As I sit here on the mountainside, the cold air brushing against my skin, I gaze up at the moon hanging low in the night sky. Its light is soft, almost tender, as it bathes the landscape in a pale glow. The world is still, save for the occasional whisper of the wind through the trees. In moments like these, I find myself lost in thought, wondering how I came to be where I am now.
When did it all begin? I close my eyes, letting the memories drift back to me—faint and fragmented, yet undeniably mine. It all started when I was nothing more than a [Quad-Winged Evil Bat], a creature of darkness that knew nothing but the cold embrace of the caverns. My existence was simple then—an endless cycle of hunger, hunting, and hiding. I never thought beyond the tunnels that twisted like veins through the earth.
But then… then *it* happened.
The memory sharpens as I recall the moment that changed everything. A human, lost and desperate, stumbled into my domain. The scent of their fear filled the air, and instinct took over. I attacked, driven by nothing more than the primal need to feed. But as I struck, something within me *shifted*. It was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes. Colors I had never seen before flooded my vision, and for the first time, I *thought*—truly thought—about what I was doing, what I was becoming.
*"What… is this feeling?"* I remember thinking, my wings trembling as I hovered over the now-lifeless human. The cavern felt different, the shadows less oppressive. I wasn’t just a beast anymore. I was *aware*, and with that awareness came a new hunger—not for flesh, but for something far greater.
Driven by this newfound consciousness, I left the tunnels that had once been my world. I ventured out into the open air, the sky stretching endlessly above me. The world was vast and filled with wonders I could never have imagined. Time passed—decades, centuries perhaps—and as the ages of man came and went, I remained, ever growing in strength and wisdom. The challenges that had once threatened me now seemed trivial.
One day, as I soared through the skies, my wings cutting through the clouds, I looked down and saw it—a war. Below me, monsters clashed with humans in a desperate struggle, their cries echoing across the land. The sight stirred something deep within me. I had been both monster and something more, yet here I was, watching as the two sides tore each other apart.
*"Is this what I would have become, had I never awakened? Another mindless beast, driven only by hunger and fear?"* The thought lingered, heavy in my mind as I circled above the battlefield.
The moon is high now, and the night grows colder. But here I sit, pondering the path that has led me from the darkness of those tunnels to this place. What lies ahead, I cannot say. But one thing is certain—I am not the creature I once was. I am something else, something new. And the world, for all its chaos, is mine to explore.
Having lived for so long now, I’ve seen these skirmishes continue endlessly. But one question lingers in my mind: why do humans hate monsters? Why do monsters despise humans? Buried deep within me is an instinctual dislike for humans, a feeling that has never quite faded. Yet, even with that hatred, I’ve always been one to question my own existence. *Why am I here? What is my purpose?*
Throughout my travels, I’ve made it a point to avoid confrontations with humans. They always brought something *more*—a temptation, a lure that transformed any creature into a slave to their insatiable hunger for EXP. I could have easily fallen into that trap, become another mindless beast chasing power. But I didn’t. I chose a different path. All I ever wanted was a simple life—a life where I hunted only to eat, not to grow endlessly stronger like the rest of the wretched beings in this world.
As I hovered high above the battlefield, watching the chaos unfold below, the thoughts plagued my mind. Why was I different? Why did I resist the lure of power when so many others could not? It was then that something unexpected happened.
《WARNING! ████, Primordial God of Wisdom and Foresight, has taken revere upon individual『Greater Grand Fagainor LV3,
→Enable
Disable》
The words appeared before me, not in a voice I could hear but in a message that echoed within my very soul. The ‘Voice of the World’ spoke, its tone cold and emotionless, devoid of any feeling or bias. It was a voice I had come to recognize, one that had spoken to me many times before in a language that transcended all others—a universal tongue that any being of intelligence could understand.
*"Divine Protection?"* I thought, narrowing my eyes as I stared down at the scene of war. The Voice’s offer was both a blessing and a curse. To accept meant I would be marked, seen by all as a target of great value. The war below, already brutal and unrelenting, would turn its gaze upon me, and this time, I wouldn’t be ignored.
I had been noticed before, of course. Both sides had glimpsed me, a shadow in the sky, but neither had dared approach. I was just a bystander, after all, and they had no reason to engage. But with this blessing, everything would change. Within a thousand-mile radius, every creature with intelligence would sense me, would *know* what I had become—an EXP treasure far too valuable to ignore.
Creatures blessed with [Divine Protections] were worth five times the usual EXP. I was now a prize that could end this war. *“They’ll come for me,”* I realized, feeling a cold shiver of anticipation run through me. Below, the battle slowed as eyes turned upward, and I felt the weight of their gazes.
