The black iron bars which formed a matrix locked the occupants inside.

The electricity raged with high voltage, screaming to any who approached to get away.

Yet even this was not the strangest thing, for as Vex flew up to the dome he noticed those who were inside.

Inside there was a group of snakemen.

Some were alive.

Others were dead.

However, this was not what surprised Vex.

Rather, it was the state of the dead which made him queasy just looking at the scene.

The bodies were fresh. The chunks of meat on the corpses snakemen were without rot, however as if a pack of rabid wolves had attacked them, these corpses were merely a bloodied set of bones with only a small amount of meat remaining.

Covering the mouths of each and every person- living or dead- was blood.

Blood was everywhere.

Blood covered the ground. Blood covered the clothes of the snakemen. Blood covered every square inch within this inescapable prison.

And in the eyes of the snakemen who were trapped in this hellish cage, was a fury that exceeded even that of the birdmen which Vex had just stimulated.

"Yo! How's everyone doing? Ah, I guess that's an insensitive thing to ask. Of course you're not doing so great. After all, it was the antiheroes who did this to you. Right?"

Landing lightly on the sea of flesh outside the cage, Vex questioned the people inside the cage.

Based on what Vex had learned thus far about the exploits of the antiheroes, he came to conclusion that they were the only ones who would create such a scene of horror.

This, combined with his own skills relating to the detection of wrath, was what allowed him to say this with such confidence.

Many of the snakemen shriveled back in fear, but one woman in particular stood up.

"Who are you? Are you another slave of the antiheroes!?"

At hearing this statement Vex couldn't help but to burst out in laughter.

"Pfft!!! Ahaha!! Me!? One of their SLAVES!? HA! As if!"

Wiping a tear from his eyes, Vex calmed himself while checking his watch once more.

"Name's Vex. I'm the head of the House of Wrath. And the antiheroes have made enemies of the seven houses."

With a sly grin, Vex walked up to the electrical fence, holding out his finger to touch it.

Lightly shocked, he pulled the finger back with a light 'ow!'

"This thing really packs a punch, eh? To sting me like that, it must be thousands... no, maybe millions of volts. Did someone use a spell to do this? Or was this just a bolt of lightning that struck the metal?"

Looking up from the grid, Vex saw that the people were staring at him with suspicion.

"The 7 houses? Why.... why would the 7 houses get involved?", the woman asked. "The provider.... he spoke of the 7 houses.... the demons who ruled the realm to the far East...."

"Hm? The provider? Who's that? Anyways, the antiheroes are the enemies of the 7 houses. They're getting a little too cocky trying to take over the monster realm, so we're going to put em back in their place."

"Why would demons like you go against your fellow demons!?", one man shouted.

"Demons? Is that what you refer to the antiheroes as? Wait just a minute."

Vex held his head with one eye closed in thought.

"You're tellin' me that the antiheroes are demons?"

"OF COURSE!!!! WHAT ELSE WOULD THEY BE!?!?!", the man exclaimed. "It would take nothing less than a demon to slay our bountiful provider!!! They took everything from us!!!! Without the provider, we were forced to consume the meat of our own brethren, not having any way to provide this meat for ourselves!!!"

Vex seemed to be walking around in thought, sporting his sneakers as he almost glided along the flesh which made up the ground.

"They really are tryna become demon lords...."

Pushing back his own spiked hair, Vex looked once more over to the snakemen within the cage.

"Well don't worry, people of the snakemen village. I've come to help you. We of the seven houses will be destroying the antiheroes."

Holding out his hand symbolically, Vex gave a welcoming smile to the people within the dome of death.

"If you come with me, you will not have to fear. You said something about losing your provider? Then my house will provide for you when this is all over. I will be right behind you, and we will take over the antiheroes. I can defeat them. I only need troops who are willing to fight alongside me."

The people of the snakemen village looked at this extended hand with fear.

One man in particular stood up.

"The provider...."

He had tears in his eyes, and was barely able to get his words out.

