Re: The Dark Lord’s Ascension

Returning to the present era of Ryzon Alte, the new generation's leader, our protagonist, Arata Yagami Dreadweaver, is now around 97 years old (equivalent to about 22–27 in human years). He has ruled for 50 years.

Physically, he does not stand out much compared to his ancestors. Standing at approximately 193 cm tall, he bears horns resembling a ram's, with sharp tips signifying his status as the leader of the new evolutionary generation. His red eyes are a distinct trait of the Kael bloodline.

His personality is hard to decipher, making him a manipulative or morally ambiguous individual.

His favorite attire is called the 'Abyssmantle of Dominion,' a long mantle radiating an aura of absolute dominance, granting immunity to certain elements and instilling fear in those who interact with him. His life is relatively straightforward: managing politics and running underground businesses in several territories under his control. His connections are extensive, earning him the title of 'His Excellency, Dreadweaver.'

Yagami also possesses an overpowered passive magic ability known as 'Void Assimilation,' which absorbs energy, attacks, or elements around him to enhance his strength, endure powerful assaults, and regenerate his power. Though he has mastered many legendary and rare spells and artifacts, he seldom uses them, as his reign has primarily been focused on expanding his business networks and territories.

Today, Yagami is holding an urgent meeting with the floor guardians of the Ryzon Alte tower. Seated on his majestic throne, carved with an ancient depiction of a golden dragon skull, he exudes an air of authority. Beside him stands a young woman, appearing around 80 years old (equivalent to 20–25 in human years). Aria is a descendant of the demonic general who once fought to establish Ryzon Alte. It is a tradition for the general's bloodline to serve the current ruler, a duty passed down as an absolute obligation.

Her appearance is striking: perfectly proportioned, neither too slim nor too large, making her an ideal personal assistant to Yagami. She has pinkish-red eyes, black hair, and wears plot armor crafted from dragon hide that fits her figure seamlessly.

As the floor guardians arrive one by one, each teleports into the throne room, a method granted by Yagami to facilitate their duties. They immediately kneel before him. Yagami, observing their arrival, remains expressionless, his face devoid of any hint of enthusiasm or regard, as if bored by the entire affair.

When everyone has gathered in the throne room, Aria steps forward, addressing the kneeling guardians and commanding them to pay proper respect to Yagami.

"Very well, everyone. In the presence of the great leader, show your respect~"

"Floor guardians one, two, and three, Bloddræven. Thank you for the invitation, Your Excellency. I... I truly did not expect to be invited to this meeting."

Bloddræven is a young guardian and the strongest among the vampire race who serves Yagami. She possesses a unique power called "Hemomancy Magic," which allows her to control the blood of her enemies and create various physical weapons formed from their blood. (Her age is around 75, equivalent to 19–20 in human years.)

"Floor guardian of the fourth floor, Lycanshärfer. Thank you for the invitation, Your Excellency, Dreadweaver. I am truly honored to receive your summons."

Lycanshärfer is an elder of the pure demon race. His strength lies in wielding a sword named "Drachenklinge," a legendary sword associated with Ragnarok. (His age is around 280, which is roughly equivalent to 60 in human years.)

"Floor guardians of the fifth and sixth floors, Oculith Tyrannus. This feels like a dream, being summoned by Your Excellency. I am deeply grateful for this invitation."

Oculith Tyrannus is an Undead with unparalleled physical strength. In addition to his strength, he is equipped with powerful magic and plot armor embedded with a legendary crystal artifact known as Zirconus Argentum. (Being immortal, he has no age.)

"Floor guardian of the seventh floor, Aria Velisara. I am the strongest and most graceful of all the guardians here~."

Aria Velisara's power lies in the "Reaper of Shadows"—a massive scythe as black as pitch, radiating a demonic aura. Her scythe is versatile, capable of being used in various situations, appearing in her hands at will simply by chanting a spell.

Yagami, having listened to them, tapped his fingers loudly several times on the armrest of his throne. This habitual gesture of his signified deep contemplation.

"Hmph~ Very well. Let us begin. ...So, are you all aware of the reincarnated adventurers searching for our whereabouts? —In the past, no. To be precise, for the last 15 years, I thought letting them live freely was the right choice. Why? Do any of you know why?"

After Yagami uttered these words, all the floor guardians remained silent. None dared to answer, fearing they might face punishment if they said something displeasing. Yagami continued his speech.

"Hey-! Are you listening? Ah~ ...this is truly boring. I sit here managing business in various territories to expand connections and handle endless politics. It's honestly tiresome. —So, regarding the reincarnated adventurers, I've heard from my informants that they're gathering military personnel in Aurenvale and recruiting reincarnated humans with diverse powers. What are your thoughts on this? Lycanshärfer, answer-!"

"I understand, Your Excellency. In my opinion, they could indeed be the catalyst for a large-scale war if they manage to locate us here in 'Ryzon Alte.' —I've personally faced reincarnated adventurers with powers beyond our comprehension. —I am prepared to offer my life to you to defend Ryzon Alte."

Lycanshärfer responded with utmost sincerity, despite feeling the oppressive weight of Yagami's aura. He carefully chose his words as he spoke.

"No, we don't need to wage an all-out war against them, because in my view, it's unnecessary and would only cause destruction to what our ancestors have built. So, I want you all to guard Ryzon Alte with vigilance."

"I, Bloddræven, apologize for my impertinence, but how do we handle these reincarnated adventurers without a large-scale war?"

"That's a good question, Bloddræven. So, I will be leaving Ryzon Alte temporarily to go to the location where the reincarnated adventurers are stationed and preparing their forces in Aurenvale. —I want to have some fun there, enjoying the chaos that will unfold."

After saying this, Yagami stood up from his throne and continued speaking with a faint smile.

"Bloddræven, Lycanshärfer, Oculith Tyrannus. Please take good care of Ryzon Alte. Do not allow even the slightest mistake to occur. Do you understand? I despise mistakes. If any occur, everything will change. —Ensure the Absled Artifact remains active so that Ryzon Alte cannot be seen by the naked eye."

Hearing Yagami's words, they felt an aura that had long been dormant—a hatred, as if a starving lion that had been asleep for ages was now waking up and searching for prey.

"Understood, Your Excellency-! We will carry out your orders for the sake of Ryzon Alte. We will offer our lives wholeheartedly. —Thank you for the summons, Your Excellency," Lycanshärfer said, representing the other guardians, who were too overcome with fear to speak. Their mouths felt as if they were tightly sealed, unable to defy the absolute command.

"Good. If you understand, tomorrow Aria and I will leave for Aurenvale to execute the plan. Now then, thank you for coming. I appreciate it. But remember-! Even the smallest mistake must not happen."

As Yagami spoke his final words, he sat back down on his throne, wearing a faint smile filled with unspoken meanings.

"Understood. We will ensure that even the smallest detail is accounted for. —Thank you for summoning us and continuing to lead Ryzon Alte. We bid you farewell, Your Excellency…"

After Lycanshärfer said this, they all teleported back to their respective floors to carry out their duties. Meanwhile, Yagami simply waved his hand.

However, Aria, who stood beside Yagami, seemed to feel a sense of joy. No, it wasn't just joy—it seemed she had truly become obsessed with Yagami's charm.