Chapter 3 – The Demoness of Crimson Veil
Kael stood atop the cliffs overlooking the city of Altheryon, the early dawn spilling gold and fire across the horizon. Below him, the Grand Academy bustled with life once more—its towers casting long shadows over a people oblivious to the truth hidden beneath their feet.
The system's glyphs occasionally flashed in the corner of his vision, quietly tracking his progress, whispering quests and offering mysterious prompts.
> [Bond Status: 1/10]
[Active Bond: Elowen – Astral Flame Goddess (Level 1)]
[Available Trials: Next Candidate Approaching...]
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Approaching?"
The wind shifted.
The air trembled.
And from the horizon, a portal tore itself open in the sky—spilling red lightning and black fire into the world.
---
Elsewhere – In the 9th Circle of Infernal Dominion
The Throne of Scorching Temptation pulsed with dark lust and ancient fury. Upon it lounged a being of immense power—a demoness with horns of obsidian, wings like tattered velvet, and eyes red as smoldering coals.
She was Lilixra, The Crimson Veil, known across planes as a creature of seduction, destruction, and betrayal.
And she was restless.
A surge had awakened in the bond network—a Sovereign-level synchronization. The last time such a thing occurred, the realms bled.
She rose with grace, her chained glaive floating behind her. "He has awoken..." she purred, a fang catching on her lower lip. "The mortal who dares form Divine Bonds."
Flames flickered beneath her feet. Her wings unfurled.
"I want to see if he can bind me."
She vanished in a storm of shadow.
---
Back in Altheryon
Kael sensed her arrival before she appeared. The world dimmed, colors bled, and the sky screamed.
From the portal descended a figure cloaked in fire and silk. Her presence alone silenced the world. Pedestrians fell to their knees, their souls instinctively cowering before the overwhelming charm and primal hunger she radiated.
Lilixra smiled.
Her voice coiled around Kael's mind like a serpent.
> "You smell of Elowen's flame... How curious."
Kael summoned his control, pushing back against the oppressive aura. "You're another goddess?"
She laughed, low and dangerous. "Hardly. I'm what your little fire-princess fears. And I've come to test you."
> [Trial Initiated: Crimson Veil Pact] [Warning: Trial Type – Seduction, Combat, Mental Fortitude.]
The world bent.
Kael was pulled into a dreamscape.
---
Trial Realm – The Garden of Desires
He found himself surrounded by crimson roses growing from ash. A black sky loomed overhead. Lilixra now sat on a throne made of bones and silk, her form shifting between sultry elegance and demonic wrath.
"You can't overpower me, Kael. But if you can endure me... perhaps you're worthy."
The next hour was torment. She probed his mind, whispered promises of pleasure and despair, tested every inch of his resolve. She conjured visions of betrayal, of Elowen dying, of Kael failing those he hadn't yet met.
But he didn't break.
He stood, unyielding.
"You're not real," he said. "And you won't control me."
The world shattered.
---
He awoke on the cliff's edge once more, gasping. Lilixra hovered before him, breathing heavily herself—her aura flickering, unstable.
> [Trial Passed. Soul Convergence: 41%] [New Bond Formed: Lilixra, Demoness of Crimson Veil – Bond Level 1] [Ability Unlocked: Crimson Pact – Charm resistance + Mental Barrier. Inflicts fear on enemies under 50% HP.]
Lilixra stepped closer, brushing his jaw with clawed fingers. "You're more fun than I expected. But be warned… I never submit completely."
Kael exhaled. "Then I'll just have to make you want to."
Her laughter rang like thunder.
---
Nightfall – Elowen's Warning
In the quiet of the shrine Kael had claimed in the forest outskirts, Elowen appeared beside him, her form glowing faintly.
"You bonded a demoness," she said simply.
"She chose the bond. I didn't force it."
"She will test you at every turn."
Kael looked up at the moonlight. "Let her. I intend to claim power from both light and dark. If I'm to be Sovereign, I must stand above gods, demons... even fate."
Elowen watched him in silence. And though her expression was calm, something in her gaze had changed. Concern? Jealousy? Fear?
> [Bond Alert: Elowen's Favor +2 | Lilixra's Desire +4]
Kael lay back against the stone wall, arms behind his head.
Two Bonds formed.
Eight more remained.
And already, the realms were stirring.
---
End of Chapter 3.