The Supreme Ruler knelt before a crimson altar centered in a pond of blood, kowtowing as he murmured, "O Demon God, creator of this world, your loyal child seeks your enlightenment."
Moments passed with no response from the altar or the Demon God. Still the Supreme Ruler kept kowtowing. Hours stretched into days, and weeks passed without any sign or answer.
Yet, the Supreme Ruler remained as still as a statue. When trying to communicate with the Demon God, it was normal for the Supreme Ruler to wait for years, even decades.
Throughout history the Supreme Rulers attempted contact with the Demon God hundreds—if not thousands—of times, yet the responses were so rare they could be counted on one hand, or even just three fingers.
The only time a Supreme Ruler is guaranteed to hear the Demon God’s voice is during the Succession Ritual where they become the Supreme Ruler, when they receive its guidance and blessing.
After nearly three months of waiting, the Supreme Ruler’s ears twitched at the sound of popping bubbles. The blood pond before him began to boil without warning with countless bubbles forming and bursting.
’There’s a response?! But what is this? I have never heard of such a reaction before!’ The Supreme Ruler cried inwardly.
But despite his curiosity, he did not dare to lift his head or even use divine sense to look at the phenomenon.
Soon, the blood pond fell eerily still once more.
A few moments later, a ripple spread across the blood pond, though nothing visible had disturbed it, as if an invisible drop of liquid had fallen into its depths.
At this moment, the Supreme Ruler could not sense or hear anything. In fact, he wasn’t even aware of the ripple that appeared on the surface of the blood pond.
"Speak."
A voice suddenly commanded.
"?!?!"
At the sound of that voice, which sounded so close it seemed to come from right before him, the Supreme Ruler instinctively began to lift his head, then hastily stopped and bowed even lower.
"..."
The Supreme Ruler was stunned, his thoughts overheating as he wondered if the Demon God had actually manifested before him. If so, it would be unprecedented, as never once in history had the Demon God appeared in person.
"Why aren’t you speaking? You were the one who summoned me," the Demon God said, his tone faintly annoyed.
"M‑My deepest apologies!" the Supreme Ruler stammered. "I blanked out for a moment, as I never imagined you would appear in person, Demon God! You must be here because you already know of ex-Supreme Ruler Dena’s escape from the Deprived Crimson Valley and have guidance for me!"
However, the Demon God’s response left the Supreme Ruler utterly speechless.
"No, I showed up because I happened to be in the area. As for that child Dena, I couldn’t care less about her situation or how you intend to deal with her."
"Then..." The Supreme Ruler didn’t know how to respond or if he should even ask the Demon God for its assistance.



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