《Surviving in a Demonic Academy as a Human》 The protagonist ¡°From the beginning, various demonic races intermingled, their descendants refining and distilling their bloodlines to create a single, ultimate lineage¡ªthe Maltrix bloodline. A lineage that is not merely a family but a collection of powers, rooted in countless origins, bound together into one.¡± An old, raspy voice echoed through the silent, dimly lit grand cathedral. The speaker, clad in priestly attire adorned with countless jewels, stood before them. His entire body was covered in white cloth, a color that symbolized purity¡ªif one ignored the massive horns protruding from the sides of his head. The fabric concealed his face entirely, except for his mouth, where sharp, shark-like teeth gleamed in the candlelight. ¡°The Progenitors of this family acquired abilities unseen before in Hell¡ªunique, terrifying, absolute. To preserve their strength, they imposed strict laws: chastity, isolation, and the practice of breeding exclusively within their bloodline. No impurity was ever allowed to taint it.¡± His voice reverberated through the vast cathedral, his words filling the air like a decree of fate. The cathedral itself was a masterpiece of infernal craftsmanship, adorned with intricate decorations and demonic statues that immortalized the great ancestors of the Maltrix lineage. High above, a massive chandelier, absurdly large, dangled from the impossibly tall ceiling, constructed from bones and skulls¡ªthe spoils of countless wars. The ceiling paintings depicted the conquests of the Maltrix family, their victories over other demonic clans, their rise above all. The demonic priest raised both hands and, with a voice that shook the air, declared, ¡°For thousands of years, the Maltrix bloodline has never faltered, never degraded, never weakened. It has only grown stronger, evolving beyond all limits.¡± ¡°The Maltrix family monopolized this power, crushing their adversaries, surpassing the so-called ¡®noble¡¯ bloodlines that dared stand in their way. This lineage remains untainted¡ªfree from the filth of lesser beings who would defile its purity.¡± Two figures stood beside the priest. On one side, a tall male loomed, his golden hair cascading like sunlight. Four prominent horns rose from his head, curving with menacing elegance, while long, elf-like ears peeked from beneath his silky locks. His deep red eyes gleamed with unsettling intensity, and his beauty was androgynous, so flawless it could ensnare the hearts of men and women alike. He wore a black tuxedo, intricately adorned with shimmering embellishments that reflected the dim light. Beside him stood a woman draped in an elegant white bridal gown, her face concealed behind a delicate veil. Yet, despite its obscuring presence, her allure was undeniable. Every graceful contour of her body exuded an intoxicating beauty, her form so alluring it would make any man drool like a dog. The priest¡¯s voice rang out once more. ¡°And now, the new generation of the Maltrix bloodline shall uphold their ancestors'' legacy, becoming an enduring part of its greatness, further elevating this family''s prestige.¡± His gaze swept over the pair as he proclaimed, ¡°Hell itself shall grant its blessing to this sacred matrimony. May their talents merge, strengthening this mighty lineage, ensuring its continued dominance for generations to come.¡± Then, for the first time, the priest fell silent. His gaze shifted toward the empty pews, the absence of an audience stark against the grandeur of the cathedral. He sighed. ¡°A shame. A glorious occasion, yet no witnesses.¡± He turned back to the couple. ¡°But no matter. I, as priest, shall oversee this sacred ritual and bear witness to the oaths that you shall swear before Hell itself.¡± The priest¡¯s tone grew solemn. ¡°These vows are not mere words but sacred promises, binding and unbreakable. They invoke Hell as their witness and enforcer. To break them is to commit blasphemy of the highest order, a crime punishable by the wrath of the Abyss itself.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He paused, his voice heavy with warning. ¡°Be certain that the oaths you make today shall dictate the course of your lives forever.¡± A tense silence followed, allowing the bride and groom a moment to choose their vows. The groom was the first to speak. ¡°I, Malgrith Maltrix, take Selveria Maltrix as my wife, and I, with Hell as my witness, vow to be her husband for as long as I desire.¡± His words were calculated, precise. A declaration that granted him full control¡ªfree of responsibility, free of devotion. It was not a vow of love. It was ownership. Selveria chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s it? Is this the part where you force me into a vow so submissive that this entire ceremony becomes nothing more than a luxurious way to brand me as your slave?¡± Malgrith met her gaze without hesitation. ¡°Yes.¡± Selveria glanced down at the cuffs on her wrists. The mythical steel shimmered with thousands of runes, their glow pulsating in waves, suppressing her strength with each passing second. The gemstones embedded in the cuffs siphoned her Miasma, leaving her powerless¡ªunable to chant, unable to resist. The craftsmanship was exquisite, unmistakable. Only a relic stolen from the royal family¡¯s treasure vault could be this potent. Her eyes trailed downward, to the cathedral¡¯s floor. Beneath her, an intricate magical diagram stretched in all directions, its complexity beyond measure. She lifted her gaze, scanning the walls, spotting identical markings¡ªeach larger and more elaborate than the one at her feet. Even her gown was a prison. Hundreds of tiny gemstones and artifacts woven into its fabric bound her in ways she could not yet comprehend. The sheer extent of these restraints¡ªthe overwhelming number of curses placed upon her¡ªspoke volumes. Any lesser demon and greater demons would be dead by now. Selveria spoke ¡°I admit it that you cornered me, but you should be aware that my will it still my own. You can never control me in this state. This curses you have given to me only binds me.¡± ¡°You can never control my speech and make me have an oath to Hell.¡± Malgrith responded ¡°I know.¡± Malgrith spoke again, his voice quieter, laced with something almost fragile. ¡°From the moment we were born, we were rivals.¡± His eyes darkened with distant memories. ¡°Our family¡¯s expectations were suffocating. They saw us not as children, but as competitors. They forced us to fight, to tear each other apart for their approval. To the victor, favor, power, privilege. To the loser¡­ disgrace.¡± A bitter smile curled his lips. ¡°No matter how hard I tried, I could never catch up. I wasn¡¯t enough. Our brothers and sisters outshined me at every turn. I was the one left behind. And those were the most painful years of my life.¡± His gaze locked onto Selveria¡¯s. ¡°I was drowning¡­ until you came along.¡± His voice wavered. ¡°You were the only one who saw me¡ªnot as a rival, but as something more.¡± He took a shaky breath. ¡°There were times when I was close to ending it all. But you saved me. You gave me purpose. You pushed me forward. You made me believe I could be more.¡± His fists clenched. ¡°Your words¡­ I remember every single one of them. The things you might have long forgotten¡­ they have never left me. And they never will.¡± His voice trembled now. ¡°We made promises¡­ so many promises.¡± He looked upward, as if seeking those memories in the vast emptiness above. ¡°To stand together, always. To defy fate. To choose our own path. To marry¡ªnot out of obligation, but as a bond forged by our own will.¡± His gaze softened, his expression almost reverent. ¡°That promise about marriage¡­ that was my favorite, Selveria.¡± A tear slipped down his cheek. ¡°This moment¡­ it¡¯s all I¡¯ve ever wanted. Every hardship, every battle, every sacrifice¡ªI did it all for this. For us. To prove that my life meant something. That I won.¡± He reached for her veil, lifting it. Crimson eyes. Golden hair. Elf-like ears. Perfect. His fingers brushed against her cheek. He leaned in, closed his eyes and prepared to steal her lips¡ª Those luscious lips that is more tempting than the apple in the Garden of Eden. Malgrith stood in awe of her beauty. Every hardship he endured, every scheme he orchestrated¡ªall of it had led to this one perfect moment. Fighting and manipulating his siblings for succession; spending endless weeks groveling before noble families to solidify his name; establishing countless businesses to amass power; and paying a fortune to enchanters, witches, blacksmiths, and alchemists¡ªall to forge the relics that would bind Selveria. And now, it was all worth it. He came closer to her face and felt her breath touching his face, he smell those delectable aroma yet somehow he was also able to feel a breath touching his ears. His body tensed. He opened his eyes and saw her face¡ªher blush. He felt joy as that his act made her do that but she wasn¡¯t looking at him. She was looking behind him. His eyes moved towards the priest. The priest had a terrified face which was looking at his direction. ¡°Hello.¡± A voice whispered in his ear. Malgrith turned, and golden eyes greeted him. Then, pain. A sharp, merciless pain in his chest. Malgrith''s body fell down on the marble floor with his blood oozing like a fountain and guts scattered out. Happiness in Madness A person stabbed Malgrith¡¯s body, which now lay lifeless on the floor. His body oozed blood like a fountain, and his organs were scattered across the marble floor. Yet, that gruesome sight didn¡¯t stop this person from continuing to butcher him. In quick succession, the already scattered remains burst open like a pi?ata, spraying blood and flesh throughout the cathedral¡ªonto the altar, the statues, and even the ceiling. The priest stood frozen in shock, overwhelmed by the sheer malice of this person¡¯s miasma. Before he could recover, the person raised his arm and grabbed the priest by the neck, hurling him against the floor. Cracks spread across the marble upon impact. Before the priest could even groan, the figure lifted his boot and brought it down with force, shattering the priest¡¯s ribs. The sickening crunch of breaking bones and the priest¡¯s agonized screams reverberated through the cathedral. Yet, despite these awful, disturbing sounds, Selveria did not hear them. Selveria was in another world right now. In her mind, all she could hear was the romantic music she had listened to before. She watched this figure as if time had slowed, her vision filling with glitter and floating hearts¡ªcompletely unbothered by the blood splattered across his face as he mercilessly slaughtered two people in front of her. His name was Aiden. Aiden was not normally like this. He had once lived as a powerless human in Hell, a mere plaything and jester for Selveria, meant to entertain her. But now, that same human had become a demon¡ªone with great power, blessed by Hell itself. Thick black horns protruded from his head, and his eyes burned with an intense golden flame. At first, he had been ridiculed, scorned as nothing more than a weak human. Yet, he endured. He survived in the pit of snakes¡ªthat was Hell¡¯s society. It was like watching a small prey animal desperately avoid being devoured by carnivorous beasts, only to adapt and rise to the top. Now, to those who dared glance at him, he was no longer prey. He was terror itself¡ªa living nightmare, a man whose mere presence could crush the will of even the strongest demon. But to certain powerful demoness heirs, he was something else entirely. Selveria remembered the way they whispered and giggled, their faces flushed with admiration. In their eyes, he was not just a powerful demon noble¡ªhe was the demon they desired. And that, of course, included her. She watched him, his face still splattered with blood. Aiden sensed her gaze and slowly looked up to meet her eyes. Selveria¡¯s breath hitched, her stomach twisting with an unfamiliar feeling. A blush crept onto her cheeks, and for the first time, she felt butterflies. This was foreign to her. She had always remained cold and indifferent to the many suitors vying for her hand, yet none of them had ever made her feel like a love-struck teenager the way Aiden did. His obsessive gaze both terrified and excited her. Aiden reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. A jolt ran down her spine. The thought that this once powerless human could make her feel this way was almost absurd. He leaned in, intending to steal a kiss. Her pride refused to let him take it so easily, but her body was far more honest. She told herself that she couldn''t really stop him, given that she was still bound by the cursed artifact. A silver bridge of saliva connected their lips as they parted. ¡°Forgive me for not arriving sooner,¡± Aiden murmured. Selveria responded, ¡°These artifacts created an artificial environment that tricked my body into forced hibernation while keeping my consciousness intact. My body believed that remaining in this state was the most beneficial option.¡± ¡°Of course, there were drawbacks. The moment that idiot harmed me, the effect would break, setting me free. In fact, if you had given me just a little more time, I could have rendered all of this completely useless.¡± Aiden sighed. ¡°Even if I knew you didn¡¯t actually need my help, that wouldn¡¯t have stopped me from being mad. You know how obsessed I am with you.¡± He kissed her again, as if confirming she was truly there. His hand trailed downward, causing Selveria to let out a loud moan that echoed through the cathedral. But Aiden was not indulging in desire¡ªhis fingers were undoing the cursed artifact binding her. He ripped each piece away, letting them fall to the ground with metallic clinks. Now that the rescue was over, it was time to deal with the perpetrator. Aiden turned, his golden eyes burning with rage. ¡°I finally cornered you, Athritis.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Azrathis,¡± Selveria corrected. Aiden didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°I finally cornered you, Azrathis.¡± Selveria sighed. ¡°His name is Malgrith.¡± Aiden gave her a suspicious look. ¡°¡­I swear his name is Azrathis Maltrix. Selveria, don¡¯t try to fool me.¡± Selveria raised a brow. ¡°You killed my brother Azrathis days ago.¡± Aiden frowned, thinking hard about this newly acquired information. ¡°In my defense, there¡¯s been a lot of bloodshed lately,¡± he muttered. ¡°I had to deal with other noble families, so I didn¡¯t exactly have time to remember all their names that they boast about¡­ but I don¡¯t regret killing that Athritis or whatever his name was. After all, he was still your brother, and we both know all your brothers are competing for your womb.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Selveria¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Azrathis had no intentions of desiring me.¡± Aiden scoffed. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to say something so naive. The blood flowing in your brothers¡¯ veins drives them to¡ª¡± ¡°Azrathis was adopted.¡± ¡°¡­Hmm. Makes sense.¡± Aiden didn¡¯t bother arguing further. For the first time, a twinge of guilt pricked at him. He knew Selveria didn¡¯t love any of her brothers and wished for their deaths, but¡­ perhaps not all of them were trying to woo her. ¡®I should respect my in-laws,¡¯ he thought to himself. Aiden sighed. ¡°Okay, I apologize if he was actually close to you. I may be a bit possessive when it comes to those trying to wed you. To avoid another mistake¡­ besides Azrathis, is there any other brother¡ª¡± ¡°And sisters.¡± ¡°¡­siblings that are not¡ª¡± ¡°Uncles and aunts.¡± Aiden let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Is there anyone in your family who isn¡¯t trying to make you their personal breeding livestock?¡± Selveria smirked. ¡°Well, you killed the last decent one, so no, there isn¡¯t.¡± Aiden deadpanned. ¡®I take back what I said. They¡¯re all dead to me.¡¯ Selveria could practically hear his thoughts. ¡°If you want to stop my family from actively trying to breed me, you might have to end the entire Maltrix bloodline,¡± she said nonchalantly. Aiden¡¯s expression darkened, then twisted into a confident smirk. ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem.¡± He pulled her closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. ¡°With you and me¡­ we¡¯ll be busy reviving the Maltrix bloodline ourselves.¡± Selveria could only blush at this statement and imagine spewing out 70 children out of her womb with the her and Aiden''s likeness. Aiden felt something and turned his head. Aiden saw a swirling miasma, which converged into a single point¡ªthe very spot where he had thrown the priest earlier. It was a quick, instinctive spell cast, and before the explosion could fully form, Aiden had already moved, positioning himself in front of Selveria to shield her from the blast. A brilliant flash of purple and red struck Aiden¡¯s back. A deafening boom reverberated through the cathedral, shaking the heavy chandeliers overhead. Flaming debris scattered across the marble floor, toppling statues and splintering worship benches. The priest wasted no time. He seized Malgrith¡¯s corpse and dragged it toward the cathedral¡¯s massive doors. His fingers gripped the doorknob, desperate to escape¡ª But before he could turn it, a towering wall of ice erupted from the ground, sealing him and Malgrith inside. Terror gripped the priest as he turned back. His flames had already begun to die out, flickering uselessly against the oppressive force in the room. His gaze landed on the broad, imposing figure of Aiden. Though standing far away, the mere presence of the man sent a chill down his spine. Slowly, Aiden turned to face him. ¡°Nice spell, nerd. Now check this out.¡± Aiden reached behind him and pulled out an comically large sword¡ªseemingly out of nowhere. That thing was too big to be called a sword. Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of iron. With a single hand, Aiden lifted the sword and hurled it with immense force. The priest barely had time to react before the blade cleaved through him, splitting him clean in two. May he rest in (each) piece. Aiden¡¯s sharp eyes caught a movement¡ªMalgrith, still alive, rising from the ground on one arm. His body was already regenerating, flesh knitting itself together at an alarming rate. ¡°Well, he wouldn¡¯t be a Maltrix if he couldn¡¯t survive that,¡± Aiden muttered. Malgrith was undoubtedly a prodigy. Under normal circumstances, he would have healed from such an attack in seconds. However, something about Aiden¡¯s strike had disrupted his regeneration¡ªan unnatural, potent force slowing the power he had spent years cultivating. Malgrith¡¯s gaze swept the ruined cathedral, landing on the shattered remnants of the artifacts he had painstakingly collected. Years of effort¡ªgone. His hands clenched into fists, rage boiling beneath his skin. He had been so close¡ªso agonizingly close¡ªto making Selveria his. He had contingencies, he had plans, he had prepared for everything. Everything¡­ except Aiden. His frustration erupted into a furious roar. ¡°You¡ªhow dare you! Do you have any idea what I sacrificed!?¡± He was on the very verge of greatness, inches from his goal. He had millions of plans¡ª A massive, dark shape slammed into him mid-sentence. The force crushed him against the marble floor, his breath ripped from his lungs. Whatever hit him was heavy¡ªimmensely heavy¡ªand it took all his strength just to lift his head. His once-proud face now scraped against the stone as he struggled to glare up at Aiden. Aiden smirked. ¡°That¡¯s a bicorn. His name is Umbracorn.¡± Malgrith¡¯s pupils dilated with terror. Unicorns were known as pure, gentle creatures¡ªat least, according to Earth¡¯s myths. But in reality, they were far from harmless. Some legends spoke of unicorns stealing maidens, charming them, draining their energy, or using them in rituals for their own mysterious desires. And then there were the bicorns. Bicorns were strong, well-fed beasts¡ªbecause they devoured cuckolded husbands, men whose wives had been unfaithful to them. Malgrith was not technically Selveria¡¯s husband. But he had claimed her. He had wanted her. He had lost her. And in the eyes of the bicorn, that was enough. His eyes flicked to Selveria, desperate, searching for even a shred of sympathy. What he saw shattered him. Her expression was one of pure ecstasy. He had never seen her look like this before. He had witnessed her smile, yes¡ªbut never truly. Even in those rare moments, there was always something distant, something cold beneath the surface. But now? Now, she was alive. And it was because of him¡ªthe very man Malgrith had once looked down on. A human had done what he, a Maltrix noble, never could. Jealousy twisted inside him, more intense than any he had felt toward his siblings. It burned. But before he could wallow in his humiliation, he felt something else¡ªsomething resting uncomfortably between his cheeks. He went rigid. The bicorn was still pressing down on him. And he could feel its long, nineteen-inch phallus nestled dangerously close. Realization hit him like a lightning strike. Oh. Oh no. He had dreamed of losing his virginity. He had envisioned this night a thousand times. But never like this. Meanwhile, Aiden¡¯s attention had already shifted. He turned to Selveria. Beautiful. Deadly. A monster just like him. His smirk softened. She was a psychopath, capable of unspeakable violence. And he loved her for it. He didn¡¯t want to fix her. He was worse. A distant memory surfaced¡ªhis mother¡¯s voice, gentle and warm: "Aiden, be happy. No matter what you do in life. Cherish it. It¡¯s yours, after all.¡± Her words had followed him, even into the depths of Hell. Aiden¡¯s lips curled into a soft murmur. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re happy, too. Even in this Hell, I¡¯ll give you the life you deserve.¡± Selveria let out a low, teasing laugh. ¡°It¡¯s ironic, isn¡¯t it? That you¡¯re the one saying that now. Do you remember how you dismissed my advice?¡± Back then, he had scoffed at the very idea of finding joy in a world that wanted him dead. He had seen nothing worth cherishing in a place filled with bloodshed and monsters. And yet¡ª Here he was. And here she was. The fire in his eyes burned brighter. He didn¡¯t care what Hell threw at him next. He would face it head-on. Because in this twisted, infernal realm, he had found something he never thought possible. A life worth fighting for. Their gazes locked, a silent promise passing between them. Horrified screams of a man experiencing his first (and last) night of horse sex was ignored. The Miserable Boy The entire room rumbled from the constant pounding outside the door, the shouts muffled through the walls. Whatever it was, they seemed upset and angry, repeatedly complaining about the debt that had not been paid by the due date. The entire neighborhood saw this more as a drama than a commotion, treating it like an everyday television show scheduled for the same early hour. The door was kicked repeatedly, as if silence was an unacceptable answer. This continued for almost an hour before they finally gave up. Despite all this, a person inside remained asleep in his bed, a blanket covering his body, his eyes shut as if those voices had nothing to do with him. He slept like a log, the angry protests outside nothing more than a lullaby. Eventually, he stirred, sitting up in bed. He was a teenager with black hair and black eyes. Moving the curtain slightly, he peeked out of the window to check if the debt collectors had truly left. Sunlight streamed into the dimly lit room, revealing its utter disarray¡ªgarbage scattered across the floor, numerous empty cup noodle containers bundled together, crumpled clothes piled on his bed, and unwashed dishes stacked high in the sink. Sighing, he looked around his hoarded home before reaching for his phone. The screen lit up, casting a glow on his weary face. His wallpaper displayed a photo of him cuddling with an older woman¡ªhis mother. Notifications flooded his screen: missed calls, text messages, debt collectors threatening to lower his credit score, voicemails from friends and coworkers. They all felt like a nuisance. He had long since stopped caring about appearances or maintaining relationships. Everything felt like a hassle. The time read 12:36 PM. It was already noon¡ªhis usual waking hour. The days all blurred together, meaningless repetitions. One might instinctively rise to clean such a messy house, but he did no such thing. Instead, he unlocked his phone and began playing games. If it wasn¡¯t obvious already, this boy was living a poor lifestyle. He sat against the wall, hands gripping his phone, playing for hours without moving. His concentration remained undisturbed, yet none of the games brought him joy. He didn¡¯t play them for entertainment but as a distraction. A distraction from the regrets that haunted him, whispering in the dead of night, keeping him from waking up early. Regrets that told him he could have done better. He vented his frustration by pressing the screen harder than necessary. Then, he remembered the moment he regretted most¡ªthe event that made him the pathetic person he was today. It was in the moment where his mother had fallen ill. At first, it was just coughing, leaving her breathless. Her skin grew paler, her movements slower, her once-bright eyes dull and clouded. Aiden had finally convinced her to see a doctor, despite her protests about the cost. The diagnosis: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A slow, insidious illness that crept into her life. Her days were filled with medications, nebulizer treatments, and long periods of rest. The reality of her condition weighed heavily on him. COPD wasn¡¯t something you cured¡ªyou managed it, delayed the worst of it, but couldn¡¯t stop it. The doctors had explained it clinically, but the truth hit harder each time he saw her struggle for breath, each time he watched her shoulders slump after trying to walk across the room.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Desperate, he reached out to relatives at that time¡ªhis father, aunts, grandparents¡ªhoping for help. But one by one, they turned him away with excuses, empty promises, or cold silence. No one cared. No one helped. His father, a minimum-wage worker turned gambling addict, had disappeared long ago before his mother got the disease, leaving his debts behind to him and his mother. His aunt, a self-proclaimed ''not needing any man and an independent woman'', always exaggerated her struggles to his mother saying how her customers are always abusive when she was assigned as the waitress. When her mother fell ill, she had promised to help but never showed up. The boy saw his aunt always posting in social media and set up an only fans account with barely 50 followers. His grandparents refused, saying their retirement money was for them to enjoy. ¡°We¡¯ll see her in the afterlife,¡± they said coldly. Realizing he had no one, Aiden dropped out of school without hesitation and started working. His life became a blur of endless labor. Convenience store shifts at night, janitorial work in the mornings, construction on weekends, grocery deliveries when he could¡ªeach job draining him, yet never bringing in enough money. Crowdfunding barely made a dent in the medical bills. Their insurance company had long stopped answering his calls. Each evening, he visited his mother, only to find her a little weaker. Yet she always smiled and told him to move on, to find happiness even when she was gone. He nodded, pretending to believe her words. But deep down, he never thought that day would come. Then, it did. When she passed away, he didn¡¯t cry. He told himself this was just how the world worked¡ªpeople left, life moved on, and so would he. He tried to do what his mother had told him¡ªto find joy, to keep moving forward. That¡¯s what he convinced himself to believe, he adapted. At first, he functioned as if nothing had changed. He worked tirelessly, paying off the enormous debt that had nearly crushed him. From the outside, he was surviving. But something felt... off. Wrong. As if a piece of him had been hollowed out. Then, it hit him. The emptiness. The suffocating realization that his mother was truly gone. No matter where he went, no matter what he did, he would never see her again. His purpose¡ªhis drive to keep going¡ªhad always been built on saving her. But now, there was nothing left to save. Nothing waiting for him at the end of all his struggles. Everything he once cared about has crumbled. His ambitions, his dreams¡ªnone of it mattered anymore. Because the only reason he had fought so hard was buried beneath the weight of his failure. And now, he simply didn¡¯t care. His father hadn¡¯t even visited her grave. the boy doubted the man even knew she was dead. He swore he¡¯d kill him, so he tried to find where that fucker lived, he watched the news where it turns out he was living in a drug supplier''s home being his bitch. His aunt, pregnant by some unknown runaway father. He knows that whore couldn''t pay the landlord, he hoped she¡¯d freeze in a cold winter night. His grandparents, most likely suffering from dementia. He hoped their retirement home gets bankrupt and leave them in an abandoned building for them to rot. The thought of them suffering brought him a grim satisfaction. He played his games until his stomach grumbled, the hunger growing unbearable. His cup noodle supply had run out. Normally, he¡¯d ignore his hunger and sleep, but today his body refused. He needed food. Reaching for the door, he twisted the knob and stepped outside. For the first time in weeks, fresh air hit his face. The stench of his room escaped into the world, an offensive odor released to the public. His destination: the convenience store, where he would buy the cheapest food available with what remained of his mother¡¯s death insurance. He walked the streets with a slouched posture, eyes hollow. Then, he heard it¡ªthe blaring of a horn, the screech of tires. He barely had time to register the sound before something heavy slammed into him. His body was thrown into the air, weightless for a fleeting moment before pain engulfed him. His consciousness faded as he hit the ground. Darkness consumed him. Selveria Maltrix The first thing that hit him was the stench¡ªheavy, suffocating, and thick with the scent of rust. It clawed at his throat, turning his stomach, making him gag. His mouth was flooded with the taste¡ªlike licking iron, raw and metallic, coating his tongue with its foul tang. Every breath he drew was tainted by the rot of the surroundings, the air thick with decay and something far worse. The boy is very confused. He tried to open his eyes but found them sealed shut, glued together by something wet and sticky. Panic set in as his hands scrambled to rub away whatever was blinding him, but as his fingers brushed against his face, he realized with horror that the sticky substance was on his hands too. It wasn¡¯t just his face¡ªhis whole body was coated in it, submerged in this suffocating liquid that clung to him, a cold, viscous shroud. He pushed himself up, his legs shaky as he stumbled to his feet, the floor slick beneath him. As he stood up, the liquid he has been drowning on only has a level reaching up to six inches. It was just enough to submerge everything it touched, thankfully. As he continuously rubs his eyes, he was no longer thankful as the red light illuminates the liquid that is actually blood flooding the entire floor he was in and is splattered across jagged walls. The red light illuminates the piles of gore are in his field of vision. It was pilled with a mess of torn flesh, shattered bone, and glistening organs, all heaped together in a wet, sticky mound. Flies buzzed over it, landing on exposed muscle and hollowed-out cavities, their tiny legs crawling over the mess. Nearby, unknown carcasses from animals were stacked carelessly, their bodies bloated and stiff. They looked like some monsters you would see in films. All of them were skinned, their raw, pink meat exposed, with bits of fat and tendon still hanging loose. The stench assaulted his nose and eyes¡ªthick and nauseating, a mix of rancid flesh and sour decay. It seeped from his clothes, the putrid odor of rot and dampness clinging to his hair and skin. His breath reeked of spoiled meat, the sharp tang of blood and a sickly, sweet undertone that made his stomach churn. A sharp pain twisted in his stomach, and before he could stop it, bile surged up his throat. He gagged violently, his mouth opening as his stomach emptied, hot and thick, splattering onto the blood that flooded the floor. The contents he regurgitated mixed with blood. He felt an extreme bitter taste after that. The dim red light that illuminated the corpses barely lit the room, leaving deep shadows stretching across the blood-slicked walls. His eyes darted around, scanning the jagged walls and the dark corners where the light couldn¡¯t reach. He turned around and tableau where stood a woman. Her golden hair shimmered like molten sunlight, cascading in perfect drilled curls that framed her flawless. Two curved horns jutted elegantly from her head, obsidian-black and polished like onyx. She wore a crimson dress that clung to her form, the fabric glistening as though soaked in fresh blood. He couldn¡¯t make out her face in the darkness¡ªonly the eerie glow of her red eyes, piercing through the void. Her red eyes glowed in the darkness, piercing through him with an intensity that made his chest tighten and sent chills down his spine. A smirk crept across her lips¡ªsharp, predatory, and full of unsettling amusement. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying her new plaything. The boy tried to speak, but his throat was dry. His mind raced. ¡®Where am I? Is this a nightmare?¡¯ Then, she stepped forward. The faint red light from her eyes washed over her features, revealing a face so breath aking it felt unreal. It was as if the Gods themselves had sculpted her, every detail flawless, her beauty was beyond anything in the internet and television could match. His mind raced. ¡®¡­ Or is this a dream?¡¯This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Wh-where am I?" he finally managed, his voice cracking. "Welcome to Hell, little mortal," she purred, her voice dripping with both mockery and malice. The boy was more confused than he is scared. "W-What... where...?" he stammered, his voice barely audible. The demoness tilted her head slightly, as if amused by his confusion. "You''re in my domain, little human. Hell, to be precise. And you should be honored¡ªfew mortals have the privilege of standing in the presence of Selveria Maltrix, Heiress of the House of Maltrix. Welcome to your new home, little human. You belong to me now." She paused, her smile widening as she savored his stunned silence. "But you may call me Selveria. For now." "Selveria" he repeated weakly, his voice barely audible. Her laughter rang out like bells, it was sweet voice. "Ah, so the spell seems to be working if you could understand what I¡¯m saying. Good." Selveria took a step forward, each step sent ripples through the thick liquid, the sound of sluggish waves sloshing around her dress. She gestured grandly to the grotesque surroundings, as if showcasing a masterpiece. "Magnificent, isn''t it? The artistry of suffering. The poetry of pain. Oh, don''t worry," she said, her grin widening. "You''ll get used to it. Eventually." The boy''s stomach churned violently again, his hands reached for his knees, his head spinning, and before he could stop himself, he vomited. His body convulsed as he retched, his mind struggling to comprehend the sheer horror of it all. Selveria''s laughter echoed through the room, cold and melodic. "I knew humans were fragile, but you''re exceeding my expectations." She clapped her hands together, her excitement only deepening the boy''s dread. Still hunched over, the boy gasped for air, his body shaking. And yet, as the fear and nausea coursed through him, something else stirred within. The oppressive weight of despair that had clung to him on Earth was gone, replaced by something raw and primal¡ªsurvival. For the first time in years, the boy felt a spark of purpose: the simple, desperate will to live. Selveria bend before him, her unnervingly perfect face now at eye level. "Tell me, little human, do you want to live?" she asked, her voice dropping to a whisper, her smile as predatory as ever. The boy looked up at her, his vision blurry but his resolve hardening. He didn''t know how or why he was here, but he knew one thing: he didn''t want to die. Not like this. Not in this place. He nodded weakly, unable to form words, but his determination was clear in his eyes. Selveria pulling out a branding iron from seemingly nowhere. The metal gleamed in the dim light, intricate patterns swirling around its shaft, forming a glowing magic circle that seemed to hum. It wasn''t just a branding iron; it has wasn¡¯t just a stick, the art around it shows that this thing has a purpose and whatever it is, it seems to be magical. