Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sakamoto gave a stretch and glanced to the clock on his desk, “That time already, huh?”

It read 03:00, tomorrow, or today rather, was his day off so he was excited to indulge himself in his favorite game for as long as possible without having to worry about possibly crashing at his job. It had been a little while now since anyone had shown up to challenge him in game- to challenge Diablo, and this late it was unlikely anyone else would show up.

He clicked through a few menus in game, “That’s right, there’s supposed to be a special event later today. Not just a rehashed one either, it’s something completely new, the devs haven’t said a word about it though. Even everyone on the forum has no idea what to expect!” He pumped a fist, “I’m so excited! I wonder if I’ll be able to get another limited legendary!”

He reached over to his clock and pressed a few buttons, setting up an alarm for 08:00, “The event’s supposed to start at noon, so this should give me some time to get a little grinding done and make sure I’m the first to finish the event.”

With that he stood from his desk with a yawn and a stretch, doing a typical bedtime routine before flopping down onto his bed with a sigh.

His head was fuzzy, he woke up before his alarm, feeling like he had been spinning on a tire all night. He could hear what sounded like two girls chatting, but their voices were muffled so he couldn’t really make out what they were saying. Did he maybe leave the TV on last night? No that wasn’t right, he never turned it on yesterday.

He slowly sat up, his bed felt like a rock, maybe he’d just slept weirdly. He winced when he tried to open his eyes, it was unbearably bright, or maybe it was because of the headache he felt coming on.

As he was fighting with the choice to wake up or just roll over and go back to sleep, he felt something gently touch a weird spot on the top of his head, sending a jolt down his spine. Well, he was definitely awake now.

“Wow, they’re real, I’ve never seen a horned demon before!” A cheery sounding woman spoke.

“Maybe he’s just got more fallen blood then most demons, he does look bigger than demons usually are.” A more serious sounding woman’s voice said, “Though summoning a fallen would be a problem...”

Finally gaining some form of composure, he realized there was a gorgeous blonde woman leaning towards him, she was pulling her hand away. So she must have been the one who touched his head.

But wait... Why was he outside? And did a woman seriously just touch his head!?

Nononono, I have to still be dreaming, right?

As the woman backed away and he got a better look at her, he realized that she was an elf, just like from the game Cross Reverie. Though for an elf she was unusually... Endowed.

Next to her was a much more petite woman, a pantherian, she wasn’t endowed like the elf, but he had to admit she was pretty cute.

Wait, a pantherian and an elf? Those were races from the game... I guess since I went to bed excited for the event, maybe I’m dreaming about the game.

But it was strange, it didn’t feel like a dream, and that jolt to his system when the elf had touched his head felt real. He had heard before that lucid dreams could feel incredibly real, but some finer details tended to get fuzzy, that’s how you knew you were still dreaming. Things like an alarm clock being impossible to read or having numbers that didn’t make sense, fingers looking a bit blurred as your sleeping brain couldn’t fill in those details.

He looked down to his hands, and they were perfectly clear... He could make out every detail, see the familiar ring on his left hand, the familiar gauntlets, the roughness of his fingers, only... These aren’t my hands...

He looked over himself, his mind running a hundred miles a minute, it looked as if he was in Cross Reverie as his character Diablo, but he couldn’t be dreaming, he could see the details in everything he looked at and had felt when the elf had touched his head.

While he was mulling all this information over, the two girls were going back and forth about ‘summoning’ though he couldn’t exactly concentrate on that right now.

“Whatever, let’s just hurry up and do the ritual, we’re stuck with him anyway.” The pantherian huffed.

Finally he looked to both girls, only to feel their lips on either side of his face, shocking him out of his stupor a second time.

They were both looking at him incredulously now, What? Are they expecting something? Should I say something? But... I don’t know how to talk to other people, especially not girls!

“Did it work?” The elf asked.

Or maybe I do know how to talk to people... Online I never had any problems doing my RP as Diablo, and now it looks like I literally am Diablo! I can do this, I’m always planning out new lines of dialog for Diablo! He affirmed himself.

“Hey, if you can talk, I order you to introduce yourself.” The pantherian gave a simple command.

“Eh?” Diablo’s face suddenly turned extremely serious, if looks could kill, both girls would have turned to ash on the spot, “You order me? Who do you think you are, giving orders to the great demon lord Diablo?”

Both girl’s faces turned completely shocked and terrified, and as if the world itself had comedic timing, thick metal collars appeared on both of their necks.

“EH!?” Both girls shouted.

“What gives!? Why are the enslavement collars on us and not him!?” The elf panicked.

“I-I don’t know! You must have screwed up the ritual you stupid elf!” The pantherian shouted.

“Me? You’re the one who was teaching me!”

Diablo looked down to his left hand, That’s right, it looks like I have everything equipped from when I logged out, so I’m wearing the <Demon Lord’s Ring>. I never imagined it’s effect would include something like this...

“Enough with your squabbling! Did you truly believe weaklings like you could enslave the great Diablo? Reflecting your spell is a simple task, you have enslaved yourselves.”

That should do it! I feel a little bad that this happened, but it’s not like I can just turn off <Magic Reflection> without taking off the ring. Besides, I don’t want to be a slave! Even if it’s to two other worldly beauties!

The elf let out a loud whine, “I don’t want to be a summons’s slave. Why me?”

“Cease your whining. I have no use for slaves.”

“So you’ll let us go?” The elf looked happy.

“Don’t be stupid, you can’t just undo a summoning, the same goes for the enslavement ritual. If something like that could be released whenever there would be wild summoned beasts all over the place.” The pantherian nagged the elf, “We’ll have to go to town and ask the mage’s association about it.”

“That’s something at least.”

“But we’ll need him to come as well.”

Both of them were looking at him again, “Very well then, I will honor you with my presence.”

I mean, it’s only fair I go with them, right? This is sort of my fault, and I have no idea where I am.

“Yay! We’re so honored!” The elf cheered.

“But first.” The look on his face was intense, scaring them both again, “Give me your names, I will allow it.” He didn’t mean to look intense, it was just a combination of how Diablo looked and his unease asking these beautiful women to introduce themselves to him.

“Oh, right! How rude, we didn’t introduce ourselves! I’m Shera L. Greenwood.” The elf said happily, “I’m training to be a summoner!”

The pantherian gave a sigh, “I’m Rem Galleu a high level summoner.”

“Then I will give you my name once more. I am Diablo, the true demon lord!” He said with a menacing grin.

“It’s not funnier the second time!” Rem scolded.

Diablo rose a brow, “Oh? Do you doubt my power?”

“Um, it’s not that... It’s just that you don’t really seem like a demon lord? Maybe it’s different where ever we summoned you from, but any demon lords we know of are mostly just nasty really powerful beasts that just want to destroy everything.”

Diablo gave a scoff, “Do not think to compare me to them. Only weaklings and cowards feel the need to destroy everything around them in order to prove their power, and I do not tolerate weaklings. True power is felt by all in its presence.”

“You can feel it too, right Rem? I feel like he’s super, super strong!”

“I guess, but unless we can see what he can do it’s not like we can prove it. Maybe he just looks strong.”

She’s got a point there... If some guy just blatantly said he was the demon lord I’d probably just assume he’s a wackjob. I may be in Diablo’s body, but I don’t actually know if any of my abilities work in this world, even if it’s similar to Cross Reverie. It might be best to find out now and not on a monster, in case they don’t work.

“Very well then. Shall I demonstrate for you?”

“I thought you just said powerful people don’t go around flaunting their strength.”

“You are correct, however there are times that call for proving ones might.”

Rem had said she was a high level summoner, if this world is like the game that would mean she’s probably around level ninety or one hundred. But... It’s possible that the level cap is either higher or lower here. I think for now it would be safer to assume it’s lower, I shouldn’t cast any high level spells without knowing for sure their effects here.

“Yeah, I wanna see what kind of power our summon has!”

“Very well then, I will show you something small, so I do not destroy this place.”

I went and said that... But how does magic even work?

He reached behind his back and pulled his <Staff of Tenma> out of thin air, just like in the game, Don’t over think it, my <Magic Reflection> worked like normal, and so did drawing my weapon... So maybe if I just picture the magic seal that shows up in game...

He pointed his staff to an empty space in the distance, “<Explosion>!”

There was suddenly a huge light, the air erupting in white hot flames, the explosion shook the tower and was close to the size of it. The girls shrieked as they tried not to be blown away by its force.

Diablo’s eyes went wide, Explosion was a low level spell, mostly meant for single target attacks, it wasn’t supposed to have that much power. Did the game effects just limit how big the effect was? It’s amazing having Diablo’s power at my fingertips, but it’s hard to get too excited after seeing that. I used <Explosion> because I didn’t want to do anything risky... But if such a low level spell is that powerful here, I’ll need to seriously be careful when using magic!

“I-I thought you said you were going to do something small!?” Shera stammered.

I need to stay cool, Diablo wouldn’t think anything of a low level spell like that!

Diablo turned around dramatically, giving his cloak a slight toss as he did, he gave a laugh, “Do you really believe such a weak spell was impressive? I could easily unleash thousands of such an insignificant spell. I trust you no longer doubt my power?”

“W-We did it Rem, we summoned something really strong! He must really be a demon lord!”

“Wh-What the hell kind of magic was that?” Rem was in shock.

“That was low level Chemical Elemental magic, I am a Sorcerer after all.”

“That’s impossible! Elemental magic is stupid weak, it might look fancy at parties, but that’s it!”

So in this world my class is considered weak? I guess that makes sense, if this is a real version of the game... In the game Chemical Elemental Sorcerers were notoriously difficult to level, impossible without a party supporting you. And even if you managed to level one they were known to have an insane skill ceiling, so most people didn’t even want to touch them. But the payout is an awesome aesthetic and a pretty wide spread toolkit, not many classes had access to all elements on the fly. Summoners on the other hand were really easy to level, but most players found them really boring, and you were an idiot to try and use one in PvP, it was mostly seen as the bot class.

Diablo gave a scoff, “You have seen for yourself the power of my magic, do you still doubt me? Should I use something more powerful?”

“N-No that’s okay! If you blew up Starfall Tower we’d be in so much trouble!” Shera waved her hands.

Starfall Tower? That was a location in the game... During special events Summoners could go to Starfall Tower to try for a legendary summon, most of the time it was a cross over monster or character from another game the devs made. They were solid summons, but summoners were so terrible at defending themselves it didn’t really matter. So does that make me a legendary summon?

“Whatever, let’s get back to Faltra. I really hate the idea of owing Celestine a favor, but it’s not like we have a choice.”

Faltra? That was one of the main cities in the game, and Celestine was the head of the mage’s guild. Talking to her was really important for any low level magic class that started near Faltra. So it sounds like this world really is just like Cross Reverie... Or is Cross Reverie really like this world?

Mulling this information over, Diablo followed the girls down the tower and to the east. This whole situation was a lot to process, but he was trying to take it in stride, even he was surprised with how well he was dealing with everything given the circumstances. Not that there was anything to be done about it. But really, why would he care? Back home he was always a loner, always too anxious to interact with others, he had even found a job where he could make decent money and never have to talk to anyone else, making his social anxiety worse and worse. But doesn’t the expression go “Hell is other people”? So why bother?

I should probably get a better idea of how things work here... But it wouldn’t be very demon lordly to just start asking mundane questions.

“Tell me. If you consider elemental magic weak, what does that make summoners to you?”

“Most mages learn at least a little summoning, it’s really useful and most adventurers want one in their party.” Shera answered.

“I see...” I guess it makes sense to want to master something that’s in high demand for parties, it never really crossed my mind since I play solo. “What level are you then, Rem?”

“I’m a level fifty summoner.” She bragged.

It was like a slap in the face, Level fifty!? But she called herself high level earlier! Does that mean this world is really low level? If that’s the case I need to be super careful.

“So... What about you Diablo? Is elemental magic common on your world?” Shera tried to make small talk.

“On my world summoning magic was considered a waste of time, though elemental magic was very rare indeed. Elemental magic takes extreme dedication and is considered extremely difficult to master by most, so those who practice it are few. Most who wished to study magic stuck with supportive and defensive types. It was simpler, and always in high demand.”

Small talk successful! He inwardly cheered. It’s a little weird talking about the game like I actually lived there, but I kind of did. Every last bit of my free time and spare cash went into it.

It was official, Diablo had been to this world for maybe an hour or so and he was already bored... In the game Faltra was maybe a few minutes’ walk from Starfall Tower, or a quick teleport, it seemed in this world it was more like a few miles walk.

Even though we’ve been walking for a while now, my body feels completely full of energy, I did raise my strength, agility, and movement quite a bit to make sure I was ready in case a high level melee class was able to close the distance to me... So I guess this super-human body is the product of that. But I wonder what my other stats amount to then? What does it mean to have super high INT or MAG? There’s gotta be a way I can test it.

“Tell me, are there no monsters around here?”

“Every now and then, but nothing strong, it’s usually just wild animals.” Rem said.

“I see... How boring...” He muttered.

