I don't know where I am. I opened my eyes, finding myself in a ballroom shining with chandelier lights I couldn't describe the colors, curtains scattered in many windows that I couldn't tell what was outside, and many people mingling and dancing to the music I couldn't recognize.

Everyone seemed very focused on the festivities but me. I don't know what it was all about, but I felt jealous watching them enjoying the music and catering the party offered. I thought I would suffer alone doing nothing for the rest of the night.

But then, someone approached me and asked a question I would never hear tonight.

"Do you want to dance with me?"

I was ecstatic. I felt like my luck has changed for the better. I took their hand...

And at that moment, my dream turned into a nightmare. Because every one of them in this ballroom...

Were nothing but demons staring at me with their red eyes and fangs bared.

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"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

I screamed as I snapped out of the bed and gasped to catch my breath. I quickly looked around until I noticed a purple ceiling and a golden chandelier hanging above me. Oh, right. I'm in a house Casia showed me yesterday. Thank goodness...

But damn, that was a weird nightmare! I couldn't recall much of it, but no matter what I do, I couldn't seem to escape any demons coming at me even in my dreams! Either way, stressing about it after I woke up won't help my current situation.

While I managed to secure a shelter thanks to that dragon, Casia, there was still the matter of how long I had to stay here. He said there was a current master here, so I don't know if they were willing to let me keep here as a guest. Not to mention I have to resume my search to leave the Demon Territory and find help.

...Now that I thought about it, do I really want to go back? What was the point of returning if the people I first met treated me as a slave and tried to kill me as a meat shield? Going back to my world wasn't an option for me either. I wanted a new life here, was that too difficult to ask?!

I took a deep breath before I start losing my composure again. First off, I needed to get out of my worn suit and take a shower. As much as I wanted to keep it, this suit brought too many bad memories from my former workplace and I rather abandon it since it was too ruined to wear anyway.

But as soon as I got out of bed, I noticed something on the bedside table that wasn't there in the first place. I took it and read its contents.

"Heyo, guest!

If you want to take a bath, the bathroom has an awesome bathtub and shower with hot and cold water installed in the faucet. You are free to borrow some of my favorite articles of clothing in the closet nearby.

I wish I can meet you in person, but I have a lot to do in my room. So make yourself at home and whatever you do, don't go inside the door at the end of the west hallway on the ground floor!

Enjoy!"

What kind of owner were they? From their tone of voice in their letter, they sounded a bit too laidback. But they seemed to be secretive from that last sentence in it. Regardless, they didn't seem to have a problem letting me stay here. So long story short, I took a shower (which I'm surprised the bit about the hot and cold water thing was true) and spent a few minutes drying my hair and relaxed a bit. Damn... How in the world did they get some milk soap and shampoo there? At least not all of the items here were lavender.

Next was getting new clothes. They said I could find them in the closet. They never said the closet was too big than I imagined. It wasn't very exaggerated like it was its own room like in that American sitcom about a pop star. Instead, I saw many clothes hanging inside the closet, most of them looked like suits and men's clothing you could find in a Victorian era. Looking at these clothes made me think what the owner was thinking, which was a bit justified considering what time period this world set place in. However, I couldn't help but feel...attracted to them. They looked tacky, true. But I felt like I would become the center of attention if I wear them. That would be a blast...

Oh, what am I saying?! They still looked tacky. Still, it was better than nothing. I chose a simple black and purple suit that won't resemble very much my old one and a pair of black shoes that seemed to be recently polished to a shine. This owner really prepared a lot for someone who suddenly wanted to stay here overnight. But if it meant protecting me from those demons, I won't have any more complaints about it. I wish they could do

After I was all dressed up, I decided to go over my briefcase, which was the only thing that seemed to remain intact after all of the chaos I'd been through. I rummaged into the contents of it to check if I got anything. Blank papers, blue and black pens, a journal that was many about work, which was a bit sad, and...

"Oh my... I didn't know this was here." I took out the said item, shocked to see it was in my briefcase all along. "Damn... And it was a new book I bought a few days ago to replace my old one. "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"."

Despite the downs I endured back home, I still looked fondly when it came to reading this novella. I originally rented this book from my junior high school library due to a book report and when I read it, I was deeply invested in its strange story of duality, facades, and the consequences of addiction. I did get about 85% of my grade from it, but it didn't matter since I was completely hooked on it, and even after returning the book before the due date, I spent my hard-earned allowance to buy one myself at a local bookstore. I couldn't get enough of it, even rereading to find foreshadowing and small details about the revelations in the end. Despite it being a dark story, it was my light at the end of the tunnel. Shame that I traded my time with this novella with all of my light novels back in my apartment. But since I didn't bring them with me before the "accident", I'm relieved this book came with me to another world.

