The Great Demon System

Summer had just begun. It was a time of calm and celebration for most around the world. The glimmer from the twinkling sun and the smell of the humid fresh wind breeze brought joy to people worldwide.

However, the fresh summer scent was especially sweet for the families of those attending the esteemed Alexander Davis school of elites, as they had not seen nor heard anything from their children for nearly an entire year.

Although there were usually exceptions from those who delivered disappointment to their family names, many returned proud to their households and were accepted with open arms.

Such a reality was expected to be true for the reputed Fatebringer household. Especially on such a warm, sunny morning, they expected to wake up to glad tidings.

Yet, that was far from what had actually happened.

Within the enclosed, rocky walls of the estate was the mansion itself. No, the word mansion would not nearly do it justice. It was a castle, one that not only towered high above, but also spanned for kilometres on end.

The architecture was unlike anything in its area. It did not house slick, modern designs and smooth exteriors. No, although it was built on the soil of Country Z, which was once known as the United States, it had a completely Asian-inspired architecture.

Made out of mostly wood and stone, layered with darkened, thatched roofs ending in sharp tips separated the many floors, along with verandas not only on the ground floor, but also on many of the elevated rooms.

As it went up, the castle became thinner and thinner, until it reached an open room towards the top and a point, proudly displaying a flaming fire insignia that did not yield nor dim even on the stormiest of days.

Indeed, the main building itself was magnificent, taking most of the attention from anyone gazing with awe. However, that was not what took up the most space.

There were many other buildings surrounding the castle itself of differing sizes, each with its own identity.

It was as though it were a surrounding village. Such an estate was far too grand for a single family to preside, but that was because that was indeed the case.

The Fatebringer household was a long, winding hierarchy, spanning generations. Over a thousand years ago, in what was once known as Japan, the Fatebringer family was first documented. They were documented not for their power, but for their oddity. They did not look like the rest of the residents, nor even speak the same language. They were an anomaly, almost like a circus attraction.

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They were the very first foreigners in the land of the setting sun— a group of fishermen lost at sea and swept by the shore.

For years, they struggled like worms trying to survive. Where ever they went, they were treated like animals, shunned and blasphemed. They did not fit in anywhere, so… They didn't. They ran away into the forests to hunt for food, and stayed by the shore to see if they could catch any fish, but in the end, it was all for nought.

They were no doubt going to perish. And, that would have been the case until one day, they were found dying on the floor. No, it was not them, but he. There was only one man remaining. All the others had already long passed.

He was on the cusp of joining them, when he was saved by a kind, old warrior monk. He tended him back to health and kept him well fed, despite not knowing or even sharing a single common word.

That old man eventually taught him not only how to read and write, but also how to fight. If he were to survive back within society, he needed to know how to defend himself, and how to demand respect. The man, now revered as Arturo Fatebringer, learned the sword so fast, that he had, only in a few years, become the most feared man on the island.

None dared challenge him, nor even ridicule him. He was no longer an animal, but now a demon. But, he did not use his power to terrorize and bring wrath upon those who were responsible for killing his comrades, but instead, he lent his aid, opening the very first Fatebringer dojo.

Although there were only a few who were brave enough to join, that first dojo marked the birthplace of the current Fatebringer family, and its trajectory for the future.

At least, that was what was written in the legend.

Today, the main family had relocated to the west, and not only housed itself, but twenty-five other sister families as well. The Fatebringers were the one and only ruling family, yet they were not even all of an identical bloodline.

No, any member of the twenty-five families had the right to be bestowed with the Fatebringer name. All they had to do was prove they were worthy through their own merit and power.

The only exception was the children of the current ruling leader.

As long as one held even a hint of Fatebringer blood, they were worthy of potentially holding its name.

There were only two ways to claim the right of leader. The first, and most common of which being that when the current leader died of old age, all current Fatebringer members were to duel to decide on who was the strongest.

The second was for a current Fatebringer member to challenge the leader and defeat him in a formal duel. But if they failed, they were to be exiled from the family and never return.

Many such challenges were done… But, for the entire history of the Fatebringer family, only one man had ever actually succeeded.

The current, and most powerful leader in the history of the family, father of both Kai and Regrit, Aluber Fatebringer…

♦️ ♦️ ♦️ ♦️ ♦️

Within the grand courtyard, the flowing rivers surrounding the small, man-made island at its center were oddly calmer. Salmon and Catfish splash elegantly within the stream, slightly hidden by the harsh light of the reflecting, unobstructed sun.

The large, cherry blossom tree had nearly lost all of its pink petals as spring ended and summer began, small lingering leaves slowly falling towards the soft, well-tended, flowery grass.

Within this place sat one man on a large cushion, sipping tea over a table. Despite his clear, considerable age, his hair was an odd mixture of pitch black and orange. His keen hazel eyes were surrounded by wrinkles, his nose was arched, possessing many blemishes, and he wore a simple, long, white robe.

Nevertheless, the man was not alone for long, as he was later joined by another, wearing similar attire. He was well in his youth, his hair a mixture of black and blonde. His smooth, handsome face and calm, aloof nature could be seen in his every step as he strode past the bridge over the river and slowly sat down beside his elder.

He took a deep breath and opened his ocean blue gaze.  "Apologies master… I've made you wait far too long… There was someone at the door…" He deeply lowered his head.

"What's with this attitude Kail? Not even a simple hello or good morning?"

"Ah— Apologies mast—"

"Hahahaha! It's fine! I'm just playing with you boy! I don't mind the wait!" He crackled in his usual raspy voice. "Well, who was it? We haven't had any visitors in years!"

"It was a young girl, master… She said her name was Yami, and she was there on the behalf of her sister, and demands to see young master Regrit…"

"Oh?" The old man's eyes lit up. "So, Regrit's made a friend on his travels eh? That must be that same young girl during the tournament… So, did you let her in?"

"Absolutely not sir!"

"Eh? Why not? Could be fun!"

"Sir! You know that none are allowed entry without authorization! And, she even threatened me when I rejected her! I would not trust such a girl inside our estate! Especially after the news of the supreme general's passing!"

"Kail my boy! You're being too tense…" He brought out his closed Uchiwa fan and smacked him in the head. "Girls do many crazy things in the pursuit of love…"

"Love?" He held his hurting head in confusion. "How do you know she's not some spy? Or one of sir Regrit's detractors?"

"Eh, just a hunch I guess. I've been alive long enough to have a good grasp on these things… I was quite the ladies' man in my young days you know?" He giggled.

"Excuse my words master, but now is not the time for jokes! We must prepare for all-out war! What is it that you called me here for?"

"... I understand… We have many things we must accomplish… But, I called you here for a selfish, personal request… Sorry, but will you humour this old man for one last time?"

"S—sir…" Kail was taken aback by his master's sudden switch in tone. "Yes! I understand! I'll do anything!" He deepened his sights and deeply lowered his head.

"Thank you…" The old man beamed. "As you know, Regrit and Kai returned yesterday night… But, are you aware of Regrit's current whereabouts?"

"Ah— yes, I believe so! I think he should be planning to go meet his mother…"

"I see… Kail, as Regrit's former friend…"

"I wouldn't say, friend master…"

"Fine, sparring partner… I urge you to go out and save him for me…"

"Save him!?" Kail jumped out of his seat.

"Yes, I would do it myself if I still had power in me, so I'm asking you, who I trust most, to do it instead…"

"Save him from who!? Will his mother be punished for his actions at the tournament!? Is he going to try and protect her!?"

"No boy… That's not at all what I fear… Kail, you must save him… from his own—"