Valeris

Valeris was the elderly Elf Emperor who ruled the Demi-Human Empire. A cautious survivor before powers he considered insurmountable, he nevertheless refused to surrender his own imperial legacy and died resisting Aengus Degaro's conquest. (Chapters 329–338)

Biography

Gathering (2) to Demon God’s Revelation

Valeris joined the rulers observing Aengus's Void manifestation with suspicion, questioned the Phoenix Empress's unexpected granddaughters, and tried to determine whether the nearby demons had caused the calamity. When Lucifer cracked his defense and a god was effortlessly devoured, Valeris accepted Rindel's warning and withdrew rather than sacrifice his veteran party to an incomprehensible threat. That retreat was calculated preservation, not lasting passivity: when the Liberation Empire attacked his territory, he mobilized the demi-human army and used his strategic experience to defend multiple kingdoms despite repeated defeats. (Chapters 329–335)

With most of his empire conquered and Aengus repeatedly blocking every personal intervention, Valeris realized the younger ruler was toying with him. Pride and responsibility for the legacy he had built then outweighed the caution that had saved him earlier. He refused surrender, called on the Mother Tree for aid, and received no response; Aengus seized him effortlessly and crushed his soul. Rindel closed his emperor's eyes before submitting the surviving warriors, so Valeris's final stand preserved his refusal to yield but failed to preserve either his life or independent rule. (Chapters 337–338)

Appearance and personality

Valeris is an old elf with a haggard face by his final campaign, piercing golden eyes, furrowed brows, and the bearing of a long-established emperor. He is suspicious, calculating, and capable of retreat when resistance is futile, yet highly sensitive to dignity and legacy. His last choice is therefore both protective and self-destructive: he believes an emperor should hold his ground, but the narration also identifies wounded self-esteem as a decisive pressure. (Chapters 329–337)

Skills, laws, and abilities

Valeris is treated as a Transcendental ruler and seasoned strategist who can coordinate the Demi-Human Empire's armies across simultaneous attacks. His Tree of Eternity's Barrier offers high-level defense, but Lucifer's strike cracks it and forces Rindel and other Transcendentals to rescue him. The text does not explain whether Valeris creates the barrier personally or channels the Mother Tree, nor does it give its range, cost, or recovery conditions. (Chapters 331, 335)

He can appeal to the Mother Tree for strength, establishing a recognized connection between imperial elf authority and the Tree of Eternity. The aid is conditional rather than automatic: it does not answer against Aengus, and Valeris has no independent counter when seized. His strategic mind slows the conquest but cannot bridge the raw power gap, while Aengus can crush his soul instantly and preserve the body afterward. (Chapter 337)

Relationships

• Rindel: Valeris's loyal confidant and adviser, who helps save him from Lucifer, counsels retreat, and submits only after his death. (Chapters 331–338)
• Aengus Degaro: Valeris first recognizes him as an impossible threat, then opposes his invasion and dies rather than surrender his legacy. (Chapters 329–338)
• Mother Tree: The spiritual center Valeris relies upon for defense and authority; it does not answer his final plea. (Chapters 331, 337)

Items

No personal weapon, armor, or portable relic is named for Valeris. The Tree of Eternity and Mother Tree are institutional or living sources associated with his empire, not demonstrated possessions that he carries. (Chapters 331, 337)