“M-my grandfather?”

Talia was stunned by the revelation. She never knew anything about her grandfather. Shin had never told her about any family members or relatives, so she had always assumed she had none. Yet, the man standing before her claimed to be an acquaintance of her grandfather.

“Were you really friends with my grandfather?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The cult leader's smile softened with a hint of nostalgia. “Yes, I was.”

“Was?” Talia repeated, her voice barely a whisper.

The cult leader’s smile faded into a sorrowful expression. “Your grandfather is no longer in this world.”

“N-not anymore? Did he return to God like Mom?”

The cult leader struggled to keep a look of disgust off his face at the mention of God. “Yes, he did,” he said, his voice steady.

“But Dad never told me anything about him.”

“I’m sure he didn’t. They didn’t part on the best of terms,” the cult leader said, patting Talia gently on the shoulder. “Your grandfather wanted to teach you about your powers, but your father was against it. So, he took you away from him.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?” Talia’s eyes were wide with confusion.

The cult leader’s face darkened, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It wasn’t your father’s fault, Talia. People with strong energy like you are targets for dark forces. He wanted to protect you. Your grandfather saw things differently—he believed you should harness your powers to grow strong and protect others.”

“Mister, I don’t understand anything,” Talia said, shaking her head.

“Of course, it’s a long story. But for now,” he said, his expression hardening, “your father is in grave danger. An evil organization is after him. They are the same people responsible for your grandfather’s demise.”

Talia’s heart sank. “Th-they killed my grandfather? And now they’re after my dad too?”

The cult leader rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t panic. He’s safe for now, but it won’t last. That’s why I had to take you and your friend with me—you’re both special.”

“Me? Special?” Talia’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Yes, Talia. You possess powers that ordinary people don’t. With practice, you can save your father.”

“Powers? But I don’t have any.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he reassured her. “Once we start training, you’ll become powerful enough to protect him.”

“I’m sorry, Mister, but what you’re saying sounds impossible. I’m just a 10-year-old girl. How could I do something like that?” Doubt and suspicion clouded Talia’s eyes.

The cult leader’s jaw tightened, but he forced a smile. “Ha ha, little Talia, so mature for your age. When I was your age, I believed in all sorts of fantasies. As I grew older, I thought they were absurd too—until I experienced them firsthand. Let me show you something to make you believe.”

He focused his gaze on a vase sitting on a nearby cupboard. With a slight motion of his hand, the vase began to float in mid-air.

Talia’s eyes widened, memories flooding back. It wasn’t a dream—she had done the same thing once. Her doubts faded, replaced by awe.

“See, Talia? Do you believe me now?” the leader asked softly.

“Y-yes,” she whispered, stunned.

“Then why don’t you try it?”

Talia fixed her eyes on the vase. She remembered that day, how the power had surged within her when she had reached out for something she desired. Now, she needed that same intense focus. She tried with all her might, but the vase didn’t budge. After several exhausting attempts, her body felt drained, as though she’d run a marathon. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, and her vision blurred as she glanced up at the cult leader, who was watching her with an expression like he saw a ghost.

“M-mister, what happened? Why are you looking at me like that?”

The cult leader snapped back to reality. “Ah… nothing. It looks like you need more practice. For now, go and rest in your room.”

“But nothing happened,” Talia protested. “I tried so hard, but it didn’t move.”

“Don’t worry about that. With practice, you’ll do much more than lift a vase. For now, rest. You look exhausted.”

Talia nodded, realizing how utterly spent she felt. But a new determination burned inside her. If she could learn to control her powers, maybe she could escape—and save her father. But could she trust this man? For now, she had no choice but to follow his lead.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Um, Mister, can you let Shawn out too? If we practice together, I think it would be better.”

The cult leader’s smile returned. “Of course. But it will be your responsibility to make sure he behaves. If he doesn’t, you will get a share in his punishment. Understand?”

“I understand. Please, just let him out. I’ll talk to him,” Talia promised.

“Okay then.”

“Also, Mister… what’s your name?”

“You can call me Mr. P.”

“Oh, okay.”

Mr. P called for Ellen, who gently lifted Talia and carried her to the bedroom. She tucked the exhausted girl into bed and left the room quietly.

Mr. P sat in the silence of the hall, staring coldly at the vase. Ellen’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“She’s much more powerful than we expected,” she said with concern.

Mr. P’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the vase. “Ha, are you worried about a little girl?” he said, his tone mocking. The vase suddenly shattered to pieces.“Don’t worry. Once she’s under our control, everything will go smoothly.”

“I don’t think everything is going as smoothly as you believe. A mid-grade demon from the Morville Branch and Wenton were both killed.”

Mr. P’s expression darkened. “Tch. Don’t mention that fool. To think he made a deal with him and exposed my sigil. But it doesn’t matter. My target is still the same—the Blood-Eyed.”

“Do you want me to go to the Morville Branch and deal with him?”

“What fun would that be, Ellen? We demons are bound to evil by nature. Why not enjoy ourselves along the way? Besides, our branch leader is no mere mid-grade—he’s a Count of Hell a high-grade demon. Trust him and watch the show.”

