Jin-ho woke with a start, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar weight of horns on his head and the sensation of something heavy curled around his leg. He blinked in the dim light of a vast bedchamber, reality crashing back as he remembered—this wasn't a dream. He was still trapped in the body of the Demon King.
The royal chambers were cavernous, carved directly into the mountain that housed the demon capital. Massive pillars of obsidian rose to a ceiling lost in shadow. The bed he lay upon could have comfortably fit ten people, its frame forged from some dark metal inlaid with crimson runes that pulsed with gentle light. Tapestries depicting ancient battles hung from the walls, their colors still vibrant despite their obvious age.
He shifted, feeling his tail unwrap from his leg where it had coiled during sleep. The barbed tip dragged across the silken sheets, tearing them.
"Another masterpiece of coordination," the Demon God's voice echoed in his mind, far too cheerful for Jin-ho's liking. "At this rate, there won't be a piece of fabric left in the castle by sunset."
It's not like I had practice with a tail in my previous life, Jin-ho grumbled internally.
"Fair point. Though I'd have thought a night's sleep would help. Apparently not."
Jin-ho sat up carefully, still mindful of his new proportions. His enhanced hearing picked up movement beyond the massive double doors that sealed his chambers—the soft padding of feet, the clink of armor, whispered conversations. He could smell a complex mixture of scents—something metallic, mixed with something like burnt sugar.
What are these smells? Jin-ho wondered, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar sensations.
"The metallic scent is respect and deference," the Demon God explained. "The burnt sugar smell is fear. You'll need to learn to recognize these emotional scents over time. It's quite useful—demons can't lie to you when you can smell their true feelings."
They fear approaching their king. Jin-ho realized.
"They're waiting for you to summon them," the Demon God continued. "The morning ritual. Your attendants, advisors, guards—all eager to serve their returned monarch."
Jin-ho's stomach knotted at the thought. He could barely handle one-on-one interaction with Kraxis. A whole group of demons staring at him, expecting leadership and majesty?
"You can't hide in here forever," the Demon God said, reading his thoughts. "A kingdom doesn't run itself. Besides, don't you want breakfast? Demons eat, you know. Quite a lot, actually."
As if on cue, Jin-ho's stomach growled. The sound was alarmingly loud in his new body, resembling distant thunder.
Fine. How do I... summon them?
"Just call out. They'll hear you."
Jin-ho cleared his throat, but hesitated. What exactly should he say? 'Come in'? 'I'm ready now'? 'Yo, demons, what's up?'
"Just try 'Enter.' Keep it simple. Authoritative. Maybe don't add 'please' at the end."
"Enter," Jin-ho called, his deep voice still startling him.
The massive doors swung open immediately, revealing a procession that made Jin-ho's social anxiety spike to unprecedented levels. At least twenty demons filed into the chamber in precise formation—servants carrying trays of food, attendants with clothing and grooming implements, guards in gleaming black armor, and several obviously high-ranking officials in elaborate robes.
At their head was Kraxis, who approached the bed and dropped to one knee while the others fanned out around the chamber, each taking what appeared to be predetermined positions.
"My King," Kraxis intoned. "The court awaits your pleasure. The morning council gathers in the Obsidian Hall, the border scouts have returned with reports, and the Festival of Ascension preparations require your approval."
Jin-ho blinked. Festival? Council? Reports? He had no idea what any of this meant.
"The Festival of Ascension celebrates your return," the Demon God supplied helpfully. "It's been planned for centuries, actually. There's a prophecy about the King's return heralding a new age for demonkind. Very melodramatic, but demons do love their ceremonies."
A new problem presented itself as Jin-ho became aware of the attendants hovering nearby, clearly waiting to help him dress. The thought of being handled by strangers made his skin crawl.
"I... will dress myself," he managed to say.
The attendants froze, exchanging nervous glances. One elderly demon with wispy white hair stepped forward hesitantly.
