Mild winter snow covered the grounds surrounding the mansion.

A thin layer of frost stretched across the driveway, trees, and decorative hedges while cold winds swept through the property in restless waves. Near the entrance of the mansion stood two figures concealed beneath oversized black cloaks.

Both had their hands resting on the double doors. Yet neither dared to enter.

Beneath those cloaks were towering figures with dark blue skin and snow-white hair. Their powerful physiques radiated a chilling aura that caused frost to form wherever they stood. Even the metal door handles beneath their hands had frozen solid.

Yet despite their intimidating appearance, both men were sweating, their expressions were pale.

"W... what was that..." one of them stuttered.

His voice shook uncontrollably.

Only moments ago, an overwhelming presence had appeared from nowhere. For a brief instant, it felt like an entire ocean had descended upon them. The pressure alone had nearly forced them to their knees, thankfully, it vanished as quickly as it arrived.

Had it lingered any longer, neither believed they would still be standing.

"Didn’t they say he was a Lesser Demon?" the second asked in a trembling voice.

His breathing remained uneven.

"Even if he’s not a lesser demon. Isn’t this supposed to be the weaker half?"

The first immediately looked toward him, neither possessed answers. Both simply repeated questions they desperately hoped someone else would solve.

The reports no longer made sense. Nothing about this mission made sense.

Clank!

Both demons jumped.

The frozen door handles suddenly melted beneath their palms. Before either could react, the handles twisted on their own.

The doors slowly swung inward.

Instinctively, both Kasoks released their grip and retreated several steps.

The mansion entrance opened completely and a tall figure stepped outside. The cold winds immediately parted around him while a seven-tailed fox rested comfortably upon his shoulder.

The man wore no artifact, visible equipment or protective treasures. Yet what truly shocked the two demons was something else entirely.

There was no presence.

The figure standing before them felt like an ordinary man.

Their eyes slowly rose until they met Damian’s gaze. Then realization struck.

"Perfect control..." one of them whispered.

His eyes widened.

"He must have evolved into a Demon Noble."

Bang!

Both Kasoks immediately retreated.

Their feet tore through the snow as they shot backward several meters. Deep trails formed behind them while cold air exploded around their bodies.

Damian watched them silently and slowly shook his head.

"Tsk... tsk... tsk." Disappointment filled his voice.

"Even now, they can’t grasp my full strength."

The statement wasn’t arrogance, it was genuine disappointment.

If they couldn’t even perceive his strength, how were they supposed to evaluate the danger standing before them?

His gaze moved across their features. They looked human but had scaled skin and sharp facial structure. These people possessed reptilian characteristics hidden beneath humanoid forms.

"What species of demon is this?"

Before Rin could answer, another voice spoke first.

"Kasoks."

Damian and Rin both turned. Standing near the mansion entrance was Loth. She had followed behind him.

The sudden attention startled her briefly. For a moment she almost lowered her head, then she forced herself to remain composed.

This was her opportunity!

For months she had served quietly and she understood if she wanted to become more than a mere assistant, she needed to prove her value. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Kasoks are a demonic lizard race with a strong affinity toward ice," she explained carefully.

"Their physical abilities are among the best of the middle-tier races. They’re considered excellent warriors throughout the Underworld."

Damian studied her for several seconds.The scrutiny made her nervous but soon loosened as he nodded.

"Alright."

Simple.

Yet the acknowledgment immediately eased her tension. With that, Damian stepped forward.

Snow crunched beneath his feet and the winter winds swirled around him while his eyes remained fixed upon the two demons standing several dozen meters away.

His pace remained slow and steady.

"Which of my brothers sent you?" His voice carried effortlessly across the snowy landscape.

"Speak quickly. My patience is thin."

The two Kasoks exchanged glances, then looked back at him. One finally gathered enough courage to respond.

"Will you let us go?"

Damian didn’t even pause to consider it.

"No." The answer came instantly. "But I’ll make your deaths instant, you won’t feel a thing." He said while maintaining his walking pace.

The two demons exchanged another look, this time something changed. Their fear remained, but determination slowly emerged beneath it.

Their stances shifted and their muscles tightened. Damian could literally feel their power gathering beneath their skin.

They were preparing to fight.

Damian stopped walking and raised one eyebrow rose slightly.

"Oh?"

Rin immediately understood.

"You defeated Duke Haborym months ago," the fox explained.

"Anyone being sent after you now is at least Demon Noble level. They probably think two Demon Nobles working together gives them a chance."

Damian rolled his eyes because the explanation only annoyed him further.

It was an absurd strategy.

How could anyone base their confidence on information that old?

Six or seven months might mean little to immortals but to humans it’s a lot of time. Their inability to grasp what he can achieve during this short period.

The Damian who defeated Haborym barely resembled the Damian standing here now. In fact, he reached the demon noble level five months ago and yet these fools still think he’s beneath that level.

"I can’t believe I came outside in the middle of the night for this."

He rubbed his forehead.

"I should’ve just made another clone."

"There, there." Rin slowly patted his head with one paw. "Cheer up. At least we got to see each other again. That counts for something."

Damian stared at the fox and the fox stared back.

Meanwhile, the two Kasoks stood frozen and their expressions gradually twisted from disbelief, to humiliation and finally settled on anger.

They had prepared themselves to face a terrifying enemy. Yet instead of being treated as dangerous opponents, they were being discussed like a minor inconvenience.

Even if the Kasok race ranked beneath the Asura race, they remained a respected middle-tier species throughout the Underworld.

Their warriors had fought in countless wars.

Their bloodlines carried ancient history.

Their people were known for courage.

Yet this human—This human didn’t even seem them worthy of acknowledgement?!