Then, in a blur of motion, she moved—a [Demon Lord], her speed blinding as she shot toward me. Her troops scattered in her wake, thrown into disarray by the sudden shift. Before I could react, a human rider on a winged beast followed her, closing the gap between us even faster than the demon.
The Voice spoke again.
《Conditions met. Title『Primordial Deity's Acknowledgment』was acquired》
《By the effects of the title 『Primordial Deity's Acknowledgment』, skill 『Divine Magic Operation LV1』, 『Divine Magic LV1』 was acquired》
New abilities surged within me, raw and untamed. But before I could even comprehend their power, they struck. The combined assault of the Demon Lord and the human was overwhelming. My attempts to defend myself were futile, each strike driving me closer to death. Desperation clawed at me as I channeled the last of my remaining 95% MP into [Divine Magic], but it wasn’t enough. *“I can’t die… not like this!”* I thought, as darkness claimed me.
And then—suddenly—I was back. The past unfurled before me, familiar yet different. *Had I repeated history?* But this time, I knew. I *remembered*.
The Voice of the World rang out again, its announcement echoing across the battlefield. All eyes turned to me, their gazes sharp and filled with intent. Below, they began to prepare, readying themselves to launch another attack. But this time, I was no helpless target. This time, I had knowledge. This time, I was ready.
I quickly noticed the shift in the warzone below. But this time, things were different—I had already used [Divine Magic] once to understand my capabilities. As I peered at the opponents drawing closer, I knew the grim reality: I wouldn’t stand a chance against both the Demon Lord and the Hero.
"Ah! You Beast-Wretch!" the Hero roared, his voice filled with fury. His eyes blazed with a hatred that seemed more intense than his disdain for the Demon Lord at his side. *Why does he hate me so much?* I wondered. I didn’t understand the source of his anger, but it hardly mattered.
[Divine Magic] had one significant advantage, despite its massive MP cost—it always worked in favor of the user. As they neared me, I found myself suddenly on the battlefield. Was it [Teleportation]? Perhaps.
But there was one thing I had learned before I died to the Hero’s abilities: I was vastly inferior to them. The humans surrounding me wore armor that put any monster's defense to shame. Their weapons gleamed with a lethal edge that I knew my natural skin couldn't withstand. But none of that mattered now.
[Divine Magic] couldn’t directly harm living beings, but it allowed for creative solutions. As a swarm of humans leaped to take me down, their eyes appraising my status with cold calculation, I acted swiftly. I poured my last remaining MP into [Divine Magic], focusing on one single wish: the removal of all armor and weapons within my vicinity.
It happened in an instant, so fast that even I was astonished. One moment, the battlefield was a blur of steel and flesh, and the next, the humans stood before me, bewildered and naked, their weapons vanished as if they had never existed.
I found myself in the middle of the swarming factions, surrounded by both sides. They were relentless, each soldier taking their chance to hack away at my body, eager to be the one to take me down. My natural defenses crumbled under their attacks. Every strike was a searing pain, and I couldn’t counter a single blow. Their armor had made them untouchable, and now, without it, they still outmatched me. I fell, my vision fading as I succumbed to their relentless assault.
But I didn’t die.
Or so I thought. I awoke, my senses reeling from the reality I had just experienced. I quickly evaded the first strikes aimed at me, my mind racing. *This time, I’m ready.*
『Divine Protection of Wisdom and Foresight』had granted me a preview of my life before my death, a gift I could use twice per day. It was enough to learn how to survive, to gain the advantage I needed to evolve.
I had always despised the idea of becoming a [Demon-Lord]. It was a title that limited one’s freedom in dealing with humans, and despite my indifference toward them, I had no desire to be bound by such a role. But now, this title granted me power, power that would allow me to survive against the odds.
With newfound resolve, I dispatched the first two humans that swarmed me in mid-air. The others around me, realizing they were suddenly naked, hesitated. I spread my wings wide, taking in a deep breath before unleashing a devastating roar—[Corrosive Energy] combined with [Wavelength Energy]. The sound was powerful enough to reduce diamond-hard rock to sand.
The two main threats, the Demon Lord and the Hero, finally arrived on the scene. But my [Divine Magic] had stalled them just enough—ten precious seconds—for me to regain the MP I needed to confront them both. Their confusion had bought me time, and I was ready.
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV3,
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency was acquired》
《Skill points gained》
My EXP had finally reached a level I had long given up on ever achieving. I had evolved again, right there in the midst of a swarm of Demon-kin and humans. My powerful, large-area attack had left them all defenseless, bare-naked and unable to withstand the onslaught.
