Chapter 1: The Summoning of the Forgotten One
The ancient summoning circle glowed with eerie crimson light as the high priests chanted in a forgotten language. The kingdom of Eldoria had reached the brink of destruction. Desperate for salvation, its rulers turned to the oldest, most forbidden ritual—calling upon a Demon King.
A burst of fire erupted in the center of the summoning circle, and from within it emerged a towering figure, her obsidian horns gleaming under the torches' glow. She was Lilith, the Demon Queen of Ruin, feared across countless realms. Yet, something was different this time. As the flames settled, the priests gasped.
Standing in the center was not a terrifying demoness but a young man—Lucian Draven. His raven-black hair flowed in the windless chamber, and his eyes, burning with the same red glow as the summoning circle, held an otherworldly power.
"This... This isn't her!" the High Priest stammered. "Where is the Demon Queen?!"
Lucian's lips curled into a smirk. He could feel it—the overwhelming, limitless power of Lilith coursing through his veins. He clenched his fist, and the very air around him trembled. He was no mere human. He had inherited everything from her—the magic, the strength, the memories.
But he knew the truth: Lilith still existed—inside him. Bound by the ritual, her soul had fused with his. She whispered in his mind, her voice silky yet laced with annoyance.
"You fool... You've stolen my power? No matter, I will reclaim it soon enough."
Lucian didn't answer. He knew he couldn't trust her, but he also couldn't reveal what had happened. If the humans discovered he now wielded the strength of a Demon King, they would turn on him. For now, he had to play the role of their 'savior.'
Chapter 2: The Hidden Power
Lucian was welcomed as a hero. The king himself knelt before him, pleading for his protection. The nobles showered him with gifts, and the people worshiped him as a divine being. Yet, behind their smiles, fear lurked in their eyes.
"We must ensure his loyalty," one noble whispered. "If he ever turns against us, we're doomed."
Lucian played along, pretending to be nothing more than a summoned warrior. He demonstrated enough skill to gain their trust but carefully hid the true extent of his abilities. At night, he trained in secret, learning to control the demonic energy within him.
"Why do you hide?" Lilith's voice echoed in his mind. "You are stronger than all of them combined. Crush them, rule them."
"No," he muttered. "If I reveal my power, they'll turn against me. Besides, I'm not interested in ruling."
Lilith laughed, a sound both beautiful and chilling. "Then you're a fool. Power exists to be used."
Chapter 3: The Kingdom's Greatest Threat
Months passed, and Lucian's reputation grew. He became the kingdom's strongest warrior, leading victories against invading monsters and rival nations. But the more battles he fought, the more he realized—he wasn't just gaining experience; he was evolving. His demonic power fed on his victories, growing stronger with every life he took.
One night, as he meditated in his chambers, a shadowy figure appeared before him. A knight clad in black armor, his presence radiating pure dread.
"Demon King," the knight said, kneeling. "I have come to retrieve you. The abyss awaits your return."
Lucian's eyes narrowed. "You've mistaken me for someone else."
The knight chuckled. "Have I? That power within you—it is hers. But it is also yours now. You cannot run from destiny."
Lucian clenched his fists. He had spent so much time hiding his power, but he knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out. If he truly wished to protect this kingdom, he could no longer afford to hold back.
"Tell the abyss," he said coldly, "that the Demon King does not take orders."
The knight smirked. "Then prove it."
As the battle began, Lucian unleashed a fraction of his true power. The ground shattered beneath him, and the sky darkened as his aura flared. Lilith's voice whispered once more, this time with amusement.
"Now, that's more like it."
Chapter 4: The Rise of the Hidden Demon King
Word spread of Lucian's battle, and whispers of his unnatural strength grew louder. The royal court began to doubt him, and the church declared him an abomination. Soon, assassins were sent, and betrayal lurked at every corner.
But Lucian had made his choice. If the world feared him, he would make them tremble. If they sought to betray him, he would strike first.
He would no longer hide.
He was the Demon King now.
And the world would soon learn to kneel before him.