Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

"Ancestor, do you know about our forefathers?" Lyssandra asked with a sigh as Hollowind smiled.

"Of course. Everyone knows about them. They were terrifying beings who conquered this multiverse for humanity. I was just a child when they ruled. Their legends spread far and wide. Is that why you called me, young one?" Hollowind asked, his posture relaxed and comfortable.

Even the old man nearby relaxed. He had thought it was something serious but well, she was still a kid. What could she possibly ask?

"Good. Ancestor, do you know anything about an awakening that happens when the sky is dark?" Lyssandra asked as she observed Hollowind's expression instantly turn serious faster than lightning.

"Where did you hear that from?" Hollowind asked, his expression grave, his voice suddenly low.

"So you do know about it, Ancestor," Lyssandra said with a slight smile, having gotten the reaction she wanted.

I have to tell the others. They know what's coming... Lyssandra thought.

"I do," Hollowind replied, "but do you know what it means?"

He no longer looked at her as a mere child. In fact, he was beginning to suspect that one of the forefathers had reincarnated as Lyssandra.

"I do. The old shall awaken. The sky shatters and bleeds as the new shall desperately try to overthrow the old. They're coming soon, aren't they?" Lyssandra asked.

Hollowind gasped.

She knows. She knows everything... but how? he thought, confused.

The old man between them blinked in confusion. What were they talking about? Sky bleeding? What did that have to do with their forefathers?

"How do you know this?" Hollowind asked.

Lyssandra shook her head. "Darius told us. Ancestor, if you know this, then things are more serious than I thought. Darius saw their coffins with a new race called the demons. Their coffins were outside... What does this mean, Ancestor?"

"It means… they'll soon awaken," Hollowind said, shaking his head slowly.

So it's reached this point... The forefathers are returning, and this child has already uncovered it. I need to inform the others, Hollowind thought, his mind racing.

"That's all I wanted to ask, Ancestor. But still I have one more question," Lyssandra added, watching Hollowind closely.

"Were you aware that this royal family game where only one survives and becomes king while the others die is actually a method the forefathers use to control the number of geniuses we produce?" Lyssandra asked.

Sigh...

"I'm aware," Hollowind replied.

Lyssandra's eyes widened in shock, then turned to fear... and that fear twisted into anger.

What if Darius hadn't discovered the truth? Would I have just watched my brothers slaughter each other for the throne? she thought bitterly.

"If you knew..." she whispered, lowering her head and clenching her fists.

After a few seconds, she raised her head and looked Hollowind dead in the eyes.

"Why didn't you stop it?" Lyssandra asked, her voice laced with anger.

Hollowind was silent. Then he stood up from the chair, his voice quiet and distant.

"There are some things you just can't understand," he said, then looked at the old man. The two disappeared together.

"Ancestor?" Lyssandra called out, but they were already gone.

She stood there, stunned.

What is this... What does it all mean? her mind spun with confusion as she let her body fall back onto the bed, her eyes closing slowly.

"Brother was right… This world… I know nothing about it."

**************

Step… Step… Step…

A young man walked through a flourishing city. His stride was graceful, his movements elegant. Even with the royal crest displayed on him, people barely gave him a second glance.

This was Vaelen, the third prince and he had returned home.

Home… to the Mercenary Group.

Yes. His mother was the daughter of the current leader of the group. Around him, people wore tight, functional clothes designed for camouflage. Bruises and scars were visible across their bodies. Weapons hung freely. Barrels of supplies ,food, gear, clothing were stacked around.

"Prince Vaelen? What are you doing here?" a voice called just as Vaelen was about to ask someone for directions.

He looked up to see a graceful woman descending, her scent like a familiar flower.

"Aunt Rin," Vaelen called out as she landed beside him with a smile.

"Little Vaelen, all grown up now," Rin said, laughing a sound that somehow always captivated him.

"Yes, Aunt. I've come to visit Grandpa," Vaelen said as Rin nodded.

"He'll be glad to see you, Little Prince," Rin teased as Vaelen nodded again.

"Come on, let's go," she said, and they vanished together.

Those nearby only glanced briefly before continuing their tasks. The Mercenary Group was not located at the Federation's center. Like other independent organizations such as the Night Blood Sect, they had their own territory, spanning multiple universes.

And in their territory, they didn't bow to the royal family.

Everyone including royals was seen as a client, someone hiring their services. That's why no one was fawning over Vaelen, and he understood that. This was his hometown after all.

As for Rin , she was his mother's sister.

******

Rin and Vaelen appeared near a large compound that resembled a private city. It had mansions of many styles, but one stood out not by size, but by its unique design and overwhelming presence.

"We're here. Grandpa is inside. Let's go," Rin said as she walked forward. Taking a glance around, Vaelen followed.

On the way, they passed stronger mercenaries dressed more like shadow operatives. These were elite guards. They nodded respectfully as Rin and Vaelen passed and entered the mansion.

"Aunt, I want to ask you something," Vaelen said suddenly.

"I'm listening. Ask away," Rin said with a slight smile.

"What really happened between you and the Dreadborne Organization?" Vaelen asked.

The air turned cold.

Vaelen held his calm he had heard stories, but he wanted to hear it directly from her.

Sigh. "Vaelen, I'm sure you've heard the rumors," Rin said, the chill fading slightly.

"I have. But still… tell me. What really happened?" Vaelen pressed.

Rin sighed again, then began to speak.

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