Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

Caius didn't stop until he reached a large gate. "Umbraxis." The familiar family name. Outside stood two guards, their auras anything but simple. Both were at the Galaxy Realm. That's how powerful the royal family was—ordinary gate guards were Galaxy Realm experts.

"Eldest Prince…"

"Welcome back," the two guards greeted as Caius gave a simple nod.

The gate opened, and Caius stepped through. Immediately, a magnificent palace came into view at the far end, its pathway lined with beautifully arranged flowers that made the approach feel elegant and regal.

Guards patrolled the area—each one at the Galaxy level.

Royals and officials moved from place to place, busy with affairs of state.

When they spotted Caius, their expressions shifted to shock. They bowed—not out of reverence, but out of fear. And all whispered the same question:

"Why is the bastard prince back…?"

Caius ignored them. He was used to this by now. Without pause, he continued on until he reached the palace.

"Eldest Prince, the King has summoned you," a voice suddenly said as the door opened.

A man in butler attire bowed respectfully. Despite his status, the pressure he emitted bent space itself—a clear sign that he was at the Universal Realm.

Caius frowned slightly. What does the old man want now? He should be in a meeting with the officials. Why call me now? What's his plan?

As he was led through the grand hallway, his mind raced with thoughts—especially about how his siblings and they would react. He was about to make a big move. After this, he'd need to return to Dreadborne… Should he inform them of his dilemma? He wasn't sure how the Dreadborne Organization would respond to his actions. But it didn't matter. He had made up his mind.

This time, he had a chance—a chance to change his destiny.

Caius began to hear murmurs as they approached the courtroom—the very heart of the kingdom's decision-making. The five aristocratic families and high officials were always present here. For significant events, even the secluded ancient families and ancestral aristocrats would attend. And today… was one of those days.

Inside, as heavy discussions echoed through the chamber, the door slowly creaked open, revealing the face of the Eldest Prince.

Silence.

Everyone—officials, aristocrats, and royals—fell quiet. Hundreds of eyes locked onto Caius as his footsteps rang throughout the chamber.

He stepped forward to the center, his gaze landing on the man atop the throne.

His father.

The king was preparing to ascend to the Multi-Universal Realm and retreat into the shadows, becoming an ancestor of the royal family. To sit on the throne, it wasn't enough to be the victor among your siblings—you had to possess the talent to back it. For once you reached the proper realm, you'd leave the throne and enjoy a blissful, quiet life in a secret world, with access to endless resources and as many spouses as you pleased. But you were also the royal family's last line of defense, responsible for protecting its legacy.

The man on the throne looked middle-aged. His aura had not declined. Seeing both him and the full court gathered confirmed Caius's suspicion—his father was about to make an important announcement.

"So… the bastard prince finally returns?" the king said lazily, his voice reverberating through the courtroom.

Everyone gulped.

The king had really called his own son a bastard… openly. Spicy.

Caius gave a slight smile. "Yeah, he's back."

He glanced at his siblings.

Theron smiled at him.

His two sisters wore expressions of cold indifference.

Vaelen looked at him with faint pity.

The only one missing was the fifth-born, Darius—probably stationed with the military.

"And why are you here? For what?" the king asked, his tone laced with mockery. "You allied yourself with a new organization. Shouldn't that have been enough for you?"

Everyone exchanged looks. Why does the king seem to hate his own son? After all, Caius's mother was from an ancient family. She wasn't a peasant. So where's all this disdain coming from?

"I'm here for the throne you sit on," Caius replied flatly.

Boom.

Gasps filled the courtroom. Did he just say that out loud? His own father clearly despised him, yet he still dared to lay claim to the throne?

"Hahaha… you? A waste?" the king burst into laughter. "Did that little organization you joined give you delusions? Do you think you're qualified now?"

"He's brave…"

"I'm shocked."

"Is the Eldest Prince… sick?"

Whispers rippled through the hall.

"I guessed right," Theron thought with a slight frown.

"Hmph, as I expected… but what gave him the right to fight for it?" Vaelen sneered inwardly.

"Hahahaha… idiot," Seraphina thought, a faint smile on her lips.

"Hmph, this loser thinks he can compete with my brothers? What a joke," Lyssandra scoffed.

Everyone was stunned. What is the Eldest Prince doing? Is this a joke?

"Do you see me laughing?" Caius said coldly. "Did I crack a joke? I meant every word. The blood of the royal family flows in me. I am your son—even if you are a disgusting father. I have the right to fight for the throne."

If the king wanted to disrespect him, he would return the favor.

Holy hell… the tiger cub just bit his own father's tail.

That was everyone's thought.

"Are you stupid?" Seraphina snapped before the king could respond. How dare he insult her father? She would not tolerate it.

The room fell into absolute silence. The ancient families, officials, and aristocrats could only watch as this internal conflict unfolded.

"Relax, Seraphina," Theron said calmly. "Even if you have royal blood, do you have the talent to match?"

The crown prince had finally challenged his older brother. What would Caius do?

"Do I not?" Caius said as he suddenly spread out his arms.

"No way…"

"Planetary Realm… Middle level?!"

"How…?!"

Yes. In just a few short hours, Caius had risen from the early stage of the Planetary Realm to the middle stage.

How?!

The answer: the residual power from his transformation in the Aeron Pool had finally been absorbed.

"Brother… did you force the breakthrough?" Vaelen asked quietly.

All eyes turned, realization dawning. If Caius had forced it, he might never advance again. Is this the doing of the organization he joined?

Regardless, one thing was clear—Caius was desperate.

But he had made up his mind.

This time, he wouldn't back down.

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