“It’s no good to have monsters near the city!” Shera scolded, “There’s a lot of travelers and stuff that might not be good at defending themselves that move around outside the city. Even though Faltra has a magic barrier it’s important to make sure outside the walls is safe too.”

I didn’t mean anything by it... I was just really hoping for a chance to test my other abilities. He pouted in his mind.

Somehow, Diablo could see the barrier around Faltra, he looked up at it, It really is impressive, isn’t it?

“This barrier is the work of someone quite knowledgeable.” He praised.

“Huh? I barely even notice the barrier, it’s like it’s not even there. Can you see it because you’re a demon lord? A-Actually, can a demon lord even pass through it?”

“Hmph, of course I can. Something like this could never get in my way.” I don’t know why, but ever since I got here I’ve been able to sort of see what I’m starting to understand are threads of magic. I didn’t know what it was at first but after using a spell I started to understand. His eyes moved to Rem, Which is why I was so shocked that she’s only level fifty... She’s got some powerful looking magic twisted up inside her... Maybe she’s just got some crazy raw talent? I guess this was a skill of Diablo’s that was never referenced in the game since you could see everyone’s level and examine for stats, so it’s possible I could see something like that.

Being so focused on the barrier, Diablo didn’t notice a guard was calling to him until another stood in his path, “You there, halt, demon!” The guard said firmly.

I haven’t done anything wrong, have I? Or maybe this is like a toll bridge and I’m supposed to pay? But I don’t know if I have any money! Looking down at the guard, Diablo’s face twisted into a furious expression, “For what reason have you dared to get in my way?” He growled.

The guard froze up, clearly frightened, I-I didn’t mean to scare him! I just don’t know how else to talk!

“I-I’m sorry sir, it’s just that we’re required to check everyone entering the city... I just need your name and what your business is in Faltra.”

Poor guy’s just trying to do his job, but a demon lord wouldn’t just back down...

“Listen well then, I detest repeating myself! I am Diablo, the true demon lord!”

And just like that, all the guards were on edge, “D-Demon lord!?”

“Is he joking?”

“He is suspicious looking with those horns!”

Of course they won’t just let someone who calls themselves a demon lord through the gate, why would I introduce myself like that!? If they believe me they’ll just attack on the spot, otherwise they’ll probably assume I’m insane and should be escorted away from the city!

“H-He’s only joking!” Rem suddenly spoke up.

“O-Oh, Lady Rem!” When did she get here? “Is this demon with you then?”

He glanced down, both Rem and Shera were hiding themselves under his cloak, Are they embarrassed to be seen with me or something? Why didn’t they speak up sooner?

“Yeah! I summoned him so I can register as a summoner now!” Shera jumped in, also tucked under the <Curtain of Dark Clouds>.

“Shera is here too? Isn’t this an unusual summon?”

“Yeah, and why doesn’t he have the enslavement collar then?”

“Enslavement collar?” Diablo lifted both girls off the ground by their collars, one in either hand, “Do you mean these?”

“P-Put me down!” Rem demanded.

“You can’t just let them see the collars, it’s shameful!” Shera cried.

Is that why they were hiding? Oh man I really screwed up...

Diablo let them both go, and Rem cleared her throat, “I made a mistake during the ritual so we ended up binding ourselves instead of Diablo. We’re here to see Celestine to see if she can help us set things right.”

“Oh- Of course.” The guard moved aside, “Go right ahead then.”

As they passed the gate, Rem gave Shera a sharp kick in the butt, “Stupid fat elf! Why did you mention the ritual? It would have been fine if we just told them we were going to register at the guild!”

“Ow! It’s not my fault! We walked all the way here and you didn’t mention it once! Besides, that would be lying!”

The two began bickering, getting more and more off topic, “Enough! If you two are only going to open your mouths to fight, then I would prefer you keep them shut in my presence.”

With the two girls quiet, Diablo began noticing the stares the party was getting, it seemed to start with people staring at him and muttering how suspicious he looked particularly with ‘those horns’, before going to the two beautiful women at either side of him... And then mentioning the collars and shifting to anger at the audacity that he would parade slaves in the middle of the day, and jealousy.

So this is why they were hiding the collars before... Now I feel kind of bad, but it would’ve taken forever with them hiding under my cloak like that. The game didn’t have any kind of lore about slaves, but I guess it would make sense that people would assume something like that, given how things look... Rem, Shera, I’m sorry!

“Perhaps if you both wore more clothes, you could hide those collars.”

Both girls blushed immediately, “E-Easy for you to say! This is the best equipment for summoners of my level! Though that elf could be a little more modest.” She sneered.

“Hey! This equipment is the best in the elf kingdom, it’s not my fault it’s made for flatter chests!”

Diablo sighed, but allowed them to fight, The more they argue the more off topic they get, but it at least is distracting them from all the dirty looks we’re getting. Wish I could say the same for me... I want to die...

Chapter Text

Diablo had been surprised how many people there were around town, something the game couldn’t have handled, it was a proper bustling marketplace. That being said, he was relieved to be at the inn, walking through those crowds was giving him so much anxiety he felt sick to his stomach, even more so with all the looks the group was getting that he just couldn’t shake.

Man wandering around with other people is exhausting... My level one fifty body is still full of energy, but I’m so mentally worn out, it’s like when my phone’s battery is low, it still works, but it takes a lot longer to do anything. He inwardly sighed.

Rem handed the pantherian at the counter a few coins, “I can’t cover another room, so Diablo will be staying with me.” She said.

Eh!? I can’t stay in the same room with a woman! I’ll be way too nervous to even sleep! B-But a demon lord wouldn’t be bothered so maybe I should keep my mouth shut.

“That’s no problem, but it is a room for one person, sure you can’t upgrade? Meow~” The inn keeper lifted her hands up and posed like she was making cat paws while she winked at Rem.

She’s really committed to the bit! It’s cute but I think she would be harder for me to deal with then someone like Rem.

“N-No, I’m a bit... Broke.” She said softly, she then looked to Diablo, “That’s fine with you, right?”

Diablo only scoffed and averted his eyes, most his currency was kept in the vault of his dungeon, so he only had a small amount on his person, and even then he hadn’t confirmed if its value was even accurate in this world. If I confidently slapped a few gold coins on the table thinking they had value here and they didn’t I might just die of embarrassment...

“Okay then~ I’ll add his name on your room then meow~” She said in a sing song tone.

“W-Wait a minute!” Shera jumped in, “I was the one who summoned Diablo, so he should stay in my room!”

Here we go again... He sighed to himself.

“Oh please, you probably couldn’t summon even a level one summon! Obviously I was the one who summoned him! Stupid elf!” Rem snapped back.

“No way! I was the one trying to do the ritual before you showed up!”

“You couldn’t do it because you’re just a stupid elf! I had to show you how!”

“Why don’t all three of you share a room?” The inn keeper said in a cute but assertive tone.

“No way! I’m not sharing a room with her!” Both girls shouted.

“Then I’ll throw you out.” Her tone was suddenly so sharp that it silenced both girls, and startled Diablo, though he remained stoic.

She clapped her hands, “One room then! I’ll just put all your names on Rem’s room. Meow~”

Rem showed them to the door of her room with a sigh, “Whatever... This is our room I guess, I’ll be going to the mage guild to explain the situation to Celes so she can set up a meeting.” With that, she left Diablo and Shera alone.

“Yay!” Shera cheered as she flopped onto the bed.

Diablo inspected the room, “Only one bed then?”

“It’s fine, it’s a little tight but we can all share the bed. It’s pretty common for newer adventuring parties to share a room anyways.” Shera said happily.

Is this girl ever not cheery? It kind of makes her harder to talk to... Wait... Share the bed!? With two gorgeous women!? No way, I can’t do that! I can barely talk to them as it is, let alone share a bed! B-But a demon lord wouldn’t be phased by that, right? How would a demon lord like Diablo even react in that situation? For a moment he imagined pinning them both down and- Nope! That’s dangerous territory! He mentally slapped himself, We’re just going to put that thought in a box and send it down the river!

“Very well then.” He huffed.

“Oh! It’ll be dinner time soon, the inn serves breakfast and dinner downstairs every day.” She stopped and seemed to think for a moment, “Diablo, do you even eat food?”

“Hah?”

“I mean... Uhm...” She wiggled uncomfortably, not sure how to ask the question, “Well... You’re a demon lord, right? I always thought that demon lords...” She mumbled to herself a bit before speaking up again, though only just barely, “Eat people...?”

E-Eh!? She thinks I’d eat the races? That’s so gross! Plus that wasn’t even in the game lore, so it must be just a myth! Diablo gave a scoff, “If they ate people of the races- then why would those fake demon lords want to wipe them all out? That’s just a stupid rumor.”

“O-Oh.” She sighed in relief, “Thank goodness. It was just for a second but you made a face earlier that made me think you wanted to eat me!” She laughed, “But I guess that was silly!”

Ack! She’s surprisingly perceptive... I need to be more careful, how was I supposed to know I made a face like that!

Shera was somehow even more cheery as she waited for her food, happily singing to herself about how she couldn’t wait to eat. Diablo only sighed to himself, sitting across from the chipper elf he found he really didn’t have an appetite. He had taken a piece of bread from the basket that was on the table but found it difficult to eat despite it being freshly baked. It wasn’t bad, of course, it was in fact amazing, but for some reason he wasn’t hungry at all. Was this another ability of Diablo? Or maybe he was just experiencing some inter-dimensional jetlag.

In front of him, a stack of seven plates was dropped in front of Shera, “Yay! Time to eat!” She cheered before digging in.

Jeez... She’s really going to eat all that? Where does it all even go? His eyes traced down towards her large breasts, There, huh? He blinked and looked away, picking up the mug filled with water in front of him, No, don’t look! I can’t let her catch me looking at her there, she’ll probably think I’m nothing but a pervert!

As if to save him, Rem approached them, sitting down next to Shera with a sigh, “Rem! You’re back!” Shera exclaimed through a mouth stuffed with food.

Ignoring her, Rem looked to Diablo, “I explained the situation as much as I could to Celes.” She lowered her head and her ears drooped slightly, “She wants all of us to meet with her at the mage’s association tomorrow.”

Being able to just instantly get a meeting with someone as important as the head of the mage’s association, the one who maintains the barrier is a huge deal. Rem is like a low level NPC that becomes key to the whole story... Or maybe she knows Celes personally? She doesn’t look happy about the meeting though.

“I expected you to be more excited to remove the collar so soon.”

Her tail waved quickly to one side at his comment, “I just don’t really think tomorrow is going to be about the collars... I have a feeling she wants to size you up, I avoided mentioning that you’re a demon lord, but she still seemed suspicious.” That is understandable, even without the demon lord bit, to her I’m some unique kind of summon that’s unbound, probably powerful, but for some reason agreed to help these girls. She lowered her head further, “Once the collars are off you’ll both leave me alone anyway...” She muttered.

L-Leave!? Wait, I don’t think I was supposed to hear that! Should I say something?

“I am in no hurry to return. To me, this is a whole new world after all, I am curious to see it.”

“I...” Rem blushed, “Thank you.”

“Aren’t you going to eat, Rem?” Shera asked, food finally not in her mouth.

Rem shook her head, “Celes insisted we talk at her favorite café, I ate there.” She stood up, “I’m going to head up to the room.” She excused herself.

“What about you Diablo? How come you haven’t eaten anything?”

“I had some bread.” He answered simply.

“W-Well yeah, but... You don’t look like you’d be full after a piece of bread!”

I don’t really know how to respond to that kind of questioning. Diablo wouldn’t just say “I don’t know”, but a demon lord wouldn’t have a casual conversation like this, right?

“Do not presume that I answer to you.” He said in an annoyed tone.

“That’s not what I meant! But I guess thinking about a demon lord’s health is kind of silly, isn’t it?” She gave an obviously fake laugh before picking up her tankard and chugging its contents.

I came down here because I felt like I should at least eat something, but this is exhausting, maybe I should have just stayed in the room. Diablo stood from the table and made his way back to their room, eager to get away from the groups of people. He didn’t feel great about being alone in the room with Rem either, but at least she didn’t seem like the talkative type.

Rem jumped a bit at the door suddenly opening, “O-Oh, it’s just you.”

“Yes, Shera is still eating.” He said as he closed the door behind him, not feeling comfortable sitting on the same bed Rem was sitting on, he went across the room to a chair that was by the window.

“Ugh, what a fat elf.” Rem scoffed.

Diablo slumped into the chair and sighed inwardly, closing his eyes, thankful to be in relative peace finally. He felt so mentally drained...

On the bed, Rem was shifting around, stealing glances Diablo’s way, clearly something besides the silence was bothering her. Somehow, even with his eyes closed, Diablo could sense that she had kept looking his way. Diablo’s senses are really something... I can tell she keeps looking at me, and there’s so much static of mana with lots of people around, I really need to get used to it so I can filter this stuff out. It’s really... His eyebrow twitched, Irritating...

“Spit it out already, what is it?” He opened his eyes and had an annoyed expression.

She jumped slightly, “I-It’s... I mean...” She stood up off the bed to resolve herself, “Would a demon lord really be willing to lend someone of the races his power?”

