Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

"Everyone should already know why we are gathered here, but let me refresh our minds. Today is the coronation of the House of Umbraxis. Today, we choose our king. Today, today is a magical day. One of the royal siblings will be crowned, and from this moment onward, we shall address the once prince as King. A glorious day not only for this House, not only for the officials, but for the entire Human Federation. Today is the day Prince Theron becomes King Theron," the Kingmaker declared, his elegant attire shimmering under the lights, his kind smile carrying across the silence.

The crowd held its breath as he continued.

"Now… Prince Theron, step forward."

Theron hesitated, glancing at his siblings. Each one gave him a reassuring smile. Their silent support gave him courage, and so he walked forward with steady steps.

Every pair of eyes followed him. From his regal attire to his calm expression, not a single doubt was cast upon him. Even as a prince, the people had witnessed his work, his efforts, his convictions—clear as the stars in the sky.

With Theron, they believed humanity could take its next great step—beyond the planet, beyond the solar system, beyond the galaxy, beyond even the universe—toward the vast expanse of the multiverse and beyond.

At the edge of the stage, Theron stopped. The Kingmaker placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling warmly.

"You look just like your father. I am certain you will accomplish great things," he whispered.

Theron smiled faintly, his thoughts heavy.

So this is it. I am becoming king… responsible for the Federation, bearing the burden that was once on my father.

But just then, all members of the Dreadborne present stiffened. Two powerful auras emerged from within the crowd—galaxy-level beings. Executioners.

The crowd slowly realized who they were: Dared and Jake. Both had survived swallowing countless souls, fought alongside demons in their wars, and returned to witness Theron's coronation. Disguised among the crowd, they watched in silence.

"What do you think?" Dared asked, his eyes fixed on the Kingmaker lifting the golden crown.

"Maybe he's the best candidate to be the king," Jake muttered, clearly disinterested, though his presence here betrayed otherwise.

So vague. Why even bother coming? Dared thought, eyes drifting back to Theron.

So… we have a new king. Let's see how he operates first. Then I'll begin planting spies and building my army, Jake thought grimly.

The Kingmaker raised his voice, solemn and commanding:

"Prince Theron, before I crown you, do you swear upon humanity's ancestral ground to put the people's needs before your own? To protect each and every one of us as though they were your children, and to lead us to greatness?"

"I swear it. I, Theron Umbraxis, will protect and lead us to greatness," Theron declared, his clear voice resonating through the hall. The Kingmaker smiled, and so did everyone else.

Your father and the ancestors are watching, the Kingmaker thought, sensing unseen eyes upon the ceremony.

And indeed—they were not the only ones watching. Representatives from countless organizations and races across the multiverse had gathered here. Nearly every living being bore witness to the crowning of humanity's new king.

"Very well. With all present as witnesses, and under the gaze of our forefathers, I crown you, Prince Theron Umbraxis, as King of the Human Federation," the Kingmaker announced. His voice rang out, vast and unshakable, as the crown was lowered toward Theron's head.

But just as the crown was about to touch, a voice thundered across the hall.

"I OBJECT!"

Gasps erupted. Time itself seemed to freeze.

Who dared?! All the royal siblings had accepted Theron—so who would defy this sacred moment?

Even the powerhouses were stunned. It had been countless eras since such an interruption.

Then, an unfamiliar figure stepped forward.

"I object," Darwin said again. His arm burned, a strange mark glowing fiercely.

Theron's head tilted slightly, his eyes cold.

"How dare you? Darius, he is under your command. Handle this. But if that rat dares to go further… kill him," Theron ordered icily.

Caius, Vaelen, and the rest glared at Darwin with equal frost. The crowd mirrored their fury—how dare a mere guard defy the coronation?!

Darwin's hair was wild, his eyes downcast, his voice cracked yet firm.

"Darwin… for this, you will be killed. Even your years of loyal service cannot save you," Darius pronounced coldly, deciding Darwin's fate on the spot. Gasps echoed, but most nodded. It was only right. Disrupting the coronation was not merely an insult to House Umbraxis, but to the entire Federation.

Universal-level guards appeared, their auras sharp, suffocating, and reeking of death. They marched toward Darwin, ready to strike him down.

But Darwin remained calm. He raised his arm, revealing the burning mark.

"Eldest Prince Caius… do you recognize this symbol?"

The guards froze. Every eye turned to Caius. His expression was one of absolute disbelief.

"T-that's impossible…" Caius stammered, retreating a step. His voice trembled.

The crowd was shocked beyond words.

"Brother… what's impossible?" Theron asked, frowning.

"That mark… it's on me too," Caius confessed.

A wave of gasps swept the hall.

Darwin had the same mark as the eldest prince?!

"Did he forge it?" Vaelen asked sharply.

"No," Caius shook his head, face pale. "This was created by one of our ancestors. It cannot be forged. And it's burning—ah!" Caius groaned, clutching his arm as his own mark blazed like Darwin's.

"Are you alright?" Lydia rushed to his side, worry etched on her face. Her gaze shifted to Darwin, suspicious and fearful.

"But what does it mean? Brother… are you somehow connected to him?" Lyssandra asked, confused and shaken.

"Wh-what is happening?" Theron demanded, his composure breaking. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon him. How could Caius bear the same mark as Darwin? Why were they both burning at this exact moment?

The hall erupted in murmurs:

"How is this possible… is the eldest prince connected to that man?"

"Could he be… a long-lost brother?"

"I don't know… but I knew something was strange when the princes suddenly stopped fighting among themselves…"

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