2 Birth of the Current Warden

    ''Eons before Apollo''s awakening

    ''

    ''The Lords and Archdemons fought to claim authority over a Ring in the Nihilistic Demon Worlds. These demons of untold power clashed to establish their superiority.''

    ''At first

    the numerous demon races were divided but under the efforts of the first Demon Monarch

    everything was overwhelmed into a direct order.''

    ''Unfortunately

    after their reign ceased

    the situation devolved. Countless individuals attempted

    yet no one could succeed him. This led to internal strife and brutal confrontations.''

    ''Similarly

    deep inside a mausoleum

    a disturbing scene took place. The structure filled with monumental archaic pillars trembled from repeating shockwaves. For years

    a set few rivals on the path to hegemony raced under established principles

    but today

    a new route was taken.''

    ''"This is the result of your paltry actions

    " an ominous voice echoed throughout the atmosphere of the mausoleum grounds.''

    ''"No

    this is the result of your cowardly ways

    " a voice retorted. However

    the voice seemed distorted by pain.''

    ''"Incorrect

    for far too long we have fallen motionless under you! You claim to be the Demon Monarch but that is untrue! You''re inferior to the one in the legends. The mantle you possess is incomplete! While you may have prevailed over us in the attempt to claim that title

    in my eyes

    you''re not worthy

    " a towering demon with long abyss black hair

    and deep nefarious eyes glowered at a kneeling entity.''

    ''Within that kneeling entity''s eyes

    there was a boundless hatred

    germinating indignance

    and signs of unrivaled power. Although he was supposed to be without contest

    that couldn''t be said in this current situation. Due to the actions of the ominous voice''s lackey

    he was unable to tap into any of his suppressed powers.''

    ''Another lackey chimed in

    "He is right! You''re simply a candidate! The fact you call yourself the Monarch of us higher demons is just due to your insufferable arrogance

    we never accepted that fact. Now

    look at your situation; kneeling before us unable to do a thing!"''

    ''Cold laughter spread in the expansive mausoleum bouncing off the frigid floors. When he heard this laughter

    vexation rose in the eyes of the kneeling figure. All he needed was an instant

    and this situation would be corrected.''

    ''Regrettably

    that didn''t happen. Contrarily

    the grand structure and towering pillars trembled due to the laughter''s vigor. The extent of their powers was so great

    even the world seemed to cower before them.''

    ''"P-preposterous! You all are insolent! I AM the Monarch! None of you have been able to beat me! Therefore

    you resort to vile tactics and injure me the moment I was about to complete the inheritance.''

    ''"Why don''t you undo these shackles and stop cowering behind the fear birth by your inadequacy! To attack the Monarch is to go against the order of the demon

    " uttered the kneeling demon

    enraged beyond reason as 3 grotesque arms pierced deeper into his chest and torso.''

    ''Each word resulted in black blood sputtering and trickling down his scowling countenance. He was confused by the situation; he

    who was lauded as the Demon Monarch

    was in a predicament where his end was in sight!''

    ''Although it was only for a moment

    he lowered his guard to advance further. However

    in that short instant

    he was taken advantage of and this was the result!''

    ''"Laughable! Truly laughable

    Azridan. Why don''t you shut your mouth

    fool!" another lackey interjected. Their deep violet body illuminated with golden symbols signifying the use of a technique.''

    ''In light of Azridan''s irritating words

    the colossus of a demon threw a punch at his jaw

    an explosive boom resounding for miles to come.''

    ''"Do you understand now?" The first voice spoke but paused for a moment.''

    ''"This is it

    Azridan; the order of the demon is for those under us. We

    who have mastered at least half of the Sins to the pinnacle

    are untouchable. To mention the orders of the demons before us is amusing. Originally

    you weren''t one of us

    yet you rose to the height of us higher demons."''

    ''Unlike the others

    his skin was pale white with obsidian spurs piercing from his limbs. His entire physique radiated power. Not to mention

    an insufferable dripped from him.''

    ''"You haven''t even become an absolute! How can you claim to be the Monarch if you have yet to enter the realm of the absolutes! The Monarch is to be irrevocable and yet you''re incapable of invoking that feeling. If you were able to

    this event wouldn''t have taken place

    " added the second voice.''

