Chapter 19 – The First Crowned Demon
The city burned. Flames clawed at the night sky, smoke choking every breath. Human screams echoed through the streets, cries for help twisting into desperate prayers. Somewhere in the chaos, steel rang against steel—
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
A man staggered back, blood spilling from his side. He clutched his sword with trembling hands, forced back as though struck by an invisible hammer.
"Tsk! So strong…" he hissed through clenched teeth.
Before him stood a towering demon, wings stretched wide, eyes glowing with malice.
"You humans are weak," the demon sneered, his voice dripping contempt as he looked down at the injured man.
The man raised his shaking arm, fury lighting his eyes.
"I know I can't defeat you… but this is going to be your grave!" His shout ripped through the burning air. "Skill: Finale Wither Storm!"
A massive magic circle bloomed above, crackling with unstable energy. The earth trembled as the human poured everything into his last desperate strike.
The demon tilted his head upward, unimpressed. "Is this a joke?" His tone was flat, almost bored.
The man smirked, blood dripping down his chin. "You die with my ultimate skill!"
The demon's expression shifted, not to fear, but to laughter—deep, mocking, endless.
"HAHAHAHA! You think this puny trick can kill me?" His voice shook the ground.
The man faltered, horror twisting his face. "Y-you think… my ultimate skill is puny!?" His rage tangled with fear, shaking his very soul.
The demon smirked, eyes glowing darker. "I will show you the difference between demons and humans. Skill: NetherVeil Suppression."
A colossal magic circle bloomed—far larger, far more powerful—and in an instant, it devoured the man's desperate storm, swallowing it whole as though it were nothing but candlelight against a storm.
The man froze, terror locking his tongue. "Wh-what!? Ho-how can—"
SHING!
His words ended with the clean sound of a blade. His head fell, severed in one stroke, hitting the blood-soaked ground with a hollow thud.
The demon raised his sword, black blood glistening. "Weakling humans. You think you can win against us?" He laughed, wings spreading as the burning city collapsed around him.
The tragedy stretched on. For two years, humans endured unending torment. Hunger hollowed their bodies as food vanished. Disease rotted them from within, with no medicine to save them. Curses, foul and unbreakable, clung to their souls—gifts from the demons who ruled them.
By the third year, humanity was on the brink of collapse.
And then… a miracle.
In the Western lands, a new power rose—holy, radiant, and burning with purity. With it, humans struck back. Demons who once seemed invincible crumbled beneath the light of holy magic. For the first time, the monsters recoiled, retreating to the shadows from which they came.
The Seven Deadly Sins, once feared as unstoppable, were slain. But the truth behind their origin remained veiled.
Until one year later.
A towering fortress rose in the West, crowned with black stone and silver spires. On its throne sat not a savior, but a monster. His voice carried across the world, a cruel broadcast to every ear.
"I am the Creator of All Sins! From this day forth, you humans are under my control!"
His laughter rattled through the air, a truth more terrifying than the war itself. He had created the holy magic—just as he had created the sins. Hope itself had been his game.
"Now, insects," the voice thundered, dripping amusement, "I grow bored. So I have forged new sins for you! Rejoice!"
He was no savior. He was the First Crowned Demon.
Back in the present—
Roy's breath caught in his chest. His dagger trembled in his grip, his eyes wide.
"Are you saying… Pyrtho was the First Crowned Demon!?"
Velcous lowered his head, voice tight. "Yes, master. I fought him head-on… and from your memories, I recognized it. It was him."
Roy's fear curdled into fury, his eyes burning red. "Then let's kill him—"
"Master, it's reckless—" Velcous tried, but Roy cut him off, voice like a snarl.
"I'm going to kill him!"
Roy stepped forward, but Velcous grabbed his arm, firm and desperate. "Master, he is level 244! Charging in now is suicide!"
Roy froze, teeth grinding, his dagger clenched so hard his knuckles bled. "…Tsk. I'm still weak." His gaze snapped to Velcous. "Then listen—I have a mission for you."
Velcous released his grip, bowing slightly. "Yes, master. What is your command?"
"You can't fight with an incomplete soul," Roy said, eyes narrowing. "I want you to gather forces. Allies. Something we can use against Pyrtho."
Velcous's face tightened, but he nodded, guilt flickering across his features. "Yes, master. Forgive me for my incomplete state… but I swear, once I am whole again, I will fight at your side." His voice carried pure devotion.
Roy pointed his finger to the small wolf cub. The creature barked, ears twitching.
"This cub will join your mission," Roy ordered.
The cub blinked, confused. "What, master? That huma—"
Before he could finish, Velcous leveled his sword at the cub's throat. His eyes burned cold. "Don't ever call me a human, you lowly beast."
The cub's fur bristled, lips curling. "What did you say!?"
The air thickened. Murderous intent radiated from Roy, silencing both instantly. His voice cut through like a blade.
"Stop… before I get angry."
Velcous trembled, bowing his head. "Forgive me, master."
The cub whimpered, ears lowering. "I'm sorry…"
Roy exhaled sharply, his gaze heavy. "Both of you… are my only hope. This mission is the path to fixing my regrets. Don't fail me."
Velcous looked at the cub, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Our master's future rests on us. We will succeed. So… cooperate with me."
The cub snorted but turned away. "…Hmph. If it's for the master, then I'll cooperate."
Velcous knelt, offering his hand. The cub hesitated, then placed his paw upon it. They sealed the pact with a firm shake.
Roy's expression softened. "You two… are my great allies."
"Yes, master!" Velcous declared.
"Hmph," the cub barked, trying to hide his approval.
Roy's gaze sharpened. "You already know my plan, don't you, Velcous?"
Velcous smirked knowingly. "Yes, master. We move at once."
"Good. I'll see you around," Roy said with a smirk of his own.
Velcous's smile thinned, concern flickering in his eyes. "Be careful, master. The bandit raid will not be easy." He raised his arm, summoning a glowing sigil. "Skill: Ethereal Traverse."
A silent circle spread across the ground, invisible to human eyes. He and the wolf cub vanished in a flash.
Roy exhaled, waving faintly. "…See you both soon."
He turned toward the shadows of the bandit stronghold. His dagger pulsed in his grip, his left eye blazing red like a flame.
"Alright… let's kill these bandits. And level up."