Mira had grown increasingly comfortable in her time spent with the two Archdemons. Their once-intimidating presences had softened in her eyes as they began to treat her with unexpected kindness, akin to older sisters who guided her through this new, bewildering chapter of her life. Obeying the Demon Lord's orders, both Greed and Insight ensured Mira was cared for, nurturing her growth and answering her many questions about Hell with a mixture of candor and patience. Even Greed, with her fierce and prideful nature, began to develop a genuine fondness for Mira, surprising herself in the process.

  One evening, as they reclined in their luxurious living quarters, Mira turned to Greed with curiosity. “Lady Greed,” she began tentatively, “can you tell me what life in Hell is like for you?”

  Greed’s golden eyes lit up, her lips curving into a proud smile. “Ah, where to begin?” she mused. “For one, I oversee the grand Coliseum, the most magnificent arena in all of Hell. It is a place where only the strongest demons dare to tread, fighting for power and glory. It’s also one of the rare locations where sentient demons are permitted—by the Demon Lord’s decree—to devour one another to grow stronger.”

  Mira’s brows furrowed as she processed the grim reality of such a rule. “Devour one another?” she echoed softly.

  Greed leaned back, exuding a sense of authority. “Yes, child. The Demon Lord established the law of devouring to maintain order in Hell’s chaos. Only with his approval is such an act allowed. If the law is broken…” Her voice dropped to a low, ominous tone. “The consequences are catastrophic. Millions have lost their demonic souls to his unique power—soul extinguishing.”

  Mira shivered at the thought, her emerald eyes widening. “I can’t imagine such cruelty… and yet, he’s been so kind to me.”

  Greed chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “Kindness from the Demon Lord is rarer than gold, but do not mistake it for weakness. He enforces his laws with an iron fist, and his wrath spares no one.”

  Turning her gaze to Insight, Mira asked, “What about you, Lady Insight? What is your life like in Hell?”

  Insight’s crimson eyes softened, a faint smile gracing her lips. “My role is calmer, but no less vital. I am the guardian of the Grand and Ancient Library of Hell—a repository of all demonic knowledge gathered since time immemorial. Within its secret vaults lie tomes of unimaginable power, some of which were created by the 666 Ancient Demons themselves.”

  Mira’s curiosity deepened. “The Ancient Demons? Who were they?”

  Insight’s smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “Such knowledge is forbidden to share,” she replied gently. “It is reserved for demons who have proven their loyalty and strength to the Demon Lord—typically those who ascend to the rank of Archdemon. Suffice it to say, the Ancient Demons were powerful entities, and the knowledge they left behind is both a gift and a curse.”

  “I see,” Mira murmured, bowing her head slightly. “Thank you for your honesty.”

  Greed leaned forward, her tone teasing. “You’ve got a lot of questions for someone who just started learning about Hell, girl. What’s next? Are you going to ask about our Lord’s rise to power?”

  Mira hesitated but nodded. “If it’s not too much to ask… how did he become what he is?”

  The Archdemons exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions momentarily distant as if recalling a distant, haunting memory.

  “That,” Insight said softly, “is a tale that spans thousands of years. It is a story of impossible feats—of a single being who rid Hell of its previous rulers, the 666 Ancient Demons, and claimed the throne for himself.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their evening meal, brought by the attentive servants of the tower. The dining table was soon laden with a feast of roasted meats, fresh vegetables, steaming bread, and fragrant desserts. Mira, Greed, and Insight shared the meal together, their laughter and conversation filling the room as they speculated about when they might finally explore the city.

  The atmosphere shifted abruptly when the Demon Lord entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The women instinctively moved to rise, but he motioned for them to remain seated.

  “Sit,” he ordered, his tone calm yet absolute. “Enjoy your meals. I am surprised to see you partaking in human food alongside the girl. How… unexpected.”

  Greed, caught off guard, blushed faintly. Mira glanced at Insight, her expression questioning.

  Insight explained with composure, “My Lord, we demons do not require food just as we do not require sleep. However, I must admit that human food is quite pleasant in taste. It is unlike the coarse and bitter meat of Hell’s beasts.”

  The Demon Lord raised a brow, intrigued. “Is that so?” He reached for a roasted chicken, tearing a leg off with a strength and savagery that startled Mira. He bit into it with primal vigor, a stark contrast to the refined manners of the Archdemons.

