The Dawn of a New Order

Six months after the Battle of Barrow Pass, the world had changed.

House Medean was broken.

Lord Axel, haunted by the flames he'd seen, had descended into madness. His advisors ruled in his name, but their authority crumbled daily. The Ilston and Hilt families had withdrawn from the alliance, publicly denouncing the "ill-conceived crusade" against Schwarzburg.

And the beast-folk...

The beast-folk had finally begun to hope.

"The Eastern Cat Tribes request formal alliance." Fido read from the latest diplomatic pouch. "The Northern Bear Clans offer trade partnerships. Even the isolated Mountain Eagles have sent emissaries."

Altrelis leaned back in his chair, processing the information.

"We've become popular."

"Victory does that." Luna's voice held quiet amusement. "Nothing attracts allies like demonstrated strength."

"And what of the humans? Any further military movements?"

"None. The border is quiet." Luna paused. "There are even rumors of... other interests."

"Other interests?"

"A merchant from the western kingdoms arrived yesterday. He claims to represent parties interested in 'normalized relations.'"

Altrelis's eyebrows rose.

"Trade? With beast-folk?"

"Times are changing." Fido smiled. "Your victory showed the world that we are not helpless victims to be preyed upon. Some humans are wise enough to recognize opportunity in that."

"Others will fear us more than ever."

"Let them. Fear and respect are close cousins." The old advisor set down his papers. "You've done well, young master. Better than anyone expected."

"I had good teachers."

That evening, Altrelis stood alone on the castle's highest tower.

The Black Forest spread before him, ancient and enduring. Beyond its edges, he could see the distant lights of beast-folk villages—more numerous now than a year ago.

*'Contemplative tonight,'* the Wisdom observed.

'Just thinking about everything that's happened.'

'A year ago, you were a stranger in a strange world. Now you're a king.'

'Does it ever get easier? The responsibility?'

'No. But you grow into it.'* The Wisdom's presence felt warm, almost paternal. *'I've guided many Demon Kings, Altrelis. Few have shown your potential.'

'Because I'm from another world?'

'Because you see people where others see pawns. Because you seek justice where others seek power.'* A pause. *'Because you care.'

Altrelis smiled faintly.

"My lord?"

He turned.

Elise stood in the doorway, wrapped in a warm cloak against the evening chill.

"You weren't at dinner. I wanted to make sure you were all right."

"Just needed some air." He gestured to the view. "It's peaceful up here."

She moved to stand beside him, gazing out at the forest.

"I received a letter today," she said quietly. "From Paradise Valley. My father... he doesn't recognize people anymore. Not even my brothers."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Her voice was steady. "He chose his path. And I chose mine."

She turned to face him.

"I want to stay in Schwarzburg. Not as a guest or a political asset, but as... as someone who believes in what you're building."

"You don't have to justify yourself, Elise."

"I want to." Her emerald eyes held his. "You gave me a choice when no one else would. You showed me that power doesn't have to mean cruelty. I want to help build that kind of world."

Altrelis studied her face—so different from the frightened girl he'd met at that fateful banquet.

"Then stay. Not as a political symbol, but as a friend."

Elise's smile lit up her features.

"Thank you."

They stood in comfortable silence, watching the stars emerge.

In the common hall below, the castle's inhabitants gathered for an impromptu celebration.

Luna sat in a shadowed corner, nursing a goblet of wine, watching the festivities with quiet satisfaction.

Isana lounged nearby, flames dancing idly from her fingertips as she listened to Tor's enthusiastic recounting of her diplomatic adventures.

"—and then the Bear Clan chief actually LAUGHED! I thought he was going to eat me, but he said I had 'spirit like mountain stream'! Whatever that means!"

"It means he liked you, fur-brain." Isana smirked. "For a kitten, you've done well."

Tor's tail puffed with pride.

Ragnar and the other commanders shared war stories with the Southern Wolf chieftains, their voices growing louder with each round of drinks.

Fido presided over it all with grandfatherly benevolence, occasionally steering conversations away from sensitive topics.

And throughout the hall, beast-folk of every type mingled freely—wolf with cat, lion with fox, bear with eagle.

For the first time in generations, they were united.

Not by fear, but by hope.

Later that night, Altrelis convened a private council.

"We've won this battle," he said. "But the war isn't over. House Medean will recover eventually. Other human lords will see opportunity in our success. We need to prepare."

"Agreed." Luna nodded. "But we're in a stronger position than ever. The alliances, the trade agreements, the reputation we've built..."

"All of which must be maintained and expanded." Altrelis leaned forward. "I want to propose something radical."

"Go on."

"A grand alliance. Not just with other beast-folk tribes, but with anyone willing to stand against tyranny." He met each council member's gaze. "Humans included."

Silence.

Then Fido spoke.

"You want to ally with humans? After everything they've done?"

"Some humans. The ones who see beyond prejudice. The merchants who trade with us. The peasants who've suffered under lords like Axel Medean." Altrelis's voice hardened. "Our enemy isn't humanity—it's tyranny. Cruelty. The belief that some lives matter less than others."

'Bold,'* the Wisdom observed privately. *'And dangerous. Many will resist.'

'Change always faces resistance.'

"It won't be easy," Isana said slowly. "But... it's not a bad idea. There were humans who helped me, once. Before everything went wrong."

"I can identify potential allies among the merchant guilds," Luna offered. "Those who profit from stability rather than conflict."

"And I know which human nobles might be receptive." Elise's voice was strong. "The younger generation, especially. They're tired of endless wars."

Fido stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"A grand alliance against tyranny..." He smiled slowly. "The first Demon King would have approved, I think. It honors the spirit of the Covenant."

Altrelis felt something settle in his chest—a sense of rightness.

"Then it's decided. We build toward something greater."

He raised his goblet.

"To the future."

"TO THE FUTURE!"

Months passed.

Treaties were signed. Trade routes established. The grand alliance—still fragile, still growing—began to take shape.

Altrelis's legend grew with each passing season.

The humans called him the Void Demon King—a name spoken with fear and grudging respect.

The beast-folk called him the Unifier—the one who finally gave their people a place in the world.

And Altrelis himself?

He simply tried to do what was right, one decision at a time.

'You've done well,'* the Wisdom said one evening, as Altrelis worked through another pile of documents. *'Better than I dared hope.'

'There's still so much to do.'

'There always will be. That's the nature of leadership.'* A pause. *'But for now... perhaps you should rest. Enjoy what you've built.'

Altrelis set down his pen.

Outside, he could hear laughter from the courtyard—Tor chasing someone, by the sound of it.

Music drifted from the common hall.

Somewhere, Luna and Isana were likely engaged in their endless competition.

He smiled.

It wasn't the life he'd expected.

It wasn't even the life he'd wanted.

But looking out at the world he was building—

He realized it might just be the life he was meant for.

Thus ends the first tale of Altrelis, the Void Demon King.

But this is merely the beginning.

For in a world of magic and monsters, swords and sorcery, dragons and dreams—

New adventures always await.

THE END

《The Void Demon King and the Flame Witch》

Volume One: Complete