Reinhard closed the massive oak door of his father's office behind him, its heavy creak echoing through the corridor. The dark walls, adorned with carvings of ancient symbols, were illuminated only by the soft glow of magical lamps, their flickering light casting ghostly silhouettes on the floor. The cold air of the corridor carried the scent of aged parchment, wood, and the faint aroma of incense burning in the wall niches.
Silence.
But the moment he took a step forward, the space around him shuddered.
Before his eyes, a semi-transparent greenish window appeared, its symbols shimmering softly. Something within him froze—a feeling as if an invisible threat had suddenly filled the air.
[System Notification]
[Sudden Quest Received!]
[You cannot decline this quest]
[Quest: Demon Hunt from the Elder Council (S+)]
[Description: The Elder Council has decided to test your competence as the heir of House Deira. Ruin their plans and defeat the demon!]
[Progress: Demon-Champion Ragimatar, killed 0/1]
[Reward: 1 AP, Title: Recognized by the People of Deira Duchy (Level 1)]
[Failure Penalty: You will lose the right to inherit the Deira Duchy. Title: Outcast of House Deira]
Reinhard studied the text intently, his lips curving into a smirk, but there wasn't a trace of amusement in his eyes.
— Ha… so it's going to be a high-stakes game?
The elders had decided to push him toward death—that much was clear. Sending an eighth-rank mage to hunt a tenth-rank demon alone? Absurd. He knew perfectly well that this was not just a "trial" but a sentence.
But they underestimated him.
Reinhard stepped forward slowly, his boots striking the stone floor with a deep echo, bouncing off the walls. He walked, lost in thought, oblivious to everything around him.
If he won…
That thought cast a shadow across his face.
If he survived and returned with the demon's head, what would they say then? How would those who wanted him dead look at him?
Unlike the others, he was no pawn.
Each step rang through the depths of his mind, like the measured ticking of a clock, counting down the beginning of a new chapter in his fate.
As he passed by the massive paintings lining the corridor walls, he paused for a moment.
Centuries ago, his ancestors had walked this very palace just as he did now. Their faces, frozen on canvas, bore the weight of history. Great warriors, mages, strategists, dictators, assassins—each of them had once stood at a crossroads.
But who among them would have dared to go as far as he was about to?
A chill ran down Reinhard's spine—not fear, but anticipation.
The elders wanted him dead? They wanted to test him?
Let them try.
He continued walking, not sparing a single glance at the portraits.
Upon entering his chambers, he was greeted by the warmth of the fireplace, the scent of old books and wood. The air carried a heavy silence, broken only by the soft crackling of flames.
He collapsed onto his bed, arms spread wide, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
— So much to do…
Tomorrow – Strengthen his bond with Rennie and Lenny.
The day after tomorrow – The second prince's ball. There, he would encounter powerful players, ones who could become his allies… or his enemies.
Then – The demon hunt.
And the auction…
That part made him feel something different.
There would be something he needed at that auction. Something that would help him reach the top.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
In this world, those who follow the rules do not survive.
Those who obey remain pawns.
Those who break the order become kings.
Reinhard half-opened his eyes, his pupils glimmering in the darkness, reflecting the flickering firelight.
— It's time to start playing seriously.
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Demon Hierarchy:Lesser Monsters:
Rank 14 → Lesser Demon
Rank 13 → Junior Demon
Rank 12 → Intermediate Demon
Rank 11 → Demon-Warrior
Demonic World's Soldiers:
Rank 10 → Demon-Champion
Rank 9 → Demon-Commander
Rank 8 → Demon-Officer
Rank 7 → Demon-Knight
Rank 6 → Demon-General
Demonic World's Nobility:
Rank 5 → Demon-Baron
Rank 4 → Demon-Lord
Rank 3 → Demon-Duke
Rank 2 → Demon King
Rank 1 → Demon Emperor
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