  Mira stifled a giggle, but the sound escaped her lips nonetheless. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her, her face flushing a deep crimson.

  “What’s so funny, girl?” the Demon Lord asked, though his tone lacked malice. He chewed thoughtfully, savoring the flavor.

  Mira bowed her head quickly, her voice trembling. “Nothing, Lord. I meant no offense.”

  “My Lord,” Insight interjected smoothly, “I believe she was merely surprised by your… enthusiastic approach to enjoying your food.”

  The Demon Lord glanced at the women, noting the utensils in their hands and the elegance with which they ate. “I see,” he mused. “I suppose my actions might seem… unrefined.”

  For a fleeting moment, Mira saw a hint of humor in his mismatched eyes, a subtle break in his otherwise regal demeanor. She marveled at how relaxed he seemed—a stark contrast to the brutal figure described by the knights.

  The Demon Lord took a seat beside Mira and began eating in a more controlled manner. “I overheard your discussion about leaving this place. It will be soon.”

  “You heard that, Lord?” Mira asked, surprised.

  “I have been listening to all conversations in this tower,” he replied, his tone revealing nothing. “I have kept my ears attuned to every word spoken, just as Insight has. We have been under surveillance since our arrival.”

  Mira’s brows knitted in confusion. “Surveillance? But who would dare spy on you, my Lord?”

  “At first, I suspected the humans,” the Demon Lord said, his gaze shifting to the window and the nighttime cityscape beyond. “But they seem innocent in this matter. The presence I discovered is far more troubling—a beacon of divine energy concealed in the skies.”

  Mira’s breath hitched. “An angel has infiltrated Verdince?”

  The Demon Lord’s expression darkened, his aura sharpening. “Indeed. They observe us, but their intentions remain unclear. Regardless, it is time to address this matter. All of you, come with me.” He rose from the table, his commanding presence filling the room. “Mira, your abilities will be crucial. It is time to prove your worth.”

  The women followed the Demon Lord down to the lower floors, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble as they descended. The atmosphere seemed to thrum with energy, each step bringing them closer to one of the many unused chambers that had been allocated to their party. The Demon Lord led them with purpose, his aura growing heavier and more oppressive as they reached the room.

  Inside, the walls were adorned with glowing runes that pulsated faintly, their otherworldly energy designed to reinforce the space against powerful magic. The room was vast yet austere, void of any unnecessary ornamentation, as though it existed solely for rituals such as this. The air grew still as the Demon Lord took his place in the center of the chamber, towering over the others with an unyielding presence.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  He stretched his arms outward, his fingers curling as streams of energy began to radiate from him. A guttural chant escaped his lips, spoken in a language no mortal—or even demon—could hope to understand. The words reverberated through the room, each syllable dripping with an ominous power. The language itself seemed incomprehensible, a fusion of Divine, Arcane, and Demonic magic intricately woven together into a single, corrupted spell. The energy in the room became suffocating as the culmination of these forces began to tear through the fabric of space.

  The women stood in stunned silence, their eyes widening as they witnessed the impossible. Before them, the very air split apart with a violent screech, revealing a portal that pulsed with crimson light. Beyond the portal lay a harrowing view into Hell—a realm of endless fire, shadowed landscapes, and malevolent energy that churned like an unstoppable tide. It was a sight no living human had ever witnessed.

  “Yet again, you do the impossible, Lord,” Insight said, her voice tinged with awe as she observed the unholy rift.

  The Demon Lord’s voice broke through the tension, commanding and absolute. “Now, Mira, it is time for your role. Submit to my power and allow it to flow freely through you.”

  Mira tore her gaze from the portal, her heart pounding in her chest. The sheer scale of what she was seeing—what she was a part of—felt overwhelming. Yet, she trusted the Demon Lord implicitly. She dropped to her knees before him, bowing her head in deference. “Yes, my Lord,” she said, her voice steady despite her trepidation.

  Mira let down her guard, allowing herself to be vulnerable in his presence. The Demon Lord extended one arm toward her, his power surging as it channeled through her. She gasped as the energy flowed through her body, but she did not resist. His power then extended from Mira to Greed and Insight, who stood ready to receive it.

