Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

Outside the ancient stone hall where Seojun now rested, Malara stood silently in front of the closed door, her arms at her sides.

Sireneth playing with a strand of her red hair, while Grimzark floated lazily in circles above them, his fingers tracing glowing runes in the air just to pass time. Yggrith stood still, hands folded, her glowing green aura softly pulsing like a heartbeat.

Then the wind shifted.

A low hissing sound echoed first, sliding across the stones like something wet slithering through dust.

From the path beyond the gate, a figure appeared — Her upper body was that of a woman with long black hair, smooth pale skin, and golden eyes l But from her waist down, she was pure serpent — thick black scales that shimmered with green markings, her tail coiled behind her, dragging quietly. It was Zholga, Lord of the Serpents' Embrace Clan.

Behind her came thunderous steps that made the ground faintly tremble. A beast of a figure stepped into view — easily twice the height of an ordinary demon. His body was wide and packed with muscles like stone, and where most had two eyes, he had only one: Two long, straight black horns curved upward like a crown. This was Balor, the Cyclopean Lord of the Gloomfang Clan.

Just behind him, dust rose as another giant approached — with hooved feet, dark brown fur, and a bull's face marked by scars and a nose ring that glinted in the light.

Massive arms crossed over his chest, he walked like a mountain that had learned how to move. This was Vruk, Lord of the Ironhoof Clan.

Floating gently above the stones, a tall skeleton clad in tattered black robes drifted closer. His eye sockets burned with eerie green flames, and his bony fingers held an old black staff. This was Sorgar, Lord of the Hollowshades Clan.

And then, came a figure that seemed carved from fire and fury. His mane was thick and wild, his red fur, A Lion demon. Kazrak, Lord of the Bloodmane Clan, let out a deep growl as he neared, his every motion radiating authority and strength.

One by one, they came to a halt. Sireneth raised an eyebrow. "Looks like the rest of the council arrived."

Zholga slithered to the front and gave Malara a nod of greeting. "Is it true?" she asked softly. "Has the Abyss Lord returned?"

Malara met her gaze and nodded once. "He has. And he's resting now."

Balor's single eye narrowed. "We felt the tremors. Half of the basin shook."

Vruk snorted. "If that was him angry… I don't want to see him furious."

Malara stepped aside and gestured to the door. "He's inside. When he's ready, he will speak to all of you."

The five lords stood silently, their presences strong, waiting with respect. The lords of the Abyss, gathered outside the doors, turned their heads slightly as a strange emptiness swept through them.

"…His presence," Vruk muttered, "it's… gone?"

But before anyone could speak further, the doors slowly opened with a low rumble.

Seojun, now dressed in fresh black and dark silver clothes with fine, rune-marked embroidery, looked taller than before. His short hair was wet and neatly combed back, drops of water still clinging to the ends. The slight steam rising from his shoulders made it clear he had just come from a hot bath or shower.

His blue eyes swept calmly over the gathered lords. "So everyone is here," Seojun said,

Zholga gave a low bow, her snake-like lower body coiling neatly beneath her. Balor, Vruk, Kazrak, and Sorgar all dropped to one knee with their heads slightly bowed, showing respect but not weakness.

"Hail, Abyss Lord," they all said in unison — deep, rumbling voices from beings older than most ruins.

Seojun nodded. Malara stepped beside him, a soft pride in her eyes as she spoke. "The clan has prepared, my lord. The young ones have been waiting. They wish to see you."

Seojun glanced sideways at her and gave a small nod.

With that, the lords stepped aside to give him a path. Malara moved to his left, guiding him forward. Sireneth, Grimzark, and Yggrith followed behind like silent shadows. The other lords fell into position as well.

As Seojun exited the castle gates, a wave of scent, warmth, and music filled the air.

The castle plaza had been transformed.

Long stone tables had been set up on both sides of the road leading from the castle entrance, covered in offerings — roasted beasts glazed in shadow sauce, mana-infused fruit glowing faintly, barrels of aged bloodwine stacked high, and sweet nectar cakes stacked like small towers. Banners of black and silver were strung between pillars, each one bearing the emblem of the Abyss Lord.

Torches lit with cold blue fire lined the walkways, and hundreds of demons — both young and old — lined the path.

The moment Seojun stepped into view, Malara raised her voice.

"THE ABYSS LORD IS HERE!"

Her voice echoed through the grounds like thunder.

Immediately, the demons all knelt. Some placed their fists over their hearts, others bowed with heads lowered to the blackstone floor, and even the young ones, who had never seen him before, followed the motion with wide, sparkling eyes.

Seojun walked slowly, taking in the scene. He said nothing, but his gaze passed over them all, remembering.

Malara gently guided him through the crowd, past the tables and toward the far end of the plaza, where a small training ground had been set up. Standing there were several strong warriors, including the towering Drakonid male whom Malara had fought earlier.

Stopping beside the group, Malara turned to Seojun and gestured.

"My lord, these are the greatest warriors of the Bino Clan. This Drakonid here—he was my opponent."

The Drakonid bowed deeply, then raised his head proudly. "It is an honor, Abyss Lord."

Malara then pointed to the sky, where several armored Stormclaw demons hovered silently. "And those above," she continued, "are our fiercest Stormclaws. They rule the skies of this territory. They would fight to the last feather for you."

Seojun looked at each of them — the warriors, the young demons watching from the sides, the silent lords behind him, and the stormclaws above — and gave a single, steady nod.