As the two demons dragged the sorceress in, a sliver of hope sparked within me. She had disheveled golden hair, a beautiful face pale with terror, and tear-filled blue eyes that pleaded with me. This was Elara, a name that surfaced from Azazel's chaotic memories. She was the daughter of a powerful mage, abducted by the former Azazel to be a bargaining chip.
TING!
[Suitable target for Mana absorption detected.]
[Side Quest activated: Absorb Mana from the sorceress (0/1). Reward: 200 EXP, +5% Max Mana.]
I looked at Elara, then at Grog's repulsive grin. A daring plan formed in my mind.
"Grog..." I spoke, my voice hoarse but deliberately laced with a thirst that was both morbid and utterly depraved. "You want to humiliate me? Fine. But I want to... savor this sorceress myself."
Grog raised an eyebrow, surprised, then burst into high-pitched, echoing laughter. "Oh, so Demon Lord Azazel still has some primal urges, does he? I thought you were nothing but a shriveled husk!"
He stepped closer, leaning down to peer at me, his eyes brimming with contempt. "You want to do it yourself? What do you think you can even do, you chained wreck? You can't even twitch a finger."
I smirked, a sharp glint in my eyes. "Precisely why I want to do it myself. My current weakness will only amplify her humiliation. I want to revel in her slow torment, to make her feel utter despair under the control of someone once considered beneath contempt. Or are you afraid I still have enough strength for a surprise, Grog?"
I deliberately provoked him. A demon like Grog, with his petty arrogance, would never tolerate being underestimated.
Grog scoffed immediately, his face full of disdain. "Ridiculous! What more can you possibly do? Very well, Demon Lord. I'll grant you this 'privilege.' But remember, if you try anything foolish, I'll carve both you and that sorceress into a hundred pieces!"
He turned to his two demonic subordinates. "Release her, but keep your distance. Let the Demon Lord 'play' a little. And keep a close eye, see if he has any more tricks up his sleeve."
Grog's two subordinates reluctantly let go of Elara. She crumpled to the ground, trembling like a lamb before a wolf. Her blue eyes were wide with utter despair, pleading with me.
"Please... your grace... don't..." Elara whimpered, her voice cracking with terror.
I didn't answer her. I focused all my senses, feeling the faint magical energy radiating from her body. This was my only chance.
Grog leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching with amusement, anticipating a truly 'humiliating' spectacle. He had no idea he was lighting the fuse for his own demise.
I slowly moved, trying to reach for Elara. Every movement was agonizing. The iron chains bit deep, each muscle fiber felt like it was tearing. But I wouldn't give up. I had to live. I had to escape.
Finally, my black, clawed fingers brushed against Elara's pale skin. She shivered, letting out a small, desperate cry, but I didn't let go. I seized her wrist, pulling her closer. Her tattered mage robes did little to conceal her soft curves, and I could feel the warmth of her body through the thin fabric.
TING!
[Skill: Mana Drain (Level 1) activated.]
[Beginning Mana absorption from target...]
A strange sensation spread from my fingertips. I felt a cold yet vital surge of energy slowly flowing into my body, mingling with Azazel's faint remaining mana. Elara trembled violently, struggling uselessly against my grip. Strength abandoned her body little by little. Her blue eyes slowly lost focus, her body growing weaker, like a wilting flower under a scorching sun.
I didn't stop. Instead of letting go, I used what little strength I had to pull her even closer, almost embracing her, letting my cold skin press against her soft, warm form. A peculiar thrill surged within me. It wasn't just the restoration of mana; it was a raw, brutal pleasure, as I felt the life force of another being drained by my very essence.
[Mana +5... Mana +10... Mana +15...]
[HP +20... HP +25...]
I felt every bit of strength returning. The pain from the chains slowly receded. The Demon Lord's instinct surged, a craving for power overwhelming me. Elara was now completely unconscious, slumping against me. She had been drained of energy to a dangerous degree. Her face was pallid, but her body still held a faint warmth, hinting at the lingering scent of a young woman.
[Mana has reached 100/500 (20%)! Quest: Restore 10% Mana completed!]
[HP has reached 300/1000!]
Power. I could feel it! The magical chains began to crack. I strained.
CRACK!
A jarring sound echoed. The first chain shattered.
Grog and his two subordinates flinched. They looked at me with terror. "What... what's happening?!" Grog stammered.
I smirked, the true smile of a demon. "You thought I was a dethroned Demon Lord, Grog? You were far too careless!"
With all my newfound strength, I let out a roar, my entire body flaring with dark magical energy. The remaining chains shattered into countless fragments, scattering everywhere. I stood upright, feeling power surge through my veins. My eyes glowed crimson, a dark aura surrounding my form.
"No! You... you've recovered?!" Grog shrieked in panic, his face ashen.
His two demon subordinates trembled, immediately turning to flee. But it was too late.
I flung out my hand. A powerful burst of dark energy shot out, piercing the nearest demon. He didn't even have time to utter a sound before turning to dust.
Grog froze, his eyes wide with absolute fear. He wanted to run, but his legs seemed to be rooted to the spot.
"You... you betrayed me, Grog." My voice was no longer hoarse, but deep, resonant, and filled with chilling power. "You spat on the face of Azazel, the Demon Lord. Did you truly think you could survive that?"
I took slow, deliberate steps towards Grog. Each step I took carried an immense magical pressure, making the air around us thick and heavy. Grog recoiled with each step, his eyes filled with despair.
"No! Azazel! I'm sorry! I... I didn't know! Please, spare me!" He fell to his knees, begging desperately.
I paid no heed to his pleas. With terrifying speed, I lunged forward, closing the distance to Grog. My hand, with its razor-sharp claws, clamped around his neck.
"I show no mercy to traitors."
CRUNCH!
A sickening snap of bone echoed. Grog didn't even manage a final gasp before I crushed his windpipe. He twitched for a few moments, then his large body collapsed, lifeless.
Blood. The scent of Grog's fresh blood ignited a primal thirst within me. I felt a deep satisfaction. Vengeance.
[Congratulations, Master, you have completed the Quest: Escape the Dungeon!]
[Reward: 100 EXP, 50 Demon Essence.]
[Azazel has leveled up! Level: 3]
[Base stats have increased.]
[New Skill: Dark Burst (Active) unlocked!]
I looked down at the unconscious Elara at my feet. She was still alive, but very weak. I curled my lips slightly. The quest was complete, and I now had enough power to leave this place. I needed subordinates. And she, with her abundant magical energy, would be a good start for my empire. A slave, both beautiful and useful.
"Lilith..." I mused, recalling a name from Azazel's memories. "Where is she?"
This dungeon wasn't the entire fortress. I needed to find a way out, and more importantly, find those who had betrayed Azazel.