At the Throne of the Demon Empire
The throne hall of the Great Demon Empire trembled with rage.
The colossal Great Demon Lord, his eyes gleaming like molten gold, stretched out his arm.
> "This Aethelred Vi Regis… he dares to call my Empire his federation… How utterly insolent."
His generals bowed deeply. Armored demon knights knelt before him. One, clad in blood-red steel, spoke boldly:
> "Your Majesty, please do not trouble yourself. This is nothing more than a minor rebellion. The western uprising has already collapsed. The east will follow in time. Grant us a little more patience, and Aethelred's flames will extinguish on their own."
Another offered a cold, mocking remark:
> "When our people starve and bleed enough, they will abandon their false king themselves, Your Majesty."
The Demon Lord's radiant gaze silenced them.
> "…We will observe their actions.
If they seek to challenge us—then we shall burn Aethelred's armies to ashes."
---
The Fall of the West
Meanwhile, in the western territories, the rebellions came to a halt.
The proud demon rebel leader who had refused Aethelred's offer of alliance now stood upon a battlefield littered with corpses. His followers—once arrogant and numerous—had dwindled to mere dozens.
Whispers spread among the survivors:
> "Why did we reject the chance to unite…?"
> "He wasn't the true savior…"
> "…If we had joined him… Aethelred would have led us to victory."
By the end of the month, the western rebellion had been reduced to ashes.
The Great Demon Lord felt a measure of relief—yet he remained wary.
As for the east, Aethelred's banner continued to rise higher than ever.
---
The Federation of United Demons and Humans
Drakensport—the greatest city of the eastern empire—fell under rebel control.
A new flag fluttered above its gates: two hands—one human, one demon—grasping a single sword, wreathed in crimson.
Clad in dark armor, Aethelred Vi Regis stood upon a balcony before tens of thousands of supporters.
> "From this day forward, we are no longer pawns of tyrants.
No longer divided by race, but united by purpose.
Today, I—Aethelred Vi Regis—hereby declare the formation of the Federation of United Demons and Humans!"
The roar of the crowd shook the heavens.
Behind him, his loyal generals raised a crown above his head—but Aethelred lifted his sword and proclaimed:
> "I am not a king who hides behind fortress walls.
I am your comrade.
As long as I live, I will fight on the front lines beside you!"
Faith deepened. Spirits ignited like wildfire.
Deep within his soul, Shujin smiled.
Another piece had fallen into place.
---
Ironforge – The Mining City
Far from the Demon Empire's unrest, the mining city of Ironforge pulsed with life.
Inside the Adventurers Guild, Blade Lunaria leaned casually against the counter, wearing his usual friendly smile as he spoke to the receptionist.
> "So, what do you have for me today? Got a quest that pays well?"
The sharp-eyed woman with jet-black hair tied behind her frowned slightly.
> "Blade-san is as careless as ever… but you're in luck. There is a quest suitable for your rank. It's dangerous, though."
She handed him a document.
> "There have been disturbing rumors from the sealed depths of the Ironforge mines—strange disturbances, sightings of shadows. Those who enter never return. It's estimated as Rank-C, but some believe the threat may be far greater."
Blade's crimson eyes sparkled with curiosity.
> "Silent shadows and secrecy, huh… Sounds like my kind of fun."
The receptionist sighed.
> "This isn't a joke. The Guild has already lost skilled adventurers."
Nearby, a group of low-ranked adventurers laughed.
> "Hey Blade, don't go getting yourself killed!"
> "You only passed the last survival test because of luck!"
> "You're smiling way too much for someone walking toward death."
Blade turned toward them, still smiling warmly.
> "Thanks for the concern—but don't worry. I trust myself."
The receptionist bit her lip and leaned closer.
> "…Please be careful."
Blade winked.
> "Always am."
---
The Forbidden Mine
Later that day, Blade stood before the sealed gates of the Ironforge Mine.
The air was heavy—colder than before.
A wooden sign hung at the entrance:
> NO ENTRY – By Order of the Adventurers Guild
Blade rested his crimson blade on his shoulder. His smile remained unchanged, but Shujin's inner voice murmured quietly beneath it.
Something is sleeping here… Something worth uncovering.
With a creak, the gates opened.
The stench of damp stone and decay poured out.
> "Alright," Blade muttered cheerfully as he stepped into the darkness.
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding."
As he descended deeper, crystals embedded in the walls began to glow—like something afraid.
Strange symbols. Half-buried stone structures coated in dust.
Then—
He heard it.
A whisper.
> "Leave…
Leave this place…"
Blade stopped. His eyes glowed red.
His hand slid toward his oath-bound weapon. Dark flames flickered along the blade's edge.
> "Undead… or something worse?" he murmured.
"Guess I'll find out soon enough."
The darkness of the mine swallowed him whole.
---
✨ End of Chapter 8 ✨