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a flame in her palm, the surroundings now illuminated by a yellow light but despite it, her red and crimson eyes illuminated more, it glows eerily. The boy felt the heat pulse against his skin, despite not close to him he could feel the warmth. This wasn''t a normal fire. He could its movements not moving like a regular fire, it has a silhouette of a human that seems to be dancing as though it was alive. Selveria''s eyes gleamed with an almost sadistic joy as she stared at him. "Oh, human," she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "I hope you understand just what your little fate here is. You, my cute little pet, will be my slave. You''ll follow every order, every command. You''ll be mine to use as I please. It''s going to be such a fun little game, don''t you think?" With one hand, she gripped the branding iron. She brought the iron close in her flaming palms, and the fire eagerly licked at the metal, turning it red-hot in seconds The boy''s chest tightened as he stood frozen, his entire hairs on his skin stood up, he felt a chill despite the warmth he felt from that fire. She continued, completely unfazed by the panic that had overtaken him. "And to make sure you don''t get any funny ideas, I''m going to mark you. A seal that will tell me exactly what you''re mood is. Every little hostile thought, every lie you try to tell me¡ªI''ll know, instantly. And you won''t be able to escape it." Her smirk grew wider, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "You''ll live, of course. I wouldn''t want you to truly die just yet. But make no mistake¡ªyou will never be free. Just a slave, bound to my will." The hiss of searing heat filled the air from the branding iron, the dim glow reflecting off her unreadable expression. The words felt like chains wrapping around the boy''s chest, tighter and tighter, until he could barely breathe. He opened his mouth to protest, to shout, to beg¡ªanything¡ªbut his voice caught in his throat. The terror was suffocating. Selveria took a step closer, her hand almost reaching out to touch him. Her finger hovered near his face for a moment before she pulled it away, as if savoring the torment in his eyes. "Forgive me, human," she said, though the apology was laced with mock sweetness. "This is going to sting a bit~tehe!" She lightly tapped her knuckles against her head, tilting it slightly with a sheepish smile. Her tongue peeked out playfully as she let out a soft ''Tehe!'' Such a very cute and adorable face. The boy thought ¡®M-Maybe it¡¯s not that bad¡¯. Before he could react, before he could even blink, the boy felt an unbearable heat at the back of his neck. It wasn''t like the flame she had conjured. This was different. This heat wasn''t just physical¡ªit was magic, suffocating, burning with a potency that went far deeper than skin. It pressed down on him with such intensity that he couldn''t even move, couldn''t even scream. The boy thought ¡®IT IS BAD!¡¯ The world around him blurred as the heat overwhelmed him, consuming his thoughts, his senses. The boy''s vision spun, his body going limp, and then¡ªeverything went black. The last thing he felt was the searing heat, followed by the hollow emptiness of unconsciousness. Selveria Maltrix 2 The boy opened his eyes to a deep red ceiling. He glanced around, realizing he was lying in an ornate bed with intricate gold details, draped in red fabric from the top and sides. As he shifted, his body sank into the soft black mattress. Pushing aside the deep red canopy, he sat at the edge of the bed, his feet touching the cool marble floor. The polished surface reflected his figure, a seamless blend of white, black, and grey marbles. A chandelier hung above, its crystals casting a soft, muted glow that bathed the space in elegance. Beside the bed, a lounge area held plush red couches and sleek tables, each piece of furniture exuding luxury. The contrast between this lavish setting and the hell-like place from before was almost surreal. He remembers every minute details of that wretched place. The gore piled, the flooded blood and the intense reek of rotting flesh still terrified him. The image of Selveria''s cold smirk and the searing pain at the back of his neck still haunted him. He rose from the canopy bed and walked towards the massive mirror. He saw his image in the mirror wearing his birthday suit but he didn¡¯t care. He turned his head to check the back of his neck, and sure enough, the mark was there. A pentagram was drawn with black lines. He tried to touch it yet nothing happened. This pentagram removes and doubtful thoughts he had on whether that place exists or not. That means that Selveria exists. If he remembers what he heard from her at that time, he was a slave now, bound to her will in a magical way. He doesn¡¯t fully understand how the seal fully works yet which made him regret why he didn¡¯t run away from her. He doesn¡¯t know if his choice was right or not. If he could turn back time and disagree with her for turning him into a slave, what would be the consequence? Would he be displayed like the corpses in that place? He shuddered at this fact. For now, there is nothing he could do but move forward. Worrying endlessly would solve nothing, he remained positive. Just as the silence in the room grew overwhelming, he heard a caw. He turned around and saw some crows gathering to a specific corner in the room. It didn¡¯t take that long for hundreds of crows to gather and encircle what an area. Before the boy could react to anything, the crows were disappearing a figure emerge. The figure wears a gothic red dress with frills and golden hair with curls. She had glowing red eyes and a protruding horns in her head. Selveria had arrived. That crows now disappeared and she was standing there with her usual composed expression. This was the first time the boy witnessed the miracle of magic here, ¡®teleportation¡¯ he thought. There was something else in her eyes¡ªa mischievous glint that didn''t match the concern on her face. She tilted her head slightly, observing him below and not meeting his eyes. The boy followed as to where she was looking at. He looked downward and realized that he is still in his birthday suit. He run to the bed to cover his wily with the blanket. She ignored this display and simply said "Well, well, looks like you''re awake," she said, her voice teasing. The boy clearly embarrassed by such a shameful display. He was expecting more of her to at least blush but it felt more like Selveria was mocking him. This was her first reaction to him as if she hadn''t just branded him with a seal that would bind him to her forever. "How''s the bed? Not too shabby, huh? Better than that old rat''s nest you were probably used to." The boy barely registered her words. His mind was still reeling from what had happened, but Selveria didn''t give him a moment to process it all. She walked into the room, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and something more dangerous. "I''m sure you''ve got a lot of questions and don¡¯t worry I will answer all of them but first.." she continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don''t worry. I''m not going to harm you¡­ as long as you obey. You''re a good pet, after all. But if you ever get any ideas about defying me, well¡­" She trailed off, the mischievous smile never leaving her face. The boy felt a searing pain where the pentagram seal is supposed to be and then it immediately stopped. The boy swallowed, still in a daze. Her words and that sting hit him like a punch to the gut. Her statement about him being a slave felt more real than ever. "You''ll feel it," she said almost casually, as though she were talking about something trivial. "The seal. If you try to do anything... foolish. It''ll burn like hellfire. But don''t worry, I''ll make sure you''re comfortable as long as you follow the rules." The boy gulped hard at his fate in the hands of this woman.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Selveria''s gaze remained fixed on the boy, her eyes glittering with an unreadable expression as she awaited his response. The silence between them felt thick, almost suffocating, and the boy couldn''t help but feel the pressure of the situation mounting. Selveria was making this scene awkward as much as possible as if encouraging the boy to say something to break this silence. The boy felt like this is the chance she had given him to speak, to explain himself, and in a way, it felt like the only lifeline he had left. In that moment, it struck him: ignoring her was the worst thing he could do. Sure, he could be terrified, confused, and uncertain about this place here, but shutting himself off is never the answer. Selveria was the one holding all the cards right now. She could make his life miserable or offer him some strange kind of mercy, and the only way to navigate that was through communication. If he was going to survive, he had to talk to her, engage with her, and understand her, even if every part of him wanted to avoid her after that brutal encounter. With that reasoning in mind, the boy took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He wasn''t going to let fear paralyze him, not this time. This was unknown place, after all¡ªthere were no guarantees. He had to make the most of what little control he had left. "I''m Aiden Carter" he finally said, his voice slightly trembling but steady enough to be heard. "I''m 17 years old." Aiden hesitated for a moment, not sure how much to reveal. "I, uh¡­ I don''t really have an occupation. I used to go to school. A pretty normal life, I guess. Nothing extraordinary. I was just... me." Aiden thought that perhaps he misunderstood something and maybe he should¡¯ve stayed silent. Selveria''s eyebrow quirked, urging him to go on. "Is that all, Aiden?" Her voice was playful, almost taunting, as though daring him to go deeper. Aiden glanced away, his heart racing as his mind drifted back to his last memory. The pain was vivid, sharp¡ªa flash of blinding light, the screech of metal against asphalt, and then¡­ nothing. "I remember¡­ there was pain," he muttered, his voice growing distant as his mind raced. "I felt this sudden pain in my chest, and then¡­ the world went dark." Aiden was walking along the street¡ªhe remembered that much. The memory wasn''t clear, but the sensation of a car speeding toward him, the sound of horns, was unmistakable. That was it, wasn''t it? He had been hit. He''d been killed. "I think¡­ I think I died," Aiden finally said, his voice soft but filled with a sense of dread. "I must''ve been hit by a car or something. That''s the only thing that makes sense. The pain, then nothing¡­ and now, I''m here." He looked up at Selveria, searching for any signs of recognition in her expression, wondering if she had any answers, if she could confirm or deny what he had just realized. But her face remained unreadable, though there was a flicker of something¡ªmaybe curiosity or amusement¡ªdancing in her eyes. "How¡­ how did I get here?" Aiden asked, the weight of his own confusion pressing down on him. He remembered her words about him being in Hell. "Did I commit some kind of sin? Is that why I''m in Hell?" He needs more information what is Hell exactly? Which faith is truly right on Earth? Will he be punished for all eternity? Is it possible for him to be reincarnated? Various questions attacked Aiden¡¯s mind. Selveria''s laughter was the first thing Aiden heard in response, the sound light and almost mocking, as though his question had been a simple misunderstanding. "Sin? Oh, Aiden, you think that''s why you''re here?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "No, no. I summoned you here in Hell after you died." Aiden blinked, taken aback. "Summoned? You¡­ summoned me?" Selveria¡¯s red eyes studying him with an intensity that made him feel even more exposed. "Yes, I wanted a companion," she said, the words nonchalant but filled with a strange, hidden meaning. "Not just any companion, though. Someone special. Someone who could entertain me." She let that last part hang in the air, the weight of her gaze making Aiden feel uncomfortable. Aiden frowned, trying to understand what she meant. There was something off about it, something more than just wanting company. But before he could ask, another question came to mind¡ªa bigger question that he couldn''t ignore. Selveria said ¡°Hmm¡­ I am sure you are curious as where you are currently, as I have said to you, you are literally in Hell. This world is Hell. You died and I summoned you into this dimension.¡± Aiden hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to ask her how he could leave. This place was already creeping him out. Asking how to escape would contradict her desire for him to be a slave, and he didn''t want to annoy her by asking the same question over and over. Who knows what she will do when she gets annoyed, Aiden clearly doesn¡¯t want to find that out. So instead Aiden could just bitterly ask "what is Hell really about? I mean, what''s the point of all this? Why are we all here? What was its history?" Selveria could only nod happily as if she was waiting for Aiden to ask this question to her. Selveria seemed to pause for a moment, her expression shifting to something more serious, more contemplative, as if she were considering how much of the truth she wanted to reveal. "Hell, Aiden," she began, her voice turning low and almost thoughtful, "Hell is a place born from a divine mistake." She straightened, her hands folding together as she spoke, her words almost matter-of-fact. "Originally, We demons didn¡¯t really originated from this dimension, we came from another world where the lands were fertile, life is abundant, sentient races lived together and where Gods walked together with mortals. The most troublesome race¡ªthe demons¡ªwas sealed in this dimension and we call it today as Hell.¡± ¡°Hell was meant to be a dumping ground¡ªa place where the gods could cast off everything they deemed vile and undesirable. We the demon raced nearly came to extinction due to the harshness of Hell¡¯s environment. The Gods thought that by throwing more troublesome creatures besides the demons, they could end every problem that is in their pantheon.¡± Aiden''s eyebrows furrowed as he listened, his mind trying to wrap around the idea that Hell wasn''t always this chaotic, endless wasteland. "But they were wrong," Selveria continued, her eyes gleaming with something almost amused. "Instead of extinction, Hell is actually a sentient dimension. Hell could give blessings to living beings here and those blessings is what had given the demons and other races the ability to adapt to its world. They didn''t perish. They evolved, built societies, and began defying what the Gods expected of them. It evolved from pure chaos into something more structured, a civilization in its own right." Aiden expected Hell to be a place of punishment, a prison for the damned. ¡°Over time," Selvaria continued, "There had been multiple batlles and wars that had occurred. Many kingdoms and races fell, that was the state of Hell more than 500,000 years ago." She paused for a moment before continuing. "During those times Hell was divided into countless primitive kingdoms, far less advanced than what we know today." Aiden listened intently as Selvaria¡¯s voice took on a darker, almost reverent tone. "Once upon a time, there was a demon," she said. "A demon born into the lowest caste, a group known as the ''untouchables.''" Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Untouchables?" Selvaria nodded. "They were considered impure, their touch believed to taint those of higher status. But that didn¡¯t stop this particular demon. He was different. He had ambition¡ªan insatiable hunger to rise above his station and claim ultimate power." Her expression hardened as she spoke. "That Demon was charismatic and talented, rising through the ranks at an alarming rate, defying everything society expected of him. That Demon very existence threatened the upper echelon, but to those at the bottom, he was an inspiration. And so, an uprising began." "In The Demon¡¯s quest for ultimate power," Selvaria continued, "Hell itself recognized his will. That Demon was granted Hell''s blessings¡ªagain and again, a million times over. Until finally, he became the one most favored by Hell itself. That Demon was no longer just a Demon." She leaned closer, her crimson eyes locking onto Aiden¡¯s. "That Demon became the embodiment of Hell¡¯s malevolence, the very essence of corruption. Demons worshipped him. His followers swelled in numbers as more and more enslaved souls joined his cause. They became an unstoppable force, toppling the very kingdom that once oppressed them." "That Demon¡­ became the only Demon King." Welcome to SHIT ¡®The Demon King¡¯ thought Aiden. He has read some novels about fantasy but to think this type of beings really exist. Aiden hopes a Hero also exists in this universe, maybe he could ride in his cocktails and escape from this damn place Selveria pulled out a bell and rang it. Aiden was confused. Two maids entered, wearing dresses with white sacks over their heads. Aiden is terrified by their appearance. ¡°Dress him as a guest,¡± Selveria ordered. The maids said nothing, pulling Aiden from the bed. Selveria ignored the pleading of Aiden saying ¡°I could dress all on my own!