Who's Under Your World

Prologue

Sang Hyun stared intently into the mirror, his fingers tugging restlessly at the tight collar of his suit. The fabric clung to him like a heavy chain, each thread highlighting his pain. His typically unruly bangs, often a curtain veiling his emotions, were brushed back, revealing eyes as black as obsidian, glinting with an unnerving crimson color.

Within the mirror's pristine reflection, the image of a dutiful prince stood poised, every strand of hair perfectly in place, every gesture executed with meticulous precision, but beyond that exterior was an unmistakable hunger for independence, quiet defiance against the fate that had been predetermined for him from birth.

A loud knock on his door interrupted his train of thought, signaling the arrival of a new individual. The stern figure of his father loomed large in the room. Sang Hyun nodded respectfully at the King, his steady gaze and emotions hidden beneath a well-crafted mask.

"Sang Hyun, the time has come. The Underworld awaits your leadership," the King's authoritative voice broke through the silence, a reminder of the occasion's solemnity.

Sang Hyun's response was calm, but there was a hint of rebellion in it.

"The Underworld does not require an incompetent King like me." His father's brows were pinched in disapproval, and his irritation was clear.

"We share the same blood. I expect nothing less than absolute perfection. Who would dare label my son as incapable?" The King's question carried with it an air of absolute authority.

"Father, I implore you, spare me hollow praise," Sang Hyun countered, his pause laden with dramatic weight before he continued, "I am only a defective imitation of Min Jae."

The King's disfavor was evident, and the air grew cold at the mere mention of Min Jae's name.

His father took great pride in his eldest son, Min Jae, who was blessed with talent and intelligence beyond his years. He embodied the potential for greatness that only seemed to grow with age and experience. His presence radiated an aura of true kingship.

Min Jae had been destined to ascend the throne to become the epitome of leadership throughout history and time. Yet, three centuries ago, Min Jae, his father's favored son, had become his greatest disappointment.

"The mention of that name is forbidden in the Underworld. Today, I shall pardon your insolence due to your impending ascension. But remember, your defiance shall not be tolerated henceforth," the King's tone bore the gravity of his words.

"Why rule the Underworld if I am to remain your mere puppet?" Sang Hyun's words carried a calculated provocation.

"You are young and in need of guidance," the King's calmly responded.

"If I have the disadvantage of being young, then why should I be expected to lead right away?"

"I have lived through countless years, and now my son has finally come of age. It's time for me to retire," the King's confession carried a weight of its own.

He stopped counting his age once he hit supereon but always kept in mind the dates his sons were born. Today marked Sang Hyun's 1600th birthday and his coming of age.

"In your youth, you aspired to be the ruler of this world. So why now delay the process?" the King's query held a note of bitter irony.

Sang Hyun had been a naive child then, driven by idealism, ignorant of the difficulties ahead of him. The title had captivated him, but Min Jae's inherent greatness overshadowed his aspirations. He had never anticipated the day when his perfect brother would become a renegade. For his father, it marked a dark period, while Sang Hyun saw it as a chance to rise.

The demon prince couldn't help but laugh at his selfishness and naiveté as he reminisced on those times. Unlike Min Jae, he was not innately gifted. He had to struggle and exert himself for every achievement. His royal bloodline made him powerful, but he was nothing without his title.

"I am not prepared to assume the mantle of Underworld ruler, father," Sang Hyun confessed, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"I, too, was not prepared to lose Min Jae," the King's admission carried a rare vulnerability, the name of his eldest son crossing his lips with a bittersweet undertone.

"But you must ascend the throne and become King. You are my last remaining son. I have no other option."

It seemed as though a spear had gone straight through Sang Hyun's chest. Yet amid the pain, a smirk surfaced on Sang Hyun's lips. He was indeed a defective cheap copy of his brother. He desired the title of King, but he never desired to lose his sibling.

Sang Hyun's eyes flickered as they met his father's, then quickly averted. He pretended to cough to hide his true feelings. "Father, forgive me. I require a moment."

The King's brows furrowed, a blend of concern and expectation clouding his expression. "The ceremony approaches, Sang Hyun. Time is of the essence."

The prince responded with a faint smile and his gaze evading his father's scrutiny, "I just need to run in there for a second."

"You have already endured centuries as I ascend to the throne, and it won't hurt if you wait for a few minutes while I relieve myself," Sang Hyun joked.

The King gave him a nod and left the room.

Crossing into the bathroom, Sang Hyun's fingers fumbled with the cufflinks, their royal heft a sobering reminder of his inner anguish. In that enclosed space, his true intentions took shape. As he sang an incantation and manipulated the very fabric of existence, a wave of strength swept through him. The mirror glowed, exposing a passageway to a world where he could make a fresh start.

There was no turning back. Sang Hyun entered the portal without a second doubt. Finally, he could write his own story without the burden of his brother's legacy or his father's expectations. Although he intentionally failed to ascend to the throne of the Underworld, he would now control his own fate in the human world.

...

Author's Note: Is this your first time reading a story about a demon prince on his journey to become a professional gamer? Votes and comments are highly appreciated