The Damned Demon-Chapter 867: To Rise As Gods

Not long ago,

The topmost floor of the Infinity Tower overlooked a sprawling metropolis filled with flying vehicles and floating bridges, a glittering mirror to the power and ambition of one man.

A man in a elegant blue suit stood by the massive panoramic window, his single radiant blue eye reflecting the endless spires and neon-lit structures beneath a dusty, orange-tinted sky.

Despite his actual age, he appeared only in his early forties, his striking blue hair meticulously styled, his matching mustache groomed sharply, and a blue-metal eyepatch covering his right eye.

The silence was broken by a soft hiss as the sleek metallic doors behind him slid open. Albert entered, his crisp brown business suit complementing his neatly trimmed white beard, his calm presence a familiar comfort in these high-stakes moments.

"A beautiful day to start our future, isn't it?" Albert's voice was steady, carrying a quiet pride as he approached Derek with slow, measured steps.

Derek remained still, gazing out at his city with narrowed contemplation. "It feels like a long time yet still feels like yesterday since we started this," he replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Albert smiled gently, extending his hand toward the sprawling metropolis beyond the glass. "Of course. Within just few months, we have managed to build a mini-empire of our own here. The majority of the Hunters from Earth have already been transferred to Mars, ready to follow our every command. They will literally worship us after we finish what we started."

"How many were evacuated?" Derek asked, his tone calm yet edged with curiosity. free𝑤ebnovel.com

"As you know, all the high-priority individuals and those who paid dearly for their one-way ticket here have safely arrived, numbering around five hundred million, excluding Hunters and their families," Albert reported, straightening his suit jacket.

"A perfect number," Derek mused with a slight nod, "Not too much for us to govern, yet not too low to start everything from scratch."

Albert's expression grew thoughtful as he stroked his white beard. "That's true. But there might be chaos to deal with when Earth suddenly blows up and billions vanish into nothingness. It's not like the people, especially the Hunters we've brought here, don't have connections back on that planet."

Derek's lip curled into a cold, confident line, his single eye gleaming sharply. "That's nothing to worry about. They'll believe whatever narrative we create. We will be their saviors. When we destroy both the demon world and Earth as unfortunate collateral, it won't be difficult to convince them that it was the desperate act of dying demons attempting to drag humanity down with them." His lips twisted slightly darker as he added, "Even if they uncover the truth and fail to accept our necessary sacrifice, there's nothing a mass memory wipe won't solve. We didn't install those Mindforce projectors for nothing."

Albert chuckled softly, admiring Derek's meticulous planning. "You really have thought of everything, haven't you? This is precisely why I have no regrets giving you my unconditional support. But…" Albert's expression became serious, "what about Arthur, the Judge, and his supporters? Isn't it time we dealt with them? Even if they can't pose any serious threat, they can be a bit annoying to deal with if left unchecked."

Derek calmly shook his head, his demeanor unwavering. "No, it's not yet time to get distracted. They don't possess the strength to halt what we've set in motion. We'll let them come to us when everything goes down."

Just then, the door slid open once more with a quiet mechanical sigh, revealing Dr. Lila confidently stepping through the entrance.

Her neatly tied black hair and large rectangular glasses framed a pair of sly, calculating eyes.

Behind her loomed an imposing figure, nearly three meters tall, encased head-to-toe in dark-golden metallic armor shaped like a formidable rhino. A massive horn protruded from the helmet, its crimson eyes glowing ominously. Low, growling breaths emanated from the armor, a sound thick with menace.

Trailing behind them was General Max Schmidt, robust and intimidating, his military bearing accentuated by piercing blue eyes and a neatly trimmed grey toothbrush mustache.

"Ah, Dr. Lila, General Max, you've arrived at the perfect time," Albert greeted with a brief nod, his eyes flicking toward the gigantic armored figure behind Lila.

"Is everything ready?" Derek turned slowly from the window, his gaze meeting theirs, authority radiating from every inch of his posture.

Max stepped forward, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. "The Nexus Tower is fully operational, primed to blow the filthy demons' world to oblivion. Though," he sighed dramatically, "it's a shame I'll have to bid farewell to my precious assets back home even though I gained more in my new home."

Lila adjusted her glasses with a proud smile, stepping aside to present the intimidating Rhino King. "My boy here is in his most stable form yet, an Omega-class Hunter—our crowning achievement. Congratulations to us all for finally creating our first successful Omega product."

"Stable?" Derek narrowed his eye slightly as he advanced toward Rhino King, unflinching despite the oppressive aura emanating from the colossal armored figure. He peered closely, addressing it directly. "Are you really in there, Rhino King? Do you fully grasp your mission?"

