In this world, there are three main realms: the Saint Realm, Human Realm, and Demon Realm.

These realms emerged from rich histories, like the Human Realm’s formation, which was a result of standing up against Elves and Dragons to secure their survival.

The Saint Realm’s existence revolves around an ongoing battle against mysterious forces, shielding the world from their invasion. Its origin traces back to thwarting these unknown entities.

Each realm harbors deep-seated histories and concealed secrets, known only to the strongest individuals within them.

The power structures in these realms differ significantly.

The Human Realm comprises various kingdoms, each with its unique power structure:

- Vendal Kingdom operates under a Feudal System, where power is distributed among different ranks like Baron, Viscount, Count, Marquess, Duke, and the Vendal Royal Family.

- Hedrian Kingdom follows a Monarchy, where a single Monarch, a descendant of Corlos Hedrian, governs, taking advice from subordinates. The Royal Family of Haidrens hails from this pure bloodline.

Corlos Hedrian was the founder of Haidrens and only Grimnir¹ in History of this world.

- Dariant Kingdom utilize an Oligarchy, where power lies with a select group, usually from influential or wealthy families. Decisions are weighed based on individual strength.

- Thalassar( kingdom of cratens inside ocean) adhere to a Theocracy, where religious figures or a specific religion, like the Aquatore religion, appoints the five Admirals who rule Thalassar.

On the other hand, the Saint Realm operates differently. It’s governed by Divine Saints, with the Holy Emperor, also known as the Paragon of sanctity, at its center.

Divine Saints or Celestial Regents serve as proxies in the Paragon’s absence.

Both the Human and Saint Realms maintain organized structures and systems that ensure the smooth functioning of their domains.

However, the Demon Realm starkly contrasts with its absence of rules or structured governance.

It’s solely ruled by a single individual—Amrantha Tenebri Noctilucis.

While others view her as a Tyrant, her people revere her as a deity; her commands hold the weight of law.

Despite not being coerced, millions of Demons willingly sacrifice themselves at her single command, illustrating their unwavering devotion to their Queen.

Even the strongest beings of the Saint and Human Realms didn’t dare oppose her by uniting themselves; it was solely her sheer strength that elevated her above all.

Thousands of Demon Elites, Twelve Demon Commanders, and Two Pillars stood by her side, at her disposal.

A massive Castle stood at the centre of Demon realm, it’s sharp pillars shrouded in Dark Clouds emanating the darkness within, advancing through a colossal hall stood a Dark Regal Throne befitting of the — Queen of the Demon Realm

Seated upon that regal throne was a woman exuding an otherworldly aura, her intense, dark eyes fixed on the young man kneeling before her. Her delicate fingers tracing the runes in the hands of throne.

⟨ Why do you think I should help you, Alexios? ⟩

Kneeling in front of her, one of the Two Pillars, Alexios Tenebri, bowed his head.

"My Queen, I cannot seek forgiveness for my blasphemy, but I implore you to aid my sister"

Alexios was aware of his transgression—he chose to side with the Archmage instead of the Queen herself.

In Reality, it was Adriannel who prevented Amrantha from taking him away and even removed his demon seed, but powerful individuals set the rules here.

In a rivalry between two mighty beings, it’s their subordinates who suffer, not the beings who can easily replace them.

For Alexios, she was his last hope, as he had already noticed the anomaly while engaged in battle with Banzihum.

A professor attacked within the academy, and Professor Adriannel did nothing and even when he saw him sitting beside Zeph at just a small distance from where the battle occured.

It didn’t take him long to realize the false identity of the professor accompanying Zeph.

The sudden betrayal of a Professor, who was appointed from Chrintain Valley, signified two things:

First, Zeph had become enough trouble to attract such formidable figures, and Second, Adriannel was absent from Vendal Kingdom, or perhaps not even in the human realm.

Based on Alexios’s knowledge, an archmage had the ability to sense anything within the entire realm if they so desired. They were not referred to as the epitome of human reach for nothing.

Consequently, he concluded to seek aid from the Queen. Even if the Holy Emperor himself came, he wouldn’t be able to halt Amrantha Tenebri’s full strength without his Guardians—at least, that was true from Alexios’s perspective.

⟨ Oh, now you have a sister too?⟩

Tap. Tap. Tap.

In that desolate hall, a tapping sound echoed, foreshadowing a dark omen for Alexios, who knew he needed to offer something of equal value to the Queen for her favor.

