The Demon’s Pride vs. The Creator’s Might

The Cardinal World, though vast and filled with potential, was still in its infancy when it came to civilization and structured governance. Unlike the highly developed societies that would emerge in later eras, this world was still raw—a land of untamed wilderness, scattered settlements, and emerging powers that sought to carve their place in history.

While numerous tribes, clans, and small kingdoms dotted the lands, only a few truly notable factions held dominance in these early days. These were the first great bastions of power, each unique in its culture, philosophy, and rule.

To the far east, where sprawling plains met towering mountains, the Eastern Empire was taking shape. This empire, though not yet at the height of its expansion, was already showing signs of the unrelenting ambition and military might that would define it in the centuries to come.

Governed by a strict and disciplined military hierarchy, the empire was built upon the foundation of conquest and control.

Unlike other kingdoms that relied on monsters or divine blessings, the Eastern Empire was fueled by human innovation, technology, and rigorous training.

Deep within the great mountain ranges to the west, Dwargon stood as a testament to craftsmanship and perseverance. The Dwarven Kingdom, though small compared to the sprawling lands of humans, was unmatched in engineering and metallurgy.

Rulers & Governance: At this time, the kingdom was ruled by a mighty Dwarven King, one whose lineage stretched back to the first mountain settlers.

Unlike the militaristic Eastern Empire, Dwargon focused on building an impregnable stronghold, utilizing natural defenses, underground fortresses, and masterful smithing.

The city itself, a maze of tunnels and grand halls, was illuminated by mystical forges that never ceased burning.

The dwarves had already begun trading with neighboring human settlements, offering their legendary weapons, armor, and architectural skills in exchange for resources.

Despite their isolationist nature, rumors of the world beyond the mountains intrigued the Dwarven King. Would their fortress hold against the rise of monsters and demons? Only time would tell.

Nestled within the dark forests and blood-red valleys of the western lands, Ruberios was a kingdom shrouded in mystery. This was the domain of Luminous Valentine, one of the few powerful beings who had already established her dominion.

Unlike the Eastern Empire and Dwargon, Ruberios was not a kingdom of mortals but one of immortal beings—vampires who thrived under the rule of their Eternal Queen.

Luminous herself had already declared her reign, her presence undeniable as she maintained control through a combination of absolute authority and divine power.

Though her kingdom was relatively stable, Luminous knew that other powerful entities existed in the world. She was cautious, watching from the shadows and preparing for the inevitable conflicts that would arise as new powers emerged.

Beyond these notable powers, much of the Cardinal World remained untamed.

The Monster Territories: These lands were lawless, dominated by various monster races who had yet to unite under any central power. Ogres, Orcs, Lizardmen, and other creatures roamed freely, engaging in constant battles for survival.

The Fallen Kingdoms: Scattered ruins of past civilizations hinted at long-forgotten empires that had once flourished but had been wiped out by war, natural disasters, or powerful beings.

In this era, the world was still forming its identity.

But one thing was certain—the Cardinal World was on the verge of something grand.

Would it fall into chaos? Would one kingdom rise above all others? Or would the unseen forces lurking in the shadows shape the fate of the world?

Only time would tell.

------

The air grew thick with tension as Guy, the self-proclaimed strongest Demon Lord, stood before Veldanava, the Creator of the World. A heavy silence loomed in the vast celestial expanse where the confrontation was taking place. There were no barriers, no walls, only the boundless sky above and the endless horizon beneath them.

Guy's eyes burned with unshakable resolve, his aura flaring like a storm of fire and destruction. He had challenged countless foes, crushed enemies beneath his heel, and stood undefeated for eons. But today, he faced the God of Creation, a being whose power was beyond comprehension.

A smirk curled on Guy's lips as he unleashed his overwhelming demonic aura, the ground beneath them cracking and the air itself distorting from sheer pressure. A crimson storm erupted around him, fiery tendrils spiraling outward, scorching the sky as the very essence of chaos surged through his veins.

Veldanava, standing calmly, let out a soft chuckle. His golden eyes gleamed with divine amusement as he watched Guy's power surge. To him, this was nothing more than a child's tantrum, an amusing display of a demon who thought himself capable of reaching the heavens.

"Interesting," Veldanava mused, his voice carrying a divine resonance, as if the cosmos itself was speaking.

Guy, however, took that as a challenge. His pride would not allow him to back down. With a swift motion, he launched forward, his movements shattering the sound barrier, leaving a trail of blazing fire in his wake. His right fist ignited with Napalm Burst, his signature move, a fire so devastating it could reduce mountains to ash and boil oceans in an instant.

With all his strength, he aimed for Veldanava's heart.

Yet—Veldanava did not move.

The attack landed… but nothing happened.

The flames of Napalm Burst flickered and vanished, dissipating into nothingness as if they had never existed. Guy's eyes widened in shock. His ultimate attack—one capable of scorching entire continents—had done nothing.

Gritting his teeth, he lashed out again. His fists became blurs of destruction, launching an onslaught of blows reinforced by his Ultimate Skill: Pride, the very ability that made him invincible in battle. Every strike carried the weight of the abyss, distorting space itself.

Yet, despite the overwhelming power behind each attack, Veldanava did not budge.

He simply stood there, his golden eyes watching as Guy pushed himself to his absolute limit.

Minutes passed—though to Guy, it felt like an eternity. He had used every move, every ounce of power he had, yet Veldanava remained completely untouched. Not a single speck of dust had moved from where he stood.

Panting, exhaustion finally caught up with Guy. His body felt heavy, his energy drained, and his pride—shattered. For the first time in his existence, he felt true powerlessness.

Veldanava exhaled softly. "My turn."

The moment the words left his lips—it was over.

Guy didn't even see the attack. There was no movement, no flash of light, no distortion in space—only an indescribable force that struck him at the very core of his existence.

Pain.

A feeling he had long forgotten returned in full force.

It was unbearable.

His entire body screamed in agony, his mind barely able to process what had happened. He felt himself being thrown back, his limbs numb, his body collapsing onto the broken ground below.

He couldn't move. He couldn't fight back.

For the second time in his life… he had felt true pain.

Lying on the ground, unable to even lift a finger, Guy's mind raced. How? How could he be so weak? Had he really been so foolish to believe he could stand against a god?

His pride, the very thing that had defined him, now felt like a cruel joke.

As he lay there, staring up at the endless sky, he felt something strange. Acceptance.

His smirk returned, but it was no longer one of arrogance—but of surrender.

"I'm satisfied," Guy said, his voice hoarse but firm. He chuckled weakly, accepting his fate.

"You can kill me now. I know… I'm not the strongest. I know there are beings I could never reach. I have accomplished what I needed to. Now, I can spend the rest of eternity in hell."

Silence filled the air.

Then—a faint smile appeared on Veldanava's lips.

"Would you like to work for me?"

Guy's eyes widened slightly. What?

He had been ready to accept death, ready to embrace his end—but now, the God of Creation was offering him something else.

For the first time in his long existence, Guy was left speechless.