《Conditions met. Title 『Humanity’s Bane』 was acquired》
《By the effects of the title 『Humanity’s Bane』, skills 『Human Slayer LV1』and 『Evasion Enhancement LV1』 were acquired》
In mere moments, the battlefield shifted. The Demon Lord and the Hero, who had once been mortal enemies, now found themselves allied against a new threat—*me*. I could see the fear in their eyes as they watched from above, knowing I had gained power beyond their reckoning. Their hatred, their alliance, all of it paled in the face of what I had become. The war was no longer about them—it was about me.
Here’s the revised and expanded version of your scene, incorporating additional descriptive elements, dialogue, and character thoughts:
---
The battlefield had become eerily quiet. Only moments ago, it had been a chaotic swirl of clashing forces. Now, the few survivors were scrambling to flee, their best magic barely holding against my assault. The humans, however, hadn’t fared nearly as well. Bodies littered the ground, and a heavy silence hung in the air.
《Conditions met. Title 『Demon-Kin Killer』 was acquired》
《By the effects of the title 『Demon-Kin Killer』, skills 『War Impact Enhancement LV1』 and 『Destruction Enhancement LV1』 were acquired》
The notification echoed in my mind as the last of the Demon-kin warriors fled. Their strongest spells had barely kept them alive, but they couldn’t hide the fear in their eyes. They knew they were no match for me now.
Then, another message appeared:
《Conditions met. Title 『Human-Kin Killer』 was acquired》
《By the effects of the title 『Human-Kin Killer』, skills 『Collision Enhancement LV1』 and 『Murderous Enhancement LV1』 were acquired》
The battlefield had fallen into an unnatural stillness. Those who remained alive watched with a mixture of awe and dread as the reality of what I had become settled in. They saw the potential of me evolving into a [Demon Lord] and knew what that meant—only to be immediately followed by the vision of me being brought down by the Hero. The hero, humanity’s chosen defender, was already stronger than me. His divine role, selected by the Gods, was to counter the [Demon Lord]—the eternal enemy of humanity.
But I was something unprecedented—a monster granted Divine Protection. To me, this was a form of atonement, a way to transcend my monstrous nature and stand on the same level as a human. It allowed me to grasp how much the Gods truly valued all life, regardless of its form.
"...my Gods, I am now ashamed I have to become a demon to stand against the hero now," I muttered under my breath, the weight of my impending decision pressing down on me.
"Whaaat…?" the Hero exclaimed in confusion as the Demon Lord beside him snarled in fury, racing toward me with a speed that sent her troops scattering. The Hero hesitated, wrestling with his morals, before finally launching himself from his flying-horse creature.
I knew that the Hero’s strength came from his battles against demons. I had a choice—stay as I was and be quickly torn apart by the Hero and the Demon Lord, or evolve into a [Demon Lord] myself. If I remained unchanged, I would be hunted endlessly as an easy target for their EXP gain. If I evolved, I could at least fight back on equal terms.
So I decided.
Using [Divine Magic], I conjured an impregnable wall of light between the Hero and the Demon Lord, separating them. The wall glowed with a divine radiance, casting long shadows across the battlefield. Now, it was just the Hero and me—a mere monster against humanity’s greatest champion.
But I had one massive advantage: [Divine Magic]. I used it to strip the Hero of his armor and weapons, leaving him vulnerable. I lunged at him, aiming for a quick kill, but he moved with a grace and composure that caught me off guard. Even without his armor, he was swift, dodging my every strike with ease.
In the heat of battle, it’s said that people can unlock hidden potential, gaining skills that can turn the tide. This was a proven truth, one that had stood the test of time. Yet, the ability to willingly use 'skill points' remained a mystery that had baffled and defeated countless intelligent beings.
《Conditions met. Skill『Prediction LV1』was acquired. Remaining skill points: 24,452》
With the new skill of Prediction, I began to anticipate his moves, my attacks becoming more precise. The Hero’s stamina was wearing thin, his movements slowing as fatigue set in. The Demon Lord, on the other side of the light barrier, could only watch in frustration, unable to intervene.
The Hero’s flying-horse creature suddenly swooped down to rescue him, its wings beating furiously as it descended. But this played right into my hands. As it drew near, I unleashed my newly enhanced abilities.
"Why would the Gods choose you?" I spat, my voice filled with a mixture of bitterness and curiosity.
"To end the skirmishes between humans and demons," he replied, his voice steady but his eyes reflecting a deep inner conflict.
