The great hall ordeal (1)

Arkaham, the Demon Kingdom.

From what I knew, it was supposed to be a land of rampant violence, where the strong devoured the weak without hesitation.

At least, that's how the game portrayed things.

But reality... was another story.

Demons didn't live in a state of absolute chaos. Not anymore.

Or rather... not yet.

Currently, a peace treaty existed between the races, especially with humans—the very same ones who had once subjugated the Dark Lord.

The Demon Kingdom, which had once marched endlessly to war, was now flourishing as a structured civilization. Well... something close to that, at least.

Still, some pieces of this puzzle didn't quite fit.

The game never properly explained the Dark Lord's role. The history books of this world treated him as a mystery, someone supposedly above even the Demon King himself.

If he truly existed, what had happened to him? And why was his existence treated as a mere obscure detail?

I had tried asking my mother, but she could only give me vague answers. The same was true for my instructors.

It wasn't that they were avoiding the question, but rather... something like their minds scattering for some reason.

They simply didn't know.

My head buzzed with questions, but one thing was certain: the Demon Kingdom was far from what I had imagined.

Currently, the nation was ruled by a temporary Regent—Arguus, the Grand Sage.

Officially, he governed until a new Demon King could be crowned.

Unofficially, behind the scenes, the selection for his successor was already underway. Very few knew about this—including some key government officials and the leaders of the Great Houses.

And, of course, me.

Beyond the Grand Regent, order was also maintained by the Seven Great Demon Houses.

It was normal in world settings like this to have these hierarchies. Dukes, nobles and that kind of shit.

They were the pillars of demon society. Families that controlled vast territories and armies, ensuring the strength and stability of the kingdom.

Even so, they weren't the only noble houses, don't be mistaken.

The difference was that their status was equivalent to royalty itself—a precedent established years before the last Demon King vanished.

House Zephiron, known for its fearsome mages.

House Drakos, composed of brutal warriors and beast tamers.

House Vorstein, a lineage of necromancers who communed with the dead.

House Azrath, masters of dark arts and curses.

House Morvain, specialists in assassination and espionage.

House Xeran, military strategists and architects of the kingdom.

And finally, my own house.

House Velnore. Duelists. Masters of the rapier. The fastest and deadliest lineage in the Demon Kingdom.

I was in the middle of all this bureaucracy.

And all of that led me to this moment.

To this place I had once thought of as sacred.

But right now, it was an absolute mess.

The Hall of Blessings.

The other heirs of the Great Houses were here, just like me. We had all been escorted by the Grand Regent's subordinates into this imposing hall.

I glanced around, analyzing the faces that shared this space with me.

Some were familiar—especially certain bastards who had given me trouble during my first playthrough.

The Morvain twins, with their identical and unnerving smiles.

The Beast Queen, first in line to inherit House Drakos, whose presence exuded a latent savagery despite her age.

And, of course, that damned strategist, whose sharp mind had given me endless headaches in the game.

Obviously, there were others. But I didn't bother looking at them for long.

Many of these nobles had a sixth sense for unwanted attention, and as expected, a few returned my gaze almost instantly, their eyes filled with calculated curiosity.

The place itself was breathtaking.

To call it just beautiful would be an understatement.

The black stone walls were carved with arcane patterns, radiating a subtle, almost hypnotic energy.

Massive chandeliers, forged from the horns of unknown creatures, hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a reddish glow over the hall.

The floor reflected the image of those who walked upon it—polished marble, stained by the blood of a thousand ancient rituals.

It was an environment that exuded power. History. A sanctuary for the rulers of the Demon Realm—at least, that was how it was described in the fandom. 

However, I couldn't ignore the unsettling sensation creeping up my neck. 

Because, despite all this grandeur, something was wrong. 

Alone in the middle of that place, waiting for instructions. 

Only God could tell where the hell the adults had gone—last time, weeks ago, they had stood right beside each of their children. 

And as if to prove me right, the doors behind us shut with a dry thud. 

The hall plunged into absolute silence. 

Then, the voice of the Grand Regent echoed throughout the chamber. He emerged from the darkness with long strides. 

— As the rightful heirs of the Seven Great Houses, you have been gathered here to continue an ancient tradition. However, times of change demand new paths. Today, we begin something grand. 

There was weight in his words, something that resonated deep in my chest. 

It wasn't just his tone. 

The Grand Regent was an old man, his purple skin marking him as one of his kind.

His hair, dark and long, fell messily around his shoulders, contrasting with the sharpness of his eyes—faintly glowing violet, calculating and intense. He wore dark, ornate robes that shimmered with intricate patterns, a symbol of his high status.

Despite his age, his presence was overwhelming, filled with a quiet, suffocating power.

It was as if reality itself acknowledged his authority. 

None of the other children seemed surprised. On the contrary, their expressions remained impassive, as if this kind of magical manifestation was routine for them. 

I, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a certain fascination. 

Vocal projection magic? 

Amplified arcane enchantment? 

Or something deeper? 

The Grand Regent then continued: 

— I will not waste unnecessary time. Today's trial will not be like the previous ones.

Trial?

Well, that was a rather unique way of talking about a blessing, wasn't it?

His gaze swept across the hall, and for a moment, I had the impression that he was... anxious? 

— The Blood River of Luchar will be your first challenge. Only those who manage to cross it and overcome its trials will be deemed worthy of receiving my blessing. 

A soft murmur spread among the heirs. 

— Hm. So it won't just be another formality — muttered one of the Morvain twins, his arms crossed as he assessed the situation. 

— At least that. I was expecting another empty performance — replied the other, not taking his eyes off the Grand Regent. 

The Beast Queen, contrarily, simply tilted her head to the side. 

Her eyes gleamed with a predatory interest. 

Were these supposed to be the reactions of... children?

Like... seriously? 

I understand it's a game world, but kids that age should... I don't know, eat dirt and that kind of craziness. Not react like old people.

Then, a deep tremor ran through the hall. 

The floor vibrated beneath our feet. 

A purple glow took over the air. 

In front of the Grand Regent, the space began to distort, spinning on itself like a liquid whirlpool. 

And subsequently, it opened into a pulsing vortex. 

A portal. 

And not just any portal. 

— Cross. 

His voice seemed to vibrate in the very fabric of reality. 

— And show the world why you are the heirs of the Demon Kingdom. 

The Grand Regent turned to us and, without hesitation, took a step forward, crossing the portal without looking back. 

The vortex kept spinning, like an open mouth waiting for us. 

— Is this part of the ceremony? — I hissed to myself. 

No answer, but the other children began to move, following the Grand Regent without hesitation. 

I exhaled slowly. 

If I hesitated here, it would only draw more attention. I was never good at socializing or getting too much attention, so I didn't want it for now.

I moved forward and crossed the portal.