Chapter 2: The Demon in the Palace
Midnight.
The royal palace slept under silver moonlight. Only one window still glowed the room of Prince Leon Aurelius.
Inside, the air was thick with power.
Golden coins floated in circles around him, each one pulsing with faint demonic energy.
> [Summoner's Menu Opened]
Summon Tokens: 1 Remaining
Unlocked: Demon of Greed
Proceed with summoning? [Y/N]
Leon's lips curved into a wicked smile.
> "Yes."
The light in his room dimmed, swallowed by a swirling black vortex. From it, a clawed hand reached out then another. A figure crawled from the shadows, tall and sleek, with eyes burning like molten gold.
> "Who dares summon Zarath, the Demon of Greed?"
Leon leaned back on his chair, swirling a glass of royal wine.
> "Your new employer."
The demon laughed, a sound like coins clinking together.
> "A human prince with arrogance in his blood… I like you already."
> "Good," Leon said. "I plan to use you and your kind to make this kingdom mine."
Zarath tilted his head. "You already have riches, luxury, servants. What more do you want?"
Leon's grin widened.
> "Everything."
The demon's grin matched his. "Then our contract is sealed."
Golden fire coiled around Leon's hand, burning a faint sigil into his skin the Mark of Greed.
> [System Notification]
Demon Zarath Bound Successfully.
Skill Unlocked: Infernal Contract (Rank D)
Effect: You may bind demons and use their power in exchange for gold or souls.
Leon could feel Zarath's essence sink into him a cold, intoxicating strength that made his heart race. His vision sharpened; even the night air shimmered like liquid money.
He stood, walking to his window and staring out at the sleeping capital.
> "First, I'll control the gold."
"Then, the nobles."
"Then… the throne itself."
Zarath chuckled darkly. "And what will you do when you own it all?"
Leon turned to him, his crimson eyes glowing.
> "Then I'll take the gods' wealth too."
The next morning, the kingdom awoke to strange rumors about treasures vanishing from noble vaults, and merchants swearing they saw golden-eyed shadows walking through their dreams.
No one knew the truth.
That a greedy prince had begun building an empire beneath their feet one forged from divine light and demonic gold.