Rowena and Radir led everyone closer to the throne, with Svertaniel following after the duo closely. Asterios and his companions stayed a distance from their demon friends, watching them attentively to pick up any signs of motions and actions they should take too.

Stopping in front of the short stairs connected to the raised platform, the demon trio lowered themselves to one knee and hung their heads down. Everyone else quickly copied them.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Rowena began with a respectful tone. “As promised, I bring you the people on whose behalf I have requested this audience. I thank you for granting that wish of mine.”

A chuckle reverberated through the chamber and the Demon King lazily waved his hand.

“You may rise. There’s no need for such courtesies. It’s only me and my close aides here at the moment,” he replied with a smirk, his gaze still lingering over Asterios. “If I’m not mistaken, those are the people who caused the little stirrup in the Valley, right?”

“You are correct, Your Majesty. I will just mention that their actions bore no malice or evil intent. As you are most likely aware, no one was hurt. Pardon my rudeness.” The demon woman lowered her head again.

“It’s fine. I’ve taken a glance over your report, Governor Rowena. I bear no ill intent towards your guests either.” Nodding at her, he moved his gaze to Ast’s group. “I’m already familiar with my subjects here. Would you be so kind to introduce yourselves properly?”

Asterios made a small, respectful bow and walked closer, passing the demon trio who had stepped aside. Miria and Selene did their own courtesies and followed him with a proud step. Although, the former was starting to dislike how much the man stared at her master with a cheeky grin.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Asterios Hestizo and I’m a human Summoner, an S-rank amongst the adventurers,” Asterios started.

“S-rank? I thought the report said B-rank?” The Demon King gave Rowena a questioning gaze.

“Uhhh…” She regarded Ast’s group with an uncertain expression.

“I apologize, Your Majesty. Lady Rowena did not deceive you. I have been promoted in the short period between her request and our arrival. It happened just recently,” Asterios quickly explained.

“Interesting.” The king raised a brow at him. “I guess the badge is proof enough. And you?”

Miria bowed next. “My name is Miria Blackclaw and I’m a Pantherkin Hunter, Master’s familiar.”

Selene followed. “My name is Selene of the Spiritual Foxes, also Master’s familiar, and his mate, just like Miria,” she added with a little squint, making the man smirk at her.

Naturally, Tina did the same. “My name is Tina Nobelle, also a human Summoner, a B-rank adventurer and the daughter of a Viscount, and… Asterios’... mate too… albeit not exactly his familiar…” She quieted down near the end, starting to blush a little.

“I see. It’s my pleasure to meet all of you. It’s only natural that I introduce myself too, for those who might be unaware. I’m Zegion the Pulverizer, although people just call me the Demon King after I have taken the throne.” The man named Zegion made a courteous nod, with his head still resting on one of his fists. “Correct me if I’m wrong but that’s not everyone, is it?”

“If I may summon them here, Your Majesty,” Asterios asked for permission.

“You may.”

A crimson portal arose from the ground and Bryn walked into the chamber. She stopped next to Selene and made a polite bow.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Bryn and I’m a valkyrja, also Master’s familiar.”

“You have beautiful wings, Bryn,” the king commented.

“Thank you for the compliment. I am proud of my feathers.”

There was a brief pause where no one said anything else and Zegion looked at Asterios again.

“The number seems correct but I don’t think Lady Tina was part of your… expedition, was she?” he asked with one brow raised.

“That is true, Your Majesty.” Asterios nodded.

“And instead…?”

“A friend of mine accompanied us on our journey through the Demon Continent. She is currently resting back at home on the Human Continent. To give some more information on her, she is a B-rank adventurer specializing in the fire element, not one of my familiars.”

The king rubbed his chin. “Hmmm… That’s unfortunate… I was looking forward to meeting everyone involved in the incident.… I’m sure that you aren’t hiding anyone from me, right?”

Asterios smiled wryly. “Of course not, Your Majesty.”

After discussing the meeting with Silvia, they had decided on leaving her out of it, for obvious reasons. A royalty from another continent had kind of barged into a secret vault belonging to the demons' heritage. Welrond wasn’t too thrilled about her and Zegion meeting either so they all agreed to go without her. Of course, Silvia understood the situation perfectly and had nothing against it.

“If that’s completely necessary, I might be able to get in touch with her. I don’t want Your Majesty to think that we are being dishonest. Our friend’s circumstances are a little special,” he continued.

“Bummer. I really wanted to thank everyone personally. I’ve heard that you managed to make a groundbreaking discovery in the Tri-Valor Valley. But, what can we do?” The king sighed.

“Well… It wouldn’t be impossible to bring her here, technically… but I would need to receive permission from her guardian first.”