    ''"Sorry to say

    but the tides of change have taken place. You''re no longer suitable to reign supreme here over the demons. We have stagnated for far too long and threat lurks in the distance. From this point onwards

    I''ll take upon this mantle and propel the race in the right direction. Sleep well

    my old friend."''

    ''While the white colossus of a demon stood behind the others

    the three who pierced Azridan''s body released catastrophic energy limited to Azridan. Immediately

    infernal cracks appeared on his body

    originating from his pierced torso. At the same time

    the inviolable chains binding him tightened around his body

    giving him an idea of just what these were. When he sensed the origin of the chains

    his eyes widened.''

    ''"You three have made deals with them!? Are you insane! They''re not to be trusted. They seek our downfall. You''ll just be dooming the demon race if you form ties with them! Both of us can''t exist

    you know this!" Azridan roared with crimson eyes. He tried to break the chains

    but the origin was unfathomable.''

    ''Much like anyone else who would attempt to break them

    he too

    was powerless when it came to these chains. In order to do so

    would require the Monarch''s complete inheritance.''

    ''"The demon race? Why would they become privy to these events? We have already cordoned off the surrounding space. No one can sense what is happening. But

    don''t worry

    we''ll take good care of the race. As for you

    we simply want what you possess

    " one of the figures chuckled.''

    ''"You speak drivel! Do you truly believe I''ll allow you to succeed? If I''m to perish...so shall my belongings. Your efforts will be in vain!" Azridan roared.''

    ''''Rmmmmmmbbbblleeeee!''''

    ''"Foolish! Are you trying to take this palace with you? That is simply selfish. Do you not want to see the prosperity of us Demons?" scowled another as they caught wind of Azridan''s actions. He was attempting to destroy everything he had created.''

    ''"Witness the prosperity? How can I do so in my death? Since you seek to betray me

    then you shall build your own empire as mine is destroyed! My feats are not for ignoble fools to enjoy; do it all yourselves!" Azridan spat venomously.''

    ''At the same time

    the aura of his self-destruction reached the peak. However

    before it happened

    an anomaly took place; Azridan''s body and the demonic possession he threatened to destroy

    both disappeared after a fluctuation enveloped him.''

    ''Surprisingly

    instead of dying

    he continued to exist. The blast was inverted

    destroying his body but retaining his soul. In consequence

    he didn''t possess any power whatsoever

    it was as if he was stripped bare.''

    ''Shortly after

    he felt arcane forces interacting with him. Inside this boundless nothingness

    he found himself being changed at the core.''

    ''It was unknown how many countless years had passed but finally

    he felt familiarities. Unaware of his actions

    he found himself gazing at two ethereal objects.''

    ''At that time

    a voice causing even him to grovel in subservience sounded within his soul.''

    ''[You fulfill the requirements needed to act as its current warden. Join with the awaited one and groom him with your experience. Failure to comply will cause me to wipe your free will

    this is not a request

    but a command.]''

    ''"Ah... very well

    I''ll retain my free will

    " Azridan muttered

    making the smartest choice. Any contention to the voice was trivial in his eyes. Moreover

    he didn''t think to question the origins of the voice due to its unquestionable regal aura.''

    ''Soon enough

    attention turned back to the familiarities inside the balls of embers—souls

    so to speak. It was faint but growing. Inside the souls

    he could feel feelings he knew all too well—intense hatred and death.''

    ''Furthermore

    after a brief moment

    the two weakened souls started to merge with the dominant one enveloping the smaller one. Surprisingly

    there was no rejection

    it seemed as if it was a natural occurrence. The two souls accepted each other!''

    ''"I feel a resonance. Perhaps

    everything is not over

    " Azridan thought. When the souls merged

    a set of instructions entered his mind.''

    ''Now that his choice was made

    unknown fated events were set in motion. The one fated to ascend would be chosen but in truth

    this scenario was destined to come about.''

    ''After everything was said and done

    an even greater conflict remained outside of what they understood. As such

    the unknowing liege was born.''