My Demonic Farm: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG

In the bustling newsroom, where ringing phones and clattering keyboards reverberated, Sarah and Mark sat, poised professionally. They were ready to delve into the most discussed topic of the day.

Dressed in her sharp blue jacket, Sarah began, "Good evening, everyone. I'm Sarah Wilson, and beside me is Mark Robert. The world's eyes are on one question today: Who's going to take over the Lewis empire's crown?"

Looking dapper, Mark joined, "Exactly, Sarah. With the departure of the legendary Ryuk Lewis, speculations are everywhere about his successor."

The screen transitioned to show Jane, stationed outside the majestic Lewis mansion. The city's glittering skyline acted as her backdrop, with screens everywhere flashing updates about the heir's announcement.

With excitement in her tone, Jane reported, "Hey, Sarah and Mark! The energy here is very thick. People are curios about the next successor, especially with Theo Lewis's sudden return from his overseas studies."

Sarah asked, "Jane, what are you hearing on the ground? Is Theo the crowd favorite, given his close relationship with Ryuk Lewis?"

Jane responded with a knowing smile, "Sarah, it's hard for everyone to ignore their bond. It was unlike any grandparent-grandchild relationship. Ryuk Lewis, often reserved and distant with others, was a completely different man around Theo. They played golf, attended parties, almost like best buddies. It's as if Theo brought youth back into the old man's life."

Back in the studio, Mark pondered, "Their bond was undoubtedly special, but we're talking about the colossal Lewis empire. Predictions could backfire."

Sarah concurred, "Absolutely, Mark. It's not just about family ties but also business acumen and the leadership ability to steer a global empire."

Mark nodded in agreement, finalizing his thoughts, "Couldn’t agree more. It’s a waiting game now."

To wrap up the discussion, Sarah declared, "Thanks for the update, Jane. Everyone, stay with us for the latest updates. This is one announcement that promises to be unforgettable."

*Whir!!*

At that instant, the television screen faded to black as Theo clicked off the remote. The penthouse suite was immediately shrouded in a deep stillness, with only the distant hum of the city coming through the open window.

Theo's eyes seemed to absorb every nuance of what had been discussed. This wasn't just another day; it was a defining moment. A moment that would not only carve his own future but also shape the destiny of the monumental Lewis empire.

Aware of the massive responsibilities that came with being Ryuk Lewis's heir, the fourth richest man in the world, Theo was acutely aware of the enormity of the decision that lay ahead.

Releasing a deep breath, Theo rose from the armchair. At six feet tall, with ebony black hair and captivating silver eyes, he was a figure who commanded attention. His eyes seemed to hold a depth of wisdom beyond his years. Theo's physique was a manifestation of his dedication to fitness; his perfect body build hinted at a disciplined workout routine.

Yet, beneath his composed exterior, conflicted emotions churned. With a calm look on his face, he exited the room. The years of grooming for this critical role were evident in the way he carried himself, radiating an aura of confidence and elegance.

As Theo navigated the grand corridors of his luxurious residence, memories flickered like aged film reels. The loss of his parents in his childhood had been a devastating blow to him. He didn't remember any of his childhood memories before the age of twelve, when his parents died in a car accident in which he miraculously survived.

But from that point on, his late grandfather, Ryuk Lewis, had served as his guiding light, offering guidance, love, and invaluable life lessons. Ryuk wasn’t just a grandfather; he was Theo’s best friend, mentor, and, most importantly, his only family.

For over a decade, the old man had dedicated himself to Theo, bestowing invaluable wisdom, fostering unwavering values, and nurturing his business acumen.

But, amid their cherished moments, one important message echoed ceaselessly: 'The path of a wise ruler lies in being kind and just to your people, but when the time demands, unsheathe the sword to safeguard those you hold dear.'

The only aspect he disliked about his grandfather was when Ryuk taught him swordsmanship. During those times, Ryuk pushed him to the brink and subjected him to relentless training that felt like torture. Theo questioned why he needed to learn swordsmanship in the modern age, but Ryuk's response was simply that he wanted to pass down his bequest to someone worthy.

