(Boletaria Palace)

(3° person POV)

``Leave the flying lizard to me!´´ Biorr, the royal knight, exclaimed aiming his crossbow at a blue dragon which was holding on a wall.

The knight fired his bolt at the beast, but the dragon breathed fire and the projectile was consumed by the flames. Preparing for the impact Biorr raised his greatshield to block the attack. The flames passed as the knight kept his eyes closed while bracing himself but only the sound of fire filled his senses. Lowering his shield, he saw a breathless warrior in plate armor, a catalyst crumbed in his hands. The savior had a greatsword attached to his back and a "V" shaped silver shield on his arm.

``Together.´´ the man said grabbing the white greatsword from his back.

The dragon jumped from the wall to the stairs, its wings folded and green emerald eyes focused on the duo. Biorr smiled as he put his crossbow away and grabbed his greatsword from the back.

``For Boletaria!´´ the heavy knight shouted rushing the beast, the demon hunter right behind him.

At the stairs inside the castle, a lone figure sat with head lowered. Ostrava was anything but a warrior, yet somehow luck was always with him. The warrior that was fighting the dragon had saved his life several times, from dreglins, soldiers and even a trap made by a fat minister. He owned much to the brave demon hunter, yet he couldn´t do much. A brass telescope, some ores and herbs? No, that wasn´t even close.

``I can´t believe it, father did all this…Why? Why?! He always cared for the people, for the land. Always kind, just and fair. What on Earth made him this monster? I just couldn´t believe the stories, yet saw it with my own eyes…Why father? You had everything, why destroy it and plunge the world into chaos?´´ Ostrava sighed.

A long lasting roar filled the chamber as the dragon fell dead on the ground, soon its form disintegrated in million particles of souls leaving nothing but blood stains on many spots of the building.

``Hahahahaha! Well done young knight! That demon was no match for us!´´ Biorr laughed but then coughed.

``Are you okay?´´ the demon hunter asked, he wasn´t one to talk very much.

``No, it is nothing! I just need*cough* some *cough*.´´ the royal knight spitted blood on the ground.

The demon hunter held the large man before he fell to the ground, he noticed a wound in the knight´s belly.

``You are hurt.´´ the knight said supporting the man and going to a nearby pillar, he left the man with on the pillar of the concrete and searched his belt for the talisman. The demon hunter mumbled a prayer as he waved the holy object around the wound.

``I guess I am getting too old for these things, ugh! Thank you, friend.´´ Biorr said closing his eyes every time the wound stung. ``I wonder what happened with my brother…´´ the man thought as he waited the prayer to take effect. The demon slayer simply showed his left hand, a ring with a square shaped gen adorned the index finger, the same Biorr wore in his right hand.

``Burned corpse, dragon fire.´´ the holy knight said.

``So he did die…that beast almost got me too, I am sure Vallarfax is happy, wherever he is now …´´ Biorr said feeling he avenged his fallen brother.

``Done.´´ the demon hunter raised from the ground and offered a hand to the heavily clad man, Biorr accepted the hand. They walked towards the palace in silence, there they met the depressed figure of Ostrava of Boletaria, also known as Prince Ariona of Boletaria.

``It is you.´´ the demon hunter simply said, ``Hum? Is he a friend of yours?´´ Biorr asked.

``Oh, you... My father is up above, well…what´s left of him anyway…He has transformed into a fiendish demon, please, kill my father. In this state he can only bring peril to the land. I can bear it no longer.´´ Ostrava grabbed a knife and moving it towards his own belly, a steady hand grabbed the hilt forcing the knight to raise his gaze.

``What´s your name? Your voice sounds familiar to me .´´ Biorr asked gazing at the knight, Ostrava noticed the peculiar ring on the man´s hand and his eyes widened with realization.

``Biorr of the twin fangs?!´´ Ostrava asked.

``Yes and who might be you?´´ Biorr asked narrowing his eyes.

``I guess I don´t need to lie anymore.´´ Ostrava grabbed his helm and took it off, revealing a young delicate face, long nose and light grey hair. ``I am Ariona Allant, son of the king.´´ he revealed his real name.

``Prince?´´ the demon hunter thought with interest, though he just tilted his head to the side.

