Far away from the wasteland…
Beyond the cracked plains and the abandoned ruins…
Deep within the Demon Realm's Iron Citadel, a massive throne room stood silent.
The floor was made of black stone.
Huge pillars carved with ancient demon runes stretched toward the dark ceiling.
And at the center of the room…
Sat a Demon Lord.
His throne was built from the bones of monsters.
His body was enormous.
Dark crimson skin.
Four massive horns curling backward from his skull.
And eyes that glowed like burning coals.
Before him floated a glowing sphere of magic.
Inside the sphere…
The image of Rai's settlement could be seen clearly.
Demons building houses.
Lucian laughing loudly.
Grik shouting orders.
Ruun watching everything carefully.
And Rai standing silently in the center.
The Demon Lord leaned forward slowly.
"So…"
His deep voice echoed across the hall.
"The Demon King Vessel finally begins his journey."
A smaller demon standing nearby bowed deeply.
"My lord Valthor, shall we eliminate him?"
Demon Lord Valthor chuckled.
A terrifying sound.
"Eliminate him?"
He waved his claw lazily.
"Why would I kill such an interesting toy?"
The smaller demon looked confused.
"But my lord… if the vessel grows stronger…"
"…he could become a threat."
Valthor's red eyes glowed brighter.
"That's exactly why I'm interested."
He stood from his throne.
The ground trembled under his weight.
"The vessel is currently only E-Rank."
"And yet…"
"He defeated a B-Rank monster."
"He commands demons."
"And even humans follow him."
He smiled slowly.
"That kind of growth…"
"…should be tested."
The smaller demon bowed again.
"Then what are your orders?"
Valthor stretched his massive wings.
"Send one of my hunters."
His smile widened.
"Someone strong enough to kill him…"
"…or force him to evolve."
The smaller demon nodded immediately.
"It will be done, my lord."
The Demon Lord looked again at the floating image of Rai.
"Survive this…"
"…and you might actually become worthy of that vessel."
---
Meanwhile — Outcast Settlement
The settlement had grown.
More huts.
Stronger barricades.
Even watchtowers now stood around the territory.
Grik hammered wood into place on one of the towers.
"Alright! That should hold!"
Lucian sat nearby sharpening his sword.
"Still boring though."
Ruun sighed.
"You've been here two days."
Lucian leaned back.
"I want a real fight."
Almost immediately…
Rai stepped into the area.
"Then you may get one."
Lucian sat up instantly.
"Oh?"
Ruun noticed Rai's expression.
"What is it?"
Rai looked toward the horizon.
His Danger Sense was ringing loudly.
Something powerful was approaching.
Something far stronger than the Blood Fang gang.
Rai spoke calmly.
"We have a visitor."
Grik looked confused.
"A visitor?"
Then suddenly…
A powerful explosion echoed across the wasteland.
BOOOOOOM
A figure landed outside the settlement gate.
Dust rose into the air.
The ground cracked from the impact.
The guards on the tower shouted.
"Enemy approaching!"
The dust slowly cleared.
Revealing a tall demon warrior.
Black armor.
Two curved horns.
And glowing yellow eyes.
He looked at the settlement calmly.
Then he spoke.
"My name is Karn the Hunter."
His voice was cold.
"I serve Demon Lord Valthor."
The settlement went silent.
Even Lucian stopped smiling.
Karn looked directly at Rai.
"And I have come…"
He slowly drew his massive blade.
"…to test the Demon King Vessel."
The air grew heavy with killing intent.
This was no bandit.
No weak monster.
This was a hunter sent by a Demon Lord.
And the battle about to begin…
Would be the most dangerous one yet.