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Returning to the depths of the netherworld, my fiery abode, I slumped into my infernal throne, consumed by a sense of defeat over my failure to obtain the sword of heaven. Exhaustion enveloped me as I had expended a tremendous amount of magical energy in the intense battle against the three archangels. Despite my doubts about my ability to kill Uriel, I had inflicted great harm upon him, effectively removing him from the immediate picture.

Lost in my thoughts, a nagging feeling of unease crept over me. Something was amiss with the archangels, their actions reeked of disarray.

And then there was the matter of the holy kingdom... They had become aware of my demonic nature, likely due to my reckless behavior with Yarine. I needed to be more cunning, to deceive and manipulate, taking my time to gain their trust. On the other hand, I had gained a new follower, one who had faithfully carried out my instructions.

The grand gates to the throne room swung wide open, revealing Alpos leading a formidable escort of thousands of armed imps marching down the crimson carpet.

The procession came to a halt, with Alpos standing at the forefront of his forces.

"My lord, you have returned," he announced with a deep bow.

"Explain yourself. What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, my voice laced with curiosity and a tinge of suspicion.

"My lord, we have received word of your difficulties in the holy kingdom. I have prepared an army, ready to march and bring their capital to its knees. We await your command," Alpos exclaimed, a cunning grin playing upon his lips as his eyes fixated upon my imposing figure.

"No need," I replied, my gaze averted from his eager gaze.

"But, my lord, they have dared to attack you! We must unleash our vengeance upon them," Alpos persisted, his fervor apparent.

"I SAID ENOUGH!" My voice thundered through the throne room, its demonic resonance reverberating through the very halls of the citadel, causing the assembled imps to tremble in fear.

Observing Alpos intently, I addressed his questioning gaze.

"Alpos... We need not engage in battle at this moment... There are... other matters that demand my attention."

"Other matters, my lord? But surely our conquest is of utmost importance," Alpos interjected, his voice laced with confusion.

"It is far more crucial than our conquest," I replied, my tone hinting at the weight of the upcoming task.

Alpos's eyes widened, his curiosity growing with each passing moment.

"My lord, with your permission, I can lead the assault and bring them to their knees for their transgressions. You need not burden yourself any further," Alpos suggested, his determination unwavering.

"Do as you are told..." I responded, my weariness becoming more apparent. The prolonged battle had drained me of my demonic powers, leaving me fatigued and weakened under the oppressive holy aura that permeated the kingdom.

I couldn't help but appreciate Alpos's loyalty and intelligence. He had proven himself to be an exceptional minion, contributing greatly to our successes. Yet, there was a part of me that found his efficiency somewhat distasteful.

"March your forces to the Crossing of Darkness, Alpos. There you will find Ifrit, the mighty demon of flames. Subjugate him and his followers, and bring them under my command,"

Alpos's eyes sparked with excitement, fully understanding the magnitude of the task I had bestowed upon him. However, conquering Ifrit and his fiery legions would not be an easy feat.

"I shall fulfill your command, my lord," Alpos affirmed, his head bowed respectfully. "Ifrit and his fire elementals will recognize your rightful rule."

"It is time to unite the forces of hell, Alpos. Do not fail me. Take as many soldiers as you require, equip yourself with any necessary weapons," I declared, my voice growing deeper and more calculating, resonating throughout the chamber.

"Our forces... they are growing... With the might of Ifrit and the impions under your esteemed command, I am confident that together we can orchestrate a spectacle beyond imagination."

"Elven's Crossing, my lord?"

"Indeed. From Elven's Crossing to Octavia, we must set in motion the necessary arrangements... preparations for the impending war. Only with the legions of Ifrit can we hope to overcome such challenge."

As Alpos lowered his head, I sensed a shift in his loyalty. Uncertainty clouded my perception of his true intentions. Despite my fondness for him, a sense of treachery began to take hold, and I couldn't help but question whether he was secretly betraying me in some manner.

Alpos, leading his army towards the exit of the grand throne room, reached the imposing gates, only to halt abruptly as I raised my hand, exerting my command over them all.

"Next time, refrain from bringing such a formidable armada into the sanctity of the throne room. Is that crystal clear?"

Alpos, standing out as the sole individual unaffected by my control, turned in astonishment as I vividly showcased my immense power.

"Do you understand????"

"Yes, my lord," Alpos replied, his voice laced with submission.

I need to demonstrate proper leadership...

I unleashed my magical prowess, lifting the entire army into the air, their necks gripped tightly within my magical grasp. The demons writhed in agony as I deprived their lungs of precious air, their suffering palpable. Yet, right before their lives were on the brink of extinguishment, I released my grip, allowing them to plummet to the ground.