Rhino King responded with a strained, guttural voice filled with beastly determination, "Yes... I do. Don't worry—even though my mind and body have been ripped apart and stitched together countless times, I remember why I survived. I understand clearly the purpose of this second life you've granted me. I will activate the Final Reckoning quest and open the way for the Nexus Tower's energy to pass through the portal. I'll guard it with my life until it's fully charged to obliterate the demon world. Nothing can stand in my way—not with this newfound power."

Derek scrutinized him intently before slowly nodding. "As an Omega-level Hunter, even Soul Devourers will fall like flies before you. But remember, there's still Drogor—the dragon said to be the last descendant of Drakaris. He has hidden himself for centuries, but he may emerge to defend his world from destruction. Whether he can defeat you or not, your priority is to hold that portal open until reinforcements arrive. Understood?"

Rhino King grunted loudly, contempt filling his tone. "I fear no mere dragon. Drogor won't be a match for me, and reinforcements will be unnecessary. Mark my words."

Derek's voice grew sharp, cutting through Rhino King's arrogance. "I don't care how strong you think you are. We have invested far too many resources into your creation. Use your head as much as your power, and follow my instructions to the letter. Now, you may leave."

Rhino King growled lowly in acknowledgment, his massive frame turning as he strode heavily out the doors, each step echoing ominously until the doors slid shut behind him.

Lila turned her sly gaze toward Derek, adjusting her glasses thoughtfully. "He's a bit hot-headed, but his strength is undeniable and is completely under our control. With him securing our portal, there's no one left who can stop our plans. At least not before it's too late."

General Max chuckled darkly, folding his arms confidently across his chest. "Then it's finally time humanity purged itself of these demonic vermin once and for all. Today marks the beginning of our glorious new empire."

Derek turned slowly back toward the vast cityscape of Mars, his single radiant blue eye reflecting determination and cold resolve. "Yes," he whispered softly, his voice firm and resolute. "Not long after we ascend beyond mere humans. After this, nothing will stand in the way of humanity's dominion. The demon world will burn, and with it, the old Earth. From their ashes, we will rise—as gods."

—

In the pristine silence of a large training hall, bathed in cool, muted lights, Arthur stood tall, his figure glowing momentarily with an intense, radiant white light. As the glow gradually faded, Arthur's expression remained solemn, his jaw set firmly with quiet determination.

Across the room, Hiroto Yamaguchi—known widely as "the Judge"—stood with the calm authority and dignity that had earned him that name.

Age had etched deep wisdom and resolve onto his face, each wrinkle a mirror to the countless battles he had survived. His grey eyes shone with quiet pride as he gave Arthur a slow nod of acknowledgement.

"I have taught you everything I could," Hiroto said, his voice steady yet heavy with the weight of responsibility. "In the little time we had, you've surpassed every expectation I held for you. Now, you are one of the few who possess the power we need—the strength necessary to save our world."

Arthur clenched his fists tightly, feeling the burden of those words press upon his shoulders. His radiant blue eyes darkened with concern as he faced his mentor.

"Even if we manage to free the imprisoned Hunters like Amelia's parents," Arthur said grimly, "our numbers will still be far too few. Derek commands armies of Hunters and maybe even demon slaves ready to do his bidding, unaware of the monster they're truly serving. How can we possibly defeat such overwhelming force with such limited strength?"

Hiroto stepped forward slowly, placing his weathered hand reassuringly on Arthur's firm arm. His gaze softened with understanding as his voice resonated deeply, carrying both wisdom and warmth.

"Remember, Arthur, we aren't alone in this fight," Hiroto reminded gently, his deep wrinkles creasing further as he spoke. "Your father stands on the other side of the portal, fighting alongside his people—fighting for all of us. Your mother entrusted us with the knowledge of a future she saw; we cannot let her sacrifice be in vain."

Arthur's jaw clenched slightly, the mention of his parents stirring powerful emotions inside him. He drew a slow, steady breath and nodded, feeling the strength of his mentor's words bolster his resolve.

"Justice will always prevail," Hiroto continued firmly, his voice quiet yet unwavering. "No matter how dark the path becomes, the truth we fight for will shine through in the end. We must only focus on doing our part. Most of all, the fact that Derek doesn't your father is still alive will be our greatest trump card."

Arthur's eyes sharpened, a determined spark igniting deep within them as he met Hiroto's steady gaze.

"When should we start?" Arthur asked, his voice filled with quiet but fierce resolve.

Hiroto straightened his posture, exuding renewed determination, his aged eyes gleaming sharply.

"The moment Derek or one of his pawns triggers the Final Reckoning quest, that will be our signal," he declared firmly. "We will strike swiftly and decisively—destroying the Nexus Tower before it annihilates two worlds and tens of billions of innocent lives."

Arthur's fists unclenched, his uncertainty replaced by ironclad determination. He met his mentor's powerful stare and gave a solemn nod, understanding exactly what was expected of him.