King Lucifer rose from his seat and said in a deep voice, his tone firm and resolute: "The Four Calamities Trial will take place in two days… Spread the word throughout the Demon Realm."
His words echoed through the hall, like an announcement of an event that would change the very foundations of the world. Saruto smiled faintly and said, his tone a mix of jest and seriousness, "Your Majesty… I seem to have discovered something important."
Lucifer looked at him intently. "And what is it?"
Saruto put his hand behind his head. "I don't want to stay long in the Demon Realm… I just want to forge a weapon and leave."
Lucifer chuckled briefly, but his laughter was full of understanding. "I know that, Saruto… but because of the dukes' opposition, you have no choice but to take the test if you want your weapon."
He paused, his expression softening slightly, before adding, his tone more serious, "And there is something else…"
Saruto stopped. Lucifer said slowly, "If you don't earn everyone's respect… then Emilia, when she dies, her soul won't reach the demon world."
Saruto eyes widened. The king continued, "Her soul will remain trapped between worlds… and no one will be able to save her."
A heavy silence fell. Saruto realized that this was no longer just about crafting a weapon; Emilia fate depended on it. He slowly raised his gaze to the king, whose expression had completely changed. Lucifer turned to one of the dukes and said, "Paimon… brief Saruto on everything related to the Four Calamities Test."
Paimon bowed respectfully. "As you command, my lord."
Saruto bowed in return. "Thank you, Lucifer."
The king gave a slight, indifferent wave. "It's my duty… no need for thanks."
Afterward, Saruto and Paimon left the throne room. The scene outside the palace was a stark contrast to what had been inside.
A magnificent carriage awaited them at the gate, its deep crimson hue gleaming as if stained with blood, drawn by enormous demonic horses with blazing eyes and steaming breath. The carriage driver, a demon in elegant attire, bowed respectfully and said, "Welcome, Master Paimon."
Saruto glanced at the carriage and asked, "Where are we going?"
Paimon replied, walking towards it, "To my palace… I will explain everything about the test there."
They climbed into the carriage, and it sped off, traversing the roads of the demon realm. After a few minutes, they arrived. The carriage stopped before a magnificent palace, beyond description.
The structure stood tall, its dark decorations interwoven with intricate demonic carvings, reflecting the power and prestige of its owner. Saruto stepped out and raised his head, gazing at the palace with evident admiration. Paimon said with a slight smile, "Saruto… we don't have time to stand and admire the palace. Let's go inside."
Saruto nodded apologetically and walked forward. But suddenly, he felt a swift movement behind him. He turned immediately, shaped his sword, and deflected a blow aimed directly at him.
Looking up, he saw a boy standing before him, his hair black and his eyes red and gleaming with excitement. Without hesitation, Saruto counterattacked, pushing the boy back. He vanished in a flash, only to reappear moments later, forcefully knocking him to the ground. He held his sword close to the boy's neck and said coldly, "Who are you? And why are you attacking me?"
Before the boy could speak, Paimon quickly intervened: "Master Saruto… please forgive my son for what he did."
Saruto stepped back slightly, surprised. "Your son?"
He raised his sword and took a step back. The boy quickly rose, brushed the dust off his clothes, and said with a shy smile, "I'm sorry… I just wanted to test you."
Then, looking at him with undisguised admiration, he added, "But it turns out you're stronger than they say."
Saruto glanced at him for a moment, then said calmly, "No need to apologize… but don't do it again."
He moved a little closer and added sharply, "I was about to… kill you."
The boy froze for a few seconds, then smiled resolutely. Saruto continued walking with Paimon, but before they entered the palace, he turned slightly and said, "Boy… what's your name?"
The boy smiled and said confidently, "My name is… Zirak."
Saruto nodded and said, "Take care, Zirak."
They entered the palace and began walking through its long corridors, adorned with maps and ancient inscriptions, until they reached a spacious room. The walls were covered with maps and drawings of unknown lands and dark places bearing mysterious symbols. Saruto sat on one of the benches and looked around attentively. Paimon stepped forward and said in a quiet voice, "Now… let's begin explaining the Four Calamities Test."