The demon slayer wasn´t a man of many words, instead he kept his own thoughts for himself. He had a good understanding of what happened to all the places he visited, from the mines, the tower, the shrine and the valley but the Kingdom was a mystery until now. Ostrava´s revelation gave him a new piece of information.

``I thought you were dead.´´ Ariona admitted, a hint of joy in his voice.

``Imprisoned yes. Dead? Not quite. ´´ Biorr kneeled to his highness. ``I, Biorr of Twin Fangs, will follow your orders, prince of Boletaria.´´ the bulky man lowered his head.

``But how?!´´ Ariona asked.

``That fat minister imprisoned me on a dungeon, the lad over there saved me.´´ the knight pointed to the silent warrior.

Ostrava felt a surge of happiness flow his mind. The kingdom was flooded with insane people, demons were roaming free, souls were taken and the royal knights were no more, except for one. The old man was such a joy to the prince, maybe there was still hope and honor after all.

``The King, my father…´´ Ariona mumbled looking down at the ground.

``I know my lord.´´ Biorr said without looking up.

``You know?!´´ the prince exclaimed raising his head.

``I heard from the people and confirmed later on. This man, he is here to bring an end to this madness.´´ the heavy knight said raising from the ground.

``I will need your help.´´ the demon hunter said walking towards the duo.

Ostrava blinked several times. ``Together? But I am not a knight, not even a good prince.´´ Ostrava said.

``My lord. When all this madness comes to an end, the people will need a ruler. You are the only one who can do it by birthright.´´ Biorr said.

``As the son of my father´s misdeeds?´´ the prince asked shaking his head to the sides.

``No, as the one who will fix everything. Do not fear my lord, I will be at your side.´´ Biorr assured, he smiled to his prince and for a moment he looked a decade younger.

The demon hunter climbed some steps of the stairs but stopped when nor the prince or the knight came.

``I am in your debt for all the times you saved me. Even though I am not sure if I will be of any help, I will aid you in battle.´´ Ariona walked the steps of the stairs with renewed vigor.

``And I will make sure you stay alive out there.´´ Biorr said as he grabbed his greatsword and put it on his shoulder.

(Ostrava/Ariona POV)

We are riding the elevator towards my father´s chamber. Biorr sat on the ground, I swear I hear snoring coming from him, maybe his age is taking a tool out of him. The demon hunter is currently searching for some specific soul inside his body, his palm extended over his chest. I asked him what it is but he didn´t answer. How convenient it is to hold things inside you, ranging from a small coin to even large weapons, though I am not able to do so.

I believe the person have to possess a strong soul to transform something into a soul and store inside his/her own body. Well…maybe that´s part of the "enticing" power of the demon souls. I only wonder what a merchant would give to have this ability, or what kind of madman…my father…

``Found it.´´ the demon hunter said offering me a ring.

``What this does?´´ I asked. This "ring" is just a sturdy rope tied with a node.

``It reduces your weapon deterioration.´´ the demon slayer answered.

My golden sword and shield, both ancient tools of a legendary hero of Latria, are powerful but fragile as I discovered weeks ago. This ring surely will be useful if the battle lasts too long.

``Thank you.´´ I took the ring and put it on my finger, when I looked back at the man he had returned to search his body again. He took out another ring and put on his finger.

``Are you ready?´´ he asked me.

``Yes´´ I answered but deep inside I doubted that.

I wonder why the elevator is taking so long, there were two dreglings turning levers when we first entered. It is curious how even without their souls, they still work like always. Is there something that remains intact even with the fog? Maybe I will never know. I stared at the ceiling, the surrounding is getting brighter.

``Biorr, wake up.´´ I tapped his shoulder.

``Uh? Already?´´ he said tired as he raised from the ground. The elevator stopped and the door opened.

(3° person POV)

The trio exited the elevator and entered the chamber. There was a flat ground made of rock that lead to the stairs, the roof was once a great dome but now it is mostly broken. The room itself was rectangular with giant walls that easily surpassed ten meters of height. The demon hunter looked at the sides, at the room and then under the ground expecting a hidden foe that didn´t came. Footsteps echoed through the chamber and soon the mythical figure of the king appeared on the top of the stairs.