“Perhaps. That of course depends on what a mortal would want with that kind of power.”

Her hand subconsciously went to her abdomen, “Of course...”

It doesn’t look like she wants to talk about it... She’s clearly hiding something, but I don’t get the feeling that it’s with any ill intentions. And besides... I am so done with talking to people today already! I just want a little bit of solitude!

Intending to send the message that he had nothing else to say, Diablo stood and moved across the room, where he disrobed down to his small clothes, before slumping down into the bed, folding his arms behind his head. Rem couldn’t help but blush a little at his surprisingly muscular form, but Diablo didn’t notice it. The bed was surprisingly comfortable and larger than he thought, with the silence and lying down in a comfy bed, he found it rather easy to drift off.

Diablo slowly opened his eyes, he was somehow immediately feeling wide awake.

Man... What time is it? It’s still dark out.

He gazed up at the ceiling for a moment, realizing it was nothing like his ceiling. He lifted up a hand to examine it and saw Diablo’s rough hand and muscular forearm.

That’s right. I was somehow summoned to a world that is exactly like Cross Reverie, as my character Diablo. It really is all real, like I suspected. But somehow it doesn’t feel wrong in the slightest, or even troubling for that matter.

He put his hand down, and finally realized there was something soft and warm pressed against his left side. He slowly looked and spotted Shera pressed against him in her thin night gown, sleeping peacefully.

Sh-Shera!? Holy crap why is she cuddled up to me like this!? A-And I can feel her boobs on my arm, they’re so sooft~! He shook his head, Nope, nope! We barely even met I really shouldn’t be thinking about that sort of thing! B-Besides, I’m a demon lord now, and a demon lord wouldn’t be bothered by this kind of thing, right? Diablo would be stoic and completely calm even in this situation! Even in... His face flushed, That situation... Once more he shook the bad thoughts away. I need to escape!

He looked to his other side to determine his escape route, and noticed Rem was on his other side, though she hadn’t pressed against him like Shera had, her back was to him and she was curled up slightly.

Now that I think about it... Shera is really open, but Rem doesn’t seem like the type, I wonder if she hates me or something after yesterday. She seemed like she wanted to say something important but I really just wanted to go to sleep already...

He sighed to himself before very carefully pulling himself away from Shera and climbing out of the bed, avoiding disturbing either of the women.

He made his way to the window, looking towards the moon, It looks like it’s around 0200am...

He blinked, then put a hand to his forehead, Wait... How do I know that? I don’t know how to tell the time based on the moon or sun’s position... He examined the stars, and names of constellations formed in his head that he had never heard of, Do I somehow have access to any knowledge it would make sense for Diablo to have? Or... Is this the result of my maxed out INT stat? It’s a little overwhelming... He turned away from the window, Why am I awake so early anyway? Does my body not actually need much rest or something? He glanced at the girls both in opposite color night gowns. Come to think of it, Rem and Shera mentioned the quality of their equipment, so does that mean my gear will work like it did in game in this world?

With that thought in mind, he gathered up his gear and sat down on the floor, examining it closely.

<The Ebony Abyss> his <body> piece as it were in game. Decreases damage from attacks, negating attacks entirely below certain values, and boosts all stats a small amount.

<The Hollow of Jet Black> his <small clothes> item, most small clothes were stat-less but as it was a special limited item it provided a small boost to all stats.

<The Curtain of Dark Clouds> his <back> equipment, it had two strong effects, it completely negated all negative status effects, and could prevent his HP from falling to 0, keeping him at 1 HP once a day or if he was restored to 100% HP the effect’s cooldown period would end.

<The Staff of Tenma> provided a solid boost to his magic attack power and greatly reduced casting times.

<The Demon Lord’s Ring> easily the most over powered piece of gear in his arsenal, a one of a kind item he got for being the first player to defeat the world boss Demon Lord of Brain, Enkvalos solo that reflected all magic used on him back; even his own or support magic. It was a highly controversial item, no one even knew it existed until Diablo obtained it and posted it himself on the game wiki. With its effect being so strong a lot of players speculated on the forms that Diablo himself might have been a dev giving himself cheat items. Others speculated that the devs might be working with whoever Diablo’s player was to set him up as the final demon lord boss in some massive server wide event. Of course in truth, he was just another player, if not an overly devoted player, but it was cool to see people speculate on the forms.

And finally, <Distorted Crown> its effect was convenient but there were much better head pieces out there, he mostly used it for the appearance of it. It granted him a decent health over time effect, but more importantly, the horns made him look more like a demon lord.

How can I even test my equipment effects though? I guess I could try casting a spell with and without the <Staff of Tenma> and see what the difference is. Most of my equipment effects would be really dangerous to test if they don’t actually work... He sighed again. Something else had been bothering him since yesterday, though he didn’t really have time to think about it yesterday.

He reached up and grazed one of his horns with the tips of his fingers, instinctively both his head and hand flinched away, the horns on his head somehow being sensitive to touch. Th-They’re real? For some reason the <Distorted Crown> became actual horns!? Does that mean I no longer have the HP regeneration effect? Or is it a passive now? I guess it’s a good thing they’re real, I would die of embarrassment if the headpiece fell off or something.

Next, he examined his item pouch, he had paid real money to get his pouch upgraded to have unlimited item slots, but he wasn’t quite sure how that would translate now that everything was real. Let’s see... I was able to take out my staff just by thinking about it and mimicking the animation from the game. The actual pouch looks way too small to hold anything but a few coins, so let’s try taking out an HP potion.

Diablo reached into the pouch while thinking of taking out two HP potions, and just like that, he was able to pull them from the small pouch that was half the size of a single vial.

Wow, it really works just like that! Having unlimited storage is going to be so useful now that I don’t have access to my vault. I only had a few potions on me in game since I could pull from my dungeon vault whenever I needed, so I should look into gathering supplies to make more. I don’t really know if I can even use my foraging and combiner skills, but I do seem to have access to information Diablo would know, so it stands to reason that I’m still a master combiner. I think it’d be a good idea to visit a library or something so I can cross reference what I know and what’s real in this world.

He stood up and dressed himself, I doubt any stores and such would be open at this hour, but I want to get a feel for the layout of this Faltra while there’s less people around. Plus... His eyes traced over Rem and Shera on the bed, his cheeks warming up, I feel weird just sitting here awake hovering over two sleeping women.

Diablo was surprised by how empty it was, not a soul outside save a guard here and there that gave him hostile looks but didn’t bother him. It made sense, this was a fantasy world after all, what would they need people running grave shifts for besides a few guards, and maybe a bar or something? It was a little eerie walking through the dimly lit town that was so populated and loud yesterday, but he didn’t mind, the quiet was nice. Yesterday he had more face to face social interaction then he had in over a month back home, and he had a feeling things would be like that from now on.

If I had my dungeon at least I could just lock myself up in there and only interact with people who want to challenge the demon lord. Though that might be boring with how low level this world seems to be... Rem had boasted about level fifty being high, but the area around Faltra is supposed to be level sixty, but the guards seem really weak here. Maybe I can convince the girls to go monster hunting so I can get a better feel for the level here- and how much I need to hold back.

“Hey demon.” A voice spat behind him, “Don’t you know it’s illegal for your kind to be wanderin’ around at night?”

Diablo turned towards the man, a guard it seemed, clearly a bit drunk, and two of his fellows. At least one looked just as drunk, while the third looked a bit concerned.

“Is that so? If that were true I would think you would post a law like that for new arrivals.”

“Well, I’m a lieutenant of the city guard! So if I say it’s illegal, than it’s illegal!”

“Yeah, especially for such a suspicious looking demon! What’s with those horns!?” The other drunk guard added.

I guess I didn’t consider this either... There were always people that were elitist about which race they felt was the best or most attractive or whatever. But there weren’t really NPCs with blatant racism, it would have just made demon players have a hard time. It was in the flavor text of the race that they were pretty hated but I never thought much of it. His eyebrow twitched, And why do guards keep ragging on my horns? It’s kinda pissing me off...

“Hmph, I see, a drunk clown doing a street performance. Though you do not have much of an audience at this hour.” Diablo mocked.

“What was that? You low class demon!?” He drew his sword, “I’ll show you a street performance!”

“S-Sir, we’ll get in trouble drawing weapons on an unarmed civilian, demon or not...” The sober one tried.

“It doesn’t matter if he’s armed or not, he’s a filthy demon. The higher ups would easily believe us if we said he came at us first with some suspicious demon magic.” The second guard bragged, “You can’t trust disgusting beast men, especially not demons.”

That really rubbed Diablo the wrong way, low lives abusing their authority in this way just because they didn’t like someone... He narrowed his eyes, “I see, so that is the way of it here, then?” He drew his staff, “Then allow me to give you a reason to draw your blades!”

He somehow exuded a menacing presence that put them all on edge, and made even the drunk lieutenant hesitate back a moment, “What are you doing? Both of you idiots draw your weapons!” He demanded.

I shouldn’t use anything destructive in town, and I want to try and avoid killing these guys... So maybe the best spell to use in this situation would actually be...

“<Dark Press>.” Diablo pointed his staff, and a dark orb formed above the lead guard, quickly expanding in size to cover all three of them, and then they were all forced to the ground.

“Argh! Wh-What the hell!?”

The magic pushed down further, causing all three to gasp for air as the ground below them cracked under the pressure, “D-Damn demon with your magic...!” The lieutenant spat.

The three choked as the magic pressed down just a bit further, Diablo stepping closer, their lungs being crushed under the pressure, their leader’s nose beginning to bleed.

“It would be inconvenient for me to kill three guards in the middle of town, so I’ll let you live.” He approached, “If you give me your word to never so much as breathe in my presence again.” He said in a sinister tone.

“F-Fuck you...!” Their leader gasped.

The pressure of the spell increased, it was pressing down enough now that ribs began to crack, fingers breaking, “Did I mishear you...?”

“P-Promise...! We promise...!”

With that, the spell was immediately dismissed, “Step out of line again, and I won’t be so gentle.” Diablo turned and walked away, the guards gasping and wheezing to catch their breath.

With the guards gone, Diablo twitched and blinked, as if fully returning to reality. Th-That was too brutal... I don’t know what came over me... I leaned into the demon lord roleplay a little too hard, b-but it’s not like they were the kind of people to just leave me alone for anything less, right? Should I have just run away? I scared myself a bit there...

“I’d really rather avoid confronting actual people again...” He sighed to himself.

I should go back... There’s not really any shops open this late, and wandering around so late seems to only get me into trouble with the guards. I’d like to go outside the city so I can test my magic, but with how far the outskirts are in this world, and that I can’t be sure the guards would let someone like me back in without Rem and Shera, it’s best that I wait.

Chapter Text

Still unnerved about being in the room with the sleeping girls, Diablo opted to turn the chair by the window away from the bed to face the wall, leaning his head to one side to look out the window.

I wonder how long the meeting with Celes will take... It sounded like Shera was planning to register at the Adventurer’s Guild, that existed in game too so I can probably do quests to earn some money. I’d like to look through the marketplace today as well, there should be merchants selling herbs, since I seem to have access to some of Diablo’s knowledge, I should see if there’s any I can recognize for my combining skills. It’d be even better if I could go on a quest alone to test out my magic safely and try out some foraging along the way... He gave a sigh, Well, until the girls wake up, maybe I should practice tuning out the mess of mana? Yeah, that’s a good idea. He looked to his hand, Okay but... How do I even do that?

He closed his eyes and tried to focus, Maybe I can tune it out like background noise? I’ve gotten pretty good and shutting out other people’s voices completely. I wonder if I could do something similar with this if I try. He shook his head, No, that works mostly because I focus on other things so much the background becomes static. In a world with magic and monsters it’d be dangerous to shut out everything. He sighed to himself.

Not sure what else to try, he concentrated his focus, but quickly winced as it felt like he was looking directly into the sun, Ah! Focusing just increased the intensity of the mana I was seeing and added more! I really shouldn’t do that again until I can figure this mana sight out. He quietly groaned in frustration, I’m pretty sure I really do have access to things Diablo should know, but I have no idea how to actually access it. Before it just sort of happened when I was looking at constellations. Maybe if I focus on the concept of mana...?

With a deep breath he concentrated deeply, trying to force himself to recall all he knew about “mana”. After a moment of concentration, all sorts of things began to fly into his mind... Arcana, history, symbols, diagrams both simple to exceedingly complex, the amount of knowledge that suddenly flashed in his mind and eyes was far too much too quickly. He clenched at his forehead in pain, “A-Argh...!” Unbeknownst to him, the mana in his body flared up, causing a rumble throughout the inn.

The pressure and slight tremor caused both girls to wake with a start, while neither had a sense for mana, it was quite clear the source was the self-proclaimed demon lord across the room. Though to cause something like this on what appeared to be an accident... Perhaps self-proclaimed wasn’t correct.

“D-Diablo!?” Both girls rushed over to the demon in question who was still holding his head with bated breaths.

“Diablo! What’s wrong?” Shera pressed.

“Seriously, what the heck are you doing!?” Rem tried shaking his shoulder.