Today, as the heir announcement approached, Theo’s feelings were a complex blend, gratitude for the love he'd received and a fierce determination to honor Ryuk's legacy. It wasn’t just about the inheritance; it was about upholding his teachings of giving back, continuing his philanthropic initiatives, and making a positive impact on the world.

Theo's tall figure shadowed over the blue carpet as he walked toward the exit of his penthouse. The moment he stepped into the hallway, his bodyguards, dressed in black suits, took positions on either side of him, forming a formidable escort.

As they made their way to the building's entrance, the doors opened to reveal a long, sleek black car – a Bugatti La Voiture Noire.

It was one of the rarest and most expensive cars in the world, a gift from his late grandfather to mark his 21st birthday. The car, limited in its editions, was as much a showcase of the Lewis family's influence and Ryuk's love for his grandson as it was an extravagant vehicle.

A uniformed chauffeur hurriedly stepped out, opening the rear door with skilled manners.

Theo slid into the comfortable leather seats, his bodyguards taking their positions in the convoy of vehicles that flanked the Bugatti. More than fifty other vehicles, a blend of armored SUVs and high-end luxury cars, revved up, signaling the grandeur of the event.

As the convoy snaked through the streets, it was as though the city itself had awakened from slumber. News of Theo Lewis's movement had spread like wildfire, and throngs of people lined the road, stopping in the middle, eager to catch a glimpse of Theo Lewis. The powerful engine's roar from the Bugatti was muffled only by the loud cheers of the onlookers.

Yet, as they approached the vicinity of the Lewis mansion, the sheer number of people made it almost impossible for the convoy to proceed. But the crowd's mood shifted the moment they recognized the distinctive car.

Murmurs of "It's Theo Lewis!" spread, and magically, a pathway opened up, akin to the parting of the Red Sea. Hands reached out in a desperate attempt to make contact, their fingers grazing the sleek surface of the Bugatti, faces glowing with awe and reverence.

Upon arriving at the mansion's grand entrance, another chauffeur swung open the Bugatti's door.

*Snap!*

The world seemed to freeze as Theo emerged from the car. A blinding sea of camera flashes vied to immortalize his composed exit. His bodyguards encircled him instantly, forming an impenetrable ring that shielded him both from the surging crowd and the incessant snapping of the media’s cameras.

Together, they traversed the groomed lawns leading to the mansion’s grand entrance.

The colossal wooden doors of the Lewis mansion opened, welcoming Theo back to the place where memories of his beloved grandfather were strongest. As he entered, the clamor outside faded, but the weight of the moment, the suspense of the announcement, and the legacy of Ryuk Lewis pressed heavily on him.

The room was bathed in the scent of aromatic flowers. Across the room, a woman in a neatly tailored black suit and glasses met his gaze. She gave a quick bow, her eyes showing a hint of respect. "Good day, sir. Everyone's waiting."

"Who else has arrived before me?" Theo asked in a calm tone.

"Your uncle, aunt, and their children, as well as Lawyer Walton," she responded, carefully maintaining a neutral tone as she avoided mentioning names.

Nodding again, Theo advanced into the grander part of the room. The atmosphere was heavy, almost stifling, thick with visible tension.

Six pairs of eyes locked onto him, four icy cold, brimming with hatred and annoyance, while two differed: one exuded a soft warmth, and the other was filled with complex emotions, hinting at an inner turmoil.

Four of them naturally belonged to his uncle, aunt, and two cousins - male siblings who held an evident disliking towards him.

Uncle John, hoping to lighten the mood and keeping in mind Theo's potential new role as his next boss in the Lewis family business, broke the ice, "Theo, nice to see you again."

A bit surprised by the unexpected warm greeting, Theo blinked but quickly replied with a soft smile, "Been on a diet, Uncle John? You're looking good!"

A muffled giggle floated from a girl situated across the room. Her eyes, previously engulfed in complicated emotions and inner conflict, now glimmered with mischief.

She had mesmerizing hazel eyes that seemed to hold secrets and depths of curiosity. Her shoulder-length pink hair flowed down in a shade of soft rose that perfectly complemented her fair complexion.

