{The Yurchenko Siblings Backstory.]

Chapter 3: The Secret Invitation

Life had a way of throwing unexpected challenges at the Yurchenko siblings, but nothing could have prepared Milo for the revelation that was about to upend his world. It started on an ordinary afternoon, with Milo walking home from school, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of assignments and his siblings. The recent tensions with their mother, Freya, had added to the weight on his shoulders, and he found solace in the routine of his walk through the quiet streets of Greenwood. As he approached the edge of the forest that bordered their town, Milo noticed something unusual. A figure stood in the shadows, watching him intently. The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, imposing man dressed in dark, weathered clothing. His eyes were sharp and calculating, and he carried an air of authority that immediately put Milo on edge. "Milo Yurchenko?" the man called out, his voice deep and commanding. Milo stopped in his tracks, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. "Yes, that's me," he replied, his voice steady but wary. "Who are you?"

The man took a step closer, his gaze never wavering. "My name is Elias. I'm here to extend an invitation to you—one that comes with great responsibility and even greater danger." Milo's brow furrowed, confusion and curiosity battling within him. "What do you mean?" Elias reached into his coat and pulled out a sealed envelope, handing it to Milo. "You have been selected for a very special purpose. One that has been kept secret from the general populace for generations. You have the potential to become a demon slayer, tasked with protecting humanity from the shadows that threaten to consume it." Milo's heart raced as he took the envelope, his mind struggling to comprehend the weight of Elias's words. "Demon slayer?" he repeated, incredulity lacing his voice. "Why me?" Elias's expression softened slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You possess qualities that are rare and invaluable—courage, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. These traits make you an ideal candidate for our cause." Milo stared at the envelope, his hands trembling. He thought of his siblings, the responsibilities he already carried, and the dangers that Elias had mentioned. "What will happen to my family?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Your family will be protected," Elias assured him. "But you must make a choice. Accepting this invitation means embracing a life of constant vigilance and peril. It is not a decision to be made lightly." Milo took a deep breath, his mind racing. The idea of becoming a demon slayer was both terrifying and exhilarating. He knew that the responsibility would be immense, but the thought of protecting his loved ones and making a difference in the world filled him with a sense of purpose he had never felt before.

"I need time to think about this," Milo said, his voice firm.

Elias nodded, respecting his decision. "Take all the time you need. But remember the shadows are always present. When you are ready, use the contact information inside that envelope. I'll be waiting." Milo watched as Elias turned and disappeared into the shadows of the forest. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He clutched the envelope tightly, feeling the weight of the decision he had to make. As he continued his walk home, the usual sights of Greenwood felt different, tinged with the knowledge of the secret world Elias had revealed. The quiet town, with its narrow streets and familiar faces, now seemed like a thin veneer hiding something much darker. When Milo reached home, he was greeted by the usual chaos of his siblings. Mike and Maya were in the living room, building an elaborate fort out of cushions and blankets, while Millie was at the kitchen table, lost in her sketching. Freya was in the kitchen, cooing at Anya, who sat in her high chair. Milo slipped the envelope into his backpack, deciding to keep the encounter with Elias to himself for the time being. He wasn't sure how his family would react, and he needed to sort through his own feelings first. Later that evening, after the younger children were in bed, Milo found a quiet moment to open the envelope. Inside, he found a letter with detailed instructions and a small silver pendant, etched with intricate symbols. The letter outlined the responsibilities and training he would undergo if he chose to become a demon slayer. It also contained a phone number and an address, where he could reach Elias if he decided to accept the invitation. Milo's heart pounded as he read the letter. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in. Becoming a demon slayer would mean leaving behind the life he knew, stepping into a world of danger and uncertainty. But it also meant having the power to protect his family and make a real difference in the world. As he lay in bed that night, Milo wrestled with his thoughts. He knew he couldn't make this decision lightly, but the idea of becoming a demon slayer intrigued him. He thought of his siblings, of the challenges they faced every day, and the sense of duty he felt toward them. The next few days passed in a blur. Milo went through the motions of school and household chores, but his mind was constantly on the decision he had to make. He found himself looking over his shoulder, half-expecting Elias to appear again, but the man remained elusive. One evening, as the sun set and the house grew quiet, Milo sat down with Millie. He needed someone to talk to, someone who might help him make sense of everything. "Millie," he began, his voice tentative. "Can I tell you something? Something really important?"

Millie looked up from her sketchbook, her eyes filled with concern. "Of course, Milo. What is it?"

Milo took a deep breath and recounted his encounter with Elias, showing her the letter and the pendant. Millie's eyes widened as she listened, her expression shifting from shock to curiosity.

"Wow, Milo," she said when he finished. "This is huge. I mean, becoming a demon slayer... it's not something you hear about every day."

"I know," Milo replied, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "But I don't know what to do. It's such a big decision, and I don't want to leave you guys."

Millie reached out and took his hand, her grip reassuring. "Whatever you decide, we'll support you. But just think about what you want, what feels right. And remember, we'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Milo nodded, grateful for her understanding. He knew he had to make the decision for himself, but having Millie's support meant the world to him.

That night, as he lay in bed, Milo felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He knew the path he wanted to take, despite the risks and uncertainties. The next morning, he made his decision. Milo retrieved the letter from his backpack and dialled the phone number. Elias answered almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for Milo's call. "I've made my decision," Milo said, his voice steady. "I want to become a demon slayer."

Elias's voice carried a note of approval. "Welcome, Milo. You've made a brave choice. Your training will begin soon. Be prepared for what lies ahead." Milo hung up the phone, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. He knew his life was about to change in ways he couldn't fully comprehend, but he also felt a sense of purpose, a new direction that filled him with determination. Over the next few days, Milo made preparations for his new journey. He told his siblings about his decision, and while they were shocked and worried, they promised to support him. Freya, surprisingly, had little to say, her focus remaining on Anya as always.  Elias arrived one evening to take Milo to his first training session. As they stood on the porch, Milo hugged his siblings tightly, promising to return as often as he could. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but he knew he was doing it for them. As Milo climbed into Elias's car, he glanced back at his family, their faces filled with a mixture of pride and concern. He took a deep breath, ready to embrace his new destiny. The car pulled away from the house, and Milo felt the weight of his decision settle over him. He was stepping into the unknown, but he was not afraid. He was ready to face the shadows, to protect his family, and to fulfil the role he had been chosen for. As the town of Greenwood faded into the distance, Milo's heart was filled with determination. He knew the path ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to become the demon slayer he was destined to be. The shadows might be ever-present, but so was his resolve. And with that, Milo's journey into the world of demon slayers began, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.