“But—”

“Are you doubting their strength? Remember, they’re not just possessing bodies like the mid-grade we sent or Wenton—they’re using them under soul contracts.”

“I know that, but I don’t think they can handle him. Not to mention the Holy Hands are also working with him.”

Mr. P smirked. “He’s not invincible, and they’re not easy prey. Besides, I can’t wait for his reaction when his precious daughter breaks the Demonic Nine Circle Seals. To think she would almost remove the first one with just sheer willpower. We just need to push her a bit more.”

“Are you sure this game of yours is worth it? We have a responsibility to resurrect the Supreme General.”

“And we have the perfect host. We just need to shape her for the General to adapt.”

“Do what you wish. I’m heading to Bartha City. They’ve been interfering with our operations too much.”

“Yeah, to think even they would turn against us. Ugh, it’s so difficult working with those damn demons. You go ahead. It’s time for my sermons. How many new people have gathered today?”

“Almost 20 new ones, and 55 have been coming consistently for nearly a week now.”

“Haha, to think these humans are so easy to manipulate. Just toss in a few words about salvation, and they come running. Salvation, my ass—the only thing waiting for them is eternal damnation at the hands of our kings.”

“Have you—” Ellen stopped herself mid-sentence.

“Hmm? What is it, Ms. Ellen? Do you have any questions?”

"Nothing, I will take my leave now."Ellen stepped outside, passing the monumental building that served as Mr. P’s residence. The mansion, with its cream-colored walls and medieval-style architecture, resembled a noble palace surrounded by lush gardens and a training arena. It was situated inside a dense forest.

But amidst all this grandeur, the only thing that lingered in Ellen's mind was her own thought: **salvation for a demon**. What an absurd notion, she mused. From the moment a demon is born, it is fated to be evil and meet a doomed end. Yet, despite the absurdity, she couldn't help but wonder: could a demon ever truly achieve salvation? As impossible as it seemed, Ellen longed to witness it—a demon who strayed from the path of evil and found redemption.

*Thud, thud.*

A loud knocking sound broke her reverie. She moved toward a nearby shed and opened the door to find a 10-year-old boy with messy black hair and gray eyes. His arms bore bruises, and he glared defiantly at her.

“Let me out! You’ll regret this! My grandfather won’t spare you once he—” The boy’s voice faltered when he saw her eyes turn pitch black.

“Listen carefully, kid. From now on, you do as you’re told. Your friend begged for your release on the condition that she shares in your punishment if you misbehave. Do you understand?”

“I don’t care about her!” Shawn spat. “Because of her, everyone laughed at me. She should’ve minded her own business instead of rescuing that idiot Manny.”

“Shut up!” Ellen grabbed him by the neck and shoved him against the wall. “Behave, or I’ll make sure every part of you is used in our rituals.”

Shawn’s eyes widened with fear. For the first time, he felt the cold hand of death close in.

Meanwhile, in her room, Talia was already practicing. She managed to float some books but even that was tiring. Though exhausted, she marveled at her progress.

“I can manage four items at once, It’s tiring, but I’m improving.”

A sudden, dark aura made her freeze. Her heart clenched. **No, Shawn.** She bolted to the door, only to find it locked. Panic set in, but she used her powers, shattering the lock. Racing through the mansion, she couldn’t find Mr. P.

Outside, near the shed, she saw Ellen gripping Shawn’s neck.

“No!” Talia shouted. Acting on instinct, she focused on Ellen, raised her arm, and yanked her back with an invisible force. Ellen fell to the ground, stunned by the sheer strength.

Ellen’s grip on Shawn was released as she was suddenly pushed back by an immense force, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Talia paused, her heart pounding as she absorbed what she had just done. She had attacked Ms. Ellen—but wasn’t Ellen hurting Shawn? Ellen quickly stood up, but instead of looking angry, her expression was one of concern.

“Talia, what are you doing here? You were exhausted from your session,” Ellen said, her voice strained.

“It doesn’t matter. What were you doing to Shawn?” Talia shouted, defiance hardening her tone.

“I-I’m sorry, young miss. My emotions got the better of me. I shouldn’t have hurt your friend, but it was the only way to discipline a brat like him.”

“Just stop it, Ms. Ellen! Please don’t hurt him again,” Talia demanded, her voice wavering.

“I understand, but he needs discipline. He won’t learn with just—”

“It’s my problem. Please, don’t interfere.”

Ellen opened her mouth to argue but decided against it. “Very well, then. I’ll be on my way.” She stepped back, disappearing into the shadows of the dense forest.

A pang of guilt twisted in Talia’s chest. She hadn’t meant to hurt Ms. Ellen like that. **I’ll make sure to apologize next time.**

She moved toward Shawn, but an overwhelming aura washed over her, making her freeze. It wasn’t as aggressive or murderous as Ellen’s, yet there was something about it that felt far more dangerous. It was dense, malicious, and suffocating, making it hard for Talia to breathe.

She turned to find the source and gasped. Mr. P, who hadn’t been there moments before, now stood behind her. His eyes burned with fury, and his cold, unreadable expression sent a chill down her spine as he stepped closer.