The motion didn’t make him budge of course, but it did cause his attention to shift, What’s...? He struggled to open a single eye, everything was blurry, distorted by the images still flashing across his vision. But he began to make out blurred figures, and heard what sounded like his name, though muffled as if he were submerged in water.

Did they sound... Worried? About him?

He wasn’t sure how to stop the surge of information that was burning a hole through his brain, so he simply shouted, “Enough!” With authority, and as if heeding the command, everything flashing through his mind stopped.

He let out a heavy breath and slowly lifted his head to look at the two girls in front of him, noticing a few items had fallen over or to the floor, Were they in such a hurry they knocked that stuff over?

“Diablo! Can you hear us?” Shera asked in a worried tone.

He blinked, “Why are you shouting my name when you’re so close to me?”

“Are you serious!?” Rem jumped in, “We’ve been calling you over and over and you weren’t responding! What the hell was that all about, huh!? Your mana was going so crazy the shaking probably woke everyone in the inn!”

Shaking? Is that why that stuff is knocked over? Wait, holy crap! She’s saying I did that!? Because my mana went haywire?

“Uhm... Rem, I don’t think Diablo did it on purpose...”

“That’s even worse! I know he said he’s a demon lord, but I didn’t think he really-...!” She stopped herself quickly, not wanting to offend him now that she had felt he truly was who he claimed to be, “I mean... It’s dangerous to stay in town with a demon lord whose mana could go out of control randomly!”

Ah! I didn’t know something like this was even possible! I was so vague with the information I was probing for that it was way too much all at once and I guess I couldn’t keep even my innate focus on keeping my mana contained. Oh! Wait, I knew that! So it worked! Awesome! He looked at Rem and Shera once more, Crap, they’re expecting an answer aren’t they? But what the heck can I say!? What kind of demon lord just loses control of their own mana like that? I really screwed up! Come on brain work with me here... I just absorbed an absurd amount of information about mana, I can probably use that to find an excuse.

“Humph. I see no need to explain myself to you. But I will at least assure you it won’t happen again.”

“I trust you, but uhm... It was kind of scary, so can you explain just to help us relax a little? Please?” Shera asked with puppy dog eyes.

Not with the look, please... He gave an irritated sigh, “Very well. I was simply adjusting to this world’s flow of mana, that is all. It is very different than the world you summoned me from, so there was a minor miscalculation. I have corrected it.” Next time I try digging through the Diablo archives, I’ll be way more specific. It would have been better if they’d just drop it, but that should be good enough.

Rem looked suspicious, like she really wanted to question him further, but she thought better of it, choosing to back down rather than confront a; perhaps very real after all, demon lord. His claim wasn’t true of course, from what he obtained from the Diablo archives, those more attuned to mana such as fallen, demons, and dragons tended to have it flare when in distress, in some cases even with their emotional state. Under normal circumstances it would be relatively harmless, a typical demon doesn’t have enough mana to do more then make someone who is mana sensitive’s hair stand on end, but with mana akin to a dragon or demon lord, it could be quite dangerous.

Thanks to his newly... reacquired knowledge on mana he understood all this, however... How lame would it be to say that I, a demon lord, lost control of my mana because I didn’t know I’d get a massive headache to the point of distress just because I took in too much information at once! I can’t have them find out that the demon lord thing is all an act, they’d probably ditch me and then I’d be screwed!

Quick to change the subject, Shera jumped excitedly and pointed to the window, “The sun’s coming up! That means it’s breakfast time soon!”

“How are you hungry already? We just woke up!” Rem nagged.

“You’ve been awake for a while now, right Diablo? I bet you’re hungry too, right?”

Diablo shook his head, “It would seem you’re alone in that department.”

“What!? But you didn’t eat anything last night either!” She puffed her cheeks at him, “You’re my summon, so I should take care of you!”

What am I? A dog? An image of being in Shera’s lap and having his head pet flashed in his mind, Actually, that wouldn’t be so bad, hehe.

“Stop saying you summoned him! I’m the summoner here! Besides, he’s a demon lord, not a pet!”

They never get tired of it, do they?

“I was the one who started the ritual, so of course I’m the summoner!”

“You started it but a stupid elf couldn’t finish it! So clearly it was me!”

“Fine then! Why don’t we let Diablo choose? Whoever he says is the summoner, is the summoner!”

No, wait...

“Fine!”

Both girls turned to him, Wait! You can’t do this to me! Don’t make me choose, how am I supposed to know who summoned who?

“So, Diablo, who was it? Who summoned you?”

“It had to have been me, after all she’s not even a summoner!”

“Do not drag me into your squabbles.” He growled, “I already told you I would lend my power based on the request, and neither of you have found it necessary to tell me what you would want this demon lord’s power for.”

“Oh! That’s right, I forgot...” Shera blushed and looked away, “You might just think it’s silly...” She muttered.

Rem slowly lowered her head, “... I can’t...” She whispered.

Now Diablo sighed, “For the time being I will consider it both of your wishes’ to remove those collars, so I will give you at least the time until they are removed to consider what you desire.”

If Celestine knew how to take them off, Rem wouldn’t have come back with hers on. So I bet we’ll have plenty of time for them to figure things out. If not then I’ll just come up with some other excuse, a demon lord goes where he pleases, after all! Or something like that.

“What if we still haven’t decided by then?” Shera asked slowly.

“That is none of your concern.”

There was a slight knock on the door, making both girls jump in surprise, “Yes?” Shera asked, opening the door.

“Good morning dear customers~” The inn keeper greeted them with a smile, “We received some complaints from the rooms next to you, meow~”

“O-Oh! We’re sorry! We didn’t realize we were being so noisy!”

She continued to grin, but her eyes narrowed dangerously, “Please remember to be considerate of your neighbors. If not then I’ll put you on the streets.”

“Eep! Y-Yes, we’ll remember!” She lowered her voice to a whisper, “I-I mean, yes, we’ll remember.”

“Thank you very much, meow~ Breakfast will be ready soon!” She said happily before leaving.

“Right. I’ll let you two change then.” Diablo left the room right after her, closing the door behind himself he leaned against the wall in the hall and waited.

Waiting down stairs would probably be less awkward, but... He looked to the closed door, “If people in town called them slaves... Would it be dangerous for them to wander alone with those collars on display?” Well, Rem went to the Mage’s Association alone yesterday... Though if she knows Celestine personally she might have had some guards escort her.

With the girls still on edge from the inn keeper’s warning, they kept quiet and changed without argument and were soon heading to the dining area downstairs with Diablo.

Shera had once again asked for several plates and was humming happily as she shoveled through it, while Rem had a rather small breakfast she delicately ate at.

“Zaavlo, urr naat eeeting again?” Shera asked, her mouth full of breakfast sausage.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” Rem nagged, poking Shera with a fork.

Ignoring the subject Diablo looked to Rem, “You didn’t mention when we would be seeing that Celestine today.” Admittedly, he also found his lack of appetite strange, could it really be as simple as there being no survival mechanics in game? But there was no use dwelling on it, he didn’t feel over stuffed or ill or anything when he had a little bread and water the day before, but the act of eating felt strange for some reason, almost foreign. Aside from it making him a little uncomfortable, he hadn’t felt the signs that usually came with malnourishment, so he chose to simply ignore the ‘problem’.

There was a pause as Rem finished her bite of food before addressing his question, “We’ll have a couple of hours after breakfast before meeting with her. I wanted to get some supplies and show you some places we’ll probably be frequenting for a while.”

“Oh! Can I come too?” Shera asked excitedly.

“I’m not your mom, it’s not up to me.” Rem scoffed.

Shera looked confused for a moment, “Then...” She slowly looked to Diablo, “Uhm, can I come...?”

Why is she asking me? Am I the party leader now or something? Ugh I really hope not. “You’re an adult, aren’t you? You don’t need permission to wander the marketplace.”

She puffed up her cheeks in frustration, “I’m not asking permission to go shopping! I’m asking permission to go shopping with you! If I just followed you guys without permission people might think I’m a stalker.” She pouted.

“Literally, no one would think that.” Rem pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Very well then, I’ll allow it.”

“That’s assuming you don’t just stuff your face for the next two hours.” Rem held a tone like she was annoyed, but there was a very faint smile on her lips.

“Just one more plate, and I’ll be done! Now I’m just excited to go to the market! It’ll be my first time going with friends!”

Both Rem and Diablo looked at her in confusion, “Friends?” They asked at the same time.

Shera happily nodded, “Of course! Rem says some mean things but I can tell she doesn’t mean it, that’s just how she talks, you totally like me!” She said confidently, “Plus you helped me with the summoning ritual and are letting me hang out with you guys.” Rem turned away to hide the slight blush that was forming, “Diablo looks mean and scary, and has spooky magic, but if he was actually mean he wouldn’t come with us to help get these collars off. Diablo’s definitely powerful enough that he could ditch us and do his own thing, but he’s helping us anyway! So of course I consider you both friends!”

“D-Don’t think that I’ll call you that just because you said it!” Rem tried.

“Hehe, see? Rem’s all embarrassed!”

Diablo for his part was looking down a bit, deep in thought, Friends, huh?

Shera seemed to notice his perplexed expression, “Uhm... If it’s okay with you Diablo, we can be friends.”

“... I can’t say I am familiar with this... Concept.” I can’t just say I’m a total shut in that was always too afraid to talk to people. So I think it’s time for a little Diablo lore!

Both girls flinched with that remark, “I guess people don’t usually erm, visit a demon lord...” Rem said quietly.

“Those who dared approach my domain came to slay me, steal from me, or sought my power. I turned all of them to ash, just the same.” I mean, it’s not like I’m lying. In the game anyone who came looking for me was for a fight, my legendary items, or some noobs looking to get carried.

An uncomfortable tension sat in the air for a moment before Shera did her best to release it, “Then I’ll teach you all about what it means to be someone’s friend!”

This girl is just way too adorable and friendly! I don’t know how to handle her even as Diablo! He only gave a small, “Hmm.” In response.

“We won’t register you both until after the meeting with Celes, but I’ll show you where the adventurer’s guild is first.” Rem said as she led the two of them down the street, it was early enough that while people were moving around and stalls were being set up, it wasn’t crowded yet.

It was pretty close to the inn and tavern apparently, which made sense as they would be the two places adventurers would likely frequent between quests.

“Wow! I can’t wait to finally register as a summoner! Rem, Diablo, let’s go the second we’re done with that other thing!”

That other thing? Do you mean meeting with probably the second most influential figure in the city? Does Shera even understand what a big deal this meeting is?

“I admit, I am curious how you determine levels in this world.”

Rem moved on towards the market stalls, “They test you depending on what you register as, people that use magic they have some weird method to measure their mana, while something like a warrior would spar with an experienced knight. You’ll get to see how it works later anyway.”

“I see...” There’s no way this test thing is actually accurate for measuring mana if they only rated Rem as level fifty. I understand that the average level here is crazy low from what I expected, but demons have much higher innate mana then other races because of their connection to the fallen, and those that I’ve seen pale in comparison to that mana inside Rem. Though that mana seems restricted to her navel area, and is really different to the mana that flows through her body... But as far as I know it’s not possible to permanently grant mana to someone else, well not any one of the races anyway. There’s definitely something more to this, at least that’s what my instincts are telling me. And now that I know so much about mana, I can see just how... Wrong that mana is. He narrowed his eyes, No, wrong isn’t quite right. It’s more like it’s not hers, in fact... He looked to his own hand, gently focusing his mana to his palm, If I were to make a comparison, it’s more similar to mine then it is to hers. I wonder what would happen if I...

“H-Hey, what’s with you?” Rem tried to ask in a sharp tone, but she sounded nervous.

Being returned to reality, Diablo realized he had been staring at the area where the strange mana existed, and had even extended his hand out towards it, “Ah... It’s nothing.” He quickly drew away. I wonder if she’s even aware of that mana. He cleared his throat, “A potion shop, is it?” He finally noticed where they had stopped.

Rem seemed to be lost in thought herself for a moment before shaking her head, “... There’s no way...” She muttered, “That’s right, they’re expensive so I can only buy a few, but it’s important to have at least healing potions before taking any quests.” She then gave a heavy sigh, “I could afford a larger room if stocking up on potions wasn’t so important.”

“Uhm... How much does one potion cost?” Shera asked.

“One health potion is usually around fifty gold pieces.” Rem groaned, “It’s only about four gold to upgrade our room to a big one, but that’s four every night plus ten gold every meal per person, it racks up really fast I need to save where I can.”

“Is that so...?” Since I had my potions, I should have my combiner tools on me... So let’s try something. “In that case.” Alright it worked before a little too well, so let’s be super specific... Diablo closed his eyes, I need to find only what materials I need to make a healing potion...

“Wait.” Diablo put a hand on Rem’s shoulder, but quickly realizing what he did, he drew away, “Is there a place we can purchase firewood?”

Rem blinked, “Firewood...? I mean, there is, but it’s not cold enough right now to use the fireplace in the room...”

Diablo shook his head, “I’ll grant you a favor. Don’t buy these overpriced low quality potions. I will make them for you.”

“Y-You know alchemy?”