"The provider.... even in death, he has sent someone to save us....."

Wiping his tears with one hand, the man continued.

"He has beckoned the house leaders to come to our aid!! Even after sacrificing himself, he is still with us!!!! He has done so much for us, and now he offers us this salvation in the form of this house leader!!! We must take this hand!!!! We will take revenge on the antiheroes!!!!!!!!"

The man began shouting with excitement and anger in his voice, and many others began to stand beside him.

"He is right!!!!"

"The provider has sent us a hero!!!!"

"The provider has once more provided for us by sending a savior!!!!!!"

"The provider hasn't abandoned us!!! How could we have even thought he did for a moment!?"

The people one by one began standing in agreement.

"We will kill the antiheroes!!!"

"We will serve you, savior!! We will become your soldiers!!"

"We will take our revenge for the sake of the provider, who's innocent blood was shed by those wretched monsters!!!!"

With a grin, Vex slid the bar a notch up, just slightly.

"WE WILL SLAUGHTER THEM!!!!!!!!"

"KILL THEM!!!! KILL THE ANTIHEROES!!!!!!"

"REVENGE!!!!"

"REVENGE!!!!!"

"REVENGE!!!!!!"

The 50 snakemen and women who were still alive began to bulge with energy and power, furiously obsessed with taking revenge on the antiheroes.

Vex then held out a hand and in his palm a ball of dark red energy seemed to form.

The ball then shot off into the metal frame, destroying everything it came into contact with.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

[Orb of Loathing]

Zipping around the area, the metal cage which contained the snakemen was destroyed, completely absorbed by the red ball, which seemed to be fueled by the hatred which the snakemen contained.

It raged the closer it got to the snakemen, completely wrecking the cage and freeing them, yet not coming into contact with the people. The electric sparks went flying, and some snakemen were electrocuted on impact, however they did not die instantly.

The smell of burning skin filled the air, however the strengthened bodies of the snakemen were able to at least survive the shocks produced by these sparks.

"AGH!!!!!"

"THIS IS AN ATTACK FROM THE ANTIHEROES!!!!"

"KILLL THEM!!!! WE MUST KILL THEM QUICKLY!!!!"

"For the provider!!!!"

The men all rushed to the side of Vex, breathing heavily.

"What should we do, savior?"

With a sly smile, Vex pointed back in the direction which he came.

"We will head this direction to meet up with some other soldiers of mine. Then, we head out."

Vex then took to the skies, and the snakemen followed him with vigor.

He had to fly slower than usual due to having to wait for the snakemen, but they had been strengthened to the point where he wasn't too slowed down. They traveled quickly across the sea of flesh and into the desert, which eventually became a field of grass.

All the while the bloodlust and rage in the eyes of the snakemen did not dissipate.

They held such hatred towards the antiheroes for killing the very person who ensured their survival, that they were willing to give their lives to take revenge.

'It makes me wonder who the real demons actually are here. Heh heh. I may be using these people as pawns, but the fact of the matter is that all I can do is drag out the anger that people already have in them. I extract the latent energy from that pent up anger, and can amplify it up to the max of their limits. But that's all. If they weren't capable of this themselves, they wouldn't get like this.'

Looking down on the snakemen who were perhaps even more empowered than even the raging birdmen, Vex almost felt sorry for the antiheroes.

'I'll send a unit of suicide bombers into your city. We'll see how you deal with them. And there will be no link to myself. After all, there is one more location I need to focus on today, so I don't have time to baby these ones.'

Checking his watch, Vex grimaced lightly.

'Agh... I really do have to hurry this up and get back before dawn. Well, I suppose back home there is no sunset. Isn't that nice, having the sun to tell you what time it is? All the people of the world are so lucky.'

The canopy village came into view in the distance as Vex thought this.

'Well, then again, I suppose that's around par for the course. After all, I quite like how peaceful it is to live in the darkness. It would be kinda annoying to have that ball of flames lighting every little thing up all the time.'

