Devil Slave (Satan system)

Chapter 1188: Enel Vs Family

Months slipped by in the shadows, and on the eve of one of the most anticipated events among the high elves, Enel found himself returning from his nightly training, just as he had countless times before.

The moon hung low, casting long silver beams across the palace as Enel slipped silently through the dense shadows. His hands and feet moved with fluid precision, gliding up the palace walls, fingertips brushing against the stone’s cool surface. As he scaled the walls, he shifted his weight with grace, twisting mid-air in a controlled flip to avoid a rune-lit boundary.

Dropping down into the inner courtyard, he landed without a sound, watching as a pair of guards passed by, oblivious to his presence. Timing each movement carefully, Enel crept along the outer hall, vaulting over ledges and ducking behind pillars. He slipped past spellbound rune formations designed to detect trespassers, his senses attuned to every ripple of magical energy. He had just reached the secluded walkway when a low voice broke through the silence behind him.

"Well done, my son," the voice chuckled warmly. "You never cease to impress me."

Startled, Enel spun around to see his father, Luca, standing in the shadows, his arms folded behind his back, a faint, knowing smile on his face. The high Prince lord watched him with an approving glint in his eye, shaking his head as if amused.

"Father…" Enel stammered, both surprised and cautious, his mind racing as he wondered just how much Luca had seen.

Then again, Luca was already at the Deep Demon level. This much should be easy for him.

While Enel could at best compete with a Gladiator of the eighth earth’s arena in terms of power rank.

Luca stepped forward, his gaze calm but piercing. "I’ve known for quite some time that you’ve been slipping out every night. I also know you just returned from training in the depths of the underworld."

Enel kept his face impassive. "Are you…are you going to punish me?"

Luca’s smile widened, and he shook his head. "Punishment? No, Enel, quite the opposite. I’m proud of you. You remind me of your mother, Allison." His voice softened, a wistful look crossing his face. "She, too, was relentless in her pursuit of growth, always pushing herself beyond the limits."

As he spoke, Luca began circling Enel, his hands resting behind his back, his steps slow and deliberate. Enel remained still, sensing that his father was building up to something important.

Finally, Luca stopped before him, his expression shifting from admiration to something more intense. "Enel, I know that you have been selected by the Queen as one of the contenders for the throne." His gaze sharpened, and his voice grew firmer. "But I need you to forfeit. When the time comes, you must intentionally lose."

The words struck Enel like a blow, and he stared at his father, shock evident on his face. "Forfeit? You want me to give up the throne?"

Luca held his gaze, his own expression unwavering. "Yes, I do. And I have my reasons."

"Why?" Enel demanded, his voice barely more than a whisper, unable to comprehend the sudden shift from encouragement to restraint.

Luca sighed, his fierce gaze unwavering. "There are forces at play that you do not yet understand, Enel. Forces that threaten not just you, but all of us." He placed a hand on Enel’s shoulder, his eyes filled with a rare intensity. "Trust me, my son. Not every battle is worth winning." A few more steps, and Luca stopped again, "before i forget, I should tell you, its best if you stop standing out.... The harsh wind breaks the tallest tree."

Enel remained....

It seemed to Enel like Luca was also after the throne.

The look he gave Enel was one of warning. As if to say that he would not mind crashing his own son even if need be.

....

A day later, Luca stood in the royal den, arms crossed as he observed his children’s rigorous training. His blue discerning eyes followed every movement as they clashed with a monstrous creature from the underworld. The beast was a mutated ox, but unlike any of its kind that roamed the lands above. Towering as high as a small castle, it had a hide as tough as iron, muscles that rippled beneath layers of thick, grayish skin, and eyes that glowed with a fierce, unnatural light. Its nostrils flared with every breath, each exhale hissing out like steam as it snorted and stomped with agitation.

Around it, six of Luca’s children moved in coordination, using the strength they had inherited from his demon heritage. Though appearing as slender as other elves, they possessed a supernatural power and agility. They darted in and out, quick as shadows, attempting to bring down the massive creature with only their hands.

"Nate!" one of the younger siblings shouted as they evaded the beast’s lashing tail. "It’s turning too fast!"

Nate, the eldest, barked orders as he darted toward the creature’s left side. "Hold your positions! Nerina, stay by its right flank. Aiden, get its attention from the front!"

Following his commands, Nerina moved swiftly, positioning herself where the beast’s blind spot might give them an advantage. Aiden lunged directly in front, clapping his hands and shouting at the beast, daring it to charge.

The ox-beast bellowed, its great hooves pounding the earth as it charged, sending tremors through the ground. Aiden rolled out of the way just as its massive head, crowned with thick, jagged horns, swung past him, grazing close enough that he could feel the heat radiating off its hide.

On the sidelines, their mother clapped, her voice filled with pride. "Excellent work, Nerina! And Aiden, clever dodge!" She watched with gleaming eyes, her hands clasped as she called encouragement to each child, though she made no move to intervene. This was their challenge, a test of their strength and skill. Weapons were forbidden—only their hands and wits could serve them here.

Nate pressed in from the side, signaling the others to converge on the beast’s hindquarters, hoping their combined force might finally topple it. "Now, all together! Push it back!"

The siblings moved as one, driving forward, slamming their weight against the creature’s massive hind legs. For a moment, it seemed to stagger, its weight tipping back, and there was a flicker of hope in their eyes.

But with a violent snort, the ox-beast bucked, throwing its massive weight forward and scattering them like leaves in a windstorm. Each of them tumbled back, barely managing to roll to their feet before the creature turned to face them again.

Breathing heavily, Nate steadied himself, frustration tightening his jaw. He exchanged a quick glance with his siblings, who wore similar expressions of determination mixed with exhaustion. They regrouped, each one steeling themselves for another attempt, but the beast remained unyielding, a mountain of flesh and fury they could not topple.

Luca watched silently, his expression calm yet analytical. He had brought this beast for a reason, knowing that their blood, forged from both elf and demon heritage, would drive them to their limits. But today, the lesson was clear: no matter how hard they tried, even together, they could not yet conquer everything.

At least that was so... not until Enel arrived...