The grand council chamber of the Demonic Cult was steeped in a heavy, almost suffocating silence. A vast obsidian table stretched across the center, its polished surface reflecting the dim glow of the red lanterns above. Usually, every seat in this sacred hall was occupied during meetings, but today, more than half were empty. The reasons were obvious—those missing were tending to wounds, either from the recent ambush or from battles fought defending the cult's honor. And one seat, draped in black cloth, would never again be filled; its former occupant had perished in the chaos.
The great guardian of the cult known as Dark king , an imposing figure clad in ceremonial black robes, standing beside Riku . His sharp eyes scanned the room, lingering on the remaining council members, each looking weary yet vigilant. The murmurs of lesser officials died away as his deep voice cut through the air.
"The cult has suffered a blow," the great guardian began, his tone grave. "Our enemies grow bolder. The ambush… the injuries… the loss of Elder Han… we cannot allow this weakness to linger."
A few heads bowed in agreement, others clenched fists. Riku sat quietly, hands folded, his crimson eyes half-lidded in feigned disinterest. Inside, however, his mind was sharper than ever, already turning the situation to his advantage.
"Until the Lord recovers from his injuries, we must appoint an acting leader to maintain unity and lead the cult's operations," the guardian continued. "One who commands fear and respect. One whose strength is beyond question."
There was no hesitation—eyes turned toward Riku. His rise over the past year had been meteoric. At only seventeen, he had reached a level of martial mastery most men never achieved in a lifetime. His performance during the ambush, cutting down enemy masters with ease, had left even the most skeptical elders silent.
An older councilor spoke first.
"I nominate Riku. His power is unmatched among the younger generation, and his tactics have already preserved the cult from greater losses."
One by one, others nodded. The consensus was swift and unanimous.
"Then it is decided," the great guardian declared. "Riku will serve as Acting Leader of the Demonic Cult until the Lord's return."
Riku rose, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment. But in the depths of his gaze, a dangerous spark flickered—this was the moment he had been waiting for.
The system's familiar chime rang in his mind.
[Quest Complete: Ascend to Cult Leadership]
Reward: Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan – Acquired
A rush of power surged through him, his vision momentarily swirling as the newly awakened dojutsu pulsed within his eyes. The intricate tomoe patterns of the Eternal Mangekyō spun like an otherworldly vortex. And beneath that, he could feel it—the perfect harmony between this new ocular might and his Sage Body, a fusion that placed him on the precipice of godlike strength.
He didn't let the excitement show. Not yet.
The heavy double doors of the chamber suddenly opened, the sound of boots echoing on the stone floor. An envoy from the Murim Alliance stepped in, flanked by two armored guards. The man bowed respectfully, though tension hung in the air.
"I come bearing a message from the Murim Alliance to the Demonic Cult," the envoy announced. "They request a formal meeting to discuss the rising power of the Blade School, whose influence now threatens the balance between our factions."
A murmur spread through the council. The Blade School had been a thorn in everyone's side, its rapid expansion causing unease among both righteous and demonic forces.
The envoy continued,
"To ensure a fair and cooperative discussion, the Alliance will send representatives, alliance will send moyoung clan patriach , her daughter and mount hua saint for discussion."
The mention of that name caught Riku's attention instantly. Lady Seorin—renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and political influence—was a figure admired and feared across the Murim. Many sought her hand in marriage, but few had ever even been granted her full attention.
Riku's lips curved into a faint smile. This meeting had just become far more interesting.
The Blade School can wait, he thought. First, I'll see what kind of woman the Moyoung heiress truly is.
His mind was already weaving plans. If he could secure an advantageous relationship—or even a marriage alliance—with someone of her standing, it would not only strengthen his position within the cult but also give him influence in the righteous factions. And Riku was never one to ignore a chance to tilt the scales in his favor.
The council leader turned to him.
"As Acting Leader, you will be the one to meet with their envoy when the time comes. Will you accept this duty?"
"Of course," Riku replied smoothly, his voice calm yet confident. "If the Moyoung Clan wishes to talk… I will make sure we come to an agreement."
No one in the room could read the double meaning behind his words.
As the council dispersed, Riku remained seated, fingers lightly brushing against the armrest of the obsidian chair. His gaze was distant, not on the fading figures of the elders but on the path ahead. The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan pulsed faintly beneath his eyelids, feeding him visions of battle, strategy, and dominance.
He would not simply act as a placeholder until the Lord returned. This was his time. And if fate played its hand correctly, the title of Acting Leader would soon drop the "Acting" altogether.