Reincarnated as the disaster prince

Theodore stood amidst the vast crowd of kneeling shadows, their chants of "Long live my king!" echoing through the oppressive skies of Dark Soul. His heart swelled with triumph, but his body betrayed him. Tremors coursed through his small frame, his legs weak from the brutal battle he'd just endured.

Before he could collapse, the shadow leader—massive and still radiating a subdued malice—stepped forward and caught him. His solid, shadowy arms cradled Theodore carefully, his crimson eyes filled with a new emotion: concern.

"My lord," the leader rumbled, his voice gentler now. "You fought valiantly, but you must remember—you are only ten years old. Such exertion on your young body is dangerous."

Theodore smirked weakly, his silver eyes glinting despite the exhaustion. He clutched the leader's arm, steadying himself. "It's nothing," he replied, his voice hoarse but firm. "Pain is temporary. This victory is just the beginning. I've started something, and I won't stop now."

The surrounding shadows, once his enemies, now watched their master with growing admiration. Their malice seemed to fade, replaced by a curious loyalty. They murmured among themselves, their voices a mix of awe and unease.

Realizing his condition, Theodore summoned Priestess Shadow with a wave of his hand. She materialized in a swirl of black mist, her form elegant yet unsettling. She bowed deeply before him. "My lord," she said, her voice soft and ethereal.

Without hesitation, she placed her hands on his chest, her dark aura weaving around him as healing magic flowed through his body. Theodore winced as the magic worked through his wounds, but soon, strength began to return to him.

The shadow leader observed Priestess Shadow with fascination. His crimson eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. "A new shadow… fascinating. Did you create her, my lord?"

Theodore leaned back against a jagged rock, letting the healing finish. "I did," he replied, his voice now steady. "She was once a priestess. Unfortunately, she crossed paths with me and met her end. But her death wasn't in vain—she serves me now, and she's quite useful."

The shadows around him exchanged glances, and even the leader seemed momentarily stunned. "You… truly are ruthless," the leader said, a faint note of admiration in his voice. "We are fortunate to have a master like you."

The other shadows murmured their agreement, their earlier doubts replaced with excitement. To them, Theodore wasn't just powerful—he was cunning, ruthless, and driven. These traits made him worthy of their loyalty, even their awe.

Theodore pushed himself to his feet, his body still sore but his resolve stronger than ever. Using a surge of energy, he leaped onto a nearby rock, towering above the kneeling shadows. His silver hair caught the dim light of the blood-red moon as he looked over his new army.

"Listen to me!" he called, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. The shadows fell silent, their attention solely on him. "This is just the beginning. You may have hated me when I arrived, but now you serve me. And in return, I will give you something no other master could—a purpose."

The shadows leaned forward, hanging on his every word.

"There are enemies in this world—enemies far stronger than anything you've ever faced. Together, we will destroy them. Together, we will conquer. My ultimate goal is to rule not just the shadows, but the world itself. And you will be at my side every step of the way."

A deafening roar erupted from the shadows. "LONG LIVE OUR KING!" they chanted, their voices a thunderous chorus. The ground beneath Theodore seemed to tremble with their energy.

He allowed himself a rare smile, feeling their devotion flood into him. But before he could say more, a swirling portal opened behind him, dark and ominous. Theodore hadn't summoned it, but he felt its familiar pull.

Stepping through the portal, Theodore found himself back in his room. The comforting presence of Belial, Mimi, and Luna greeted him. Shadow Armor stood nearby, his massive form ever watchful.

"My lord, you've returned!" Mimi exclaimed, rushing forward. Luna, perched on her back, clapped her small hands in delight.

Belial stepped closer, his crimson eyes narrowing. "How did it go? Did you tame them all?"

Theodore opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, the shadow leader materialized behind him, his towering figure drawing gasps from the others.

Belial immediately stiffened. "What is he doing here?" he growled, stepping protectively between the leader and Theodore.

The leader knelt before Theodore, his massive sword laid reverently at his side. "My lord, I wish to serve you directly. The underworld is no place for me. My blade yearns to fight by your side."

Belial's expression darkened. "You overstep your bounds, shadow. Return to the underworld where you belong. The lord has no need for you here."

The tension in the room crackled like static. Theodore stepped forward, silencing them with a raised hand. "Enough." He turned to the leader. "Your loyalty is appreciated, but having you here permanently would draw too much attention. However…" He trailed off, an idea forming in his mind. "Can you possess a human body, like Mimi?"

The leader nodded slowly. "I can, but only if I consume the human."

Theodore's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "I see. Then I'll find a suitable body for you. Until then, you'll return to the underworld."

The leader bowed deeply. "As you command, my lord." With that, he vanished in a swirl of black mist.

Theodore turned to Belial. "Open a portal. We've wasted enough time—I need to finish what I started with the Queen."

Belial hesitated. "Before that, my lord… Principal Roman came looking for you while you were gone. His expression was… unsettling, as if he wanted to kill someone."

Theodore's smirk returned. "Ah, so he suspects something. Let him. I'll deal with him soon enough. For now, we focus on the Queen."

Belial nodded and summoned a portal. The swirling gateway opened to a dense forest just outside Donovan City. Theodore stepped through, followed by Belial, Mimi, and Luna.

The group emerged in the lush greenery of the Kiran Forest. Belial unfolded a map, pointing toward their destination. "The city is a few hours' walk from here. The Marquess's keep is heavily fortified, but we can enter through the northern trade route."

Theodore nodded, leaping gracefully into the trees. He moved swiftly, his small form darting from branch to branch. Belial followed closely, his movements effortless, while Mimi carried Luna securely on her back.

After hours of travel, they reached the outskirts of Donovan City. From their vantage point in the trees, Theodore could see the bustling streets below. The city was grand, its architecture a blend of elegance and fortification. At its center stood the Marquess's keep, a sprawling fortress surrounded by towering walls.

Theodore crouched on a high branch, his sharp eyes scanning the city. His smirk deepened. "Donovan and the Queen will pay for what they've done to me. It's time to set the trap."

Belial and Mimi exchanged glances, their loyalty to Theodore unwavering. The shadows in the underworld had pledged their loyalty. Now, it was time to make the mortal realm bow to their king.