[ A few moments ago ]

In the heart of the Avaloria Empire, tension hung like a thick mist across the capital. The air buzzed with uncertainty, fear, and hope—all centered around one name: Lucifer Morningstar.

News had spread like wildfire. Lucifer Morningstar, the enigmatic and powerful figure who as risen as the new super rookie from the shadow legion guild , had entered a Paraflux Dungeon—an accursed place where no one had ever returned alive. Two days had passed since his descent into the rift, and the world held its breath.

Around the perimeter of the Avaloria Imperial Museum—where the rift had appeared—dozens of holo-drones hovered in the air, their lenses recording every flicker of movement. Giant screens broadcasted the scene globally. Several major media outlets had set up camps:

Famous livestreamers from all continents were reporting live.

"Welcome back viewers," said Kella Vox from Starwave Global, dressed in a sleek magenta suit. "We are still stationed outside the site of the Paraflux Dungeon. It's been 48 hours since Lucifer Morningstar entered, and... nothing."

Another screen split beside her feed.

"Look," a pale, spectacled man from Eclipse Broadcasts gestured, "We've analyzed the energy fluctuations. It's calming down, not surging. Either he's dead… or he did the impossible."

"You're underestimating him," said streamer LightBaneX. "That guy ckeared multiple unranked dungeons before. He's no ordinary hunter. He will come back."

The debate raged as millions watched. Every blink of the camera, every shadow from the museum entrance—it all fed the fire of speculation.

Near the center of the crowd stood a tall figure in black, face obscured by a hood. Carter Brown.

He had been coming every few hours—despite knowing better.

'Dammit... why do I keep coming here?' he thought bitterly. 'No one's ever returned from these dungeons. Everyone knows that.'

Yet his feet still brought him back. Again and again.

His gaze lingered on the sealed rift gate. 'But my gut... it's screaming at me. He's alive. That bastard's too stubborn to die.'

He pulled out his EtherPad.

The screen lit up with a painful truth—**412 messages sent. All marked as "Unseen."**

With a long sigh, he leaned against a pillar. "She still hasn't contacted me... not even once," he whispered.

His voice tightened. "Chloe... what the hell did I do wrong that you started ignoring me like this?"

He stared at the last message he had sent.

'Please talk to me, Emma...'

Inside the Royal Palace of the Avaloria Empire.

The grandeur of the royal palace was beyond compare. Golden arches wrapped around silver-laced towers, celestial runes floated above the royal dome, and radiant crystal chandeliers bathed the marble floors in a soft glow. It was a fortress of elegance, built for gods, ruled by men.

In the royal throne room, King Edwards Evans Avaloria sat regally atop his towering obsidian throne, his golden robes cascading down the dais like flowing sunfire.

Eyes glued to the holographic news projection, he swirled a glass of wine before turning to the man beside him.

"What do you think, Reynard? Did the kid survive?"

Reynard von Crestvale, dressed in his deep green Crestvale coat, stroked his chin as he replied, "Your Majesty... I don't know about anyone else, but I certainly don't believe he's dead."

He leaned forward, eyes intense. "I've seen him with my own eyes. And from what Serena's told me, that kid's mind is sharp as a blade. He doesn't fight battles he can't win. And from what I've witnessed, I can hardly imagine him loosing any battle."

He lowered his voice. "After all... a kid who can withstand the aura of a Transcendent Rank is not normal in any way."

Edwards burst into hearty laughter. "Well, well! It's rare to see you hold someone in such high regard, Rey!"

He smirked, swirling his wine. "Ah... I get it. My dearest niece Alicia is head over heels for him, and he's the most likely candidate to marry her."

He laughed again, louder this time.

Reynard's face flushed beet red. Forgetting all formality, he growled, "Don't even joke about that, Ed! I still don't approve of that arrogant ass kid! And until I do, it will never happen—not even in his dreams!"

Edwards only grinned wider. Turning to another figure—a golden-haired, dignified man in his early thirties—he asked, "What about you, Arthur? I heard he was quite close to both your son and daughter too. What do you think of him?"

Duke Arthur Williams sighed, his piercing blue eyes glinting with thought. "Your Majesty... as of now, I can't say anything. I've yet to meet him."

He lowered his gaze. "But... I did feel sorry when I heard about the kidnapping incident six months ago."

With a frown, he added, "For a while, I was disappointed in my son... I haven't even told my wife about it. But Ethan made the most logical decision. It took guts. For that, I'll always be proud."

Then, narrowing his eyes, he muttered, "As for my daughter... the kid looks like a scumbag. I'd prefer him to stay far away from my Eve."

Reynard chuckled. "Finally. Someone who agrees with me."

Just then, another voice cut in sharply.

"You're calling him a scumbag? When your own son tops that list?"

Everyone turned as Marquis Augustus Sinclair —a black-haired old man with a hawk-like gaze—stood up.

"You forget, Arthur... your son took three girls to the ball. Three! May I remind you again?"

Arthur's mouth twitched. He opened his mouth to retort but... no words came.

King Edwards chuckled. "Wow, Augustus. Looks like you've been holding that in."

Augustus snorted. "Damn right, Your Majesty. His son is dating multiple women, and I fear he'll break my Ophelia's heart!"

He shot Arthur a death glare. "And if that scumbag of a son hurts my Ophelia—prophecy or not—there will be hell to pay. I don't care if he's the Chosen Hero!"

Arthur stepped forward, his expression stone-cold. "I'd like to see you try, Augustus. If you touch a single hair on my son's head... *you'll* be the one paying."

The royal court fell into tense silence, only broken by Edwards' delighted laughter echoing through the palace.

'Avaloria never has a dull day…' the king mused with a grin.