I could see the struggle in his expression as he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. "Demons don’t unite—they conspire," he declared, the conviction in his voice unmistakable.
With those last words, I brought down his flying-horse creature with a swift strike, the beast crumbling beneath my power. It didn’t even grant me enough EXP to matter. As the Hero fell, I sliced through him with a final, decisive blow.
The battlefield lay in ruins beneath me, and the Hero’s body fell lifeless to the ground. The Demon Lord, still trapped behind the wall of light, could do nothing but witness my rise. I had become something beyond their reckoning—a monster that defied the natural order, a creature that had transcended the boundaries of its existence.
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV4,
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency acquired》
《Skill points gained》
"Oh, I guess he was worth that much," I muttered as a wave of strength surged through my body, reinvigorating me with the power of leveling up.
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《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV5,
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency acquired》
《Skill points gained》
The wall of [Divine Magic] I had erected flickered and then dissipated, revealing the Demon Lord, now struggling to her feet. I could see the fear in her eyes; she knew the tide had turned. [Divine Magic] had shifted the balance entirely. Even at its lowest rank, it was devastating, capable of overcoming the strongest of opponents, though it nearly drained my MP to critical levels. For monsters like me, MP is our lifeblood—if it’s depleted, we lose our ability to function and slowly die, much like oxygen is essential for humans and other lesser creatures.
But with [Divine Protection of Wisdom and Foresight], I had made the right choices. I was now ready to face the Demon Lord.
"Hey-y-yy, I wasn’t really trying to fight you," she stammered, desperation creeping into her voice. "I was just playing along to catch the Hero off guard… listen, I CAN—"
Her words faded as the Hero’s warning echoed in my mind: "Demons don’t unite—they conspire."
I made my decision.
"What?!" she cried, realizing I wasn’t planning to let her live. She rose to her full height, preparing for combat. In raw stats, she still outclassed me, but she had witnessed the power of [Divine Magic] firsthand and knew that I was now the true threat.
"Let me put an end to the age-old trifles of Demons versus Humans. That era belongs to the past," I declared, my resolve hardening.
"Tsk. AHHHHH!" With a defiant scream, she charged at me, knowing she was faster but forgetting one crucial fact—I wielded [Divine Magic]. As she closed the distance, I summoned a sphere of light, trapping her inside.
The sphere's magic rapidly drained away, weakening her. Thanks to my newly acquired 『Divine Magic LV3』, I could now create objects and imbue them with effects. The sphere was imbued with a field that negated all magic, rendering her powerless.
Her strength ebbed away with each futile attempt to cast a spell. Realizing her impending doom, she cursed me with her final breath, "Daa-amn, Ber-retch!"
Her last words lingered in the air, resonating with a strange power. "Berretch…" I echoed, feeling the name resonate within me.
《Conditions met. Name『Berretch』was acquired. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV6,
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV6, Berretch has become LV7》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency acquired》
《Skill points gained》
I was dumbfounded. A name! I finally had a name. The name I had chosen in that moment had become my true name, and with it, I had leveled up once more, reaching even greater heights. As the Demon Lord’s life ebbed away, I found myself reflecting on my purpose.
《Conditions met. Title 『Self-Proclaimed Namer』 was acquired》
《By the effects of the title 『Monster Killer』, skills 『Powerful LV1』『Solid LV1』 were acquired》
《Experience points have reached a certain degree. Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor LV7, Berretch has become LV8》
《Every basic ability rose》
《Level Up Bonus: Skill Proficiency acquired》
《Skill points gained》
"I don't want to be that type of Demon Lord," I declared to the sky, as if addressing the Gods themselves. "I'm going to go against all the grains! I shall prove my worth to you, my Gods! I promise!" With that vow, I accepted my destiny and evolved into a Demon Lord.
《Conditions met. Restrictive Evolution acquired.》
《Individual, Greater Grand Fagainor can evolve》
《Do you wish to Evolve into Advanced Species 『Demon Lord』?》
→ Enable
Disable
***
Years passed. I, Berretch, now ruled over a vast land filled with monsters of all kinds, each one pledging their allegiance to me. I had imposed a few simple yet crucial rules to guide my kingdom toward my dream. My realm became a shining example to other Demon Lords, though they scoffed at my unconventional ways.
Now, as a new batch of monsters approached, eager to swear their loyalty and live under my rule, I reflected on the years that had passed. I had learned long ago that the Hero’s power came from defeating demons. To avoid drawing newborn heroes’ ire, I ruled over monsters that were not demons, making it difficult for him to gain accelerated growth from challenging my nation. In the meantime, I grew stronger while my fellow Demon Lords fell to the Hero’s sword.