"My King, it has been my honor to attend to your physical form for the past two hundred and seventy-three years. If I have displeased you in some—"
"No," Jin-ho interrupted, feeling a stab of guilt. "You have... served well. But I require privacy this morning."
A strange scent like wilting flowers reached his nostrils.
"That's the smell of hurt feelings," the Demon God informed him. "You've just crushed the spirit of the demon who's spent nearly three centuries bathing your unconscious body. Very kingly."
I can't have people TOUCHING me, Jin-ho protested.
"Fair enough. Though technically they're not people, they're demons."
Jin-ho sighed, feeling a wave of guilt. Who is he? he asked the Demon God.
"That's Morden, your personal body attendant for the last few centuries. He's considered it a sacred duty to maintain your physical form while you were... indisposed. Bathing you, brushing your fangs, braiding your hair—every single day for longer than most humans live."
Jin-ho felt a pang of guilt. "Very well. Send in... Morden."
Kraxis nodded and gestured to the elderly demon, whose face lit up with barely contained joy. A new scent filled the air—something like warm honey and flowers.
"That's happiness," the Demon God commented. "You've just made his millennium."
"My King," Morden said, bowing deeply. "It has been my sacred honor to tend to your physical form these many years. To serve you while conscious is... beyond words."
Jin-ho felt increasingly uncomfortable with the reverence but managed a stiff nod. "Proceed."
Morden approached with practiced movements, beginning to explain each piece of the royal attire as he prepared it. Jin-ho stood rigidly as the elderly demon began helping him into the complex outfit.
The first challenge came immediately—the under-tunic had no accommodation for his tail.
"Forgive me, my King," Morden said, studying the garment with confusion. "Your tail seems... larger than I recall."
"Interesting," the Demon God mused. "Malverous could apparently control his tail's size. Another skill for you to master."
Great. More things I can't control.
Morden hesitated only briefly before producing a small ceremonial dagger from his belt. "With your permission, my King?" When Jin-ho nodded, the elderly demon carefully cut a slit in the garment.
As Morden attempted to guide the tunic over Jin-ho's head, Jin-ho's enhanced hearing picked up a troubling sound—fabric beginning to tear as his broader shoulders stretched the material. He tried to move his arms more carefully, but misjudged his strength, causing one of his claws to rip through the sleeve.
"I... apologize," Jin-ho said, staring at the torn garment.
Morden looked genuinely confused by the apology. "There is no need, my King. Your power has clearly grown during your sojourn in the void. The mortal fabrics cannot contain it."
While this explanation made no sense to Jin-ho, he was grateful for the face-saving interpretation.
The real challenge came with the lower garments. As Morden knelt to help guide Jin-ho's feet into the leather pants, Jin-ho's tail seemed to develop a mind of its own, swishing back and forth nervously and knocking over a nearby incense burner.
"Focus on your tail," the Demon God advised. "Imagine it as an extension of your spine—because it is. Try to control it the way you would an arm or leg."
Jin-ho concentrated, trying to still the wayward appendage, but his focus on the tail made him forget to control his strength. As he lifted one foot to step into the pants, he overbalanced and staggered forward, accidentally stepping completely through the pants leg rather than into it.
Morden scrambled backward as Jin-ho pinwheeled his arms, trying to regain balance. In his flailing, Jin-ho's hand caught a decorative weapons rack, sending ancient ceremonial blades clattering to the floor. His tail, reacting to his panic, whipped outward and knocked over a standing mirror, which shattered spectacularly.
"This is going in my collection of favorite memories," the Demon God commented, clearly amused. "The mighty Demon King, defeater of armies, brought low by a pair of pants."
Jin-ho finally managed to steady himself by grabbing one of the massive bedposts, which creaked ominously under his grip.
"Perhaps," Kraxis suggested diplomatically from his position by the door, "the traditional battle kilt would be more... accommodating for your first day back, my King?"
