Abyssal Sovereign: The Demon's Dominion

"Mai... I'm interested in knowing about my mom—and my family as a whole," Caius said leisurely as he sat on a chair.

In front of him, Mai sat as well, listening attentively to Caius's question.

"Our family is an ancient clan. As for your mother..." Mai sighed, her gaze distant. "It all started when she was a teenager. She longed for the outside world. She was talented too—so much so that she could rival the first-tier geniuses from legendary ancient clans like the Hollowind. But one thing about our family is that we're neutral. We've never had any connections with the royal family. Even when they needed help, we—along with the other ancient and legendary families—always stayed back. We weren't interested. Naturally, this caused dissatisfaction within the royal court."

She looked at Caius as she spoke.

"I think I'm beginning to understand. Continue," Caius replied, nodding slightly.

"Your mother, young and full of wanderlust, went out to explore. By coincidence, she met the young prince—your father. He noticed her immediately. Though she lived in the Federation, she was... different. Stronger. More talented. He returned to the palace and asked about her. The royal family investigated and found out she was from our clan. And then..." Mai smiled faintly.

"He was told to pursue her. To fall in love with her. He didn't understand why, but he followed the royal elders' commands... not knowing he was just a pawn in their plans," Caius finished for her, and Mai nodded approvingly.

"Correct. Your mother, having never been close to a man before, quickly fell for your handsome father. She became pregnant.

You see, it was all a strategy—a warning to the ancient families. They wanted us to step out of seclusion and support the royal cause. Marrying into the royal family was their way of assimilating us. Whether the child was male or female, it would belong to the royal family. They wanted to absorb our strength, our bloodlines... to grow stronger." Mai sighed as she spoke.

"The old foxes in the royal family sure know how to plan, huh?" Caius thought coldly.

"The elders were curious to see what kind of child would be born from this union. But... when you were born—" she paused, looking at him, "You were deemed a waste. Your father despised you. After all, he never truly loved your mother. He was just following orders. Back then, he was still the Crown Prince. Now..."

"Yeah, I get it. No wonder I'm suddenly seeing all the ancient clans—even families like Hollowind—beginning to emerge," Caius muttered.

"Exactly. So, we're betting on you, cousin. As the battle for the throne intensifies, we'll be sending more bodyguards to support you. The fight for the throne is brutal. Most royal siblings either die... or end up in a vegetative state." Mai said with a calm smile.

"Thank you for protecting me. And let your family know—I accept their support. After all, your ancestor once saved my life when I was a child," Caius said, and Mai nodded solemnly.

She had completed her mission. It seemed honesty truly was the best approach when dealing with someone like Caius.

"Hmm... I have one supporter now, but it's not enough. I think it's time I contact Liya. I don't want to fall out completely with Theron, but he needs to start seeing the signs..." Caius thought silently.

Then he stood and addressed his guards:

"Alright, everyone. Let's return to the courtyard. Tomorrow, we go somewhere important." He stepped out of the spaceship, and the guards quickly followed as they departed.

*********

Meanwhile, at the Duke family estate...

Liya arrived, and a grand celebration erupted in her honor. She was, after all, the firstborn—and the most talented female in the Duke family. Her strength was second only to monsters like Theron and Darius. Of course the Duke would be thrilled.

"Daughter, eat and drink to your heart's content! You deserve it!" A broad-shouldered man with a thick beard said with a wide smile. He resembled Liya—he was her father.

Maids and servants bustled around, offering delicacies and fine wine.

"Dad, come on! Do you want me to get fat?" Liya rolled her eyes, pouting.

"Blah! Look at your mother—am I fat?" a woman with a stunning figure and a radiant smile said playfully. She was graceful and breathtaking. Liya's mother.

"No, Mom, you're not... but seriously, can I even finish all this?" Liya puffed her cheeks in mock defeat.

To the world, she was a cold, untouchable powerhouse. But here, she was simply her parents' beloved daughter.

The trio laughed, exchanged jokes, and enjoyed the moment. The maids and servants smiled—this warmth hadn't filled the Duke residence in a long time.

"But Mom, Dad... where's my sister?" Liya suddenly asked.

"I don't know. That little girl missed you and went to ask Theron why he kidnapped you," her mother said with a chuckle.

"Well, they are childhood friends. Theron's always been like a big brother to her," the Duke added, and Liya laughed softly.

The family feasted and shared stories late into the evening.

****

Later, in a private library, the Duke and Liya sat face-to-face.

"My princess... tell me what happened with the Dreadborne Organization," the Duke asked seriously. At his level, he understood the gravity of the situation. The Federation's higher-ups knew this new organization was no ordinary threat. At least two or three members were at the Multi-Universal Realm.

And beings at that level... couldn't be killed. At best, they could be sealed temporarily. But sealing wasn't a solution—it was just delaying the inevitable. Everyone walked on eggshells when such beings were involved.

"Father, it's like this..." Liya began explaining. As she spoke, her father's expression darkened with every word.

This organization...

And then he looked at his daughter.

He swallowed hard. "Wait... you mean your potential rivals ... Theron? No—Darius?" he asked in disbelief.

Theron and Darius were said to be equals in talent, but there was a massive gap between them. Theron was in the Early Galaxy Realm. Darius, however, was at the Peak Galaxy Realm, about to break into the Universal Realm.

That gap was monumental—especially considering Darius was only 16. Theron was 22, Caius 24, and Vaelen 18. Lyssandra was 13, and Seraphina was 20.

Theron had a six-year head start in training—yet Darius had already caught up and surpassed him.

To have a talent that could rival Darius...

"Hahaha! Baby, you did well. This is amazing!" the Duke burst into joyous laughter.

Liya smiled.

Their family had grown stronger.

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