Hexpen

He was never meant to exist…

Riven Morgrave awakens in a world ruled by fate — a system that determines one’s class, power, and even destiny at birth. But Riven is different. Marked as an anomaly, born outside the will of the gods, he is cursed to remember every death he’s ever suffered, trapped in a brutal loop where failure is inevitable… and betrayal is certain.

Everyone sees him as weak. And that’s exactly how he wants it.

Behind a cold mask and feigned incompetence, Riven hides his SSS-Rank ability — Oblivion Mirage, a skill so powerful it can reshape time itself. His only goal? To silently climb the world’s hierarchy, expose the corruption of the Divine Order, and destroy the heroes who abandoned him in a life before this one.

But fate isn’t the only thing he’ll defy.

Beside him stands a rising legend: Ylira Faegwyn, a proud elven mage who sees through his mask. Along with a harem of powerful, dangerous women from every corner of the realm — a demon fire-wielder, a vampire sorceress, a beastkin warrior, a fallen angel assassin, and a royal tactician — Riven builds his own path. One cloaked in shadow. One forged in silence.

Masked By Fate: The Strongest Pretender

The forest thickened as they entered the volcanic basin of Emberveil, a region scorched by ancient fire magic and still pulsing with dormant heat. Smoke curled lazily from cracks in the obsidian rock beneath their feet. The air shimmered with residual mana — and tension.

Kaela Dravenn led the way, her horns casting sharp shadows as she strode ahead without looking back.

"This is where I was born," she said, voice clipped. "And where they decided I wasn't worthy."

Riven watched her closely, walking just behind with the others. Lyra sniffed the air warily. Aeris hovered above with her wings tucked tight, ever watchful.

"They called me a half-breed," Kaela continued. "Too human to lead demons. Too demonic to belong anywhere else."

Ylira stepped forward. "Is this where the trial is held?"

Kaela nodded toward a jagged stone platform ahead. "The Flameborn Rite. It's an ancient tradition. I challenged the clan's leader once and lost. Badly. Now I challenge again — with backup."

"We're not here to win your clan's approval," Selene said, lips curled. "We're here to claim your place with us. But if a few demons have to burn along the way…"

The ground rumbled as they reached the platform. Lava surged nearby, revealing a circle of ancient stone etched with glowing runes. At its center stood a massive demon — crimson-skinned, horned, and draped in obsidian armor. His eyes burned gold.

"Kaela Dravenn," he growled. "You dare return to Emberveil?"

"I don't dare," she said. "I demand."

He roared, flames erupting around him. "Then prove yourself. Trial by fire — no allies, no magic, only strength."

Riven stepped forward. "She doesn't fight alone."

The elder demon snarled. "Then the rite is void. She forfeits her blood."

But Kaela raised a hand, stopping Riven.

"No," she said firmly. "This is my fire to walk through."

With a flash, she stepped into the ring, her body surrounded by blazing infernos. The temperature soared as flames licked her skin — but she didn't scream. Her eyes glowed with demonic power, the seal on her back flaring to life.

The elder demon charged, each strike shaking the ground, but Kaela dodged with dancer-like speed, her fire answering his in a violent dance. She screamed with fury, fire spiraling from her fists, clashing with his.

They traded blows — brute strength versus raw, refined rage.

Kaela ducked beneath a hammering strike and slammed a burning punch into his side. The demon staggered. Her hair blazed like wildfire as she stood tall.

"I am not just demon," she roared. "I am myself! And that's enough!"

With a final strike, she unleashed a blazing cyclone that engulfed the platform. When the smoke cleared, the elder demon was on his knees.

He looked up at her, breathing heavily.

"You carry the fire of queens," he said. "And now… you are one."

Kaela stepped back, trembling, eyes filled with disbelief.

From the edge of the ring, Riven gave a rare nod of approval.

Later that night, as she nursed her wounds by the fire, Kaela looked at him.

"I trusted you could win," Riven replied.

"I would've burned the basin to the ground."

Kaela laughed — a real laugh — and leaned back against a rock, embers flickering in her eyes.

"You're not so bad... for a liar with a mask."

The Demon’s Trial