Morden's face brightened. "An excellent suggestion, General! The Royal Battle Kilt hasn't been worn in centuries, but it would be most fitting for your triumphant return."
Jin-ho had no idea what a battle kilt was, but anything simpler than these impossible pants seemed appealing. He nodded stiffly.
Morden hurried to a massive wardrobe and retrieved what appeared to be a leather and metal skirt of sorts, designed to hang from the waist and fall to mid-thigh, with protective plates arranged in an overlapping pattern.
"This will allow full freedom of movement in battle, my King, while providing appropriate royal dignity," Morden explained.
The kilt proved much easier to manage, requiring only a simple fastening at the waist. Better yet, it left plenty of room for his tail to move naturally.
The upper body armor came next—a breastplate of blackened metal inlaid with light crimson runes that matched the markings on Jin-ho's skin. As Morden fastened it into place, Jin-ho was surprised by how heavy it felt.
Morden noticing his surprise. "Forged in the heart of the Shadow Mountain with metals infused with your blood. It is as much a part of you as your own skin. Well, it used to be. You might have to redo the ritual."
Throughout the process, Jin-ho had to consciously restrain his strength, yet still managed to snap two leather straps and bend one metal clasp. Each time, Morden reacted not with frustration but with reverent amazement at his king's "increased power."
When the basic pieces were finally in place, Morden stepped back to admire his work, then frowned slightly.
"Your hair, my King. It has become... disarrayed during your rest."
Jin-ho reached up and felt the long braided hair, which had indeed come partially undone during his awkward dressing attempt. Before he could respond, Morden was already fetching an ornate brush and various bottles of what appeared to be oils.
"Let him fix your hair," the Demon God suggested. "Trust me, the elaborate royal hairstyle is an important part of demon court culture. It symbolizes your lineage and power. Besides, you look like you stuck your finger in an electrical socket right now."
Reluctantly, Jin-ho allowed the elderly demon to approach with the brush. As Morden began working on his tangled hair, Jin-ho was surprised to find the sensation almost soothing. The gentle pulling and arranging was oddly comforting, and Morden worked quickly and efficiently, explaining each step of the process.
"The royal braid contains forty-seven strands, my King, each representing one of the great demon houses that swore fealty to your line. The pattern signifies their interconnected destinies under your rule."
By the time Morden finished, Jin-ho's hair had been transformed into an intricate braid with metallic threads woven throughout, small obsidian beads capturing the light as he moved. The elderly demon seemed genuinely pleased with his work.
"There," Morden said, stepping back with satisfaction. "Now you truly look like the Demon King returned."
Jin-ho turned to examine himself in a remaining mirror (having shattered the largest one earlier). The figure that stared back only resembled the shy programmer, he'd been just days ago, in his eyes. Clad in black and faded crimson battle gear, with his hair elaborately braided and his crimson skin accentuated by the armor's matching runes, he looked every inch the demon monarch.
Only his awkward posture and nervous tail movements betrayed the anxiety beneath the fearsome exterior.
"Is there anything else you require, my King?" Morden asked, clearly hoping to be of further service.
"No... thank you," Jin-ho replied, still unused to the deep rumble of his voice. "You have... served well."
The elderly demon's eyes widened at the thanks, and a new wave of that honey-flower scent washed over Jin-ho.
"Contentment and fulfilled purpose," the Demon God identified the scent. "Apparently being thanked by the Demon King isn't a common experience. You might want to be more sparing with your gratitude if you don't want to stand out."
Morden bowed so deeply that Jin-ho worried he might topple over. "It is my life's purpose, my King. I live to serve."
With a final bow, Morden gathered the torn and discarded garments and retreated from the chamber, his scent trailing behind him.
"See? That wasn't so bad," the Demon God commented. "Only three pieces of furniture destroyed, one mirror shattered, and two garments ruined. Practically graceful by your standards."
Jin-ho's tail twitched in irritation, knocking over a small decorative urn that had somehow survived his earlier clumsiness.