Of course, I had dealt with those who defied my rule, naming themselves and seeking to become Demon Lords in my own land. They had been easily dispatched, serving as a reminder that I was not to be trifled with. Now, I commanded an army of admirable allies, each one loyal and strong, united under my banner.
But my journey was far from over. As I looked out over the horizon, I knew that greater challenges awaited. My destiny as Berretch, the Demon Lord who defied the natural order, was only beginning.
Many years had passed since that war zone I’d participated in, and now a new kingdom I, Berretch, built had stated to flourish beyond my expectations. What started as a sanctuary for monsters had evolved into a thriving nation—a place where those who once roamed aimlessly now found purpose and strength under my rule. The early days had been marked by chaos as I sought to unite the disparate tribes and factions that had come to pledge their loyalty. There had been resistance, of course—many were suspicious of my vision, and a few openly defied it. But with time and patience, I forged a realm unlike any other.
In the beginning, establishing order was no easy task. Monsters, by nature, are creatures of instinct and power, often driven by primal desires. It took time to convince them that unity could bring us all greater strength than mindless savagery ever could. I laid down simple yet firm laws to ensure that the kingdom would not descend into anarchy.
First rule was “No Infighting” — The most crucial rule. If we were to build something lasting, we could not afford to weaken ourselves through constant conflict. Disputes were to be resolved in the Arena of Honor, where combat was controlled, and the outcome respected by all.
Two, “Obey the Strongest” — This was not a call to blind obedience but a reminder that strength—whether physical, magical, or mental—was to be respected. However, strength also meant responsibility; those who led did so for the willingness of all, not just themselves.
Thirdly, to “Seek Growth” — Every monster under my rule was encouraged to better themselves, to train, to learn. I opened academies where even the most savage beast could learn strategy, magic, and the art of war. Knowledge, I taught them, was as much a weapon as claws or fangs.
These rules laid the foundation of my kingdom. Those who embraced them found strength they never knew they had; those who rejected them found themselves swiftly removed from my vision.
As the kingdom grew, so too did our need for allies. Monsters were formidable, but even we cannot stand alone against the world. I sought out those who had been shunned by other Demon Lords—those who had unique abilities or perspectives, but were dismissed for their unconventional ways. It was with these outcasts that I built a council, advising me on matters of war, diplomacy, and governance.
One of those individuals was such an ally coined, “Thaldrin the Undying”, a lich who had been exiled from the northern wastes for his experiments in monster life’s creationism and reinvention. While others feared him, I saw potential. His mastery over necromancy allowed us to raise vast armies of the undead, capable of defending our borders without risking the lives of our living soldiers.
"Your vision intrigues me, Berretch," Thaldrin once said, his voice a hollow whisper as he animated another skeletal warrior. "You seek not just preservation, but order. It is... refreshing."
Another was “Serpentine, the Silent-DeathSlayer”, a Snakeskin-draconic rare race who had been banished from her homeland for her refusal to serve the whims of a tyrant. She became my spymaster, her transformation form slipping through walls and shadows, gathering intelligence that kept our kingdom one step ahead of potential threats.
"I serve no master but the one who respects my autonomy," Serpentine would say when she first joined me. "And you, Berretch, have given me something more valuable than freedom—purpose to scout a land to be a vessel dungeon for the future’s sake."
With these and other allies, my kingdom became a force to be reckoned with, its strength not just in numbers, but in the diversity and loyalty of its inhabitants.
As the years went by, my kingdom attracted attention—not all of it welcome. The other Demon Lords, beast-kin lands and even my foe emperors, — the humankind, all accustomed to their own brutal political ways, as they looked upon my rule with disdain and suspicion. They saw my methods as weak, my focus on cooperation as a betrayal of our nature.
"Demon Lords are meant to dominate, not negotiate," one former Demonlord had snarled during a council of war. "Your kingdom will crumble, Berretch, and when it does, I'll be there to claim the spoils."
But my realm did not crumble. Instead, it grew stronger. While other Demon Lords waged endless wars, depleting their resources and weakening their armies, I focused on building infrastructure—fortifying our borders, creating trade routes with neighboring human and demi-human kingdoms, and even establishing a neutral zone where representatives from various factions could meet and negotiate.
The human kingdoms were wary at first, but they soon realized that my monsters were not the mindless beasts they had feared. Trade agreements were struck, and though there was always tension, a fragile peace began to take shape.
In one particularly tense negotiation, a human envoy remarked, "We never expected a Demon Lord to seek peace, let alone one who governs with such... principles. What is your true goal, Berretch?"
