Far beyond the Celestial Gate.
Beyond the mountains turned to bone.
Beyond the fields where shadows crawled like starving beasts—
—something ancient opened its eyes.
A pulse shook the underworld.
A kingdom of darkness trembled.
And the Fallen Demon King breathed for the first time in a thousand years.
His body was sealed in layers of obsidian chains forged by star witches.
His throne, carved from the skull of a dead universe, pulsed with dormant rage.
His horns were broken, his wings torn—
yet his presence alone poisoned the air.
A single whisper escaped his lips.
"Kanji…"
The earth above cracked.
The seal—fractured.
The Awakening Hall
Deep within the abyss, the Demon King's generals knelt.
Six figures—each a nightmare forged from fear itself.
Ravik, the Bone Tyrant, crowned in skeletal armor.
Xyra, Mistress of Black Flames, her body burning without heat.
Torren, the Chain Devourer, wreathed in cursed iron.
Moroa, the Silent Siren, voice powerful enough to shatter minds.
Vesh, the Plague Artisan, surrounded by rot.
Kaelrith, the Shadow Prince, once Kanji's father's rival.
They bowed as the chamber shuddered.
Ravik spoke first, voice like grinding stone.
"My lord… your awakening begins. The child's power surges across the realms. The heir of destruction grows stronger."
A low, guttural laugh rumbled from the throne.
"The half-breed thinks he can wield my brother's blood…
and my brother's sword."
The Demon King lifted a finger.
Entire mountains trembled.
Seals cracked.
Darkness flooded the chamber.
The Sword's Call
Far from the abyss, Kanji awoke in his body, gasping as pain ripped through his chest.
The black sword—his father's weapon—vibrated violently beside him.
Seiji rushed to his side. "Kanji! What's happening?"
Kanji gritted his teeth, gripping the sword as it thrashed with wild energy.
"It's him…" he hissed.
"He's waking up."
The monks froze.
Rin's eyes widened. "The Demon King?"
Kanji nodded.
"He felt the star power. He knows I've awakened."
A cold wind blew through the forest, even though the night was still.
Shadows wavered, crawling toward Kanji's feet like frightened children.
Back in the Abyss
The Demon King stood—chains snapping one by one.
His voice echoed across worlds.
"Bring me the boy."
Kaelrith stepped forward.
"I will retrieve him myself, my lord."
The Demon King's gaze sharpened.
"Do not harm him. His death means nothing."
He leaned forward, eyes glowing like dying suns.
"I want him to kneel."
Dark mist swirled violently as the Demon King raised his hand.
The final seal cracked.
A heartbeat like thunder echoed through every realm.
BOOM.
The Demon King inhaled deeply, savoring the taste of freedom.
"Prepare the armies," he commanded.
"Tell the realms—"
His grin stretched unnaturally wide.
"Their true king has awakened."
The Shattered Warning
Back at the temple, Kanji collapsed, clutching his head.
Visions flooded his mind—
A burning world.
A collapsing sky.
A throne of skulls.
A winged silhouette rising from darkness—
And two glowing eyes staring directly at him.
"Come to me, Kanji."
"Come claim your throne."
Kanji screamed as the vision shattered.
The black sword fell silent.
The monks stood trembling.
Rin whispered, "Kanji… what did you see?"
Kanji looked up, face pale, aura flickering.
"The Demon King…"
He swallowed hard.
"He's coming. And he wants me."
A cold silence filled the temple.
The war of worlds had truly begun.
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