I Was Supposed to Be the Demon King, but They Made Me Save the World

The morning had been productive for the group, their baskets now brimming with freshly harvested vegetables. The warm sun climbed higher into the sky, casting soft golden light over the forest clearing. As the afternoon crept in, they decided it was time to return to their hut, the sound of their footsteps blending with the gentle rustle of leaves.

As they walked, Baldwin broke the comfortable silence.

"I'm planning to hunt some beasts. Do you know a good place I should head to?" he asked Velisara, his tone steady but purposeful.

Velisara glanced at him, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "If you're set on it, head east first, then north, and finally west. Follow the canal—it'll guide you to a path that leads straight into the Melas Jungle. But be warned, it's a dangerous place. Even for a beast hunter, it's not to be taken lightly."

Baldwin smiled faintly, his confidence unwavering. "I've told you already, Mom. Don't worry, I'll be back before evening."

Velisara's brow knit in subtle concern, though she tried to mask it. "Alright. But promise me you'll be cautious, Baldwin. That jungle has claimed its fair share of lives."

Olivia, who had been quietly listening, suddenly piped up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Aren't you scared of going alone?"

Baldwin chuckled softly, glancing at her. "Not at all. It's actually where I found you, remember? I was hunting there before. I know the area well."

Velisara placed a gentle hand on Olivia's shoulder, her protective instincts showing. "Alright, then. We'll head back to the hut. But Baldwin, make sure you return before dark. No excuses."

Baldwin nodded firmly. "I will."

With that, the group parted ways. Baldwin turned toward the path leading east, his strides purposeful. The faint sound of the canal's flowing water accompanied him as he ventured deeper into the wilderness. The air was rich with the scent of damp earth, and the occasional call of distant wildlife broke the serene quiet.

As the forest thickened around him, shadows danced beneath the canopy, and the energy shifted. The Melas Jungle lay ahead—wild, unpredictable, and brimming with untamed power. Baldwin's resolve hardened.

Baldwin walked for a while, his steady pace carrying him through the dense wilderness. After some time, he tapped into his shadow ability, melding into the darkness to travel faster. In mere moments, he crossed the canal, scaled a series of rugged mountains, and ventured deeper into the heart of the forest.

Emerging from the shadows, Baldwin began walking once more, his senses sharp. Along the way, he encountered several aggressive but weak beasts. Dispatching them with ease, he absorbed the crystals they left behind, the faint glow of their energy dissipating into him.

The weather turned suddenly, dark clouds gathering overhead before releasing a heavy downpour. Rain cascaded around him, soaking the dense foliage. Without hesitation, Baldwin sank back into his shadow form, moving swiftly through the storm as droplets rippled across his intangible form.

Eventually, he discovered an old, abandoned cave hidden behind a cluster of thick vines. Intrigued, Baldwin materialized from the shadows and stepped inside. The cave was rocky and damp, its walls glistening faintly with moisture. Surprisingly, there were no signs of beasts in the immediate vicinity—a fact that piqued his curiosity even further.

Deeper into the cave, Baldwin noticed a steep descent, as though the cavern had been carved to lead underground. He followed the path, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone. As he ventured further, the air grew cooler, and a faint, otherworldly glow began to illuminate the darkness.

What he found at the end of the descent left him speechless.

Before him lay the remnants of an entire human civilization, long abandoned but preserved in breathtaking detail. Every structure, from towering spires to intricate carvings, was made entirely of crystal. The light from his surroundings refracted through the crystalline architecture, casting shimmering rainbows across the cavern walls.

Baldwin stepped forward, his hand brushing against one of the structures. "Crystal magic..." he murmured to himself. It was a rare and uncommon ability, known to be wielded by only a select few—and even then, most crystal users were far from powerful. Yet the sheer scale and intricacy of this place spoke of a creator whose strength was unparalleled.

"Whoever built this..." Baldwin whispered, his voice trailing off as he continued to explore.

The deeper he ventured into the crystal city, the more questions began to form in his mind. What happened here? Who built this place? And why was it abandoned?

Something about the silence felt heavy, almost oppressive, as if the very air carried the weight of untold stories and forgotten power.

Baldwin pressed onward, determined to uncover the secrets hidden within the shimmering ruins.

Baldwin walked along the main street, his eyes scanning every detail of the abandoned city. Even the street itself was masterfully crafted, each stone perfectly inlaid, radiating an elegance that surpassed any civilization he had encountered before. Yet, the architecture was entirely unfamiliar—distinct from that of elves, demons, vampires, or humans.

The buildings were solid, their strength evident even in their state of decay. Baldwin brushed his fingers against the crystalline dust coating the structures, a byproduct of crystal magic. He knew that such dust only accumulated after centuries, perhaps over 500 years. The entire street was coated in this shimmering residue, hinting at the immense age of the city.

As he made his way deeper, Baldwin's attention was drawn to a grand castle that dominated the skyline. Its sheer size and intricate crystalline design made it the centerpiece of the settlement. It stood as a monument to the once-great power that must have ruled here.

As Baldwin approached the castle, the ring on his finger began to glow faintly, shifting between hues of gold and sky blue. The sudden brilliance caught his attention, but just as quickly, the glow dimmed and vanished.

A deep rumble echoed through the ground beneath his feet, sending vibrations up his legs. The entire settlement began to tremble, as though an earthquake had been unleashed. Baldwin steadied himself, his senses sharp, scanning his surroundings.

The sound of something massive stirred in the distance, the noise reverberating through the crystal structures like a warning. Whatever it was, it was drawing closer. Baldwin's pulse quickened as he readied himself, his instincts screaming that this was no ordinary encounter.

"What in the world..." he muttered under his breath, his hand tightening around the hilt of his weapon.

The city had been silent for centuries, and now, it seemed to be awakening. Whatever force had slumbered here was now stirring—and it was coming straight for him.