  For a moment, a blinding light filled the chamber as he shared with his Archdemons a portion of the divine power he had claimed from the God of Dreams. Their transformations were immediate and awe-inspiring. Feathery, angelic wings erupted from their backs, glowing faintly with a corrupted light—mutated by the fusion of divine and demonic energy. Greed flexed her new wings experimentally, her golden eyes gleaming with pride, while Insight moved hers with calculated precision, her expression contemplative.

  The Demon Lord lowered his arm, his breathing labored but his voice unwavering. “Now, my subordinates,” he commanded, “go with the speed I have granted you and retrieve the Archdemon of Sealing known as Ciel and the shackled Ancient Demon of Hell—Number 6. Return to me at once. I shall hold the portal open until your return.”

  There was an unspoken urgency in his tone, the strain of maintaining the portal evident. Greed and Insight bowed deeply before unfurling their wings. With powerful beats, they ascended into the portal, their forms disappearing into the hellish landscape beyond. Mira watched, mesmerized, as they vanished into the realm of darkness.

  Left alone with the Demon Lord, Mira turned her gaze to him, her breath catching in her throat. In this form, he was utterly unrecognizable as the figure she had grown accustomed to. His skin was a vivid crimson, glowing faintly with an unholy light. His horns had grown to monstrous proportions, curling like those of a wicked beast. The glowing runes etched into his flesh pulsed and shifted, as though alive, coursing with raw power. His mismatched eyes, now both glistening beacons of red, burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce through her very soul. His frame radiated an unbridled strength, a being who had transcended mortal and demonic limits alike.

  He grit his fanged teeth, his expression a mask of pained anger. Maintaining the portal and the manipulation of three distinct magical forces was taking a visible toll on him, yet he did not falter. Mira’s awe only deepened as she beheld the true face of her Lord. Despite his monstrous appearance, she felt no fear—only reverence.

  She found herself speaking without thinking. “My Lord… does it hurt?”

  His gaze shifted to her, softened by a flicker of curiosity. “It is of no consequence,” he replied simply, his voice low but resolute. “Pain is the price of power, and I have paid it many times over.”

  Mira nodded, her admiration growing. She could see the weight he carried, the immense burden of his strength, and it only solidified her loyalty.

  The seconds dragged on like hours, the oppressive silence of the room broken only by the faint hum of the portal. Finally, the air shifted, and two figures reappeared, their angelic wings carrying them gracefully into the chamber. Greed and Insight returned, their expressions focused and triumphant, and with them came two others.

  The first was a lean, robed figure whose presence radiated a strange, binding power—the Archdemon of Sealing, known for their mastery of containment and suppression. The second was a hulking, grotesque figure bound in chains of pure gold that glowed with red, runic symbols. The creature’s skin was matte black, its head resembling that of a goat, and emerald-green eyes were scattered unnervingly across its body. This was Number 6, one of the original 666 Ancient Demons, its very existence exuding malice.

  The Demon Lord closed the portal with a sharp motion, the rift sealing with a thunderous crack. As the gateway to Hell disappeared, his form slowly shifted back to his more human-like appearance. He staggered slightly, his breath uneven, the exertion taking a visible toll. The manipulation of divine, arcane, and demonic forces, combined with the dispersal of power to his companions, had drained him more than even his battle with the God of Dreams.

  Greed and Insight knelt before him without hesitation, their wings folding behind them in reverence. However, the Ancient Demon remained defiantly standing, its emerald eyes glaring down at the Demon Lord with contempt.

  “Kneel before your King, Baphomet,” the Demon Lord commanded, his voice ringing with authority as he invoked the demon’s name.

  Before Baphomet could resist, an unseen force slammed its body into the ground with a deafening crash. Bound in gold and stripped of its power, even the defiance of an Ancient Demon was no match for the will of the King of Hell.

  The Demon Lord then made use of Mira's abilities once more and raised his arm over Mira, channeling his energy through her as she allowed it to flow freely. Though already fatigued, his control was impeccable as he directed his power toward the Archdemon of Sealing. The effect was immediate—Ciel gasped softly as a surge of strength and the gift of flight coursed through him.

  “I see now why I was summoned, Lord,” Ciel said, his voice steady as he examined the energy Mira had transmitted. “Her abilities are truly remarkable. I shall enact your will without fail.”

