Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

DUKE FAMILY***

At the Duke's estate, it had been a week and the family had crumbled. Once capable of rivaling the top aristocratic houses, they were now on a steep decline. All their businesses had collapsed, they were penniless, drowning in debt. Even the Duke's mansion would've been seized, but because it was a Federation building, it still stood.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a servant burst in.

"Eldest Prince Caius is back!" he shouted.

In that moment, the lifeless eyes of everyone in the hall lit up.

"Let's go. Now!" the Duke jumped to his feet and rushed out headed straight for the royal family.

******

At the Royal Family…

In the courtyard belonging to Caius, Lydia could be seen wandering and admiring the layout. That was when she sensed multiple auras approaching.

"Who's there?" Lydia whispered, her body tensed until the figures came into view.

Leading them was Caius, followed by his guards with Mai among them.

"Caius!" Lydia shouted.

Just as Caius was chatting with Mai, he turned and saw her, Lydia, his childhood sweetheart.

"Wait, wait, wai....!" Caius began, but it was too late. Or maybe Lydia just didn't care.

She leapt and hugged him, sending both of them crashing to the ground.

"Lydia… come on," Caius said, as she held him tightly.

"This time, I won't let you go," Lydia whispered, closing her eyes as she basked in his warmth.

************

At the Abyss…

The massive battle between angels and demons had begun, an all-out war of life and death.

For now, Rank 3s were not involved in the fight. Why? Even from the Fourth Layer of Space, their attacks could reach the First Layer, they were, after all, multi-universal beings. But they would not intervene until the battle reached its peak.

"I'm excited… can't wait," Void thought, gripping his sword.

His expression radiated anticipation. And he wasn't alone, other Rank 3 demons were also preparing for battle.

But in a cosmic war, especially one at the multi-universal level, everything had stages. For now, the battlefield belonged to Rank 1 and Rank 2 beings.

*********

AT THE FEDERATION…

Huff… huff…

The heavy breathing of a horse echoed through the room as Dared struggled to catch his breath.

His body was exhausted, most of his mental power drained.

For an entire week, he'd been training inside the realm Azerak had given him access to. He pushed himself until he lost consciousness.

From the Planetary Realm, he'd rapidly advanced to the High Planetary Realm. At this pace, within a few months, he'd reach the Galaxy Realm.

His progress was astonishing, even Azerak was impressed.

"That bloodline… I must have it," Azerak thought, his mind made up.

That bloodline was divine. Even in his era, such power was rare. The fact that not only Dared, but others had it too? It was a shock. If the old foxes of this era ever found out or if they already knew he was certain they will be making plans.

"Back to training again?" Azerak asked, seeing Dared already standing.

"Yes," Dared replied, stepping back into the realm.

"He's determined…" Azerak said in admiration.

*********

BACK AT THE ROYAL FAMILY…

The Duke finally arrived at the royal mansion, only to be stopped by guards.

"Does the Duke have an official appointment?" one of the guards asked as the Duke shook his head.

"No, but I'm here to see Eldest Prince Caius," he replied.

The guards looked at each other… and stepped aside.

Although the Duke had lost everything, his title remained intact. He was still the Duke.

On his way to Caius' courtyard, the Duke was deep in thought.

Old friend… how would you feel knowing I've fallen this far? Becoming your sons tool…

How ironic… an old man like me reduced to a bug before your sons.

His heart trembled as he reached the courtyard.

"The Duke of the Federation is here to see Eldest Prince Caius," a servant announced as they arrived.

The servants who escorted him bowed and left.

************

Inside…

Caius was enjoying a meal with Lydia, who looked like she wanted to devour him or maybe just hug him to death.

"Will you relax? I'm not going anywhere," Caius chuckled, but Lydia shook her head like a stubborn child.

"No… I need to cherish every moment like it's the last," Lydia said, making Caius laugh.

"But seriously… why are you here instead of at the Duke's mansion? What's wrong?" Caius asked, his tone soft.

"You already know, fox. The Duke's family is a vital piece for you and Theron to gain a path into the military, a path into Darius' domain. But both of you wanted to get them at the lowest cost. Too bad Theron lost. My father naturally gravitated toward you he relates better to you. And he knows I'm with you," Lydia said, her eyes calm as Caius smiled.

"Maybe…" Caius muttered.

Lydia snorted in reply.

Just then, a shout echoed from outside.

"The Duke of the Federation is here to see Eldest Prince Caius!"

"Oh, look who's here, your father," Caius said.

"And your uncle… or father-in-law in this case," Lydia added, sticking out her tongue.

"Mai, go welcome him. My father-in-law can't be treated poorly," Caius said with a grin. Mai bowed and left.

It was as if the matter of her one-night stand with Caius had been forgotten.

Well… maybe it had.

After all, she did it for her family. That was all there was to it.

She owed the Brojik family everything. They had saved her and her mother when bandits hunted them down.

The Duke was welcomed in as he saw his daughter and Caius chatting and enjoying themselves. A smile escaped his lips as he looked at them both. The Duke family was in chaos, he hadn't been able to sleep or eat for days yet his daughter was enjoying royal treatment here…

"Father-in-law... you're here, just in time to join us for lunch," Caius said with a smile, as the Duke's body trembled while he sat down.

Looking at the food, he felt a wave of hunger. After all, he hadn't eaten in days. He swallowed hard.

But before digging in, he paused. First, he looked at his daughter, who hadn't even glanced at him when he entered. Then he turned to Caius, who was smiling like he'd just met a long-lost father.

The Duke couldn't take it anymore and wolfed down the food.

First food, then talk.

Caius watched the Duke devour his meal and smiled.

"Are you enjoying it?" Caius asked with a smile, and the Duke nodded.

After a few minutes, the Duke finished and looked at Caius.

"I'm glad you're here, because I want to marry Lydia. Let's arrange the wedding, when and where?" Caius asked excitedly, eyes fixed on the Duke.

The Duke hurriedly shook his head.

"Ahh... what? You don't want your daughter's happiness?" Caius asked, as Lydia sneered beside him.

Looking at the two of them, the Duke felt a headache forming. He forced a weary smile.

"I'm afraid there won't be a Duke family by the time your marriage takes place. Eldest Prince Caius... please, we're ready to support you," the Duke said, as Caius grinned.

"As expected," Caius thought.

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