Chapter 1: Forbidden Forest

A silent night befell the shadowy forest. Dark and oddly thick tree trunks, overhanging vines and a sickeningly thick scent of unfamiliar plants, these traits are what describes the Forbidden Forest. It is a typical dark forest, but what made it distinct is the lack of creatures from within the forest, not even a peep or a sound from insects and animals. The only sound coming from it is the eerie rusting of the leaves and the hollow sound of the wind. Somewhere in the forest are a group of people seemingly not fitted in the setting. Strong as they look, they look no more than children compared to the dark giant trees. Because of the forest's notorious reputation, an unfamiliar feeling of fear started to occupy their hearts. The soldiers slowly and carefully marched through the woods. In between the group where the soldiers are concentrated is a beautiful lady holding a baby in a bundle. There is without doubt that they are protecting important individuals.

"Prepare to set Camp!" The man leading the pack commanded the soldiers. They slowly started to pitch the tents.

"Tsk! If it weren't for those demon bastards, we would not be stuck in this forbidden area." One of the soldiers grumbled.

"We have no choice. It is an order."

"But we still have many choices, why do we have to go through this place? Even if those demons won't follow us, aren't we in danger as well? This is a one of the forbidden areas after all." The soldiers could not help but shiver. Not many tales have been told about this place, but that is exactly why it is daunting. No one knows why it as forbidden but is forbidden nonetheless. Many travelers went through this area but it was rare for them to come out alive. He also heard of mysterious sightings of a giant beast and many more.

The other soldiers began to partake in the discussion expressing their complaints and disapproval.

"If you have time to move your mouth, you should use it to move your hands!" sensing the commotion, the commander reprimanded. They cannot afford to let their guards down. With the demons chasing after them they have no time to dawdle. Choosing the forbidden as a path was made with the assumptions that the demons could not follow them. But it is just an assumption based on the reluctance shown by demons to enter the forest. It is as if the demons fear something within the forest. But what they showed was mere reluctance, it is not unfounded that they cannot enter the forest completely.

"Remember that you are in the presence of her highness!"

"Tsk." The soldiers openly showed discomfort. The lady hearing of their complaints showed an awkward expression. She timidly smiled at the commander and tightly hugged her baby. They were suddenly plunged in an unpredicted misfortune. She was afraid of not even giving her child a future.

Everyone seemed to be especially agitated. The commander noticed the tension going around the camp. The forest was so eerily silent. All sounds seemed to be engulfed by the darkness.

'This is bad.'

If this continues, conflicts may unexpectedly happen.

"Arghhhhh.!" A skin crawling scream broke the silence.

"D-Demons!"

Clad in black as if part of the dark, several figures emerged.

"H-High level demons!"

"Protect her highness!" Amidst the sudden event, the soldiers move with a sense of responsibility. They sought to fulfill their duties. But the nervousness and uneasiness that was developed all along continued to grow as they witness their comrades curelessly torn to pieces. They are being overwhelmed by the demons.

"N-no please, I don't want to die!" In the face of overwhelming power, the soldier's inner heart was revealed. Unsightly scenes of begging and pleading filled the place. Unperturbed by their claims, the demons arrogantly sneered and continued their slaughter.

"Keep yourselves together. Regroup and maintain formation!" the commander shouted. The soldiers are not weak, but they were subjected to uncertainty by stepping in the forest. Without losing his composure, the commander valiantly and bravely fought with the demons. Corpses of demons littered within him. Seeing their commander fighting dynamically, they regained a bit of their confidence. Corpses littered the ground. After all is said and done, the battle was already decided from the start.

"Foolish creatures." A huge creature within a distance scoffed at the people seemingly playing fight. He could easily kill them if he wanted but he was amused. Like a play on a theatre, he remained only as a spectator. Feeling disappointed with the coming end of the play, he closed his eyes.

"Hmm?!" He suddenly opened his eyes when a foreign power suddenly made its way to the battle. It was like a shooting star. It was a blinding ball of light. Upon contact, all of the creatures within its range exploded and turned no more that bits of dust. The only remaining person was the baby once held by the pitiful queen.