Shadow Being

After dedicating extensive effort to serve my master, I found myself lacking the merit to attain the esteemed position of his confidant.

Ultimately, I was exiled from my realm, condemned to exist as a human on Earth.Even if my transgressions were minor, my expulsion to Earth among the very human race I held in contempt occurred without hesitation on his part.

Fortunately, I retained my innate abilities and magic, enabling me to amass a substantial following that bowed in reverence before me.

Throughout my sojourn on Earth, it dawned on me that if dominion over the Supreme Kingdom eluded me, perhaps I could assert control over the realm of Earth.

Thus commenced my endeavor to conquer Earth, compelling the entire human populace to kneel before my dominion.My grand stratagem unfolded seamlessly until humanity beseeched the Supreme Being to dispatch a savior.

After several months, the Supreme Being answered their entreaty and interceded.Employing an incantation, the Supreme Being disentangled my soul from its corporeal vessel and secluded it in an inaccessible sanctum.

Having faltered in my bid to conquer both domains, I ultimately reconciled with my fate and resolved to rest.

"Eh? What is that disturbance? Should there be other spirits present?"Struggling, I pried my eyes open to ascertain the cause of this interruption to my repose.As my eyelids lifted, hazy forms resolved into distinct figures.

Gradually, the outline of a colossal human materialized before me.

The room was dimly lit by a single lantern, casting a warm but subdued glow on the scene.

The air inside felt heavy with a mixture of sweat and the earthy scent of herbs. The woman lay on a simple straw mat, exhaustion evident in her posture and on her flushed face.

Her hair was damp with sweat, clinging to her forehead.She held her newborn close, wrapped in a piece of cloth, her eyes fixed on the tiny face before her.

There was a mixture of relief and tenderness in her gaze, as if she couldn't quite believe the ordeal was over and that this new life was really here in her arms.

Her lips curved into a tired but content smile, and her attention seemed solely focused on this fragile being she had brought into the world.The midwife, a seasoned village elder, bustled around quietly, cleaning up and offering words of comfort.

Other women from the village, who had gathered to support her through the process, whispered in hushed tones nearby, sharing their own experiences and marveling at the miracle they had just witnessed.

"Is this perpetual torment, subjecting me to the torment of giant humans?" I grappled with comprehending the situation.

My recollection concluded with my defeat at the hands of the Supreme Being, and my soul's extrication from its vessel. How, then, had I arrived at this juncture?

"Oh, how endearing," cooed the woman embracing me, her visage reflecting fondness through a fatigued countenance that yet managed a smile.

'Endearing? Who does she deem endearing? I am the embodiment of darkness—the Shadow Entity!' My attempts at articulation yielded only nonsensical babbling, a puzzling predicament.

My initial foray onto Earth did not entail infancy; I arrived in my complete form as the sovereign of the night. Why, then, am I reborn as an infant? Is this the Supreme Being's reprisal?

"Upon his birth, the Hero's star manifested in the firmament," observed a less-than-aesthetically-pleasing woman, her wrinkles testifying to age. "He could very well be the savior ordained by the Supreme Being."

Indeed, the Hero had been foretold—a pledge that emerged as I confronted defeat. The Hero would arise as a child, marked by a radiant star accompanying his birth.

The Hero's duty encompassed combatting the very dark entities and monsters I had fashioned.Nonetheless, I could hardly be the chosen Hero, bearing in mind my maleficent history.

"Let's hope for the best," rejoined the woman clutching me, countering, "We must acknowledge the multitude of births occurring concurrently."

The room's entrance creaked open, admitting a man of formidable mien. Flowing brown locks cascaded past his shoulders, coupled with a mustache adorning his upper lip.

A robust countenance suggested latent strength; he could have proven invaluable within my sinister ranks.Beside him stood a young girl, perhaps no more than two years old, boasting a matching mane of brown hair and cherubic features.

The man advanced, an exuberant grin gracing his features as he scooped me into his embrace, showering my cheeks with kisses.

'Really, now?' Yet my attempts to break free proved futile against his imposing frame.

"Resembles his mother, doesn't he?" he remarked, tenderly ruffling my hair.Evidently, he was to be my new father, and the fatigued woman, my mother."What shall we christen him?" my new mother inquired.

"Damien," my father responded, prompt and certain. "Damien Carden"

No objections were proffered; the name held no sway over me. My forthcoming blade would see his end, affording me liberation, and my return to the dark entities of my creation.

For reasons I could not fathom, a third chance at life was granted me—extremely rare indeed.

This precious opportunity would not be squandered. Both this world and the Supreme Being would bow before me.

****

Beyond the village, a towering edifice stood, hewn from wood.Within its recesses, darkness held sway; candles cast wavering light on the gloom.

Certain chambers, however, were better illuminated. A spacious hall contained a large, round table around which six figures convened.Clad in white robes and hooded garments, they conversed in solemn tones.

"As we're aware, the Hero has come into being," a resonant male voice intoned, the occupant of the grandest chair emerging as the leader.

"Though the Supreme Being dispatched our savior, the identity eludes us," added another, questioning how to discern the chosen one amidst myriad children born beneath the star.

A hush settled, broken by the leader's decree:

"We shall take charge of each child born tonight, commencing when they reach a decade. Thus, we shall ample time to identify the true Hero."

****

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