Chris sat on the edge of his throne within the core chamber of his dungeon, the glow of the Pride Fragment in his chest casting faint shadows across the room. The events in Kaelwyn had stirred a fire within him. The duel with Lazarius wasn't just a show of strength; it was a declaration. However, with that declaration came challenges, as whispers of his growing power would inevitably spread among the Demon Nobles.
Nyx entered the chamber, her sharp crimson eyes fixed on Chris. Her movements were graceful, almost predatory, as she approached him with a report in hand.
"The new summoned defenders are positioned throughout the labyrinth," she said. "Their training is progressing, but they're untested in real combat."
Chris leaned back, his fingers tapping the armrest thoughtfully. "We'll test them soon enough. Strength without experience is a weakness I can't afford in this dungeon."
He rose from his throne and turned toward the expansive map of his territory etched into the stone wall. "It's time to expand. We'll claim more resources, more power. But first, the defenses must be impenetrable."
Nyx's expression softened slightly, admiration flickering in her gaze. "You're building something that will outlast even the strongest demon lords, Master."
Chris glanced at her, his tone tinged with dry humor. "Flattery won't excuse you from training alongside the others. If the defenses fail, you'll need to stand at the forefront."
Nyx smirked, placing a hand over her chest in a mock bow. "As you command, Master."
Their exchange was interrupted by the appearance of Caelum, the sprite glowing with frantic energy. "Master, there's an intruder at the eastern entrance! A lone figure, but they're cutting through the initial traps with ease."
Chris's eyes narrowed. "A test already? How convenient."
---
The dungeon's eastern corridor was a maze of shifting walls, hidden pitfalls, and automated traps laced with dark mana. Chris and Nyx arrived just in time to see a massive iron portcullis buckle and shatter under the force of an intruder's attack.
A figure emerged from the dust and debris—a demon, tall and armored, with a greatsword crackling with lightning slung over his shoulder. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and his golden eyes gleamed with determination.
"Chris," the demon called, his voice resonating through the corridor. "I've come to see the one who dares wield Pride. Let's see if you're worthy of the name."
Nyx moved to step forward, but Chris held out a hand to stop her. "He's mine."
The intruder smirked, planting his sword into the ground with a casual arrogance. "A Baron challenging me alone? You've got guts."
Chris's lips curled into a smirk of his own. "You're assuming I'll fight fair."
The Pride Fragment flared as Chris summoned a wave of Abyssal Chains. The dark tendrils shot toward the intruder, their edges sparking with mana. But the demon swung his greatsword, shattering the chains in a single blow.
"Not bad," the intruder said, stepping forward. "But not good enough."
The demon charged, his movements a blur as he closed the distance between them. Chris sidestepped the initial strike, the greatsword slicing through the stone floor where he had stood. He retaliated with a burst of concentrated mana, the force of the attack throwing the intruder back.
The two clashed repeatedly, their movements too fast for the untrained eye to follow. Sparks flew as the intruder's greatsword met Chris's summoned blade of BlackGold. The air crackled with energy, the corridor trembling from the force of their attacks.
---
The fight took a sudden turn when the intruder activated a powerful spell. Lightning erupted around him, forming a storm that filled the corridor. Chris raised a barrier of dark mana, shielding himself from the brunt of the attack. Still, the intensity of the storm forced him to retreat several steps.
"You've got talent," the intruder said, his voice carrying over the storm. "But talent alone won't save you."
Chris gritted his teeth, the Pride Fragment pulsing with renewed vigor. "Who said I'm relying on talent?"
With a surge of power, he unleashed Shadow Step, disappearing from view. The intruder looked around, his stance defensive. Chris reappeared behind him, his blade aimed for a critical strike. But the intruder twisted at the last moment, their weapons clashing once more.
The storm subsided, leaving both combatants breathing heavily. The intruder grinned, his golden eyes alight with respect. "You've got the makings of a true warrior. What's your name?"
Chris straightened, his gaze unwavering. "Chris. And you are?"
The intruder sheathed his greatsword, a sign of truce. "Eryndor, a Demon Earl. Consider this a formal introduction—and a warning. The nobles won't take your rise lightly. Be ready."
Eryndor turned and left without another word, his presence lingering even after he disappeared from view.
---
Back in the core chamber, Nyx crossed her arms, her expression a mix of concern and pride. "You fought well, Master, but you took a risk facing him alone."
Chris smirked, sinking back onto his throne. "Risks are part of the game, Nyx. Besides, I needed to know where I stand."
"And where do you stand?" she asked.
Chris's gaze hardened, his resolve unshaken. "At the beginning of something far greater. This dungeon will become a fortress, and I'll climb the ranks until the entire demon world acknowledges me."
Nyx stepped closer, her voice softening. "And I'll be by your side, no matter what comes."
Chris glanced at her, a rare moment of vulnerability crossing his features. "I know, Nyx. I trust you."
For a moment, the tension of the day melted away, leaving only the unspoken bond between them. But Chris knew the road ahead would be anything but easy.
The Pride Fragment pulsed faintly in his chest, its power a reminder of the destiny that awaited him. To claim it fully, he would have to face even greater challenges—both from the outside world and from within himself.
And somewhere in the depths of his mind, thoughts of his sister, Luna, lingered. Though he didn't yet understand how or why, he could feel that her story was far from over.