“Of course. Just purchase what I tell you to instead, we’ll need to visit an herb shop though.”

“There’s one next door! Let’s go!” The hope of saving money in her eyes, Rem rushed towards the herb shop.

I said that, but hopefully they have the herbs I need in this world...

Rem waited excitedly as Diablo looked over the various herbs and flowers on display, “How much for these echinacea flowers.”

“Oh? Are you an alchemist by chance?”

Diablo nodded, “Of sorts.”

“I had a feeling, usually only alchemists buy echinacea in bulk, so I’ve actually got a special deal for folk like you. I’ll sell you ten of ‘em for ten gold pieces, it’s a pretty good deal we usually sell em for five gold each.”

“This deal sounds like it has a catch.”

The stall keeper laughed, “No catch this time, I just think it’s right good for more folk to be alchemists, too few of ‘em, maybe then those costs would go down! Haha!”

“We’ll take it then.” Rem smiled, handing the stall keeper ten gold, who bundled together ten echinacea flowers as promised, “Thank you so much!”

“Next we just need some wood and alcohol.” Diablo informed Rem.

“Wow, really? That’s all? I always imagined a lot more stuff being all mixed together to make potions!” Shera said, impressed.

“It’s not the materials that drive up the cost of potions, but the process.”

“Ooh, I guess that makes sense.”

Fifteen copper and six silver later, all the items were, to the shock of the girls, placed in Diablo’s small pouch.

Rem was over the moon, “Less then eleven gold for a potion~ It feels really good to save money!”

“A potion?” Diablo rose a brow, “With the supplies you bought today I can make close to two hundred potions, though I will only make enough to fill both of your potion pouches for now.”

“T-Two.... Two hu-hundred...?” Rem froze.

“Rem! Diablo, you broke Rem!”

Diablo put a hand to his forehead and sighed, “It can take an alchemist a year to make an okay quality potion, there’s a reason it’s often a family business. But of course a demon lord does not follow such petty logic.” Or something like that... According to Diablo’s archives, the method I use to craft potions completely bypasses the time normally needed for fermenting, distilling, circulating, and stuff. A one of a kind process too apparently, which means I have something that can help the girls and let me show off a bit! Of course a demon lord who crafts would be the best at it, it’s only fair!

Shera shook Rem, calling her name, “I-I heard you the first time! Let go of me already!”

With Shera off her, Rem looked to Diablo, “Uhm...” A feint blush made its way to her cheeks, “Th-Thank you...”

She really is so cute... I don’t know what either of them want still, but I really want to help them both and protect them if they need me too!

Diablo’s hand gently fell on Rem’s head, she flinched but her tail moved quickly like a cat excited over the attention. There was a brief pause, and Diablo quickly drew away, turning towards where he hoped their destination would be, “Let’s go.”

“R-Right!”

Neither of them noticed the forlorn look on Shera’s face as she followed after them both.

“Here it is... Celes reserved this tavern to meet us today so we could talk in private.”

“She reserved a whole tavern rather than meeting us at the mage tower?” Diablo questioned.

Rem gave a nod, “She didn’t tell me why, but the mage tower is a bit... Uncomfortable anyway.”

Diablo narrowed his eyes as he looked at the door to the tavern, No, it makes perfect sense. I feel like Rem wouldn’t have told her that I said I’m a demon lord, but I’m still an unknown. A summon who not only is completely unique, but also capable of capturing my would-be captors. It would make sense for them to be cautious when there’s no way for her to know it was an accident. It’s actually more responsible for the mage’s association to not bring an unknown, assumedly powerful being into the very place that sustains the barrier around the city. Reserving a place like this so we can still talk in private is the way to go... His mana sight activated, allowing him to see the mana of those inside, I assume that mana belongs to Celestine... But there’s at least fourteen additional presences inside, she probably brought some guards with her just in case. It looks like there might be some kind of magic trap set up as well from the traces I see. “No, I understand her reasoning. In her position I would do the same.”

“I... Uh, I guess if you don’t mind.” Rem took a deep breath as if to calm herself before opening the door.

Shera and Diablo both followed her inside, Diablo quickly connected what he saw outside to the fairly empty tavern, Two mages, though from their mana they’re weak for mages guarding the head of their association. Eleven guards, they’re probably around Rem’s level if a bit higher... And it seems they have an assassin of some type hiding, I can see their mana but none of my other senses can locate them at all. If they can hide from Diablo’s strong senses, they’re probably the biggest threat here.

Diablo’s eyes fell onto who he had assumed was Celestine, Wow. She’s gorgeous...

He quickly willed away any associated trains of thought and took in the current situation. Celestine seemed to be finishing a conversation with one of the guards, the guard seemed flustered, he was constantly picking at his gloved hands to a point the seams were starting to split which contrasted his angry tone of voice. The armor he was wearing was a bit more light weight to the other guards, and was adorned with more baubles, signifying he was likely the leader of this particular group of guards.

He looks nervous, but why is he picking a fight with someone like the head of the mage’s association? Especially when they seem to be operating together for this meeting?

With his attention focused on them, Diablo realized he recognized the twitchy guard that was speaking to Celestine...

“... Shit...”

Chapter Text

“Lady Celestine, I am warning you-...”

The guard was cut off, “Lieutenant Piers, you and your guards were requested only because the association council insisted I bring extra protection to this meeting after they heard some incriminating reports. That doesn’t mean our guest has anything to do with those reports, however.” Celestine argued in a gentle tone.

“Doesn’t have...!” He started to shout but took a breath, “Please Lady Celestine, I understand this situation has a personal connection to you, but you can’t seriously tell me that you’ve ever even heard of a horned demon before! The reports have to be about the same freak! You and your healers saw mine and my men’s injuries from last night, so you should know with certainty that freak is dangerous!”

“I won’t give these reports credence until I meet them myself. I know very well of the reputation that surrounds you and some of your soldiers. Given your disposition I admit that I am inclined to believe you may have had an encounter with our mysterious guest as you say... But given your reputation I have plenty of reason to believe any incident may have been started by you, and any number of the additional rumors could have been falsified.” Her voice now carried the same tone of an angry mother scolding an unruly child.

“Whatever other rumors there are, you can’t seriously think a squad of guards and a few mages will be enough to deal with that freak! I’m warning you for your own sake, Lady Celestine!”

Of course, despite their hushed tones, Diablo could hear their argument before they even entered, and he swallowed hard. Why did it have to be this guy? I really haven’t done anything, honestly! I mean I did traumatize a few guards but it wasn’t my fault, they were going to attack me first just for being a demon! And what other rumors are there about me? Who’s the asshole blaming me for stuff I haven’t done!? At least that Celestine woman seems to be reasonable... She’s being cautious, which makes sense, but it seems she’d rather just have a peaceful discussion. She seems like a diplomatic lady, I can work with this. He sighed in his own head, Yeah, diplomacy, I can do this.

“I did not expect the head of an organization such as the mage’s association to be so enthralled in childish arguments she wouldn’t be able to recognize her invited guests arrived.” Diablo screamed in his own mind, Why did I just say that!? What about diplomacy!? I was wrong, I can’t do this!

Even both of the girls were frozen in shock, looking at him like they were ready to scream.

Though suddenly seeming to be embraced with the aura of a saint to Diablo’s eyes, Celestine wasn’t bothered in the slightest, “Oh, my apologies, I didn’t hear you come in! Ah, I’m already leaving an impression of being a rude host!” She put a hand to her cheek as if embarrassed, “Please, excuse me.” She turned away from the guard she had called Piers and moved to invite them in.

Piers’s eyes fell on Diablo, and the man seemed to be holding his breath, I guess I did say something like not to breathe near me last time... I should try and defuse the situation, a twitchy guard will just be a problem.

Now, smile, and apologize... Diablo’s lips curled into a feral grin, “I see the clown is here as well, have you come to grace everyone with another performance?” What am I doing!? It’s like my mouth has a mind of it’s own! That’s it, I should just stop talking, just don’t say anything unless I have to! “I understand your desire to be cautious, head mage, but perhaps you should reconsider the help.” Why am I still talking... Diablo wept in his mind.

“How dare you!” One of the mages next to Celestine shouted, “To speak to Lady Celestine that way! Though I should expect such behavior from an uncivilized de-...!”

“Galluk!” Celestine quickly interjected, “That is enough!” The loud mage she called Galluk quickly went quiet, “So then the report was accurate? You had a confrontation with Lieutenant Piers and his men?” She looked to Diablo.

“L-Lady Celestine!” Piers suddenly spoke up with a crack in his voice, “I-It was my men and I who confronted the fr- the demon!” He cleared his throat, “I saw a demon with a strange appearance wandering the market streets late at night and quickly made an assumption without following proper procedure! Th-The demon only responded in self-defense!” His eyes shifted to Diablo, as if looking for approval, when he didn’t get any angry look in response, he continued, “I admit my report was not as thorough as it should have been, it was my fear of losing my position that made me hesitate!”

“I see. I appreciate your honesty, but I am certain you understand that I will need to report this incident to your commander.”

“Y-Yes of course, I understand!” Once more Piers’s gaze found Diablo, and relief seemed to relax his shoulders just slightly when the demon lord in question didn’t speak, and didn’t look offended.

As for the demon lord in question, Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Was running through his mind, desperate not to say anything else that would escalate things.

Celestine turned to them once more, “I’m truly sorry for my subordinate’s behavior, I do my best to remain impartial, but it can be difficult to correct those who have spent their lives believing certain things. I may be the head of our association, but there are many decisions made by council.”

Shutupshutupshutupshutupshutup!

Rem quickly moved in front of Diablo, “I-It’s okay Celes! We understand, seriously, and we won’t hold it against you.” She looked to Diablo, “Right?”

Crap, she’s expecting me to say something, right? Okay, focus, don’t be combative. “Tsk. If I held such behavior in any regard, both of them would already have ceased to exist.” Th-That wasn’t bad, right?

“You’re rather blunt, aren’t you?” She gave a courteous laugh, “I sincerely apologize for the delay caused by this debate, please, join me.” She gestured to the single table they had set up.

Rem and Shera both sat down, Diablo’s eyes lingered a moment on the hidden magic trap under the table, but he opted to sit down as well, paying no mind to Celestine’s curious gaze.

“Allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Celestine Baudelaire, head of Faltra’s mage’s association.” Wow even after all that she can easily maintain such a polite tone, I don’t stand a chance.

“I’m Shera L. Greenwood! Summoner in training and Rem’s new best friend!” Shera happily introduced herself.

“I-I never said that!” Rem protested with a blush.

Celestine gave them both a warm smile, She doesn’t seem like me being rude would set her off, but that mage and some of the guards look like they’re itching to jump me, so I should really think about what I’ll say before I open my uncontrollable mouth. “Diablo, you should introduce yourself too.” Shera whispered after realizing he was staying quiet.

“I am Diablo, the one true demon lord.” Oh no! I went and said it anyway! What is wrong with me!?

Rem froze, Celestine looked shocked, most of the guards’ weapons were drawn, and both of the mages prepared to cast. Shera just looked confused as to why everyone was so upset.

Celestine and the guards had come prepared to deal with a powerful sorcerer if need be, but not a demon lord... Was such a thing even possible? And why would Rem divulge so little information about him? She didn’t tell her exactly what had happened to cause the summoning to go wrong, and she definitely left out that they were dealing with a demon lord.

I’m sure I can take these guys easy, b-but I really shouldn’t! I need to defuse the situation, come on Diablo, say something that will settle their nerves! He gave a low chuckle, as if amused, “Do you really believe the likes of you can threaten me? I had intended to end this meeting peacefully, so I would suggest not doing anything to change my mind.”

Celestine seemed to be weighing her options, seeking the best course of action... If he was being honest about his identity, then she could only hope he was also being honest about his intent to end things peacefully.

Celestine cleared her throat, “As the one who manages the barrier, can you perhaps tell me how a demon lord was able to step through it without notice?”

Diablo tilted his head slightly, “Your barrier might keep monsters and fallen at bay, but do you truly believe them anywhere near the level of a demon lord? Even those weaklings who dare call themselves demon lords would likely only feel a little inconvenience, if that, passing through the barrier. So naturally for the true demon lord, if I hadn’t seen it for myself, I would not have even noticed it when these two brought me here.” He paused for a moment, I really just talked a lot of smack, I should settle her worries a little bit, right? “Of course, that being said... For mere mortals, this barrier is quite an impressive display, it is little wonder it has stood the test of time. I must admit I was impressed such weak creatures managed such a thing when I first arrived.”

“I see, it pains me a bit to know it wouldn’t so much as slow down a demon lord, but I am happy you think so highly of it.” She sighed, “That being the case, I assume you noticed it then, yes?” She didn’t want to give away what she meant in case he was bluffing, so she only looked down towards the magic trap that was set.

“Of course. I assume your next question would be regarding its effectiveness...” She nodded, “The answer is no, it would not work. I respect your preparation, but even if I allowed it to be activated, it is too low quality to hold me for more than an instant.” He closed his eyes and gave a sigh, “However, to prove my intentions, or lack thereof, I will tell you that if you had prepared a higher quality one with multiple layers, you would successfully trap me at least long enough to flee. And it is unlikely that I would pursue.”

