Raiden moved through the corridors of the Demon Cult's fortress with a confidence he had never known in his previous life. He was no longer the timid boy hiding his true self; he was now the Demon Cult Master, a figure of unparalleled power and fear. With his intimate knowledge of the novel's world and his newfound strength, Raiden felt ready to embrace his destiny.
The fortress was a sprawling complex, carved into the side of a mountain. Its halls were lined with tapestries depicting legendary battles and the Demon Cult's history. As Raiden walked, the cult members bowed deeply, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and fear. They were accustomed to a leader who ruled with an iron fist, and Raiden intended to maintain that reputation.
Reaching the end of a corridor, Raiden entered a grand hall where the cult's high-ranking officers awaited. The room was dimly lit, with flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. At the center stood a large, circular table, around which sat the leaders of the four main families that formed the core of the Demon Cult. As Raiden approached, they rose and bowed deeply, their faces respectful yet apprehensive.
"Welcome, my lord," said a tall man with a stern expression. He wore elaborate robes and carried a staff adorned with intricate carvings. "We are honored by your presence."
Raiden nodded, taking a seat at the head of the table. He could feel the weight of their expectations and the suspicion in their eyes. He needed to assert his authority decisively.
"I have been in deep contemplation and have decided to take a more active role in our affairs," Raiden began, his voice commanding. "It is time for the Demon Cult to rise to new heights."
The leaders exchanged glances, clearly surprised by his directness. Raiden sensed the former master's presence in his mind, a silent witness to the unfolding events.
"You will obey my commands without question," Raiden continued, his tone brooking no dissent. "Our enemies are many, and we must be stronger than ever. The four families must rally under my leadership to ensure our dominance."
The leaders nodded, their expressions a mixture of respect and trepidation. Raiden knew that the former master's fearsome reputation still held sway over them, and he intended to use that to his advantage.
"What are your orders, my lord?" asked the man with the staff, his voice respectful but probing.
Raiden took a deep breath, drawing on his knowledge of the novel and the former master's memories. "We will strengthen our defenses and prepare for any challenges. There are factions within Murim that seek to undermine us, and we must be ready. Each of you will ensure that your family's warriors are at their peak. I will personally oversee the training and selection of our elite forces."
The leaders nodded, their confidence growing as they listened to Raiden's decisive plan. The Demon Cult had always been a formidable force, but under Raiden's leadership, they would become unstoppable.
"There will be an attack by Murim," Raiden announced, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "They have made an alliance to get rid of us. The battle will take place in one year. Prepare your forces accordingly."
A ripple of shock and determination passed through the room. The leaders stiffened, understanding the gravity of the situation. Raiden's confidence and foresight left no room for doubt.
"Furthermore," Raiden continued, "I will be leaving the cult for six months."
Gasps of surprise echoed through the hall. The leaders looked at each other, their expressions a mix of disbelief and concern. One of the leaders, an old man with a long white beard, stepped forward.
"My lord, may we ask why?"
Raiden felt the former master's presence surge within him, and an aura of overwhelming power filled the room. The leaders recoiled, fear evident in their eyes. The old master's aura was enough to scare even the strongest warriors present.
"Do not question my decisions," Raiden said coldly, the voice of the former master blending with his own. "You have your orders. Ensure they are carried out."
The leaders bowed deeply, their fear palpable. Raiden knew that the Demon Cult's loyalty was unwavering, despite their fear of their leader. They had not forgotten that the leader was their savior.
Among the leaders, two were old and strong, their faces lined with the marks of countless battles. The third was the leader of the Yun family, a peak warrior and a strong female fighter dressed in light bluish-black clothes. The last figure was the cult's best strategist, a woman known as Shadow, who wore black clothes like the rest of the cult. Shadow, who was closest to the Demon Cult Master, rarely showed emotion, but even she seemed taken aback by Raiden's declaration.
Without another word, Raiden turned and left the hall.
As Raiden made his way to his private chambers, he felt the former master's presence stir within him. "You handled that well, Raiden. They will follow you, but you must prove yourself worthy of their loyalty."
Raiden smirked, removing the mask and setting it on a table. "I know. This is just the beginning."
He stood and walked to a nearby window, gazing out at the dark landscape. The fortress was perched high above a dense forest, with mountains rising in the distance. It was a world both beautiful and dangerous, and Raiden felt a surge of determination.
"I won't let this opportunity slip away," he whispered to himself. "I'll become the leader they need—and more."