The Demon King's castle rose from the scorched land like a wound in the world.
Jagged black spires clawed at a crimson sky, each tower twisted as if grown rather than built. Lightning forked endlessly through the clouds above, illuminating the fortress in violent flashes, revealing walls etched with ancient demonic sigils that pulsed faintly with malignant life. The air itself felt corrupted, thick with sulfur, ash, and the weight of countless souls crushed beneath this place's existence.
At the heart of the castle lay the throne room.
It was vast—unnaturally so. Columns of black stone stretched upward into shadow, their surfaces crawling with glowing runes that whispered in forgotten tongues. Torches burned along the walls, their flames black and violet, casting warped silhouettes that writhed as if alive. The floor was polished obsidian, reflecting the firelight like dark water.
Upon a throne carved from bone, iron, and something far older, the Demon King sat.
One clawed hand rested against the armrest, talons tapping slowly, deliberately. His form was massive, draped in layered armor fused into his flesh, horns curving backward from his skull like a crown of ruin. His eyes—twin furnaces of glowing red—stared forward, unblinking.
"You all felt it," he said.
His voice was low, sharp, and heavy with authority. Not loud—he didn't need to be. The sound pressed into the room like gravity itself.
"Didn't you?"
Lucian stood at his right hand, posture rigid, arms crossed tightly across his chest. His expression was composed, but his eyes betrayed tension—sharp, calculating, unsettled.
"…Yes," Lucian replied after a brief pause. "A monstrous aura. Almost god-like… but distorted. Twisted."
From the shadows to the left, a pale figure stepped forward.
Lilith emerged silently, her movements smooth and precise. Her skin was unnaturally white, her eyes sharp and calculating, glowing faintly with violet light. A thin smirk curved her lips, but there was caution behind it—rare for her.
"I felt it too," she said coldly. "Like something that shouldn't exist. Something worse than a god."
A heavy step shook the floor.
Kraggor, massive and broad, clad in scorched armor fused to his body, stepped forward. Horns jutted from his head, flames crackling along their edges. His grin was wide, feral.
"Let them come!" he roared. "I've been waiting for a REAL fight!"
Lilith cast him a bored glance.
"And what?" she said mockingly. "You'll burn them with your weak flames?"
Kraggor snarled, flames flaring higher.
Lucian's gaze snapped toward Lilith.
"Watch your tongue," he said coldly.
Lilith's smirk deepened.
"Still angry, brother?" she murmured. "Or worried someone stronger than you is coming?"
A soft laugh echoed through the chamber.
Vessara lounged against one of the pillars, draped in silken robes that clung to her lithe form. Her eyes glimmered with amusement, lips curved in a knowing smile.
"If they really are that strong," she said lightly, "I might want them for myself."
Something wet squelched nearby.
Mawlor, grotesque and bloated, hunched forward while devouring something unidentifiable. Grease dripped from his fingers as he grinned.
"Or maybe I'll get to feast on their soul," he chuckled.
Zyron stood a little apart from the others, immaculately dressed, fingers adorned with gem-covered rings. Black coins floated and spun lazily around his hand.
"Whatever power they hold," Zyron said smoothly, "I want it. Imagine what I'd trade for that."
A yawn cut through the tension.
Nysha lounged in a floating chair, barely awake, rubbing one eye.
"Wake me up when they're dead," she muttered. "I'm too tired for drama."
A thin demon in dark green stepped forward, eyes sharp with resentment.
Vaen sneered.
"Of course you two are worked up over it," he said, glancing at Lucian and Lilith. "Jealous much?"
Lucian's eyes flashed.
"You think I fear anyone?" he said calmly. "If they're a threat, I'll erase them myself."
The Demon King raised one clawed hand.
The room fell silent instantly.
"Enough."
He leaned forward, red eyes burning brighter.
"If they enter this land," he continued, "we watch. If they are a threat… we crush them."
Lilith tilted her head.
"And if they're stronger than all of us combined?"
The Demon King smiled.
"Then we learn. And we adapt."
Kraggor slammed his fist into his palm, flames igniting.
"I say we strike first!"
"No," Lucian interjected sharply. "We observe. Rushing in blind is foolish."
Vessara laughed softly.
"So serious, Lucian," she teased. "Worried someone might finally put you in your place?"
Lucian turned his gaze on her, ice-cold.
"Try me."
Mawlor chuckled.
"I'd eat whoever wins," he said. "Or loses. Or both."
Nysha stretched.
"You guys have fun," she murmured. "I'll be here. Probably."
Vaen scoffed.
"Bet you wish you knew what that power was."
Lilith looked out a high window, expression sobering.
"…Whatever it is," she said quietly, "it feels like it's coming for something. Or someone."
Lucian stiffened.
Could it be… because of me?
The Demon King leaned back.
"Let them come," he said darkly. "This kingdom doesn't fall so easily."
Lilith's eyes narrowed.
If it's who I think…
Kraggor grinned at Lucian.
"Think you'll handle them yourself?"
"If I must."
Zyron raised a glowing gem.
"I'll bet everything they're dead before they reach us."
Vessara smiled.
"Care to wager?"
The throne room pulsed with tension.
The Demon King smiled.
"Let's see what kind of monster dares challenge us…"
Silence followed.
Then—
"Lucian," the Demon King said.
The room stilled.
"…is dead."
Lilith froze.
"Impossible…"
Kraggor roared, slamming his fist into the floor. Cracks rippled outward.
"WHO DID THIS?!"
Vaen smirked darkly.
"So the mighty Lucian wasn't so mighty after all—"
Lilith's eyes flared.
"Say that again and I'll gut you."
Zyron flipped a coin, expression thin.
"Whoever killed Lucian," he said, "could kill us all."
Vessara frowned.
"And we all felt that power."
Nysha sat up fully for the first time.
"If it killed Lucian… it's no joke."
Mawlor licked his lips nervously.
"Maybe I'll eat what's left… if there is anything."
Lilith turned sharply toward the Demon King.
"Who killed him?"
The Demon King stood.
"It was the one whose aura shook this world."
His eyes burned.
"A boy named Reider."
Lilith whispered the name.
"Reider…"
Kraggor cracked his knuckles.
"Good. I'll kill him."
"You'll end up like Lucian," Vaen muttered.
Lilith's voice turned icy.
"I'll deal with him. This is personal."
Zyron smiled thoughtfully.
"Imagine if we could control him."
Vessara licked her lips.
"Or tame him…"
Nysha frowned.
"I don't think we can."
The Demon King stepped forward.
"Reider is a threat," he said. "But also an opportunity."
His voice echoed.
"Whoever brings me his head will be rewarded."
Lilith smiled coldly.
"Then it will be me."
Zyron tossed his coin.
"We'll see."
Kraggor's flames surged.
"Let him come!"
Mawlor grinned.
"I wonder if he tastes like a god."
Nysha sighed.
"I'll watch."
Vessara whispered—
"What kind of man are you…?"
Vaen sneered.
"Don't get cocky."
Lilith said nothing.
The Demon King turned toward the window.
"Let the games begin."
Dark clouds gathered.
Lightning flashed.
Lilith's eyes burned with vengeance.
"Reider… you'll pay for my brother's death."