The chaotic light slowly subsided.
Rena's silhouette began to become clear.
Her body had completely transformed—from an ordinary elf to one that radiated both a captivating and deadly aura.
She now stood 180 cm tall, her curves even more perfect, yet she was clad in dark magic armor that pulsed like a living creature.
Her eyes glowed blood red, and every movement radiated a bone-chilling chill.
"You've succeeded, Rena," I said with a faint smile.
Rena looked at me, then knelt in reverence.
"Thank you for this gift, My Lord." Her voice was now deeper, calmer, and more dangerous.
But before I could respond, a sudden, violent tremor struck my body.
My chest felt like it was being squeezed from within, blood pouring from my mouth, eyes, and ears.
"Ughhh!" I knelt, my body trembling.
Noa's voice came from the gauntlet, calm yet solemn.
"My Lord, this is the effect of the ritual. Your soul is severely wounded."
Rena immediately supported me, carrying me back to the throne.
Her red eyes flashed with worry, but her steps remained steady.
"It's just a minor injury. There's no need to overreact," I said, glancing at Noa and Rena.
My gaze returned to Rena. There was one thing I was curious about—her new abilities.
"What are your abilities now?" I asked.
Rena bowed slightly.
"Yes, My Lord. I have acquired two new skills. The first is [Chaos Domain]. Its effect makes me immune to holy magic, a major weakness for demons. However, its duration is limited to about ten minutes."
I smiled faintly.
Incredible, this ability will be a golden weapon when facing heroes head-on.
"Noa," I called, my tone turning serious.
"Explain to me the power levels of the former demons—from lowest to highest."
"Yes, My Lord. In the past, demons had a very clear hierarchy of power, formed by blood, souls, and age. This is their ranking, from lowest to highest."
[1. Lesser Demon
Born from the remnants of dark energy or the result of failed rituals.
Weak, unmatchedly stupid, and merely disposable troops on the battlefield.
2. Common Demon
Has a more stable form and consciousness.
Their bodies are capable of using basic dark magic, but their strength is still far from sufficient to fight other races alone.
3. Greater Demon
The evolution of a common demon that has killed hundreds of enemies.
Their physical and magical strength increases drastically, and they begin to master unique skills.
4. High Demon
Leader of a small army.
Their bodies are resistant to mid-level magic and possess a keen sense of battle.
They are respected among demons and often serve as commanders in raids.
5. Demon General
Elite warriors who command thousands of demons.
Each of their attacks is capable of leveling villages.
Their souls are strong enough to withstand direct contact with hellish energy without being destroyed.
6. Demon Lord
Ruler of a region in the Demon World.
Each Demon Lord possesses their own Domain, capable of altering the laws within their territory.
Their power is enough to single-handedly slay an entire human kingdom.
7. Arch Demon
A being who has surpassed the physical limitations of the demon race.
Their bodies serve as the perfect vessel for pure hellish energy.
Capable of fighting multiple heroes simultaneously and still surviving.
8. Demon King
The highest throne of the entire demon race.
He holds complete control over the King's Domain, an absolute domain that negates all laws of the world except his will.]
Hearing that explanation, I fell silent.
It turned out all my knowledge of demons as a hero was a lie.
"When I became a hero, there was no information about this rank," I said quietly.
"Of course, My Lord," Noa replied calmly. "Because not all demons are allowed to enter the Mortal Realm. What you saw in the past was only a small reflection of our true power."
"I'm curious about something. Why don't the other Demon Lords ever work together to defeat the heroes?" I asked, staring blankly out the throne window.
"Because they're busy fighting each other, My Lord," Noa replied flatly. "One of the requirements for becoming a Demon King is to receive some of Amon's power. By defeating and taking the power of other Demon Lords, then uniting them, they can approach Amon's power."
As strong as Amon? This information made the corners of my lips curl up.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard. Zereth entered with a burly, dark-skinned demon—a demon blacksmith.
"Sorry to bother you, My Lord," Zereth said with a bow. "We've come because our blacksmith has completed the artifact from Celes' head."
Hearing that, I glared, then smiled faintly. "Interesting, bring it here."
The demon blacksmith stepped forward, knelt before me, and opened the black box he was carrying.
"I have forged it, My Lord. A mask made from the hero's head."
Inside, a dark red mask reflected the dim candlelight. Two curved horns protruded from its top, like a symbol of eternal menace.
I lifted the mask slowly, feeling the remaining hero energy locked within.
Then… I placed it on my face.
WHOOSH—
A demonic aura exploded from my body, wild and uncontrollable, as if the mask were testing me—asking if I was worthy of being its master.
I simply smiled behind the mask.
I released a bloodlust aura mixed with a dense demonic aura. The mask's aura began to subside, though it hadn't completely submitted to me.
Closing my eyes, I entered my soul realm.
There stood Celes, clad in her tattered battle attire.
"I still can't believe I'll end up a mask," she said blankly.
I stepped closer, peering at her from the shadows.
"Death is a gift. And I choose not to give it to you," I replied coldly.
Celes simply stared at me for a moment—wordlessly, then slowly faded away, erased from my soul realm.
I opened my eyes again, and the real world greeted me. My gaze shifted to the demon blacksmith before me.
"What is your name?" I asked flatly.
"My name is Simon, My Lord," he replied, bowing respectfully.
I raised my hand and channeled a dark aura directly into his body. It enveloped him, penetrating his flesh and bones, and was completely absorbed.
Simon staggered for a moment, then rose with a heavy breath.
"Thank you, My Lord. Thanks to this gift, I have finally evolved into a Greater Demon."
I smiled faintly behind my bloody red mask.
"Zereth, what about the training ground?" I asked quietly.
"It's finished, My Lord. We can begin training anytime," he replied respectfully.
I tried to get up, but the pain of my wounded soul made my movements difficult.
"Don't let anyone disturb me," I ordered Rena and Zereth.
"Yes, My Lord," they replied in unison.
Zereth and Simon quickly left the room, while Rena remained standing in front of the door, her aura radiating sharply, ready to cut down anyone who dared approach.
I sat cross-legged, closed my eyes and began to meditate, channeling all my focus into healing the wounds within my soul.