Vengeful Ascension: The Rise of a Demon Emperor

The marble corridors of Ulcea Palace echoed with hurried footsteps as Princess Fiona swept past servants and guards, her emerald-green dress flowing behind her like a banner of urgency. Anxiety gnawed at her—reports of movement from the Divine Kingdom of Sucaria had arrived that morning, cloaked in rumors and uncertainty, but Fiona's intuition told her there was truth in the whispers.

More troubling was what it meant for Adrian Falter. An "elementless" knight, a man who had single-handedly defeated Dravokh, a Lower Demon, had drawn too much attention already. To the Divine Kingdom, Adrian's existence was an anomaly—one they would not overlook.

Fiona pushed open the grand double doors to the Council Chamber, where her brother, Crown Prince Karl, sat reviewing reports. His focus broke at her entrance, and he looked up, brows knitting with concern.

"Fiona? What is it now?"

She didn't stop until she stood across the polished oak table from him, her expression grave. "Karl, we have a problem. The Divine Kingdom is moving. Their priests are searching for someone 'elementless.'"

The crown prince's hand stilled on the parchment. "Adrian."

Fiona nodded sharply. "Who else could they mean? He's already fighting battles against demons and noble schemers. If Sucaria turns its gaze on him…" She paused, taking a steadying breath. "We both know how dangerous they can be."

Karl set the reports aside, leaning back in his chair as he considered her words. "What proof do we have? Rumors? Whispers? You're asking me to act on half-formed intelligence."

"I'm asking you to trust me," Fiona countered, her voice trembling with unspoken frustration. "Adrian doesn't even know they're watching him. You didn't see him fight at Dravokh's Estate, Karl. He's strong, but he can't take on the Divine Kingdom alone—not when they think he's some 'unbalancing force' in their prophecies."

Karl regarded his sister for a long moment, his sharp gaze softening. "You care for him, don't you?"

Fiona flushed but didn't look away. "He's more than a knight, Karl. He's loyal, brave, and… he's someone who protects this empire because no one else will. Is that so wrong to care about?"

The crown prince exhaled deeply. "It's not wrong. But you must tread carefully. If Sucaria is involved, we're dealing with politics as much as prophecy. I can't risk open conflict."

"I'm not asking for a war," Fiona said, her voice quieter. "I just want him to know the danger he's in before it's too late."

Karl's lips pressed into a firm line before he gave a reluctant nod. "Go to him, then. Warn him. But be discreet, Fiona. If word gets out that we're involved in this… it could make things worse."

"Thank you," she said, relief flooding her features.

"Just don't do anything reckless," Karl added, though his sister was already halfway out the door.

* * *

Fiona's carriage raced through the countryside, the rhythmic pounding of hooves a constant reminder of her urgency. The rolling hills of Midgard passed in a blur, her mind consumed with thoughts of Adrian—his steady gaze, the way he stood resolute even when the odds were against him.

"He's strong," she whispered to herself, gripping the edge of her seat. "But strength alone isn't enough when the Divine Kingdom is involved."

The sun had begun to dip below the horizon by the time the carriage rolled into Arvendale. The small town, once ordinary, now hummed with life thanks to the knights stationed there. Fiona wasted no time, stepping out of the carriage and heading directly for the training hall, where she knew she'd find him.

The sound of a sword striking a wooden dummy echoed through the dimly lit hall. Adrian was at the center, drenched in sweat, his shirt clinging to his form as he practiced a series of sharp, deliberate strikes. He exhaled steadily, resetting his stance, his movements precise.

When the hall doors swung open with a bang, Adrian spun sharply, his hand reflexively reaching for the hilt of his blade.

"Adrian!"

At the sight of Fiona, he relaxed, though his brow furrowed in confusion. "Fiona? What are you doing here?"

Fiona approached quickly, her face flushed from both the journey and urgency. "I need to speak with you. Now."

Adrian grabbed a towel, wiping his face as he stepped toward her. "What's going on?"

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "The Divine Kingdom of Sucaria is watching you, Adrian. Their priests are moving, investigating rumors of someone 'elementless.'"

Adrian's face darkened, his usually calm demeanor hardening. "They're looking for me."

"Yes," Fiona said, her voice firm. "And you need to understand what that means. To them, you're an anomaly—something that threatens their idea of balance."

Adrian crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "So what happens now? Do they try to eliminate me because I don't fit into their prophecy?"

Fiona stepped closer, her voice softening. "It's not just about you. The Divine Kingdom isn't like the nobles scheming against you, or even the demons. They believe they're righteous, Adrian. That gives them conviction. And conviction can be terrifying."

Adrian let out a slow breath, his gaze distant for a moment before meeting hers. "I didn't choose to be elementless. I didn't ask for any of this. But I'm not going to let them decide who I am or what I can do."

Fiona's expression faltered, a mixture of admiration and frustration crossing her face. "You don't always have to face everything alone, Adrian. You have people who care about you—people who would stand by you."

"I know," he said softly, his voice steady. "But that doesn't change what I have to do."

Fiona looked away for a moment before speaking again, her tone quieter. "I came all this way to warn you because I care about you. You're not just a knight to me, Adrian. You're a friend… and someone I respect."

Adrian's expression softened, his usual seriousness giving way to something gentler. "Thank you, Fiona. I mean it. I'll be careful—but I won't stop fighting."

"You'd better not," Fiona replied, forcing a small smile. "Just… don't do anything reckless."

Adrian smirked faintly, the ghost of his usual confidence returning. "I'll try."

As Fiona prepared to leave, Adrian escorted her to her waiting carriage. The cool evening breeze carried the distant hum of the town as the two stood in quiet understanding.

Before stepping inside, Fiona turned back to him one last time. "Be vigilant, Adrian. If they come for you, you won't just be fighting swords or magic. You'll be fighting belief."

Adrian nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll be ready. No matter who they send or what they believe—I won't back down."

The carriage pulled away, disappearing into the darkness of the road ahead. Adrian stood alone under the deepening sky, his thoughts heavy.

The Divine Kingdom's watchful gaze was troubling, but it wasn't fear that stirred in Adrian's chest—it was resolve.

'Let them come,' he thought, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

'I'll face them like I've faced every other challenge. I won't let anyone decide my fate but me.'