(Disclaimer: READ AUXILIARY CHAPTER. This is a villain origin story, so there will be there be a lot of less than wholesome stuff. That being said there won't be any rape so there is that. Also, due to the nature of the story, it will finish at the end of his journey but not his goal. Power-scalings and flames are in the auxiliary chapter.)
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In front of an Ivory Throne stood a tall thin man clad in black robes and a single bone pauldron. Opposite the Heretic stood a man in plate armor void of only a helmet exposing his kind handsome face.
"You wish to destroy what my brother and I built over the last two-hundred years."
The voice of the Heretical Devil Monarch rang out loudly in the desolate valley. The voice caused the man across from him to shutter a bit before gripping his sword tightly.
"The Gods have deemed you too much of a risk, you are not allowed to ascend to godhood… I have already pleaded on your behalf, the Heretic Cult will be spared. Eda has no qualms with the Cult, but your life cannot continue."
The Devil's grey eyes ignited in dark red flames contrasting his pale skin.
"Swear your life on it."
The devil raised his blade to the Guardian's eye level as white light began to shine from it. The light slowly began to bathe the Guardian who kneeled before the sword.
"I, Ishival Devar, Guardian of this world, vow on my life and the name of my Goddess Eda. No Immortal, Pseudo-God, God, or Goddess may step foot into this valley while I still live. In exchange, the Heretical Devil Monarch will give his life. Henceforth this Valley shall shed the name 'Valley of Broken Gods' and be renamed to 'Valley of the Broken Devil'."
The Heretic's chapped lips pulled up to a small grin as a beam of light pierced the sky. The sign that the Goddess accepted the vow and the words could not be taken back.
"Before I die I must ask. How did I incur the Goddesses ire? I have always lived a secluded life avoiding affairs that would trouble myself or others."
The angelic man's face filled with shame as he lowered his head.
"The Goddess has deemed your idea of unifying demons and humans to be threatening to her rule. They must stay separate for the Gods to properly maintain their power and rule over the mortal realm."
The Heretic's eyebrows raised as confusion twisted his face.
"What of the Immortals that roam these lands ruling mortals as if they themselves are the Gods? I am but a reclusive immortal who only teaches and watches his students grow."
The Guardian does not speak and keeps his head low. Seeing the Guardian unable to give a satisfactory answer the Monarch grits his teeth.
"Fine."
With finality in his words, he sits upon his throne closing his eyes, and leans his head back.
"Since you, a Pseudo-God has shown me such grace, then I will return it and die peacefully. I will use my life essence to coat this land in Qi and Mana strong enough to last a thousand years… But let it be known. If your vow is broken, I will return and reap every god from their thrones high on the heavens bringing only wrath!"
The Heretic's eyes snap open revealing empty sockets filled with dark red flames. The flames quickly grow consuming his body then his throne dying it black with soot.
The Guardian stays kneeling with his head low and his face full of shame. He remains steady as the red flames bathe him and quickly expand coating the three thousand mile-long valley.
The Heretics of the Heretic Cult could feel the energy around them thicken as the flames coated the area. Many did not understand what was going on while the Elders all knew the fate of their patriarch.
Of the Monarchs nine disciples, only one could feel the death of his master. Joor, the youngest and most talented of the nine, felt the life force of his master and knew the day of succession had come early.
"That is how the God of War, Joor, started his path to march against the gods."
With a long sigh, I look up at father, "Why are you telling me this story again?"
"Two reasons: first, you are half-demon, so you will receive the blessing of Joor upon your ignition ceremony… and two, both your veins and heart are weak but your body is strong. The path of a heretic is the only one for you."
Laying back in my bed I hold my heart with a heavy tone, "I wanted to be a mage."
From the corner of my eye, I see my father smirk, "A heretic can do anything a mage can."
"Except train."
Father sighs as he stands, "That's true, your uncle Tristain will be here tomorrow for your ignition."
"Okay, good night father," I turn away from him turning off my lantern on my nightstand.
"Good night, Engres," the door clicks shut as I'm left to my thoughts in the large empty room.
***
"...gres, Engres!"
My eyes snap open to a cute girl with big brown eyes and short brown hair shaking me. She is wearing a maids outfit that seems to be a bit too revealing given her young age… that being said she is a few years older than me.
Seeing my eyes open she gives me a pouting face, "Young master! You're going to be late! Your father said he will meet you at the chapel at noon, it's almost ten past eleven."
With a sigh, I lift myself out of bed, "Mary it's fine, who would complain even if I was late?"
"Your mother!" I plug my ears at her yell.
"Clothes?"
She pats a small pile of clothes in front of herself, "They are your only pair of ceremony clothes. For being the son of a Duke young master sure has few clothes."
Pulling the long nightshirt off my back I shrug, "We can go shopping after the ignition if you'd like."
Mary's eyes light up, "Really!?"
I nod as I drop my trousers and begin to change, "Sure, I haven't been out in a while."
Mary's face dyes red as I catch her staring at my body, "I'll wait in the hall."
With her words, she quickly walks out closing the door carefully. 'I didn't really mind,' I think to myself as I step in front of the tall mirror on the other side of my nightstand.
Putting on the clothes I tighten the cuffs and observe my appearance. I am fairly tall for a thirteen-year-old, I am considered an adult already by empire standards. My brownish-silver hair is messy so I just sweep it back and off to a side. My eyes seem to have become even deeper blue than before, I'm glad I got my father's eyes.
The ceremony clothes are black with royal blue inlays the official colors of our Jun family. The color is derived from the color of my father's flame, not very creative but it looks nice so I won't complain.
As I'm looking into the mirror I hear the door open behind me, so I turn around and find my mother giving me an impatient gaze. She stands nearly half a head taller than me with blonde hair and black eyes, she is a terrifying beauty.
I am very curious what her demon form looks like but she has never allowed me to see it.
"We are running late," she says with raised brows.
Turning to the clock my brows furrow, "It's only eleven twenty, aren't we going to the chapel on castle grounds?"
"That doesn't matter, your little brother and sisters are already waiting."
"Okay, I'm ready anyway," I step in front of her as I speak.
She sighs as she fixes my hair, "Mary hasn't done your hair yet?"
I smirk a bit, "She ran away when I got naked. Ouch."
Mother smacks the side of my head with a glare, "Don't bully your maid."
From the corner of my eye, I see Mary hiding behind the door with a blushing face, "Okay."
Mother rolls her eyes seeing my grin, "Let's go, your hair is good enough."
"Yes, mother," I say in a fake royal tone.
"Mary, can you clean his room while we attend the ceremony?"
Mary bows deeply, "Of course Madam Lillith."
We make our way through the corridors cutting through the large central garden. Not far down the path before the wall is a small chapel dedicated to the God Lei, father's patron, the God of Law and Justice.
Two large torches adorn the sides of the main gate both ablaze in beautiful dark blue flames with hints of gold flickering off. The tall stone walls of the cathedral give off an intimidating feeling, although I've been inside many times it is still quite the sight.
Before she opens the large cathedral doors she gives me a look up and down before nodding her head, "Good enough,"