For a demon, it was a magnificent sigh. The king wore a white cloth that hug his entire body except for the head. Small yellow buttons connected by horizontal yellow cords adorned the chest, a veil of a softer material composed the lower part of the attire, allowing free movement. The sleeves were thigh, hugging the arms like snakes around a prey and two yellow jambs protected the shoulders. The king had short white hair and beard but something was off with the look of the monarch. His eyes, in contrast with the whole attire, were dark and the area around them was also darkened, revealing the demon´s true nature.

``Father! We have come to bring peace to your soul!´´ the prince spoke, though he doubted what he said.

The arch demon´s eyes were focused on the silent warrior, killer of demons. The king extended his arm upwards revealing a dark greatsword that was eerie similar in shape with the pure white blade of the mysterious warrior. With a grunt the royal leader charged, his body seemed to slide through the ground.

The trio rolled to the sides to avoid the attack but Biorr fell to the ground due to heavy armor. Before the royal knight could recover the King raised his hand, a glowing white light emanated from the fingers. Ostrava backpedaled as the silent knight rushed forward with the greatsword held in both hands. He slashed the demon from behind, staggering him.

Blood erupted from the wound but soon a glowing light covered the area, when it dissipated no injury could be seem. The knight gasped when the King turned to face him, he quickly grabbed the shield from his back. The royal leader made a sequence of quick slashes, the warrior blocked most of them with his shield as he retreated but then he made a mistake.

When he thought he was out of reach he lowered his shield to take a breath but received a wave of energy directly on the stomach. The knight stumbled back and fell to the ground, the King approached slowly and silently.

Biorr had recovered from the initial fall, ``Die foul demon!´´ he ran forward. He was about to strike when the demon jumped to the side, Biorr mustered all his strength to stop the movement, the blade stopped just inches from the silent warrior.

``Biorr! Block!´´ Ostrava called from afar. The royal knight looked at the prince, instinctively he raised his greatshield, moments before the King hit him with his black sword.

``What in the name of God is this?!´´ Biorr said, even though he was blocking it felt like an invisible force was passing through his shield.

``Biorr!´´ Ostrava called as he ran to help. The prince rolled and delivered a rising slash with his Rune Sword but the King blocked the attack without even looking back.

Biorr attacked with his gigantic sword but it was blocked. The duo tried to attack at the same time but their foe was fast and avoided every blow, one after another. They gasped for air as the King stood unhurt in the middle, he spun around sending a circular shockwave that knocked the knights to the ground.

``Over here!´´ the demon hunter called, he stood over the top of the staircase, waving his arm.

The king slid through the ground and before the hunter could react grabbed his head with the free hand. The ruler´s hand shined with a bright light, the warrior shook violently as if his own life force was being sucked.

``Adjunicator, Metas, Queen…No!´´ the man grabbed the King´s with his hand, ``You won´t take their souls!´´ he said roaring with all his might. The flux of energy stopped, changed from the King to the warrior and then to the King again.

The King prepared to impale his opponent in the chest, the demon slayer couldn´t see anything and was focused on keeping his souls.

``Agh!´´ the ruler was launched to the side, the warrior fell to the ground, his willpower drained.

``My Lord! Take care of him!´´ Biorr shouted, this wasn´t the time for formalities.

The prince kneeled to help the warrior, he was their only hope of defeating his father. Ostrava sighed when the man moved his hand to grab his greatsword from the ground.

``Where is Soulbrandt?´´ the heir asked looking back, Biorr was distracting the demon.

``There.´´ the slayer pointed to the King´s black blade.

The heir finally noticed the legendary sword. ``This is not good, that sword becomes stronger the more demonic he is.´´ the prince said. ``That´s a problem…´´ the warrior said getting up, he lifted the helm and quickly ate an herb he got from his pocket.

The demon slayer looked at the King and Biorr. The royal knight was backing off from the King.

``Come lustful demon!´´ the royal knight said trying to get the demon away from the duo.

The ruler raised his sword vertically, the tip barely touching the ground. A white glow emanated from the blade.

