The Underworld stretched vast and indifferent beyond the jagged cliffs of the hidden marketplace. Standing at its edge, Julian Kaiser Mercury cast a cold, calculating gaze over the desolate expanse. The ruins of his family's legacy were far behind him, but the weight of his bloodline still burned in his veins like molten iron. For decades, he had been running, surviving, and honing his power. Now, it was time to take the first step in rebuilding what had been lost.
Julian understood that vengeance alone would not suffice. If he was to challenge the New Satan Faction—the architects of his family's destruction—he would need more than sheer power. He needed allies, loyal ones, bound to him not just by agreements but by something far stronger: the ancient devil tradition of the Evil Pieces system. Julian had spent years studying this mechanism, the very foundation of how devils extended their influence and armies.
The Evil Pieces were more than just a tool—they were a symbol of rebirth and unity. And for Julian, they represented hope, a chance to surround himself with individuals who could help him reshape not only his own destiny but also the Underworld's fractured future.
Julian's mind churned as he sat in a dimly lit room within the Broken Archive, an ancient library tucked away in the labyrinthine depths of the marketplace. The Archive smelled of dust and old parchment, its air thick with the latent energy of countless lost spells and secrets. It was here that Julian began crafting his vision for his future peerage.
The chessboard lay before him, a symbol of the structure he sought to emulate. Each piece, from the mighty King to the lowly Pawn, had its place, its purpose. Julian traced his finger over the spaces for the Queen, the Rooks, the Knights, the Bishops, and the Pawns. He would need individuals who could embody the essence of each role—not just in power but in character.
His thoughts lingered on the Queen piece, the most powerful and versatile role in the peerage. The Queen would need to be someone of immense strength and adaptability, someone who could stand by his side not as a subordinate but as a trusted partner. Julian's lips pressed into a thin line. Finding such an individual would not be easy.
The Rooks would embody endurance and strength, stalwart defenders capable of withstanding any assault. The Bishops would bring wisdom and magic, capable of outmaneuvering enemies with intellect and sorcery. The Knights, swift and decisive, would act as the sharp edge of his offense, while the Pawns, often overlooked, would be the foundation of his strategy—individuals capable of transforming into something far greater when the time came.
Julian leaned back in his chair, silver eyes gleaming in the dim light. The task ahead was daunting, but it filled him with a sense of purpose. This was not just about revenge anymore; it was about rebuilding. His peerage would be more than just a group of followers—it would be a family, a new Mercury Clan born from the ashes of the old.
The Archive proved to be a treasure trove of forbidden knowledge and hidden truths. Julian poured over scrolls and tomes, uncovering long-lost techniques for unlocking the full potential of the Evil Pieces. He discovered rituals that could enhance the compatibility of a peerage member with their assigned piece, methods to strengthen their bonds, and even theories on how to break through the traditional limitations of the system.
Among the records, he found fragments of information about other clans and factions affected by the New Satan Faction's rise to power. Many of them, like his own family, had been pushed to the brink of extinction. Julian realized that he could find allies among these scattered remnants—individuals who, like him, had lost everything and sought a chance to reclaim their honor.
As Julian emerged from the Archive, the weight of his plans settled on his shoulders like a cloak. The hidden marketplace buzzed with activity around him—mercenaries bartered for weapons, rogue devils whispered of forbidden deals, and faint echoes of duels rang out from distant corners. This chaotic haven of outcasts and renegades was the perfect place to begin his search.
He found himself drawn to a secluded balcony overlooking the sprawling marketplace. The vast expanse of the Underworld's dark skies stretched above him, the faint glow of infernal stars reflecting in his pendant. Julian gripped the sigil tightly, the cool metal grounding him in his resolve.
The Mercury Clan had always stood for justice and balance, traits that the New Satan Faction had sought to erase. But Julian was still here, the last echo of his family's legacy. And soon, he would no longer stand alone. His peerage would be his strength, his shield, and his sword. Together, they would bring the Underworld's usurpers to their knees.
For now, Julian was patient. He would observe, gather information, and wait for the right individuals to cross his path. He knew the type of people he sought—those with untapped potential, burning with ambition or burdened by loss. They would not be easy to find, but Julian had never shied away from a challenge.
As Julian descended back into the chaos of the marketplace, he couldn't help but feel the stirrings of anticipation. Each step he took was a step closer to reclaiming what had been stolen from him. The peerage he envisioned was still a distant dream, but it was a dream he would fight for with every ounce of his strength.
The stars above the Underworld gleamed faintly, as if watching over him. Julian knew he was treading a dangerous path, but he welcomed the danger. It was a reflection of his own determination—a fire that burned brighter with each passing day.