"I swear, I will read you again later. For now, I should take a look around the house and see what fancies me."

I returned my book to my briefcase and didn't hesitate to start walking out of the bedroom and into the hallways of the house.

----------------------------------------

It took an hour for me to look around the house and locate which rooms were important. Casia already gave me a tour yesterday, but it would be best if I could revisit them to get a better memory of the interior.

If I recall, there were about 4 locked rooms including the one door that the letter mentioned in the note. Casia and the note didn't say why they were locked, but I know one served as a working area for the owner. Well, if I knew what they were working on anyway.

Then, there was a kitchen. Strangely, the pantry was locked and no matter what I do, I couldn't make the door budge. Geez, it was supposed to store food inside and they chose it to lock it up. They must be very protective of their perishables. Then again, I'm in the area of demons, so I won't argue about it.

After that were the lounge and dining room themselves. The lounge was very spacious and it contained two sofas, a coffee table in the middle, and a large bookcase pinned to the wall at the back of the room. Below me was the same black fuzzy carpet I saw back in the bedroom and a large chandelier glowing a faint white, but bright enough for me to see the whole thing. As for the dining room, it was bigger than I expected. There was a large dining table in the middle of the room with the walls covered in royal purple wallpaper, which could fit about 4 to 6 people sitting around it. Several eating utensils that you could see in Victorian Era shows and anime were neatly placed on each seat beside the beautifully decorated plates and wine glasses sitting on the other side of it. There was another chandelier on the ceiling, except this one was a bit bigger and brighter than the one in the lounge.

Sure, this house was a bit modest since it was located in the middle of nowhere and it was in a demon-infested forest, I might add. But it was more of a mansion than a house to me. I'm even more disbelieved at how the builders and architects managed to survive building this for god knows, how long. Either way, it seemed like a decent shelter. A magical defense system against the demons, a garden that might grow some vegetables outside, a nice soft bed and shower... This place had everything, it was too good to be true!

...Then again, it might be too good. The owner was still a stranger to me and he seem uninterested in meeting me face-to-face afterward. Then there was their obsession with the Shadow Lavender flowers decorated in most rooms in this house. The smell was unbearable and I couldn't my eyes open any longer the more I smell them in the air. I know I promised Casia I won't get too suspicious about this place. But...

I couldn't help if he or the owner has some nefarious plot against or with me.

----------------------------------------

Eventually, I decided to push my worries and suspicions aside as I went out of the house to get some fresh air. I still smell the Shadow Lavender from the garden, but it's better than sitting my ass in my guestroom all day like a couch potato. Casia was supposed to be here for a visit as he promised, but I wondered if he was late. My watch was already broken from the fight yesterday and I couldn't tell the time here because the blood-red moon and purple sky were still there right now and there didn't seem to have its own sun in the Demon Territory. Either way, that lizard better not forget our promise!

Though looking around, this place seemed very peaceful. Thanks to the magic defense system, I couldn't see any demons roaming nearby and I heard nothing but the rustling leaves and flowers blown from the mild gust of wind. I felt at ease standing in the middle of the garden. The scent of lavender, the cold breeze, the stillness of silence...

Everything...was peaceful...

I wish...this would go on forever...

Fledgling?

I gasped at the sudden voice from behind me. I turned around and saw the black dragon himself, trying not to touch the flowers despite his size.

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Seems like you're lost in the fervor back there. What's on your mind lately?

Oh, right. I tried to regain my composure by clearing my throat and standing up straight after that scare. "Nothing much. I only got out to get some fresh air." I quickly point my finger at the large lizard. "Besides, I should be the one asking! Where were you?! I thought you will be here once I heard your voice after I woke up."

Take it easy, Fledgling. I told you that I was busy with something important back in my lair. Besides, I can't go back and forth every day to tend to the owner's garden and we still have time for today.

I scoffed at his excuse. "Right... So are you going to answer more of my questions? I still need to know more about this area and the demons here. Not to mention the summoned people outside and more."

The dragon scratched his head while staring at me with his yellow eyes.

Whoa... That's a lot to answer in a day. But if that's what you want, I'll try my best to fulfill your request. However, take heed that there are some that I cannot reveal. The owner said you of all people aren't ready to learn the world right now.

