The ghouls stood motionless before Evilian, their unwavering devotion evident in their expressions. Although memories of their violent deaths lingered in their minds, a primal drive had taken hold. An all-consuming urge to serve the demoness’ well-being above all else. Nothing mattered more than her happiness, no sacrifice too great.

Evilian studied the undead before her with keen interest. “Welcome back to the world of the ‘living,’” she said, her eyes glinting. “I am Evilian. Now, tell me your names.”

The priestess and warrior bowed in unison. “I am Kiara,” the woman announced. “Magnus,” the man boomed. Despite despising the demoness mere moments before dying, she was now the centre of their existence.

“Excellent,” Evilian said with a pleased smile. “Now, there is no need to follow me constantly. Return to your normal lives and I will contact you if needed. Also, tell your elf companion he sustained a head injury from goblins. Not a word about your new state or what happened here.”

The priestess and warrior bowed in unison. “As you wish, my lady.” While relishing the chance to resume their former lives, they felt a flicker of pity for their unconscious companion, who would never know the sublime joy of serving their mistress. Her will was their purpose, her desire their fulfilment. If only he too could taste such sweet devotion.

The warrior walked in silence beside the priestess, his undead mind abuzz with thoughts of Evilian. Her power had plucked them from the void of death and remade them as her eternal servants. The glory and ecstasy of that transformation were seared into his soul.

His companion too seemed deep in reflection. Her brow furrowed as she gazed at their unconscious elf companion being dragged along behind them. “My magic is gone,” she said abruptly. “My goddess does not answer my prayers as she once did.”

“Don’t worry, Kiara,” the warrior replied. “If not your goddess, then our mistress will surely answer them.”

Kiara blinked, startled by his words. But as she probed the wellspring of faith within her, she found the truth irrefutable. The divine power that had infused her for as long as she could remember was silent. Her prayers were met only with a hollow void. All that remained was an all-encompassing yearning to prove useful to the one who had remade her.

“You are right,” she whispered, overcome by grief and joy in equal measure. “My old faith has been burned away, leaving only devotion to our true mistress.”

As if in response, she felt the caress of shadowy magic and simply knew its power was within her reach. A smile curled Kiara’s lips as magic leapt to her command. She uttered a healing prayer, begging Evilian to mend her comrade’s wounds. In response, power surged within her and onto their unconscious friend, knitting injuries together and reviving his fading spark of life. Her dead heart swelled with love and wonder for the demoness who had blessed them so.

Virion opened his eyes with a groan. His head throbbed and his vision was blurry. He saw two familiar faces hovering over him: Kiara, the priestess who had healed his wounds many times before, and Magnus, the warrior who had fought by his side for years. But something was off about them. Their skin was paler than usual, and their eyes were blood-red.

“What happened?” Virion croaked. “Where’s the demoness?”

Magnus and Kiara exchanged uneasy glances.

“There was no demoness,” Kiara said softly.

“What?” Virion said incredulously.

“The one with horns and wings who attacked us. Don’t you remember?”

“You must have hit your head hard when that goblin ambushed you,” Magnus said quickly. “We had to carry you out of the clearing to safety. There was no demoness.”

Virion tried to sit up but felt a wave of nausea wash over him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Kiara asked, placing an icy hand on his forehead. Her nails were long and sharp, almost like claws. “Maybe my miracle didn’t work properly.”

She muttered a prayer. A tingling sensation spread through Virion’s body, easing his pain. But the power that flowed into him felt cold and violent, unlike the usual soft, warm divine energy.

Virion shook his head, trying to clear his confusion. He remembered vividly how the demoness had appeared out of nowhere and attacked them. How she had killed Magnus with a single motion. How Virion had tried to fight back but was sent flying by a flick of her wrist. How he had heard Kiara’s scream before everything went black.

But now they were standing before him, alive and well. They told him he had been knocked out by a goblin and had hallucinated the whole thing. It made no sense. He wanted to trust them, but something was wrong.