"I spoke too soon."
"Shall I have breakfast brought?" Kraxis asked, diplomatically ignoring the trail of destruction.
"Yes," Jin-ho replied, grateful for the suggestion. Food might help settle his nerves.
While they waited, Kraxis began his briefing. "The border scouts report increased human activity near the southern passages. It appears they're testing our defenses."
"Have there been attacks?" Jin-ho asked.
"Minor skirmishes only. But there are disturbing rumors." Kraxis hesitated. "The humans claim to have received a champion from their Goddess."
Jin-ho felt a chill run through him at the mention of the Goddess' champion.
"As expected," the Demon God commented. "My former lover always did have a flair for the dramatic. A final gesture before abandoning this world."
"What else should I know before meeting the... council?" Jin-ho asked, trying to focus.
"The court is divided," Kraxis explained carefully. "Most are loyal to you without question. But some have... adapted to your absence. General Vassek in particular has grown powerful and may not welcome your return."
"Vassek?"
"Commander of the northern legions. He has advocated for aggressive expansion into human territories for centuries. Your more measured approach was... not to his liking."
Before Jin-ho could ask more, a soft knock announced the arrival of breakfast. Servants entered bearing trays of food that looked nothing like what Jin-ho had expected. Rather than the raw meat or grotesque offerings he'd imagined demons would eat, the meal consisted of beautifully presented fruits, breads, and what appeared to be some kind of honey-glazed meat.
The servants arranged everything on a large table, bowed, and departed swiftly. Jin-ho approached the spread cautiously.
"Demons appreciate fine cuisine," the Demon God informed him. "Did you expect them to gnaw on bones in a cave? They've had a sophisticated culture for millennia."
Jin-ho sampled the food, his enhanced senses making each bite an overwhelming experience. The flavors were intense, complex, and utterly delicious. He tried to maintain some dignity as he ate, but soon found himself devouring everything with embarrassing enthusiasm.
Kraxis waited patiently, keeping his gaze averted from his king's hearty appetite. When Jin-ho finally finished, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, the general spoke again.
"The council awaits, my King. They have questions about the coming campaign against humanity."
Jin-ho froze mid-chew. Campaign? They expected him to plan an actual war?
"You can't avoid this forever," the Demon God reminded him. "The humans would destroy demonkind if given the chance. And now they have their champion to lead them."
Jin-ho swallowed hard. "Let's not keep them waiting then."
As they left the royal chambers, Jin-ho tried to walk with the dignity expected of a king, but his tail kept throwing off his balance. The corridor outside was massive, carved from the living rock of the mountain and lined with statues of previous demon rulers. Torches burning with strange blue-black flames illuminated their path, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Guards stationed at regular intervals knelt as he passed, their armor clinking softly. Jin-ho could hear their quickened heartbeats, could smell the complex mixture of scents they exuded.
"The Obsidian Hall is just ahead," Kraxis said as they approached an enormous archway inscribed with ancient runes. "The full court has assembled."
Jin-ho's steps faltered. "Full court? How many..."
"Three hundred and seven high-ranking demons, my King. All the noble houses, military commanders, and provincial governors."
Three hundred? Jin-ho felt his breath quicken, his heart hammering in his chest. He had never spoken to a crowd larger than five people without having a panic attack. How was he supposed to address hundreds of demons looking to him for leadership?
His tail began thrashing behind him, betraying his anxiety. The runes carved into the nearby walls seemed to pulse in response to his distress, shadows writhing at his feet.
"Calm yourself," the Demon God urged. "Remember, your anxiety reads as intimidating to them. Just walk in, sit on the throne, and let Kraxis do most of the talking. You can simply nod imperiously occasionally."
Jin-ho took a deep breath, trying to slow his racing heart. Just pretend it's an online meeting and you have your camera off, he told himself.
"I'm ready," he said, though he'd never felt less ready for anything in his life.
