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We made our way through the city, with the elf slave trailing silently behind us, her gaze fixated on the ground.

As we journeyed through the bustling streets, our path led us to a spacious public area adorned with a grand water fountain. Demons had congregated there, engrossed in conversations and animated exchanges.

The water fountain itself was a formidable spectacle—a towering structure spewing forth blood, a testament to the dark ambiance of Hell. The ground beneath our feet consisted of newly renovated wicked bricks, exuding an eerie glow that cast an unholy radiance upon the transformed city sector we found ourselves in.

Curiosity gnawed at me, and I turned to Vorner, my trusted confidant, seeking answers.

"When did Alpos issue the order for all of this?" I inquired, my voice laden with intrigue, as we came to a halt near the water fountain.

Vorner scanned the surroundings, his expression betraying a hint of uncertainty.

"I'm not entirely sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of perplexity.

This looks much like the Village of Hupu I visited, except the structure is much higher grade... Still, we're only demons, and I doubt the demons around us are talking about much.

Then again, humans don't talk about much either...

My gaze fell upon the elven girl, her delicate hands bound by shackles, a symbol of her captivity.

Vorner, unable to contain his curiosity, spoke up. "If you don't mind me asking, why have you gone to such lengths to bring this girl along with us?"

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I considered his question. "And here I thought you wouldn't question me. Well, I was hoping you would," I replied, my voice laced with intrigue.

"You were expecting my response?"

"Indeed I was. But the truth is, I didn't want her to suffer," I confessed, my gaze shifting to the elven girl.

"You didn't?" Vorner queried, clearly taken aback by my unexpected empathy. "But, for one such as you to show compassion... It's unthinkable."

"I can assure you its nothing of the sort... There's something about her... I can't quite discern it yet, but she possesses a certain essence. I sense potential within her, just as I once saw it in you," I explained, my voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and intrigue.

"So, you intend to corrupt her?" Vorner's words hung in the air, prompting the elven girl to widen her eyes in silent understanding. Though she remained silent, it was evident that she comprehended the nature of our conversation.

"What say you, young one? Can I trust you?" I inquired, turning my attention directly towards the perplexed elf.

"My lord, it appears she cannot even speak," Vorner interjected, noting her inability to respond.

"Stand aside," I commanded, my tone unwavering. "Allow her the opportunity to explain herself, if she can."

"Yes, my lord," Vorner acquiesced, stepping back to give the elven girl a chance to speak. She stared at us with a mixture of confusion and desperation, her eyes conveying a tumultuous journey of emotions.

The elf's gaze remained locked with ours, confusion etched across her face, her eyes betraying a deep sense of despair.

Recognizing her evident struggle with communication, I withdrew, a hint of disappointment tugging at my expression. I turned to Vorner, acknowledging his earlier observation.

"It seems you were correct," I admitted, a touch of resignation coloring my voice.

Vorner couldn't help but display a smug satisfaction, though he wisely refrained from pushing his advantage, fully aware of the consequences.

"Nevertheless, I still believe there is a way to utilize her," I mused, contemplating the possibilities.

"Hmm... May I suggest starting with her involvement in the demonic summoning rituals I conduct?" Vorner proposed, eager to contribute.

I pondered his suggestion for a moment, but then shook my head. "No, that might be too overwhelming for her at this stage. We should begin by training her, making her obedient to my commands, and then gradually teach her to speak for herself."

Vorner nodded in agreement, acknowledging the necessity for a more patient approach. "Shall I send her to the torturer for that purpose?" he inquired.

"The torturer..." I mused, considering the idea. "Well, it appears he is preoccupied with Michael at the moment, and I doubt she would endure prolonged torture. Instead, let us strive for voluntary obedience. We shall guide her mind without resorting to such extreme measures."

"If that's the case," Vorner interjected, "I suggest showing her an act of kindness. However, you have already done so."

A wry smile curved on my lips. "Do you truly believe she would willingly serve us after we have taken her as a prisoner? Don't be naive, Vorner," I replied, shaking my head.

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"Then what do you suggest?" Vorner inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Place her among the remaining elven prisoners, but grant her better treatment," I proposed. "Knowing their nature, I am certain they will harbor resentment toward her for her improved circumstances. They may even turn against her. And when her own people betray her, we shall come to her rescue."

Vorner's eyes gleamed with twisted admiration. "A magnificent idea... Truly diabolical, my lord. Your genius knows no bounds."

"Cease the flattery," I dismissed, my attention shifting to the surroundings. "With this plan in mind, you shall be directly in charge of its execution. Do not fail me."

"I will not, my lord," Vorner pledged, his loyalty unwavering.

"This city has truly come to life, thanks to Alpos," I mused aloud. "Perhaps a reward is in order for his efforts."

Vorner's voice carried a hint of amusement. "I am certain that merely speaking to you brings him immense delight, my lord."

"Hmm... indeed, his work is commendable," I conceded, acknowledging Alpos's contribution.

Vorner nodded in agreement. "Truly, it is."

"Nevertheless, let us set that aside for now. I will consider an appropriate reward for him later. For now, let us proceed," I declared, eager to continue our exploration.