``That move!´´ the demon slayer thought as he ran towards King Allant. He grabbed a talisman from his belt and quickly recited a miracle. A faint blue sparkled from the tool and spread around the entire room, reaching the King just as he pushed the sword down. The glow of the black sword dissipated and nothing came from it, allowing Biorr to retreat to his comrades.

``That miracle will stop him from using magic but I doubt it blocks the sword´s power

.´´ the demon slayer told as he transformed his shield into a soul and stored it inside himself.

``Any plans my lord?´´ Biorr asked breathing heavily, The King slowly walked towards them, soul wings emanating from his back.

``He is relentless and his wounds close in seconds, even Demonbrandt couldn´t harm him.´´ Ostrava said.

``No, look.´´ the demon slayer said.

(Ostrava POV)

Is he…holding his side?

``Biorr injured him, barely but he did´´ the demon slayer told.

So there is hope! But just a scratch from the blow of that gigantic sword? How many attacks will be necessary to kill him? Father almost killed us and Biorr is tired.

``Dodge!´´ someone shouted.

I blinked, Father was sliding towards me. I raised my shield the fastest I could, Ugh! I felt like a cold breeze passed through my body.

(Demon Slayer POV)

Ostrava was being pushed back by his father. I grabbed my Talisman of Beasts and fired several fireballs at the King´s back as I ran towards him. I have to strike him now before he turns!

(3° person POV)

The King roared as he burned.

``Attack!´´ Biorr called running towards the demon.

The demon slayer attacked with Demonbrandt the fastest he could, slashing left and right giving the demon no time to recover. After a split second of reluctance Ostrava joined the attack, his magic golden sword cutting the King´s side.

``Retreat!´´ Biorr exclaimed running, the knights looked at him confused, the heavy armored man was going to swing his blade. They jumped back and allowed the royal knight to deliver a vertical swing that crushed the King under his blade.

The bloody form of the King dissipated in smoke liberating all the souls accumulated inside him. The ownerless souls flied around in circular motions then left and right before finally entering the bodies of the knights.

``It´s don-´´ the slayer tried to say but then a booming voice echoed through the throne room.

``How did you defeat my precious demon? No one has an appetite for souls such as you…´´ a male voice said quite surprised.

``F-Father?!´´ Ostrava asked while looking around.

``Hump…my spoiled son. You don´t understand the truth…As for you, seeker of souls, the rest is up to the Old One. If it is to be, then you shall be beckoned. ´´ the disembodied voice gradually faded away.

Ostrava, or rather Ariona, shuddered ``Was that really my father? Is he still alive?´´ he asked.

``Yes…this one was fake, he said it was a demon.´´ the demon slayer said munching a yellow herb, it became an habit to eat something after each battle.

``You mean this demon was acting as the king this whole time?´´ Biorr asked disgusted.

``I heard from a woman that Allant left for some "strange" business and returned with demons. I am now inclined to believe that the real king is somewhere else and sent the demons to do his wishes.´´ the Demon Slayer exclaimed as he grabbed a bottle filled with a green liquid and poured it in a green herb.

Ostrava sighed, was this really the time to eat? ``Biorr, what we do n-´´ the royal knight was snorting, his figure was very similar to a sleeping bear.

The demon slayer looked at the sleeping knight and then shrugged, ``He is quite old, give him a break´´ he said gulping his "lunch". The nameless warrior looked to the right where a green beacon appeared from the soul of the Fake King, a peculiar sword was craved on the stone. ``I must go´´ the demon slayer spoke walking towards the stone but then looked back expecting the answer from an unspoken question.

``I must…give me some time to think. I will come later´´ Ostrava answered.

The warrior walked back to the prince and put something in his hand. ``I found them during my journey in Latria´´ the demon slayer walked away and disappeared when he touched the beacon.

Ostrava opened his hand, the man had left two rings, both adorned with the symbol of a rat. ``Uncle…´´ the heir muttered, his tears dropped from the helm and covered the rings.

(Nexus)

``I hear a voice of yore. The Old One is calling for thee, let us proceed below its lair.´´ the Maiden in Black urged.

The seal placed on the ground was broken, giving space to a bottomless pit of blackness. A bellowing roar echoed through the "sanctuary", faintly but heard by everyone.

``This might be my last chance, can you give me a moment to say goodbye to the others?´´ the demon slayer asked.