He searched their faces for any hint of being threatened. But they looked sincere and caring. Maybe they were telling the truth. Maybe he had dreamed it all. Maybe he was losing his mind.

He decided to believe them for now, at least until he could figure out what was going on.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it was just a nightmare.”

Kiara smiled and hugged him gently. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Magnus clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Come on,” Kiara said cheerfully. “Let’s head back to town.”

They set off, leaving behind the forest where Virion had faced death at the hands of a demoness - or so he thought. There was more to this than met the eye, and he was determined to find out the truth.

Luxuria watched the departing trio with a frown. “Mistress,” she said, turning to Evilian. “Are you sure it’s wise to leave the elf alive? He might interfere with your plans.”

“Don’t worry, Lux,” Evilian replied. “Everything is proceeding exactly as I foresaw.”

Evilian watched Virion and his companions disappear behind the horizon. She had claimed everything was according to her plans, but that was a lie. She had no grand schemes for them. She had spared them on a whim, feeling responsible for killing them. She had raised them as ghouls, but she didn’t need their service. She just wanted them to live their lives.

A few hours later, Evilian arrived at the outskirts of the town she was heading to before Lux forced them to make a small detour. She scrutinized the scene, her eyes calculating and considering her next move. Should she reveal her identity to the local lord and demand his loyalty? Or would it be wiser to maintain a low profile and steer clear of unnecessary complications?

As Evilian and her companions touched down outside the town’s walls, they merged seamlessly with the bustling crowd, making their way toward the entrance. She determined it best to get a feel for the town before confronting the lord. Evilian also pondered the presence of any adventurer’s guilds; their level would provide a gauge of the city’s strength.

But first and foremost, she needed to ensure their inconspicuousness. With a flick of her wrist, Evilian cast a spell to disguise herself and her companions, concealing their lavish clothing to avoid drawing unwanted attention as they ventured deeper into the town.

As they walked, the aroma of fried meat wafted through the air, accompanied by the faint sounds of laughter and conversation from nearby taverns. Eventually, they stumbled upon a weathered building that appeared to be an adventurer’s guild. However, it looked quite shabby, a stark contrast to the grand guild halls they remembered.

As they approached the entrance, a child suddenly collided with Evilian, clutching at her cloak and hiding behind her for protection. Moments later, a man came running past them, his face red and breath ragged as he shouted, “Thief!”

Once the man chasing the child disappeared from sight, Evilian turned to the young demon. The child’s ribs showed through his torn shirt, and his face was smeared with dirt and sweat. She asked, “What did you steal?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

The child hesitated, his voice trembling. “Fruits, ma’am. My mother is sick. She hasn’t eaten in days, and I just wanted to help her.”

Evilian felt a pang of sympathy in her chest. Subtly conjuring a potion, she appeared to pull it from under her cloak. The potion was a deep shade of purple, reminiscent of the elixir that had been used in the game to remove any negative status ailments. “Here, this potion should help cure your mother’s illness,” she said, offering it to the child.

The child hesitated, his eyes darting between the potion and Evilian’s face, uncertainty clouding his expression. Lux’s eyes flashed with anger as she saw the child’s hesitation. “You dare to doubt her intentions!” she snapped.

Evilian placed a gentle hand on Lux’s arm before she could say more. “It’s okay, Lux,” she reassured her companion. Turning back to the child, she said softly, “Take it. It will help your mother. I promise.”

The child hesitantly accepted the potion, his eyes still full of uncertainty but also gratitude for the kindness shown. As Evilian watched him leave, she decided against further intervention because she recognized the irony of helping just one person amidst widespread poverty. She knew it would be hypocritical to save only one person without addressing the greater issue.

With the matter settled, Evilian and her companions entered the adventurer’s guild. As they stepped inside, the scent of old parchment and worn leather filled the air. Evilian glanced around, her gaze thoughtful. “Let’s see what kind of jobs they post or take here. It will give us a better understanding of this town’s situation.”