Her stylish pastel-colored dress, adorned with delicate floral patterns, hugged her slender figure. A silver necklace graced her neck, glinting under the soft glow of the room's lights, completing her ravishing appearance.

Though she usually kept a distance from the boy, today Theo chose to sit beside her, making her shift slightly, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

An old man, his face lined with age, cleared his throat; it was Lawyer Walton. Despite his coldness towards the boy for arriving late, he couldn't conceal the warmth hidden in his eyes when looking at Theo.

"Theo, you're a tad late," he remarked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"My flight had some issues, Uncle Walton," Theo explained.

Looking back to a black file, Walton pulled out a paper and adjusted his glasses. "Alright, time is of the essence. Let's proceed to hear Mr. Ryuk Lewis's last wishes," he declared, understanding their delayed start.

A hushed silence engulfed the room. Everyone's attention was now on that single piece of paper.

Walton's hands, slightly trembling with age, spread the paper out in front of him. The room was heavy with expectancy, every gaze focused on him.

"According to the last will of Mr. Ryuk Lewis," he began, "The shares of the Lewis empire are distributed as follows: 18% is retained by various investors of Lewis Industries."

This piece of news was widely known, as it was public knowledge. The people present in the room were keenly interested in knowing how much share they would get.

The old man surely knew how to tease them with his silence as he paused after announcing the first part of the distribution.

Taking a deep breath and pushing up his glasses, Lawyer Walton continued, "George Lewis will hold 8% of the shares, while Alina Lewis will possess 31%."

John Lewis frowned at this announcement as Alina got to have a bigger share in the company than his youngest son, even though they were both his children. This outcome was expected, given that Alina was closer to her father, Ryuk, among the three of his children.

However, it was clear to John that Ryuk still favored Theo the most. Deep within his heart, he knew without a doubt that the rest of the shares would undoubtedly belong to Theo, as he was the cherished favorite grandson of Ryuk Lewis.

Taking a deep breath, Walton looked around the room. His eyes moved to every person who was present in the room, but in the end, his gaze stopped at Theo and Alina, hesitating for a moment before he decided to make the big announcement.

"The successor to the Lewis empire, the new leader, will be... Eren, the eldest grandson of the family, who has been given 32% of the shares."

The room went silent, the announcement having made them all freeze in their place.

Alina's eyes widened in surprise, but there was something else there, a glint of understanding, as if a piece of a puzzle had just fallen into place for her.

Meanwhile, Theo's face remained calm. Yet his eyebrows drew together ever so slightly, a small crack in his serene façade. He hadn't expected this news. There was a pause that felt like an eternity as he collected himself, the outcome of the result being unexpected.

Uncle John and his wife were caught with their mouths agape in surprise. They hadn't expected this, but the shock quickly wore off, replaced by joy and pride.

As the realization sank in, Uncle John exclaimed, "Holy… No… Is this real?"

Equally overwhelmed, his wife added with delight, "My son, you've become the next boss of the company…"

Their expressions shifted from astonishment to joy as they embraced their eldest child. Their faces beamed with happiness, and the room filled with their cheerful congratulations.

However, Eren's younger brother, George, didn't share in the celebration. A scowl twisted his face, his eyes flashing with annoyance and hatred. Without a word, he stormed out of the room, pausing only to send a glare filled with hostility in Theo and Alina's direction.

As George slammed the door behind him, the room's laughter and excitement gradually faded. Silence settled, and all remaining eyes turned to Theo, who remained silent with a slight frown on his face.

Beside him, Alina's eyes seemed to hold hidden knowledge, as if she knew something the others didn't.

A new chapter in the Lewis family's story was beginning to unfold, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

For Eren, it was a time of triumph and celebration. For George, it was a bitter disappointment, a moment of loss that he couldn't easily shake off.

And for Theo, something else entirely was waiting. Far from the Lewis business empire and the family politics, it was just the start of something bigger.

He didn't know it yet, but his life was about to take a wild turn. A whole new adventure was waiting for him, something big, something exciting, something he could never have guessed, even in his wildest dreams.