Selena stared at me with a cold, piercing gaze, like the eye of a storm that froze the blood in my veins.
"What do you mean?" Her voice was low, but firm. "Just a few hours ago, you wanted to kill me without mercy. Why have you changed your mind now?"
I paused. Blood still dripped from my temple, some of it already drying on my face. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips, not a sweet smile, but the smile of someone who savors pain and power.
"Because you're strong."
My voice came out low, but full of conviction. "And such power isn't worth throwing away."
I stepped slowly toward her. Selena remained silent, but her body tensed, ready to react if I changed my mind. But I didn't draw my weapon. There was no threat.
Only my hand, covered in blood, rose slowly and touched her cheek.
Cold and soft.
A perfect contrast to the heat of the anger that continued to burn within me.
My eyes met hers, fire and ice challenging each other in silence.
"Your power is something I can harness," I said, my voice low and cold.
My hand lifted, gently caressing her cold cheek. My touch was stained with blood, but she didn't flinch. Her finger twitched slightly. It landed on her sexy, pale lips, yet radiating a sense of danger.
"You will be my sword and shield. You will kill, torture, and take everything from my enemies."
The sound that escaped my lips was like a curse.
Selena stared at me silently for a moment, then said sharply,
"I have one condition."
"What is it?" I asked, not looking away.
"You must avenge me." The voice was so cold.
"Revenge?" I asked with a faint smile. "Just say it."
"Kill the Shield Hero, the one who slaughtered my family."
I stared at her. Behind her cold eyes, there was an unquenchable rage—pure revenge, just like mine.
My smile widened.
"What a coincidence. he and all the other heroes are also my targets."
Selena knelt before me, her head bowed low. Her axe rested at her side, in a respectful position, like a true knight surrendering everything to her king.
"I, Selena Glacivern, swear to be your sword and shield until death takes me."
Her voice was calm, yet thrilling.
And as the oath was uttered,
Hell trembled.
The sky cracked, and the Third Layer heated. A dark aura surged from the center of Valgrath's hall and spread like a wave of curses to every corner of the world.
In the distance, the other six Demon Kings opened their eyes.
They sensed it.
The War Bringer had awakened.
In the human world, the remaining heroes awoke in a cold sweat, their hearts pounding for no reason. The prophets, priests, and archmages felt an invisible pressure pressing down on their chests.
An ancient darkness had returned.
And their world would soon burn.
I glanced at Selena, who was still prostrating herself respectfully. Then I turned, my steps steady on the blood-stained stone floor.
I walked toward Zereth, my voice low but quivering.
"It is time we prepare for war."
Zereth bowed his head deeply, one hand on his chest, his posture filled with absolute respect.
"With pleasure, My King."
I didn't answer. My steps were steady as I walked out of the dark hall, which was now the altar of my rebirth. The sound of my footsteps echoed in the stone passage, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the world's history or its destruction.
Outside, they were waiting for me.
Nine powerful demons—chosen creatures from hell, each with a bloody history and enough power to raze a city in a single night.
Malrik, the Butcher, lord of blood and burner of flesh.
Vesha, Witch of Forbidden Knowledge, owner of thousands of souls trapped in books.
Grall, a senseless executioner, fights with brute force and a hellish axe.
Nysha, the whisperer of death, living poison in the form of a woman.
Dren and Othar, the twin shadow guards, are inseparable and kill in silence.
Krez, the taster of fear, a demon who hunts emotions before flesh.
Thuvra, trapper of souls, gatherer of spirits and keeper of dark contracts.
And last
Rekh'Naar—The First, who raised me, and the most loyal follower of the devil's will.
They all knelt as I appeared, then stood in unison in a silent but powerful motion. Behind them, the hellish air pulsed loudly, as if the world knew the bringers of destruction had been summoned again.
I stood before them, a faint smile forming on my battle-scarred face.
"With you all, I can penetrate the human world."
My eyes narrowed, a cold grin forming.
"And steal them to refine them into materials to strengthen my new weapon."
Without looking back, I continued walking toward the castle that would become my residence. My voice was low, but it carried an undeniable command.
"Zereth, is there a portal to the human world in this region?"
Zereth answered quickly from behind me, his tone respectful.
"Yes, My Lord. But we need some materials to activate it."
I paused, my eyebrows slightly raised.
"Materials?" I asked, my tone beginning to harden. "Since when do we need materials just to break through the world's boundaries?"
Zereth took a few steps forward beside me, his face still downcast.
"Ever since my lord slew Demon King Vargan, the world has begun to balance itself. Dimensions are no longer easy to open. Now, every gate requires a sacrifice."
I paused. My eyes stared off into the distance, at the hellish sky that was beginning to slowly spin like a vortex of fate.
"Balancing itself, huh?"
A chuckle escaped my throat. A laugh laced with mockery, yet also with interest.
"Then let's destroy that 'balance' from its roots."
I continued walking, while from behind, Zereth snapped his fingers and signaled to the shadow servants.
"Prepare everything," he said. "We'll need the heart of a hell dragon, the horn of a high-ranking demon, and the blood of a human virgin—three drops will do."
They all sprang into action.
"Selena," I called without turning around.
"Yes, My Lord," she replied curtly, her voice calm and cold as always.
"Come with me to the castle."
I stepped forward, and she followed silently behind. Our footsteps echoed in the stone corridors, past ancient demonic statues and the flames of black torches that cast our shadows on the walls.
Once in the main chamber, I walked straight to my throne—the seat of the emperor of hell, made from the bones of traitors and adorned with petrified blood carvings. I sat quietly, one leg crossed.
My eyes met Selena's.
"Sit on my lap."
Without a word, Selena stepped toward me. She paused, then slowly sat on my lap like a knight bowing to her king.
I stared at her face closely. It was cold, strong, unwavering. But her eyes held unignited embers.
My gaze fell to her pale lips, cold and so alluring.
Without warning, I kissed her hard and deep.
It wasn't a kiss of tenderness, but a declaration of ownership. Of power.
Selena didn't respond. Still, calm, like an ice statue allowing itself to be touched by fire. But she didn't resist.
And I liked it that way.
Soon, heavy footsteps approached.
Zereth and the chief demons returned, carrying the necessary materials.
Zereth knelt before the throne, his head bowed.
"My Lord, we have gathered all the materials."
I smiled faintly.