Deep within the volcanic region of Ashmaw Valley, the sky was red with smoke, the air thick with the scent of brimstone and bad decisions.
Liam stood at the edge of a scorched cliff, staring down into a massive chasm glowing with lava. Below, a fortress made of molten obsidian pulsed like a heartbeat.
The lair of General Varkos the Betrayer—seventh general of the Demon King's army and repeat traitor.
"Why is the lava fortress always the first dungeon?" Liam muttered.
[Side Quest Active]Objective: Confront VarkosOptional Bonus: Survive without melting
The vampire maid stood beside him, holding a parasol for no reason.
"General Varkos has declared you unfit to rule," she said. "He's currently preparing to ally with the Holy Army. Again."
Liam rubbed his temples. "Didn't he do that in Chapter 48?"
"Yes. You turned him into a puddle."
"Well, I'm feeling diplomatic today."
He marched forward, cape fluttering. The lava bridge sizzled beneath his boots, but the system was kind enough to activate a passive resistance.
[Lava Resistance – 12%]Your shoes are now 88% fire hazard
The gates of the fortress opened with a low growl.
Varkos stood at the center of a magma throne room, twice as tall as before, skin now fused with molten rock. Fire roared around him like a cape of living flame.
"LIAM," he boomed, "YOU HAVE ABANDONED OUR GLORIOUS DESTINY!"
Liam crossed his arms. "You mean the destiny where I die like a chump in three chapters?"
Varkos blinked. "Yes?"
"Hard pass."
The general's eyes burned hotter. "You are weak. Soft. Negotiating with humans. You do not deserve the crown."
Liam sighed. "Let me guess. You want to rule in my place?"
"I am the Flame of Revolution!"
"You're a fireball with daddy issues."
Varkos roared, flinging a river of flame across the room.
Liam dodged, barely. The system chimed.
[Dodge Successful]You looked cool doing it: +5 Fear
"Alright," Liam muttered. "No more nice Demon King."
He raised his hand—and for the first time, truly channeled the power in his blood.
Dark energy crackled around him, shadows twisting and writhing. His skin glowed with forbidden sigils. The black crown above his head ignited with ghostly blue fire.
[System Notice]✦ New Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Binding Chains – Lv.1Effect: Binds enemy with cursed shadows.Cooldown: 10 secondsSide Effect: Nightmares. Lots of them.
Liam slammed his hand down.
Shadowy chains burst from the floor and wrapped around Varkos, dragging him to his knees with a howl of rage.
"I'm not playing king," Liam said, voice echoing unnaturally. "I am the villain. But I'm the kind who survives."
The flames sputtered. Varkos gasped, stunned.
"Your reign… is changing."
"Damn right it is."
[Quest Complete]✅ You've terrified an active volcanoFear +25%Chaos +40%SP +1
Cultivation Progress: 15% – [Heart of Hunger Stage 1]
Liam turned and walked away as the fortress trembled, letting the system soak in his dramatic exit.
The maid caught up with him. "Should I inform the other generals?"
Liam smiled faintly. "Yeah. Tell them the Demon King doesn't die in Chapter 63 anymore."