Chapter 209: The Demonic Influence

Demons existed long before the rise of the Beastfolk kingdoms. Unlike other magical creatures, demons were strongly linked to corrupted mana and the chaotic forces beyond the mortal world. While they can be found naturally occurring under certain circumstances, most demons enter the mortal world through summoning, tears in space or by being summoned by more powerful beings. Throughout history demons have attacked settlements, corrupted creatures and attempted to establish a presence in the mortal world.

The power of demons can vary greatly. In the hierarchy of demons recognised by those in the mortal world, there are four main types. The lowest are Lesser Demons, then Greater Demons, then High Demons. Then there are Demon Lords who are incredibly powerful and can command whole legions of demons. Finally there are the Demon Kings, who are the highest in the known hierarchy.

However, the Demon Kings are not simply more powerful versions of normal demons. They are powerful beings similar to True Dragons. Each Demon King had incredible power and authority that could easily threaten the mortal world. If a Demon King was to fully manifest their existence in the mortal world, they could wipe it from existence, just like a True Dragon. However, the world itself puts limitations on how much power they can have.

Despite this, they were still incredibly powerful. A Demon King could cause devastation to whole regions without showing their true power. Even the most powerful Demon Lords were nothing compared to them. One of these ancient creatures was Faraniel, the Demon King of Chaos. Because he didn’t often need to personally appear, his influence is incredibly dangerous. He can manipulate weaker creatures through dreams, whispers and traces of chaotic mana, slowly corrupting their minds. Some willingly succumbed to his influence.

Deep underground, in the ruined districts and ancient ruins of Varghelm, a group of Beastfolk had gathered in an enormous underground chamber. The chamber was once part of an ancient settlement but had long been abandoned. The chamber was covered in strange symbols on the walls and several magical circles had been etched into the floor and filled with dark red crystals. The Beastfolk within were of varying races but all had one thing in common. Their eyes would flash crimson.

They were worshipers of Faraniel. Some called themselves the True Demons. They believed normal demons were just incomplete manifestations of their power. Years of exposure to chaotic mana and forbidden rituals had changed their bodies to give them powers beyond anything any normal demon in the known hierarchy could have. They had incredible physical conditioning, control over their mana and incredible regeneration. They were not Demon Kings and were nowhere near as powerful as Faraniel, but they were no normal cultists.

In the centre of the chamber stood a tall Beastfolk with dark grey fur and a pair of curved horns growing from his forehead. His name was Varkul and he was the leader of the secret congregation under Bravelm. He looked around at his followers with a frown. “Aurelith has restored the Wolf Crown, and the other rulers have agreed to establish a new pact. The war is over.” Varkul said nothing at first, but the plan had been simple.

They had planned for the major Beastfolk to continue fighting until Bravelm fell into complete chaos. With the Wolf Crown weakened and the smaller kingdoms fighting amongst themselves they would open up their secret passages, summon their kin and establish a presence in the mortal world. But the Kirin had ruined their plans. “Troublesome.” A second Beastfolk stepped forward. “Do we give up?” Varkul turned to face him. “Give up?” His eyes glowed. “We have spent years preparing beneath this city. We influenced the Catfolk noble, assisted the Foxfolk traitors and helped create the conflict that nearly destroyed Bravelm. Do you believe we can simply walk away because an ancient Kirin decided to return?” No one responded. Varkul raised his hand. “No. If the kingdom will not fall naturally, we will make it fall ourselves.”

The followers began setting up for the summoning. Several of them walked over to the magical circles and placed containers of concentrated chaotic mana. Others placed ancient writings around the room and created a large network connecting to the main summoning circle. The markings were unlike normal summoning circles, with multiple layers to help reduce the barrier between the mortal world and the other world. A young Beastfolk mage walked over to Varkul. “Will the barrier surrounding Varghelm interfere with the summoning?” “No.” Varkul smiled. “That barrier prevents movement between this city and the outside world. It does not prevent something from entering through a different plane.”

The mage nodded. “The situation above has changed. The Wolf Crown is rebuilding its authority, the other kingdoms are celebrating their survival, and Tanaka Eldoris is busy investigating the affairs of the Catfolk.” He gestured to the large summoning circle. “None of them are looking beneath their feet.” One of the followers hesitated. “Tanaka’s Mana Sense is said to cover almost the entire city.” Varkul laughed. “Let him.” He placed his hand on the summoning circle. A soft dark glow emitted from under his hand. “Veil of the Still World.”