“Oh? That would be appreciated, Asterios. Could I request that of you? Do you perhaps require something?” Zegion glanced at him curiously.

“No, I need just a moment.”

Umbra had already been on his way to the Human Continent and crossed the distance shortly after Asterios and Zegion finished the exchange. Traveling alone through the darkness, he could do it much faster than with someone in tow, and just like Miria and Selene, he was benefiting from his bond with Asterios, growing in power alongside his master. Although, it was more in the form of regaining his locked strength.

~Silvia? Do you have a moment?~ Asterios asked after Umbra connected them.

~Sure. How can I help you, Ast?~

He smiled a little, hearing her use his shortened name. ~I’m afraid that the Demon King wants to meet all of us. Would you be fine with that? And could you ask your father if he would too?~

~I kind of expected that. Give me a moment.~

Everyone waited in silence while Silvia looked for Welrond. Zegion kept staring at Asterios the entire time. Rowena seemed a bit stressed out by the overbearing absence of any talk or noise. Radir just smiled under his nose.

In less than a minute, she got back to Asterios and Umbra began transporting her to them.

“It looks like she can join us, Your Majesty. We will need a few minutes before that happens, though,” Asterios informed the man.

The Demon King snapped his fingers and a door slammed open on either side of the throne room. A bunch of men in their skimpy armor walked inside with trays in their hands. They stopped in front of Asterios and the others.

“No worries. Enjoy some refreshments while we wait. I’m sure you must be parched after making your way through the desert,” Zegion suggested and everyone obliged.

Five minutes later, Umbra’s shadows began swirling next to Asterios and the king naturally noticed them. He dismissed the servants and watched how a humanoid shape formed from the dark mist, which soon receded and revealed a human girl.

“Princess Silvia?” The man’s brows rose a little.

“Princess?!” Rowena squeaked quietly, recognizing the young woman from their meeting before.

“I see. I understand your reluctance now. Your decision wasn’t wrong. Quite smart, actually.” He nodded at Asterios and turned to Silvia. “Welcome, Princess Silvia. I think this is our first meeting, isn’t it?”

Silvia courteously lowered her head. “That is correct, Your Majesty. Father attended the coronation ceremony alone as I was out of the kingdom on that day. I apologize for my absence.”

Zegion chuckled and waved his hand. “Yeah, yeah. He definitely didn’t send you out a week earlier just to have an excuse not to bring you with him. We’ve spoken directly only once but it was enough to understand what kind of a man he is. I was sure he understood me well too. He shouldn’t have any problems with the two of us meeting if so.”

A tiny, wry smile painted her lips and the Demon King exploded in a laugh.

“Right. I should have expected that. He is a smart man but way too overprotective. I pray that his nature doesn’t stunt your growth, Princess. We can only grow through overcoming the unpleasant experiences ourselves. Life is all about carving your own path to the top, whatever you consider it to be.”

Finally fixing his posture, Zegion sat more or less straight on his throne and rested his elbows on his thighs, supporting his chin with his hands as he leaned forward.

“Alright. I think we can get to the point now. I’m really curious what this is about. Governor Rowena’s report mentioned that you guys made quite a mess in the center of the Valley. I saw the prints of the patterns that were revealed through your actions. There’s more to them, isn’t there?”

Radir cleared his throat and walked in front of everyone.

“I believe we have stumbled on a discovery that can’t really be graded with our universal system, Your Majesty. The three pyramids were the key to something, just as everyone always thought. The thing is, the most important part of the puzzle was buried deep under the sand and stone over the passing centuries.”

“That would explain why no one managed to figure out even a hint,” the king commented with a nod.

“Yes, but that’s not all. I don’t think anyone would have been able to figure it out anyway. The puzzle was created in a specific language, one that was lost to our realm, or it never was shared with us in detail. Thankfully, our friend here, even though he doesn’t know it, can subconsciously understand the meaning of the script.”

“Oh? A curious ability.” Zegion took a peek at Asterios with one eye.

Radir also glanced his way and received a nod.

“To be honest, it might be connected to the fact that part of Asterios’ memories has been sealed with powerful magic. Our meeting was no accident or a stroke of luck. He came to me for help with that issue and our discovery was the accident there as we noticed that he can actually help with my own research.”

“A powerful seal, you say?” The king sighed. “I hate to admit it but I’m complete trash when it comes to magic. I know that might be surprising. A demon living in the Demon Continent, the very land that thrives off magic, can barely use it.”

“It did not stop you from becoming the strongest demon in our kingdom, Your Majesty,” Rowena joined in, bowing lightly. “We all know how powerful you are. Barely any mage would be brave enough to challenge you.”

