On the Demonic Continent, the largest landmass in the world of Xenos aside from the main continent, life thrived under a strict and unforgiving hierarchy. The continent was home to only one intelligent race—the demons. Renowned for their place at the pinnacle of the world's hierarchy, they were a force to be reckoned with. Governance on this continent fell solely under the Demonic Court, ruled by the almighty Demon King.
Demon society was rigid, with an almost impenetrable hierarchy system. For a lower-ranked demon to ascend in status was nearly unheard of, making the Demonic Continent one of the most "peaceful" in the world—second only to the desolate Cold Continent, where no life could survive due to its extreme conditions. This peace, however, was not born of contentment but of strict order and fear.
Dante was born on the outskirts of the demon capital, Abaddon, in one of the poorest areas imaginable. Even as a child, he was different. He always believed he deserved more. This belief eventually drove him to commit an unthinkable act: he killed his parents and older brother when they gave his brother an extra piece of meat after a hunt his father brought home one day after a stressful day hunting. Yet something strange happened in the aftermath of this crime—something that should have been impossible. When he consumed their blood essence, he felt a shift in his being, as though his very bloodline had been elevated.
At 19, Dante had found himself working in the capital of Count Bambota County. Serving as a steward in the count's mansion, he masked his dark past behind the simple excuse of a wild beast attack. His ambitions, however, were far from ordinary, and they simmered beneath his composed exterior.
The mansion was unusually lively today. Archduke Barak, a super high-ranking demon, was passing through after escorting the prince of the Demonic Court to the main continent. Even the usually composed Count Bambota seemed on edge. Rumors about Archduke Barak painted him as a emperor-level expert—a step below the Demon King himself. At just 2,000 years of age, he was considered exceptionally young for such a level of power, and his reputation preceded him wherever he went.
As Dante headed toward the kitchen to oversee the preparation of the archduke's meal, an aged voice interrupted him.
"The count wants your presence in his study," called Albert, the head steward. The old demon, a member of the Tublock species, was known for his undying loyalty and exceptional longevity. Though his gray features betrayed his age, his vitality suggested he had many decades left.
"I'm coming, Albert," Dante replied, veering off toward the study. As he approached, muffled shouting reached his ears.
"What do you mean the archduke is staying over for a while? He was supposed to leave after lunch!"
"I'm sorry, my liege," replied a maid nervously. "The archduke's entourage just informed us. There was an incident on their journey back from the main continent, and they've requested to rest here overnight."
"Where is Dante?"
"I'm here, Your Excellency," Dante said as he entered the room.
"You will attend to the archduke personally. Do not mess this up," barked the count, not even glancing up from his papers, clearly stressed. "If you do, it's your life on the line."
"Yes, Your Excellency," Dante replied, bowing before exiting the room.
As he walked back to his quarters, Dante's mind raced. Shit, shit, shit. For most lower-ranked demons, this would be a dream opportunity—personal service to a demon of Barak's stature could open doors. But Dante had no interest in climbing the ladder this way. His plans required autonomy, he couldn't enact his plans while he was close to such a high-level demon 'Wait I could use this' Dante thought .
After thinking it over he couldn't deny that having the archduke as a witness might actually work in his favor. I just need an excuse to step away without raising suspicion.
"Are you okay?" came two voices down the hall, pulling him from his thoughts. Dante turned to see Empusa and Naamah, the count's children. Empusa, the elder sister, looked concerned, while Naamah, with his silver hair and sharp, pointy ears, peeked shyly from behind her.
"Hey, kiddos. I'm fine," Dante said with a reassuring smile. "Your father just gave me an important mission. I'll be attending to the archduke."
"Wow, the archduke! I heard he fought two emperor-level humans once and killed one while the other ran away," said Naamah, his eyes sparkling. "I want to be like him when I grow up!"
"You can, champ," Dante replied, ruffling Naamah's hair. "Just stick to your training."
"I will, Dante! I'll fight humans and angels too one day!" Naamah declared with youthful enthusiasm.
"Good! Now run along to your lessons. And remember to wear your finest wears when the archduke arrives."
"Okay, bye, Dante!" the siblings chimed, running off under the watchful eye of their maids.
Meanwhile, the source of all the commotion, Archduke Barak, was making his way to the county in a grand carriage flanked by an imposing entourage.
"How is the archduke? Has he woken yet?" asked the royal mage, riding alongside the carriage on a black, skeletal creature resembling a horse—a death wraith.
The question was directed at the captain of the archduke's guard, a burly demon walking nearby.
"He's still resting," the captain replied. "I'll inform him of your concern when he wakes."
"I'm sorry we caused trouble for the archduke. We didn't anticipate the human prince having a half-saint expert as his guard," the mage said apologetically.
"It's fine," the captain assured. "We'll be in Count Bambota's estate soon. It will be peaceful there. We can all rest."
Unbeknownst to them, peace was the last thing awaiting them. In the shadows of Count Bambota's mansion, Dante's plans were already in motion, and their fates were about to intertwine in ways none of them could predict.