The towering obsidian gates of the Archdemon Palace stood like silent sentinels, forged from beast-bone alloys and etched with ancient carvings of the Beastmaster bloodline, their sharp edges glistening under the dull grey sky as the small figure of Cian Archdemon approached with silent, calculated steps, his cold grey eyes scanning every detail, noticing the micro-movements of the armored guards who instinctively straightened and bowed low, their voices quiet, "Welcome home, Your Highness," yet beneath their formal tone, the tension was undeniable, for despite his small frame and youthful face, the rumors of his terrifying lawful evolution, quiet dominance, and inhuman efficiency had already spread beyond the academy, and as he passed through the grand halls of the palace, with beast-hide banners fluttering above and polished blackstone tiles reflecting his figure, every servant and soldier along the corridor instinctively lowered their gaze, whispering among themselves about the small prince with eyes too sharp for his age, the boy who spoke little yet terrified many, until the deep commanding voice of King Aldric Vaelthorn echoed from the throne hall, layered with relaxed amusement, quiet menace, and undeniable power, "Ah, my terrifying little strategist has returned," drawing Cian's calm gaze to the massive black-marble doors which parted to reveal his father standing beside the throne, broad-shouldered, carefree, yet radiating the quiet authority of a ruthless ruler, and as Cian stopped at the base of the stairs, his expression unreadable, he replied with cold efficiency, "Observation is more… efficient," earning a low chuckle from Aldric who stepped down casually, his sharp eyes studying his son with equal parts pride and caution as he teased, "Efficient… You sound more like your mother every day, terrifying, quiet, impossible to predict," while the cold, sweet, robotic voice of the Divine System echoed faintly in Cian's mind, "His Highness has entered primary territory, biological safety confirmed, monitoring parental threat level… minimal… for now," causing Cian's lips to twitch faintly in acknowledgment as the palace around them held its breath, the guards gripping their weapons tighter, the servants moving with exaggerated caution, for though only nine, though quiet and cold, the small prince walking those halls was evolving—silently, lawfully, relentlessly—and none within the Beastmaster Kingdom dared to predict how monstrous he would become.
