Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

"Don't worry, you'll still get the power of the Duke family, Flora. I won't take my brother's things," Theron said with disgust.

After all, she was originally betrothed to his brother, but became his after the truth about Caius being a bastard was revealed. To preserve the Duke family's honor, they then betrothed her to him instead, so the family wouldn't be embarrassed.

Flora looked at Theron's back and sighed. She just had to trust him at this point.

Theron looked down at the city, his eyes turbid.

"No, I want all of you to come back—the more, the better. I'm not the being you once knew, brother. I've grown beyond that. Let's have fun… let's see who claims the throne," Theron thought, then chuckled slightly.

"Flora, you should go back. And don't worry—your sister will have no power," Theron said, and Flora nodded before she began changing.

The Duke family mattered to him—not because they were the strongest, but because they had one foot firmly placed in the military. This gave him the chance to encroach on the Fifth Born's domain… Darius' military power.

"Well, let's get dressed and go meet the eldest prince," Theron thought with a smile.

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Meanwhile, at Dared's house...

His mother had excused herself, claiming to visit a friend. Dared and his father were left alone to have a serious conversation.

"Father… the Crown Prince was the one you assassinated. That led to the destruction of the assassin organization," Dared said calmly, as his father smiled bitterly.

He was right.

"And from the looks of it, someone from the royal family gave you that mission—and you couldn't refuse. After all, the royal family is... well, either you offended someone, or they simply used your hand to accomplish something. I'm sure you never even dared to search for the reason—and I understand. But what I need you to tell me now is everything you know about the royal family," Dared finished, his voice steady.

Even as a Universal Realm being, his father was powerless before the royal family. He never dared investigate who exactly issued the mission. He simply took the blame. The royal family hadn't even questioned him, because they already knew. Maybe the only reason he wasn't killed… was because his loss outweighed any gain. That was the only reason he was still alive.

"Dared… I want you to forget about all of this—everything you know. Just live your life quietly. In fact, it's best if you leave that new organization you joined. Go to a remote universe and live there in peace. I'll use my life to shield you… I'll become a slave for the royal family," Dared's father said, looking as if he had already made up his mind.

"Haha… Father," Dared chuckled darkly. "The eldest prince already knows about me and plans to kill me. Besides, you're a Universal Realm being—whatever you did doesn't concern me. That was your mistake… the mistake of the assassin organization. That's why you never rose alongside the mercenary groups or the Nightblood Clan to become a true force. Because you chose to become their slave. You offered your destiny to them. And where did that get you? Look at what you've become," Dared said coldly.

His father looked at him and sighed. He was right, and he accepted everything. Finally, after a few seconds, he spoke.

"What do you plan to do?" his father asked. Not to face the royal family for the destruction of the assassin organization—but to stand up for his son.

Dared shook his head. "Old man, you're weak. That fire in you is long gone. Anything you try now is a farce. All I want is for you to tell me everything you know about the royal family."

His father looked at Dared's indifferent expression, then finally began to speak.

"If you're facing the royal family, then you're facing Caius and his siblings. Although they fight among themselves, they value face more than anything. The rest of Caius' siblings will come for you—not openly, but your life and death will be in their hands.

We… we're your weaknesses. So expect our deaths soon—your friends too, if you have any. They'll do whatever it takes to erase you, and all of us."

He paused, watching Dared's reaction. But Dared remained calm—and that surprised him. Dared had changed.

"Well, I hope your new organization supports you. But Caius and his siblings will be the ones to attack. The older royals won't interfere in disputes between the younger ones. So your odds of surviving are… nearly impossible. If the older ones had wanted you dead, we'd all be corpses already. So be glad you have a chance, even if it's slim.

But Dared, I warn you—never kill a prince or princess of the royal family. You don't know what they're capable of. Even the legendary Hollowind family bowed to them. You know how strong the Hollowind ancestor is—his feats are known to everyone. And yet… he bowed. Out of fear, Dared. Fear."

"I understand, Father," Dared replied, as his father sighed again and continued.

"You already know about Caius. So I'll tell you about his siblings…"

Royal Bloodline of House Umbraxis

Theron Umbraxis – The Crown Prince

The mask of perfection. Praised by all. Cold-blooded, terrifying. A descendant of the Crimson Wyrm Clan, blessed with monstrous strength and a body rivaled by few. He possesses the legendary ancient Crimson Wyrm gene.

Seraphina Umbraxis – The Princess of Silk and Vice

Controls the bars, inns, and illicit networks of pleasure. Beautiful, dangerous, and cunning. She knows everyone's secrets and isn't afraid to use them.

Vaelen Umbraxis – The Merchant Prince

Oversees trade, food supply, and merchant networks. Wields power through gold, silver, and logistics. Slimy, but efficient. He controls the spaceship manufacturing industry and the interstellar trade network. Yes—he's the richest.

These are the publicly known royals. But two remain wild cards…

Darius Umbraxis – The Blade of the Empire

A young general. Veteran of war. Cold, precise, and deadly. Only Caius truly understands his strength. Theron fears him. But politics… are not Darius' strength or at least he hasn't dabbled in it.

Lyssandra Umbraxis – The King's Jewel

The youngest child. Doted on by the king. She has no official domain, but her mother hails from the House of Hollowind—one of the Legendary Ancient Clans. Her bloodline is immensely valuable.

"The two princesses won't fight for the throne," Dared's father explained, "but they'll support whichever prince proves himself. So the princes are not only fighting each other… but also vying for the favor of their sisters."

He looked at Dared.

"Son… the royal family is a dangerous black hole you're stepping into."

Dared frowned. It truly wasn't simple. Their backgrounds, their power… it was terrifying. And just facing Caius—who had no supporters—was already enough to shake him.

Now imagine facing all six of them?

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