A Degenerate's Tale

Demon Continent.

In a small tribe, a dragon educated the younglings.

"Demons are weak to spirits. Spirits are weak to angels. Angels are weak to demons. Such is the delicate balance of life and the reason behind every great conflict."

"Elder Zeddro! Is there a reason behind that?" A young demon asked.

Zeddro shook his head. In the snowy landscapes of the Demon Continent, his black scales shone brightly. "No one knows the reason. It's just how you guys were created."

Just as the dragon was about to continue speaking, he was interrupted by the sound of wings flapping from the sky. An angel with black wings descended from above.

"An angel!" The demon youths took a step back but their faces showed no fear. Angels were weak to demons after all.

"Relax," Zeddro reassured the youths. "This is Ingrannus. He is a Demon King like me."

"Indeed!" The newly arrived Ingrannus nodded. Like any other angels, he was beautiful beyond belief and dressed dashingly. His unique feature was his pair of black wings at his hips which were unheard of. "I am the Demon King holding the seat of 7th. My title is Ingrannus the Transcended!"

His introduction did nothing to the doubts of the demon younglings. After all, demons and angels were mortal enemies. How could an angel be a Demon King?

"Children. It seems I must leave for today. Do not slack off on your training." The dragon nodded and flew into the sky together with the angel.

With the 2 Demon Kings gone, an elderly demon stepped out from his tent.

"Are you guys surprised?" He asked with a smirk. "The remaining Demon Kings have been in deep slumber, it is no surprise that you guys don't know that not all the Demon Kings are demons. The status of Demon King is something that can only be bestowed by our Lord. When one is a Demon King, they are given an accompanying title. Lord Zeddro the Anima. Lord Ingrannus the Transcended."

"What about the Demon King that rules over us?" The demon younglings asked curiously.

"That man is not a true Demon King." The demon elder shook his head. "It is merely a self-proclaimed title. The difference between a fake Demon King and a true Demon King is night and day. When the Lord returns, the man will be eating his own words."

"The Lord? Isn't the Lord long gone with the villainous Hero?"

"The Lord lives on. The day he returns is coming." The elder looked off into the distance as he said. There was only the freezing cold in the distance. A land that is full of white and desolation. "The prophecy..."

The Elven Kingdom.

An idyllic society inhabited by near-immortal elves. The unofficial protector of the Great Continent. Lovers of spirits. A place of absolute legend and rich history. A matriarchal society. Mere words could not describe the magnificence of this place.

"Welcome." A soft female voice sounded as the light of the teleportation portal faded away.

Earl looked around. They arrived at an outdoor temple. Lush green trees that pierced the sky could be seen all around. The smell of nature and fresh greens immediately entered his nose.

A lone elf queen stood in front of them. Blonde, calm, intelligent. She had an expression of utmost calmness as if she was one with nature. A thin white rope draped loosely over her incredibly curvy body which was the perfect representation of an hourglass figure. Gold accessories decorated her robe to signify her status. A pair of emerald green eyes added colour to her gorgeous face.

"To have Her Majesty herself welcome us. What an honour." Ari chuckled.

"I had to confirm myself." The Queen's eye landed on Ari's halo. "It's my honour to welcome an Archmage into my Kingdom."

Despite her respectful words, her body language stayed true and elegant with no sign of submissiveness.

Ari touched her halo playfully. "Oh? You can tell?"

"Of course. I am an elf." She then looked to Earl by Ari's side. "Is this your son?"

"Your Majesty. I am Earl Roth. These two by my side are my attendants." Earl answered promptly.

"Excellent. My daughter looks to be your age." The Queen nodded fondly with a smile. Needless to say, her smile was dazzling and filled with royal elven elegance. "A demon and a dark elf for your slaves. Good choice."

Her gaze lingered momentarily on Aria before she asked. "What is your name?"

"It's Aria, Your Majesty." The dark elf answered curtly. Maid school has prepared her well for these unexpected interactions.

"I will remember it. It has been a while since we've last had a dark elf within the Kingdom." She said mysteriously. "Enough of that, let's leave. Since I came personally, there's no need to be so formal especially for someone of your status."

The Elven Queen began to lead them onto a dirt path. Elves were the most in tune with nature after dragons. Unless absolutely necessary, they would not modify anything in nature.

A simple dirt path was a staple within the Elven Kingdom. From what Earl has read, a stone-paved path would be difficult to find.

The simple walk gave Earl a basic idea of the elven forest. Tall trees are placed about sparsely which allowed for a great amount of sunlight to shine through. Often times, in a forest with tall trees, the branches would be too interconnected to allow sunlight to seep through.

A bed of grass and flowers were under the trees and colourful spirits could be seen jumping about happily. The description of elves being lovers of spirits was not an exaggeration.

"Your Majesty?" Earl spoke up to the elf that was leading the way.

"What is it?" The Queen tilted her head back. Only one side of her gorgeous face could be seen from this angle. Earl could not get enough of her.

"May I be graced with your name?"

"What a strange question from a child." She chuckled amusedly. "From the royal house of Venroris, my name is Saryll."

"It sounds very nice to the ear, Your Majesty. Can I call you by your name directly?"

"Amusing. I'm afraid not though."

The first interaction between a rising young Earl and the majestic elven matriarch. While on the elven dirt path, Saryll and Earl would not forget this first interaction many years later down the road.