Of course, they had to be secretive in some areas. But this was better than asking God more questions with a risk of dying early outside the Demon Territory.

"You're a black dragon, right? But why are you living in a place where demons roam and hunt each other relentlessly?"

I could hear Casia chuckling once I asked this.

That's because I am no ordinary dragon, Fledgling! In this world, dragons are rare outside this territory and most of them served as patron deities, teachers, and guardians to many kingdoms. As for me, I am nothing more than a [Drago Nox], a demon that was given the form of the strongest monsters many feared and revered. Hahahaha!

Drago Nox. So he's a demon dragon then. I'm surprised he is still friendly despite our first meeting yesterday. "So in other words, you guys are the strongest demons around this place."

Surprisingly, the dragon stopped cackling and lowered his head to a level not too close to me. Not exactly. We might be strong in the humanoid races' eyes, but our strength varies as many of us live in the world of "devoured or be devoured". Sadly, I'm mostly the third strongest Drago Nox and the second oldest.

"Second oldest"?! Now I'm afraid to ask, but I had to so I could satisfy my curiosity. "Um... How old are you exactly?"

I'm 8,321,859,409 days old.

My eyes widened at his answer. There was no way that was his real age! Plus, how in the world can you even count that in years?! "Get serious, you old coot!" I screamed.

Fufu... I'm just messing with you. I'm actually 210 years old. Third to the one who is currently 666 years old.

666?! That's some number! Yet looking at him closely, he has some scars around his scaled body and one of his wings has small torn holes in it. "I'm surprised you managed to survive despite your age."

Not exactly. I mostly regenerate by eating the strongest demon I can find. But lately, most of the demons I hunted didn't satisfy my need for regeneration. I'm losing my strength every day and I tried to hunt the strongest even against a Hero. But no matter what I do, death will come to me soon.

Damn, that's rough to hear. "Did you try challenging any stronger Drago Nox to regenerate? Like the most powerful one here in the Demon Territory?"

I would have tried to, but that would spell my true death. We might be immortals as demons, but we're still susceptible to death if we're not careful. Not to mention some of us demons want to find balance in this chaotic world and we rather not upset it by challenging another one of my kind.

I see. Even an immortal demon dragon like Casia has limits. Still, I'm curious about this "balance" he mentioned. Maybe I should start by changing the subject a bit...

"Out of curiosity, do you know about the Demon Lord? Namely, the evilest demon commanding other ones living in a dark castle deep within the territory?"

"Most evil"? Casia raised his eyebrow (do dragons have eyebrows?) when I asked this. Now, why do you think that most Demon Lords here are evil?

My eyes widened at his sudden answer. "Because that's what I imagined what Demon Lords do in this world? I was summoned here along with the Heroes from my world and I assumed they are going to stop the Demon Lord from destroying everything or something." I quickly shook my head, realizing too late what he said. "And wait, are you saying there is more than one Demon Lord?!"

Casia cackled again, which was starting to annoy me.

Oh my! You really are way behind the common sense and knowledge of this world, especially the Otherworlders like you. But compared to the ones who religiously followed God including the Heroes, you're the only one I know who thought all Demon Lords here are evil.

"Tch... I didn't say all of them, though. I just found out there are many of them right now," I muttered.

Well, let's get this one thing straight first. The Demon Lords in the Demon Territory are neutral and chaotic at their worse. They established cities and kingdoms and ruled them the same way humans, Beastfolk, Elves, and the rest of the humanoid species did in the past. Despite their titles, they maintain order here to ensure not many sentient demons run amock over their survival mentality.

"Sentient demons?"

I guess you don't even know about them despite your encounters, huh?

"I only encountered ones that looked like panthers and an eagle called [Dark Preying Spargle]. Not to mention a humanoid abomination that I can't describe."

So you also encountered the [Spike Shadow Panthers] and the [Carnivorous Fiends], huh? Consider yourself lucky you escaped their claws before you became their meal.

I groaned. "I can't say I'm very lucky."

What you encountered were a subspecies of demons we like to call [Wild Demons]. They have no sentience and can do nothing but hunt their prey. Whether you're a demon, human, or any other humanoid species, I would recommend you flee if you're too weak to face them.

"Demons, too?! Damn, this world is too brutal than I imagined!"

As for the [Dark Preying Spargle], they are part of the [Docile Demons]. They are not as aggressive as [Wild Demons], but they are still dangerous if provoked. In fact, that Spargle you mentioned was the one who told me of your achievements. It seemed that he took a liking to you.

