Writer's Recipe vol. 4 (2019)

DEMON LORD

Written by : Muhammad Firdaus bin Rosli

FAIRY WORLD, SYLVESTIA

Bright light pierced the dark sky and a legion of warriors clad in full metal armour appeared. On the opposite side, an army of monstrous creatures were waiting to rip their enemies apart. In front of them was the mighty demon lord, Dylon. It was a battle between the forces of good and evil that will decide who will conquer the fairy world.

A fierce battle raged across the battlefield for seven days. In the end, the forces of good had triumphed over the forces of evil. The demon army was defeated and Dylon himself was mortally injured. But he still had enough power left in him to create a magical doorway to escape.

"I will return, and I will make sure, when the time comes, not even one of you will have a chance to shed tears to regret this." He then entered the doorway and vanished from sight. Never to be seen again.

TOKYO, JAPAN

"Hey, do you have something to do tonight?" asked Cylia a jubilant young lady.

"I don't think so. Why?" replied the young man to which she was talking to.

"I was just thinking... um... maybe we could go to the movies together?"

"Sure, Why not?" said the man with a bright smile.

Cylia's was grinning from ear to ear, but she turned around to hide it from him. "See you later then Dylon!"

Dylon, once a vicious demon lord was now working at a fast food restaurant in Tokyo. After he used his dark magic to create a doorway, he was stuck in another world. Almost depleted of all of his powers, he had to live as a normal person who had to work to earn some money in this world like everyone else.

He went home and thought about meeting up with Cylia later. It was a little bit awkward for him because he never went out with a girl before. Not as a human on Earth, and definitely not as the demon lord back in in his home world Sylvesia. He had absolutely no idea what to expect. Dylon was so lost in his thoughts until he didn't realise how much time had passed. He was going to be late for his date!

He ran as fast as his feet could carry him to the mall where he promised to meet Cylia. He wished he could use his powers to make him move faster. When he got there, he saw her standing all by herself in front of the mall.

"Sorry for being late," he said while panting as he finally reached her.

"It's okay. I just got here myself. So... shall we go in?" said the girl delightfully.

The movie they watched was called 'Demon Wars'. After they finished watching, Cylia couldn't stop talking about how frightful the monsters in the movie looked. Dylon only laughed it off. He knew at the monsters in his demon army was a lot scarier. They continued to talk along their way back home.

In the middle of their conversation, a big fireball was flying towards them out of nowhere. Fortunately, Dylon was able to react in time and pulled Cylia to safety. A bright light appeared from the sky and a knight clad in white armour descended.

"What are you ding here Jess? This is not your world!" yelled Dylon.

"Nor is it you, demon lord," said the knight known as Jess. "I've come to finish you off once and for all." As soon as Jess said those words, Jess lunged towards Dylon.

"Get away Cylia!" shouted Dylon. He did not want to drag her into this mess.

Cylia was still in a daze since the fireball appeared. She still couldn't believe what was going on in front of here eyes? Magic knight? Demon lord? But one thing that was clear in her mind. She had to do something to help Dylon.

"Argh!" Dylon grunted as he was thrown away to the ground by Jess. He caught Cylia still rooted to the ground from the corner of his eye. "Why are you still here? Run away, please!" he shouted in worry. He heard heavy footsteps coming towards him. When he turned, Jess was towering over him, his sword lifted high above his head.

"Enjoy you last moment of life, demon lord," with that, Jess swung his sword.

Dylon resigned to his fate and closed his eyes. But something strange happened, the sword never reached him. When he opened his eyes, he saw Cylia standing in front of him, her hands outstretched, trying to protect him. The sword was just a few inches from Cylia's head. Dylon's heart was bearing so fast he felt as if it could burst out from his chest.

"Don't kill him, I beg of you," cried Cylia. In truth, even she could not believe she was still alive.

"Why are you trying to protect this vile creature? You don't even know who... what he really is?" said the knight.

"True. Maybe I don't know who he was in the past, but now he is just an ordinary man. An ordinary man who I've fallen in love with." she said courageously. "I know people can change. And if you're trying to kill someone who's trying to be good, doesn't that make you the evil person?" continued Cylia.

Jess thought about it for a moment, and then put aside his sword. "Maybe you are right. I will let him live as long as you can keep an eye on him. Make sure he won't become the monster that he was," said Jess sternly.

"I will make sure of it," Cylia said without a second thought.

"As for you, do not even think to conquer this world or break this young lady's heart. If you do either, the entire army of fairy world will come for you," he warned while pointing to Dylon. With that, Jess returned to the fairy world.

The two of them were left sitting on the ground. An awkward silence passed – both of them didn't know what to say after that harrowing experience.

"So, how about we have dinner together tomorrow night?" asked Dylon out of the blue. Crimson blood was still dripping from the cuts all over his body.

"Are you sure about that? Because I don't think you can even walk right now," replied Cylia jokingly.

"Hey, you're looking at a demon lord," he said with a cheeky smile.

"You are not a demon lord. Not anymore," said Cylia as she held his hand tightly.

Dylon swore that he will never return

SYLVESTIA CASTLE

"Together with our power, we can conquer all the world". "If you wish to do so Jess, I will serve you until the end. "Prepare my monster armies, we will start it very soon" ordered Jess. "Yes, my lord".