Capital City — Lunargent, Kingdom of Silverwood
The gates of Lunargent, the capital of the Silverwood Kingdom, gleamed with silvery light under the early morning sun. Soldiers patrolled the marble walls, while the banners of Queen Bellatrix fluttered proudly in the wind.
A cloaked man passed through the gates without uttering a single word. His eyes—cold, calculating, unreadable—scanned the streets around him.
It was Blade.
Within the city, merchants and nobles gathered in hushed discussions over a single topic:
The emergence of the Demon–Human Unity Federation.
> "They say Aethelred Vi Regis has united demons and humans under a single banner."
"Ridiculous! It's clearly a trick."
"Then why are Ironwood merchants flocking to his port?"
"Even Queen Bellatrix-sama is said to be interested…"
Blade moved silently through the noise, his thoughts whispering inwardly.
Shujin's voice (within):
The world has begun to tremble. Aethelred has taken his first step. Now the human kingdoms waver between greed and fear.
Blade (murmuring softly):
"Then this is the time to pass through Lunargent unseen. The eyes of this capital are sharper than blades."
Their presence faded like mist among the crowd.
---
The Silver Palace — Hall of Deliberation
Queen Bellatrix Silverwood sat upon her throne, listening to reports from her ministers. Her long platinum hair shimmered faintly beneath the stained-glass ceiling.
"Your Majesty," Minister Alden bowed. "Ironwood merchants have begun active trade with the newly formed Federation. Its port, Darkensport, has become the central hub of demon–human commerce."
Bellatrix closed her eyes thoughtfully, resting her chin upon her hand.
"So… Aethelred Vi Regis is building not only an army, but an economy as well."
"There is more, Your Majesty. Gareth Valmor of Ironwood personally visited the Federation's stronghold."
Bellatrix's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Valmor? Ironwood's wealthiest merchant? That snake never moves without reason. What did he gain?"
"It appears King Aethelred has appointed him as the Federation's economic advisor. His influence over trade routes is expanding rapidly."
Bellatrix smiled coldly.
"Interesting. A demon king who understands politics and human greed… He may be far more dangerous than we anticipated."
---
Federation Citadel — Darkensport
The grand hall of the Demon–Human Federation was dimly lit, carved from black stone veined with glowing blue crystal. Upon the throne sat King Aethelred Vi Regis, dressed in regal splendor, gazing down at a kneeling man.
"You may rise, Gareth Valmor," Aethelred said smoothly.
"You've come a long way from Ironwood. What is it you seek?"
Gareth smiled politely.
"I seek trade, Your Majesty. Gold does not discriminate between demon and human. I wish to help shape the Federation's economy. My caravans bring spices, metals, and rare gems. In return, I request exclusive privileges at your ports."
Aethelred's crimson eyes gleamed.
"A merchant who speaks greed openly is far better than one who hides it behind virtue. Very well."
Murmurs of unease spread among the demon advisors. One, a tall demon with crimson horns, stepped forward.
"Your Majesty! This human cannot be trusted. He seeks only profit. Granting him such authority is dangerous."
Aethelred did not take his eyes off Gareth.
"Yes. He desires gold—and that makes him predictable. Those who crave power are dangerous. Those who crave wealth can be controlled."
Silence fell across the hall.
Gareth bowed deeply.
"You honor me beyond measure, Your Majesty. I swear—this Federation shall become the wealthiest power across the seas."
Aethelred smiled faintly.
"Do not disappoint me, Gareth. The battlefield has shifted. Commerce is now your war."
Gareth bowed once more, his smile sharp as a blade.
"By your command, Your Majesty. Profit and prosperity shall be our new weapons."
---
Later — A Private Exchange
Aethelred stood on a balcony overlooking Darkensport, his cloak billowing in the sea wind.
His aide, a young demon named Lirian, spoke hesitantly.
"Your Majesty… are you not trusting that human too easily?"
Aethelred chuckled softly.
"Trust? No. I am using him. He will build the economy I desire—and when his greed surpasses his loyalty, he will be replaced."
"But what if he betrays us?"
Aethelred's red eyes glowed faintly.
"Then he will learn what happens to those who attempt to steal from the Shadow King."
---
Southern Frontier — Nyxarion's Command
Within a frozen fortress of immense intellect and ancient power, the First Summoned Hero Nyxarion stood before a kneeling figure—a demi-human girl with brown hair and emotionless eyes.
"My Lord," she whispered. "You summoned me?"
"Yes," Nyxarion replied, his face hidden beneath a dark crown.
"My little shadow. I have a new mission for you. The Federation is rising, and Mistwood and Flarewood will soon consider alliance. You are to go to their borders… and begin the cleansing."
"Assassinations?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Yes. Start with merchants and nobles sympathetic to the Federation. I want chaos. Confusion. Let them fear peace."
She smiled faintly.
"Yes, my lord. As you command."
Nyxarion's eyes narrowed, venom filling his voice.
"And if you encounter Blade… test him. I wish to know if the rumors of his immortality are true."
---
Ironwood Kingdom — City of Valerion
The streets of Valerion buzzed with unease. Whispers of the mysterious massacre of Blade's family resurfaced, scribbled notes and hushed conversations spreading through taverns and alleys. Even King Arvedis and Princess Alisa were drawn into the matter.
In the royal hall, Alisa frowned.
"Father… every report says the same. The slaughter of Blade's family was no ordinary murder. Someone—or something—non-human was responsible."
King Arvedis nodded grimly.
"Yes. Ryuto is investigating. But the deeper he digs, the darker the mystery becomes."
Ryuto entered the hall carrying documents, his expression cold yet resolute.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness. This crime was not committed by humans or demons alone. It is something else—an unnatural anomaly. I believe it is connected to dark magic… or the interference of a Dark Sovereign."
Alisa gasped.
"Dark magic? But there has been no sign of the Darkness Lord's presence."
Ryuto clenched his fist.
"I must uncover the truth. Because the truth will only bring pain to someone like Blade…"
Arvedis placed a hand on Ryuto's shoulder.
"Be careful, Ryuto. You are stepping into a storm that began long before any of us realized."
Ryuto's eyes hardened.
"Even so, I will face it."
---
Meanwhile — The World Watches
From the mountains of Mistwood to the burning lands of Flarewood, nations began to sense the shift.
Secret meetings were held in shadow, alliances whispered beneath candlelight.
> "The Federation is growing too fast…"
"Ironwood supports them in silence."
"If Silverwood joins them, the balance will shatter."
The winds of war were not distant anymore—they had begun to stir.
---
Blade — Departure from Lunargent
As night fell, Blade departed Lunargent, moonlight glinting off his cloak.
Shujin's voice (within):
Aethelred's moves are flawless. The Federation now stands not only on territory, but on economic power. The world is changing—and soon even the gods will be forced to choose sides.
Blade:
"Then we move forward. Mistwood awaits… and the shadows grow thicker."
He glanced back at the radiant capital.
"Bellatrix. Nyxarion. Ryuto… everyone is playing their part. But in the end—only one will remain standing."
The wind carried his words into the night.
---
✨ End of Chapter 19 — "Shadows Beneath the Silver Crowns" ✨
---