----

Five beings walked together through a coastal village, passing in between the wooden huts which looked more like beach houses than the workshops which they were being used as.

The first was a crimson demon with veins wrapped around his arms, spreading out like a network of roadways in a complex city. Wearing a necklace which had a green eyeball as the centerpiece and a number of fingers strung onto it as charms, as well as a bright red suit, he proudly walked through the village as he discussed matters with the others.

Next to him, clinging onto his back with her arms around him was a girl who's skin looked pale and transparent. She wore a ghastly gown that would inspire terror into any who saw her. Her hair was a complete mess, flayed about in all directions and covering most of her face, and she wore a matching necklace with the demon. Her green eyes with dark circles underneath them stared lifelessly forward, yet she had a slight smile on her face- a rare sight indeed for this adorably creepy girl.

Next to these two strode a beautiful teal succubus who had her hair tied up into a bun and draped down her back, with a certain hairpin stuck inside of it- one which seemed to be made from an actual finger. On her hand was a bracelet made from human toes with the fang of a snake acting as a centerpiece.

The teal succubus wore a dark purple dress, emphasizing her beauty. Standing next to her was an elven figure who wore glasses and a black suit with a tie. On his back was a bow and a quiver of arrows, and he stared around the village with a smug grin, as if he was counting his coins in his mind.

And finally, walking beside these four was a humanoid tiger shark who stood on two legs. This large and built creature spoke calmly yet his own heart was shaken with pride and joy and being able to walk beside these four beings.

These four were the antiheroes, and walking beside them was Ploritan, the former chief of the fishmen village.

"We intend to head to this haunted fortress ourselves. I would like to ask you for all the information you can provide us with, given that the fishmen village is the closest in proximity to this place.", Trevor stated.

"Of course, your excellency. Then, do you know of the 7 houses?"

"The 7 houses? I have never heard of them. Please inform me."

With a nod, Ploritan began to explain.

"Within the monster realm, you know of the three monster kings, correct?"

Trevor nodded.

"The three monster kings are actually selected from the 7 houses. You see, among all types of demons- spiritual demons, dragonic demons, elemental demons, and devils, the 7 Hosts of Sin are given the title of house leaders. A Host of Sin is a demon who has been chosen and granted the abilities of a certain sin. Among these 7, the top 3 are noted as the monster kings, and they have worked together to ensure peace among the 4 types of demons."

Trevor nodded.

"I see. Then, what does that have to do with the haunted fortress?"

"Well, it happens that the ruler of the haunted fortress, also known as the Queen of Spirits and sometimes referred to as the Vampire Queen, is the long running head of the House of Lust. I have never encountered her myself, but this is commonly known among the fishmen, given that she exists within such close proximity."

"Hmm.... so each house is represented by a deadly sin..... interesting.", Samantha noted.

"That is the case. It is said that they are selected by the origin of their respective sin, but I do not know more than that."

Trevor nodded in approval.

"Thank you Ploritan. You are free to continue your business within this village here. We will make our preparations to leave and head out soon enough."

"It is a pleasure to inform you your excellency."

With that, the tiger shark walked away and the four continued walking together.

"So we got 7 enemies instead of just 3? That's kinda a ripoff. Why would the quest tell us that there are only 3? Must be a DLC or something.", Ashley said while hanging on Garett's back.

"Haha.... we can't treat this like a game. Even if we did, a game has more than just the bosses, right? Who knows how many enemies we'll have to face before we win.", Garett replied. "After all, this is real life. Who knows if there's even an ending to be had? We just gotto keep going. Enemies will keep on appearing, and we gotto keep dealing with them as they come up."

"Ugh.... that's why real life is so annoying.", Ashley murmured with her own hair covering her mouth, muffling her speech. "Well, I think it will be fine."

"Ah, it looks like there have finally been some movements on those cameras we planted. Let's take a look."

