Malakor's skeletal fingers drummed once on the table, a tiny sound that somehow echoed through the entire hall.

"I have seen many candidates for this seat," Malakor said. "Warriors who boasted of their kill counts. Mages who demonstrated their magical prowess. Tyrants who promised to expand demon territories through conquest. All of them failed to impress me because they offered nothing new. Just more of what we already have."

He paused, and Satou felt his fate hanging in the balance.

"You are different," Malakor continued. "Perhaps because you are young. Perhaps you may be the change we needed to stop this everlasting war between all races. Perhaps because you've experienced weakness and remember what it's like to be powerless. Whatever the reason, you offer something we do not have. A vision of the future that doesn't simply repeat the past."

"Lord Malakor," Chronus interjected. "Surely you're not seriously considering accepting him based on pretty words about idealistic nonsense?"

"I'm considering accepting him because he's already begun implementing his vision," Malakor replied. "And more importantly, because his success or failure will provide valuable information."

The skeletal lord turned to address the entire table. "We have held our positions for centuries. Our territories are stable. Our power is absolute within our domains. But we have stagnated. We do the same things in the same ways and expect different results. Perhaps it's time we tried something new."

He looked at Satou. "I propose we accept Satou's candidacy for the seventh seat on a provisional basis. He will have one year to prove his vision is viable. One year to show that his settlement can grow, can defend itself, can actually implement the changes he speaks of. If he succeeds, his seat becomes permanent. If he fails, the seat remains empty and we can all agree that idealism has no place in demon lord politics."

"And if he succeeds?" Volcanus asked. "What then?"

"Then we have proof that there are alternatives to the way we've always done things," Malakor said. "Which could be useful. At minimum, it gives us a buffer territory in the south that could absorb human aggression. At best, it creates a model that other settlements might follow, giving us more organized and dependable allies."

"I like this idea," Azshara said, her shark like smile widening. "It costs us nothing to let him try. And if he fails, we lose a candidate we weren't using anyway."

"I also support this," Grimfang rumbled. "The pup has guts, I'll give him that. Let's see if he has the skill to back up his words."

"I find him... fascinating," Seraphine purred. "I'd very much like to see what he accomplishes. And perhaps get to know him better in the process."

The last part was delivered with another of those sultry looks that made Satou extremely uncomfortable. But he forced himself not to react, keeping his expression neutral.

"I oppose," Chronus said flatly. "This is a mistake. He's unproven, unqualified, and backed by Loki, which automatically makes him suspect."

"Your objection is noted and ignored," Malakor said dismissively. "Unless anyone else wishes to formally object?"

He paused, allowing time for any other demon lord to speak. None did, though several looked thoughtful.

"Then it's decided," Malakor declared. "Satou is provisionally accepted as the seventh seat of the demon lord council. He will have one year to prove his worth. During that time, he's entitled to the protections and resources available to all seated lords. He may call on us for assistance, within reason, and we may call on him in return."

He looked directly at Satou. "This is your chance, young Satou. Use it wisely. Build your civilization. Prove that idealism has a place in our world. And if you succeed, you'll have earned your seat permanently. If you fail, you'll be just another footnote in demon lord history."

"I understand," Satou said, trying to process what had just happened. "And thank you, Lord Malakor. I won't waste this opportunity."

"See that you don't," Malakor replied. Then, for the first time since the meeting began, something that might have been a smile crossed his skeletal features. "And Satou? I hope you succeed. It would be refreshing to see something new after so many centuries of the same old patterns."

The temperature around Malakor began to return to normal as he relaxed slightly. The meeting had reached its primary conclusion.

"If there's no other business," Malakor said, "I believe we can adjourn. Loki, please ensure your candidate understands his responsibilities and limitations. The rest of you, I'll expect your reports on domain activities by the usual schedule."

The demon lords began to rise from their seats. The meeting was over.

Satou had done it. He was now provisionally a demon lord.

He should have felt triumphant. Instead, he felt the weight of responsibility settling even more heavily on his shoulders. One year to prove himself. One year to build something that would convince these ancient, powerful beings that his vision was viable.

One year to either succeed or fail completely.

"Well done," Loki said quietly beside him. "That was an excellent argument. You impressed even Malakor, which is no small feat."

"Thanks," Satou replied. "Though I notice Chronus still hates me."

"Chronus hates everyone," Loki said dismissively. "Especially me. Don't take it personally."

"What happened between you two?" Satou asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

Loki's expression darkened slightly. "That's a story for another time. Just know that Chronus and I have history that goes back centuries. It's complicated, painful, and not relevant to your current situation. Focus on your settlement, on your vision. Leave the old grudges to those of us old enough to carry them."

Before Satou could respond, Seraphine glided over, her corrupted wings rustling softly. Up close, she was even more unsettling, beautiful and terrible in equal measure.

"Congratulations on your acceptance, darling," she purred, one finger trailing along Satou's shoulder. "I do hope you'll visit my domain sometime. I have so many things I'd love to show you. So many experiences I could share."

The way she said it made her intentions absolutely clear.

"I'll keep that in mind," Satou said carefully, stepping slightly away from her touch. "Though I'll probably be quite busy with my settlement for the foreseeable future."

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