls of prejudice remain unbroken. He is still a pariah, whispered about and openly mocked. The children point fingers, their voices sharp and cruel, labeling him the "Demon"—a slur highlighting his mixed lineage and social exclusion.
IV. The Edge of Despair
Driven to the absolute brink of suffering, Hiro flees to a distant, desolate mountain peak. The wind howls a mournful dirge as he stands at the precipice, gazing into the yawning abyss below. He resolves to end his life, choosing silence over suffering, and takes the final, desperate leap.
V. The Grandmaster's Harsh Truth
But destiny intervenes. Just as he surrenders to the fall, a mysterious man, a figure of undeniable authority, snatches him from the air. The man's first act is a sharp, jarring slap across Hiro's face. He demands in a harsh voice: "What catastrophe could possibly compel you to attempt suicide at such a tender age?"
Tears, long held back, stream down Hiro's face as he pours out the entirety of his loneliness, fear, and sorrow. The man listens patiently, then imparts a powerful, life-altering instruction: "Look, you are a good boy. Now, you must go and show those contemptible people that you are incredibly powerful. Become a Grandmaster and force them to witness your glory! You must become the strongest mage this world has ever seen." He concludes with an unshakable lesson: "Remember this truth: This world makes room only for the strong; it has no tolerance for the weak."
VI. The Beginning of Ascent
A spark—a fierce, new ambition—ignites within our protagonist. Filled with a sudden, potent sense of purpose, Hiro returns to the Academy. He immerses himself completely in his studies and training, dedicating every fiber of his being to the pursuit of power. Three intense years of dedicated learning follow, marking the beginning of his true ascent.