"Consider this a stark lesson for each and every one of you. Henceforth, your presence shall be confined to the courtyard. Only envoys and my trusted military leaders will be granted access to these sacred halls, unless I decree otherwise. Know your place."

The demons, their eyes brimming with resentment towards me, begrudgingly rose from their kneeling positions. My demonstration of formidable magical power, even in its diminished state, proved overwhelming for them to resist.

Alpos and his forces departed the throne room, their march permeated with disappointment as I shattered their pride effortlessly. While it was imperative to assert my mastery over them, I had perhaps pushed the boundaries too far by exerting my dominance so ruthlessly.

Bah, they're demons, who cares?

It was because of the infernal throne, an ancient artifact whose power bestowed dominion over any demon within its chambers. The relic also provided with enhanced mana regeneration, which was precisely why I had spent an extensive amount of time atop its formidable seat.

The resounding thud of the throne room gates echoed through the air as they sealed shut behind the departing demons, isolating me within the grand chamber.

Out of the depths of darkness, the eyes I had conjured materialized, their eerie gaze fixated upon me. These mystical orbs had been dispatched to scour the far reaches of the land, absorbing the magical essence of their surroundings. As they dissipated into nothingness, their accumulated knowledge seamlessly merged with my being, granting me unparalleled insights.

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A surge of newfound understanding surged through my veins, a tapestry of secrets and hidden truths woven into my consciousness. The information gleaned from those vigilant eyes enriched my understanding of the world and empowered my decisions.

Ah... Vorner has proven himself to be a traitor... I see...

It does shed some light on the situation, yet I am astonished that he would seek refuge with Lady Gray, believing she could hinder my progress...

Nonetheless, his veins course with the infernal fires of hell itself, resonating with my own essence. He possesses undeniable potential, but his act of betrayal cannot be ignored. However, I find amusement in his antics, and it would be distasteful to simply extinguish his existence. Perhaps I shall indulge myself and play with him a while longer...

"Vorner, heed my summons and yield to my will... Your master commands your presence."

As my words resonated through the air, a pentagram of infernal hellfire materialized before me, unleashing a gateway through which Vorner, a loyal servant, appeared on his knees, his gaze averted in deference.

"What is it, Your Highness?" Vorner inquired, his voice tinged with both respect and curiosity.

"Come, accompany me on a stroll," I commanded.

Harnessing my otherworldly abilities, I reshaped my essence, transferring my energies into a new vessel—a human form reminiscent of my previous incarnation. Every detail was meticulously replicated to exude an intimidating aura: dark black hair, fiery red eyes, and elegant black attire.

Vorner stood in awe, marveling at the extraordinary display of infernal sorcery I had just unveiled. His hands clapped together in appreciation of the wondrous powers I wielded.

Fixing my gaze upon Vorner through my newly assumed human form, my mind raced with the intricate plans I had for him.

"Follow me," I beckoned, taking the lead as we traversed the path towards the exit of the throne room. Positioned outside were two vigilant guards, but I swiftly dismissed them with a wave of my hand.

Vorner, ever obedient, inquired, "What is it, my lord?"

Perched at the top of the staircase, overlooking the sprawling courtyard, the two of us stood in a moment of contemplation.

"I seek your counsel on a matter of great importance," I revealed, my voice commanding his attention. "Speak freely, Vorner. Share your thoughts with me."

"On what matter my lord? Is it something you wish for me to take care of?"

"It is not merely a matter of issuing orders, but rather a matter of discerning who my true allies are," I clarified.

"Who your allies are my lord?" Vorner inquired, suspicion evident in his narrowed gaze.

"I fear one of us is betraying my cause."

"And why are you telling me this?"

I smiled, slowly turning to face him, causing a chill to creep up Vorner's spine.

"Fear not, Vorner. You have demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dedication to our cause for far too long. Surely, you wouldn't betray me now, would you?"

Vorner's smile wavered nervously, and the unease reflected in his eyes confirmed my suspicions.

"Actually, the one I suspect of treachery is Alpos," I revealed, my voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"Alpos? How is that possible? I can't fathom him betraying us," Vorner protested, his disbelief evident.

"Indeed, it is difficult for me to fathom as well. However, his recent actions have raised doubts," I explained, a sigh escaping my lips.

"His actions? What has he done?" Vorner pressed for more information.

I paused for a moment, my frustration mounting.

"I would appreciate it if you exercised a bit more tact in your questioning. Must you be so blunt? Are you incapable of understanding subtlety?"

"Apologies my lord, it's just, it's hard to imagine him as a traitor, he's done nothing wrong in my eyes to deserve such treatment."

"Right you are..."

