Two years have passed since Sirus first entered school. Now, at only two years and nine months old, he sits among students far older—yet none come close to matching his brilliance.
"Listen up, class! Today's your final day of school, so give it your all," the teacher declared, reaching for her cup of tea before continuing. "Sirus, go easy on the others. Just because you're the top student doesn't mean you get to boss everyone around."
She sighed and rubbed her temples, clearly exhausted. "They're not as knowledgeable as you, yes—but that's no excuse for arrogance."
"There's literally nothing left to learn. You've already taught me everything you know in the first year!" Sirus replied flatly, his sharp eyes shifting to the classmate beside him. "And quit staring—I like you the least."
The boy next to him scoffed, arms crossed as he turned to look out the window. "Everyone here is older than you, Sirus. Show some respect—it's only fair."
Sirus was the exception, permitted into the school at a younger age due to his extraordinary mind. The others were between 1 and 3 years old, but in intellect, they trailed far behind. History, daemonology, language—Sirus mastered each with ease.
'How does a child barely past two surpass the rest in knowledge—and maturity?' the teacher wondered, watching Sirus and his classmate bicker like, well… children.
[Ding-Ding]
"Alright, class—you know what that means! School's over." She smiled brightly. "Be sure to thank your parents for enrolling you, so you can grow up to be wise, proud demons who serve the next generation of our village."
Excited chatter erupted as the children packed their belongings, bowed respectfully to the teacher, and streamed out the door. Yet one student lingered.
"Sirus? Why haven't you left? Your parents must be proud—you're the top of your class."
She settled into her chair, sipping her tea as he remained still.
"Teacher… do any demons ever leave the village?" he asked suddenly, turning to her with a raised brow.
She blinked, surprised by the question. "Well, I suppose the hunters do. They venture out to gather meat and defend the village. Does that answer your question?"
"No," he said, gaze drifting to the window. "I mean… Do demons ever leave to explore? See the world, meet other races, try new food, learn their cultures… live out there?"
The question hung heavy in the room.
"That's… a dangerous idea," she said carefully, holding her cup with both hands. "We've discussed this, haven't we? The outside world is not kind to our kind. Demons are feared. Hated. If you met another race, they wouldn't hesitate to kill you."
She hesitated, then added, "Even if you could defend yourself, surviving alone is another matter entirely. You'd need to learn to hunt, clean your kills, set up camp, light fires. Smoke could give you away. The smell of meat might draw monsters—or worse."
He said nothing for a while, simply staring through the window with a distant frown.
Then—
[Screech]
He pushed back his chair, stood, and placed his small hands firmly on the desk.
"I see. Thank you, teacher. You've been a great help."
He smiled, turned, and walked out the door with a lazy wave.
"That child…" the teacher muttered, shaking her head. "He's going to be nothing but trouble."
…
"He's late. He should've been back by now."
"I'm sure he's just taking his time."
[Knock, Knock]
"That must be him!" Sasha called as she hurried to the door.
She opened it to find a child half her height—his eyes glowing with fierce red magic, horns curved like a young crown, and silver-white hair flowing to his lower back. His skin was smooth and beautiful, yet hard as stone. It was the kind of face that could captivate any demoness.
"Hi, Mo—"
"Oh! Where have you been! I was worried sick!" Sasha cried, sweeping him into her arms. "Did you get into a fight again? Are you hurt? I swear, if anyone touches my son I'll make them regret ever existing!"
"M-Mom—you're hugging too tight—I can't breathe!" Sirus wheezed. She's so overprotective, he grumbled inwardly, struggling out of her iron grip.
"Hun," Ethan chimed in, "you're doing it again."
Sasha blinked, then released him and wiped her tears. "Sorry, sweetheart. Come on, dinner's ready—it's your favorite!"
'An attempt to suffocate me and she thinks food makes it better?'
"Okay, I'm coming."
He took off his shoes, washed up, and joined the table. The family sat together—Sasha, Ethan, and Sirus—enjoying her masterfully cooked meal.
"So…" Ethan said, glancing at his son, "what kept you so long?"
Sirus set his spoon down and looked up. "Oh, nothing major. I just had a little talk with Miss Gem. Asked her what's beyond the village. If a demon could survive out there. That kind of thing."
Sasha and Ethan exchanged a look—one of silent concern.
"I see…" Sasha said softly. "So you're curious about the world outside?"
"Kind of," Sirus replied between bites. "I mean, I like it here. It's calm and peaceful—except for the neighbor who keeps stalking me like a weirdo."
"Oh, her," Sasha giggled. "I think she likes you. My little boy is already making the girls swoon."
Sirus gave her a deadpan look. "Yeah, Mother. I've got you to thank for my good looks."
"You mean mine," Ethan interjected with a cough. "That's how I landed your mother in the first place."
"Ahem," Sasha cut in with a smirk. "You mean I let you marry me."
Sirus finished his meal, pushed his chair back, and stood up. "Alright, that's my cue. Off to bed!"
Sasha and Ethan burst into laughter as he walked away.
Meanwhile, far beyond the peaceful village—
"Sir! Scouts have found the source of the energy. We'll arrive within a week if we maintain pace!"
"Excellent," replied a knight in silver armor, his voice smooth and venomous. He stood tall, bow slung across his back—famed for killing at distances others could only dream of.
"Soon… their peaceful little lives will be pierced by my holy arrows."