The massive doors to the Obsidian Hall swung open, and a deep, resonant voice announced: "ALL HAIL MALVEROUS, DEMON KING, SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAIN, RIGHTFUL RULER OF ALL DEMONKIND!"
Jin-ho stepped forward into a vast chamber filled with hundreds of demons of every conceivable shape and size. He froze momentarily, overwhelmed by the diversity of forms before him.
What... what am I looking at? he thought, bewildered by the variety of creatures. Are all these... demons?
"Indeed," the Demon God replied, sounding amused by his confusion. "Did you expect them all to look the same? Demons are as diverse as humans, perhaps more so."
Near the front stood several regal-looking figures with crimson skin and elegant horn structures, wearing ceremonial armor that gleamed in the torchlight.
"Noble demons," the Demon God explained. "The aristocracy of our kind. The ones with the darker red skin and more elaborate horns are from the older bloodlines. They've held power since before the war."
Beside them, a group with blue and purple skin covered in intricate silver markings conversed in hushed tones, their slender fingers tracing symbols in the air.
"Scholar demons. The intellectual caste—historians, mages, researchers. Lyria belongs to this type, though she's particularly gifted even among her kind."
Jin-ho's gaze shifted to the walls, where massive creatures stood at attention—some with thick fur and bear-like features, others sleek with feline eyes that tracked his every movement.
"Beast demons, or Theriomorphs as they prefer to be called. The bear-like ones are Ursidae—strongest of the guard castes. The cat-like ones are Felidae—primarily scouts and trackers. Their animal aspects give them natural abilities no other demons possess."
Near one of the hall's grand pillars, Jin-ho noticed what appeared to be living elements—beings whose skin glowed like embers, others with crystalline growths protruding from their shoulders, and one whose form seemed to flow like water.
"Elemental demons," the Demon God continued. "Pyros, Terras, and Hydros respectively. They have natural affinities with fire, earth, and water. There are air elementals too—Aeros—but they tend to avoid enclosed spaces."
Jin-ho's enhanced vision caught movement in the darker corners of the hall—shadowy figures that seemed to blend with the darkness itself, their forms barely visible.
"Umbrites—Shadow demons. Secretive, but incredibly useful. They serve as messengers and spies. They can travel through connected shadows, making them nearly impossible to track."
From the ceiling hung several insect-like beings with chitinous exoskeletons and multiple compound eyes that shifted in unison to follow his movement.
"Insectoids. Excellent builders and trap-makers. Those are Arachnids and Mantids, based on their ancestral forms. Some can spin silk stronger than steel, others can remain perfectly still for days while keeping watch."
Most surprising to Jin-ho were the plant-like creatures with bark-like skin and flowering appendages, standing near what appeared to be beings formed from living stone and metal, with runes glowing within their crystalline structures.
"Florals and Petramorphs," the Demon God identified. "Botanical and geological demons. The Florals serve as healers and alchemists, while the stone-bodied Petramorphs are living vaults of knowledge and resources. The most ancient of them were among the first demons I created."
Every single one of them was staring directly at him.
The hall fell to absolute silence as he entered, then as one, the entire assembly dropped to their knees in a wave of movement, heads bowed low. The sound of three hundred demons kneeling simultaneously was like thunder to Jin-ho's sensitive ears.
"The King returns to his throne!" Kraxis announced. "The prophecy is fulfilled!"
Jin-ho stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed by the sheer number of heartbeats he could hear, the hundreds of emotional scents flooding his nostrils. His tail twitched nervously behind him.
I'm supposed to rule ALL of these different beings? he thought in panic.
"Yes," the Demon God replied simply. "They are all demonkind, despite their differences. And they all look to the Demon King for leadership and protection. That's you now."
At the far end of the hall stood an enormous throne carved from a single piece of obsidian, elevated on a dais so that whoever sat upon it would look down on the entire assembly. The path to it seemed miles long.
"Walk," the Demon God commanded. "Slowly. Deliberately. You are their king, returning after centuries. Make them wait."