The suddenly atmosphere within the grand royal court shifted in an instant.

King Edward Evans Avaloria rose slightly from his obsidian throne. Without warning, he released a portion of his aura.

It surged like a tidal wave—an unseen, crushing force that flooded the chamber.

Everyone staggered.

Chairs cracked. Pillars groaned under the invisible weight. Several elite guards collapsed to their knees, gasping for air. Even the Transcendent-ranked nobles struggled to remain upright, their legs trembling, faces drenched in cold sweat.

The only ones who remained standing with composure were Duke Arthur Williams and Reynard von Crestvale, both gritting their teeth, their bodies resisting the overwhelming pressure with sheer willpower.

Only King Edward stood relaxed, arms folded behind his back as his voice boomed like a storm.

"Don't forget whose presence you're standing in. You may be my friends... but I expect better behavior within my court."

The pressure vanished instantly, as if it had never been there.

Everyone bowed low, beads of sweat still dripping from their foreheads.

"We apologize, Your Majesty," came the collective reply.

Edward nodded slightly, regaining his usual calm.

"All right... All right."

His gaze turned sharp.

"I've made a decision. If that kid—Lucifer Morningstar—returns alive... bring him to the royal court immediately. Use force if necessary. We can't allow any other power to get to him before us. The information he holds will be invaluable."

Every one present gave a deep nod. "We will do as you command."

But Reynard hesitated. "Your Majesty… what should we do about her? He's under her protection. He's her disciple. If we use force... and she intervenes, there will be chaos across the continent."

Edward's brows furrowed as he understood instantly.

'Aunt Alyssa…'

He exhaled slowly. "That woman… I still can't believe she recovered from Abyssal Corruption. And in just six months, she broke through to Transcendent Rank."

His voice grew heavy. "She's as monstrous as her disciple."

"We can't measure Aunt Alyssa by normal standards. After all… she's one of the few in this world blessed with Monarch Rank Potential."

His lips curled into a smile. "If the corruption hadn't struck her... she might have already surpassed Monarch rank."

Then, in a louder voice, he declared:

"Am I right… Aunt Alyssa?"

A shocked silence followed.

Eyes widened. Even Reynard's breath hitched. No one had sensed anything.

Then—

From the shadows beside the throne, a figure began to materialize.

First a shimmer… then a swirl of mist… and finally a cloaked woman stepped out, her balck hair cascading like nightfall, her eyes glowing with an eerie dark hue.

A teasing voice echoed through the chamber.

"Well, well, Ed… you're still as perceptive as ever. No wonder you surpassed these idiots so easily."

Arthur, Reynard, and Augustus all twitched at the insult but said nothing as they saw who it was they were surprised beyond measure as they didn't sense her presence at all.

King Edward smirked. "Everyone except Augustus, Reynard, and Arthur—leave."

The room quickly emptied.

Glancing around, Edward murmured, "Hmm... Looks like Marquis Starlight isn't present. Did something happen?"

Reynard stepped forward. "Your Majesty, he's been stationed at the borders since the last incident."

"Understood."

Now alone, the five remaining legends stood.

King Edward. Duke Arthur. Reynard von Crestvale. Marquis Augustus Sinclair.

And the woman known as Alyssa Vega.

They all stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"We're glad you've recovered, Master."

Alyssa laughed heartily, brushing her hair back. "You brats… You barely visited me when I was sick, and now you throw formalities around?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not your master. I just taught you all a few tricks back then."

The four men smiled faintly.

But then Alyssa's voice turned firm.

"I only have one true disciple. And I'm certain that will never change."

Her gaze gleamed with pride.

"No one else in this world... even comes close to him."

Stunned silence followed.

The four men looked at one another.

Even Arthur frowned. "Not even my son… the prophesized hero?"

Alyssa chuckled. "Not even your Ethan."

A vein bulged on Arthur's forehead. "Aunt… I want to believe you. I really do. But Ethan has changed. After what happened six months ago… he's not the same. I can hardly see him losing anymore. Maybe you're just overpraising your student."

Alyssa smirked. "Believe what you want."

Then her smile disappeared.

"But let me make one thing very clear—none of you will touch a single hair on his head."

The room darkened as her aura exploded outward, shaking the floor.

Only Edward remained unaffected, standing tall.

"He is not alone anymore," Alyssa said coldly.

King Edward raised a hand gently. "Okay, Aunt. We respect you. We understand. But… if he comes to the palace willingly—you will allow it, right?"

Alyssa tapped her chin, thinking. "All right. I'll allow that."

"But," she added, raising a warning finger, "I didn't come here to protect him. I came to warn you."

Her voice became sharp.

"Do not make any foolish mistakes. That student of mine… he's crazy. He believes in an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth mentality. so don't do anything stupid."

Edward's expression tensed. "Are you trying to say—"

"You'll understand soon enough," Alyssa interrupted.

Just as she spoke, the massive holographic display in the royal court flickered.

The media outside the museum was in chaos.

People screamed, livestreams cut in and out, and cameras struggled to focus.

A figure had emerged.

From the heart of the Paraflux Dungeon, he stepped forward like a ghost walking out of death itself.

Lucifer Morningstar had returned.

He stood tall beneath the darkened sky, dressed in a torn, obsidian cloak.

A white skeletal mask covered the upper half of his face—menacing and void-like.

But the most terrifying were his halo-purple eyes—eyes that shimmered with unnatural radiance.

Eyes that made even high-rank mages fall silent.

They weren't the eyes of a man.

They were the eyes of something... looking down on all of them.

Like a god who had tasted death—and come back stronger.

The world had gone still.

Lucifer Morningstar had returned from the dungeon that no one had ever survived.

And nothing would ever be the same again.

----

A/N:

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