Demon Empire — Eastern Region
The eastern territories of the Great Demon Empire were no longer under complete control.
After the fall of the Northern Demon Lord, the Demon–Human Federation pushed eastward, capturing border villages and fortresses one after another.
Revolutionary King Aethelred Vi Regis sat upon his gray throne inside the recently constructed Eastern Command Fortress. His crimson eyes glowed as they scanned the regional map spread before him.
> "It's as if there's a domain here… hard as steel," Aethelred murmured.
"They are neither demons nor humans, Your Majesty… they are Elves. Their neutrality is protected directly by the gods," replied his trusted strategist, Lirian Noctveil, bowing slightly.
"It is said they live under the Blessing of Spiritual Authority. A divine gift bestowed personally by the Goddess Elmyria. Even high-ranking demons cannot resist their influence."
A faint, contemplative smile appeared on Aethelred's lips.
> "So that's why even the Great Demon Lord chose to leave them untouched."
Another general, Kael Riven, crossed his arms.
"Are you suggesting we approach them? That's dangerous, Your Majesty. If they use their spiritual power against us—"
Aethelred interrupted calmly.
> "—Then we will see whether their spiritual will can truly override the will of a Demon King."
Silence fell across the chamber. Everyone knew it well—Aethelred's power was not something that could be easily restrained.
He rose to his feet, his blood-red cloak flowing like a river of crimson.
> "Prepare an elite detachment of one hundred. We march to the Elven Forest."
---
History of the Eastern Elves
Even before the age of kingdoms—before the first Demon Lord ever emerged—the Eastern Elves were born from the divine light of the Goddess Elmyria.
They were said to be the first intelligent race to walk the world of Velgrith—graceful, powerful beings gifted with magic that could touch both mind and soul.
However, when the world was divided into light and darkness, another elven race was born: the Dark Elves, shaped by the God of Dark Magic.
Thus, the elves were divided into two paths.
The Elves of Elmyria chose isolation and neutrality, living in harmony with nature.
Their kin, the Dark Elves—scorned by them—left to coexist among humans.
Centuries later, when the Great Demon Empire attempted to invade their lands, something strange occurred. As demon armies advanced, their generals fell one by one—not to blades, but to song and enchantment. Entire armies laid down their weapons, surrendering peacefully, without victory or defeat.
The Great Demon Lord himself issued a decree in ancient times:
> "Do not touch the Elven Forest. Let their deceptions remain. Our empire should not wage war against pets chosen by the gods."
And so, Elmyria's Whispering Forest became a neutral zone—untouched, unruled, and shrouded in mystery.
---
Present Day — The Forest of Elmyria
After three days of marching, Aethelred and his elite troops entered the forest.
The trees were dense, emerald leaves filtering beams of sunlight. The air shimmered with faint mana.
> "It's quiet…" one soldier whispered nervously, gripping his spear.
"Too quiet."
Lirian stepped forward, scanning the surroundings.
"Your Majesty… do you feel it? The air is thick with illusion magic."
Aethelred nodded, narrowing his crimson eyes.
"So it begins."
As they advanced, a gentle melody echoed through the forest—clearly not a human voice.
The soldiers stiffened. Their weapons slipped from their hands. Their eyes dulled, empty and unfocused.
> "Your Majesty…" Kael muttered weakly, clutching his head.
"Something is… pulling at my thoughts…"
Aethelred stood calmly as blue motes of light circled him in the wind.
> "Beautiful," he said softly.
"This is no ordinary hypnosis. It resembles divine magic."
From between the trees, a gentle female voice emerged.
> "Demons… you should not enter our sacred forest—especially not a Demon King."
Aethelred turned.
Before him stood a tall, radiant elven woman. Her golden hair shimmered like silk, her pale feet wrapped in glowing light. Her eyes shone with a soft cerulean hue.
> "So you are their leader?" Aethelred asked evenly.
The elf tilted her head slightly.
"A leader? No. I am merely an elf. Our Queen does not speak with outsiders."
Aethelred smiled faintly.
"Then have her come to us. We did not come to wage war. We came with a proposal."
The elf's expression hardened.
"We cannot trust you or your demons. The last time demons entered this forest, they never left."
> "I am not a demon," Aethelred replied quietly.
"I am… different."
He stepped forward.
In that instant, the elf's spiritual senses wavered. Her calm eyes widened—she felt it.
Aethelred's soul was unlike that of demons or humans. His presence was a perfect void—absolute balance between light and darkness.
> "What… what are you?" she whispered.
> "A ruler who seeks peace," Aethelred answered simply,
"—through domination."
The forest wind surged violently. Bows were drawn. Silver arrows glowed with sacred mana as shadows emerged from the trees.
Lirian reached for his sword—but Aethelred raised his hand.
"Stand down."
He looked toward the forest and spoke clearly.
> "To the Queen of the Elves—
I, Aethelred Vi Regis of the United Demon–Human Federation, request an audience.
Not as an enemy… but as a king who seeks to end an age of chaos."
The forest fell silent. The melody vanished. The air brightened—and suddenly, the trees themselves shifted, revealing a distant, radiant light.
An ancient, divine voice filled the air.
> "Aethelred Vi Regis… King of Balance.
Your soul is unlike any ruler we have seen in centuries.
Come closer. We shall see what kind of king you truly are."
Aethelred smiled faintly and walked toward the light. His soldiers—still partially entranced—slowly followed as the path opened.
Lirian whispered to Kael,
"Even the elves acknowledge him…"
Kael murmured grimly,
"If he ever decides to conquer them… may the gods help us all."
---
Within the Forest — Elven Sanctuary
Towering branches encircled a crystal-clear lake of pure mana.
At its center sat the Elven Queen, upon a throne woven from white roots. Her beauty was serene, divine, and almost unreal.
As Aethelred approached, the elves bowed.
> "So this is the Demon King who united demons and humans," she said.
"The world trembles because of your ambition."
Aethelred bowed lightly.
"Ambition drives progress, Your Highness. And perhaps… silence can as well."
The Queen's eyes glowed.
"Our silence preserves balance. But this revolution disrupts it.
The United Demon–Human Federation is playing with powers it does not yet understand."
Aethelred smiled calmly.
"Then teach us to understand."
Whispers spread among the elves—no one had ever spoken to their Queen that way.
The Queen gazed into Aethelred's eyes and saw his soul. In an instant, she perceived something vast—dark, limitless.
> "Your heart is dark… yet pure.
You carry chaos and fate within you."
Aethelred smiled softly.
"Then it seems we understand each other."
The Queen closed her eyes.
"We shall see whether your fate is worthy of our blessing."
The forest light intensified, and the scene faded into divine radiance.
---
✨ End of Chapter 21 — "The Whispering Forest of Elves" ✨