The ultimate sin

Chapter 1

1. In the heart of the Demon Realm, the air crackled with tension as Kam faced his father, Zeldris, in their private training arena. The arena itself was an expanse of jagged rocks and obsidian shards, illuminated by the eerie glow of demonic flames lining its edges. Kam's crimson eyes locked onto Zeldris's, determination burning in his gaze. He adjusted his stance, his blade radiating a faint, dark aura. Zeldris stood opposite him, calm and composed, the weight of his authority palpable even in silence. "Focus, Kam," Zeldris said, his tone sharp. "A distracted mind is a vulnerable one." Kam's lips curled into a defiant smirk. "You always say that," he retorted, tightening his grip on his weapon. In a burst of speed, Kam lunged forward, his blade aimed straight for Zeldris's chest. The clash of steel echoed as Zeldris parried effortlessly, his movements precise and fluid. Kam quickly followed up with a series of strikes, each one more aggressive than the last. Zeldris countered with minimal effort, his blade moving like an extension of his will. "You're predictable," Zeldris remarked, sidestepping another attack. Kam growled in frustration, summoning Nether Surge to propel himself behind his father. The move caught Zeldris off guard for a split second, allowing Kam to land a glancing blow.
2. "Better," Zeldris said, his voice unshaken, "but not enough." Kam didn't reply, his focus narrowing as he activated Void Chains. The black tendrils erupted from his shadow, snaking toward Zeldris with lethal intent. Zeldris raised an eyebrow, impressed by the speed of the attack, but he dispelled the chains with a burst of raw demonic energy. "You're relying too much on your tricks," Zeldris admonished, closing the distance between them in an instant. Kam barely managed to block the incoming strike, the impact sending a shockwave through the arena. Zeldris pressed the advantage, his blade a blur of motion. Kam activated Ethereal Grasp, attempting to seize Zeldris with tendrils of dark energy, but his father anticipated the move. Zeldris deflected the attack with ease, countering with a powerful blow that sent Kam skidding across the rocky ground. Kam gritted his teeth, his body aching from the impact. He refused to yield, summoning Infernal Requiem as a last resort. The black flames erupted around him, creating a barrier of searing heat.

3. The searing flames of Infernal Requiem surged around Kam, the intense black fire casting an ominous glow across the arena. Zeldris paused momentarily, assessing his son's desperation-fueled move. "Hellblaze? Impressive," Zeldris said coolly, his tone laced with a hint of approval. "But raw power alone won't win this fight." Kam's response was to launch a blazing sphere directly at his father, the flames tearing through the air with devastating force. Zeldris moved with inhuman speed, sidestepping the attack and closing the gap in the blink of an eye. Kam barely had time to react as Zeldris's blade struck again, shattering his defensive stance. The collision sent sparks flying, the sound of steel reverberating like thunder. Kam stumbled back, panting heavily, his flames flickering as his energy waned. "You need to control your power," Zeldris said, his blade resting at Kam's throat. "Wild attacks are useless against an experienced opponent." Kam scowled, his pride wounded more than his body. "You always have to lecture me," he muttered under his breath. Zeldris stepped back, lowering his weapon. "And you always need it," he replied, his voice steady.
4. Kam clenched his fists, the residual flames of Infernal Requiem dissipating as his demonic aura waned. Despite his frustration, he knew Zeldris was right. His father had been honing his skills for centuries, while Kam still struggled to master his own abilities. "You're not ready," Zeldris declared, sheathing his blade with a swift motion. Kam's eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm stronger than you think," he shot back. Zeldris raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Strength isn't enough. You lack discipline and precision." Kam wanted to argue, but he couldn't deny the truth in his father's words. The sparring session had been a reminder of how far he still had to go. Zeldris turned, his cape billowing as he walked toward the edge of the arena. "We're done here," he said, his tone final. Kam remained standing in the center of the battlefield, his mind racing with thoughts of the fight.
5. Later that evening, the family gathered in the opulent dining hall of their palace. The table was adorned with elaborate dishes, a testament to their royal status in the Demon Realm. Kam sat across from his parents, his mood still sour from the earlier sparring session. Gelda, ever the calming presence, noticed her son's demeanor. "You've made progress, Kam," she said gently, her voice soothing. "Your father wouldn't push you so hard if he didn't see potential." Kam looked up, his expression softening slightly. "It doesn't feel like progress when I keep losing," he admitted. Gelda smiled faintly. "Every loss is a lesson. You'll see the value in it one day." Zeldris, sitting at the head of the table, observed the exchange in silence. After a moment, he spoke. "You'll have another chance to prove yourself soon," he said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Kam's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What do you mean?" he asked, setting down his fork.
6. "There's a situation in Britannia that requires attention," Zeldris explained, leaning forward slightly. "You're going to investigate." Kam blinked, taken aback by the sudden announcement. "Britannia? Why me?" he asked, his tone skeptical. "There are plenty of knights who could handle it." Zeldris's gaze hardened. "Because I need someone I can trust. And because it's time for you to step up." Kam frowned, leaning back in his chair. "I don't know about this," he said, crossing his arms. "Britannia isn't exactly welcoming to demons." Gelda glanced at her son, concern flickering in her eyes. "What's the nature of this mission?" she asked, her voice calm but curious. Zeldris didn't break his gaze from Kam. "There have been... disturbances. Unnatural ones. I need answers, and you're the one who will find them."