¡± The Maid was finished and dressed him in a white dress shirt, black pants, and black shoes. ¡°Now then, come. You¡¯ve sulked enough in this room. Let me show you your new home.¡± She approached Aiden and held his hand. Before Aiden could react, they were engulfed by a swarm of crows. Darkness surrounded him, blocking all light. He could still feel her soft, smooth hand, untouched by labor. Aiden realized this was teleportation. The crows thinned, revealing a golden glow. He stood in awe. She led him through a grand corridor filled with golden chandeliers, crimson curtains, and intricate carvings of demonic lore. The polished black marble floors echoed their steps. Silver-framed windows revealed a dark sky beyond. Every detail flaunted wealth and power. "This mansion," Selveria declared, "is my own personal mansion. Every stone, every piece of furniture here is enchanted. Even the air you breathe is imbued with magic, ensuring perfection.¡± As they walked through the mansion, Selveria stopped in front of the largest and most elaborate portrait in the hall. It depicted a towering demon with crimson skin, multiple blazing red eyes, and six massive curved horns in its head. He held a banner with intricate patterns that are glowing faintly even in the painting. "This," Selveria said, her voice brimming with pride, "is The Demon King the purest embodiment of Hell¡¯s malevolence¡ªan entity beyond mortal comprehension. To demons, The Demon King was divine. Other races, forsaking their old allegiances, abandoned their crumbling kingdoms to kneel before The Demon King, seeking purpose in servitude. They did not merely follow; they worshipped. To them, The Demon King was not just a ruler but the Champion of Hell.¡± Aiden stared at the painting, feeling both awe and unease. The figure radiated a presence even from the canvas, as if The Demon King could step out of the frame at any moment. Selveria continued, her tone growing more reverent, ¡°But mere worship was not enough. The Demon King¡¯s ambitions stretched beyond adoration, beyond mere rule. The Demon King sought unification. A world no longer divided by petty warlords, fractured kingdoms, and meaningless bloodlines. To bring order to chaos, The Demon King would unite all races and demons beneath a single banner¡ªHell¡¯s will made manifest.¡± Selveria walked away from the painting, Aiden following her as she spoke. ¡°The old kingdoms, desperate to hold onto sovereignty, were mere obstacles. The Demon King cast judgment, and one by one, they fell, consumed by conquest. This was the Unification Wars. Relentless, The Demon King led demons into an age of war, sparing no kingdom or ruler. Those who surrendered were integrated into the empire, while those who resisted were erased. Entire bloodlines vanished, lost to Hell¡¯s dominion. When he unified the demon world, this is where the Unification Wars ended. But The Demon King was no butcher. Unlike past rulers, who clung to bloodlines, The Demon King valued only strength. Any being blessed by Hell became a demon, regardless of race. With each conquest, new cultures and innovations fueled the empire¡¯s evolution, not just plundered but woven into demon civilization. The empire didn¡¯t just conquer¡ªit evolved. And thus, demon civilization reached its peak.¡± Selveria and Aiden came to a massive door. "This is the library." She pushed open a set of enormous double doors, revealing a room so vast it seemed to stretch endlessly. Shelves upon shelves of books towered above him, their lanterns glowing faintly with golden light. There is an endless swarms of bats attached to the ceiling. Aiden''s jaw dropped. "This¡­this is all yours?" Selveria nodded. "Yes this is my personal library. This library contains all the knowledge that the Maltirx Family acquired throughout its existence yet it is only a mere fraction of the many great wonders that were built during the era of The Demon King. That was a time of unparalleled progress¡± Aiden and Selvaria sat side by side at a grand obsidian table, staring at the massive tome she had dragged in front of him. Its cover was made of some sort of leathery material. "Pay attention, Aiden," she said, tapping the page. "This is where the history changed forever." Aiden observed the book and strangely enough he understands it. This is the first time he saw this letters yet he could understand it. ¡°Hell gave The Demon King one final gift¡­" She turned the book slightly so Aiden could see the illustration¡ªa jagged, blackened key, wreathed in dark fire. ¡°A key to the other world. The world of the Gods. The world from which demons had been banished long ago.¡± Selveria continued "With this revelation, The Demon King¡¯s ambition ignited once more. This wasn¡¯t just conquest¡ªit was reclamation."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The next page depicted a colossal army marching through a burning gate, demons of all shapes and sizes following their Lord into battle. At their forefront, the Demon King stood tall, a massive blade raised high. " The Demon King led an army unlike any the Gods had ever seen." Aiden stared at the pages of the book in disbelief. The illustrations showed humans, elves, and dwarves locked in battle against fierce demons. He wished he could step into one of those fantasy worlds like the protagonist in his favorite anime and novels. Instead, he was trapped in this god-forsaken place called Hell. Selveria watched his gaze linger on the images, a smirk curling on her lips. ¡°I could feel your frustrations, Aiden,¡± she said softly, her voice teasing yet edged with cold authority. ¡°Remember¡ªyou are my slave~¡± Her words killed all of Aiden''s desire to be an isekai protagonist with overpowered abilities. Aiden could only have the desire to laugh off the absurdity of it all. Selveria gave him a quick little laugh and read the book. ¡°What followed was a war unlike any before. No longer did demon legions march unopposed. This time, the forces of the divine fought back with all their might. The heavens raged, the earth shattered, and the stars trembled as Hell and the divine realm clashed in an unending war. For every kingdom that fell, another took its place. For every deity slain, another ascended. The war dragged on endlessly." Selveria closed book. "And then, the betrayal began." "With The Demon King locked in endless war, some demons saw an opportunity. They whispered in the shadows, plotted in secret. They questioned¡ªwhy follow The Demon King when Hell had already reached its peak? Why remain loyal when they could rule?" Selveria said all of this with her eyes closed. This story was like a lullaby she remembered a thousand times already. Selveria opened another book, this book focuses more on the political state of ancient times. She tapped a page. "At first, it was only a few. Then dozens. Then thousands. Opportunists, nobles, warlords¡ªall of them hungry for power. Instead of aiding their Lord, they sought to sever Hell from The Demon King¡¯s reign entirely. And in their arrogance, they believed they could take The Demon King¡¯s place." The next page depicted a massive explosion, a swirling black void where a massive gateway once stood. Aiden frowned. "Wait¡­ is that¡ª?" Selveria¡¯s voice was almost reverent. "The Hellgate. The last link between Hell and the other world." She flipped to another page, showing Hell fracturing into countless warring factions. "With the gate destroyed, The Demon King was trapped on the other side, and Hell descended into chaos. Warlords, noble families, and power-hungry demons tore the land apart. Without their ruler to unite them, the Demon Empire collapsed, splitting into rival kingdoms, each claiming to be The Demon King¡¯s rightful successor." Aiden leaned back. "So¡­ what happened to The Demon King?" Selveria¡¯s said "The Demon King will return." Aiden frowned. "And if he does?" Selveria¡¯s lips curled into a wicked smile. "Then Hell better be ready to explain itself. I shall now explain to you Aiden what Nation you are currently living in." Selvaria rose of from the chair and said ¡°Amid this turmoil, a group of powerful demons known as the Founding Progenitors established a Nation, declaring it the true continuation of the Demon King¡¯s legacy. This Nation positioned itself as the last beacon of civilization in a world overrun by traitors and savages. This Nation convinced its people that it alone upheld the Demon King¡¯s vision.¡± Selveria walked which Aiden quickly followed. There was a painting in the corner which Selveria and Aiden looked at. This painting had demons rowing a dark boat across a body of water with ice. A figure stands out the most in this boat. A demon with powdered wig and horns, he has a saber in his hips. He is more focused at looking at the horizon. Selveria pointed to the painting ¡°They set their eyes in a continent called Inferica. It was infested with undiscovered Inferior Demonic Tribes who had livedthere for thousands of years. They called them Indrayans for mistakenly thinking that they belonged to a continent called Indrayan.¡± Aiden saw some letters below the painting. This was the same letters in the books he and Selveria read. He is now convinced that Selveria did something to his brain. The letters read ''All demons are created equal, that they are endowed by Hell with certain unalienable ''rights'' and some others have better absolute, infrangible, inviolable, non-negotiable, unforfeitable, and indefeasible rights.'' Selveria raised her hand out and waited for Aiden to hold it. Aiden without any hesitation grabbed her hands. Crows gathered to them yet again and Aiden knew they were going somewhere. Aiden opened his eyes to see that they are in a vast circular plaza with each vendors lined the edges of the plaza. The space stretched out endlessly, crowded with hundreds of demons of all shapes and sizes. All around him, demonic beings flew or strode confidently, some accompanied by servants or strange beasts from other realms. Their chatter and laughter echoed eerily in the open air. Selveria was amused by Aiden¡¯s reaction to everything around them. Selvaria then continued with her words from earlier ¡°The Great Nation declared the rival kingdoms to be barbaric and corrupt. They accused the other kingdoms, saying that their leaders were the same people who betrayed The Demon King. This Great Nation is supported by the zealots called the Cult of the Demon King¡¯s Return. It preached that one day, the Demon King would return. The leaders of this Nation shall give up their territory, authority, and power to offer them to The Demon King when he returns, for The Demon King owns all of Hell." At the center the plaza stood a towering statue of a demon warrior, carved from grey stone, his muscles rippling and eyes fierce, a symbol of strength and power. Aiden guesses this is The Demon King which matches the painting he saw in the mansion. Aiden is hesitant to ask Selveria a question. Aiden choosing his words ''carefully''. ¡°The people in this nation waits for his return. But after five hundred thousand years not returning¡­ isn¡¯t that a bit optimistic?¡± There was a silence that followed. Suddenly everything felt so heavy, as if the gravity around this place increased. Aiden looked at Selveria . She had this terrifying look on her face as she gazed at Aiden. Aiden couldn¡¯t breathe properly. Aiden wanted to kill his past self for uttering such ridiculous quesitons. That is like saying ''The Demon King was dead and will never come back''. To a zealot that worshipped The Demon King for throughout its life, what Aiden said was the highest form of heresy. Suddenly everything felt light as if that previous feeling vanished. Selveria chuckled . ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s just a joke Aiden. If any demons have heard what you just uttered will get your head blown off clean... and trust me, that¡¯s the most merciful punishment you will get. Be wise to use your words carefully from now on¡± Aiden suddenly felt in danger and looked around them too see if any of them heard their conversations but contrary to his expectations, it seems there was no reaction in fact they are being ignored right now. Aiden felt a relief that Selveria seems to be forgiving him. Next time, he will tie his mouth even tighter. Aiden still remained caution. Selveria continued ¡°The entire population of this country has great reverence to The Demon King. The Demon King after all is the poster boy of this country¡¯s propaganda.¡± Aiden felt unfairness when Selveria warned him about choosing his words correctly but on the other hand, she gets to say how The Demon King is merely a mascot. Aiden asked ¡°Propaganda?¡± Selveria replied ¡°That¡¯s right. This religious leaders constantly reminded its people that one day, this country will give up all of their powers and authority to the Demon King when he returns¡ªand when he did, only this country would be worthy of his blessing.¡± Selveria then said ¡°This belief ensured that: Every act of conquest was justified. This country was preparing for the Demon King¡¯s return, then taking over other kingdoms was simply part four the divine plan; Any criticism of this country was heresy. If you spoke out against country, you weren¡¯t just questioning the government¡ªyou were questioning the will of the Demon King himself; Demons from all over Hell fled to this country. Many believed country¡¯s promises and abandoned their old kingdoms to pledge allegiance to the so-called ¡°true demon empire¡± Aiden asked "Will the upper echelons really give up their territory, authority, and power to the Demon King when he returns?" Selveria with a cynical smile "For the Demon King? That''s just the excuse they cling to. Demons are greedy by nature. They¡¯d sooner bleed each other dry than relinquish even a scrap of power. Even if the Demon King were to return, these so-called nobles would just argue that he isn¡¯t the real Demon King¡ªsome imposter at best¡ªand hope things remain as they are. They won''t relinquish an ounce of power voluntarily; they''d rather twist words and titles than lose their grip on Hell." ¡°This is the state of The Great Nation we are currently living Aiden¡± Selveria walked ahead, her golden hair shimmering in the dim light, her horns sharp and imposing, like they were meant to pierce the very fabric of this world. She was far too beautiful to belong in a place like this. Aiden asked ¡°Does this Great Nation have a name?¡± Selveria nodded ¡°Yes, The Great Nation has a name.¡± Selveria looked at Aiden with a serious look. Her crimson eyes piercing him. ¡°It¡¯s called the Supreme Hellish Inferica Territory.¡± ¡®Shit¡¯ Welcome to SHIT 2 Aiden remembered again the anime and manga he consumed, specifically the isekai genre. The premise was always simple: by some stroke of luck, an ordinary boy gets transported to another world for a divine reason. Their existence is important enough to change everything. Sooner or later, they stumble upon some grand event that grants them overwhelming power. Aiden couldn¡¯t help but lament his own fate. ¡®If there¡¯s some deity out there pulling the strings, why the hell did they send me here!? This country¡¯s name is literally SHIT! I am living in a world of SHIT!?¡¯ Then, he remembered Selveria¡¯s warning¡ªshe could feel his emotions through a spell. He wanted to test if she was bluffing. Maybe she had just guessed he was frustrated back in the library. Keeping his expression as neutral as possible, he casually asked, ¡°Did you know what I just felt just now?¡± Selveria glanced at him, unimpressed. ¡°Oh, you mean that moment when you were completely distraught? Yes, I felt it. Let me guess¡ªyou were wondering how god-like beings transported you here, and you were comparing yourself to the protagonists in your stories.¡± Aiden stiffened. This was getting suspicious. Could she actually read his thoughts? He had assumed she could only sense emotions, but what if she¡¯d been downplaying her abilities? What if she was inside his head this whole time? Suddenly, his rebellious thoughts screeched to a halt. If she could actually hear him thinking all this, wasn¡¯t he basically begging to be executed for being too rude? Aiden doesn¡¯t have evidence yet and perhaps he is just getting to paranoid, for now he will just completely halt any negative feelings he had for her. Aiden wants to ask more questions, searching for the right words, his voice quieter but more resolute. ¡°I do have a few more¡­ practical questions. For instance, you mentioned that the seal on my neck would burn if I disobeyed you. Is that something that happens right away, or¡­?¡± His words trailed off as he attempted to gauge her reaction without sounding too rebellious. Selveria¡¯s eyes glittered with mischief as she leaned in slightly. ¡°Oh, it burns immediately. It is my little reminder that while you may question and even jest, your fate is inexorably tied to mine. But worry not¡ªit burns only when you stray into the realm of disobedience. Consider it a polite nudge, rather than a death knell.