I had answered simply, "To build a world where that is afar isn’t tempered against us, and where we are not defined by the roles above us, or others forceful upon us."
This approach earned me the respect of some and the enmity of others. The Hero’s power, I knew, was still a looming threat to my thoughts. But by ensuring that my kingdom was populated by creatures that were not traditional demons, I made it difficult for the Hero to gain the strength needed to challenge me. Meanwhile, I continued to grow stronger, my power fed by the loyalty of my subjects and the strategic alliances I had forged.
Not all challenges came from outside. Within my kingdom, there were those who sought to challenge my rule, believing that they could do better. These were often monsters who named among themselves, seeking to become Demon Lords in their own right. They were swiftly dealt with, either through direct combat by me, or by the council's intervention.
One such challenger, “Graknar the Bloodthirsty”, a towering handsome-humanoid ogre who had grown arrogant with his newfound abilities, once tried to rally others to his cause. "Berretch is too soft! We should be conquering, not cowering behind her passivity rules!"
I faced him in the Arena of Honor, and though he was as powerful, his rumored fame was not limited, however his strength was nothing compared to the experience and abilities I had gained over the years. When I defeated him, I made an example of him—through clear battle execution, but not only by stripping him of his life, I also banishing his allies from my lands.
"Strength without wisdom is nothing but a weapon waiting to break," I had told the gathered kingdom. "Remember that."
The lesson was not lost on my subjects. Challenges to my rule became less frequent as my reputation grew, both as a fair ruler and a formidable opposition.
Now, as I stood on the balcony of my fortress, looking out over the kingdom I had built, I knew that my journey was far from over. Greater challenges awaited—threats from beyond our borders, the ever-present danger of the Hero, and the need to continually adapt to an ever-changing threat that was beyond the landscape known to most, “I’ll have to prepare a backup plan, a different model against the void creatures”.
***
A hundred years now had passed in a blink of an eye, from ruling over a vast far land populated by monsters of all kinds. Each one pledged their allegiance to me, and my imposed few simple yet crucial rules to guide. To other Demon Lords, though they scoffed at my unconventional ways. They were no longer, only four including me remind from the old times of sixteen total.
"Why do you entertain such trivial laws, Berretch?" they would sneer at the Demon Banquet, their voices dripping with contempt. "Monsters exist to spread chaos, not adhere to rules. Togetherness against that vermin Hero! We can win! With you as our commanding Demonlord champion! There’s even a chance for you to be a DemonRuler! We shall submit to you for it to be done, to get our revenge against that bane of ours!"
But I knew better. The key to true power was not merely in strength or destruction but in unity and purpose. Under my rule, monsters thrived, not as mere tools of devastation but as a society capable of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, survival.
This philosophy, unorthodox as it was, shielded us from the Hero's relentless crusade. Heroes thrived on defeating demons, gaining power from each victory. By ruling over monsters that were not demons, I deprived them of this advantage, forcing them to seek their prey elsewhere. In this case, my own kin. In the meantime, I had grew too strong that if a Hero was to try going against me, my own fellow Monster Lords would make the Hero’s sword fall apart if they dared.
However, the threat of the Hero loomed large. The latest Hero had recently fallen, but my『Ultimate Skill • Timeline Precognition』had revealed a future where a new Hero would rise—one capable of destroying all four and two up-coming Demon Lords, myself included.
This hero had one distinct character, in my vision he was a boy with blue hair. This was not just a vision but a lived experience, as my skill allowed me to project my consciousness into that timeline. The terrifying power of this Hero was beyond anything I had faced before. Strangely enough, I couldn’t fathom the gaps between its source.
But I was not one to cower in the face of fate. I had been granted the power of divine foresight for a reason, and I would use it to secure my survival. "Serpentine," I called out, my voice echoing through the halls of my fortress, "I want you to waste a random beast-human territory, unfortunately, and establish a [Dungeon] there. You will oversee it as the admin while I attend the [Demon Banquet]."
The serpentine figure that emerged from the shadows bowed deeply, her elongated form glistening with dark energy. "As you command, my lord," she hissed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The [Demon Banquet] was a necessary evil, a gathering of Demon Lords that occurred once every century. It was held in the [Spiritual Physical Projection Realm], a place where actual combat was impossible.
Akin to Celestial Realm, there, we could not be killed nor truly harm one another, but the tension was palpable. This was a place for scheming, information gathering, and subtle displays of power. Attendance was mandatory, and missing it twice would result in the loss of one's status as a Demon Lord, a fate worse than death.