At that moment, he wished to propose saving her daughter, Lily.

However, he knew it would be in vain, as Archmage Adriannel had promised to return her daughter within an hour that day, implying Lily must already be present there.

Gritting his teeth, he made a decision that would seal his fate and bind him to the entire demon realm forever.

’Guess I am a fool for my sister’

Alexios looked down, a faint smile forming on his face, fully aware that this decision would be the most foolish one he had ever made in his life.

He wouldn’t have taken such a steps if it were just to save Zeph’s life. Yet, at that moment, all he cared about was his sister’s happiness—those tear-filled eyes were enough to shatter his heart into pieces.

After all, he had survived and risen in the demon realm solely to witness those eyes once again, filled with pure joy.

And what caused him to take this decision was a revelation, Knowing how deeply Thalia loved Zeph, he understood that if something were to happen to him, she would sacrifice her life.

Alexios had no choice but to be cornered into making this decision that he wouldn’t have done, as in this life and all the ones to come, he would live to protect her.

His gaze lifted to meet the ethereal figure of the queen seated on her throne, peering down at him.

"My Queen," he began, his emerald eyes reflecting solemn determination.

"I, Alexios Tenebri, solemnly swear my eternal servitude to you. From this day forth, my soul is yours, bound until it fades into oblivion, dedicated to your service."

WHOOSH!

"AaaaaGggHhhh!! "

Alexios fell to the ground, his face twisted in agony, veins protruding.

"Kughhh! "

Clutching his chest with one hand and his head with the other, the unbearable pain he experienced surpassed all limits.

And even with his self-control and mental strength, It felt like being impaled on burning needles, a torment not merely physical or mental but the excruciating agony of his soul tearing apart.

" Ughhh!.....This is my sincerity "

SWISH!

An ethereal orb emerged from his body, hurtling toward Amrantha, surprising her with the young man’s decision and helplessness.

Considering the boy’s intellect, it was evident he was now cornered and desperate to implore her aid. She observed his suffering figure amid the resounding cries filling the entire hall.

The Oath of Sovereignty pledged eternal servitude to the Demon Monarch. A fragment of an individual’s soul detached from their body, offered to the Monarch for acceptance. Until acceptance, the demon had to endure unbearable pain, proving their determination to serve their lord.

However, no Monarch watched their subordinate scream in pain. Offering the oath once sufficed to demonstrate allegiance.

CRACK!

Amrantha’s grip tightened, shattering the orb into pieces.

⟨ You certainly know how to employ your intellect ⟩

Observing the young man now stammering on his knees, Amrantha found amusement in his condition.

The realization of being cornered, having no choice but to serve her for eternity, was something she never expected from Alexios Tenebri, someone she even considered a potential future Monarch.

She had regarded him as a potential ruler due to his intellect, which proved his worth.

Yet, witnessing how his judgment was clouded when it came to saving his sister was a profound disappointment, a significant weakness in a potential future ruler.

Though, Even she might weaken against her children, it didn’t make her weak enough to yield.

In that moment, she resolved to uproot that weakness—Alexios’s sister had to perish, though she herself wouldn’t intervene.

⟨ But why should I save your sister? ⟩

Her words surprised Alexios. Taking the Oath was more than enough, and it was customary for a monarch to accept the first request made by the individual, as it bound their souls.

"B-but, My Queen,"

He stammered, seeing her blank expression, his mind thrown into turmoil. The pain he endured, all that he went through to protect his sister, seemed to falter in vain.

Even with his intellect, he felt helpless, though he understood the reason for Amrantha’s behavior — she wanted to remove his weakness.

"You can’t do this to me "

Hearing his words, Amrantha narrowed her eyes. It was the first time he had used such a tone in front of her, and normally, it was akin to asking for death.

"F-forgive me, my queen, but I’ve served you all these years and even served the Demon realm with my utmost sincerity. Please, only this time," he kept looking downward as he waited for her words that would decide his fate.

⟨ You must already be aware why I am doing this, Alexios. It is for the Demon realm’s better future⟩

Hearing her words, he wanted to tell her that if caring for someone is a weakness, then why doesn’t she remove her own weakness—her daughter.

But he held back, knowing it was law—strong people never make mistakes, it’s the weak ones who are at fault.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grimnir¹ -- God of Runes