Chapter 56: The Unknown Foes and Alliance
In the Demon World, Toshinori sits on a rocky outcrop, resting after a long fight. The eerie landscape stretches around him, filled with the constant hum of dark energy. Despite the dangers, Toshinori feels calm, confident in the allies he left behind.
Toshinori: leaning back, muttering to himself "Well, Ken, Shoya, and Izana are out there. They've got things covered, so there's nothing to worry about on that front."
But then his thoughts turn darker, and his expression shifts to one of frustration as memories of the past begin to flood in.
Toshinori: thinking, a frown crossing his face "How can I tell Ellen... that it was her father who stabbed me in the back and pushed me into this hellish world?"
He clenches his fist, the weight of the truth heavy on his heart. He can't imagine the pain it will cause Ellen, especially now that she's alone, thinking he's dead.
Toshinori: sighing deeply, running a hand through his hair "I need to get out of here... I have to find a way back and confront her father myself. But first... I need to survive this place."
As Toshinori walks deeper into the dark expanse of the Demon World, he spots a village in the distance, something he hadn't expected to find in such a hostile place. His eyes narrow as he approaches cautiously.
Toshinori: to himself, surprised "A village... I didn't expect there to be one here."
Suddenly, his attention is drawn to a commotion up ahead. A devil is attacking another, and a terrified demon child cries out for help.
The Child: screaming "Someone, help me!"
Without hesitation, Toshinori draws his Devil Sword Midoriya, swiftly cutting down the attacking devil with a single, precise strike. The devil collapses, and Toshinori turns his attention to the demon child, who cowers in fear.
Kid: trembling "Please... don't hurt me."
Toshinori kneels down and gently pats the child's head, his voice calm and reassuring.
Toshinori: "I'm not here to hurt you. Tell me what's going on here."
The demon kid hesitates but, seeing Toshinori's kindness, begins to speak, his voice shaky.
Demon Kid: "All... All For One..."
At the mention of that name, Toshinori's eyes widen, shock clear on his face.
Toshinori: in disbelief "All For One?"
Demon Kid: nodding "There was a human who became Lord Mundus's vessel—a powerful demon. He calls himself All For One, and... and he wants to rule over all of existence."
Toshinori's expression hardens, the weight of this revelation hitting him like a ton of bricks.
Toshinori: gritting his teeth "So, All For One is hiding here, in the Demon World…"
He glances at the village, then back at the child. His original plans of escaping suddenly seem less urgent compared to the threat looming before him.
Toshinori: sighing "Looks like I'll have to postpone my plans for now. If All For One is involved, I can't let this go."
The demon kid, still trembling after Toshinori's intervention, looks up at him with wide, fearful eyes. The weight of what Toshinori plans to do becomes clear, and the child's voice trembles with disbelief.
Demon Kid: stuttering "A-Are you planning to go against him? He's too strong…"
Toshinori glances back at the child, his eyes calm but a faint smile crosses his lips.
Toshinori: confidently "Don't worry, kiddo. You'll see soon enough who's the real boss around here."
The demon child watches in awe as Toshinori turns to walk away. For a moment, the child catches a glimpse of something strange—an ethereal reflection, an image from another time. His eyes widen in shock.
Demon Kid: whispering to himself "S... Sparda?"
Toshinori pauses, sensing the child's confusion, and turns his head slightly, curious.
Toshinori: raising an eyebrow "Something wrong?"
Demon Kid: shaking his head quickly "N-No... nothing..."
Toshinori chuckles softly, sensing the child's awe but choosing not to question it further. With a grin still on his face, he continues his journey, leaving the demon kid to watch in wonder.
The barren wasteland offers little comfort, but he knows he needs to rest and gather his strength.
Toshinori: muttering to himself "Well, looks like I need to find a place to stay."
As he continues forward, a fleeting thought crosses his mind, and he can't help but chuckle at the memory of his mother.
Toshinori: thinking "Mother would've killed me for showing a horror like that to a kid…"
He smiles to himself, imagining Ochaco's disapproving look and how she would have scolded him for frightening the young demon. Despite the dire situation, the thought of his mother softens his mood, reminding him of home and the people waiting for him.
Toshinori: sighing "I'll make it back... and when I do, I'll tell her everything."
Scene: The Demon World, a desolate landscape shrouded in darkness, where Toshinori continues his search for a place to rest and gather his strength. The air is thick with tension, and the echoes of distant battles reverberate through the rocky terrain.
As Toshinori navigates through the wasteland, he remains alert, aware of the dangers that lurk nearby. Suddenly, he hears a rustling sound coming from behind a nearby rock formation. Tensing, he grips his Devil Sword Midoriya tightly, ready to confront whatever threat may be hiding.
Toshinori: calling out "Who's there? Show yourself!"
From behind the rocks, a shadowy figure emerges, revealing a weary-looking demon with ragged clothes and bruises covering his body. The demon raises his hands in surrender, eyes wide with fear.
Demon: trembling "Please, don't hurt me! I'm just trying to survive!"
Toshinori lowers his sword slightly, recognizing the desperation in the demon's voice.
Toshinori: softening his stance "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm looking for a place to rest. Do you know of any safe spots nearby?"
The demon looks around nervously before nodding.
Demon: "There's an old abandoned temple not far from here. Most demons avoid it, thinking it's haunted. But it might be the safest place for you to rest."
Toshinori considers this, grateful for the information. The idea of finding shelter gives him a much-needed sense of hope.
Toshinori: "Lead the way."
The demon nods eagerly and starts to walk, glancing over his shoulder to ensure Toshinori is following. As they make their way through the rocky terrain, the tension in the air begins to dissipate, and the demon starts to share his story.
Demon: "My name is Rax. I used to live in a village until All For One's minions attacked. They took my family... I barely escaped."
Toshinori's heart sinks at the mention of All For One.
Toshinori: solemnly "I'm sorry to hear that. You're not alone anymore, Rax. I'm here to put an end to All For One's tyranny."
Rax looks up at Toshinori, hope flickering in his eyes.
Demon: "You think you can stop him? He's more powerful than anyone knows. Many have tried and failed."
Toshinori's expression hardens, resolve filling his voice.
Toshinori: "I won't let fear dictate my actions. I've faced powerful foes before. I will find a way to defeat him and free this world from his grip."
Rax seems inspired by Toshinori's words, a small smile creeping onto his face. They soon arrive at the abandoned temple, its stone walls crumbling but still standing, a remnant of a bygone era.
Toshinori: "This will do nicely."
As they enter the temple, a sudden chill fills the air, and Toshinori feels a strange energy coursing through the ancient stone. Rax watches Toshinori closely, curiosity evident in his expression.
Demon: "Are you... a human? You don't seem like the others who come here."
Toshinori glances at Rax, surprised by the question.
Toshinori: "Yes, I am human. But I've become something more. I have the power to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Rax nods slowly, the weight of Toshinori's words sinking in.
Demon: "Then, I will help you in any way I can. There are other demons in hiding who feel the same way. Together, we can stand against All For One."
Toshinori smiles, feeling a bond forming between them. Despite their differences, they share a common goal.
Toshinori: "Thank you, Rax. With your help, we might have a chance."
As they settle into the temple, Toshinori takes a moment to meditate, focusing on the task ahead. In his mind, he envisions Ellen and the life he hopes to return to.
Toshinori: thinking, resolutely "I will find a way back to you, Ellen. I promise."