"Why must we waste our time with this pointless ritual?" one of the younger Demon Lords would inevitably complain, their impatience as tangible as their ambition.
"Because," I would reply with a cold smile, "it is the only way to ensure that the [Demon Kindred's Deity Sword] does not fall into the wrong hands." The sword, a weapon of unimaginable power, could only be wielded by a Demon Lord, if the majority agreed.
It was a tool of last resort, meant to be used when the Hero was so powerful that nothing else could stand against them. For all it did, was surrender such a Demonlord’s own life to simply remove that hero’s title thus resetting them and also the other current Demonlords.
As I prepared to leave my fortress, a telepathic connection abruptly broke through my thoughts. "My lord," the voice of Cenail, one of my most trusted lieutenants, rang out. "The human armies are at the border, but they don't seem to be preparing for an attack. It appears a single knight with a crown, who we assume is their king, is approaching. What are your orders?"
"What of the [True God Dragon] that was sighted in the mountains?" I asked, my mind racing with the possibilities. The presence of one of these ancient beasts so close to my territory was a cause for concern. These creatures, as old as the world itself, were forces of nature, beyond even the might of a Demon Lord.
"It remains in its cave, unmoving," Cenail replied, his voice tinged with unease. "Its intentions are unknown."
I considered this for a moment. The humans had a history of defeating a [True God Dragon], a feat that no other race had accomplished. This made them unpredictable, and in some ways, dangerous. "Let the human king approach unharmed," I finally said. "I shall discuss matters with him personally. After all, the human race is the only one in history to have ever defeated a [True God Dragon]."
As I ended the telepathic connection, my smirk deepened. "Such weak creatures," I mused to myself, "and yet, they are full of unpredictable variables." With a surge of power, I activated my famous 『Divine Magic LV5』, propelling myself toward the location of the human king. No, not a king—a prince, judging by the aura.
***
Upon reaching the meeting point, the human prince awaited me, surrounded by a small contingent of knights. His eyes widened as I descended, my form shrouded in a dark, swirling mist of energy. He was young, too young to be leading an army, yet there was a fire in his eyes, a determination that belied his age.
"I am Prince Aric of the Kingdom of Astralis," he declared, his voice steady despite the evident fear in his heart. "I have come to negotiate a truce between our people."
"A truce?" I chuckled, the sound echoing ominously across the barren landscape. "And what makes you think you have anything to offer me, young prince?"
The prince hesitated, then straightened, his resolve hardening. "We seek peace, Demon Lord Berretch. Our nations have warred for too long. The bloodshed must end."
"Peace, you say?" I mused, circling him slowly, my presence overwhelming. "And what would you give in exchange for this peace? What makes you think I desire such a thing?"
His eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and hope. "The [True God Dragon]... we know how to kill it."
I stopped, my interest piqued. "Go on," I said, my voice dangerously soft.
"We have the knowledge and the means," he continued, his voice trembling slightly. "But we cannot do it alone. We offer you this knowledge in exchange for peace."
I considered his words, the weight of the offer settling over me. A [True God Dragon] was a threat to all life, not just humans. Even I would not take such a creature lightly. If the humans truly had the means to defeat it, then their proposal was worth considering.
"Very well," I said, my tone measured. "We shall discuss this further. But know this, Prince Aric—if you betray me, I will not hesitate to crush your kingdom beneath my heel."
The prince nodded, his relief palpable. "Thank you, Lord Berretch. I will not disappoint you."
As I prepared to depart, my thoughts turned back to the [Demon Banquet]. The other Demon Lords would not be pleased with my dealings with humans, but that was of little concern to me. My goal was survival, and I would use every tool at my disposal to achieve it. The future Hero, the [True God Dragon], the machinations of the other Void creatures—these were all challenges that I would face head-on.
"My journey is far from over," I muttered to myself as I flew back to my fortress, my mind already strategizing the next moves in this deadly game. "Berretch, the Demon Lord who defies the natural order, will not be so easily defeated."
