"Hey, Andre! Andre, wake up! Andre!"
"Can you hear me?"
"Who's calling...?"
"It's me, Volak. Time for training, come on."
"I'm tired..."
"Make it when I'm really awake..."
Yes, Andre was asleep, but he felt like he was flying. He didn't care though—he was warm, covered, and resting on a soft pillow.
But suddenly, the feeling of floating disappeared, and he felt himself freeze in place.
"Andre, it's time for training!"
Andre was thrown onto the snow and jumped up, shouting in shock from the cold.
"So cold! So cold! Who throws someone like that?!"
"Come on, Andre. Since you're awake, let's start your training."
"Training? How did I even get to the mountain?"
"I carried you on this staff. You were climbing a tall mountain while I carried you."
"You carried me up a mountain—while holding a staff?!"
"Don't worry, it's sturdy. I tied you up, wrapped you in a scarf, and lifted you along with it."
"Are you trying to kill me or what?!"
"Now that you're awake, it's training time!"
"Are you even listening? How? I don't even have my sword or my outfit!"
"Don't worry, I took care of everything. You're already dressed in your uniform, and your sword is right here."
"What—?!"
Andre looked down and saw he was wearing his squad uniform.
"This feels disgusting..."
"So then, shall we begin?"
"Let the demon possess you."
"What? You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm not. There's something I need to confirm first, so hurry up."
"Will I be okay? You know I had trouble last time..."
"Trust me. You'll be fine."
"Alright... but I don't even know how to let him possess me."
"That's why I brought this potion. It'll help summon the demon for a limited time."
"A potion? Where did you even get that?"
"I have my ways."
"Fine, I'll drink it."
Andre drank the potion. Suddenly, darkness swept through his heart, his neck began to glow, and the Demon Lord took over his body.
When he possessed Andre, he looked straight at Volak.
"So, you summoned me... Do you wish to die that badly?"
"No, I need to talk to you."
"Talk? I thought you wanted revenge for losing to me. But talk? My time is far too precious for such nonsense."
"The Lord of the Dead wishes to see you more than I do."
The Demon Lord paused, then smirked.
"Look at this... a messenger boy, are you? So, what would you like to discuss? Perhaps you'll amuse me with your little news."
"First, why did you choose Andre of all people?"
"Is that your question? It wasn't my choice—it was fate."
"Even fate should choose with reason, not blindly, Demon Lord."
"Philosophizing now, are we? If I had to answer, I'd say... because his heart is black."
"Isn't it because he has no magic?"
"That's not a reason. Even if he were born with magic, it wouldn't matter. His heart—that's the raw material I feed on."
"Then my second question: what are the terms of the contract you made with Andre?"
"The contract is simple. Whenever he desires power, he'll find me."
"Don't mock me—tell me all the terms."
"Mock you? Do you even know who you're speaking to, boy? With just one swing of my sword, the very winds tremble.
And for your insolence, I'll cut you into pieces!"
The Demon Lord swung his sword; the wind erupted into sharp blades and rushed toward Volak.
"Now, show me how you'll defend yourself."
Volak took a deep breath, summoned his light power, and with swift movements began cutting through the wind blades coming at him.
"Not bad, human. Let's see—if I gather my power again into a single strike, will you block it or collapse in fear like last time? Come on! You're starting to excite me!"
The Demon Lord gathered a massive amount of energy and struck at once.
Volak stood firm, gathered his energy, and met the attack with his sword.
Both forces clashed violently until Volak finally dispersed it—but the effort drained him.
"I'm surprised," said the Demon Lord. "You've grown stronger—but you tire so easily. Get up, human! The second strike is almost here!"
Volak smiled faintly.
"Too bad for you... Your wish won't come true. Did you think I'm as weak as you?"
Suddenly, the Demon Lord felt his control over Andre weakening.
"No... but it seems your little plan will have to wait—the potion's effects are wearing off."
"So, you thought of everything... You've escaped again this time, Demon Lord."
"The Lord of the Dead says waiting for you is pointless. The end is already decided. So why not surrender?"
"Surrender? That word died before I was born. I am the hell of this world—nothing will escape me, especially him.
And tell Andre: if he wants to use my power, he must fulfill the conditions first—or come to me and defeat me himself.
Tell him... to come to Hell and try to extinguish me if he dares.
And you... Do you truly feel stronger? Or is it just a fleeting illusion?"
Andre returned to himself, and the Demon Lord vanished back inside him.
"Volak, are you okay? Did anything happen?"
"Don't worry. We just talked."
"So, I know how to begin your training now. That was step one."
"And step two?"
"Your second training: you'll carry me down the mountain."
"You're joking. You're taller and heavier than me!"
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"No..."
"Then start carrying me and move!"
"But I haven't learned your technique yet!"
"Until you do, you'll carry me down. It'll help build your muscles."
"My... butt muscles?!"
Volak grabbed Andre's head and started pressing it.
"Stop complaining and move!"
"Ow! Ow! Fine!"
Andre started walking down.
"Move faster!"
"I'm trying! But you're... heavy!"
"Ha! I've lost some weight!"
"You're just saying that!"
"We'll repeat this exercise every day!"
"Whatever... Are you complaining again?"
"Sorry..."
As they descended, Louis watched them from atop the mountain.
"Ah, the pawns of the chessboard... the first piece has moved."
"Just three more steps, and I'll enjoy the show.
Andre... what lies inside you is what I want.
So until I can claim it—and let it consume you... I'll wait."
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"Dear readers, here's a new chapter! I hope you enjoy it and continue supporting me. I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me whenever something in the upcoming chapters feels off — your feedback truly helps me improve!"
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