Fallen Demon Lord

The morning sun poured softly through the tall glass windows of Kaelen Valemorth's chamber, gilding the room in gold. Yet Kaelen sat still, his gaze locked on the white cat now curled at the edge of his bed.

Its fur glowed faintly, unnaturally pure. But it was the third eye — nestled between its brows and shimmering pale blue — that betrayed its otherworldly nature.

Kaelen narrowed his eyes.

"Who are you really? And how did you reincarnate me into this world?"

His voice, though calm, was laced with confusion and rising curiosity. The memories were fragmented, overwhelming, but his instincts warned him — this creature was far from ordinary.

"Are you one of those so-called Heavenly Gods?" Kaelen continued, scowling. "Or maybe just a lesser divine, playing with mortals for sport?"

The cat lifted its head, its eyes calm and ancient.

"I am neither a god nor a servant of theirs," it said. "I am Ravethis, the Eternal Watcher of the Void… a Divine Beast born before time, created not to rule — but to observe."

Kaelen's brow furrowed. His lips tightened.

"So you're another cosmic spectator who wants to use me as a pawn?" he snapped.

Ravethis blinked slowly, then smirked — as much as a cat could.

"You misunderstand. I chose you not as a pawn, but as a rebel. A soul who dared defy the gods. Let me explain…"

Its voice echoed with gravitas, as though drawn from the very void itself.

"Long ago, when the True Creator was still present in this realm, he split his divine essence into five fragments. From these fragments were born the Five Divine Angels, tasked with governing this universe in his absence. I was created alongside them — not to rule, but to witness."

The room fell still. Ravethis continued.

"But as centuries passed and the Creator vanished, those angels grew arrogant. They began to call themselves Gods… and turned this world into their playground. They orchestrated wars between mortals and demons — all for entertainment."

"You, Kaelen — no, Zerath Kael'thar — were the strongest mortal soul born in that era. You held fragments of all five divine powers… and yet, you sided with truth, not chaos. You were the first to rebel."

Kaelen's breath caught in his throat. His fists clenched.

So it's true… those gods weren't divine beings. Just tyrants.

Sweat rolled down his temple. The weight of Ravethis' words crushed his heart.

"How can a being like the Creator... just disappear?" he murmured. "How does power like that… cease to exist?"

Ravethis offered no answer — only silence.

Just then, a firm knock echoed through the room.

Knock knock.

"Young Master Kaelen," came a familiar voice, "may I enter?"

Kaelen blinked away his thoughts. "Come in, Albern."

The butler entered, his posture formal yet graceful. Kaelen noted the man's composed aura — this was Albern, the most loyal servant of House Valemorth and the one person the Patriarch trusted above all others.

Albern bowed slightly.

"I bring news. In three days, the Valemorth family will hold its Heir Selection Gathering. You and Young Master Cedric will compete in a formal duel. The victor shall be named the next successor and granted a seat at the Imperial Academy."

Kaelen nodded silently as Albern exited.

So that's it, he thought. The family head has spoken. The duel is unavoidable.

His crimson eyes burned with quiet fire.

I care nothing for succession… but I must grow stronger. That academy may be my path to power—and revenge.

Later… Training Grounds of House Valemorth

Kaelen stood in the center of the ancient training chamber, his body still weak from the aftermath of reincarnation.

"Three days," he muttered. "I must be ready by then."

This body—once belonging to the original Kaelen—was already talented. He had reached Foundation Awakening: Stage Five, a level considered elite for a child. Perhaps that was why his life was cut short.

And now… it was Kaelen's to reclaim.

His thoughts shifted.

This world follows a ten-tier cultivation system…

The Ten Cultivation Realms:

Foundation Awakening – Sensing mana, opening energy channels.

Body Reforging – Reinforcing the body to withstand spiritual force.

Aura Convergence – Gathering and shaping external energy into weapons.

Aegis Vein – Forming an internal aura shield for defense.

Spirit Tempering – Strengthening the soul and inner self.

Core Creation – Building a spiritual core that acts as a second heart.

Soul Armament – Channeling aura into weapons, amplifying combat power.

Ascendant Veins – Unleashing bloodline powers or hidden ancestral abilities.

Ether Crown – Commanding aura externally, manipulating fields.

Domination Path – Ascending to the level of mythic lords and sovereigns.

Each realm had nine stages, and this body's mana channels were still closed due to poisoning.

"If I want to win… I must open them all."

He dropped into lotus position. His breathing steadied. Sweat formed instantly.

"Let's begin…"

Red mana crackled around him. Pain erupted through his limbs — but he didn't scream. His hair floated, his skin glowed faintly, and crimson light surged through his veins.

Two Days Later

Kaelen collapsed, exhausted and pale.

"Twelve main meridians… Eight extraordinary ones… I've only opened four. Arms and legs. That's enough."

His eyes fluttered open. "I've reached the fifth stage again. Just in time."

Heir Selection Ceremony — Day of the Duel

The grand ceremonial hall buzzed with anticipation. Between marble pillars and rows of nobility, a circular arena stood at its heart. Above them all, seated upon an ornate throne, was Lord Darian Valemorth. Beside him — cold and elegant — sat Lady Rovena, her gaze filled with malice.

The spectators whispered.

"Cedric's already Stage Six. He'll win easily."

"Don't underestimate Kaelen… He was always a prodigy."

The two boys entered the arena.

"Everyone's eyes are on both of them. What will happen now?"