The New King – A Throne of Power

The **Ancient Elves** led Rael into the depths of their sacred temple. 

The chamber was **dark, ancient, filled with the power of something forbidden.** 

At the center, a **chalice filled with demon blood** sat on a stone altar. The liquid was **black as the abyss, swirling unnaturally.** 

The Elder Elf stood before him. **"In all history, no one has survived this ritual."** 

Rael **did not hesitate.** **"I will."** 

Lyra **watched with worry.** **"Rael… are you sure?"** 

He glanced at her. **"You've already chosen your path. Now, I choose mine."** 

Without another word, he **lifted the chalice and drank.** 

The moment the demon blood touched his tongue, **he collapsed.** 

Then—**the air itself cracked.** 

Rael's body **twitched. His fingers clenched.** 

His eyes **shot open.** 

His pupils were **slits**, glowing **deep crimson.** His **aura was suffocating—darker, heavier than before.** 

The Elder Elf stepped forward. **"You survived. No… you have become something more."** 

The elves **knelt before him.** 

**"From this day forward, we follow you, our Demon King."** 

Rael stood at the center of the **Ancient Elf city**, his body still radiating the overwhelming power of the demon blood. 

The elves—**thousands of them—**were still kneeling before him. 

The Elder Elf raised his head. **"You have surpassed all who came before you. You are no longer human, no longer bound by mortal limits."** 

The elves **lowered their heads once more.** 

**"We serve you, our Demon King."** 

Lyra, standing at his side, felt her heart pounding. 

**Demon King.** 

That title was not just words. **Rael had changed.** 

Not just his power—**his very presence.** 

He was no longer just **a warrior seeking strength.** 

Now, he was **a ruler.** 

Rael's voice was calm, cold as ever. **"Good."** 

Then, he turned to the Elder Elf. **"Tell me the history of your people. Why were you hiding? Why did you never have a king before?"** 

The elder bowed his head. **"Long ago, the Ancient Elves were once great rulers, but the gods themselves sought to erase us. They feared our power. We were betrayed by humanity and forced into hiding. We have remained in the shadows, waiting for someone strong enough to lead us again."** 

Rael listened in silence. **"The gods… feared you?"** 

The elder nodded. **"Yes. And now they will fear you."** 

Rael's crimson eyes burned. 

**The gods. The True Hero. The Demon King.** 

**He would surpass them all.** 

Now that Rael ruled the Ancient Elves, **he had to ensure their survival.** 

He stood before the Grand Enchanter—the greatest magic artificer among the elves. 

**"You are the creator of the city's magical defenses?"** Rael asked. 

The Grand Enchanter hesitated. **"Yes, my King. But… I refuse to make more. I will not build a kingdom for a destroyer."** 

Rael's gaze did not waver. **"Then tell me—why are you all still alive?"** 

The Grand Enchanter's breath caught. 

Rael continued. **"Yes, I seek power. Yes, I destroy my enemies. But if I were a mindless destroyer, would this city still stand?"** 

The enchanter lowered his gaze. 

Rael gestured toward Lyra. **"Look at her. When I met her, she was weak. She followed me despite my coldness. But I never harmed her. And now, she is powerful enough to stand beside me."** 

Lyra, standing nearby, felt her heart race. **He was acknowledging her.** 

The Grand Enchanter sighed. **"Then… you are not the monster I feared."** 

Rael's voice was firm. **"Then fortify this city. The world will not remain quiet forever."** 

The Grand Enchanter nodded. **"As you command, my King."**