¡± She let out a soft, teasing laugh. ¡°Though, I must admit, I do enjoy seeing you squirm every now and then.¡± Aiden could only lament at his fate. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest easing ever so slightly. ¡°Alright, I¡ªI suppose that makes sense. It¡¯s just that¡­ all of this is so overwhelming. One moment I was¡­ well, not exactly alive in any conventional sense, and now I¡¯m here, caught up in demonic politics and ancient wars. It¡¯s a lot to process.¡± The demoness tilted her head, her expression softening into something that might be mistaken for empathy. ¡°I understand, Aiden. You¡¯ve been thrust into a narrative far grander¡ªand far stranger¡ªthan any you¡¯ve known.¡± Aiden managed a small, reluctant smile. ¡°How do you expect someone like me¡ªsomeone who¡¯s used to ordinary life¡ªto adjust to all this? I mean, I¡¯m not exactly¡­ heroic material.¡± Selveria¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as she placed a delicate hand on his shoulder, her touch both comforting and insistent. ¡°Heroic material is overrated, dear Aiden. Just because you couldn¡¯t change your fate doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t have a little fun along the way. In Hell, adaptation isn¡¯t about slaying monsters or donning capes¡ªit¡¯s about embracing the absurdity of our existence. That is how we demons managed to adapt to this tumultuous world¡ªaside from the gifts we received from Hell. Alas, you appear to have been left empty-handed... for now.¡± Aiden grimaced ¡®Who even gives advice like this? Have a little fun along the way? I''m in Hell! Literally!¡¯ Selveria noticed Aiden¡¯s distress and said softly, ¡°How about we go on a date? It might help ease your worries.¡± Aiden hesitated, then asked, ¡°Where exactly would we go?¡± Smiling, Selveria replied, ¡°Let¡¯s start with a meal. I know plenty of restaurants around here, but I can only choose the best one for us.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Aiden felt the ground shake beneath him. He turned around and looked up¡ªway up¡ªto see a massive figure towering over him. It had the face of an orc, a pig-like nose, and two thick tusks protruding from its mouth. Its skin was caked with makeup, long eyelashes fluttered dramatically, and red lipstick was smeared across its face like more of a clown than a maiden with powdered makeup. Perched on its head was a ridiculous oversized wig, stacked high with ornaments and decorations. It was so absurdly thick and heavy that no ordinary human could possibly hold it up. The creature¡¯s body was pure mass¡ªa mountain of fat so immense that Aiden was genuinely amazed it could still walk. It looked as if it had been storing fat for endless winters, preparing for a famine that would never come. It was draped in a heavily decorated Victorian-era dress, but no amount of fabric or frills could contain the overflowing bulk. If the dress had a mouth, it would be screaming for agony. She wore all of a maiden¡¯s clothes as if a mockery towards feminism. Aiden squinted in suspicion. Was this really a woman, or just a beast wrapped in lace, disguising itself to lure unsuspecting demons into making contact with it? This beast is looking at Aiden¡¯s direction. Aiden look at Selveria too see that she is also witnessing this beast, yet Selveria only smiled and remained still without a hint of movement. The Orc simply ignored Aiden as if he didn¡¯t exist and came close to Selveria¡¯s presence. Likewise, Aiden closed his eyes and stood still believing he couldn¡¯t be seen if he remained still. He heard it in a movie once, dinosaurs has a vision based on movement. The massive orc arrived at Selveria. She bowed deeply before Selveria, her large frame moving with surprising grace. With a voice as rich as aged whiskey, she announced her presence: ¡°I am Grendolyn Swinebelle Tuskendale du Lardassia the Fairest Blossom of the Trade Winds, Guildmistress of the Gilded Maw Trade Consortium greets a good day to the Selveria, the true heir to the Maltrix family.¡± Grendolyn straightened her already overly elaborate dress and gave a toothy, dignified smile. "Ah, Lady Selveria, your ever-insightful inquiries pierce to the very heart of commerce itself! Since the divine moment of your ascension as the city''s rightful steward, the gilded wheels of trade have turned with unparalleled grace. Prosperity has become the lifeblood of this great domain, an era of splendor birthed solely from your unparalleled governance!" Selveria greeted her back saying "Oh its you Lady Grendolyn, how''s the business coming along? I heard rumors you''re not doing so great yourself." Selveria raised an eyebrow. She let out a deep, dramatic sigh. "Alas, while the symphony of progress plays its glorious tune, certain misguided souls attempt to introduce discord into this grand orchestration. There are those, most vexingly vocal, who prattle on about ''freeing the slaves,'' yet any astute mind can see their true desire is merely for ¡®free¡¯ slaves¡ªwithout so much as a single coin to pay for their rightful acquisition! The audacity, the ungrateful rabble!" Selveria rolled her eyes. "If they¡¯re causing trouble, just make it expensive for them to complain. If they want freedom, sell them ''freedom permits'' at an outrageous price and make the process so tedious they''ll give up before finishing the paperwork." Grendolyn gasped, clasping her pudgy hands together. "Oh, Lady Selveria! Your intellect is a radiant beacon in a fog of mediocrity! Truly, your wisdom surpasses that of mere mortals, weaving genius into the very fabric of governance! If any of your lesser siblings had been granted such authority, this city would have long crumbled under their ineptitude, reduced to an unsightly heap of bureaucratic decay! Why, your very presence alone blesses these lands with boundless fortune, as if the cosmos itself kneels before your command! The markets flourish under your gaze, the people whisper your name in reverence, and even the wind itself¡ª" "Alright, alright, enough," Selveria cut her off, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I''m not in the mood to get swindled by flattery for an hour." Grendolyn gave a knowing chuckle but bowed her head respectfully. "Perish the thought, my lady! I but speak the truth that lesser tongues dare not utter." Selveria waved her hand. "Whatever. Just tell me if there¡¯s any decent place to eat around here." Grendolyn¡¯s face lit up. "Ah, but of course! The finest delicacies, the most succulent of feasts, the grandest of meals¡ªall reside within the hallowed grounds of the Coliseum, as always. No place rivals its culinary delights, its flavors are akin to ambrosia gifted by the gods themselves! Why, one bite of their roasted abyssal beast will¡ª" Selveria had already started walking away. "Yeah, yeah, I got it." Grendolyn merely gave a respectable bow before moving. Aiden opened his eyes and followed Selveria like a chick following the mother hen. Aiden gave a sigh of relief before a curiosity sparked within him and took a peak behind him. Curiosity killed the cat. Behind Grendolyn are twelve men of bulging muscles and their bodies drenched in sweat, crawled upon all fours. Their forms, bare and exposed, each sinew and muscle shifting with every graceful movement. They are like untamed stallions. Between their firm, chiseled thighs, their virility hung in full splendor¡ªa spectacle both awe-inspiring and obscene. Long, pendulous, and swaying like the noble banners of fallen kings. The tips of the phallus are dripping like nectar awaiting the lips of a thirsting god. Their testicles, round and heavy as ripened fruit at the peak of summer, trembling under the weight of their burdens. Veins, thick and defiant, coiled around their lengths, pulsating as though the God of wrath itself had sculpted them in a moment of divine fury. There lays the wrinkled, gaping sunflowers¡ªtender, yearning, exposed to the world as if to beckon the wandering touch of fate¡¯s ever-curious fingers. A silent invitation, a whisper of vulnerability amidst their overwhelming power. Bound in chains of gilded leather, their collars gleamed in the light. At the helm of this procession stood the Grand Dame of the Gilded Maw, the Fairest Blossom of the Trade Winds. With a smirk and a flick of her leash, she led her prized stallions forth¡ªa parade of submission. Puke. Vomit. Throw up. Retch. Cough up. Bring up. Regurgitate. Heave. Gag. Chunder. Chuck up. Hurl. Spew. Keck. Honk. Sick up. Boke. Spit up. Barf. Upchuck. Nauseated. Disgorge. Gasp. Pant. Sicken. Spew. Strain. Struggle. Giddy. Lightheaded. Faint. Weak. Weak at the knees. Unsteady. Shaky. Wobbly. Off-balance. Reeling. Staggering. Tottering. Teetering. Woozy. With legs like jelly. With rubbery legs. Vertiginous. Dazed. Confused. Muddled. Befuddled. Bewildered. Disoriented. Disorientated. Stupefied. Groggy. Muzzy. Dopey. Woolly. Woolly-headed. Not with it. Discombobulated. Sick Ill. Unwell. Poorly. Ailing. Indisposed. Laid up. Bad. Out of sorts. Not oneself. Off. Off colour. Under the weather. On the sick list. Crook. Knocked out. Insensible. Senseless. Insentient. Insensate. Passed out. Comatose. In a coma. Inert. Stunned. Dazed. Stupefied. Torpid. Befuddled. Benumbed. Numb. Collapsed. Keeled over. Motionless. Immobile. Prostrate. Out cold. Out for the count. Blacked out. KO''d. Kayoed. Out like a light. Laid out. Flaked out. Out. Dead to the world. Spark out. Soporose. Soporous. Colosseum Aiden awoke slowly, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the soft surface beneath him. He noticed Selveria standing nearby, her calm presence cutting through the haze of his confusion. Outside the window, the view was unsettling yet fascinating¡ªa row of stately, Victorian-style buildings and busy streets filled with demons going about their lives. Only then did he realize the room was part of a moving carriage. As he peered through the window, Aiden couldn¡¯t shake the growing sense that he was no longer in the familiar world he knew. The demons outside, with their distinct features and purposeful strides, confirmed his worst suspicion: he was deep in Hell. The scene looked almost like a carefully arranged exhibit, each element a part of a society that was both alien and meticulously organized. Breaking the silence, Selveria said, ¡°Hey you, you''re finally awake¡± Aiden looked at Selveria. Aiden tried to recall the events leading up to this moment, but his mind was clouded by a dark vision that flashed unbidden before him. Shaking his head to clear the disturbing images, he turned his attention back to Selveria. ¡°Where are we going?¡± he asked, his voice tentative. ¡°We¡¯re on our way to the Colosseum,¡± she replied. ¡°There, warriors clash in battle, and the event is as much a display of strength as it is a celebration of our society¡¯s order. It¡¯s an important ritual that reinforces the values we hold here.¡± Aiden¡¯s apprehension mingled with excitement. Aiden asked, "Don¡¯t you have that ability where you summon a swarm of crows and teleport? Couldn¡¯t we just use that to get to the Colosseum instead of taking a carriage?" Selveria smirked. "Then you¡¯d miss the view of the city." Aiden turned to the window. he sprawling streets, towering spires, and eerie crimson glow and dark grey clouds of Inferica stretched before him. For a moment, he forgot about the destination and simply took it all in. He glanced at Selveria and felt a quiet gratitude¡ªshe wanted him to see this, to experience it, not just pass through. As the carriage continued along its route, Aiden eyes scanning the buildings in his eyes. His thoughts drifted back to a conversation he had overheard with Grendolyn, where Selveria had mentioned owning the city. This contradicted everything he thought he knew about power structures, where the head of a family traditionally managed such matters. Intrigued, he turned to her. ¡°Is it really true? You own all of this?¡± he asked, genuinely curious. Selveria offered him a measured nod. ¡°Yes, it is true,¡± she said. ¡°I hold a position of responsibility as the heiress of the Maltrix family, and in our society, bloodline determines worth. I oversee the operations of this territory, but I¡¯m not alone. I work with a network of trusted advisors, enforcers, and administrators who manage different aspects of our domains. Each person has a specific role, and their individual contributions ensure that the whole system functions smoothly.¡± Aiden was in awe of the confident person before him. ¡°How old are you, Selveria?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m 17, Aiden¡ªjust like you,¡± she replied, as if it were the most natural fact in the world. Aiden marveled at the contrast. At their age, he was struggling to hold down a part-time job, while Selveria already commanded an entire territory of demons. Aiden listened, his curiosity deepening. ¡°I¡¯m impressed, but why is it organized this way? In my world, the head of the family handles everything.¡± Selveria met his gaze steadily. ¡°In Hell, power is not just about holding a title¡ªit¡¯s about managing influence on a very personal level. In your world, collective effort is often celebrated. Here, we focus on the strength and potential of individuals. But there''s more to it. Even though the city you see is impressive by Earth standards, it¡¯s actually quite small in the grand scheme of Hell.¡± She continued, ¡°In Hell, the largest cities are those governed directly by the Head of the family, and those metropolises can house billions of demons. Compared to those, this city is only a fraction of what exists in our realm. In Earth¡¯s eyes, it might seem vast, but here it¡¯s relatively minor. That¡¯s why a mere heiress like me is entrusted with it. The scale of everything in Hell is different¡ªwhat seems small on our map can be massive when you compare it to Earth, yet still be insignificant compared to the colossal centers ruled by the heads of our families.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Aiden absorbed her explanation, trying to understand the logic behind such a society. ¡°So, the focus on the individual and the way you delegate power is partly because this city isn¡¯t the center of everything in Hell?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Selveria replied. ¡°We work on the principle that an individual demon, when given the right guidance and opportunity, can achieve feats that a collective approach might never allow. The enormous cities under the direct rule of our family heads are the true power centers, housing billions and controlling vast territories. My city, while grand by Earth¡¯s standards, is only a stepping stone in the grand hierarchy of Hell. This system of dividing power allows us to manage each part of our realm more effectively, ensuring that each level of society contributes to the overall strength of our people.¡± Aiden considered her words, slowly grasping the rational foundation of this demonic society. It wasn¡¯t merely a matter of brute power or ancient tradition; it was a carefully thought-out system that recognized the importance of individual talent and strategic delegation, all operating on a scale that made Earth¡¯s measurements seem trivial. Aiden absorbed her words ¡°So¡­ how is it that you know so much about my world?¡± Selveria¡¯s eyes closed briefly, and a quiet sigh escaped her lips as the carriage rattled along. She offered no immediate explanation. Silence descendent on the carriage, Aiden knew Selveria had no intentions of speaking any further. The carriage eventually slowed and came to a stop in front of the Coliseum. A crowd of demons gathered outside, their anticipation palpable as they queued to enter¡ªa clear sign of the significance this event held. circular arena emerged on the horizon¡ªa colosseum that embodied both the spectacle and savagery of on the stories that Aiden read. Its looming presence and the shouts inside that can be heard is intimidating. As Selveria and Aiden stepped out, his attention was immediately drawn to a demon with the head of a goat, dressed in a neat butler¡¯s uniform. The creature approached quickly, bowing deeply before them¡ªa silent reminder of the complex order that governed this dark world. That demon said ¡°Gree¡ª¡° Selverian cut him off saying ¡°Take us to the room.¡± The demon bowed and signaled for us to follow. Selveria remained silent, so Aiden trailed behind her. Aiden doesn''t know anything what''s happening here, all he knows that Selveria seems to have planned everything already. They reached a large arch guarded by spear-wielding demons. Their eyes fixed on them, yet they raised their spears only to allow their passage. Beyond the arch lay a dim tunnel lit by flickering torches, their footsteps echoing in the darkness. At the tunnel¡¯s end, a bright light led them into an empty lobby. They slipped into a small compartment where the doors closed, and an elevator clanked upward until it fell silent before its doors creaked open. A long hallway bathed in red light awaited them. The demon led the way, stopping at a door and gesturing for them to enter. They eventually arrived at a dining hall¡ªa grand chamber unlike any other in the mansion. A magnificent crystal chandelier illuminated dark, ornate carvings along the walls. In the center, an endless table boasted an extravagant spread: bizarre birds, glowing fruits, and a bubbling crimson soup with a sweet, metallic scent. On one wall, a glass partition offered a view of the coliseum outside, where thousands of demons howled like wild animals. The pounding of drums was so intense that Aiden could feel their vibrations in his chest, while cauldrons with raging fire circled the arena. Selveria stepped to the glass and said, ¡°The arena¡¯s center is clean. The event hasn¡¯t started yet. We¡¯ve arrived just in time, Aiden.