I descended the stairs into the courtyard, Vorner trailing quietly in my wake.

Vorner's inquisitive gaze fell upon the scattered bones that adorned the area. "What are those bones?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"They are the remains of a once-mighty dragon," I revealed, a tinge of regret lacing my voice. "I had hoped to resurrect it, to harness its power, but alas, circumstances did not align in my favor."

We stood before the magnificent heap of bones, a silent reverence enveloping us both.

"It truly was a magnificent creature," I mused softly, a hint of nostalgia seeping into my words.

"Yes, indeed," Vorner whispered, his voice tinged with a touch of melancholy.

"Vorner, I present to you your next crucial task," I declared, my tone carrying a hint of caution. "I trust you will not fail me again, as you did in Tasildor."

"Speak, and it shall be done," Vorner responded, determination flickering in his eyes.

"I require you to employ your magic to resurrect this dragon and bend it to your will," I commanded, pointing towards the majestic heap of bones.

"But to resurrect a creature of such immense magnitude will demand significant time, perhaps even weeks!" Vorner exclaimed, concern etching his features.

"You have precisely two days," I replied sternly, my gaze unwavering.

"Two days...?" Vorner trailed off, his voice filled with incredulity.

"Tap into the flames of darkness that surge within your veins, harness their formidable energies that twist your very thoughts, and use them to your advantage," I instructed, my voice resolute.

Vorner's eyes widened with astonishment, his shock palpable as he looked at me in disbelief.

"Of course, I was aware. Did you truly think I was oblivious? The infernal flames coursing through your veins, Vorner—I am the master of Hell itself. Something as significant as this could not go unnoticed by my senses."

Bah... foolish human...

"Yes, my lord, I will endeavor to do my utmost to raise it," Vorner affirmed, determination resolute in his voice.

We traversed the courtyard in silence, my observant eyes taking in the bustling city that unfolded before me. Thanks to the assistance of Alpos and his dedicated efforts, the city underwent significant construction and remarkable development. The first sector now housed the living quarters for the demons, while the streets teemed with impions, and small shops dotted the roadside, facilitating the exchange of goods.

As we approached one of the bustling stalls, manned by a young human girl with two impions flanking her, a question arose in my mind. "A human here?" I pondered aloud, my gaze fixated on the imposing guard standing by her side.

Intriguing...

Suddenly, the Impions nudged the girl, causing her to stumble and reveal the ankle chains that cruelly bound her to her station.

"This foolish human works for us!" the guard proclaimed, a hint of malicious glee in their voice.

"Is that so?" I questioned, my attention firmly directed towards the girl now exposed before me. "Tell me, what is your name?"

As the girl trembled in fear, she huddled into herself, seeking solace from the overwhelming presence of both Vorner and myself, which loomed far more menacingly than the nearby demons.

"This is no ordinary human! She's an elf!" the second guard corrected, their voice filled with contempt.

An elf?

"If I recall correctly, it was Alpos's suggestion to employ some of the prisoners to manage the merchant stalls," Vorner clarified, his voice laced with a mix of concern and realization.

Slowly, I approached the tear-stricken girl. She was young, far too young to be subjected to such circumstances. While I had commanded the acquisition of as many slaves as possible, I had never fathomed the notion of taking children and forcing them into labor. The realization weighed heavily upon me, stirring a sense of remorse.

Gently crouching down, I reached out to her with a soothing voice. "What is your name, child?" I inquired, my tone softened, attempting to offer a glimmer of compassion amidst the harsh reality she faced.

Seeing the girl's hesitance and reserved demeanor, I decided to halt my line of questioning. It was clear that she was not ready to open up, at least not at this moment.

"You will come with us," I commanded, issuing a direct order.

The imps, bewildered by my decision, expressed their confusion, questioning my judgment.

"She is to remain here with us!"

Raising my hand, I employed my magic, lifting the two Impions into the air. In a swift motion, I snapped their necks, causing their heads to be completely severed from their bodies. Blood sprayed onto the streets, an unsettling sight that sent shivers through the onlookers. Even Vorner was taken aback by the abruptness and brutality of my actions.

A patch of blood splattered across the girl's face. Summoning forth a handkerchief with a flick of my wrist, I tossed it to her.

"Wipe it off, and then follow us," I instructed, my tone firm but tinged with a touch of compassion.

The girl took the offered handkerchief and obediently wiped the blood from her face, following my instructions. As she did so, I turned back to face Vorner.

Nervously chuckling, Vorner spoke up, his voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and resignation. "I was going to question your actions... But I'd rather not meet the same fate as those Impions."

A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips as I replied, a hint of satisfaction in my voice. "Good. Then it seems you have indeed learned something."