Chapter 2: The Warden's Past

Eons before Apollo's awakening,

The Lords and Archdemons fought to claim authority over a Ring in the Nihilistic Demon Worlds. These demons of untold power clashed to establish their superiority.

At first, the numerous demon races were divided but under the efforts of the first Demon Monarch, everything was overwhelmed into a direct order.

Unfortunately, after their reign ceased, the situation devolved. Countless individuals attempted, yet no one could succeed him. This led to internal strife and brutal confrontations.

Similarly, deep inside a mausoleum, a disturbing scene took place. The structure filled with monumental archaic pillars trembled from repeating shockwaves. For years, a set few rivals on the path to hegemony raced under established principles, but today, a new route was taken.

"This is the result of your paltry actions," an ominous voice echoed throughout the atmosphere of the mausoleum grounds.

"No, this is the result of your cowardly ways," a voice retorted. However, the voice seemed distorted by pain.

"Incorrect, for far too long we have fallen motionless under you! You claim to be the Demon Monarch but that is untrue! You're inferior to the one in the legends. The mantle you possess is incomplete! While you may have prevailed over us in the attempt to claim that title, in my eyes, you're not worthy," a towering demon with long abyss black hair, and deep nefarious eyes glowered at a kneeling entity.

Within that kneeling entity's eyes, there was a boundless hatred, germinating indignance, and signs of unrivaled power. Although he was supposed to be without contest, that couldn't be said in this current situation. Due to the actions of the ominous voice's lackey, he was unable to tap into any of his suppressed powers.

Another lackey chimed in, "He is right! You're simply a candidate! The fact you call yourself the Monarch of us higher demons is just due to your insufferable arrogance, we never accepted that fact. Now, look at your situation; kneeling before us unable to do a thing!"

Cold laughter spread in the expansive mausoleum bouncing off the frigid floors. When he heard this laughter, vexation rose in the eyes of the kneeling figure. All he needed was an instant, and this situation would be corrected.

Regrettably, that didn't happen. Contrarily, the grand structure and towering pillars trembled due to the laughter's vigor. The extent of their powers was so great, even the world seemed to cower before them.

"P-preposterous! You all are insolent! I AM the Monarch! None of you have been able to beat me! Therefore, you resort to vile tactics and injure me the moment I was about to complete the inheritance.

"Why don't you undo these shackles and stop cowering behind the fear birth by your inadequacy! To attack the Monarch is to go against the order of the demon," uttered the kneeling demon, enraged beyond reason as 3 grotesque arms pierced deeper into his chest and torso.

Each word resulted in black blood sputtering and trickling down his scowling countenance. He was confused by the situation; he, who was lauded as the Demon Monarch, was in a predicament where his end was in sight!

Although it was only for a moment, he lowered his guard to advance further. However, in that short instant, he was taken advantage of and this was the result!

"Laughable! Truly laughable, Azridan. Why don't you shut your mouth, fool!" another lackey interjected. Their deep violet body illuminated with golden symbols signifying the use of a technique. 

In light of Azridan's irritating words, the colossus of a demon threw a punch at his jaw, an explosive boom resounding for miles to come.

"Do you understand now?" The first voice spoke but paused for a moment.

"This is it, Azridan; the order of the demon is for those under us. We, who have mastered at least half of the Sins to the pinnacle, are untouchable. To mention the orders of the demons before us is amusing. Originally, you weren't one of us, yet you rose to the height of us higher demons."

Unlike the others, his skin was pale white with obsidian spurs piercing from his limbs. His entire physique radiated power. Not to mention, an insufferable arrogance dripped from him.

"You haven't even become an absolute! How can you claim to be the Monarch if you have yet to enter the realm of the absolutes! The Monarch is to be irrevocable and yet you're incapable of invoking that feeling. If you were able to, this event wouldn't have taken place," added the second voice.

"Sorry to say, but the tides of change have taken place. You're no longer suitable to reign supreme here over the demons. We have stagnated for far too long and threat lurks in the distance. From this point onwards, I'll take upon this mantle and propel the race in the right direction. Sleep well, my old friend."

While the white colossus of a demon stood behind the others, the three who pierced Azridan's body released catastrophic energy limited to Azridan. Immediately, infernal cracks appeared on his body, originating from his pierced torso. At the same time, the inviolable chains binding him tightened around his body, giving him an idea of just what these were. When he sensed the origin of the chains, his eyes widened.

"You three have made deals with them!? Are you insane! They're not to be trusted. They seek our downfall. You'll just be dooming the demon race if you form ties with them! Both of us can't exist, you know this!" Azridan roared with crimson eyes. He tried to break the chains, but the origin was unfathomable.

Much like anyone else who would attempt to break them, he too, was powerless when it came to these chains. In order to do so, would require the Monarch's complete inheritance.

"The demon race? Why would they become privy to these events? We have already cordoned off the surrounding space. No one can sense what is happening. But, don't worry, we'll take good care of the race. As for you, we simply want what you possess," one of the figures chuckled.

"You speak drivel! Do you truly believe I'll allow you to succeed? If I'm to perish...so shall my belongings. Your efforts will be in vain!" Azridan roared.

'Rmmmmmmbbbblleeeee!'

"Foolish! Are you trying to take this palace with you? That is simply selfish. Do you not want to see the prosperity of us Demons?" scowled another as they caught wind of Azridan's actions. He was attempting to destroy everything he had created.

"Witness the prosperity? How can I do so in my death? Since you seek to betray me, then you shall build your own empire as mine is destroyed! My feats are not for ignoble fools to enjoy; do it all yourselves!" Azridan spat venomously.

At the same time, the aura of his self-destruction reached the peak. However, before it happened, an anomaly took place; Azridan's body and the demonic possession he threatened to destroy, both disappeared after a fluctuation enveloped him.

Surprisingly, instead of dying, he continued to exist. The blast was inverted, destroying his body but retaining his soul. In consequence, he didn't possess any power whatsoever, it was as if he was stripped bare.

Shortly after, he felt arcane forces interacting with him. Inside this boundless nothingness, he found himself being changed at the core.

It was unknown how many countless years had passed but finally, he felt familiarities. Unaware of his actions, he found himself gazing at two ethereal objects.

At that time, a voice causing even him to grovel in subservience sounded within his soul.

[You fulfill the requirements needed to act as its current warden. Join with the awaited one and groom him with your experience. Failure to comply will cause me to wipe your free will, this is not a request, but a command.]

"Ah... very well, I'll retain my free will," Azridan muttered, making the smartest choice. Any contention to the voice was trivial in his eyes. Moreover, he didn't think to question the origins of the voice due to its unquestionable regal aura.

Soon enough, attention turned back to the familiarities inside the balls of embers—souls, so to speak. It was faint but growing. Inside the souls, he could feel feelings he knew all too well—intense hatred and death.

Furthermore, after a brief moment, the two weakened souls started to merge with the dominant one enveloping the smaller one. Surprisingly, there was no rejection, it seemed as if it was a natural occurrence. The two souls accepted each other!

"I feel a resonance. Perhaps, everything is not over," Azridan thought. When the souls merged, a set of instructions entered his mind.

Now that his choice was made, unknown fated events were set in motion. The one fated to ascend would be chosen but in truth, this scenario was destined to come about. 

After everything was said and done, an even greater conflict remained outside of what they understood. As such, the unknowing liege was born.