Chapter 22: The Four Kingdoms of the Demon World
In the realm of darkness, four kingdoms held sway, each ruled by a powerful demon lord. The first kingdom, Lyria, was governed by Lady Lyrian, Niel's aunt, renowned for her cunning and strategic mind. The second kingdom, Xirania, was ruled by Lord Xiran, a just and fair leader. The third kingdom, Lazaria, was under the dominion of Lord Laze, a master of dark magic.
The fourth kingdom, Golaxia, was ruled by Lord Golax, the most powerful demon in the Dark Star Realm's Stage One. His army was the largest, and his ambition knew no bounds. Golax sought to break the delicate balance of nature, craving the power to access Hell and ultimately, the human world.
Golax summoned the other three kingdom rulers to a dark, secret hall, hidden from prying eyes. His proposal was simple: join him, and together they would conquer Hell and beyond.
Lady Lyrian, Lord Xiran, and Lord Laze exchanged skeptical glances. They knew the risks of upsetting the balance.
"We cannot join you, Golax," Lady Lyrian stated firmly. "The consequences of disrupting the balance would be catastrophic."
Lord Xiran nodded in agreement. "We will neither interfere nor join your cause. That is our pact."
Golax's face contorted with rage, but he knew the three kingdoms would not be easily swayed. Mutual destruction was the only outcome if they clashed.
A contract, sealed by the four demon lords, ensured neutrality in the upcoming war. The contract, written on demon paper, divided into four copies, one for each kingdom. If Golax failed or was destroyed, the contract would self-destruct, freeing the other kingdoms from their obligation.
With the pact sealed, Golax gathered his massive army, preparing to march through the Hell Gate, a portal connecting the demon world to Hell.
His ultimate goal was to reach the human world, exploiting the power vacuum left by Lucifer's absence. The Devil's duties had been neglected, allowing chaos to spread among humans.
As Golax's army approached the Hell Gate, a lone figure stood before them, emotionless and unwavering.
"Who are you?" Golax demanded.
Niel didn't bother to respond. "So, you're Golax."
Golax's eyes narrowed. "How dare a puny demon block my path? Leave my presence, and you will be spared."
With an arrogant smirk, Golax gestured to his 4 deacons. "Attack him."
The deacons charged forward, but Niel remained unmoving, his gaze fixed on Golax.
"You shouldn't have come here," Niel said, his voice low and menacing.
The battle between Niel and Golax's army had begun.
The five deacons vanished and reappeared simultaneously, unleashing a coordinated assault on Niel. Their movements were swift and deadly.
The first deacon delivered a devastating punch, aiming for Niel's chest. The second and third sent uppercuts, targeting his jaw. The last two unleashed their razor-sharp claws, tearing at his abdomen.
Their faces contorted in crazed expressions, laughing menacingly as they struck. But Niel's figure remained unpierced, untouched.
Before they could comprehend the lack of blood, the first deacon screamed. His arm had been ripped from its socket. Niel stood calm, confident, and emotionless.
The deacon's head was dismembered from his body, witnessing his own dark blood spraying everywhere. The shrieks of the second and third deacons followed.
Niel held each of their heads in one hand, his figure drenched in blood. His eyes gleamed like molten silver.
With a crushing grip, Niel pulverized their skulls.
The fourth deacon attempted to react, but Niel vanished, reappearing with an elegant uppercut. The demon's body crumpled.
The last deacon trembled, attempting to flee, but Niel's gaze froze him in place. The demon began to disintegrate, his form dispersing with the wind.
Golax's eyes bulged in horror. "How can you be...? You can't be a Dark Star Realm demon!"
He stumbled backward, repeating, "Impossible. Only Dark Star Realm demons can destroy demons with their fire."
Niel's expression remained unreadable. "You should not have underestimated me, Golax."
Golax's face twisted with rage and fear. "You're not even Stage One! How did you achieve this power?"
Who are you?
Niel's silence was deafening.
Before he respond "Niel.
The air thickened with tension as Golax realized the true extent of Niel's abilities.