Deep within the bowels of the earth, far beneath where even light dared to tread, lay a forgotten abyss. The air was suffocatingly thick, brimming with the stench of rot, sulfur, and blood. Colossal chains made of obsidian and divine metal shimmered faintly, glowing with ancient runes meant to bind the unspeakable. There, in the blackest chamber, were twelve grotesque figures—fallen beings with fractured halos and wings bathed in darkness. The Twelve Demonic Angels.
Eleven slumbered in wrathful silence, sealed by the gods of ages past. But one… one had already slipped free. His body, a grotesque tapestry of decayed flesh and shadowy flame, pulsed with hunger. His voice echoed across the cavern like a thousand screams at once.
> "My brothers and sisters… slumber for now. Soon, I will unbind your chains. Soon, humanity will know despair."
The seal trembled, cracks faintly glowing, as his search for freedom continued. And yet above this abyss, in the land of the living, the world carried on blissfully unaware.
Meanwhile, in the Presia Dukedom, Roman was still in the training grounds, laughing and playing with children. Selena, the ever-composed and cold elder sister, was acting unlike herself. She ran with the children, tossed small pebbles, and even smiled faintly when Ella clung to her hand.
Roman chuckled.
"Big sis… I never knew you had this kind side. It's… good to see you like this."
Flustered, Selena turned away, cheeks faintly pink.
"Shut up, you freak!" she barked before tossing a small rock at him.
Martha immediately puffed her cheeks in anger and gathered stones in her tiny hands, throwing them at Selena.
"Don't bully big brother Roman!" she declared.
Soon, the training grounds split into two playful armies—Roman, Martha, and four children versus Selena, Ella, and four others. Stones flew through the air, peals of laughter echoed, and the once rigid palace grounds turned into a battlefield of joy.
From the balcony, Duke Jacob observed quietly. His stern face softened as he leaned back in his chair.
Butler Adam, standing beside him, bowed slightly.
"My lord, should I stop them? This is unbecoming for the heirs of Presia."
Jacob shook his head with a faint smile.
"No… let them be. It's been years since I've seen my children smile like this. And those children down there—Roman gave them food, shelter, and even names. He's done what I could not."
Adam bowed again.
"Yes, my lord. Their progress has been monitored. They're thriving."
Jacob's eyes softened further, though worry flickered in them.
"Adam… when Roman first changed, I thought he was an imposter in my son's body. But the ritual of Soul Identification Magic erased my doubts. He… he carries his mother's light. That smile—just like hers."
The butler hesitated before speaking.
"But my lord… the enemies we've made—"
Jacob cut him off, voice calm yet heavy.
"I know. Ephor Dukedom, Count Jerad… they won't forgive us. But so be it. This time… I have my children. I am no longer alone."
As the playful war wound down, the children grew tired. Roman clapped his hands and called for Maid Lyra.
"Lyra, take the kids to bathe. Dress them in proper clothes—we'll all dine together tonight."
Selena also ordered her maid to assist. At first, the children hesitated, clinging to Roman. But after his gentle reassurance, they agreed, giggling as they followed the maids. Selena, tired and slightly embarrassed by her own behavior, excused herself as well.
Roman, left alone in the training ground, lay down on the cool grass. His eyelids grew heavy—until a vision struck him.
The sky bled red. A town burned to ashes. People screamed as black flames devoured them alive. The air reeked of death. Roman jolted awake, his breath ragged.
> "What… was that? The Shadow System didn't warn me. Was it… just a vision?"
He shook his head, trying to clear it, then stood and called out to four knights nearby.
"You four—train with me. Wooden swords. Now."
The knights obeyed, and a fierce session began. Roman's strikes were sharp, fueled by unease. Sweat poured down his face, but his determination did not waver.
By evening, he dismissed them, went for a hot bath, and allowed himself a brief moment of relaxation before dressing formally.
As he walked to his father's office, he stopped Lyra in the hallway.
"Where are the kids?"
"They are with Lady Selena in her room, young master," Lyra replied with a bow.
Roman nodded with a faint smile.
"Good. Take care of them."
Finally, he entered the Duke's office. Butler Adam greeted him with news.
"My lord, the funds from Ephor Dukedom have arrived. The money has been inspected—no discrepancies."
Roman's eyes narrowed.
"Good. That will give us the foundation we need."
Inside, Duke Jacob sat at the head of a long table. Gathered around were the heads of every major sector—waterworks, roads, sanitation, medicine, mage divisions, treasury, and the knight captain.
Jacob gestured for Roman to sit.
"Son. I've gathered every sector head. It's time to rebuild our dukedom from the ground up. Water, roads, health, hygiene, education… everything must change."
Roman sat down, expression firm.
"I'll do my best, Father."
Just then, in the back of his mind, a cold mechanical voice echoed—
> [Warning: Anomaly detected. Origin: Negative.]
Roman froze. His heart pounded. Whatever it was, it had begun.