¡± "Go on, take a seat," Selveria urged, gesturing toward the far end of the table. Aiden walked to the seat she indicated, and Selveria, ever the picture of elegance, took her place at the opposite end of the absurdly long table. Aiden noticed that Selveria was moving her lips, it seems that she is talking about something at the moment. Aiden shouted ¡°What?¡± Selveria shouted but the distance between her and him made it nearly impossible for Aiden to make out her words. Selveria rolled her eyes in exasperation. "This is ridiculous," she muttered, standing up. She strode over to his side with a predatory grace, her golden hair shimmering in the warm light of the chandelier. Without hesitation, she grabbed her plate and walked and sat beside him. Selveria chuckled as she gestured to the ridiculously long dining table that stretched across the grand hall. "Normally, tables like this wouldn''t be an issue for demons," she began, her tone dripping with amusement. "You see, most demons have enhanced senses¡ªhearing included. Conversations across vast distances like this? Child''s play for us." She leaned on the table, running a finger along its polished surface as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "But this table? It wasn''t built for practicality. No, no. This monstrosity exists purely for... appearances. It''s a favorite among nobles¡ªa symbol of status and superiority." "So, let me get this straight," he said, crossing his arms. "This table¡ªthis ridiculously impractical, banquet-sized monstrosity¡ªis basically here because some demon nobles got insecure about... what, their hearing? Or is it just their egos in general?" Selveria smirked, thoroughly amused by his reaction. "Precisely. It''s all about appearances here." Aiden shook his head, letting out a small, disbelieving laugh. "You know, where I''m from, people just buy sports cars or wear expensive watches to show off. But here? Tables. Demonic nobles are out here competing over table lengths. Makes me wonder what else a contest around here is." Selveria paused, locking eyes with Aiden, her expression both amused and disdainful. "You know what they say: the longer the table, the stronger the senses¡ªor so they''d like everyone to believe. It''s less about utility and more about a contest of ego." She smirked, leaning closer to him as if to share a scandalous secret. "In truth, it''s just another form of a dick-measuring contest. Only in Hell, it''s about whose senses are sharper, not... well, you get the idea." She scooped a spoonful of the strange soup and held it to his lips. "Here, try this," she said with a mischievous grin. Aiden flushed crimson, flustered by her sudden proximity and the unexpected intimacy of her gesture. "I-I can feed myself, you know," he stammered, avoiding her amused gaze. "Oh, but where''s the fun in that?" Selveria teased, leaning closer. "Besides, I want to make sure you''re eating properly. You''re my precious little human, after all." Aiden reluctantly opened his mouth, the rich, spicy flavor of the soup surprising him. Despite his embarrassment, he found himself giving in to her teasing, though his heart raced every time her fingers brushed against his cheek or when she leaned in too close. He found himself glancing at Selveria, noticing the way her golden hair framed her face and how her crimson eyes sparkled with amusement. Her beauty, he realized, was otherworldly, but it wasn''t just her appearance that drew his attention. There was something captivating about her confidence, her mischievous demeanor, and the way she seemed to effortlessly control the room. For the first time since his arrival in Hell, Aiden felt his thoughts shift. The fear and confusion that had clouded his mind began to fade, replaced by a strange sense of comfort in Selveria''s presence. Colloseum 2 Selveria and Aiden sat side by side, facing the massive glass wall that overlooked the center of the Colosseum. From here, they had the best view in the house¡ªclose enough to see every movement below yet far enough to take in the grandeur of the entire arena. Selveria scooped another spoonful of soup and held it up to Aiden¡¯s face. ¡°Come on, open your mouth,¡± she coaxed, hovering the spoon near his lips. This had been going on for several minutes now¡ªa slow, deliberate rhythm of her feeding him, and Aiden wasn¡¯t about to stop it. His face was warm with embarrassment, but at the same time, he couldn¡¯t deny how much he enjoyed it. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want to be spoon-fed by a beautiful girl? The soup had a strange, tangy taste, but it wasn¡¯t bad. Definitely better than the cheap cup noodles he used to eat back on Earth. And with first-class seats in the Colosseum, this moment felt almost surreal¡ªlike Heaven despite in the middle of Hell. For once, Aiden felt like a king for the first time in his entire life. He finally spoke, curiosity getting the better of him. ¡°How did you manage to set all this up? I mean, a feast just for the two of us? And these seats¡­ this is the best spot in the entire Colosseum.¡± Selveria shot him a sharp look. ¡°Aiden, are you stupid? We talked about this already. Remember my influence in this city?¡± Aiden let out an awkward chuckle. ¡°No what I meant was how were you able to inform them that you would be coming?¡± Selveria clasped both of her hands and said "~Magic" with her hands slowly opening and forming a literal rainbow. Aiden looked at this scene like a kid who just watched a magic show for the first time. He shook his head to remove that expression and said "Thank you Selveria." She shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Then, tilting her head slightly, she asked, ¡°How¡¯s the soup?¡± ¡°Not bad. It¡¯s¡­ tasty, even though I have no idea what¡¯s in it.¡± ¡°Not bad? Let me try it.¡± Before Aiden could react, Selveria used the same spoon¡ªthe one she had just fed him with¡ªto take a sip of the soup herself. Aiden stared at her, his mind screaming, Did she just¡­? Selveria, completely unfazed, smacked her lips and gave a casual nod. ¡°Not bad. Not great. I¡¯ve had better.¡± Aiden was dumbfounded. That spoon had been in his mouth. It had touched his tongue, his saliva. And yet, she just used it without hesitation, as if it was nothing. Shouldn¡¯t nobles have some etiquette about this? Or is she just completely oblivious? Before he could dwell on it, Selveria scooped from a different bowl and held up another spoonful, this time with a playful smile. ¡°Try this, dear.¡± Aiden stared at the spoon, his mind at war with itself. On one hand, he felt like he should say something¡ªtell her that this kind of thing was only for couples. But then again, he wasn¡¯t exactly in a position to protest. He was her slave, after all. Free will wasn¡¯t exactly on the table. With a deep breath, Aiden opened his mouth and let her feed him again. A burst of spice hit his tongue, making his face flush even redder. Whether it was from the spiciness of the soup or the sheer embarrassment, he couldn¡¯t tell. The drums destroyed the ¡®romantic atmosphere¡¯. A slow, steady rhythm, like the pulse of Hell itself. The crowd¡ªthousands of demons, monstrous and mighty¡ªerupted in cheers, screeches, howls, and roars. The flames in the cauldrons flared higher, casting wild shadows across the Colosseum walls. Aiden turned to see a figure rising in the center of the arena¡ªa man, floating above the battlefield. His mask, carved with intricate designs, gave him an eerie, almost godlike presence. He lifted his arms, and when he spoke, his voice thundered across the Colosseum, clear and powerful. "Welcome, my fellow demonkind! What a wonderful day!" The response was deafening. Voices of all shapes and tones clashed together¡ªroars, screeches, even hissing. The announcer let the noise settle before continuing, his voice rich with energy. "What better way to drive away boredom than to witness a grand spectacle within these walls? Where legends are made! Where history is brought to life! Where you¡ªyes, YOU¡ªbecome a part of something greater!" He turned and extended his arm toward a section of the stands, where demons clad in extravagant garments, glittering with gold and gemstones, sat in high seats of honor. "A special thanks to our noble patrons¡ªthe great guilds¡ªwho have made this event possible! Without their wealth, their vision, their unmatched generosity, none of this would be before you today!" They raised their hands in a balcony and wave at the crowds of demons. A cheer of approval followed, but the announcer was already moving on, voice swelling with excitement. "And tonight¡ªtonight, my dear demons¡ªI have the greatest honor of all! I shall be your narrator, guiding you through a tale of epic proportions!" The audience fell silent, the anticipation thick in the air. He spread his arms wide, his voice reaching its peak. "The tale of a ruler known by many names¡ªa sovereign whose legend echoes across the ages! The one and only, the undisputed, the mighty¡­ King Zerathun Kazrith Morvael Malzephar Vaelmorath!" This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The Colosseum roared, the very stone trembling beneath the cries of countless demons. "Open your eyes! Sharpen your ears! Burn this moment into your soul! For tonight, we shall bear witness to the rise of the King of SHIT!" Aiden asked curiously to Selveria ¡°Do you have any idea what they are going to do? and what is this mythological-like story is? Are they going to have a performance here?¡± Selveria nodded "This is a live performance that glorifies the king of SHIT, showing how he beat his siblings to the throne. It''s one of many ways he boosts his image. From what I know, this event at the Grand-Colliseum is free for lower-caste demons. It''s a chance for them to learn who rules them. These demons are trapped in one city, never knowing much about the world or their rulers. For many, this is the first time they''ve even heard of their king." Aiden asked ¡°What does the current king hope to achieve here? Is it about improving his reputation gaining support from the public?¡± Selveria said, "There''s no value in getting recognition from the lower class, Aiden. We at the top don''t care how they view us. Even if they resent us, they can''t threaten us. What can they do? Rebel? Thousands of cockroaches are still just cockroaches. One powerful individual could easily wipe out thousands of them in this world, Aiden." Aiden gulped, feeling the weight of her words as he watched Selveria''s disgusted gaze sweep over the crowd of demons in the colosseum. She continued, "The King probably wants to play God, making every demon worship his name across the lands." Selveria turned to Aiden and saw his concern. Selveria smiled. "But don''t worry, my dear Aiden, you''re different from them. You''re my pet, after all." She patted his head. Aiden just nodded not asking for any clarifications. He just looked at the Grand-Colliseum again. Aiden couldn¡¯t help but be disappointed about the show that he will be witnessing. He was expecting chariots racing or gladiatorial fights but only a live performance? He isn¡¯t looking forward it. Aiden was expecting that the demons on the seats should try to scream in discontent instead all he saw is various cheers. Aren¡¯t they demons? And here I was expecting a grand showdown that would at least rush my adrenaline when watching. Perhaps just because they are demons doesn¡¯t mean that they are always that bloodthirsty. Aiden thought he was a racist ¡®I shouldn¡¯t be blinded by prejudice and just try to enjoy this view.¡¯ Suddenly, silence fell over the arena. The once-lively crowd hushed as horns, drums, and a choir began to play, their sounds merging to build tension for what was to come. The show was beginning. On the stage, a figure emerged, clad in dark, imposing armor. His cape, made of boar fur, fluttered in the air. His head was lowered, his face hidden in shadow, as if waiting for the perfect moment to reveal himself. The narrator''s voice echoed through the colosseum. "Born a prince within the royal demon family a thousand years ago, King Zerathun was destined for greatness." Slowly, the figure stepped forward to the center of the stage. As he lifted his head, his face was finally revealed¡ªlong, dark hair flowing majestically, crimson eyes scanning the crowd. His divine presence sent a shudder through every demon in the audience, their hearts pounding with awe. "King Zerathun had visions¡ªdivine visions granting him sacred tasks to propel Hell into a new age," the narrator continued. Suddenly, a massive burst of colorful dust exploded around him¡ªnot enough to obscure him completely, but just enough to heighten the spectacle. The dust scattered and ignited into flames, engulfing the stage. From within the inferno, a colossal fiery figure took shape¡ªa head, arms, and torso forming from the flames. The blazing entity turned its head toward the audience, its fiery gaze exuding raw, terrifying power. The spectators squirmed uncontrollably¡ªsome even lost control of their bladders. Then, a voice like rolling thunder shook the arena. "I am the Demon King who once ruled the lands of Hell." Gasps rippled through the crowd. Demons instinctively wanted to prostrate themselves before the entity. "I proclaim that you are my brother, forged as I was by the crucible of Hell. As I once did, you are destined for greatness." The figure raised a burning hand, summoning a swirling mass of crimson flames. "I bestow upon you the power to lead a holy crusade. Your destiny is to purge the world of barbarians. Zerathun Kazrith Morvael Malzephar Vaelmorath, I command you¡ªwage war against your own kin and claim the throne." Zerathun bowed deeply, accepting the decree without hesitation. "Your wish is my command." The flames condensed into a single point, then surged toward Zerathun. He closed his eyes and raised his arms as the fire engulfed him. The heat was unbearable, radiating outward so intensely that even those near the stage could feel it. Then, without warning, a massive pillar of fire erupted from the ground, piercing the sky and bathing the colosseum in blinding light. Aiden stood frozen in shock. He now understood the terrifying power these demons possessed. No wonder Selveria dismissed the idea of a lesser demon rebellion¡ªperhaps she, too, was capable of such feats. As the flames finally died down, Zerathun remained. But he was changed. His presence was even more overwhelming, his aura radiating pure, instinctive danger. It was as if he now carried the very essence of death itself. The narrator¡¯s voice rang out once more. "Driven by divine decree, he steps forward to fulfill his destiny." Zerathun now wore a new set of armor, far grander than before. The transformation was complete. The audience could only stare in awe. New figures emerged in the arena¡ªhundreds of them¡ªsurrounding Zerathun. Clad in metallic armor, they carried an assortment of weapons, from spears to swords, each one armed to the teeth. Yet, despite being vastly outnumbered, Zerathun remained calm. He drew his weapon¡ªa sleek, rapier-like sword¡ªwithout a hint of hesitation. The announcer broke the tense silence. "Many stood against Zerathun on his path to destiny. Yet not once did he falter." Aiden was completely drawn in, watching closely to see what would happen next. Suddenly, one of the armored warriors charged at Zerathun, halberd raised, aiming straight for his torso. The moment the weapon was about to land, Zerathun ducked in a flash and swung his sword, and the way how he swung that sword in an armor was much smoother than how you slice a butter. The attacker''s body barely had time to react before his torso split open¡ªorgans spilling onto the sand, staining the stage red. Aiden barely had time to process what had just happened. Aiden could see the various gore being spilled on the sand. He felt sick to his stomach, he wants to puke out the food he had eaten. He refused to do it. He had just seen someone die before his very eyes. His body tensed, his breath caught in his throat. A voice beside him snapped him out of it. He turned his head to see Selveria. "I''m bored, Aiden. Let''s just keep eating," Selveria said, completely unfazed. ¡°Say Ahh¡± Said Selveria as she hovers the spoon near his head. Aiden looked at the corner of his eyes and saw another batch of intestines were spilled, this time coming from a different person. He just looked away for a moment and another life was claimed. Selveria gently cupped Aiden¡¯s face, turning it toward her. Without a word, she pried his mouth open and spooned in the same soup they had eaten earlier. Aiden swallowed, but this time, it felt different¡ªhis stomach twisted, rejecting the food. He chewed slower, his body resisting. A sharp pain shot through his gut. His stomach churned, the urge to vomit clawing at him. But he forced himself to stay still, refusing to let it happen. Puking now would shatter the ''romantic atmosphere'' and, worse, ruin Selveria¡¯s perception of him. He clenched his jaw and endured. He tried to keep his eyes off the stage, convincing himself not to look. But his curiosity overpowered his reason. He peeked. And what he saw horrified him. Hundreds of soldiers charged at Zerathun, swarming him like ants defending their nest. But the intruder didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t even flinch. Then, with a single, effortless swing of his sword, Zerathun cut through them. Limbs, lungs, heads, bones¡ªpieces of bodies soared through the air, painting the stage in red. The soldiers screamed, not in battle cries, but in sheer denial of the nightmare before them. Their formation crumbled. Morale shattered as panic set in. Some tried to fight, but most turned and ran, desperate to escape. The battle was over. Now, it was just survival. Zerathun stood amidst the carnage, his body bathed in blood, a twisted smile creeping onto his face. His crimson eyes scanned the writhing survivors, the ones too weak or too slow to escape. In a blink, he appeared before one, slashing its torso with a dagger pulled from his back. The wound was deep¡ªbut not fatal. The demon collapsed, groaning in agony. Zerathun vanished again, reappearing beside another fleeing soldier. Another slash, another body crumpling to the ground. He did it again. And again. This wasn¡¯t a massacre. It was torture. Aiden barely noticed the spoon hovering near his lips until Selveria¡¯s voice broke through his trance. "Say ahh~." His shaky smile didn¡¯t fool her. The soup in the spoon was the same deep red as the blood soaking the Colosseum sands. The chunks of meat floating inside reminded him of something else¡ªsomething worse. His first encounter with Selveria. A room filled with rotting carcasses and oozing, bubbling blood. The once-fragrant meal turned metallic on his tongue, like the blood he had tasted back then. His body screamed at him to refuse, just as it had before. To spit it out, to run, to reject whatever twisted kindness Selveria offered. She tilted her head, watching him closely. Then, with a sweet, innocent smile, she asked, "What¡¯s wrong, Aiden? Are you feeling ill?" That was enough. His resistance crumbled. He forced himself to take the bite. Selveria beamed as he accepted the spoonful, her face glowing with satisfaction. The tangy taste he had once enjoyed was gone. Now, it was only metallic. He tried to tell himself it was just his imagination, just his senses playing tricks on him. The food sat in his mouth, unmoving. He didn¡¯t chew. He didn¡¯t swallow. He stayed perfectly still, afraid that the slightest movement would make him vomit. He puked. Purpose Aiden crouched down in the floor puking all of the contents that Selveria fed him. Selveria crouched down with a handkerchief in her hand. She held Aiden¡¯s jaw and made his face look at her. She wiped Aiden¡¯s lips and said ¡°I know you humans have a nature that leans toward compassion but I was expecting that you will merely remain indifferent, after all those demons aren¡¯t your kind. But I seemed to have a miscalculation.