A bone-chilling aura of death fermented across the entire continent. Every living being sensed this unnatural, oppressive pressure.

**Holy Light Church**

Inside the grand, elegant hall, numerous acolytes gathered. All their faces were grim beyond measure.

This profound darkness and deathly spiritual pressure felt all too familiar—it was the Demon King’s unique aura.

No one else on the continent could plunge the world into fear and chaos with mere Demon Aura alone.

The Demon King had descended. Most bizarrely, he had appeared within the human Yersas Empire.

This was utterly strange. Why would the master of the Demon Kin descend among humans?

Logically, shouldn’t he have appeared directly on the Demon King’s throne? What was happening?

**The Study**

“Archbishop Leon, what should we do now?”

A young acolyte in red robes gazed anxiously at the white-haired elder before him.

Sweat unnaturally seeped from his palms. His flustered eyes couldn’t hide his shaken resolve.

The Demon King had descended. If mishandled, this could spell humanity’s extinction.

“Stay calm. Let me think alone for a moment.”

Leon patted the young man’s shoulder, his clear eyes now clouded with gravity.

It had come at last. After centuries, the Demon King’s shadow had fallen upon the land once more.

“Ah… my apologies…”

The youth realized his lapse, bowing his head with a flushed face.

He’d lost the composure expected of an acolyte before Archbishop Leon.

“The Demon King is no ordinary foe. He once plunged the entire continent into war and terror single-handedly. Your fear is natural.”

“First, steady the other acolytes. Keep them from panicking. I’ll discuss the Demon King with the Holy Maiden.”

Leon offered a faint smile. Calming the people was paramount now.

“Yes! I’ll go immediately!”

The youth raised his right hand, forming a fist against his chest with solemn resolve.

He bowed slightly to Leon and rushed out toward the main hall.

“The Holy Maiden’s decision was truly wise. It’s as if she foresaw the future.”

After the youth left, Leon exhaled deeply, murmuring to himself.

No wonder the Holy Maiden had acted so urgently to find the summoned Great Hero—she must have anticipated the Demon King’s return.

Truly, the divine daughter of Holy Light saw far beyond mortal eyes.

She’d likely foreseen the Demon King’s descent months ago, hence the rushed Hero Summoning Ritual.

For half a year, she’d run countless calculations and risk assessments to ensure the summoning’s safety.

And just days before the Demon King’s arrival, she’d summoned the Great Hero—the one who could save the world from ruin.

“No wonder you shed your usual grace and grew so restless. You’d already sensed the Demon King’s coming.”

“That’s why you insisted on searching for the Hero despite our objections. Only the summoned Great Hero can stand against the Demon King.”

Leon slumped into his chair, whispering to himself.

Everything the Holy Maiden had done recently was a countermeasure against the Demon King.

Humanity had held back the Demon Kin only because their factions were fractured, warring amongst themselves.

Especially the armies under the Four Demon Kings—they were locked in silent rivalry, consumed by internal strife.

They had no energy to spare for human lands.

At most, minor Demon Kin occasionally caused trouble, but such weaklings were swiftly eliminated.

Yet now, the Demon Kin had their master. Reuniting under the Demon King was only a matter of time.

Once unified, humanity would face the Demon King’s army—a terrifying, unified force.

Human defenses would crumble instantly. Only the Great Hero and his companions could stop them.

“Holy Maiden, may you find the Hero swiftly and safely. 🙏”

Leon gazed at the ink-black night sky, murmuring softly.

Only you and the Great Hero can save this continent from the Demon King now…

...

...

..

Under the pitch-black night, an antique carriage stood on a desolate road.

Two figures cloaked in gray hoods huddled together, speaking in low tones. Their otherworldly aura marked them as no ordinary travelers.

“Nora… do you feel it…?”

A strand of golden hair escaped Leah’s hood as she bit her lip, staring gravely at the dark sky.

The deathly aura in the air chilled even her. Her sharp, handsome face hardened with hostility and tension.

This bone-deep dread, this vast spread of evil—it wasn’t the work of ordinary Demon Kin.

Not even the Four Demon Kings could radiate such pure, overwhelming Demon Aura. Only one being on the continent could.

“The Demon King… This is his aura… He’s descended… And in the Imperial Capital Kaya of Yersas Empire…”

Nora knelt with closed eyes, hands clasped, sensing the flowing Demon Aura.

As the Holy Maiden, she could trace its source—especially the Demon King’s unique signature.

“Kaya? Why would the Demon King appear there?”

Leah’s hand instinctively gripped the hilt of her Holy Sword.

If the Demon King descended in the crowded capital… what would become of it…?

“Only the Great Hero can oppose him. We must hurry. Find the Great Hero as soon as possible.”

Nora opened her eyes, her delicate face now radiating solemn holiness.

“But first, as Holy Maiden, I can’t ignore the Demon King.”

She took a deep breath, lifting her gaze to the night sky.

Brace yourself, Demon King. This strike won’t wound you deeply—but it will sting.