The man chuckled and waved the compliment away. “Anyway, thanks to Asterios here, you found out that…?”

“The patterns were part of a giant magical array which needed to be correctly completed by destroying a few slabs of stone containing answers to questions about the Founders. When we finished it, we were teleported deep underground.”

“So that’s where you guys disappeared to. No wonder your signatures suddenly vanished after you wrecked the place,” Rowena said while rubbing her chin.

“Interesting. And it was only you?” Zegion asked.

“We didn’t notice traces of anyone else getting inside,” Asterios answered. “The mechanism seemed to have reset itself after teleporting us so you would need to somehow complete it again. We didn’t check how since we wanted to get out of sight quickly after coming out.”

“Even if someone makes it inside, there are many super hard trials to stop them!” Miria added cheerfully, earning herself a few pats from Asterios.

“That is true,” he continued. “We faced two challenges, three if we count the Golem. One of wisdom, one of resolve, and one of strength. Radir can describe them in detail later so that we don’t take an entire day to recount every little step.”

“But, to sum it up, the first one asked questions about the Founders, activated traps, and such. The second brought us into fake realities to see if we would forget ourselves in our perfect world. And the third was an infinitely regenerating Golem made of enhanced gold, placed in a chamber made purely of the same,” Radir quickly filled the king in on their journey.

“Did you overcome all of them?” Zegion glanced at Asterios.

“Not without struggle, but yes,” he answered.

“And what we found behind them is the most shocking part,” Radir continued.

The king regarded him with a questioning gaze, waiting for the big reveal. His aides moved closer around the throne too. Everyone had gotten quite invested in the unusual story. Although, the sight of a bunch of half-naked men with oiled skin leaning over a royal throne created a quite unusual sight too.

“Turns out that all of this hid the untainted living quarters of no one else than the Founding Ancestors. Perfect state and shape, no demon contact since… their passing most likely.”

Rowena gasped in shock while the king’s aides began murmuring amongst themselves. “No fucking way!”

She quickly realized her tone and covered her mouth with both hands, taking a peek at the king. He was too surprised himself to pay attention to her, fortunately. Asterios felt like he wouldn’t care about language anyway.

“But wait! There’s more!” Radir was still on it. “We found a vault full of their personal artifacts! Many chambers house various pieces of art, sculptures, books, notes, and knowledge! That place is a literal cultural treasure trove! Discovery of an unthinkable scale!”

“That is quite a big deal,” Zegion agreed, clearly pondering the new information. “You are sure about that, right?”

“There’s no shadow of a doubt,” Asterios replied. “Considering all the facilities present in the underground complex, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it was their main base of operations during the conquest of the monstrous lands.”

“Hmmm…” The king looked to be taking it quite calmly. “And no one else knows?”

Radir shook his head. “We wanted to keep it a secret, for obvious reasons. Besides, who would believe us? I already have the reputation of an insane man.”

The demon ruler chuckled heartily. “True. Very good. You might be considered crazy, but I don't think you are a liar. I would like to see it for myself. Governor Rowena, can I leave it to you?”

She bowed respectfully. “Anytime, Your Majesty. I will keep Tri-Valor Valley ready for your visit and restrict access to the center for the time being.”

“Great. I will head out with my aides after we are done here.”

“I’m afraid that even though Your Majesty doesn’t want to bother us, we might need to come anyway,” Radir interrupted him politely.

“And why is that? Are you worried that I won’t pass the tests?” The king asked with an amused tone.

“Oh, not at all. It’s just…” Radir glanced at Asterios and received another nod. “There’s one crucial detail we might have omitted so far. Besides the trials, which could have reset when we left, there’s still the gate before them. If it closed itself too, then Asterios is the only one in possession of the key.”

Asterios summoned the small damaged plate and held it at his fingertips.

“And that is?” Zegion took a curious glance at the item.

“A Dragon’s scale.”

“Oh. You must be really close with the elves to receive a Lesser—”

“A True Dragon’s scale,” Asterios corrected him.

The man’s eyes widened almost instantly and he locked them on the object.

“Where did you—”

“It’s a long story, honestly. But I’m willing to reveal part of it since it seems to be connected to the origins of this kingdom.”

“What?” Zegion didn’t hide his astonishment in the slightest.

“He is not lying, Your Majesty,” Radir vouched for Asterios. “From what we have learned, Eyla, Nyra, and Drahan received help from someone. The entire complex might have been constructed for that person, actually, in exchange for their knowledge and power. That could explain a lot about our legacy. I would even dare to speculate that the increased density of mana all over the Demon Continent… is that person's doing.”

