Seth

The entire crowd stopped breathing after the hellhounds appeared in the real world. Fear clearly written on their faces, but they still didn't dare do move. The hellhounds were scary, but not as scary as angering the Demon King and his son.

"Come. I'll bring you in." Said the Demon King without even taking notice of the large crowd. Some of them, brave or stupid, slightly looked up to see their Young Lord. The Lord who would rule over them for many generations. Even with only his lower body covered by scorched fur, nobody would deny that he looked impressive. He was slightly smaller than the current demon king who was 2 meters in height. His body also seemed slender, the demon king's bulky muscles, replaced by a well defined body. His skin looked flawless, almost sparkling under the shining sun. If it wasn't about his healing abilities that surpassed all the other races, his entire body would be covered by scars. He was beaten, bitten, stabbed, scorched and crushed countless times, but he somehow managed to survive and he healed without leaving a single scar on his body.

The palace was as tall as a mountain. The largest building in the world. And it wasn't just the size that was impressive. Statues of heroes of all races, gardens with countless flowers, the most impressive marble as far as the eye can see… It wasnt a castle like the demi demons have. All black, with creepy statues and countless spikes on the top. No, this castle was the pinnacle of art, architecture and magic of all the six great races from many generations.

In the beginning the boy wasn't sure if he could call this place his home, but now he realized that he really missed it. And he was reminded that he should appreciate this place instead of taking it for granted. And the demon king, who was walking on his side the entire time was reading his thoughts.

"It seems like you have already realized what the test was about. It wasn't only about making you strong. It's about what is important in the world. There are six races in this world, well, if you're not considering the demon king lineage as a race, but just a family. However, with six races there will be conflicts. In all the history books the same is written before we started to take the undisputed lead in the world. There were wars. Countless wars between the races, about territory, resources or every other dispute you can think of. That was, until we appeared. We are the ruler of this world and if anyone denies it we will punish them. Our word stops conflicts and wars. We are as much feared as we are respected because all the races know that if they do wrong, they will be punished. Now we are at peace, for hundreds of years. That's how you must lead this world in the future. Hard but fair. If anyone tries to use you, punish them without remorse, if anyone asks for your help, help them if you think it's reasonable. This place is the product of our efforts. A symbol for unity. Appreciate and respect this place and rule it as a good leader."

The boy nodded. He just learned a very valuable lesson, the strength in his family wasn't a given, it had its purpose and if he doesnt use it reasonably it would be the downfall of the entire world.

They finally reached the gate that was the entrance to the main building of the palace. The gate was massive, easily fitting two dragons in their full form letting through it at once. It was open, but the boy asked himself who could open it after it was closed. Maybe dragons, who were the most powerful individuals, could open it. Or the humans with their powerful magic. Obviously, it wouldn't be a problem for him. Maybe they just never close the gates, leaving it open as a symbol for peace.

He didn't learn much about this place, or even the world before he left the palace. Simply because it wasn't necessary. If he becomes strong enough, he has time for this after his return, if he isn't strong enough. Well, dead people don't need to learn something anyways, it would have been a waste of time. So there was still a lot for him to learn. About the races, the world, its structure or his own path.

Lost in thought he almost forgot about his surroundings. He was finally in the throne room, the largest room that was known to exist on the planet. Again, a symbol of absolute power. As a kid he spent some time here. Watching his father making decisions that might, or might now, change the fate of the world. But like the palace from the outside, he never appreciated it. That should change today.

With huge pillars the impressive ceiling was held in place. Despite the laws of physics. The ceiling was painted telling the story of the demon kings. From the first to the current and soon, from his own. Even his hellhounds will probably find their place on the ceiling. However, from his memories there was something that changed. Despites being only a minor detail compared to the size of the room, it had a huge impact on him and the entire world. He was walking towards the throne. Back when he had left there was one throne on the top and a smaller throne on the steps below. One was for the demon king and one for his wife. The most powerful and influential being in this world. But this time, there was another throne. RIght next to the throne of the current demon king. His throne.

There was a person sitting on the lower throne. An elf woman. Besides all the women he had seen in this place before, she was breathtaking.