“I see, I will take that into consideration next time then.” Wait, what the hell do you mean “next time”!? “I appreciate your honesty so far, I hope you don’t mind maintaining that honesty when I ask you a few questions.”

“There is no point in lying to people who could never oppose me. Only weaklings and cowards rely on such things.”

“Very well then. First I want to ask Rem something.”

“W-What is it...?” Rem flinched.

“Yesterday, why didn’t you tell me that you had summoned a demon lord?”

“I...!” She took a moment, and looked at Diablo nervously, “I... He told us his identity immediately but... To be honest, I didn’t believe him at the time...” Well that hurts a little bit, but I can understand, I wouldn’t believe me either. In fact I wouldn’t have stuck around, I would have written me of as crazy and run away.

“But you believe it now?” Celestine questioned.

“Yes... After what happened at the inn, it has to be...”

Celestine’s brow furrowed, “So those reports of an earthquake, you’re suggesting Diablo caused it?”

“Yes, due to the difference in this world’s mana, I made a miscalculation and allowed too much of my own to seep out. No damage was caused, however if anyone sensitive to mana was nearby it may have given them quite a fright.” Diablo briefly explained, “It was not my intention.”

Celestine paused in thought for a moment, “I suppose if your mana is so great as to cause an earthquake, then there would be no reason for you to not just kill me right now to destroy the barrier.” Actually, Celestine needing to be alive for the barrier to remain never even crossed my mind. Is she insane? Only preparing this much when meeting with a completely unknown power?

“I admit I am not sure if I should praise your bravery or admonish your stupidity for meeting with someone whose intentions you do not know.” The mage she called Galluk seemed to be glaring at him even harder, if that was possible, with that comment.

“The council agreed with you on that, that is why they insisted my escort be improved for this meeting. But we could not have imagined what sort of being we would be meeting, in all of Faltra, only the General himself would be able to easily deal with this force.”

“Is that so? Then I am a bit curious to meet this General of yours.”

“Of course with all that being said, I’d like to get to the heart of the matter.” Her gaze sharpened, “Why did you enslave these girls?”

“Celes! I already told you it was-...!”

“Rem please. I want to believe that it was simply an accident, I do. But there is no way for us to prove that you and Shera were not given orders to claim that is the case.”

“I see. I understand your suspicions, even if you insult me by believing this demon lord would lower himself to petty plots reserved only for weaklings.” He scoffed, “I have an innate ability to reflect magic, it is not something I do by choice. So when these two attempted to bind me the spell was reflected.” Celestine’s eyes went wide and she reeled back a little in shock, magic reflection was an ability only ever seen in possession of the demon lord Enkvarios. Then this whole time Diablo truly was being honest? “I came with them to you in hopes you would know the method for removing this binding spell.”

“So you won’t- or can’t release them?” She asked.

Diablo shook his head, “I admit that I am rather unfamiliar with summoning magic, why would a demon lord waste his time on such a thing? I had considered destroying the collars, but it seems the mana of the collars is infused throughout their bodies, if I were to attempt to destroy them at best the girl’s mana internal would be annihilated, crippling their abilities, at worst they would themselves be wholly annihilated.” Just combine what I know about mana and some talking out of my ass and it sounds really believable!

“How interesting...” She muttered, “I’m afraid I do not know of a method to remove a summoner’s bind either.” She sighed.

“So a summoner who considers herself high level, and the head of the mage’s association both do not know how to remove their own magic? How disappointingly incompetent...”

Galluk, who looked ready to explode, finally opened his mouth once more, “How dare you! You are lucky Lady Celestine is even having this meeting! We could just have you killed and that would remove the spell!”

“Galluk...!”

Diablo tilted his head, “Oh? Is that so?”

Piers suddenly gasped and flinched away, shaking in his boots, “S-Stand down! E-Everyone! Th-Those are the same eyes I saw just before...”

“Shut up! For an officer of the guard, you’re such a coward!” Galluk snapped.

Glowing red eyes locked onto Galluk, their owner still sitting, “Are you threatening me?” He asked low.

“Galluk! I won’t warn you again!” Celestine tried.

Galluk slammed his staff on the ground twice, and in an instant the assassin was on Diablo, her dagger against his throat, though his expression didn’t shift at all.

“Not so tough now, are you!? You talk all that shit but you didn’t even know we had an assassin!” Galluk boasted.

Celestine was tense, even she was unsure how to react in this situation, but if Agnes, the assassin hired by the council, did kill Diablo here and now, the problem of the collars would be resolved... But if she was unsuccessful, they’d likely only piss off a very powerful force. She could only bite her lip, desperately trying to come up with the best option.

Diablo, eyes still glowing, but seeming unfazed if not angry, spoke up, “I had known of your assassin before entering. I simply did not perceive them as a threat.” He turned his head slightly, just enough for his eyes to be able to meet the assassin, “Go on. Cut my throat, if you can.”

He could see her jaw tense through her mask, she was in the business long enough to know the difference between bluffing and truth... And this Diablo hadn’t bluffed once... But her business was a dying breed, she needed this payout from the council. So with a sharp breath she put everything into her strike and slit the demon’s throat.

Only, there was no blood, no wound, no reaction as if he had been hurt... Only a chipped dagger as if she had tried to drag it against a much stronger steel. She froze and stared at her dagger in both fear and awe, before suddenly a hand wrapped around her throat and she was lifted into the air, and she was now level with a pair of glowing red eyes.

“Do you understand now why I paid you no mind?”

She let out a gasp before stabbing her chipped dagger into his arm, but the blade only shattered into several pieces with a clang as if she were striking armor rather than flesh.

She choked and drool began to drip from her open and gasping mouth as the grip on her throat increased slightly, “You still don’t get it, do you? I admire mortals who are brave, but not those who are stupid. Do you believe you are worth not being crushed here and now?”

Celestine quickly lifted her staff, “Negare!”

The magic trap below Diablo activated, causing him to drop Agnes as a bubble of golden light encased him. Agnes was on the floor coughing and gasping to catch her breath, while Celestine was wide eyed and shaking slightly. They had definitely offended a powerful force...

Inside the trap, Diablo looked to Celestine, and suddenly his mana flared just enough that the golden bubble violently cracked before exploding apart, “Very well then.” He reached behind himself and pulled out his staff, “Be honored that you will learn a lesson from Lord Diablo, personally.”

“N-No don’t!”

“That’s really bad!”

Suddenly Rem was between him and Celestine, her arms out as if to block him, and Shera had suddenly wrapped herself around his right arm.

“You can’t! Celes is important for Faltra!” Shera insisted as she hugged his arm tighter.

“I know Celes, she would never hire an assassin or go around with a rude jerk like Galluk! It had to have been the council forcing her!” Rem defended.

Diablo blinked and the red glow in his eyes was completely gone, “I cannot put my staff away if you don’t let go of my arm, Shera.”

“O-Oh!” She quickly let go with a blush, “S-Sorry.”

He stowed his staff and relaxed his posture, “Even if those that acted rashly are not here under your orders, you should do a better job reeling them in.”

Offended a powerful figure, but it seemed he actually was somewhat loyal to Rem and Shera, “You’re right, please forgive my incompetence. They will both be properly dealt with later.” She let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding, “If you had any ill will or had given the girls orders, I doubt they both would have jumped in to try and stop you. I hope you understand that I cannot trust you unconditionally, but I will at least trust that all you have said today has been the truth.”

I mean, as true as it can be... The actual truth of the situation is way too crazy to believe.

Rem let out a sigh, “I told you it was kind of complicated, Celes.”

“You’re right, I truly understand what you meant by that now. There is one last thing I would like to ask you, Diablo.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you back down when Rem and Shera asked you to? You don’t seem the type to back down easily.”

“I had promised the two of them that I would lend them my power to grant whatever their wish may be. It may sound strange to a mortal, but I am a man of my word.” I mean, that’s true, but I also really just want to protect them both! If I was the one who made either of them cry my heart might break!

She blinked in surprise, “I see, I think I understand.” She cleared her throat, “With that being said, you were right, even the association does not know how to remove the magic placed on summoned beings. However, I do have a contact that might know more about your situation, I will reach out to her for advice, thought it might take a while for her to get back to me, she’s a traveler of sorts.”

“Very well then. If this contact of yours has a solution, I will lend my aid.” He looked to the girls who had sat back down, “Is that alright with you?”

Shera rose a hand in the air as if she had a pompom in it and was cheering, “Yup! I don’t mind waiting! The longer these collars are on the longer you’re both stuck with me, hehe!” Cute... But that’s kind of a depressing take on it, isn’t it?

“Whatever. Collars or no collars, you’ll still fulfill our requests when we tell you them, right?” Diablo nodded, “Then that’s all that matters, I guess I don’t mind being stuck with you both longer.” Rem blushed lightly.

Celes smiled lightly, perhaps the demon lord Diablo was friendlier than he seemed, he certainly seemed to hold the pair in high regards, “I’m happy to know Rem has such a powerful ally for the time being then, she’s like a little sister to me.” Man this lady really is good at quickly swinging the atmosphere in whichever direction, isn’t she? “Rem, when you’re not busy, I hope we can have a chat, just the two of us.”

Rem’s ears dropped slightly, “Fine...”

Celestine gave a light bow, “Thank you for meeting with me so suddenly, hopefully our next meeting won’t be so eventful.” She held out a hand towards the door, “We will stay behind to return this tavern to how it should be so the owner can open it tonight.”

“Thanks, I guess, Celes.” Rem huffed as she stood up.

Shera gave a cheery wave to the group as they left, Diablo simply giving a curt nod as he followed the girls out of the tavern.

“A peaceful demon lord with abilities similar to Enkvarios... What could this mean?” Diablo heard Celestine mutter as they left.

Shera let out a huge sigh, “Wow! That was so tense! I was really worried for a second there!”

“Yeah...” Rem slowly looked to Diablo, “Me too. But thanks for not doing anything, I guess.”

“She and her followers learned an important lesson either way, I would say.” Diablo offered.

“Everything worked out, so it’s okay!” Shera said cheerily, “More importantly, we’re going to register at the adventurer’s guild now, right?”

“Right, that’s our last stop today.” Rem nodded.

Diablo allowed his thoughts to wander as he followed the girls, That’s the second time I felt like that... If Rem and Shera didn’t step in would I have actually attacked Celestine? I really don’t know. I seriously don’t know what I would have done and it scares me... Am I really just getting too caught up in the roleplay?

Chapter Text

“I’m so excited! I bet I’ll at least be level sixty!” Shera skipped as they approached the guild.

“Don’t be an idiot, I’m level fifty there’s no way you’ll be even close to my level. You’ll be lucky to get level ten.” Rem snorted.

“I’m serious! When I was a little girl the guild in the elf kingdom ranked me at level fifty!” She puffed up her cheeks.

“Yeah right! You couldn’t even summon one creature!”

“Uhm... Well I ranked level fifty as an archer...” She blushed.

Rem scoffed, “Of course you did, stupid elves are only good at one thing after all.”

Now that I think about it, there never were any mage class elf NPCs in the game. They were pretty popular to play as magic classes for the fantasy roleplay aspect, but I guess in this world elves have no talent for magic. But from what I’ve seen so far this world is really low leveled... So wouldn’t fifty at a young age be really impressive? “Even if your talent for magic is extremely lacking, is level fifty at the age of a child not impressive for your kind?”

“I-I guess it is, hehe.” Shera blushed.

“Tch, fine, she must be a really good archer. Not that it’s a surprise.”

“If your talent as an archer is so high, why did you choose a path you have no ability for with summoning?” Diablo questioned.

“Well...” She looked down, blushing lightly as she tapped her index fingers together, “Because summoners can summon lots of friends, and I didn’t want to adventure alone.”

If Shera was surrounded by friends back home, why would she set off alone? She must be a loner too, thought not a willing one if she’s always mentioning wanting fast friends. Poor Shera, being alone because you want to is very different then being alone because you’re forced to. A bubbly girl like her not having any friends is just wrong!

“We can unpack that later.” Rem cleared her throat, “Let’s get the registration over with.”

“Right!” Shera threw open the door then paused, “Oh! Diablo, can I go first? Pleeease?”

Diablo blinked, “Why would being the first to register at a mortal guild matter to me?” She really is excited.

“Yes!” She rushed inside.

“Wrong counter.” Rem called out to her in a bored tone, but there was a small smile on her face.

“Oh!” Shera moved back and looked around, “Erhm... Which is it?”

“Magic jobs register over there.” Rem pointed, “The clerk in blue.”

“Thanks Rem!” And Shera rushed over to the correct clerk.

“You’re hiding that expression again.” Diablo pointed out as they moved to stand behind Shera who was excitedly telling the clerk all about how she was going to register as a summoner.

Rem jumped slightly at him suddenly talking directly to her, “W-What are you talking about?”

“You seem the sort to always hide their feelings. But you’ve looked content and even happy more and more around Shera. You’ve been enjoying her company.”

“I...” She blushed, “She’s loud, and annoying... But, it’s nice.”