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Stats Predating her Demon Lord Evolution, exhibited below:
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Monster Encyclopedia: File. 00
『RACE: Greater Grand Fagainor NAME: Berretch LV: 7→ 8 STATUS: Ruler-Class
HP: 50,235→60,438 MP: 34,267→ 44,380 SP: 65,455→ 74,360 EXP: 975,439/ 234,434,000
AGE: 242y 2m 3w SKILL POINTS: 7,430→8,180 THREAT LEVEL: [A Rank] - Adversity Threat Class → [S Rank] - Subjugation Threat Class
STR: 30,993→50,903 DEF: 40,556→50,002 AGI: 50,770→60,754 DEX: 90,230→96,043 INT: 38,900→56,530
[SKILL SET LISTED]
《 HP Rapid Recovery LV8 》《 MP Rapid Recovery LV6 》《 MP Minimized Consumption LV4 》《 SP Rapid Recovery LV4 》《 SP Minimized Consumption LV4 》《 Longevity LV5 》《 Magic Hoard LV4 》《 Super Strength LV5 》《 Sturdy LV8 》《 Combat Boast LV7 》《 Flight Mode LV7 》《 Thought Acceleration LV8 》《 Magic Power Attack LV7 》《 Energy Attack LV7 》《 Terrain Attack LV5 》《 Sonar Blast Wave LV7 》 《 Sound Roar LV8 》《 Dark Magic Energy LV6 》《 Tail Smack LV9 》《 Brute Offense LV3 》
《 Terrain Enhancement LV7 》《 Destruction Enhancement LV9 》《 Slashing Enhancement LV8 》《 Piercing Enhancement LV5 》《 Impact Enhancement LV7 》《 Basic Sense's Enhancement LV4 》《 Thought Enhancement LV4 》《 Memory Enhancement LV6 》《 Durability Enhancement LV5 》《 Warfare Enhancement LV4 》《 Battle Sense Enhancement LV5 》《 Sound Enhancement LV8 》《 Flight Enhancement LV5 》《 Lesser Magic Enhancement LV4 》《 Sonar Enhancement LV9 》《 Uncanny Vision Enhancement LV9 》《 Uncanny Olfactory Enhancement LV7 》《 Uncanny Auditory Enhancement LV8 》《 Evasion Enhancement LV4 》《 Sensing Enhancement LV6 》《 Resistance Enhancement LV4 》《 Fear Enhancement LV6 》《 Communication Enhancement LV6 》《 Magic Warfare LV4 》《 Mental Warfare LV7 》《 1st Dimensional Maneuvering LV8 》《 2nd Dimensional Maneuvering LV6 》《 3rd Dimensional Maneuvering LV4 》《 Telescopic Sight LV4 》《 Future Sight LV4 》《 Magic Power Perception LV10 》《 Danger Perception MAX 》《 Presence Perception LV10 》《 Heat Perception LV8 》《 Probability Super-Correction LV4 》《 Sound Perception LV4 》《 Evasion MAX 》《 Magic Power Operation LV9 》《 Earth Magic LV9 》《 Wind Magic MAX 》《 Water Magic LV9 》《 Holy Magic LV4 》《 Divine Magic Operation LV3 》《 Divine Magic LV3 》《 Pheromone LV3 》《 Powerful LV6 》《 True Solid Core LV6 》《 Magic Control LV9 》《 Magic Manipulation LV9 》《 Wind Magic Tier LV5 》《 Magic Chant Shortening LV7 》《 Pheromone LV3 》《 Destruction Resistance LV6 》《 Slash Resistance LV8 》《 Piercing Resistance LV7 》《 Impact Super-Resistance LV4 》《 Shock Resistance LV6 》《 Terrain Nullification LV4 》《 Sound Nullification LV5 》《 Wind Nullification MAX 》《 Fire Resistance LV4 》《 Lightning Resistance LV6 》《 Water Resistance LV5 》《 Wind Resistance MAX 》《 Dark Resistance LV6 》《 Status Condition Super-Resistance LV4 》《 Rot Resistance LV5 》《 Drackos Hard Armor LV6 》《 Steel Body LV6 》《 Stealth MAX 》《 Pain Super-Mitigation LV5 》《 Day/ Night Vision MAX》《 Vision Expansion LV5 》《 Imperial Scales LV8 》《 Pain Nullification MAX 》《 Tactile Enhancement MAX 》《 Pheromone LV3 》《 Pheromone LV3 》《 Divine Protection • Of Wisdom and Foresight 》
TITLES:
『Self-Proclaimed, Namer』『Monster Killer』『Human Killer』『One-with-the-Wind』
『Primordial Deitiy's Acknowledgment』『Winged-Beast Killer』『Sea-Serpent Killer』
[Lore] : This legendary-class monster cannot be bested by S-ranked Adventurers. Appears much like a cursed humanoid being fused with reptilian bat features. Seen often lurking alone, while it's a selective beast in terms of prey and a hunter of weak or wounded. This creature of despair, is known to appear upon a bloody battle much like a moth attracted to a flame. In the world records, only twice has such a creature ever existed. Due to their very short life-spawns, these creatures tend to die out on their own.