A century had passed since the night of betrayal that annihilated the Mercury Clan. The scars of that loss had not faded, but Julian Kaiser Mercury stood tall, surrounded by the beginnings of what would become his new legacy. The peerage he had formed over decades was unlike any other in the history of the Underworld. Each member was legendary in their own right, torn from the threads of fate and brought together under Julian's singular vision.
The room was dimly lit, its walls lined with ancient maps, arcane diagrams, and a tapestry depicting the Mercury crest. The chessboard sat at the center of the massive table, a beacon of Julian's calculated ambition. Seven pieces remained vacant, but the ones already claimed glowed faintly, embodying the presence of his peerage.
Simo Häyhä (Knight): Known in the human world as the "White Death," Simo Häyhä was a man of unparalleled precision and focus. Even in death, his spirit remained sharp, and Julian had granted him a place as his Knight—a role perfectly suited to Simo's swift, decisive nature. He stood silently, his white cloak draped over his shoulder, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he inspected his sniper rifle.
Albert Einstein (Bishop): The scientific genius of the human world had been reborn in the Underworld, his mind as sharp as ever. As Julian's Bishop, Einstein brought wisdom and intellect to the peerage, his magical ability to manipulate space and gravity making him indispensable. He leaned over the chessboard, muttering equations under his breath as he analyzed their next move.
Nikola Tesla (Rook): Tesla, the "Electric Sorcerer," thrived as a Rook in Julian's peerage, his boundless energy and creative spirit channeling power into formidable defenses and devastating attacks. Sparks crackled at his fingertips as he tinkered with a device that hummed with raw electricity.
Napoleon Bonaparte (Knight): The legendary tactician was a Knight, his role as the peerage's military strategist perfectly aligned with his brilliance in warfare. Napoleon's charismatic presence filled the room as he gestured dramatically at a map, outlining potential strategies with Julian.
Michael Jackson (Pawn): A seemingly unconventional choice, Michael Jackson brought flair and charisma to the peerage. His abilities as a performer translated into illusions and mind-altering magic, making him a key player in infiltrating and manipulating enemies. He lounged comfortably in his chair, humming a melody that shimmered with magical resonance.
Nelson Mandela (Rook): The figure of peace and resilience stood firm as one of Julian's Rooks, his unyielding moral compass providing stability to the peerage's complex dynamics. Mandela's presence inspired those around him, and his aura resonated with a magic that fortified their bonds.
Charles Darwin (Bishop): As a Bishop, Darwin's analytical mind was invaluable. He specialized in evolutionary magic, adapting the abilities of the peerage members to counter their enemies. He sat thoughtfully, sketching diagrams of Julian's Reflection power and its potential enhancements.
J. Robert Oppenheimer (Queen): The "Destroyer of Worlds" was Julian's Queen—a role demanding immense power and versatility. Oppenheimer's ability to manipulate destructive energy rivaled even the strongest devils in the Underworld. He adjusted his glasses, his intense gaze fixed on the chessboard.
Julian stepped forward, his silver eyes piercing through the dim light. The sigil of the Mercury Clan glowed faintly on his wrist, a reminder of the legacy he carried. He addressed the group, his voice calm yet commanding.
"It's time. The New Satan Faction has ruled unchecked for too long. They believe their power is absolute, but they've forgotten the strength of those they've trampled to get here. We are not just a peerage—we are the reflection of their arrogance, the mirror they cannot escape."
He placed a hand on the chessboard, the vacant pieces symbolizing the allies he had yet to find. His gaze swept over his peerage, each member embodying a vital aspect of his vision. Julian's plan was bold, intricate, and devastatingly precise.
Their first target was one of the minor strongholds of the New Satan Faction—a base where key figures coordinated their operations. It was fortified but not impenetrable, and Julian had devised a strategy that combined the unique strengths of his peerage members. Simo would provide reconnaissance and eliminate key defenses with surgical precision. Einstein and Tesla would disrupt enemy forces with gravitational and electrical magic. Napoleon and Darwin would lead the tactical assault, adapting their plans as the battle unfolded. Jackson's illusions would confuse and mislead the opposition, while Mandela's aura would shield and strengthen their allies.
Oppenheimer would reserve his destructive power for the final blow—a strike so devastating that the New Satan Faction would feel the echoes of it across the Underworld.
As Julian prepared for the mission, his thoughts lingered on the seven vacant chess pieces. He knew that to challenge the New Satan Faction directly, he would need to complete his peerage. Each piece represented not just power but purpose, and Julian would stop at nothing to find the right individuals to fill those roles.