Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Thanks to that Demon Viscount introducing those five Demon Archdukes, Simon still remembered their names. He glanced at the five of them in the sky before quickly averting his gaze.

The bloodline suppression was truly an annoying thing. Simon was still able to relatively handle the pressure. However, some demon nobles weren't all that lucky. A few Demon Earls who were too late to avert their eyes away from the Demon Archdukes, immediately fainted on their spot.

The Demon Marquesses fared relatively; however, even they didn't dare to stare for too long. As for the Demon Dukes, other than their brows twitching from the pressure ever so often, there was no visible change.

It was only after they retracted their auras, did the atmosphere in the venue returned to normal. Though there was still an unspoken tension in the air.

As Belial and the Demon Archdukes make their way through the venue, a wave of power and authority preceded them. The hubbub that once filled the air dissipated instantaneously as if swallowed by the sheer force of their presence.

Attendees, both lesser ranking demons and influential beings alike, were overcome with a mixture of awe, respect, and a healthy dose of trepidation.

The air crackled with an electric energy. The mere gaze of these powerful entities sends shivers down the spines of those in their vicinity. It was a nerve-racking experience, as each step they take further solidifies their dominion and reminds all the demons of their place within the intricate hierarchy of demon society.

Whether it be them or the ones Simon had seen in the auction. They are the ones who stood at the peak of power and influence.

With the presence of the Demon Lord of Envy and the Demon Archdukes, the crowd which had become hushed silence started clamouring with conversations going all around.

"Everyone, I thank you for coming. As you all know, this year the Hexennacht is being hosted by my son. This will be his first huge undertaking ever since becoming the Demon Lord of Envy. As such, he will be the one to be the judge and make the verdict this time. Us old timers will take a back and watch from the distance"

Gareth spoke. His eyes then turned towards the sky as he added "This works for you all too right?".

Who was he talking to? Simon also looked up; however, other than the clear sky, he couldn't see anything.

"Alright Belial, we will be seated. If you need our help or wisdom do not hesitate to call us. Though I doubt you would need it" On the stage, Gareth patted his son and took the other Demmon Archdukes along with him as they found a seat in the distance and sat there leisurely.

It appeared that the Demon Archdukes meant when they said that they will not interfere.

"Everyone, I hope that you all enjoyed the treat prepared for you all and are revived from your exhaustion from the travel. If so, then I officially announce the start of the Hexennacht for this year".

"I'm sure that everybody has some qualms and doubts about me being the new Demon Lord. I might have been chosen by the Fragment of Envy; however, I am yet to be chosen by my own brethren".

"And so to prove my worthiness in front of all the Demonkind today, that I Belial am worthy to lead the demons in times of need and stand true to my title of the Demon Lord, I have prepared a small show for you all. I hope all those who are gathered here in the venue and those peering from the distance, will enjoy it".

With an air of haughty confidence, Belial began his address, his voice carrying across the expanse of the Hexennacht gathering. His words carefully chosen, reflected his elevated status and the power he now wields.

Belial's speech intertwined the grandeur of the occasion with his own ascent to power. His words were laced with subtle hints of envy, and an acknowledgement of the desire to surpass even the most esteemed attendees.

Prepared to prove himself worthy of his title, the newly crowned Demon Lord of Envy stood before the illustrious assembly at the Hexennacht. His eyes blazed with a fire of determination and wanting to command respect and envy from all.

Belial waved his sleeves and immediately, a large complex array appeared on the stage of the venue.

"This is... the Distance View Array!!" Oswell commented observing the array that appeared on the stage.

The Distance View Array was one of the higher grade arrays that one can buy from the [Shop]. It is a highly complex array and needed a lot of resources and materials to lay down. However, once this array is set up, it creates a spherical bubble of sorts that allows one to look at long distance places.

Of course, Simon who had delved a little bit it into this matter, knew what kind of array it was. Though what he didn't understand was why the demon lord chose to use the array here.

What did he want to show to the assembly? Many demon nobles had the same query.

The answer soon appeared to them as the array finished forming. The Distance View Array revealed a sight that struck the assembled demons to their very core.

From beyond the horizon displayed in the array, an army emerged. It was an unstoppable tide that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Legions of monsters, beasts and all kinds of races stood in perfect formation, their ranks stretching like a tide of shadows that swallowed the horizon. Each soldier was adorned in gleaming armour and wielded weapons infused with dark magic. 

'This was…' the observing demons in the venue had no doubt 'This was a presentation of power. The newly crowned Demon Lord of Envy was showing off his forces to all of the demonkind'.

As the forces advanced, a rumble echoed through the hall, shaking the very foundations of the Hexennacht venue. Massive constructs called the Golems, forged in the fires of demonic forges, trundled forward with an ominous aura of power. Their massive bodies bore the mark of Belial's dominion, and their cores crackled with a powerful mystical energy.

Siege engines capable of toppling cities, terrifyingly scaled monstrosities bred for war, and infernal contraptions belching forth fire and brimstone were all on display, a testament to Belial's military might.

That was not all, behind the ranks of soldiers and war golems, three figures strode forward, their presence commanding attention and respect.

Each of the three embodied a different aspect of envy, radiating an aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to gaze upon them. They hailed from a myriad of demonic races, each unique and possessing their own brand of power.

"Everyone, let me introduce them to you all. The figures in the backlines are my three commanders, the Commandments of Envy. At the forefront is the General of Jealousy. He has been a long standing subordinate of mine, someone who I summoned through sheer luck and has led my forces to countless victories and many bloody battles over the millennia. He embodies my envy and ambition".

The General of Envy was a towering figure with a body full of scales and a crown of twisted horns, exuding an aura of authority that demanded obedience.

"Beside the General of Jealousy, is the Mistress of Desire. She is also one of my old subordinates, powerful and cruel".

The Mistress of Desire was an enchanting succubus with an alluring grace and a bewitching figure. Her gaze had the ability to charm others and her hourglass figure instantly mesmerised those looking at her.

Next in line, Belial introduced his third commandment. The Commander of Resentment who has newly joined his ranks. The figure was cloaked in a robe completely and only their eyes which glowed with an eerie light could be seen.

According to Belial, he was one of his most powerful subordinates who could strike fear on the hearts of even the most mightiest of foes.

As everyone observed the scene displayed by the array, the venue echoed with the murmurs and conversation of the demons. The vast legion that carpeted the land like a black carpet was one thing, but those three figures standing behind the ranks of war machines and siege engines were another.

Those three commanders of envy, even though the Demon Lord did not introduce their strengths, just their presence was enough to tell these demons that they were extremely powerful and not be messed with.

It was not only the Demon Earls or the Marquesses but even the Demon Dukes came to the same conclusion. As expected of a Demon Lord, his military might and even his subordinates were not something that could be underestimated by other demons.

As the power presentation continued, Belial raised his hand, and a resounding silence fell upon the venue. The sheer magnitude of his military might, the wealth of his riches, and the calibre of his commanders had rendered the audience breathless, their eyes widened in a mixture of fear and admiration.

Belial's gaze swept across the assembly, relishing in the awe and envy that danced in the eyes of his fellow demonkind. However, it didn't stay on them for long and moved towards the sky as if wanting to know what the reactions of those people were.

"My fellow demons, behold the might of Envy, the power that will fuel my rise, and the force that shall leave its mark upon the realm. Envy is not some simple emotion, it is the inextinguishable fire that burns within all of us demons. It is the drive that motivates, commands and ensures our dominance stays forever over all who stands in our path."