A wave of gasps filled the throne hall. It didn’t consist only of the king’s men and Rowena, even Ast’s companions exhaled in bewilderment and awe. Covering an entire continent with magic was a feat almost transcending mortal capabilities.

Asterios finally understood the nature of the phenomenon. The weird, red atmosphere was a seal. An open one, but still a seal. It checked out with the fact that Red had researched and most likely experimented with Sealing Magic in the Demon Continent as his test field.

He mentally slapped himself on the forehead for not noticing earlier. The entire place was enveloped by a cloud of red mana. It was so red that it turned the sky crimson and the sun almost pink. Who could have done that if not Red?

“Who would be so strong? I don’t think any of our records portray the Founding Ancestors as such incredible figures.” The king pondered out loud. “Wait. You don’t mean…” His eyes widened even more.

Radir nodded. “It’s most likely as you think, Your Majesty. The person that lent them their aid was… a True Dragon.”

Zegion’s hands shot to the armrests and clutched the metal so hard it caved in. The few metal splinters that exploded to the sides from the squeezed decorative parts spooked the aides a little. The movement of the king’s arms had been so fast it looked like a blur.

“That’s why the scale…” he muttered to himself. “Our ancestors… Our people… Have been guided by a True Dragon… No wonder our magic is so strong… We were literally nurtured by a True Dragon in this environment, which it had created in the past… Generation after generation, demons have been born again and again while growing stronger, more accustomed to spiritual energy… But why would a human…”

Asterios showed a wry smile as the king’s attention turned back to him and the tough crimson plate.

“Well… We have quite a few reasons to believe that… it might have been my father.”

A metallic crunch followed as not just the armrest but now even the floor under the demon monarch’s feet collapsed under insane pressure.

“Does that mean that you are…” The man glared at him intensively.

“Technically, yes, bu—”

A loud boom echoed through the chamber, followed by an explosion of air so strong that it deformed the throne and sent the men around it flying. All of Ast’s senses screamed at him and he felt a wave of scorching hot energy roll through his body, filling his heart, brain, eyes, and spiritual circuits. He sensed a bunch of scales popping up around his neck.

Zegion’s figure literally materialized in front of him as a strong gust of wind rushed alongside the demon man. He stopped in front of Asterios with their foreheads almost touching and his fist hanging millimeters from Ast’s stomach. A wicked grin painted the Demon King’s lips as he stared Asterios deep into his draconic eyes, with Zegion’s pupils sharing the same, vertical style.

“Curious…” he muttered after glancing down and spotting a multitude of black spikes almost stabbing into his vitals, extending through Ast's clothes.

Asterios chuckled wryly. “What is it with all the kings wanting to land a hit on me?”

“All the kings?” Zegion raised a brow at him.

“You are not the first one to jump at me, Your Majesty. King Welrond got ahead of you.”

The man snickered and withdrew his fist. “Why are you holding back?”

“I mean, I knew you didn’t mean anything ba—”

“No, not like that.” Zegion shook his head. “Let me rephrase my question. Why are you suppressing yourself?”

“I… do what?” Asterios furrowed his brows in confusion.

“You see, my eyes are quite special. You can say that it’s ironic for someone unable to wield magic to be able to peer into its core. From the moment I laid my eyes on you, I saw that you are limiting your true nature, limiting yourself, holding back. You are strong, really strong, so strong that I wanted to fight you the moment you walked in. But then I realized that you don’t use that power. Why is that? Why is a True Dragon holding back? Additionally, it feels like… you are not an entire self.”

Asterios couldn’t be more confused by that statement. He had always given his all in everything, including training, which meant practicing his newfound powers and abilities too. He had never felt like he was limiting himself.

The Demon King chuckled and patted his shoulder. “I see that you aren’t aware of it. I don’t know you well enough to speculate but the common causes are often related to the rejection of reality. Impostor syndrome, to some extent. You are scared that it’s not you, that the power isn’t yours, isn’t that right?”

“Well, I would lie if I said that I don’t get similar thoughts now and then,” Asterios answered honestly.

Zegion grinned at him. “You are lucky that I’m in a quite good mood, then. There’s no better way of pushing through mental bottlenecks than a good, old spar without holding back. And I do like you quite a bit too so I’m willing to lend you a hand with it, right here, right now.”

The demon man stepped back and cracked his knuckles with a smirk.

“Too bad that you are in a healthy relationship, though. It’s against my principles to get between those.”

Asterios chuckled. “What about the unhealthy ones?”

“They are going to fall apart sooner or later so who cares if I break them early?”

He shook his head with a wry smile.

What is even going on…