“Shera may be the one always mentioning wanting to travel with friends, but something tells me you two are very similar in the regard, though your reasons for being alone atop the tower may differ.”

“What about you? You’re not bound to us, you’re way stronger than us, you can leave whenever. But you’re still helping us.” She looked up at him, “I was scared when you almost attacked Celes, I thought no one would be able to stop you if you did. But you listened anyway.”

I didn’t really even properly register what I was doing, but for some reason looking at the girls’ panicked faces sort of just woke my brain back up. He closed his eyes, “Your company... I don’t dislike it.”

“Rem! Diablo!” Shera stopped any continuation, “Bleu is gonna take us to where they test magic users! Let’s go!”

The clerk offered a small bow, “Please come with me, we keep each test in a separate area so the adventurers being tested don’t get distracted and skew their results.”

The group followed Bleu who led them to the second floor of the guild building, past a large loft with a few doors, likely offices and other test rooms, and through one particular door. The room they entered had a large desk with several papers scattered about, a small waiting area, and a single large mirror that was cloudy beyond use.

It’s kind of exciting, I get to see how they test levels in this world!

“First both of you please come over to the desk to fill out the registration form.”

Shera stuck her tongue out in concentration as she carefully filled out the form, Diablo glanced down at the form taking in the strange symbols he had never seen before... Only to realize he had seen them before.

He blinked a few times, Wait, I can read it. Urgh, it’ll never not be dizzying just sort of suddenly understanding things I wouldn’t have before. But... Why would Diablo know this world’s language? A lot of games out there come up with symbols for signs and such you might see, sure, but Cross Revere never bothered with that. All the text was displayed in the server’s region, and when NPCs referenced language it was always based on that too, in the JP servers NPCs always said they spoke Japanese, and so on. There was never even any implication that the game’s world had its own language... So why would I know it? He grabbed a quill, Maybe it was something the developers just never bothered to mention, I shouldn’t waste energy thinking about something so trivial. I have maxed out INT so of course I can read the language... Wait... Have we not been speaking Japanese this whole time!? Now he was having a quiet existential crisis as he filled out the form, he looked to the bottom of the page where it asked for his signature, Watashinonamaeha, Diablo. No... Is that right? W-Why does my own native language sound foreign to me? In my own head? Could it be that if I can understand things Diablo should... I forget things he shouldn’t...? I’m... S-... My name was... Diablo. No, no! That’s not right! I can’t... Why can’t I remember my own name? For the first time his physical composure didn’t remain flawless, he had locked in place, his brow furrowed, his eyes moving slightly as if trying to process something unknowable. Did I always look like this? No... I can’t remember my name or what exactly I looked like, but I know for sure I’m not... Or I guess, I didn’t used to be Diablo, Diablo was my character in a game. I really must be forgetting things that it wouldn’t make sense for Diablo- or, me to remember. It makes sense but, it also makes me uneasy... Is my old identity slipping away from me? What does that mean for...-

“Uhm. Hello? Earth to Diablo.” Rem called out, snapping him out of his spiral.

He blinked and his head snapped to her, “What is it?”

“You just froze, like a statue. You looked lost in something.”

He cleared his throat, “I was simply wondering how this place could possibly test my magic ability without leveling the building.”

“Oh, the process isn’t dangerous, I assure you! Don’t worry, I’ll explain how it works as soon as we get your blood seal so we can begin.” Bleu assured.

Blood seal? Diablo looked at the paper, there was certainly a space next to the signature box for one, Oh, of course. But can I really intentionally cut myself?

Bleu handed him a small dagger, “Don’t worry, I gave it a thorough cleaning after Shera used it.”

Since I’m the one doing it, it shouldn’t break the dagger like earlier, right?

He carefully glided his thumb down the dagger’s edge, he certainly felt it split his skin, but not a single drop of blood fell from it, the cut already healed the moment he pulled the dagger away. He blinked at his own thumb, You’ve got to be kidding... At least it really didn’t hurt at all, but was the Distorted Crown’s regeneration always this strong? Or did it get better since it’s a character passive now that they’re real?

With a slight sigh, he slid his thumb along the edge once more, adding just a little pressure this time, hoping to make the cut bigger. But once again, the wound had closed before he could use it for the seal. His eyebrow twitched in annoyance and all three girls had crowded around to look at his completely unwounded thumb.

“Woow! I didn’t know you had regeneration too, Diablo!” Shera gazed in amazement.

“Are you sure you’re not a tank?” Rem snorted.

“I know Rouge has had some durable melee classes come through her registration station before, but nothing like this.” Bleu was in awe.

With a sigh of annoyance Diablo adjusted how he was holding the blade, putting his thumb to its tip instead, practically impaling his own thumb.

The three girls did a combination of gasps and shrieks and quickly backed away as he pressed the bleeding wound to the parchment. In that moment it had already closed enough to leave a blood seal that was only a bit bigger than it should be, and when he lifted his thumb the wound was already completely gone.

“Will that suffice?”

“Y-Yes of course.” Bleu took the form and looked it over before giving an approving nod and placing it in a neat stack, “Alright, if you’ll step over here I’ll explain the process.”

“What’s with this mirror?” Shera questioned.

“That’s the tool we use to test magic levels.” Bleu smiled, “It’s a very special mirror, it’s designed to only to show a reflection based on how much mana is poured into it. We look at your reflection and based on how much is reflected as well as things like clarity and detail we can discern your level. Of course we can only determine what level you are based on how much mana you can use, I like to remind people that levels and skill level are not the same thing for mages.”

“A wise observation.” Diablo nodded, “I admit I am eager to see this test in action. You wanted to go first, right Shera?”

“Yes! Thank you!”

Bleu gave a small laugh, “Alright then Shera, all you need to do is place your hand on the mirror and focus all the mana you possibly can into it!”

“Right!” She nodded, but simply stared at the mirror for a while.

“It’s okay if you’re nervous!” Bleu tried.

“Uhm, n-no it’s not that!” She waved her hands, “Well, I mean I am a bit nervous but... I’ve never used magic before, how do I, you know...”

“You don’t know how to channel your mana? I guess that explains why you couldn’t do the summoning ritual.” Rem noted.

“Elves don’t usually practice magic, so we aren’t really taught how...” She looked down.

“Well, it’s mostly instinctual for mages so I don’t know how someone would teach it.” Rem sighed, “Maybe you’ll have to sign up as an archer after all.”

Shera’s ears seemed to droop.

Suddenly, Diablo placed a finger to her chest, near her sternum, “This, is where the concentration of your mana resides, for most people it is here, close to their hearts, but how that mana looks and feels is different for everyone.” Shera blushed, but waited for him to continue, “Your mana is a green and pink color, innocent, and warm. Close your eyes.” Shera did as he asked, “Focus on that sensation, warmth, innocence, feel it in your chest.”

Shera concentrated hard, “It’s like... Like a warm breeze through the leaves of the forest trees and the sun is shining just right. It’s beautiful.”

“Good, now reach out to that sensation, but slowly for now.” Her eyes still closed, Shera lifted up her hands to her chest as if to grab something, “Can you feel it?”

“Yes, I can feel it in my hands, it seems so delicate.”

“Don’t worry it’s not as fragile as it seems. Now I want you to carefully but firmly grasp it in one hand, go as slow as you need.”

Slowly her hand flattened onto her own chest, “I-I’ve got it. It’s like holding a little bunny, I don’t want to hurt it.”

“It’s alright.” Diablo’s hand gentle feel onto hers, “From here I can help you, move with my hand, slowly.” Shera nodded, “Slowly guide that warm feeling in your hand towards your shoulder. Very good. Now drag it down your arm. Do you feel it now, on the palm of your dominant hand?”

“I do! I feel my mana in my hand!”

“Good work, now you can lift that hand to the mirror and let that feeling flow from your fingers into the mirror.”

“R-Right!”

With a deep breath Shera followed his instructions, and her reflection began to form, “I-I did it!”

“Oh wow! I can see most of your torso and make out each strand of hair and some pores, based on this your level as a mage is thirty!”

“O-Only thirty? Aw man!”

Rem pat her on the back, “I told you, you couldn’t be as high level as me. But don’t be too disappointed, for someone just starting you couldn’t even focus your mana, level thirty is really good.”

“That makes me feel better, thank you Rem!” Shera hugged her, “Oh, but I really should be thanking Diablo for teaching me how to do it!”

“With some practice the method will become instant.” Diablo looked away.

“Honestly I’m really surprised, that was a really gentle teaching method. I wouldn’t have expected that from you.” Rem jabbed, “Though I wouldn’t have taken you for a teacher in the first place.”

Really I just combined what I know about mana with my ability to see and feel mana, using my own seems to come pretty natural to me. But I do feel it sometimes sort of moving through me. He willed away the blush that was threatening to show, “I know more about magic and mana then you could imagine.” He brushed Rem off.

“Well with knowledge like that then I must say I’m eager to see your placement.” Bleu smiled, “You’re up next.”

“Very well then.”

I am really curious to see what the guild says my level is, it should be one hundred fifty, that was the cap in the game.

Diablo placed his hand on the mirror and poured his mana into it...

Dark energy crackled from the mirror’s surface, before suddenly growing violent, the mirror filled with darkness, energy violently cracking from it, and the building began to shake.

“Wh-What’s happening!?” The girls panicked.

Diablo looked closer at the mirror, the darkness had moved and taken shape, he was beginning to see what was most certainly a figure.

But what he saw wasn’t his reflection, at least it couldn’t be...

The darkness shifted into a shape wreathed in cold fiery mana, a shape with difficult to discern features, and yet too many horns, too many limbs reflecting the way Diablo touched the mirror, when piercing red slits were reflected back at him, Diablo quickly ripped his hand away. What the hell was that? It seemed dangerous...

As soon as he pulled away from the mirror, the shaking stopped, the darkness quickly fading, he turned to look at Bleu who at some point had joined Rem and Shera in a three-way huddle, “And how would you rate that?” He asked, keeping his tone as nonchalant as possible.

“Wh-... I-I...” She stammered.

Suddenly the door flew open, “What in God’s name was that!?” A young woman’s voice demanded.

Chapter Text

“G-Guild master!” Bleu called out, releasing Rem and Shera.

The pink haired Grasswalker rushed over to Bleu, reaching up to cup her face in either hand, “Are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine guild master, it was frightening, but that was all.” She let out a heavy breath.

“I could only tell that it seemed to come from in here, what was that? I’ve never felt anything like it.”

“W-Well we were doing the registration test, and when one of our applicants used the mirror it went crazy!”

The Grasswalker’s analyzing eyes narrowed, “Is that so?” She looked to Diablo, “That was you then?”

“And if it was?” I’m not in trouble, am I?

“Then I’d like to invite you to my office for a private chat. If you don’t mind.” Her tone had suddenly shifted from suspicious, possibly hostile, to respectful, “Your party members are welcome as well, of course.”

He turned to look at Rem and Shera, “And?”

Both girls looked at each other for a moment, surprise on both their faces, “If one of the three most influential people in Faltra asks to have a meeting, I think it’d be crazy to say no. No matter how strong you are.” Rem pointed out.

“Oh? I was not aware the Adventurer’s Guild held so much sway. Very well then, I will allow it.”

“I appreciate it, if you would follow me, we’ll discuss in my office.”

“Uhm, guild master... What should I do with the application?”

“Give it here.” She held out her hand, “I think I should process this one personally. Unless you think you can rank him based on what happened.” She grinned tauntingly.

Bleu vigorously shook her head.

“This way please.” The Grasswalker smiled.

“Rem. Shera.” Diablo called as he followed her.

“R-Right!” Both quickly followed behind.

--

The office they were led to was rather impressive, there of course was a huge desk littered with documents, but there was even a large and elegant sitting area. Two plush and expensive looking couches with green fabric and golden embroidery sat on either side of a rather posh looking coffee table, flanking the couches were two equally fancy and plush chairs, the sitting area was completed with the elegant and luxurious marble fireplace that was intricately carved.

Damn. Diablo mentally whistled, I was sort of expecting something rough, pelts all over the place, a desk covered in messy completed quest documents, something more... Adventurer-like. Instead I feel like I stepped into someone’s very rich grandma’s house.

“Please, take a seat.” The Grasswalker invited as she sat on one of the couches.

I almost feel bad sitting on this, everything feels like it should be covered in plastic.

Diablo slumped down on the opposite couch, after a moment’s hesitation, both girls sat on either side of him on the same couch.

“You must be Diablo, right?” She asked sharply.

“Is it customary for you to take people to your office and question them without introducing yourself first?” Diablo asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

“Oh gosh! You’re right, I was so eager to meet you I completely forgot my manners!” Again she switched back to a friendly persona, “My name’s Sylvie, I’m the leader of the Faltra Adventurer’s Guild. Nice to meet ’cha!”

“It sems no introductions are necessary from us.” Diablo noted.

“Right! I haven’t read your application yet, but from your looks and that freak-out display I already know who you are.”

“Have rumors really spread that fast?” Rem questioned.

