The Underworld—forever shrouded under a blood-red moon.
Crimson light spilled across the land, casting a strange and eerie glow over the world.
Amidst the rolling mountains, lava surged and roared, and from time to time, massive beasts wreathed in flames let out thunderous howls.
Blood-colored clouds hung low in the sky, occasionally split by streaks of lightning that illuminated the endless sprawl of black palaces below.
This was the ancestral domain of the High-Ranking Demon House of Diablo.
At the heart of it stood a grand and magnificent castle—the Diablo family estate.
Deep within the castle, in an elegantly furnished room, Guber sat in a soft recliner, his brow slightly furrowed in thought.
His short, ink-black hair framed a face with delicate features, still holding a trace of youthful softness. But in his deep crimson-violet eyes gleamed a calmness far beyond his years.
Just then—
A clear, melodious voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Master, is something troubling you?"
Guber looked up toward the voice.
Standing respectfully before him was a silver-haired woman dressed in a black maid outfit. Her exquisite beauty and curvaceous figure made her seem like a flawless work of art.
At the sound of her voice,Guber couldn't help but fall into thought once again as he gazed at her.
Grayfia Lucifuge.
A noble of the extra-lineage demon house Lucifuge, which had served the Diablo family for generations.
Though Guber didn't quite understand why the Lucifuge, who were originally the retainers of Demon King Lucifer, had somehow become the loyal servants of the Diablo family,the result was that Grayfia Lucifuge, who was once hailed as the strongest queen in the Underworld,had become his personal maid.
Cut off completely from Sirzechs Lucifer and the high-ranking demon Gremory family.
And yet—
Guber found this whole thing thrilling rather than troubling, and had no complaints whatsoever.
What's more, ever since he'd become the head of the Diablo family,Grayfia had been diligently managing all family affairs on his behalf—saving him an enormous amount of trouble.
Every time he thought about this, Guber couldn't help but feel secretly delighted!
…
…
"So it's you, Grayfia." Guber looked at her, forcing a small smile.
"I was just thinking about something…"
Grayfia gently bowed, her silver hair cascading down like a waterfall.
"Master, the treasures offered this year by several human families have arrived. Would you like to review them?"
"Treasures?" Guber blinked. He hadn't been aware of such tributes from the human world.
Sensing his confusion, Grayfia quickly explained, "Yes, Master."
"For centuries, the Diablo family has maintained pacts with several ancient human lineages. Every year, they offer precious treasures in exchange for our protection."
"Oh? Bring them in. Let's take a look," Guber said with interest.
He was genuinely curious what kinds of offerings those human families had brought.
Grayfia nodded and exited the study.
Before long,she returned with several maids, each pushing a cart covered with red silk cloth.
"Master, please take a look." Grayfia lifted the cover from the first cart, revealing an array of dazzling treasures: rare magical materials, powerful enchanted artifacts, and exotic items from other worlds…
…
Guber's eyes passed over the glittering collection.
While all of them were indeed rare,they were nothing more than flashy trinkets to him now.
Just as he was about to tell Grayfia to uncover the next cart—
Suddenly—
A cold, mechanical voice rang in his mind:
[Detected: Host has come into contact with a collectible item of value. Grand Collector System Activated!]
[Ding! Host has reached adulthood. Bloodline of the High-Ranking Demon Diablo family is now awakening!]
In that instant—a surge of energy erupted from Guber's body.
Grayfia, sensing the energy and realizing it came from Guber, looked over in surprise, thinking:"This energy… Could it be… the Diablo bloodline is awakening?"
BOOM—!
A powerful aura exploded from Guber's body, freezing the air in the room.
The temperature plummeted, and a suffocating pressure spread through the space—as if a formless, colossal beast had opened its gaping maw and was silently eyeing the world with greedy hunger.
Grayfia's expression changed as she involuntarily stepped back.
"This power… It really is a bloodline awakening?"
Sensing the demonic aura radiating from Guber,a flash of joy appeared on Grayfia's flawless face.
She had originally thought that with Guber's current state, awakening the Diablo bloodline would take much longer. She never expected it to happen today.
This was truly wonderful!