The maiden felt uneasy, she "looked" down debating over her next words. ``Please, after all I have done give me at least this.´´ the man pleaded, ``Make it quick…´´ she muttered.

The warrior walked to a section dubbed as the "Cleric Hall", there he met a praying Urbain.

``What is this sound? It sounds like a… poor hungry child. Do you have any idea what it might be? I feel uneasy.´´ the saint asked holding his talisman of God.

``It is a misguided kid that lost its contact with God.´´ the man answered.

``My dear God! Where is this unfortunate soul so I can help it?´´ Urbain asked clutching his talisman.

``Don´t worry, I am going to help him.´´ the slayer of demons answered.

``I am pleased to hear this. May God watch over you, Boletaria and this poor child´´ the saint prayed.

``Umbasa´´ they prayed together for a few seconds.

The knight stood in front of Boldwin, the blacksmith.

``So! Are you going to buy something?´´ the old man asked crossing his arms.

``Goodbye.´´ the slayer said bluntly as he walked away.

``Hump!´´ the blacksmith mumbled, ``I have better things to do…´´ he grabbed his hammer.

The slayer of demons walked upwards towards Latria´s archstone to meet a peculiar bold man.

``Hello there! I have some new trinkets just for you!´´ Patches said grabbing a bag filled with his "famous trinkets".

``The only reason you are alive is because I am merciful, don´t think others will do the same thing.´´ the knight pointed to the bald man.

The nameless knight went to a reserved space where the witch Yuria stayed most of the time.

``Oh…Hello again, how are you fairing today?´´ the witch asked timidly.

``Well…I am almost at the end of my journey. I guess this is a farewell.´´ the knight

Bowed

``I have faith you will succeed. You will come back…won´t you?´´ the witch looked at her savior with a glint in her eyes.

The warrior laughed at the irony. ``That´s why I won´t come back. I can´t really explain. When I succeed soul arts will be lost and so will your magic´´ he said taking off his helm.

``For me that´s fine, witchcraft never brought happiness to me´´ Yuria looked depressed.

``You were lustful for power but now look at you! You are the kindest sorceress I have ever seem!´´ the knight extended his arms to the sides. ``There is always a chance to come back´´ he crouched to look at the witch´s eyes.

``But my witchcraft…´´ she muttered.

``Remember the last demon soul I brought you?´´ he asked and she nodded. ``That isn´t the proof that even sorcery can be good?´´ the knight asked grabbing something from his body.

``Here, when the glow disappears you have to read this aloud.´´ he muttered. It was a scroll tied with a glowing blue rope. The demon slayer saw a shadow on the wall behind Yuria.

``Fine! I am ready now.´´ he said standing up. He followed the maiden to the giant hole in the middle of the "sanctuary".

``Are we really going to j-AAAAAHHHHHH!´´ the Maiden in Black fell as she pulled the knight along with her.

(Later)

The demon slayer grabbed a black sword from the ground, it was Soulbrandt. ``So this is the other half´´ he said taking a good look.

A white light pulsated in his chest, when he put his hand over it Demombrandt appeared in his hand, it was glowing with a pure white light. Sudenly Soulbrandt emitted a black aura that seemed to resonate with the other sword. Both blades attracted each other until they fused together creating an explosion of light.

When the knight opened his eyes only Demonbrandt remained. ``It absorbed Soulbrandt?´´ he asked to himself.

``Thine work is done. Slayer of demons go back above, the Nexus will imprison thee no longer.´´ a voice said from behind, it was the Maiden in Black.

The knight swore he could see a faint smile on her face. She walked closer to the white light emanating from the core of the beast and caressed it.

I shall lull the Old One back to slumber and we will sleep interminably. That is is the way it should be.´´ she said.

``No, it is not´´ the knight retorted. The maiden gasped as she fell to the ground, the demon slayer stood over her body.

``This is not your destiny´´ the knight kneeled to grab her body, he walked out of the giant beast in silence and put the maiden on the sandy beach. He left Demonbrandt on the ground and then touched the woman´s back, a flux of souls entered her body. ``You must choose your own path.´´ he said walking back to the Old One.

Note:This is a side project and so it can take a while to update.