The Rise of The Heavenly Demon God

Dozens of torches lit up, breaking the darkness of the night. The shadows of horseback riders moved closer to the small village. The sound of hooves grew louder, accompanied by the low murmurs of mercenary troops. Among them, a man in a black cloak raised his hand, signaling to stop.

"They've been hiding for too long," the man muttered with a grin, showing his sharp, beast-like teeth. "Prepare yourselves. Bring them alive. Especially the prince."

Inside the cottage, Eldrin quickly closed the wooden window. Seraphina, who had just lit a candle, immediately extinguished the flame, plunging the room into darkness. She looked at her brother anxiously.

"Brother, what should we do? They're getting close!" Seraphina whispered, her voice trembling.

Eldrin drew his sword, worn but still sharp. "I will buy us some time. Your Majesty, take Princess Seraphina and run toward the river. I'll draw their attention!"

However, Alaric remained seated in his chair. Though his body was weak, his sharp eyes exuded a calm that was intimidating. He looked at Eldrin calmly.

"Run?" Alaric repeated the word flatly, as if mocking it. "Since when does a demon flee from weak humans?"

Eldrin fell silent, shocked by Alaric's words and demeanor. This was not the weak prince he had known. There was something different about him—his aura, the way he spoke, everything.

"Your Majesty... what do you mean?" Eldrin asked hesitantly.

"Let me handle this," Alaric said as he slowly stood up. His body still felt stiff and weak, but a dark aura began to flow from him, like black smoke creeping out.

The system activated again, delivering a warning:

[New Mission: Defend the village and fight the mercenary troops. Reward: Basic Heavenly Demon Technique – Shadow Demon Step.]

Alaric gave a faint smile. "This system... quite useful."

Outside the village

The man in the black cloak stepped forward in front of his troops. He looked toward the small cottage in the center of the village with a confident gaze.

"They are only three—two weak children and an old knight," he said with a chuckle. "This will be easy."

However, just as he was about to give an order, a voice came from the direction of the cottage.

"You're overconfident."

The man halted his steps. From the dark shadows in front of the cottage, Alaric emerged, walking slowly with a tattered cloak fluttering in the night wind. Though his body appeared weak, there was something intimidating in his gaze.

"Are you the one leading them?" Alaric asked coldly.

The man in the black cloak narrowed his eyes. "And you... are the last prince remaining. I didn't expect you to be brave enough to come out alone."

Alaric did not answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and a dark aura began to gather around him. The air grew cold, and even the mercenaries behind the man in the black cloak began to step back unknowingly.

The Battle Begins

"Attack him!" the man in the black cloak shouted.

Ten mercenaries charged forward, weapons drawn. Their swords gleamed under the moonlight. Alaric, still standing in place, made no move. He simply closed his eyes.

[Heavenly Demon Basic Technique: Shadow Demon Step activated.]

Alaric's body disappeared instantly, as if covered in darkness. The mercenaries froze, confused.

"Where is he?!" one of them yelled.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared behind one of the mercenaries. Before the man could turn around, a hand gripped his neck and easily threw him toward his comrades.

Two other mercenaries tried to attack from behind, but Alaric disappeared again, reappearing above them and kicking them hard, sending them flying several meters.

In a matter of seconds, all ten mercenaries were on the ground, groaning in pain. Alaric stood amidst them with a cold expression, his body untouched.

The man in the black cloak stared at him in shock. "You... You're no ordinary human!"

Alaric gazed at him with a faint smile. "I'm more than you can imagine."

End of Chapter 2: The Presence of a Greater Enemy

The man in the black cloak took a step back. But before he could flee, another voice echoed from the shadows.

"You've failed, as usual."

A tall figure in a dark cloak emerged from the darkness. His aura was much stronger, causing even the man in the black cloak to tremble.

"Archmage of Darkness sent me to make sure this task is completed," the figure said, his voice deep and cold. He raised his hand, and a large magical circle glowed in the air.

Alaric narrowed his eyes as he stared at the figure. "So, this is just the beginning."