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Chapter 12 - The Demon Steps Into Light

Capital City – Royal Court in Turmoil

Three days had passed since Arcanis the Azure Judge exposed cracks in the First Prince's karma.

But those three days were enough.

Enough to break centuries of stability.

Nobles were no longer united.

Sects that once pledged loyalty to the empire began questioning the throne.

Two sects—Golden Oak Sect and Emerald River Sect—withdrew from royal alliances.

Meanwhile, hidden letters spread across the continent.

Letters whispering about a masked figure.

A new force.

A demon in the shadows.

"Raavan the Midnight Mask."

System Notification:

✔ Operation "Royal Collapse" Progress: 84%✔ Crown Prince Influence: -60%✔ Total CP Gained: +1,200✔ Hidden Title Upgraded: [Invisible Emperor 24%]✔ New Trait Acquired: [Crown's Shadow]➤ When two or more factions fight for a throne, you can secretly gain influence in both

Dark Heaven Society – War Table

Priyanshu sat at the head of a vast obsidian table, a map of the empire pulsing with red light.

Each red zone was an unrest pocket.

Each red dot — a noble or sect ready to fall.

Surrounding him stood his elite agents:

Anaya, his silent blade

Meera, his whisper in darkness

Vaidehi, his flame

Ishika, his noble chess piece

Aaravi, his beast queen of the North

"Status?" he asked.

Anaya: "The Emerald River Sect has entered secret talks with our intermediaries. They want protection."

Meera: "Golden Oak's treasurers have agreed to funnel funds into our black markets—under fake names."

Vaidehi: "I've captured a Moonfall Elder. He's now our puppet."

Ishika: "My father wants to know who Raavan truly is. I told him he's not ready."

Aaravi: "Beast tribes await your roar."

Priyanshu stood.

"It's time."

"For too long, I've controlled the board without showing my hand."

"Now, let the world know the name that moves empires."

Empire Broadcast – Forbidden Moon Peak

The Forbidden Moon Peak was an ancient platform—once used to announce divine edicts to all major sects, noble houses, and clans.

No one had dared step on it for centuries.

Until now.

The sky darkened unnaturally.

Every major sect saw it.

Every palace was alerted.

From a dark mist, a man in a black robe and bone-white mask stood tall on the peak.

Behind him: nothing but shadows.

"I am Raavan," his voice echoed through spiritual waves."I do not seek your thrones. I only claim what you've already abandoned balance.""The empire is rotting. The sects are bloated. The nobles are corrupt.""And the Azure Judge is not your savior."

Silence followed.

And then chaos began.

System Notification:

✔ First Global Appearance Complete✔ Public Name: Raavan the Midnight Mask✔ Title Unlocked: [The Shadow Who Spoke]✔ Fear Index: Rising✔ Respect Index: Splintered✔ Followers Across the Empire: +27✔ Hidden Trait: [Voice of Rebellion] – Your words stir unrest in those already disillusioned

Backlash Across the Empire

In the South:A sect elder shouted, "He dares use the peak?! Execute him!"

But his disciples whispered among themselves: "He spoke truth."

In the East:A war council argued over Raavan's identity. Three sects pulled out of joint operations out of fear.

In the Capital:The king declared Raavan an enemy of the crown.

"A false prophet! A manipulator!"

But inside his own court, half the ministers secretly debated: "What if he's right?"

Azure Judge's Reaction

Floating inside his sky palace, Arcanis narrowed his glowing eyes.

"This presence... it's wrong. Twisted."

"But it's too clean."

He summoned a fate orb—glowing blue karma twisting inside.

"This Raavan… is not bound to fate."

"That means… he is dangerous."

Back in the Shadows – Raavan's Throne Room

Priyanshu removed the mask.

He was sweating slightly—not from fear—but from strain.

He had just stepped into the world.

Now, he had to hold it.

Meera walked up and handed him a scroll.

"A girl… from the West."

"She calls herself Noor. A wandering cultivator with memory loss, but strange fate energy around her."

"She claims to dream of a masked man she must find."

Priyanshu paused.

"Another puzzle piece?"

He stood and looked out the window.

"Send her an invitation."

System Update:

New Harem Flag Detected: Noor – Unknown OriginPotential Rank: Divine-Type Female AgentStatus: Fate-Bound, Memory-SealedHarem Count: 5/12Hidden Event Chain Unlocked: [The Reversed Fate Arc]

Total CP: 9,820Daily CP: 440Shadow Reputation: Empire-WideNext Upgrade: Influence Tier – High

Final Scene – Rooftop Reflection

The rain poured quietly on the rooftops of the Yadav Clan.

Priyanshu, in plain robes, sat at the edge, still playing the fool.

His brother passed by and scoffed, "Still pretending to cultivate? Useless."

He didn't reply.

Because somewhere far away, a minister was losing his sleep.

A sect master was locking down his gates.

And a beast queen whispered his name while sharpening her claws.

"The throne is no longer safe.""Because now… the villain walks in daylight."

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