Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

Too many years had passed since Erebus had died as the Demon Sovereign. Jericho's misdeeds and the discontent of the people had long been forgotten. Instead, the truth was obscured by pretty lies and fabrications. Now, Jericho was held in high regard across the realms.

Hero.

Emperor of Light.

Unparalleled Warrior.

Yet the power everyone revered was never truly his. His fire mana skills were impressive, but that was only because Erebus had worked tirelessly with him, creating techniques that suited him. Even so, his mastery developed slowly. However, his prowess with earth mana stemmed from his theft of a Titan's core.

The revelation of Jericho's true nature stirred a mix of disbelief and grim acceptance among his captains. It wasn't shocking to learn that Jericho had resorted to such treachery—his character had hinted at dark depths. The fact that the revered Emperor wielded a Titan's core was disconcerting, but it was almost to be expected of someone so vile.

What truly unsettled the captains was the realization that Kore, too, was a Titan. Once again, the truth confirmed the depths of deceit and power plays lurking beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Erebus and Leo remained focused on the illusion, their attention unwavering despite the captains' murmurs of astonishment.

The battlefield lay abandoned, strewn with the lifeless forms of the fallen, their blood staining the ground. Among the scattered corpses were Erebus and Fenrir.

As the illusion continued into the night, a solitary figure emerged from the darkness, moving slowly. Clad in a red cloak, the figure staggered with each step, the cloak's fabric catching the dim light as he moved. A lock of red hair tumbled from beneath his hood, revealing his identity.

Jericho, his face adorned with a light smile, reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a small, unassuming stone. He placed the stone against the earth, and with a ripple of dark magic, a massive black obelisk materialized before them. Its imposing presence turned the air more sinister.

"So he did it himself," Erebus murmured. "Ayla, please skip this part."

The image paused, and Ayla's confusion was evident. Erebus understood her hesitation; despite her wisdom as a member of the Udae, she had no way of knowing what a Soul Stone looked like. Such forbidden tools had been largely erased from all texts and memories. He had no desire to see the moment he was trapped in it.

"If I recall, the disappearance of your body has been a concern for Shadowbane. Do you truly not want to know?" she asked.

"I know what happened," Erebus whispered. "I do not need to see it again."

"This was your monument," she pressed innocently.

Erebus sighed sadly. "That's what was believed. Please, Ayla. I can endure many things, but watching this would be too much."

Leo squeezed his hand in comfort, understanding that the obelisk was the Soul Stone that had imprisoned Erebus for so many years.

As the image vanished, Ayla observed them carefully through the crystal. "While you fought your wars, we listened to the growing discontent among the people. They feared what Jericho had become. They suffered and realized that you were not the true oppressor."

"What?"

"As you mentioned, you never attacked cities or harmed the innocent. You cared, and the people noticed. They attempted an uprising, but it failed... miserably. Many lives were lost that day."