Jin-ho forced his legs to move, focusing on keeping his tail from lashing about wildly. The assembled demons remained kneeling as he passed, though he could feel their gazes following him. His enhanced hearing picked up whispers from the crowd.
"His power is palpable..."
"The markings glow brighter than before..."
"Look how he makes the shadows bend to him..."
Jin-ho glanced down and noticed that the shadows around his feet were indeed behaving strangely, stretching and twisting in response to his movement. He hadn't consciously controlled this, but the effect was undeniably intimidating.
As he approached the dais, he noticed a group of particularly well-dressed Noble demons in prominent positions. One of them, a tall figure with curved ram-like horns and elaborate armor, watched him with barely concealed scrutiny. His scent carried a bitter quality unlike the others.
"That's General Vassek," the Demon God identified. "A Noble demon from a powerful military bloodline. That bitter scent is suspicion and resentment. He's not happy to see you—likely had ambitions for the throne himself."
Beside Vassek stood a female demon with deep blue skin and silver markings more intricate than the other Scholar demons. She wore robes covered in arcane symbols, and unlike the others, her scent carried something like fresh herbs with a hint of lightning.
"Lyria, your court historian and magical scholar," the Demon God explained. "That herbal scent with lightning? That's curiosity. She's more interested in studying you than worshipping you. Could be useful to have someone more interested in knowledge than power."
Finally, Jin-ho reached the throne and turned to face the assembled court. The massive stone seat behind him was intimidating in itself—carved with intricate scenes of conquest and dark magic, topped with sharp spires that resembled a crown.
"Sit," the Demon God instructed. "Then say, 'Rise, my loyal subjects.' Try to sound bored rather than terrified."
Jin-ho carefully sat on the throne, mindful of his tail, which he curled around the base of the seat. The stone was cold even through his armor, but seemed to warm quickly to his touch. He could feel power thrumming through it, connecting to something within him.
"Rise, my loyal subjects," he commanded, surprised by how authoritative his voice sounded echoing through the hall.
The assembled demons rose to their feet in unison. Jin-ho could see them more clearly now—the different houses distinguishable by their colors and insignia, the military officers by their armor and weapons. It was overwhelming, but fascinating.
Kraxis took a position at his right hand and began the formal proceedings. "His Majesty, King Malverous, has returned as prophesied to lead us into a new age of glory. The time has come to reclaim what is rightfully ours and to end the human threat once and for all."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. Jin-ho noticed Vassek's expression harden.
"Before we begin the council," Kraxis continued, "His Majesty will hear pledges of fealty from the high houses and military commands."
For the next hour, representatives from various demon factions approached the throne, knelt, and recited formal pledges of loyalty. Jin-ho maintained what he hoped was a regal expression, occasionally nodding as the Demon God had suggested. His tail, thankfully, remained relatively still, though it tightened around the throne's base whenever his anxiety spiked.
Finally, it was Vassek's turn. The tall demon approached with fluid grace, his movements controlled and precise. He knelt, and that bitter scent intensified.
"I, General Vassek, Commander of the Northern Legions, pledge my forces to your service, my King." His voice was smooth and deep, but lacked the reverence of the others. "Though I confess my surprise at your... changed demeanor since your resurrection."
A tense silence fell over the hall. Jin-ho sensed this was a challenge—subtle but unmistakable.
"Careful," the Demon God warned. "Vassek is testing you. He suspects something is different."
Jin-ho leaned forward slightly, forcing himself to meet Vassek's gaze directly—something that went against every instinct of his socially anxious nature.
"Five centuries in the void would change anyone, General Vassek," he replied, his deep voice carrying throughout the hall. "Perhaps you would care to experience it yourself?"
The threat was clear, and Jin-ho immediately regretted it. He hadn't meant to be so aggressive, but his nerves and the Demon King's instincts had produced a response far more menacing than intended.
