In a distant, nameless world, an endless war raged—
a realm ruled by countless breeds of demons, where only the strong survived and the weak were fated to die.
Across a desolate wasteland where nothing grew and nothing ever would, Valerius Kael stood tall.
Behind him spread a pair of massive crimson-and-black wings. Two dark horns curved backward along his skull, and his golden eyes burned like molten suns against the abyss of his sclera.
In his hand gleamed a blade—half obsidian, half blood-red—with a glowing crimson crystal embedded at its core. From it leaked a sinister haze of red and black mana. The sword was plunged deep into the chest of another demon.
This was the Abyssal Blade of Agony—Lilith.
Her overwhelming power cloaked the battlefield itself in Valerius's mana, proof of how terrifyingly strong her master truly was.
"Valerius! Valerius Kael!! I despise you! Why—why did you betray us?! You're a disgrace! A traitor to our kind!"
"To achieve peace…" Valerius's voice was low, calm, and final.
"…total annihilation is required."
At that instant, the crimson crystal in his sword opened like an eye—glowing ominously.
Chains of pure darkness burst forth, wrapping around the demon's body.
"I, the Demon Lord Valerius Kael, decree your existence forfeit!
The agony of dissolution shall claim your flesh,
and the weight of despair shall drag your soul into the cold maw of the Infinite Void!"
From his sword erupted a monstrous creature with a single red eye.
The beast devoured the bound demon whole, dragging him screaming into the blade.
"VALERIUS!! YOU'LL REGRET THIS SOMEDAY!!!"
And then—silence. The last of the demon race was gone, consumed by his blade.
"It's over," Valerius whispered.
"This… is what true peace looks like."
He stood silently, gazing into the endless void. Then, a small, teasing voice echoed behind him.
It was Lilith, the very being who had devoured the final demon.
"My Lord~" she chimed, now in her human form—a petite young girl with tiny horns and bat-like wings.
"So that's it? We're the only ones left? Geez, that demon's death scene was so dramatic."
"Lilith," Valerius rumbled,
"it's normal for the dying to be dramatic."
Before she could reply, a searing light tore open the skies—holy, blinding, unbearable for beings of darkness.
The divine brilliance swallowed everything.
---
The Divine Summoning
When Valerius opened his eyes, he stood before four radiant figures.
His wings, horns, and dark aura were gone. Lilith had merged back into his shadow.
A woman stepped forward—her presence blazing with divine authority.
Aurelia Solen, Goddess of Light and Oaths.
Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight; her eyes glowed amber. White armor adorned with runes pulsed with dawnlight, each flap of her wings scattering golden embers.
"Valerius Kael, God of Demons," Aurelia said,
"What you have done is despicable… yet your reasons are understandable."
"So… am I here for a celebration, then?" Valerius replied dryly.
Another goddess spoke, her tone distant and soft.
Lunara Veiss, Goddess of Dreams and Secrets.
Tall, ghostly pale, her silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and her eyes shimmered with constellations.
"The tapestry of your actions is woven with shadows, God of Demons," Lunara murmured,
"yet its final thread… is one of conviction."
"Huh?" Valerius blinked.
"You look half-dead. Do goddesses not eat anymore?"
Then came a calm, soothing voice.
Maris Enara, Goddess of Tides and Mercy.
Her azure hair rippled like the ocean beneath the moon, her gown formed from living water.
"Valerius, please," Maris said gently.
"We need your help."
"Help?" He raised an eyebrow.
"How odd. A goddess asking a demon for help?"
The fourth goddess laughed.
Sylphae Arvane, Goddess of Life and Chaos.
Wild, unpredictable, brutally honest—she was the most human of them all.
"You're right!" Sylphae grinned.
"But we do need your power, demon! The Demon Queen and her Emperors are preparing to invade Aethelgard—the peaceful world we created!"
"Save it?" Valerius asked.
"You want me to save your world? I'm a demon, not a hero. Why not save it yourselves?"
"Oh, we could—" Sylphae chuckled,
"—but divine law forbids us from interfering directly with mortals."
From his shadow came a mutter.
"More like the law of hypocrites…"
"Lilith! Silence."
"Hmph."
Aurelia stepped forward.
"If you agree, Valerius, we shall grant you the peace you've long sought. Complete the mission, and your wish will be fulfilled."
"You will live among mortals," Lunara added.
"In a body that suppresses your true power. Use your strength only when necessary."
"You'll join a guild in the Kingdom of Solara," Maris said,
"the Golden Aegis Guild Academy in the capital city of Luminaris."
"And if you succeed~" Sylphae smirked,
"maybe I'll even marry you."
Lilith burst from the shadow, glaring.
"WHAT did you just say, you flirty goddess?!"
The goddesses froze, startled to see the little devil girl with horns and wings.
"Who… is she?" Aurelia asked.
"My companion," Valerius said flatly.
"Or… my weapon, if you prefer."
"A companion and weapon?" Maris whispered.
"Long story," Valerius muttered.
"I'm not explaining."
"Don't change the subject!" Lilith snapped.
"Hey, you! Flirty goddess! He's mine!"
"Aww~ you're adorable!" Sylphae teased.
"Want me to be your mama instead?"
"WHAT—?! You're so shameless!!"
"Can you all stop this nonsense already?!" Valerius barked.
Aurelia cleared her throat sharply.
"Enough. What is your answer, Valerius Kael?"
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"Hmm… I've got nothing better to do. Fine. I'll take the mission—but on one condition."
"And that is?"
"You stay out of my way."
The goddesses exchanged glances.
"Agreed," Aurelia said.
"I'll be watching you, Valerius~" Sylphae winked.
"Oh, for hell's sake…" Lilith groaned.
"May fortune guide you," whispered Maris.
"We'll see about that," Valerius said.
---
The Descent to Aethelgard
A burst of divine light enveloped them. The next instant, Valerius was gone.
Before the light faded, Lilith stuck out her tongue at Sylphae with a mischievous grin.
When Valerius opened his eyes again, he stood beneath a vast blue sky—in a world brimming with mana, kingdoms, and humans.
Thus began the tale of a former Demon God attempting to live a "normal" life…
with his sassy, jealous, and ever-chaotic companion—
Lilith, the Abyssal Blade of Agony.