Ace nodded, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Good idea. I’m curious to see what this place is like.”

Together, they explored the guild, their eyes scanning the various job postings and studying the adventurers present, all while continuing to maintain their low profile. As they took note of the details around them, Evilian couldn’t help but compare the current state of the world to the game she once knew, intrigued by the differences and similarities that had arisen over time.

Evilian and her companions, Ace and Lux, approached the counter of the adventurer’s guild. They couldn’t help but notice the receptionist – a middle-aged demoness with white hair tied back in a loose bun. The lines on her face hinted at a lifetime of hard work, but she managed a polite smile as they drew near.

“Welcome to the guild,” she said, her voice a blend of professionalism and warmth. “How can I assist you today?”

Evilian leaned on the counter, her eyes flickering with curiosity. “We were wondering about the adventurers in this town. What’s the highest rank among them?”

The receptionist’s brow furrowed as she thought for a moment. “Currently, the highest-ranked adventurer in town is B rank. There aren’t many adventurers above that these days.”

Ace’s eyes widened, and he let out a surprised laugh. “What about the SS and SSS ranks? I remember them being quite prominent back in the day.”

The receptionist chuckled, shaking her head. “Oh, those? I’m afraid I’ve never heard of them. They must be quite legendary if they’ve faded into myth.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement, clearly thinking Ace’s comment was a joke.

Evilian furrowed her brow, curiosity piqued. “It seems like a lot has changed since I’ve been away. Tell me, what has happened to this town and surrounding terrains over the past centuries?”

The receptionist looked thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the question. “Well, it’s a long story, but to summarize, after the Demon Queen vanished, the balance of power shifted. Neighbouring kingdoms and factions began vying for control, leading to constant conflict and instability.”

Lux frowned, her fingers tapping on the counter. “What of the Demon Queen’s legacy? Surely her rule must have left an impact on the region.”

The receptionist sighed. “Indeed, it did. The Demon Queen was known for her strength and wisdom, but over the centuries, the truth has become muddled with legends and myths. Now, she’s seen as more of a mysterious figure from a bygone era. It’s unfortunate, but history has a way of distorting the truth.” Ace tilted his head, looking intrigued. “So, the people here don’t remember the real Evilian? That’s...kind of sad, actually.”

The receptionist nodded. “Yes, it is. The town has struggled to find a lasting peace, and I believe that if the Demon Queen were still here, she could have made a difference. But alas, we must make do with what we have.”

Evilian’s expression was unreadable as she digested the information. She thanked the receptionist and left the guild with her companions. As they left the guild, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Over the next few days, they wandered through the town, the sights and sounds of decay all around them. Buildings once grand now stood weathered and crumbling, the laughter of children replaced by the hushed whispers of the downtrodden.

Evilian’s heart ached as she took in the sorrowful scene. One evening, as they sat around a small fire in the inn’s common room, she shared her thoughts with her companions. “I never imagined it would come to this,” she admitted, her voice heavy with emotion.

Ace looked up from the flames, concern etched on his youthful face. “There must be something we can do to help, right?”

Lux nodded, her eyes determined. “We’ve seen the extent of the negligence in this town. It’s time for us to take action.”

Evilian took a deep breath, her resolve solidifying. “You’re right. We need to visit the mayor of the town. I can’t stand to see my domain in such a disappointing state any longer.”

With a shared sense of purpose, the trio prepared to set out, determined to bring hope back to the people and restore the glory of Evilian’s once-great empire.

As they approached the mayor’s office, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Evilian and her companions took in the grand, albeit aging, structure before them. The once-majestic building was now covered in vines, its walls weathered by time. Despite its current state, it still commanded a certain air of authority.

The sound of their boots echoed through the crisp morning air as they marched up the steps, only to be stopped by a pair of burly guards blocking their path. The guards’ armour glinted in the sunlight, their expressions stern, betraying no hint of fear.

“Halt!” one of the guards barked, crossing his spear in front of the trio. “State your business.”