¡± Aiden exhaled sharply as he gathered his thoughts ¡°I¡¯m not exactly the compassionate type,¡± he admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t go out of my way to care about others. But¡­¡± He hesitated, his gaze drifting back to the carnage on the stage. ¡°They walk on two legs, they wear clothes, they talk, they think. Even if they¡¯re demons, my brain keeps comparing them to humans.¡± Aiden slowly stand up from the floor and met Selveria¡¯s gaze. ¡°How about you? Why doesn¡¯t this disturb you? It¡¯s your own kind being slaughtered.¡± Selveria sighed. ¡°Aiden, the demons you see dying are all criminals. One purpose of this Colosseum is public execution. It¡¯s important in demon society¡ªit reminds everyone of the consequences of breaking the law.¡± Aiden frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. Couldn¡¯t you at least pity them as your kind? Even if they deserve death, shouldn¡¯t it be a mercy kill? Why does their punishment have to involve¡­ role-play?¡± Selveria explained further ¡°Aiden¡ªwhat kind of things do you think these demons must have done to be labeled as criminals by other demons? You humans struggle to imagine the kind of violence and brutality demons are capable of," she said, her voice smooth yet condescending. "Compared to the atrocities they¡¯ve committed, this public execution is mercy." "If we truly punished them according to their crimes," she continued, "we¡¯d be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it. There wouldn''t be enough executioners to keep up. And considering how often these things happen, well¡­ It would be an endless job." Selveria put a hand on her chin and looked up ¡°As for why it has to be a role-play¡­ well, public executions were originally meant for everyone to witness, not just a select audience. But because of the staggering attendance of demons, someone realized it could be profitable.¡± Selveria smirked. ¡°Since demons are willing to pay, why not make it more entertaining than just boring torture? Then it boosted the city¡¯s revenue. All of the cities here in Hell copied this business idea.¡± Aiden scanned the arena, his gaze lingering on the demons being slaughtered on stage. Their screams were filled with horror and desperation, yet the voices from the crowd sang a different tune. The audience erupted in cheers, their excitement growing with every limb severed, every agonized shriek that echoed through the Colosseum. There was no hesitation. No pity. No discomfort. Just eager amusement. Aiden watched as the condemned were slowly torn apart, their suffering displayed like a grand performance. The crowd reveled in it, their enthusiasm unshaken, their laughter blending seamlessly with the dying cries. It wasn¡¯t just cruelty. It was as if demons lacked the very concept of empathy itself. ¡°This is insane,¡± Aiden muttered. Selveria smirked ¡°Demons can walk on two legs like a human, they can wear clothes like a human, they can talk like a human, and they can think like a human but never compare demons to humans Aiden. Demons are rational because we¡¯ve adapted to society but by our very nature, we are still savages.¡± ¡°No matter how long you try to domesticate a demon, even after hundreds of thousands of years, our nature will never change. A wild beast in fine clothing is still a beast.¡± Aiden let her words sink in as he observed the crowd more carefully. These demons wore robes, tunics, and extravagant garments, but their forms betrayed their monstrous origins. A towering grey wolf with curved goat horns stood on two legs, his robe barely concealing the thick fur underneath. A serpentine woman coiled her lower body beneath her seat, her scales glinting under the arena lights, a silk turban wrapped elegantly around her head. Another figure, humanoid in shape but with skin painted in unnatural shades¡ªreds, blues, and purples¡ªgrinned with jagged, shark-like teeth. Then there was the girl. Long, flowing sea-green hair cascaded down her back, her gills faintly visible along her slender neck. But it was her eyes that unsettled him most¡ªserpentine and shifting, their gaze flickering like Medusa¡¯s curse, cold and inhuman. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. No two demons were alike, yet they all shared that same wild, predatory essence. It wasn¡¯t civilization that restrained them¡ªit was only the illusion of it. Aiden found the display deeply disturbing, yet he remained steadfast. If he wanted to survive in Hell, he had to adapt¡ªhad to get used to watching cruelty unfold as if it were nothing more than entertainment. So he sat on the chairs together with Selveria and forced himself to watch. The absurdity of the spectacle was almost surreal. The so-called King delivered judgment after judgment. Without hesitation, he strode toward one of the wounded, grasping a massive spear resting nearby. With a single, forceful thrust, he drove the weapon through the demon¡¯s torso. A piercing scream erupted as the victim writhed, his limbs flailing helplessly. Blood gushed from the wound, cascading down the shaft like spilled ink, splattering onto the King¡¯s face. Unfazed, the King hoisted the impaled demon high, letting him dangle like a grotesque banner. The crowd roared in approval. Then, without pause, he turned to another whimpering figure, plunging the same spear into their flesh. A sharp gasp of agony rang out as their body twitched violently. With deliberate slowness, the King lifted the second victim, forcing them down onto the same spear, their wounds pressing against one another as the weapon sank deeper. Now, two demons were impaled upon the same shaft, writhing together in a shared torment. Onstage, Malphas wiped the blood from his face and stepped back, observing his ¡®installations¡¯¡ªnumerous towering pillars of writhing bodies impaled together, trembling in their final moments. He tilted his head, considering, then nodded in satisfaction. The audience erupted into applause. Selveria clapped boredly, a slight smile on her face was seen by Aiden. Selveria noticed his hesitation and tilted her head. ¡°Aiden, don¡¯t be rude. This is art.¡± Aiden thought, Didn¡¯t she just say she was bored by the show? Letting out a slow breath, he raised his hands and clapped. A small, slow, awkward clap¡ªthe kind someone gives when they don¡¯t know what else to do. Selveria smirked. ¡°Judging from your expression, it seems you¡¯re not too pleased with demon culture.¡± Aiden sighed. ¡°Honestly? Yeah. The common sense I had on Earth doesn¡¯t apply here. Everything feels so foreign and absurd. I need more time to adapt.¡± Selveria nodded. ¡°That¡¯s understandable. It takes time, but I think you¡¯ll fit in before long. How about we leave? Neither of us is really enjoying the show.¡± Yeah, but for different reasons, Aiden thought. ¡°Where to next?¡± He could only hope it wouldn¡¯t be more absurd than this. Selveria didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she held out her hand. Aiden hesitated, then took it. A flock of crows swarmed around them, and in an instant, the scene changed. When Aiden opened his eyes, he was standing in front of a mansion. Selveria stepped away from him, turning with her hands behind her back. ¡°Aiden, this is the mansion you were in earlier. You¡¯ll be staying here as a guest. Anything you need¡ªclothes, food suitable for a human¡ªit¡¯s all provided.¡± Selveria handed Aiden a golden bell. Aiden frowned. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°If you need anything in the mansion, just ring this bell, and a servant will come to hear your request,¡± she explained. To demonstrate, she grabbed another bell and rang it casually. ¡°A servant will come and get you here.¡± She turned slightly. ¡°Unfortunately, this is where our journey ends, for now. I have some unexpected family matters to attend to. I¡¯ll be leaving you here, but my servants have already been instructed to take care of you.¡± Aiden nodded. ¡°Thank you Selveria. When will you be back?¡± Selveria smiled. ¡°Missing me already? Don¡¯t worry, Aiden. I¡¯ll return in a few days.¡± ¡°What is the purpose of you summoning me in Hell Selveria?¡± Aiden asked one last question, he needs to know what his purpose of existence here. ¡°I am curious to know why I am here.¡± ¡°To be my companion Aiden, nothing more.¡± Crows gathered around her, and as she disappeared, her last expression was a playful smile, eyes closed. Aiden felt unsatisfied by her answer and just looked around. He was alone. The mansion was beautiful, covered in gold, its stone-brick pathways arranged neatly beneath his feet. Alien trees of various colors lined the area, their leaves swaying gently. If not for the dark, grey clouds stretching endlessly across the sky, the eerie crimson light piercing through them and the walls that surround the place which are as tall as 100 meters, this place could have been mistaken for a grand European estate. As he was observing the spectacle around him. He heard footsteps coming towards him, he turned his head to see a figure in maid¡¯s clothing. He could guess the figure coming towards him is servant of Selveria. Now that servant was close to him. He could take notice more of her features. While her beautiful figure tells Aiden that she is a woman, He couldn¡¯t help but be disturb at this maids appearance. She had a metallic box on her had and some chains attached in her neck as if binding her. Aiden tried to break this awkwardness by speaking. He has to get used on how to live in this dimension if he wants his sanity to remain. The maid remained silent, offering only a polite bow before making a subtle gesture for Aiden to follow. He complied without hesitation¡ªwho knew what would happen if he refused? As he stepped inside the giant mansion, Aiden confirmed that this was the same mansion that he was in earlier. The corridor which the maid guided him had golden chandeliers, crimson curtains, and intricate carvings of demonic lore. The polished black marble floors echoed their steps. Silver-framed windows. The maid led Aiden back to his room¡ªthe same one where he had been resting earlier. As soon as the door closed, he threw himself onto the canopy bed, letting his body sink into the soft mattress. The events of the day replayed in his mind. The demons, their degenerate and brutal society¡­ it had only taken a single day for his common sense to shatter. Everything he had learned on Earth¡ªmorality, reason, logic¡ªit all felt useless here. If one day in Hell could break him this much, what would a year do? Would he still be sane? Aiden clenched his fists. No, he couldn¡¯t let himself fall apart. If he wanted to survive, he had to adapt. He had to be independent. Relying on Selveria for everything wasn¡¯t just reckless¡ªit was stupid. She might be entertained by him now, calling him her ¡®companion¡¯ like he was some kind of pet, but that didn¡¯t mean she¡¯d always keep him around. If she ever got bored, what then? He couldn¡¯t trust her to hold his life in her hands. He needed a way out. He needed to break free from whatever spell she had placed on him. Thankfully, everything he needed was right here in the mansion. Food, a place to sleep, a bathroom to clean himself¡ªall of it was given freely. But the library was what mattered most. If he wanted to survive, he had to understand this world. Their culture, their history, their rules¡ªeverything. Knowledge was his best weapon. He wasn¡¯t just going to sit around and accept his fate. He was going to change it¡­ A week has passed. His habits stayed the same as he was on Earth. He locked himself in his room, reading book after book¡ªnot because he was interested, but just to pass the time. Anything to keep his mind busy, to stop himself from thinking about the past. The mansion was enormous, filled with eerie silence and servants who moved like shadows. They had the same metal box containing their heads. They appeared when needed and vanished just as quickly, watching but never speaking. At first, Aiden had found them unsettling¡ªthe way they kept quiet, the way they comply without any disapproval, the way they bowed without a word. But now? He didn¡¯t even react. He felt... disconnected, like nothing here really mattered. They could be ghosts, puppets, or something far worse, but it didn¡¯t matter. Nothing did. He turned another page without thinking. What was the point? He had already died once. He worked so hard for his mother to survive, but for what? If Hell wouldn¡¯t kill him, maybe he was already dead inside. Invitation to the Academy(?) Days blurred into a week, though the concept of time remained elusive in this place. It was only natural that Aiden lose track, as the sun never rose fully over the horizon nor set entirely below it. There was only sunlight peaking it¡¯s yellow and crimson glow on the thick black and grey clouds. The air carried a strange stillness, as though the land itself resisted the passage of time. The environment reinforced the feeling of being suspended in limbo. Without any natural rhythm to anchor Aiden, the days blurred together into an endless loop. The mansion only added to this feeling of disorientation. The grand halls were silent, save for the occasional click of footsteps on the polished floors. Selveria¡¯s servants¡ªsilent, emotionless, and eerie¡ªwere a constant presence, but not a comforting one. They were like living statues, a part of the architecture, more akin to enchanted furniture than people. One day, a maid entered his room unannounced. Normally, they only appeared when he rang the bell. The servants of the mansion were... odd. Silent. Incapable of forming even the most basic speech. Aiden had tried talking to them before, and while they seemed to understand his needs, they never uttered a single word in response. But this time was different. The maid stood motionless by the door, staring at him with unsettling stillness. She didn¡¯t speak¡ªof course, she never did¡ªbut instead raised a hand and gestured for him to follow. He followed. The maid brought him outside of the mansion and entered the garden. The crimson light bathed the flowers in the garden. The various petals from the colorful trees that fell is shimmering faintly. On each side, a sprawling hedge maze stretched out, its towering walls made of thick, twisted vines and dense, dark-green leaves. Aiden saw a figure that he hasn¡¯t seen in a week. In the center of the garden was Selveria, seated elegantly in the marble gazebo. Her crimson dress and cascading golden hair gave her an almost regal aura, like she belonged here more than the plants themselves. She gestured to the seat across from her as Aiden entered the gazebo. Aiden watched as Selveria poured the tea, her movements elegant. The tea was already prepared, its fragrant aroma drifting through the air. Selveria gestured Aiden to take a seat without even talking. Aiden pulled the chair from the table and sat directly in front of her. "Drink," she said, sliding the cup toward him. Hesitantly, Aiden took a sip. The warmth spread through his chest instantly, and his eyes widened. The tea was exquisite¡ªsmooth and rich, with hints of honey and herbs that lingered on his tongue. "What is this?" he asked, setting the cup down. Selveria smirked. "A rare blend from Maltrix''s finest gardens. It calms the mind and sharpens focus.¡± Aiden taking another sip. With each taste, he could almost feel the tea working on his mind. "It''s¡­ addictive," he muttered, almost to himself. Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Wait... this is one of your businesses?" Selveria leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Of course. The tea trade is one of my most lucrative ventures. Are you amazed?