Ascension Amidst Opposition

Aetherius strode ahead, his eyes scanning the vast expanse from the mountain summit. "This is beyond comprehension. We were just in the library moments ago," he muttered, a furrow forming on his brow. Turning to Meliodus, he sought answers, "Why have we been transported here? What is the purpose behind this sudden shift?"

Meliodus met Aetherius's gaze with a serene expression, a hint of understanding in his emerald eyes. "The threads of fate are intricate, Aetherius. We are here for a reason, and the answers you seek lie within the heart of the demon realm."

As Meliodus spoke, Aetherius took a decisive step forward, joining Angelica by here side. "I regret not waiting longer, but the circumstances required urgency," Meliodus explained, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken truths. Before he could elaborate further, a swirling portal materialized behind him, and through it emerged a demonic hound, holding Lucious in its jaws.

Lucious, seemingly unfazed, greeted them with a wide grin. "Hey, look who's joining the demon realm party! And check this out—I made a new friend!" With a flourish, he executed a backflip, prompting the demon hound to propel him forward. Landing gracefully on his feet, Lucious struck a pose, exclaiming, "Flawless landing, if I do say so myself!"

Aetherius, his concern evident, glanced at Lucious. "This is hardly the time for acrobatics and jests," he remarked with a hint of seriousness.

Lucious, undeterred, flashed a playful grin. "Come on, Aetherius, even in the demon realm, a little flair doesn't hurt. Besides, I've always wanted to be part of an otherworldly adventure!"

Meliodus, observing the exchange, interjected, "While enthusiasm is appreciated, we stand at a crucial juncture. The demon realm is not to be taken lightly. Aetherius, Angelica, Lucious, we have a purpose here, and it is imperative that we proceed with caution."

As they began to traverse the unfamiliar landscape of the demon realm, conversations unfolded, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and determination. Aetherius, Meliodus, Angelica, and Lucious engaged in discussions about the intricacies of the demon realm, the challenges that lay ahead, and the enigmatic forces guiding their destinies.

Angelica, ever curious, questioned Meliodus about the history and customs of the demon realm. "It's so different from what I imagined. Can you tell us more about the demons and their way of life?"

Meliodus, taking a moment to consider, began to share insights into the diverse realms within the demon realm, the unique cultures that flourished, and the delicate balance of power that governed their existence. Aetherius listened attentively, absorbing the knowledge that would aid them in their quest.

Lucious, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, interjected with a quip. "So, what's the demon realm's equivalent of a student dormitory? Do they have demonic cafeteria food, or is it all soul-infused delicacies?"

Aetherius chuckled, appreciating Lucious's attempt to lighten the mood. "I believe our focus should be on unraveling the mysteries that brought us here rather than contemplating demon dormitories, Lucious."

- After a lengthy stroll, they arrived at a grand Crimson Castle. -

Meliodus spun around and outstretched his arms with a grand gesture, "Your Majesty Aetherius, I bid ye welcome to the Crimson Castle - your home, my King!" He bowed his head reverently. 

Aetherius appeared befuddled as he peered at Meliodus. "Your Majesty... what do you mean, 'King'?" Before Meliodus had a chance to respond, a figure leapt from the rooftop with immense power and alighted in front of them. As the fog dissipated, Lady Seraphina's beaming countenance became visible. "It's been such a long time, My Lord," she said cheerfully.

"Your Majesty? My Lord?" Aetherius questioned, glancing between Meliodus and Lady Seraphina. The weight of the titles felt unfamiliar on his shoulders.

Lady Seraphina, her countenance a perfect harmony of warmth and admiration, stepped closer to Aetherius. "Truly, Aetherius. You are the legitimate inheritor of the Crimson Throne, the long-awaited Sovereign foretold by the ancient God King himself who declared you to be his successor."

Aetherius, still grappling with the revelation, took a moment to absorb the weight of the titles bestowed upon him. The demon realm, once an enigmatic landscape, now revealed itself as a realm intricately connected to his destiny.

"The Crimson Throne, the God King's successor..." Aetherius muttered, his gaze shifting between Meliodus and Lady Seraphina. The grandeur of the Crimson Castle around him seemed to intensify, as if acknowledging the presence of its true heir.

Meliodus, with an air of reverence, gestured towards the throne room's imposing entrance. "Your Majesty, the Crimson Throne awaits your rightful claim. It is a responsibility that transcends realms, and you are the key to restoring balance."

Lady Seraphina, her eyes gleaming with unwavering confidence, added, "The ancient prophecies have foreseen this moment. You possess the unique ability to bridge the realms, to bring harmony to the cosmic forces that intertwine our worlds."

Aetherius, despite the uncertainty that lingered, stepped forward. The grand doors of the throne room creaked open, revealing a chamber adorned with regal symbols and intricate carvings. The throne itself, a majestic seat of cosmic authority, beckoned him.

As Aetherius and the group approached the throne, Meliodus and Lady Seraphina followed with a solemn procession. The air in the room crackled with a mix of anticipation and reverence. Aetherius hesitated for a brief moment before taking his seat on the Crimson Throne.

A surge of energy enveloped him, resonating with the ancient power that flowed through the Crimson Castle. Aetherius could feel the connection strengthening, as if the very essence of the demon realm acknowledged its sovereign.

Meliodus and Lady Seraphina, their heads bowed in a display of deference, spoke in unison, "Long live Aetherius, Crimson King, Sovereign of the Demon Realm." Before the other lieutenants could bow down in respect for the new sovereign.

At that very instant, a blazing inferno hurtled towards Aetherius, yet, before it could hit him, all seven lieutenants swiftly appeared in front of the king and deflected the assault. "Who dares to assail the new Crimson God?"

Gerald strode into the throne room with a countenance of rage. "I never endorsed electing him as our sovereign, the concept of a mortal lad assuming the role of a deity is simply ludicrous!", he declared.