Trevor spoke while sliding some tabs on his screen over to the surveillance section, where there were dozens of screens of cameras which had been planted all over the world.

Selecting a certain camera which was located in the village of the snakemen, Trevor grinned as he replayed the footage.

The four watched the scene as Vex took over the snakemen, filling them with rage and taking the position of their new leader.

"Oh? It looks like these seven houses indeed are making their own moves. Excellent. I expected this to happen, but for one of them to come out of the woodwork like this on their own.... things are almost going too well. And with the situation at the wall being the way it is..... if my calculations are correct...."

Trevor closed his eyes while viewing a simulation over and over.

"Heh heh.... everyone seems to be falling right into my trap. Of course, why wouldn't they? After all, there is no way one can compete with a supercomputer. No matter how intelligent these demons or humans may be, they simply lack the power of simulation that I bear."

"Except me. I can beat you, supercomputer.", Ashley commented while sticking out her tongue slightly.

With a bitter smile, Trevor sighed.

"Indeed. However none of these people have the same intuition as yourself, therefore there will not be an issue. Am I wrong?"

"Nah you're right.", Ashley replied.

"How wonderful. I was unsure as to whether or not our hero would show up to save the day, but it truly seems like one has appeared out of nowhere. I will begin simulations on his movements immediately, and I should inform the Determined based on his course of action from this point on."

The four then continued to walk through the upper fishmen village, waving to the people they saw along the way.

"Your excellencies!!!"

"Thank you so much for everything you have done for us!!!!"

"You are truly the greatest leaders in history!!!!"

"I am proud to call myself your slave!!"

Garett flashed a demonic grin, and Ashley too made a horrible face at the people.

"You're giving us too much credit. We're just enslaving everyone who is useful. That's all.", Garett explained.

Even at this explanation, the people did not stop their expressions of gratitude.

To most it would be a disturbing sight.

A group of demonic figures walking through a city with sinister and demented looks on their faces.

And yet these people were shouting out with respect and love towards the ones who they called their masters.

To the very demons who had enslaved them.

Trevor opened his eyes, seeming to have completed his simulations.

"Excellent.... everything will proceed exactly as planned. I will inform the Determined as well of this."

With the press of a few buttons on the screen, a video call popped up with the angelic face of the Determined on the screen.

[Hello antiheroes! Is there something you need me for? Things are going well here in the ratmen village. The factories are running without error and there has been enough food produced for everyone! Although.... there have been some tensions recently.... it seems that the people who are for me and against me have been working in the factories regardless, but there is a lot of bad blood between them.... I haven't done anything because of what you asked me, but is it time to make my move?]

With a nod, Trevor grinned.

"I believe that someone will show up very soon and try to perform heroics within that city. Do as you need to crush the spark of rebellion when it occurs."

With a delightful smile, Claire responded cheerfully.

"Got it! I won't let anyone in this city be harmed fighting one another!"

Her own face them turned sinister, and a black tarlike substance seemed to creep across it.

Her halo dissipated and horns grew on her head, and the angelic wing behind her became corrupted like a withered branch with black feathers on it.

"And if someone does try to start something.... I'll eliminate every last one of them.....", a wicked and resounding voice said in place of the beautiful and angelic voice that spoke before.

The black aura then retracted and the halo seemed to replace itself.

The expression of the girl became angelic and beautiful once more, and her face seemed to pucker with irritation.

"Jeez.... why do you always have to get something in like that? I won't kill anyone! I'll make sure they're all saved! I was able to convince even Tiffany to come to our side, so it won't be that different! We just have to come to an agreement. Though, if we have to beat them into submission, I suppose that's fine...."

"Heh heh.... you really are becoming darker, my other self."

"Only because I have to! I can't lead these people thinking that everything will just go my way. But I'll still do everything I can for them!"

"Whatever. Later, antiheroes."

"Goodbye, antiheroes."

Both Claire and Clarice, who were fighting over control of their shared voice, said their goodbyes and Trevor nodded in response, turning off the call.