¡± Aiden replied ¡°Honestly yes, I don''t even know how to balance a checkbook, let alone understand this web of insanity." Selveria smirked again, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Are you familiar with schools?" Aiden blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Schools? Like, in Hell?" "Yes," she said, her tone almost mocking. "I''ll be attending one soon, and you''ll be joining me. Consider it a¡­ crash course in surviving this world." "Wait," Aiden said, sitting up straighter. "You''re sending me to school? Here?" She laughed, the sound ringing out through the garden. "Oh, Aiden, don''t be so dramatic. It''s not as though I''m throwing you to the wolves. Well¡­ not entirely." The Academy isn¡¯t just some school, Aiden. It¡¯s the heart of Inferica. Demons from every corner of Hell compete just to set foot in that place. Do you know why? Because the Academy holds the resources, knowledge, and training needed to become someone of importance. If you want power, influence, or even just survival, that¡¯s where you start.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Aiden thought to himself that the Academy would give him a far better head start than wasting away in the mansion. Here, he was just existing¡ªfed, clothed, and housed like some pampered pet. She smirked. ¡°Think about it. Where else will you have professionals¡ªsome of the strongest in Hell¡ªpersonally monitoring your growth? Do you think demons in the outside world will just hand you that kind of guidance for free? The Academy is a rare place where your potential actually matters.¡± Selveria leaned closer, her red eyes gleaming. ¡°And it¡¯s not just about learning. It¡¯s about connections. The heirs of powerful noble houses will be there¡ªbrats with enough wealth and influence to shake the foundations of Hell. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll use that to your advantage. Forge alliances, build friendships¡ªhell, if you play your cards right, you could even get close to the royal family.¡± She grinned. ¡°Make yourself desirable, Aiden. Impress the right people, and who knows? Maybe you¡¯ll end up serving under the royal family. Maybe you¡¯ll even marry into it.¡± Selveria leaned back, her grin widening. ¡°And let¡¯s not forget¡ªthe Academy is at the forefront of progress. Every year, new discoveries, groundbreaking inventions, and revolutionary techniques emerge from there. It¡¯s the bastion of growth. The best of the best compete to etch their names into history¡ªinto the murals that future generations will revere. If you want to be more than just a lost human in Hell, this is your only real shot.¡± She crossed her legs and gave him a knowing look. ¡°So tell me, Aiden¡­ Do you really want to sit here and rot, or do you want to carve your name into history?¡± Aiden mulled over her words. This could be his chance. If the Academy was truly as powerful as she claimed, then it was his key to independence. He wouldn¡¯t have to rely on Selveria anymore. Still, doubt gnawed at him. It all sounded too perfect. If he were still the same person he was before coming to Hell, he might¡¯ve believed it. But after witnessing the bloodbath at the Colosseum? He knew better. What Selveria said might¡¯ve been common sense to the world he live in¡ªbut never here. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at Selveria. "Is all of this really true?" he asked. "I''m grateful you noticed," Selveria said without hesitation. Aiden blinked. His brain stalled for a moment before processing her words. He just stared at her. Then, she laughed. "What I just told you is what the royal family wants you to believe, Aiden. And plenty of desperate lesser demons from commoner families fall for that trick." ¡°They walk into that place expecting a fair system, thinking they''ll gain knowledge, resources, and connections¡ªdreaming of carving out a future for themselves. And what do they get instead? They get called mudbloods by nobles who think they''re gods just because of their last names.¡± Aiden said ¡°Yes, there it is just as I expected.¡± "The Academy isn''t some prestigious institution for the talented," Selveria sneered. "It¡¯s a glorified daycare for inbred brats and worthless heirs. A bunch of arrogant children who think they¡¯re special just because their bastard blood comes from some deadbeat father who nutted and ran, leaving their whore of a mother to incubate half the goddamn species in her overused womb." Aiden''s jaw dropped slightly. He didn''t immediately process her vulgar words. He just stared at her, his brain lagging like a cheap secondhand computer. Aiden muttered ¡°Yep, and there it is.¡± Selveria pretended she didn¡¯t heard what Aiden muttered and continued. ¡°The Academy is less of an institution and more of a battleground¡ªa miniature version of the politics that rule Hell. It¡¯s where the most powerful heirs from noble families gather, and when you cram that much ambition, arrogance, and entitlement into one place, the result is never pretty. It¡¯s not about education. It¡¯s about power, influence, and proving who deserves to stand at the top.¡± She leaned back, crossing her arms. ¡°The moment you step foot in there, you¡¯re stepping into a pit of snakes. Every noble house has enemies, and if rival families have their brats enrolled, there will be blood. Assassination attempts, sabotage, blackmail¡ªhell, even professors have their own allegiances. No one is neutral. The only real lesson you¡¯ll learn is how to survive.¡± ¡°Not even your siblings are safe from you. They might see this academy as an opportunity to discredit your validity to your ascend to the head of your family.¡± "The place is rife with scandal. The noble brats who strut around like gods don¡¯t just settle their differences with words. Duels end in deaths, feuds last for generations, and if you¡¯re weak? If you¡¯re unfortunate enough to have no family name to shield you? You¡¯re nothing but a plaything." Aiden frowned. "That doesn''t make any sense. If it''s that bad, why does anyone even send their kids there?" Selveria leaned back, a smirk playing on her lips. ¡°The Royal Family, in all their benevolence, has kindly ordered every noble house to dump their precious heirs into the Academy.¡± Aiden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Ordered?¡± ¡°Oh yes,¡± she continued. ¡°They dress it up as some grand rite of passage, backed by the highest religious institutions. According to them, it¡¯s a sacred tradition¡ªa brutal crucible where noble brats are purified through suffering, molded into perfect heirs. They claim it strips away weakness, leaving only those worthy to rule.¡± She scoffed. ¡°A load of self-righteous bullshit.¡± She leaned in slightly, her red eyes gleaming. ¡°The truth? The Academy is just the largest hostage camp in all of Hell.¡± Aiden blinked. ¡°Hostages?¡± She chuckled darkly. ¡°Think about it. If the Royal Family ever clashes with a noble house, they don¡¯t need to wage a full-scale war. They already have their enemy¡¯s heirs locked inside their institution. If negotiations turn sour, they can always remind a rebellious lord that their precious little spawn is within arm¡¯s reach.¡± Aiden swallowed. It made sense. The Academy wasn¡¯t just a school¡ªit was a chessboard, and every noble heir inside it was a piece waiting to be played. ¡°Not that it always works,¡± Selveria continued. ¡°Demons aren¡¯t exactly sentimental creatures. Plenty of nobles would gladly sacrifice their own flesh and blood if it meant gaining the upper hand.¡± She leaned back, her red eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°But even demons aren¡¯t completely devoid of attachment. Maternal instinct still exists¡­ it¡¯s just twisted beyond recognition. Where humans see love and nurture, demons see possession and control. You¡¯re not raising a child¡ªyou¡¯re molding an extension of yourself. That¡¯s why some nobles do care about their brats. Not out of love, but because they see them as their legacy. Their property.¡± Selveria let out a low laugh. ¡°But don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªthere are no normal parental instincts here in Hell. Every single demon is fucked in one way or another.¡± Aiden stared at her, dumbfounded. ¡°And you''re going to this place? Is there nothing you could do to prevent from entering it?¡± Aiden could only hope that Selveria had a loophole preventing her from entering the Academy, he didn¡¯t really want to be dragged to this mess. Selveria said. ¡°I don''t have a choice. I''m this year''s representative for my family. My presence there is part of a deal my family made with the royal family. If they fail to honor that deal, let''s just say¡­¡± She gestured to her neck with a finger, mimicking a slicing motion. ¡°My head won''t stay attached for long.¡± ¡°What kind of deal?¡± Aiden asked, narrowing his eyes. ¡°That''s none of your concern,¡± Selveria said sharply. ¡°All you need to know is that I''ll be attending that accursed place, and so will you.¡± Aiden scowled. "Why me? Why not get someone more competent? Surely you have better allies than a human who can''t even survive in Hell on his own." Selveria smirked, leaning forward. ¡°My allies are already enrolled. And besides, you''re mine now, Aiden. You''ll do as I say, whether you like it or not.¡± Aiden hesitated, gathering his courage to speak. ¡°I''ve been thinking. Maybe it''s better if I just stay here in the mansion. I mean, this academy you mentioned sounds dangerous, and¡ª¡° Lick Aiden listened in silence, but his mind was already racing. This wasn¡¯t a school¡ªit was a battlefield. And he was stepping in unarmed. He was human, first and foremost. Weak and breakable. Aiden guessed that the demons have monstrous physiology like that King on the Colloseum. A cracked rib or a deep cut could put him out of commission for weeks. He couldn¡¯t imagine what the limits of those demons truly have. Then there was the issue of power. He had none. No noble bloodline, no prestigious family name, all he has is Selveria but he wasn¡¯t sure at to what extent she would lend him a helping hand. The Academy wasn¡¯t some fair and just meritocracy where the best rose to the top¡ªit was a playground for the rich and powerful. Then there were the students themselves. A collection of noble heirs¡ªmany of whom were raised with blood feuds and political grudges running through their veins. He doesn¡¯t want to be entangled with that kind of mess. His life is already miserable, Aiden doesn¡¯t want to add another eccentric noble ruining his sanity like Selveria. Aiden thought that ¡®The worst of all, demons weren¡¯t human.¡¯ Selveria¡¯s word struck deep to Aiden. They are already mistreating their own blood, what chance did an outsider like him have? Overall Aiden thought that there is not one single thing that is beneficial to attending this school. Aiden hesitated, gathering his courage to speak. ¡°I''ve been thinking. Maybe it''s better if I just stay here in the mansion. I mean, this academy you mentioned sounds dangerous, and¡ª¡° He paused, swallowing hard. "¡ªand I don''t think I''m cut out for it. I could stay here, learn more¡­¡± Aiden glanced at Selveria, hoping for a flicker of understanding. But her expression remained unreadable. Silent. Her crimson eyes bore into him, and the air grew heavy. Aiden felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck. An intense searing pain was felt in the back of his neck. Aiden shrieked. Aiden looked at Selveria¡¯s face. She had a cold look gazing upon his body. She had a huge disappointment etched to her face. ¡°That wasn¡¯t a request Aiden, it was a command.¡± Selveria stood up from her seat and approached Aiden, she leaned forward slightly and looked straight in his eyes. She raised her hands and Aiden felt her fingers brushing at the back of his neck. ¡°Let me remind you at the position you are in right now. You don¡¯t get to decide what you need, I do.¡± The pain that was tormenting Aiden a while ago was gone. It was as if the pain he felt earlier was just an illusion of his mind. ¡°You are nothing but a mere slave.¡± Selveria came closer to Aiden¡¯s face and looked at him with such intensity. She was close now. Too close. Then there was silence, a silence so long that it felt awkward. They didn¡¯t speak to one another, seconds dragged on, and turning into what felt like minutes. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. The sound of them breathing and their heartbeats are the only noise in this place. The only sound was their breathing. His, erratic and shallow. Hers, steady, controlled. Aiden swallowed hard, feeling his heartbeat hammer against his ribs. Then, Selveria shattered that silence. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be like the others, would you, Aiden?¡± Her voice dipped lower. ¡°The ones who swore loyalty¡­ only to disappoint me in the end.¡± Her lips twisted into a sickening smirk. ¡°Be grateful you even have the privilege of speaking to me, Aiden. I didn¡¯t extend that courtesy to my own servants.¡± Aiden barely had time to react before Selveria¡¯s elongated claws dragged down his cheek. Selveria looked down and there was darkness all over her face. Her eyes wide open and had a mad look on her face. Selveria¡¯s lips curled into something resembling a smile, but there was no warmth in it¡ªonly malice. ¡°I was raised by maids, you know. They were more like parents to me than the pathetic wastes of flesh that gave birth to me. I gave them my trust. My heart. I thought¡ªna?vely¡ªthat I could bare my back to them and they wouldn¡¯t stab it.¡± Her sharp canine teeth clenched. The sound of grinding filled the room. Aiden winced¡ªhow was she even doing that? ¡°But they had loose lips, Aiden. Loose enough to let filth spill out like sewage. Whispers. Gossip. Their spit-laced tongues polluting the air with their filth.¡± Selveria leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. ¡°And do you know what I did, Aiden?¡± Her lips brushed his ear and whispered. Selveria chuckled, low and eerie, like she was reliving a fond childhood memory. ¡°I cursed them¡­ literally.¡± Her grin widened, slow and deliberate. ¡°I ripped language away from them. Stole the very concept of speech from their tiny, worm-ridden minds.¡± Aiden¡¯s throat tightened. His mind reeled. So that was why the maids never spoke. It wasn¡¯t that they wouldn¡¯t¡ªit was that they couldn¡¯t. ¡°They can understand words, Aiden, but they¡¯ll never form one again. I let them keep their thoughts¡ªlet them scream inside their heads all they want. But when their tongues move, when their lips part, all that comes out is silence.¡± Her grin widened. ¡°But that wasn¡¯t enough.¡± Her fingers curled under his chin, tilting his face upward. ¡°I made sure they wouldn¡¯t even have tongues left to wag.¡± Aiden¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°At first, I went the traditional route. Thread and needle. Stitched those gaping holes shut with the care of a loving mother.¡± She sighed wistfully. ¡°But flesh is weak. Skin tears. And Gods, the screaming¡­¡± Selveria chuckled again, this time with something almost¡­ nostalgic. ¡°It was like listening to pigs being gutted. But more pathetic.¡± Aiden¡¯s stomach churned. Her claws dug deeper into his jaw, forcing him still. ¡°So I found a better way. A permanent way.¡± She leaned in closer, her smile widening. ¡°I locked their heads in iron fucking boxes.¡± ¡®If what she said was truly true¡¯ Aiden thought, ¡®then I am a slave to a psychopath¡¯ Aiden vowed in his mind to be more careful around this demon. Aiden could only hope that Selveria would be able to hear his pleas of surrender within his mind. She chuckled again, softer this time, almost wistful. ¡°I had them welded shut. Bolted tight. Their voices died in their throats, swallowed up by the darkness inside their new cages.¡± She tilted her head. ¡°No more gossip. No more whispering. Just silence. Beautiful, obedient silence.¡± Selveria sighed, stretching her arms like she had just finished telling an old childhood anecdote. ¡°And you know what, Aiden?¡± She smiled, slow and deliberate. ¡°It came back Aiden¡­ I felt they were loyalty to me. Aiden are you also loyal to me?¡± She looked Aiden again and this time her face was much closer. Her intense breathing from her mouth could be felt by Aiden¡¯s skin. The expression on her face was latched with concern and weakness. ¡°Aiden¡­ you wouldn¡¯t dare to betray me do you?¡± Aiden was staring back at her as if hypnotized, he was mesmerized at how the pupils of Selveria changed into a spiral, and it is the look of madness. Selveria then looked back again this time the stare was more intense Aiden wasn¡¯t able to respond at this situation which Selveria misunderstood for incompliance. She clenched her teeth again and gripped Aiden¡¯s face much harder this time. Her nails piercing Aiden¡¯s face much more strongly so much so that blood flew out. Selveria blinked, and suddenly, the softness was gone¡ªreplaced by something sharp, something hungry. Aiden wanted to speak that wasn¡¯t the case but the grip of Selveria¡¯s hands at his jaws was preventing him from opening his mouth. He could only grumble incoherent words and hope that Selveria understood what he is trying to say. Selveria¡¯s nails bit in deeper. Blood dripped onto the floor. ¡°W-WON¡¯T¡­. BETRAISH¡­ISH¡­OUUUU¡± Aiden tried his best to exhaust all the air in his lungs. She smiled. Selveria let go of her hands on Aiden¡¯s face. She leaned closer and came to his face. Before Aiden could react to anything he felt something wet in his face. Selveria was licking the face of Aiden, her saliva splattered all over. Aiden could no longer feel the pain but only numbness in his face. Aiden at this point was too tired to react to everything. Selveria separated herself from Aiden¡¯s face. Between them is a silver bridge glittering. Aiden¡¯s face was a mess of blood and saliva. Selveria nodded at him happily, as if she was satisfied about what she has done. Aiden just looked at her blankly, his emotions are confused as of now. He didn¡¯t know what to say and had a dumb look on his face. ¡°Umu¡± said Selveria.