Descending into the second sector, we encountered imps scurrying about, busy with the constant transportation of goods between storage buildings. Carriages loaded with bricks and various materials were being ferried off into the third sector, accompanied by guards and worker imps.

"The wall is completed?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"Yes, the construction of the wall was finished yesterday. As of now, if my memory serves me right, Alpos's aid is overseeing the operations regarding the city layout," Vorner informed me.

We've come a long way as a demonic race... Did my visit to the human world somehow expand the demons' understanding of how things function? It seems that somehow, there is a link connecting my own mind with them on some scale...

But that just shows that the imps have incredible room for growth, I doubt any of the other demons have this link to me.

Inspecting along the way, we visited the newly constructed storage building in the third sector. Goods were being dropped off by the stockpile as we arrived. Demons were hard at work, using cranes and other machinery, each occupied with specific tasks, indicating a well-organized hierarchy, presumably set up by Alpos.

It was evident that we were progressing towards civilization, and the proof was right before my eyes.

With not much else to explore in the third sector, we proceeded to the newly built fourth sector. The walls were now complete, and the imps were dismantling the scaffoldings. A long road stretched across the entire zone, from the third sector gate to the outer gate of the fourth sector. Markers were placed along the path, outlining the areas designated for future buildings and construction zones.

"What do you think, my lord?" questioned Vorner, looking around with pride.

"I am pleased with how things have come along," I replied, turning my gaze to Vorner. "But I sense there is more to it. What else do you have to share?"

Vorner's grin widened. "It is my pleasure to inform you that we have indeed discovered large ore deposits underground, right in this very sector, slightly to the east."

My attention was drawn to the empty lot of land where Vorner pointed with his finger. "Ah, yes. I do recall ore being potentially present here."

"And that is why Alpos has ordered the creation of another hellfire forge," Vorner explained.

"Another hellfire forge?" I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "But this zone was intended for residential purposes."

Vorner nodded, enthusiasm evident in his voice. "Not entirely, my lord. Vorner suggested that the imps would be more inclined to work in the forge if they lived close by. if we move both extraction of resources, and forges to the same location, it could reduce production time immensely, and not only that, but with the gold we plundered from Tasildor, it's the perfect opportunity to establish our own economy. By providing incentives and proper housing, we can ensure the imps' productivity."

"When I ascended to the throne of Hell, I never imagined I would have to babysit a bunch of whiners," I joked, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.

Vorner burst into laughter, unable to contain himself. "That's precisely why I chose to align myself with you! Your humor, your distinctiveness. You're nothing like those dull gods the angels serve—self-righteous and insufferable."

"But in all seriousness, these imps complain more than some humans. Do they even comprehend the essence of eternal damnation?" I continued to indulge in our newfound understanding.

Vorner's laughter echoed through the air, joining mine. The weight of ruling Hell felt lighter in that moment, as we found solace in shared amusement.

"Perhaps we should consider implementing tea time for them, allowing them to have a nice and relaxing break. After all, even I would appreciate some time off," I suggested, a glimmer of amusement in my eyes.

"Certainly, a national tea time for all demons. It sounds like a splendid plan," Vorner responded with a playful tone.

As our laughter subsided, we shifted our attention back to the elven girl who still stood there, baffled by our exchange. Exchanging knowing glances, we suppressed our chuckles, setting aside our joking demeanor.

"You know what to do with her," I instructed Vorner, my tone now serious.

Vorner nodded in acknowledgment, returning to his usual demeanor, his earlier amusement giving way to a sense of purpose.

He is truly an amusing companion, his presence alone providing me with a sense of satisfaction. For now, I shall keep him by my side, until he inevitably betrays me once more.

However, I cannot help but find the impions' aspirations for better lives rather nonsensical. What delusions have infected their feeble minds?

As for Alpos and his intentions, I suppose I shall go along with his plans. After all, I do not intend to remain as the ruler of hell indefinitely. Perhaps, when the time comes for me to ascend, he will assume the mantle in my stead.

But the path to ascension is treacherous and requires an unimaginable level of magical prowess, a power that currently eludes me. I must acquire and master that which I do not possess yet. Only then can I attain the heights of power I seek.

"Well, we shall see what unfolds..." I replied, my attention drifting from the conversation as I turned to gaze at the imposing citadel before me.

The Hellfire Citadel stood as a testament to my mastery of creation magic, a unique and formidable architectural marvel. Over the years, it had taken shape, its design refined and its appearance menacing. Lava coursed through its cracks, while the tormented souls of the damned writhed in eternal agony at its pinnacle. These souls served as a wellspring of mana, which I often tapped into, fueling my power even during periods of unconsciousness in my human form.

Raising my hand towards the sky, I cast a teleportation spell, summoning a swirling circle of hellfire beneath me. With a nod to Vorner, I conveyed my instructions without divulging my plans. After all, Vorner was a traitor, and only I, along with the Lord of the Angels, understood the existence of a power beyond us gods. However, revealing such knowledge would undoubtedly lead to a loss of followers, and thus, it remained a closely guarded secret.