The once-glorious palace, which had once shimmered with divine radiance, now stood in eerie silence, consumed by desolation. Its towering pillars lay cracked and broken, its vast halls echoing with memories of a time long gone. There was no ruler, no servants, only fading remnants of ancient power.
Within the desolate chambers, only two loyal cultivators remained, Hyun and Eoduun, watching over their fallen master, the Demon God, who lay in eternal slumber. For years, they had protected him, nurtured his body, and waited for the day he would awaken.
And that day had finally arrived.
For the first time in centuries, his body stirred. His brows twitched in pain, his chest rose with a faint breath, and a weak groan escaped his lips.
Without a moment's hesitation, Hyun and Eoduun knelt by his side, placing their hands over his chest and forehead. They began transferring their own cultivation into his depleted body, willingly offering their life force in the hope it would be enough to revive him.
A storm raged within the Demon God's mind, visions of blood, betrayal, heartbreak, and the woman he had lost. He fought to free himself from the nightmare until
"CRAYSOPHY!!!"
His eyes shot open. He gasped for air, his body trembling as though dragged back from the edge of death itself. Sweat dripped down his face. His aura, once powerful enough to shake the heavens, now flickered like a dying flame.
Hyun's eyes filled with tears. She pressed her hand to her chest in reverence.
"Greetings, my Lord," she whispered.
Eoduun remained silent for a moment, then knelt beside her, his voice steady despite the weight of what he carried.
"My Lord… I have something important to tell you."
Hyun turned sharply, glaring at him. She had warned him countless times, Craysophy's name must never be spoken before their master. But Eoduun couldn't stay silent. Not now. Craysophy had saved him once. He owed her everything.
The Demon God narrowed his eyes, reading the unspoken truths behind their expressions. His voice was quiet, but commanding.
"Speak."
Eoduun inhaled deeply and said,
"She was reborn. Twenty-one years ago. The God of Destruction discovered it and informed the prominent gods. They intend to break the curse… and bring her back."
Kausphore's entire being froze.
For centuries, he had waited, hoped, that one day, he might see her again.
Now, those hopes had taken form. Reality.
But that spark of joy was quickly extinguished by suspicion.
His voice dropped to a growl.
"But what?"
Hyun stepped in before Eoduun could continue, her voice firm and cautious.
"We don't know everything, my Lord, but… it appears to involve marriage. With Axeden."
The name struck like lightning. Axeden.
Kausphore's eyes turned pitch-black. The flicker of weakness vanished, replaced by silent fury.
Hyun remained composed.
"You should speak with the God of Destruction. He has always respected you. He'll tell you the truth. He knows where she is."
Kausphore didn't respond immediately. His breath calmed. His heartbeat slowed. His rage settled, sharpening into intent.
Then, with renewed determination, he stood tall, his aura beginning to stabilize.
"Take me to Carnage Palace."
______
Mortal World – Ireas.
Sophie walked through the stone-paved streets of Ireas, her legs weary and her shoulders heavy with fatigue. The night air was thick with mist, and the skies grumbled with warning.
Months had passed since her world had collapsed.
Her parents had died under mysterious, violent circumstances, leaving her utterly alone. She had taken over the family pearl shop, the only livelihood they had left behind. But even that came with chains.
Unbeknownst to most, her parents had made a dark pact. They had sold their souls to demonic cultivators, powerful beings who lent remedies, power and protection… at a cost.
They failed to repay it.
And so, the price was paid, with their souls.
Now, those same demonic cultivators had turned to Sophie.
She had tried to survive. To keep the shop running. To pay back the endless debt.
But it was impossible.
The debt was vast—layered in lies, betrayal, and blood. And now, the collectors didn't just want repayment—they wanted her.
The land of Ireas overflowed with riches. Crystals, diamonds, gold, and silver shimmered in abundance, while pearls were so common they were cheaper than bread. Not only cheaper, but utterly worthless in the eyes of the powerful and gifted.
Only people like her—those born without a special gift or a cultivation lineage—bought such cheap things. It was all they could afford. All she could afford.
It was now almost midnight as she walked the empty road. Darkness surrounded her. Lightning flashed across the sky. Then, footsteps.
"There she is! Catch her, don't let her escape!"
Her breath caught. Fear surged through her.
Without looking back, she ran.
She darted between stone alleys and closed market stalls, heart pounding against her ribs. She knew these men. She knew what they were capable of. And if they caught her-
"No… I can't die here!"
Tears blurred her vision as thunder cracked overhead. Her thoughts were spinning-until she slammed into someone.
She gasped, staggering back.
"P-Please! Help me! They're after me! Please--"
The stranger looked down at her, then at the approaching group in the distance.
His jaw tensed. His eyes glowed faintly.
"As if they could."
Without another word, he stepped forward, toward them.
Sophie didn't wait to see what happened. She bolted again, pushing herself until she reached near her small stone house.
She leaned against the tree, gasping for breath. No footsteps. No voices.
Safe.
But the calm was short-lived.
A figure appeared in front of her. Out of thin air.
She gasped, stumbling backward.
"You didn't even thank me…"
It was him.
The same man.
Tall, sharp-eyed, radiant with an energy she couldn't describe. His expression had softened… until his gaze met hers.
Suddenly, his entire demeanor changed. His smile faded. His eyes widened, as if he'd seen a ghost.
Sophie, confused but trying to stay polite, asked,
"W-Who are you, gentleman?"
He stepped closer, his tone dropping.
"Me? I'm your savior. No---wait…"
He bent slightly, his lips curling into a half-smile.
"You're my savior."
Then, his voice became deadly soft.
"And soon, you'll be my wife… the wife of the Fire God - Axeden."
To be continued