Evilian, maintaining the illusion that hid her true identity, responded with confidence, “We demand an audience with the mayor.”

The other guard scoffed, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “And just who do you think you are?”

With a flick of her wrist, Evilian dispelled the illusion on her clothes, while revealing her regal demonic form at the same time. Her skin turned a pale shade of purple, her eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, and her long, silver hair cascaded over her shoulders. “I am the Demon Queen, Evilian. Stand aside, or face the consequences.”

The guards hesitated, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief. They exchanged uncertain glances, clearly unprepared for the powerful figure standing before them. As they refused to budge, Evilian’s patience wore thin.

A low growl emanated from her throat as she raised her hand, fingers splayed. Dark tendrils of energy surged from her palm, wrapping around the guards’ weapons and wrenching them from their grasp, a simple spell but effective. The guards stared, dumbfounded, at their now-empty hands, their confidence faltering.

Seizing the opportunity, Evilian thrust her arms forward, sending a powerful gust of wind that threw the guards against the walls flanking the entrance. They crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain, as the trio strode past them and into the building.

Inside the mayor’s office, they found a spacious room adorned with faded tapestries and dusty bookshelves. A large wooden desk stood at the centre, behind which a portly, middle-aged man scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting between Evilian and her companions.

“You dare to claim the title of the Demon Queen?” he stammered, his face turning a deep shade of red. “You expect me to believe that?”

Evilian’s eyes flashed with irritation. “You doubt my words? Witness the power of your queen.” She raised her hands, and the room darkened as shadows danced around her, enveloping her in an aura of darkness.

The mayor’s eyes widened as he witnessed the display of her demonic powers, but he still hesitated, fear and doubt warring within him. Evilian’s expression hardened, and she conjured a ball of crackling energy in her palm, launching it at the fireplace. The flames roared, shooting up the chimney and filling the room with a sudden, oppressive heat.

Lux stepped forward, her voice calm and firm. “My Queen’s power speaks for itself. Swear your allegiance, or suffer the consequences.”

Finally, the mayor crumbled under the weight of the evidence before him, falling to his knees and swearing his loyalty to Evilian.

Satisfied with the mayor’s submission, Evilian spoke, her voice commanding yet composed. “You will prepare your soldiers. Word has reached us that the humans are gathering an army. We must be ready to face them.”

With a bow, the mayor promised to do as she commanded, his voice shaking with a mix of fear and awe. As the trio left the town, their footsteps echoing with determination, they knew their journey was far from over.

Over the following weeks, they travelled to other settlements within Evilian’s domain, unifying the disparate factions under her rule once again. Each town presented its own challenges, but Evilian’s power and the unwavering loyalty of Ace and Lux brought them victory at every turn.

With every settlement brought under her rule, Evilian’s confidence grew, and so did the loyalty of her subjects. They saw in her the promise of a better future, and they were eager to serve her cause.

The once fragmented land began to mend itself, the people united under the banner of their Demon Queen. Preparations were made for the inevitable confrontation with other forces, but Evilian remained steadfast in her resolve. She knew that the strength of her people, combined with the power she wielded, would be enough to protect her lands and secure the future she envisioned for her subjects.

As Evilian’s domain continued to strengthen and flourish, the commotion did not go unnoticed by the other demons dwelling in neighbouring territories. It was ironic that instead of the human army, it would be the demons who would pose the first real threat to Evilian’s newfound rule. These demons, sceptical of the Demon Queen’s return, dismissed the idea that the powerful figure re-establishing order could be the genuine Evilian. They assumed that her name was merely being used as a symbol to rally the people.

Whispers of dissent began to spread among the demons, their competitive and aggressive nature fuelling their desire to challenge the authority of the so-called Demon Queen. As the human threat remained a looming concern, Evilian now found herself facing the prospect of having to confront other demons to protect her domain. It was a twist of fate that no one had anticipated, and it would be a true test of her leadership and power.