The Dralon region was a desolate land ruled by Viscount Fujih Dralon, where a city had been constructed amidst its arid expanse. The city's buildings were mostly forged in dark hues, mirroring the grim lives of its citizens. Its prosperity did not stem from trade or cultivation, but rather from war itself. A circular wall surrounded the entire city, as though shielding it from both threats and truth.
Lately, murmurs had begun to spread among the soldiers and townsfolk alike.
"Did you hear? A new Demon King is going to be chosen."
"Whoever it is, they'll be powerful. The old Demon King's child must be strong."
"I doubt his child will inherit the throne. Someone stronger will take it by force."
Two guards on duty whispered among themselves, oblivious to the authority approaching them. Their superior, a high-ranking officer, noticed and stormed toward them.
"You two! What do you think you're doing? You're supposed to be on watch!"
"Here he comes again, the perverted officer," one of them muttered under his breath. "Like there's anyone who would dare attack this place anyway."
As they slacked off, a courier burst into the city gates, panting heavily. The guards were stunned—the man was clutching a blood-stained letter in his hand, and his identity was obscured by a cloak.
"Who are you? What's your business here?" a guard demanded.
"I've been sent by Viscount Koloton. I carry an urgent message for Viscount Fujih of the Dralon region."
"Wait here. We'll inform the commander."
The guards bowed before their commander. The commander's eyes narrowed with irritation.
"What is it now, you worthless dogs?"
"A messenger from Viscount Koloton has arrived. He says he must deliver an urgent message to Viscount Fujih."
"Bring him in. I'll inform our lord myself."
As the commander set off for Fujih's castle, the guards returned—only to find the messenger was gone. Unbeknownst to them, the cloaked figure had already vanished, heading straight for his master.
With no regard for protocol, the messenger leaped through the window of the grand chamber, startling Fujih. Drawing his weapon instinctively, Fujih lowered it only when he recognized the figure before him.
Fujih: "So you've finally returned. How go the matters, my loyal aide?"
"As per your command, I tracked the Demon King's heir. According to what I learned from the soldiers, he is headed this way."
Fujih's expression darkened instantly. He clenched his fists, glaring at his subordinate with fury.
Fujih: "Here? Why would that boy come here?"
"I couldn't learn all the details, but from what I gathered, they're heading to see the Magic Commander. Apparently, he resides somewhere near Koloton's region."
So… they're going to that freak. I wanted to kill that Magic Commander long ago, but he was too powerful. No matter. I won't let that child reach him.
Fujih: "It doesn't matter. Take your best soldiers and kill the Demon King's heir. If you fail, don't bother coming back."
"Understood, my lord. I won't fail."
Fujih: "Good. Now disappear from my sight!"
With a mighty punch, Fujih struck the wall beside him, the impact strong enough to crack the stone. As his aide disappeared, Fujih slumped back into his throne, biting his lip in frustration.
Damn it! How are we being outmaneuvered by a mere child? If he reaches the Magic Commander, we're finished. This has to be that bastard Gefrit's doing!
Grabbing his goblet, he took a long swig of wine before rising and approaching the window. As stormy thoughts clouded his mind, the magic stone embedded in the room flared to life, projecting a glowing screen before him. The caller was General Guter, his face scarred and stern.
Guter: "You don't look well. Something troubling you?"
Fujih: "No, sir. Just plotting. The former Demon King's son has started to move."
Guter: "And you're worried about a child? Don't be ridiculous. He's nothing but trash before us."
You're right. But we've waited so long for this throne. If that brat completes his transformation, no one will be able to stop him.
Fujih: "You're right, sir. I let my worries get the better of me. With you by my side, there's nothing to fear."
Guter: "Hahaha! You overestimate me."
If you were weaker than me, I would've killed you by now. But for now, we work together—for the throne.
Fujih: "Sir, what's our stance on the borders?"
Guter: "The absence of the Demon King has shaken us. Until a new king is chosen, any aggression is dangerous. I'll monitor the borders for now—you focus on the heir."
Fujih: "As you command. My trusted officer will eliminate him and everyone with him without leaving a trace."
After the call ended, Fujih strode to the door and opened it with a loud pull. As he walked the corridors, a mysterious figure with a concealed face approached and silently handed him a letter before vanishing.
So it's finally arrived... the letter I was waiting for. Goodbye, new Demon King. It was never personal, but this kingdom no longer needs you. I'll take a walk among my people—soon, I'll be sleeping not in this city, but in the capital.
With a wicked smile, Fujih marched through the streets, accompanied by his guards. In one hand, he held his sword. In the other, a slave leash.
As he walked through the market, all eyes turned to him. He approached a slave trader transporting prisoners in a cage-like carriage.
"You," Fujih snapped. "Where is the slave I told you to find?"
The slave trader froze, glancing around nervously. He knew Fujih demanded an answer.
"M-My lord, the one who took them was—"
"You promised to bring them to me, you worm! Because of you, I can't finish what I started!"
"J-Just a bit more time, my lord. I'll catch them, I swear!"
"I no longer need your pathetic life."
Without hesitation, Fujih drew his blade and beheaded the trader, stomping on the gushing blood and driving his sword into the corpse.
This wound… it still aches. Damn that filthy elf! I swore I'd kill you when I found you again. You and the idiot slaver who captured you—I'll make you both suffer.
Pulling his blade free, he sheathed it again. Despite trying to compose himself, his mood soured as the pain in his chest pulsed anew.
It was during the border expansion campaign… 350 years ago. I was carving my way through enemy lines when that thing appeared—sky-blue eyes, long violet hair… Her beauty stunned me.
She grew furious when she saw our Demon King. Armed with a spear and water magic, she fought like a sea monster, her technique unlike anything I'd seen. Even the other elves hated her, yet she bought them time.
When her spear pierced my chest, it left this cursed wound. The Demon King saved me that day. I know she's still alive. Even the Demon King's anomaly-slicing blade couldn't harm her.
Next time I see her, I'll drive this sword into her heart. She ruined my life—and I will never forgive her.
As he rubbed the old scar on his chest, a soldier approached and knelt.
"Lord Fujih," the soldier said with a trembling voice, "there's movement at the border. Enemy forces are gathering."
Fujih: "Then kill them and be done with it! Why come to me for this?"
"My lord, it's the Demi-Human Empire. Their elite unit—the Heaven's Slayers—have begun to mobilize. One of them now leads the army."
This is unexpected. They never move against us. Our king's absence has made us vulnerable.
Fujih: "Let Viscount Beril handle it. Inform him that it's his problem now."
"Yes, my lord. One last thing… Most of the viscounts remain silent. It seems none of them will oppose General Guter becoming the next Demon King."
Fujih: "What a delightful turn of events. Soon, we will crush our enemies—with the full power of the crown!"
Yes… the throne first, then the heads of those who stand in our way. I'll show them what it means to challenge our might.
Fujih walked through the streets of Dralon, smiling with sinister confidence. All eyes turned to him as he passed. He was in high spirits, for the Demon King's heir would soon die.
But how would Tokito survive what was coming? Who were the enemies lurking in the shadows? And what would become of those who swore to protect him?