I flinched at this sudden revelation. "I-Is that so?" I said sheepishly. Did that demon bird get a crush on me because I rubbed his chin?

Don't be embarrassed, Fledgling. In fact, [Docile Demons] are easier to tame and served as familiars to [Sentient Demons]. Which brings the topic back to them.

I hummed at this, knowing what that word means. "Are they named Sentient Demons because they can think and talk like humans?"

Casia nodded. Yes. The difference is that we have a special organ that lets us store more mana than any other humanoid species. We call them our [Mana Hearts], but outsiders tend to call them [Demon Mana Crystals] instead. It lets us cast spells and possess abilities beyond the logic of magic and power outside this territory. That also includes all of the demons living here along with myself.

"Really? I didn't know."

He quietly chuckled under his breath which I caught on to. I seriously hate it when he laughed like that. Tell me, Fledgling. Why do you think demons hunt other demons as prey?

I hummed. "Because you guys are all carnivores?"

That's incorrect!

Incorrect? What does that mean? And why did he even say that like a game show host?!

While it's understandable you assumed I'm carnivorous like the other demons, what we're actually aiming for are our prey's Mana Hearts. We consumed a large amount of Mana to survive. If we don't for a long period, we will die. We can still eat and drink all of the meals you humanoid species make including fruits and vegetables, but some of us mostly do so out of recreation than nutrition. Either way, if we don't consume Mana, we will lose our immortality and die.

My jaw dropped when I heard this. I was shocked at all of the information and broke through the knowledge that I perceived demons from my light novels. It also explained why Casia was a bit desperate to find stronger demons to live. Now I have more questions after listening to that one.

"Are the Demon Lords have strong Mana Hearts? Are they stronger than any demon?"

Yes. Casia answered while nodding his head. But they didn't have a strong Mana Heart at birth. The Demon Lord gained power through evolution and consuming Mana over the years. If you do both of them and endure hardships, there is a chance you will become a Demon Lord yourself. Well, if you're a demon, of course.

Like I'm ever interested in becoming one. "One last question for today. Do the Demon Lords have any relation to the kingdoms outside the Demon Territory?"

Some of them are and some have great relations at their best, neutral at worst.

I hummed again. "Just like the Demon Lords, huh?"

Casia nodded. It depends on the relationship between the Demon Lord and the monarch or leader. But as long all of the kingdoms aren't at war against the Demon Territory, the whole world is safe.

I raised my eyebrows at that last sentence. "What happens if they do for some reason?"

To my surprise, Casia responded with a growl that sounded more fearful than angry. Then the world is doomed.

I gulped. If that imaginary event was true, then sending me and the Otherworlders here would be in vain. On the bright side, at least it didn't happen yet. Although, the real question was whether war did happen in the past. I wish I would know more, but I think I asked enough questions for today.

I hope those answers are enough to help you learn more about the Demon Territory.

I nodded. "I think so. I'll save the rest of my questions at the later date. Thank you for answering them, Casia. They were very enlightening to learn all of that."

Happy to help, Fledgling. Although, I'm surprised you wanted to learn about it despite what happened yesterday.

My face turned red when I heard this. "W-Wha... What the hell are you talking about?! I thought I would be stuck here for a while. So I thought I would try to learn more about this place as best as I could." Yes, I'm not lying. I am definitely not learning about the Demon Territory because I'm interested and somehow cool!

Whatever you say, Fledgling. By the way, haven't you met the owner yet?

"He said he was busy with something. So I don't know if he was willing to meet me at all," I answered once I calmed down.

I see. Well, once they're done with their...projects, you will meet them very soon. Just a small warning: They can be a bit eccentric, even to my standards.

I could tell from their note. Which made me wonder what kind of person this owner was.

I should start tending the garden before they caught wind of our chatter. Realizing what he meant, I quickly backed away as soon as Casia unfolded his wings. You're free to look around the garden and house more. Though I suggest you don't go off the border if you want to value your own life.

With those words, he flew up in the air, leaving me alone once more. I don't know how flying would help him tend this garden, but I should leave him be for now. Besides, I had some ideas about how this area works from the world outside.

But just as I walked back inside, another ping echoed in my ears and a familiar window appeared right in front of my face.

> [Your [Demon Knowledge] has leveled up to 2.]

My [Demon Knowledge] leveled up just by listening to all of that? Does that mean it's connected to the Demon Territory itself?

Either way, I should check it out when I have the time. Right now, I should go back into the house and see more inside once I'm done looking around the garden.

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