Vassek's eyes widened slightly, and his bitter scent was suddenly overtaken by something like burnt sugar. Jin-ho remembered the Demon God identifying this earlier—fear.
"Forgive me, my King. I spoke out of turn."
"Well done," the Demon God sounded impressed. "Perhaps you have more of Malverous in you than I thought."
The blue-skinned demoness was next, approaching with a grace that seemed scholarly rather than martial. She knelt with practiced ease.
"I, Lyria, Keeper of Histories and Mistress of Arcane Studies, pledge my knowledge and powers to your service, my King." Her voice was melodic, that herbal-lightning scent still predominant. "The libraries and archives of our people rejoice at your return."
Something about her seemed less threatening than the others, and Jin-ho found himself nodding with genuine acknowledgment rather than forced regality.
When the pledges concluded, Kraxis addressed the court again. "Now we shall discuss the coming campaign. Our scouts report the humans have grown complacent in our long absence. Their magic wanes with the Goddess's departure. The time to strike is now."
Jin-ho's stomach knotted. They were talking about actual war—killing humans, conquering territories. Everything he'd been trying to avoid thinking about.
Vassek stepped forward. "My legions stand ready, my King. Ten thousand elite warriors, trained for centuries for this moment. We can march within a fortnight and take the southern human settlements before they even realize we've broken through the mountain passes."
"And leave our northern borders undefended?" challenged another general. "The western humans would flank us within days."
"The western humans are weak," Vassek dismissed. "Their armies are scattered, their fortifications neglected."
The court erupted into heated debate, different factions arguing strategy and targets. Jin-ho sat frozen on his throne, overwhelmed by the casual discussion of impending slaughter.
"You need to say something," the Demon God urged. "They expect you to have a grand vision for the campaign."
But I don't want a war! Jin-ho protested internally.
"Without their king leading them, demons will fall into factional conflict. Vassek already has his supporters. If you don't take control, civil war could erupt—and then humans would slaughter them all while they're busy fighting each other."
Jin-ho realized the Demon God was right. These demons needed leadership, direction. And maybe—just maybe—he could find a way to minimize bloodshed while figuring out a longer-term solution.
He rose from the throne, and the hall immediately fell silent.
"We will not rush headlong into war," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Centuries of planning deserve better than hasty execution."
Vassek's expression darkened, but Jin-ho continued.
"I require detailed reports on all human settlements, defenses, and patrol routes. I want to know where they are strongest and where they are vulnerable. And I want to understand the changes since my... absence."
The blue demoness—Lyria—stepped forward. "My King, I have been studying human societies for centuries. Their patterns, their weaknesses. I would be honored to prepare such reports for your review."
Jin-ho nodded, grateful for the support. "Good. Kraxis, I want our borders secured and our forces prepared, but no offensive action without my explicit command."
"As you wish, my King," Kraxis replied, though Jin-ho detected a new scent from him—something citrusy with an undertone he couldn't place.
"Confusion with a hint of concern," the Demon God explained. "He's puzzled by your cautious approach, given Malverous's previous aggressive tactics."
"We have waited five centuries for your return," Vassek said, his tone carefully controlled but his bitter scent intensifying. "Our forces are ready now. Why delay?"
Jin-ho's tail twitched in irritation. "Because I, unlike you, General, have a perspective that spans centuries. Hasty action leads to defeat. Patience leads to victory." He had no idea if this was true in warfare, but it sounded suitably profound.
Surprisingly, murmurs of approval rippled through the court. The demons seemed to appreciate the wisdom of their king's measured approach—all except Vassek and his closest supporters, whose bitter scents remained strong.
"This council is dismissed," Jin-ho declared, hoping he was using the correct formal language. "Return to your duties. Prepare for my commands."
The assembled demons bowed as one, then began filing out of the hall. Jin-ho carefully sat back down on the throne, mindful of his tail, and maintained his regal posture until the last of them had departed. Only Kraxis, Lyria, and—unfortunately—Vassek remained.
