The morning came swiftly.Arabella opened her eyes to the light creeping through the window, and with a calm yet commanding tone, she roused her subordinates.
"It's time," she said.
After a quick preparation, they marched toward the Vanguard Hall. Inside, Arabella was assigned to select their first mission. The board was filled with countless quests—monster hunts, bandit raids, and demon exterminations—but only three caught her sharp eyes:
Slay the Giant Shogun
Raid the Demon General's Base
Retrieve the Water of Life from the Elven City
Each bore the crimson mark of Extreme Difficulty, the highest classification a mission could carry. But what drew her in wasn't the danger—it was the reward.
The second quest promised immense riches and glory: the Raid on the Demon General's Base.
The quest's requirements were terrifying—Grand Master to Absolute tier only. Few dared attempt it. Demon Generals ranked between Master and Grand Master, commanding legions of demons across all tiers.
Demon Lords: Absolute Tier
Demon Lord Commanders: Grand Master – Absolute
Arch Demons: Grand Master
Demon Generals: Master – Grand Master
Elite Demons: Master
Standard Demons: Advanced – Expert
Lesser Demons: Basic – Advanced
Three years ago, one Demon General had built a base near the human kingdom, launching waves of monsters that devastated nearby towns. Humanity—weakest in military might—had been losing soldiers every day. The elves refused to aid them. So the fear grew, and despair spread.
The receptionist looked at Arabella nervously."No guild has taken that quest in years," she said softly. "It's suicide, even for Grand Masters. The reward's high, but your lives—"
Arabella met her gaze without hesitation. "We'll take it."
The clerk fell silent. There was something in Arabella's voice—calm, resolute, final.
Meanwhile, in the Obsidian Castle, Vladimir's scouts discovered vast mana water lakes and mines rich in stones—resources perfect for forging weapons and potions. But farther into the forest, they saw something else—demons and monsters lurking in the mist.
They immediately reported back to Rafael.
Inside the throne room, Rafael listened intently, resting his chin on his hand."Do not advance any further," he ordered. "Stand by and guard both the mines and the mana lake. Any demon who steps foot near them—kill them. I'll send reinforcements."
He turned toward Gabriel. "Call Alexander here."
Moments later, Alexander entered the throne room and knelt."You called for me, my lord?"
"Yes. I want some of your units to work the mines and start refining mana potions from the lake. Guard them with the vampires. These two sites are vital for our growth."
Alexander bowed. "As you command."
Rafael leaned back on his throne, thinking aloud."Now we have a farm, a mana potion source, and mines. We can start trading with the capital."
He summoned the spies. "Bring samples of the mana potions and stones to the capital. Trade them for food, gold, and livestock. Take twenty knights with you as escort."
The group departed at once.
When they arrived at the capital gates, the guards were immediately suspicious."What's your business here?" one asked.
The lead spy replied, "We're here to negotiate with the king. We bring trade goods."
The guards inspected their wares—and their eyes widened. Rare mana potions, including violet-grade potions, and stones so pure they could forge legendary staves.
Within minutes, they were escorted to the throne room.
As they entered, one of the palace guards barked, "Kneel before His Majesty!"
But the twenty-one knights stood firm."We only kneel before our king," the lead knight said coldly.
The king raised a hand, intrigued. Their king? he thought. Who could command such loyalty?
"Let them stand," the king said. "Now then—what do you offer?"
The spies presented their goods, and royal scholars confirmed their authenticity. The room grew tense as the negotiation began.
The king leaned forward. "What do you want for it?"
"We require livestock, gold, and food—enough to feed a thousand men," the spy said.
The king frowned. "A thousand men? What do you mean? How many of you are there?" He pondered silently. Two thousand? Three thousand? Impossible…
"I cannot grant food for that many," the king said after a moment. "But I'll offer livestock, supplies, and five hundred gold coins. That's my best deal."
The spy glanced at his men, then nodded. "We accept."
As the deal concluded, the king leaned back, deep in thought."The forest you came from… You mean the abandoned one? The one overrun by beasts and demons?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The king's eyes widened. A thousand men living there? In that cursed place? Just who is this 'Rafael' they serve?
He smiled faintly, intrigued. "Very well. We have a deal. But deliver this message to your master—"
He paused, his tone carrying both curiosity and respect."Tell him that the King of Ruvendra wishes to meet him… one month from now."
The spies accepted the message and departed, returning to the forest with gold, food, and livestock.
The first negotiation of the Obsidian Legion was a success—and the world had just taken its first glimpse at the rising shadow of a hidden kingdom.