Bonus Chapter: Malevolence

At the shores of a lake, the water overflowed under the sparkling rays of the sun. Adjacent to the stream, lay several entities in an entirely desolate area, devoid of anything except roaming demons.

"Hey!" An unknown entity called out, gesturing for a demon to approach.

The demon walked over and sat before the entity, meeting its gaze with little to no trepidation.

Suddenly, the demon exploded from within, and a calm voice spoke up.

"I must say, all you demons created from the Infinite Realm seem to lack respect."

There were two distinct types of demons: the Loyals and the Non-loyals. The Loyals were created directly by the entities' hands and were relatively stronger, while the Non-loyals were crude demons fashioned by the Infinite Realm. As their name suggests, the Loyals pledged full allegiance to the entity.

The Infinite Realm, widely recognized as a domain that begets demons, operates under a process that is exclusively known to the demons themselves. It sustains itself by drawing upon the animosity of residents within a particular region, compressing this hostility, and using it to fashion demons.

However, this entity does not necessarily require external hostility to generate demons. With the mere utterance of a simple phrase - "Gate Open" - new demons will emerge within the vicinity. Revered by all demons, loyal or otherwise, this entity is known as the Lord of Demons - the most formidable entity known to humankind. Its very existence poses a threat to human society.

"Esteemed Demon Lord, may we humbly request permission to undergo an upgrade?" inquired the demon, carefully maintaining a demeanor of utmost politeness.

"Kneel, you misguided one, before addressing me!" Commanded the Demon Lord, insisting upon the highest form of respect.

"Yes, master," responded the demon apologetically.

"Indeed, you are granted permission. Engage in the enhancement of your abilities without restraint, causing harm as you see fit," declared the Demon Lord with a sinister tone.

"However, upon completion, return promptly to this location," he concluded.

The demons then departed from the premises, embarking on a journey to a distant village. Without hesitation, they forcefully entered, the initial victim being an unfortunate lady who, despite her cries for help, met an untimely demise. Subsequent screams resonated through the air as the other villagers succumbed to the demonic onslaught, their desperate pleas unanswered.

They persistently pressed forward in their assault until an abrupt metamorphosis overcame their very beings. A luminous transformation ensued, wherein certain demonic entities, once resembling bats in their domestic guise, assumed a humanoid form. As they surveyed their altered existence, a palpable sense of contentment enveloped them.

Observing this profound occurrence, they persisted in their macabre pursuit, ruthlessly dispatching villagers. Yet, their malevolent endeavors extended beyond mere village boundaries; they methodically traversed from one city to another, ceaselessly seeking gratification.

Having attained a higher echelon, the Grade 3 demons expressed their satisfaction. Upon their reunion with the esteemed Demon Lord, they were enveloped in an ambiance of profound anticipation.

Gladly, they genuflected in deference and conveyed,

"Master, we have returned."

Acknowledging their presence with a discerning gaze, the Demon Lord offered a sinister smile and remarked, "Indeed, my devoted servants. Your return is noted."

"Advance, and position yourselves within that designated circle," he instructed.

Complying, they stepped into the crimson circle, radiating a subdued glow, all while the Demon Lord maintained a sardonic smile.

"Master, may we inquire about your intent?" one demon queried with a hint of trepidation.

"Cautious words, my subordinate; seek permission before you address," admonished the Demon Lord, advancing purposefully toward the concerned demon.

He approached the demon with measured steps, finding it already quivering in trepidation. With a subtle lift of his hands, a sly smirk played upon his countenance, and nonchalantly, he averted his gaze.

A palpable sigh of relief emanated from the demon, discerning that the Demon Lord had, in a rare moment, spared him. However, just as jubilation was about to ensue, the Demon Lord enunciated with unwavering authority,

"Gate Close."

Turning back to the demon, he erupted into unrestrained laughter as the creature's form underwent a grotesque metamorphosis—simultaneously disfiguring, incinerating, and disintegrating.

"I, who brought you into existence, retain the power to reclaim you," he declared with an air of chilling finality.

"In my supremacy, post-leveling endeavors do not afford you the audacity to challenge me," proclaimed the Demon Lord with unwavering arrogance.

"But, master," the demon uttered, tears tracing a silent path down its cheeks.

"I am Yami Akuma, unparalleled and undefeated," declared the Demon Lord who previously mentioned his identity as Yami Akuma with unyielding pride.

A millennium past, in the outskirts of Tokyo, young Yami Akuma, merely ten, endured the weight of a cursed name, shunned and isolated due to its ominous connotations.

The origins of his name, "Darkness Demon," chosen by his departed mother, remained a mystery. The burden of this nomenclature led Yami down a path of malevolence, evolving into a figure who instilled fear with every step.

As his life reached its twilight, the once-feared Yami met his demise, relieving the masses. However, his tale took an unforeseen turn in the afterlife—a realm of dark red caves and monstrous beings, known as the Beast Realm.

Embracing his newfound existence, Yami rejuvenated to his prime, declaring,

"What a great day."

In this realm, he vanquished the lurking beasts, establishing dominance and earning their unwavering loyalty.

Post-carnage, Yami, in an unexpected twist, indulged in the essence of his fallen foes, relishing the taste and unlocking mysterious abilities. The enigma surrounding this transformation left others puzzled, as attempts to replicate it had proven futile.