  “Good. Now, Mira, allow my subordinate to perform his ritual.” The Demon Lord’s tone was resolute, his authority undeniable.

  Ciel approached Mira and bowed slightly. “Please close your eyes,” he instructed, his voice soft yet firm. Mira complied, lowering her eyelids as she steadied her breathing. Ciel placed a hand gently on her forehead, his glowing fingertips emanating a faint warmth. Closing his own eyes, he began to peer into her soul, his perception enhanced by Insight’s ability to detect the unseen.

  What he found within Mira was complex and staggering—a natural system of seals, intricately woven into her very essence. These seals governed her abilities, limiting the full potential of her gift while maintaining balance within her soul. Ciel’s task was delicate, requiring the utmost precision to slightly alter the equilibrium without destabilizing it entirely.

  His hands glowed a vivid purple, arcane and divine runes circling Mira in an intricate dance. The room filled with the faint hum of ancient magic as shimmering, circular arrays unfolded like ethereal locks. All eyes were fixed on Ciel as he began to adjust the seals, his hands moving with deliberate care. The tension in the room was palpable, each passing moment drawn out in agonizing silence.

  Finally, Ciel exhaled deeply and lowered his hands, the luminous circles fading back into Mira’s body with subtle alterations. “It is done.”

  The Demon Lord’s mismatched eyes gleamed. “How effective are the modifications?”

  Ciel straightened, his expression calm yet confident. “She should now be capable of using low-level arcane magic and, furthermore, she may forcibly extract a being’s power—though only at a tenth of the standard rate.”

  The Demon Lord’s smile was faint but chilling. “Good. Mira, test it on Baphomet.”

  Mira hesitated briefly but did as commanded. She focused on the chained Ancient Demon standing in the room, summoning her newfound power. A small stream of energy ripped from Baphomet, who sneered and attempted to move away, but the golden chains and runes binding him rendered him powerless.

  The Demon Lord’s smile widened as he spoke. “Baphomet, this girl is now your master. You will serve her well. Transform into a more fitting form for this world.”

  Baphomet growled in displeasure but obeyed, his form shifting before their eyes. He became human-like, his black goat-like features vanishing. His new appearance was hauntingly beautiful—black hair cascading like silk, coal-black eyes devoid of light, and skin pale as snow.

  “Now unseal him,” the Demon Lord ordered, his voice sharp, “but watch that mouth of yours, Baphomet. Should you displease me, I’ll personally see your tongue ripped from your head.”

  Ciel moved forward, his hands glowing faintly as he began to release the golden chains and seals encasing Baphomet. The runes dissolved into the air, their energy dissipating like fading embers. Baphomet straightened, his coal-black eyes fixed on the Demon Lord with simmering disdain.

  “Mira,” the Demon Lord said, turning to her, “Baphomet shall serve as your guardian from now on. He will remain by your side at all times. Should he act out of place, invoke his name—he will be powerless to harm you.”

  Mira nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips as she addressed her reluctant protector. “Greetings to you, Baphomet. Thank you for becoming my bodyguard,” she said lightly, though her words carried a playful edge.

  Baphomet knelt before her, his tone begrudging as he replied, “Greetings, Mistress. I am yours to command.”

  The Demon Lord’s gaze hardened. “Now, Mira, the Archdemon of Sealing will routinely monitor you for any signs of destabilization in your magic.”

  Ciel stepped forward and gave a slight bow. “You may call me Ciel,” he said smoothly. “It will save time during our future interactions. While not my true name, it is a title many use.”

  Mira mirrored his bow. “I am Mira. Thank you for helping me advance my powers.”

  The Demon Lord’s voice cut through the exchange. “All of you leave me—except Ciel.”

  Greed, Insight, Mira, and Baphomet exited the room without question, leaving the Archdemon of Sealing alone with his master.

  The Demon Lord turned his gaze to the window, his aura shifting subtly. “Now, Ciel. I assume you sense it.”

  Ciel followed his gaze, his own perception sharpening. “Yes, my Lord. The Divine presence is unmistakable.”

  The Demon Lord’s lips curved into a sinister smile. “Good. Capture this nuisance and bring it before me. Should you fail…” His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. “You will have no use to me.”

  The weight of his words pressed heavily upon Ciel, but the Archdemon bowed deeply, his resolve unshaken. “As you command, my Lord.”