Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

Caius looked out at the familiar Federation. The advanced technology, the people going about their daily lives—it was exciting to see again. After all, the Dreadborne Organization was nothing like this.

In contrast, the Dreadborne headquarters felt like a predator's domain, filled with monsters constantly hunting one another, all beneath the overwhelming pressure of the Cosmic Executioners, their presence chained like ancient, ferocious beasts.

The Federation, however, was calm. Civilized. These people walked around unaware of what happened beyond their borders. Of course, they were first-class citizens, living in the safest region of the entire multiverse. In other universes, you could wake up to find a nearby galaxy obliterated from a clash between galaxy realm titans. Although the Federation had established strict laws forbidding universal-level experts from fighting in the first layer of space—since such battles could wipe out thousands of universes—galaxy-level beings still posed terrifying threats.

Thankfully, those beings were often leaders or family ancestors, and rarely fought.

Now, Caius walked with no disguise. He was recognized immediately, yet no one approached. They simply bowed slightly and went on with their day. It said everything: Caius had the title of prince, but not the power.

He clenched his fists.

What man wouldn't want to fight for the throne? Even if he was labeled a bastard, royal blood still flowed in his veins. And who said he was a bastard anyway? His father slept with his mother. His mother was the daughter of an ancient family—how dare they reduce her to a mere mistress?

Still, Caius sighed.

The fact the royal family could force an ancient-blooded woman into mistress status showed just how strong they were. Far too strong. He couldn't afford to stand apart. If he wanted to change things… he had to stand on equal ground.

That would be difficult. But what was stopping him from trying?

With the return of the Eldest Prince, news spread like wildfire—across noble households and even down to the commoners.

When it reached the royal family, reactions were mixed. Some dismissed it, others were disappointed he hadn't died out there, and a few... grew uneasy.

One of them was the Crown Prince.

*******

Knock. Knock.

A nervous young scholar stood before a large, ornate door, his body trembling. Everyone in power knew what kind of man the Crown Prince truly was. Behind that perfect smile was something inhuman. How many had died just for offending him?

Inside, moans of pleasure echoed. Two voices intertwined.

The scholar pressed his palms together, whispering a mantra—The Mortal Way—a cleansing sutra he had written himself.

Five minutes passed. The sounds died down.

Then, a deep male voice spoke.

"Come in."

The scholar gulped. Terrified, he opened the door.

Inside was a muscular man in boxers, holding a wine glass, his face calm and content. On the bed behind him lay a stunning woman, her back turned, her lower half covered by silk sheets. She was sleeping, exhausted.

"Gulp… he's a strong man," the scholar thought, bowing low and dropping to his knees.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" the prince asked, smirking.

"N-No… I mean yes—Crown Prince, please… I dare not comment!" the scholar stammered.

"Relax. I don't bite. So, what brings you here?"

The Crown Prince, Theron, leaned back casually. He enjoyed this. Fear was his domain. Civilians received smiles and empathy. Subordinates, however, needed fear. Fear reminded them of power.

After a few tense seconds, the scholar finally spoke.

"Crown Prince Theron… he is back."

Silence.

Each second dragged on like death itself.

"He?" Theron said slowly. "You mean my brother?"

The scholar's soul almost left his body. One wrong word and he'd die here.

"Yes, Crown Prince. He'll arrive at the royal mansion soon."

Theron's grin returned—righteous, yet devilish. The scholar wanted to vomit but held it in.

"Good. You may leave."

The scholar bowed and fled.

Theron sat still, stunned.

Caius is back…

He felt a twinge of fear. After all, everything he knew had been taught to him by Caius. As a child, he always believed Caius would be crowned king, and that he'd serve faithfully at his side. Everyone remembered how close they had once been—until the truth about Caius' bloodline was revealed. Then Theron was chosen.

And yet… Caius had left. He was discarded. Labeled a waste. A bastard. Powerless.

That's what saved Theron's position.

But now? He had returned.

Even worse—Theron had sent spies to infiltrate the Dreadborne. None returned. Not one.

Even his father had warned him: the Dreadborne were not to be trifled with.

So what did Caius' return mean?

Would he fight for power?

Theron stood abruptly, shattering his wine glass in his palm.

Shards clattered to the floor.

He walked to the window and stared down at the city—his city.

He was a galaxy-level being. He had the blood of an ancient monster clan. His body was monstrously strong. He was a god among geniuses.

And yet… in the royal family, everyone had a background.

"Damn it… I'm already fighting with that idiot Vaelen. Now Caius too?"

He clenched his teeth.

"You're back, brother. What do you want? To fight me? Fine… Maybe Darius should come back too—so our little family reunion can be complete."

He cursed under his breath.

Suddenly, two soft arms wrapped around his neck from behind. Plush breasts pressed against his back.

"What's the Crown Prince thinking about?" a sweet feminine voice asked.

Theron chuckled.

"The Duke bloodline really does heal fast. You're already awake?"

The woman blushed lightly. "Tch… Crown Prince was too rough. I only took a short nap." She yawned, stretching. "Now I'm good. So… what's bothering you? My sister? Don't worry. That new organization won't dare harm your fiancée."

She slipped away from him and sat on the bed, waving her hand to summon a fresh wine glass and pouring herself a drink.

Theron didn't respond immediately.

Then…

"No… Caius is back."

Crack!

The wine spilled. The glass slipped from her fingers and shattered on the floor.

She froze.

Caius? The bastard prince? He survived?

Her eyes widened as a rush of panic and jealousy surged in her heart. She had sacrificed so much to get Theron's backing—so she could wrest power from her sister within the Duke family.

Now this? Caius… back?

Why didn't he die…?!

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