The whole chamber changed. While the chaotic mana was still present, it had been masked by multiple layers of neutral mana. It looked like any normal fluctuation that would occur in the underground area. An experienced mage would see little reason to think anything was wrong. This had taken years to perfect. It was one of the gifts given by Faraniel’s influence. “Begin.” The followers got into position. A chant echoed around the underground chamber. “Beyond the boundary, beyond the light, hear the call of your master.” The magical circles lit up. “Break the order. Bring corruption. We offer this to you children of the abyss.” The red crystals began to crack. Dark mana flooded into the main summoning circle and the ground beneath Varghelm vibrated slightly. The summoning had begun.

Above ground, the royal area was buzzing with excitement. The Beastfolk were in celebration. After days of suspicion, murder and war the leaders had finally come together to form a new agreement. While there were still some things to discuss, the immediate problem had been solved and they were now focusing on bringing relations back between the different peoples. Long tables had been set up in the royal courtyard. Food, drinks and traditional foods from each territory had been prepared. Musicians played underneath magical lanterns.

The Lions had provided roasted meats, the Rabbitfolk had brought vegetables and medicinal delicacies and the Foxfolk had brought several magical drinks made using their traditional methods. Even the Tigers had come, however, they were not in such a good mood. Tanaka was sitting with Sora, eating some food in his human form. “Finally, something peaceful.” Sora nodded as she chewed. “I was getting tired of fighting.”

Raizen was sitting nearby looking very pleased with the amount of meat. Raishin and Relia were talking to several representatives from the Wolf Crown about rebuilding. Nira was sitting with Lynessa explaining some basic concepts of spirit magic. The Catfolk girl was very interested. She could feel the mana flowing through her naturally for the first time in her life and was fascinated by the small demonstrations. Occasionally small spirits would gather around her shoulders causing those nearby to look intrigued.

Tanaka noticed her excitement. “Enjoying yourself?” Lynessa nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I am having lots of fun Lord Tanaka!” Tanaka smiled. “Good. You’ll have plenty to learn once we return to Eldoris.” A short distance away, Aldren was talking with Garrath and Elowen about the new pact. The Wolf King looked much more relaxed than he had the past few days. However, he still had plenty to think about with the rebuilding of Varghelm. Aurelith was sitting at the head of one of the tables. He had barely eaten anything. He was watching the event with a small smile, occasionally making comments that made Aldren wonder if he was joking. Everything looked peaceful.

Tanaka expanded his Mana Sense. He had gotten into the habit of doing so since beginning his investigation. He had a wide range and could recognise the mana signatures of the nearby rulers, different magical circles around the royal area and the natural mana fluctuations of the city. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The underground chamber was not picked up on. The Veil of the Still World was working and the malicious mana from the summoning circle had been masked. Anytime his Mana Sense passed over the summoning circle he would see nothing but normal fluctuations. He found nothing. Aurelith glanced over, then returned to his drink.

Down below the summoning was nearing completion. The red crystals had fully shattered and were pouring into the large summoning circle. The main magical circle had expanded to almost cover the whole chamber. Dark tendrils were coming from the markings and reaching the ceiling. Varkul was standing in the centre. “How much longer?” “Almost done.” “Then increase the offering.” Several of the followers walked over and placed more containers of chaotic mana. The whole chamber shook and a deep noise came from somewhere beyond the summoning circle. They had been heard.

Varkul bowed his head. “Great Faraniel, Demon King of Chaos. Your followers have prepared the way.” The summoning circle glowed. “Bravelm has failed to maintain its order. Its rulers are distracted, its warriors are exhausted, and its ancient guardian has returned to a city filled with enemies.” A strange laugh echoed from beyond the circle. Varkul raised both arms. “Come.” The summoning circle split. A thin line appeared in the air and expanded to form a dark gap. A wave of corrupted mana shot through from the other side causing an oppressive feeling in the chamber. Several of the followers fell to their knees. The first part of the summoning was complete.

Above them the celebration continued. Tanaka raised his cup. “To the new pact!” The Beastfolk rulers replied. But below them chaos was beginning to form. The first demon was about to enter Varghelm.