"An interesting strategy, my King," Vassek said, his tone just shy of insubordination. "Though not what I expected from the demon who once led the Blood Tide offensive that claimed three human kingdoms in a single month."
Jin-ho felt a chill run through him. The previous Demon King had been a conqueror, a warmonger. These demons expected the same from him.
"General Vassek," Lyria interjected smoothly, "even the greatest warrior knows when to observe before striking. Our King has spent centuries in the void. It is wise to reacquaint himself with our current situation."
Vassek's gaze shifted between them, calculation evident in his eyes. "Of course. I merely express the eagerness of my legions to serve their king in battle." He bowed stiffly. "By your leave, my King."
Jin-ho nodded, and Vassek departed, his armored boots echoing on the stone floor.
"He will bear watching," Kraxis said quietly once Vassek was gone. "His ambition has grown unchecked in your absence."
"Indeed," Lyria agreed. "Though his military prowess is undeniable, his vision is limited to conquest."
Jin-ho studied the blue-skinned demoness more carefully. Her silver markings formed intricate patterns that reminded him of circuit boards. Her eyes were entirely silver, with no visible pupils, yet somehow expressed intelligence and curiosity.
"You said you study humans," Jin-ho said. "Why?"
Lyria seemed surprised by the direct question. "Knowledge is power, my King. Understanding our enemy helps us predict their actions. And..." she hesitated. A new scent emerged from her, something subtle that Jin-ho couldn't identify.
"Embarrassment," the Demon God clarified. "She's about to admit something she thinks might displease you."
"Their culture, while primitive, has fascinating aspects," Lyria continued cautiously. "Their art, their music, their stories—they create beauty despite their short, fragile lives."
Jin-ho detected no deception in her scent—only that herbal curiosity and the now-identified embarrassment.
"Prepare those reports," he told her. "I want to know everything about the current human territories. Especially their new... champion."
Lyria bowed. "At once, my King. The archives hold much, and I have my own sources near the human lands."
After she departed, Kraxis turned to Jin-ho. "The first council went well, my King. Though some were surprised by your restraint."
"Let them be surprised," Jin-ho replied, thinking quickly. "It will keep them alert."
Kraxis nodded approvingly. "What would you do now, my King? There are petitioners awaiting your judgment, or you could inspect the legions, or perhaps visit the temple for the blessing rituals..."
Jin-ho's anxiety spiked again at the thought of more social interactions. One council meeting had nearly drained him completely.
"You need time to think," the Demon God suggested. "Tell him you're going to commune with the shadows or something suitably mystical. Demons love that sort of thing."
"I must commune with the ancient powers," Jin-ho declared, hoping he sounded appropriately mysterious rather than desperate for alone time. "To... restore my full strength after my return."
Kraxis looked impressed. "Of course, my King. The Void Chamber, the temple is in Shadowthorn Valley. We recently reclaimed it just for you to use for your rituals. None have entered it since your... departure. Only you can enter it."
Jin-ho rose from the throne, feeling every muscle in his body protest after maintaining the rigid posture for so long. His tail uncurled from the throne's base, stretching behind him like a cat awakening from a nap.
"Lead the way," he commanded, relieved to have found an escape.
As they exited the Obsidian Hall, Jin-ho caught a glimpse of Vassek watching from a shadowed alcove, his ram-like horns silhouetted against the torchlight. The general's gaze was calculating, that bitter scent still strong.
Jin-ho had survived his first demon council meeting, but he knew one thing with absolute certainty—Vassek wouldn't be fooled for long. And when he discovered the truth about the new Demon King, chaos would surely follow.
"One problem at a time," the Demon God counseled. "First, learn to control your tail. Then worry about the suspicious general plotting against you."
Jin-ho sighed, a small plume of smoke escaping his lips. Somehow, in the grand cosmic joke that had become his life, learning to control his new tail seemed like the easier of those two challenges.