She was a tall and graceful elf woman with long, wavy auburn hair that flowed down her back in waves. Her almond-shaped eyes glimmered like emeralds, and her skin was as smooth as porcelain. Her delicate, pointed ears curved gracefully upwards and her full, lush lips were pulled into a gentle smile.

She wore a flowing, sapphire blue dress that clung to her curves and reached to the floor. The dress was decorated with intricate golden embroidery that glittered in the light, and a shimming silver belt cinched her waist. She wore obsidian shimmering high heels, and delicate golden jewelry adorned her beck, wrists and ears.

She was a vision of beauty and her aura was one of serenity and peace. Her presence was calming and she had an air of grace and wisdom around her that was truly enchanting.

If the boy ever doubted why the demon king chose her as his wife. His doubts were now gone, she was truly worthy to be the demon king's wife. She was his biological mother, but he never had any feelings for her. The rules were simple. If it is a boy, he is the demon king's son and if it's a girl, she is the demon king's wife's daughter. That's how it's always been and will ever be.

But she wasn't the only presence in the room. There was someone else standing in front of the thrones. She would never dare to take a step on it, but as the demon king's wife's daughter she had a place near the queen.

Her daughter was a beautiful and vivacious young elf girl, with the same auburn hair and emerald green eyes as her mother. She was slightly shorter than her mother and her skin was pale ivory. Her pointed ears were slightly more pronounced and her lips were full and rosy.

The elf girl's breasts were slightly bigger than her mothers, giving her a more voluptuous figure. Her curves were more defined and her dress hugged her body in all the right places. Her breasts were full and round and although they were not overly large, they were close to perfection.

She wore a bright yellow dress with intricate silver embroidery and a glittering golden belt. Her feet were also bare and she wore delicate silver jewelry around her neck. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and… happiness?

She was full of energy and life and her presence was infectious. As far as the boy could remember she was always quick with a joke or a laugh and her enthusiasm for life was contagious. She was a joy to be around. Fortunately, that hasn't changed over the years.

Even if her mother was the perfection of beauty, she was a fitting equal to her.

Contrary to the people outside of the palace, they didn't look afraid of the hellhounds who were still following the demon king and the boy. Actually, they looked quite interested in them, but were soon looking at the boy in his fur again. He really had to change his clothing. In all this luxury and glamor he felt uncomfortable. He was not yet aware of the royal aura he had. No one would question his authority even if they did not know who he was.

"Welcome home." The elf queen stood up and bowed. She had a delicate, almost melodic voice that was hearable in the entire large room, even if she spoke in a normal sound. Fitting for a queen.

"Welcome home." Said the younger elf, her voice was quiet and almost shy, but it was clear that she would change over time, as it immediately reminded the boy of the girl's mother.

"It's time to take your rightful place near me, my son." Said the demon king and smiled.

The boy didn't hesitate. He never stepped near the throne before, but he knew that it was his rightful place. The hellhounds, however, stopped without getting closer to the throne. They had their rightful place in front of the thrones, not near them.

As he finally took his place on the throne he looked down on everything. He almost smiled at the sight. The room was currently empty. Everyone in the palace was still gathered on the plaza. This moment wasn't for the public but only for the royal family. That the elf queen was here, felt natural, but her daughter? The boy didn't know if this was a break of tradition or had another reason. But he also couldn't care less.

He now looked towards his father who was still standing in front of the thrones with a big proud smile on his face.

"That's quite the sight my boy. I see that you are born for this place. Nobody will ever doubt your authority." He said this before. He was worried that his son might have hidden in a hole the past ten years. Not that it wouldn't have been impressive. No matter how you do it, if you return from this place you are undoubtedly the strongest. But after what he had seen since he met his son, and now seeing him on the throne. He would be a suitable successor for him.

"I guess it's time to give you a name now." Said the king with pride. Names weren't given to the sons of the demon king until they survived their trial. There was simply no need for that. They would rather die early or get their name when they are ready to become the next demon king.

"Seth. This will be the name you will proudly wear from now on. And now you are officially the Demon Prince. Wear your name with pride and honor it, so you will also honor your ancestors."

Seth smiled. It was a good name. A worthy name. And just like his father said, he will wear the name with pride.