Chapter 28: The Search for the Ten Strongest Demons

The flames of the Forgotten World flickered in a chaotic dance as Kuragami and Alexandra's daughter stood in its eerie glow. The weight of their mission loomed over them—to find the ten strongest demons who had once stood at the peak of power.

But before they could begin, she needed to explain something crucial to him.

—

The System of Power: Gods vs. Demons

"Before we leave, you should understand the hierarchy of strength in this world," Alexandra's daughter began, her piercing blue eyes locking onto Kuragami's.

"Those who follow the gods are called the Mass. They are the weakest. But as they grow stronger, they ascend through the following ranks:"

1. Mass (Those who blindly worship gods)

2. Ryo (Low-ranking devotees)

3. Rin (Warriors blessed by gods)

4. Royal (Those chosen to serve divine leaders)

5. Elite (Blessed commanders of the gods)

6. Lord (On the verge of divinity)

7. Emperor (A being of immense power)

8. King (Only a few reach this level)

9. God (True rulers of the heavens)

She then shifted her stance, her golden hair swaying slightly as she raised her hand, forming dark energy between her fingers.

"However, those who reject the gods and embrace the darkness are called Devils. Their path to power is far more brutal and merciless. Their ranks are as follows:"

1. Devil (A beginner who has embraced the path of demons)

2. Ghost (A low-level demon warrior)

3. Ghouls (Twisted beings who hunt souls)

4. Vimper (A step closer to true demonic power)

5. Royal Ghost (Demon commanders)

6. Elite Demon (The chosen few among demons)

7. Domain Lord (Rulers of vast demon territories)

8. Demon Emperor (The rulers of multiple domains)

9. Demon King (One step away from divinity)

10. Demon God (A being who stands above all)

She let the energy fade, then looked at Kuragami.

"I am at the Elite Demon rank," she continued. "But if you wish to know your own ranking, you must check the markings on your back."

Kuragami crossed his arms. "And why would I do that?"

"Because…" she hesitated, "if you don't know your true power, how can you measure yourself against the ten strongest demons?"

Kuragami considered this for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he turned around and lowered the upper part of his black cloak, revealing his bare back.

—

The Unbelievable Revelation

The moment she saw his back, she froze.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Her hands trembled as she traced the scars that ran across his flesh.

Scars from whips, from spears, from fire, from torture beyond imagination.

These were not wounds from simple battles.

These were marks from the Great War.

And yet…

That wasn't what terrified her the most.

As she slowly stepped back, her entire body shook.

There—burned into his skin—were not one, but three distinct rankings.

1. Demon Emperor → The ruler of multiple domains, second only to the Demon King.

2. Lord of Domain → A title unheard of, something beyond what a normal demon should have.

3. An Unknown Marking → Something she had never seen before… Something that should not exist.

"No…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "This isn't possible."

Kuragami turned to face her, his golden eyes glowing with dangerous amusement. "What's wrong?"

She swallowed hard.

"Prince… No one—NO ONE—has ever had three rankings at once. And not just any rankings… but a level that surpasses anything seen before."

She took a step closer, still staring at his back.

"At just 14 years old, you've already reached the rank of Demon Emperor. That alone is impossible. But the Lord of Domain… And this… this last marking…"

She couldn't finish her sentence.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

The truth was clear.

Kuragami was not just strong.

He was something else entirely.

Something beyond demons.

Something that even gods should fear.

—

The Start of the Hunt

Kuragami smirked as he pulled his cloak back over his shoulders.

"It doesn't matter," he said casually. "Whether I am a Demon Emperor or something else entirely, my goal remains the same."

He turned his gaze to the endless dark horizon, where his next challenge awaited.

"We find the ten strongest demons."

"We bring them under my rule."

"And then… we start the war that will shake the heavens themselves."

—

Kuragami's journey has only just begun.

He has already surpassed what should be possible for his age.

And soon, the ten strongest demons will know his name.

But what is the mystery behind his unknown rank?

And what will he discover when he finally meets his father?

The darkness is only beginning to unfold.

—