Alexander Hellfire was born into the imperial family of the Hellfire Empire, a dominant power on the Alvion Continent of the planet Star-Kill.
Star-Kill itself lay in a distant galaxy—millions, perhaps billions of light-years away from the Milky Way. Its inhabitants called it the Starfire Galaxy, a name born from the presence of five colossal stars. Each burned with a different color, and together they formed a radiant formation in the void. Anything that ventured too close to them was reduced to nothing within minutes, earning the galaxy both awe and fear.
Among the countless planets scattered across this galaxy, worlds were divided into four tiers: low-level, mid-level, high-level, and mega-level worlds. These planets were ruled by powerful factions, each maintaining a fragile peace. It was not harmony that bound them—but fear. Beyond the galaxy lurked greater forces, waiting patiently for a moment of weakness to devour everything.
Only those at the highest levels knew what truly kept those predators at bay.
But such matters were far beyond the concerns of a low-level world like Star-Kill.
Despite its rank, Star-Kill was vibrant and diverse. Many races coexisted across its lands. Beastfolk, carrying diluted bloodlines of divine creatures, roamed its wild regions. Vampires stood above them, possessing superior strength, longevity, and terrifying regenerative abilities.
Dwarves ruled their own lands with unmatched craftsmanship, while elves thrived in harmony with nature, renowned for their mastery of archery and alchemy. Humans, though physically weaker, survived through ingenuity and adaptability, carving out kingdoms of their own.
At the heart of one such kingdom stood the Hellfire Empire.
And within its grand palace, Emperor Leonard III paced anxiously.
For the first time in his life, the mighty ruler felt uncertain. In mere moments, he would become a father.
Despite his power, despite his confidence, this was something no battlefield had prepared him for.
Still, he pushed aside his worries. What mattered most now was the safety of his wife—and their child.
He had summoned the finest physicians across the empire… no, across the entire planet.
Nothing would be left to chance.
Far beyond the palace walls, the skies began to change.
Dark clouds gathered without warning. Thunder roared across the heavens as violent winds swept through the land. Lightning tore through the sky, striking the ground again and again.
Rain poured down in relentless sheets, forcing people indoors. Doors were barred. Windows shut tight.
Fear spread quickly.
But inside the palace, none of it mattered.
The emperor and empress stood at the edge of a far greater moment.
"My Empress, push! The child is coming!" one maid urged.
"You're doing well, Your Majesty—just a little more!" another encouraged.
Pain flashed across the empress's face, but her resolve did not waver. Gritting her teeth, she gathered her strength and pushed once more.
Moments later—
A cry echoed through the chamber.
The child had been born.
The tension in the room dissolved instantly. The physicians moved swiftly, ensuring the child's health, before finally placing the newborn into his mother's arms.
Tears streamed down her face as she looked upon him for the first time.
The doors opened quietly.
Emperor Leonard stepped inside.
For a moment, he said nothing. He simply looked at the child—his child.
Then, suddenly—
He burst into laughter.
"That's my son!" he declared proudly. "The heir to the Hellfire Empire! Look at him—perfect in every way!"
The room fell silent as he continued, completely ignoring the amused and embarrassed looks from those around him.
"Those crimson eyes… that face… just like mine!" he went on. "A born ruler!"
Outside, the storm began to fade.
The thunder quieted. The rain slowed. The clouds parted.
And as sunlight broke through the sky once more, it was as if the world itself acknowledged the birth of the prince.
The king gently adjusted the blanket around the newborn prince and gazed at him for a moment before speaking softly, almost to himself.
"Let's check on your mother first… we can't skip that, can we?"
With that, his eyes shifted toward the physician standing quietly nearby—so still that he seemed almost invisible, as if deliberately avoiding the king's attention.
"Is the queen well?" the king asked, his voice calm but laced with concern. "Is there anything I should know?"
The doctor straightened immediately. "There is nothing to worry about, Your Majesty," he replied respectfully, though a faint nervousness lingered in his tone. "Her Majesty only requires rest now. The delivery was successful."
The king exhaled softly, relief flickering across his face.
"Good. Make sure she gets the care she deserves," he said.
Stepping closer, he leaned down and gently kissed the queen's forehead, careful not to disturb her. The newborn prince remained cradled in his arms, wrapped snugly in a warm blanket, already drifting into peaceful sleep.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the doctor responded with a slight bow. "We will ensure Her Majesty recovers fully without any complications."
The king gave a small nod.
For a few quiet minutes, he remained by the bedside, lightly rocking the child in his arms, a rare softness in his otherwise commanding presence. Then, with great care, he placed the baby prince into a finely crafted cradle beside the bed.
Reluctantly, he stepped back.
After casting one last glance at his wife and child, the king turned and left the chamber in silence—his footsteps soft, yet purposeful—as he returned to the endless duties of ruling an empire.