Sylvie laughed, “I’ve certainly heard some rumors, but I don’t take much stock in those. The Mage’s Association actually sent over a messenger earlier, Celes knew your party would be headed my way and wanted to give me a heads up. You guys beat the messenger here though, he only just left when you almost brought the building down.” She waved her hands.

“I see.”

“Her letter was pretty interesting, so I have to ask.” Her expression was suddenly sharp again, “What’s a demon lord doing at my guild?”

Of course her tone and sharp expression were only met with Diablo’s own narrowed eyes and malice seeping into his voice, “If that woman told you about me, then you certainly know provoking me is not a wise choice.”

“Are you threatening me when you don’t even know how I fight?” She continued.

There was a flicker of red in Diablo’s eyes, “Are you suggesting you could fight me?”

Rem quickly jumped up, “Sylvie please! Don’t provoke him! You know you can’t take him, and we’ve dealt with enough drama for one day.”

Sylvie backed down immediately with a laugh, “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. There was just something I wanted to confirm is all.” She put her hands up in surrender.

Diablo let out a sigh and sat back against the couch, “I meant what I said though, I really was curious what a demon lord of all things is doing registering at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Is money not essential for living amongst mortals?”

Sylvie blinked, “Eh...?”

“Would you prefer I use my power to simply take what I need?”

Sylvie blinked again, “Pfft...” And broke into laughter, “Wow! No one would ever believe this!” She laughed, “A demon lord trying to live like an adventurer!” She wiped away a tear from laughing so hard, “Whew! If it weren’t for the mana test, I don’t know if I’d even believe Celes’s letter now that I’ve met you.”

Diablo clicked his tongue in annoyance, “Why would I turn everything that could be useful to me to ash just to prove my might? Truly those weaklings who dare call themselves “demon lords” deserve to be punished for tarnishing my name.”

He only barely noticed the way Rem suddenly sat up straight and looked at him wide eyed with that declaration, Is she worried or something? Though I guess if we’re a party now me saying something like that would affect them too... I should try and be a little more careful when running my mouth. Not that I seem to be able to stop the words coming out most the time...

“I never thought I’d see something like this.” Sylvie marveled, “Are you seriously willing to go after the other demon lords?”

“What do you think happened to Enkvarios?” He said with a sinister grin.

Though his hands almost flew up to cover his own mouth, I didn’t...! That just fell out! Did I actually say that?

Sylvie’s eyes grew wide, “What are you suggesting...?”

Wait, she didn’t ask who Enkvarios was... And I heard Celes mutter something about him earlier... So are even the demon lords in this world the same? I need to probe for information on this without saying anything else stupid.

“What do you think I am suggesting?” He asked back with a grin.

“It was before I was born, but from what I read and have heard... Thirty years ago Demon Lord Enkvarios awakened and went on a rampage, nations banded together and were able to halt his armies, but no one could defeat Enkvarios himself. Then one day he just vanished... Some people reported they saw a lone adventurer but no one who claimed that could give any description of them.” Rem pondered, “Diablo, are you saying that you...?”

I mean I was the first to beat him solo in the game so it’s not exactly wrong... Just how much do events in this world match the game? If it was thirty years ago this world must be way ahead, because it was thirty... He blinked, No... Ah, I must be getting mixed up in my head thinking about other numbers. It was less than two years ago when the event was in the game.

“As Celes said...” Sylvie muttered to herself, “A demon lord with abilities exactly like Enkvarios...” She eyed Diablo, but demon lords awakened in a cycle, it was possible for more than one to be active at once if one was awake long enough, but it took at least fifty years for a defeated demon lord to recover and reawaken. So he couldn’t be Enkvarios returning with another name... Again she laughed, but this time it was more of a laugh in shock at the situation, “Yeah. I believe you. Seriously, I don’t doubt for a second you’re the one who took out Enkvarios. I don’t know why you did it, but I guess I should say thanks. And don’t worry.” She rose a finger to her lips, “I won’t tell anyone.”

“I would expect nothing less from a woman of your position. But those matters are not what we are here for.”

“Right, right.” She lifted up the application and gave it a once over before letting out a sigh, “To be honest, I don’t really know what to do with you.”

“I get why you’re hesitant to trust a demon lord, but...” Rem started.

But Sylvie quickly interjected by raising a hand, “It’s not that. Well I mean, I have no idea what to make of having a demon lord as a guild member... But the problem is that we can’t possibly determine his level.”

“How come that matters? You know Diablo is super strong!” Shera pointed out.

“Well honestly that’s just one problem... Sure I could fudge the paperwork and just list you as a level that can take any quest. But would you really be fine with taking orders from someone weaker than you?”

“They would be requests not orders.” Diablo corrected, “Aside from that, why would I care so long as the quests pay out?”

She ruffled her own hair in minor frustration, “Argh... The other thing is that the guild master is chosen on a performance system of sorts. I might be getting up there but I still have an image to keep as guild master, you know? If people see that someone way stronger than me is doing quests instead of taking my position, they might start thinking its up for grabs. Get what I mean?”

Diablo tilted his head to one side slightly, “So are you saying you are not strong enough to shut down those that would oppose?”

She now ruffled her hair with both hands, “Uugh, acting like a person or not I guess a demon lord is still a demon lord. But what am I going to do? Tell you no? I don’t want my office burned down!”

“I have no interest in running an organization, is that not enough to satisfy your people? So long as there are rewards being given from the requests, I will have no complaints.” I think I get why she’s so worried. I don’t know what I’d do for money if she said no though. He thought back to the strange sensation that welled inside him three times now, If whatever that feeling has been would even let her say no... Though I feel like its only a response to a challenge, maybe... I hope.

She sighed before sitting up straight again, “I suppose we have been in need of higher level adventurers recently. I’ve got a small pile that’s been growing of quests that I can’t give to anyone below level eighty, and it’s a pain to go through the processes to get the General involved.” She walked over to her desk and grabbed a fountain pen, “I still don’t know what to put down for your level though... You’re for sure above level one hundred, but people that reach one hundred are already pretty rare, someone that surpasses it would raise a lot of red flags if the capital were to run an inspection on our guild while you’re here. Heck most people don’t know it’s even possible to surpass one hundred, it’s that rare.”

“Are you serious? People can get past one hundred!?” Rem jumped up.

“Technically yes, but only certain people.”

“Even I was unaware of those limitations. What do you mean by only some?” Diablo questioned.

“I guess a demon lord wouldn’t really get this stuff... There isn’t really a hard limit to levels, it’s more about what a mortal body is capable of, what that limit is can be very different between different people. Someone might have a personal level cap of forty, because their body or mana just can’t improve past that, but the limit agreed upon by people in the capital who test this sort of thing is one hundred. One hundred is the absolute limit of the body of the races, and anyone beyond that is an abnormal. Which is why monsters and fallen are a problem, because the limit of their bodies is much, much higher then the limit of the races.”

If that’s the case, then I would already be an “abnormal” by being one fifty... So is it possible for me to keep leveling up here if there is no proper limit? That’s actually kind of exciting, I haven’t grinded for xp in a long time!

“Then why not simply put my level as ninety or something?”

“You would be okay with that?” Sylvie rose a brow.

“So long as it means I can take any request that I wish. And you can bypass any that may require a party of that level, can’t you?”

“It’s still crazy to wrap my head around... But.” She put his level down as ninety six and signed the document, “This is a pretty beneficial arrangement for me in the end. So I look forward to working with you.” She held out her hand with a smile, “Diablo.”

He paused for a moment before returning the handshake, Her hand is so tiny... “Of course.”

“Does that mean we can accept a quest now!?” Shera leaped off the couch in excitement.

“If there’s one that can wait until tomorrow. Rem didn’t buy potions, remember? I may not need such things, but my magic isn’t made to mend, I cannot help you if you’re injured.”

“Oh right, I totally forgot! In that case, can I watch you make the potions?”

I don’t see why not. “I’ll allow it.”

“Yes!”

“Thanks for your time Sylvie.” Rem bowed politely, “I know the whole situation is hard to grasp but I really appreciate it.”

“Of course.” She waved back as the group left.

--

“You guys go ahead and head back, I have one more thing to do.”

Rem’s looked kind of out of it sense our meeting with Sylvie... I wonder what’s bothering her?

“By yourself?” Shera asked.

“Remember when Celes asked to talk to me alone? I figure now would be the best time to meet back up with her while you two are busy.”

Ah, maybe that’s why she seems so out of it. She seemed bummed about meeting with Celes the first time. It’s none of my business but I wonder if she had some falling out with the mage’s association or something.

“Oh, okay. Don’t stay out too long then and remember to eat something.” Shera patted her head like a mother sending a child off to school.

“Ugh! I-I can take care of myself! I’ll see you guys tonight!” Rem huffed.

“Very well then.”

“See you later Rem!” Shera waved cheerily as the pantherian departed.

Chapter Text

Diablo snapped his fingers and the logs he had placed in the fireplace instantly were alight in a strange dark flame. Though it resembled a flame in movement and that the logs burned that was where the similarities ended, the flame itself did not heat up the room, emitted no light, was an unnatural color, and it burned the logs into ash at an extremely accelerated rate. In fact it was as if the room was slowly getting dimmer as the strange flames burned darker.

It only took a few minutes for all of the logs to be turned to ash, which Diablo had quickly collected up into a large glass container he pulled from his storage pouch.

“Wooah! Was that some kind of fire spell?” Shera marveled, “I’ve never seen fire like that! Plus it burned all the wood so fast!”

“Not exactly. Do you recall how I told you what your mana feels and looks like?”

Shera nodded, “Yeah, I keep focusing on it again to practice!”

“That was my mana. Just a little trick to manifest a small amount into a rapidly efficient flame.” He explained as he collected the ashes, “That’s the first step of this process, making potassium carbonate, or salt of tartar takes time and is a vital base component for all potions, ensuring it is at its core infused with mana is essential for the rapid process I am using.” He continued as he filled the container with water he collected earlier.

“How long does that stuff take to make?” She asked while leaning in with interest as he mixed the water and ash slush.

“Normally the process is several days long, but by infusing it at its very base with my mana, it enables me full control over it. Like so.” He stopped mixing the contents and touched the glass, immediately the contents began to boil, the steam it created gathering and going out the window on its own in a stream, “Being able to manipulate all of the ingredients at their very base level using my mana is how I’m able to create potions so quickly.”

“That’s so cool! If that’s this efficient, why don’t alchemists do something like that?”

I doubt in this world they really understand things on a molecular level so trying to explain something like that would just be confusing. “In order to do it you would need to have the acute mana control to use it to manipulate thousands upon thousands of components that make up each part all at once, components that are much to small to see. Do you think a mortal would be capable of that?”

“No way.”

“Precisely.”

Shera watched with fascination as the mis rapidly formed into a white crystalline substance, “Wow, it sort of looks like salt!”

Her hand reached curiously, but she was quickly snatched by her wrist, “It’s very caustic in its current state. You’ll get a nasty burn.”

It took a moment for Diablo to realize he had grabbed her hand, his ears suddenly felt warm so he quickly released her (practically with a jump) and cleared his throat to try and hide his flustered expression, “Ahem. Just be careful.”

She smiled softly, “Right! I’ll ask next time.”

“Ordinarily this solution would be left out to absorb moisture in the air until it liquifies and in that state, known as Oil of Tartar per Deliqium it’s usable for our needs. But it’s just usable, not purified.” He quickly explained the process to move on from his heart racing, “To take it to its purest state it’s crystalized and put through deliquescence over and over again until all impurities are removed.” He continued as he moved his fingers above the rapidly liquifying salt of tartar as if stirring, “Normally it would take years of waiting to get it to that state, so most alchemists likely use it in its least pure state, hence the poor quality of their potions.”

“But because you can control the mana you put inside it, you can make it way faster.”

“Precisely, in this case however I also have to manipulate the air around us the universal flame is not something that can be replicated. That is the most challenging part.”

“Even for you?”

“For me? Of course not, but even those fake demon lords do not have the ability to manipulate mana as I do.” He said as he began to grind the echinacea flowers. For some reason it’s a lot easier to keep talking to her when I’m just explaining what I’m doing.

“How come?”

“How much do you know about demon lords, Shera?” He asked as he continued to work, putting the ground flowers in an even split into five large glass containers and beginning to carefully filter the Oil of Tartar per Deliqium through a cloth into each container.

“Probably not as much as Rem, she’s always talking about wanting to beat demon lord Krebskulm when it’s just us, but I don’t get it.”

“I see.” Could that be what Rem wanted to summon something like a demon lord for? “Are you aware of the titles of them?”

“Uhm... You mean like how Enkvarios is called the Demon Lord of the Mind? Krebskulm I think is called the Demon Lord of the Soul... But I don’t really get what the titles mean, they’re kind of weird.”

“Think of them less as titles, and more their aspect. Their abilities and even their personalities are based around their aspect.” At least that was what the game lore sort of explained.

“Oh! I think I get it! So you must have one too then, right Diablo?” She leaned forward eagerly.

“Of course.”

“What’s yours then?”

He paused while pouring the alcohol into the five containers, his eyes seeming to glow just slightly, “... It’s Mana.”

--

“You know I really hate coming to the mage tower, Celes.”

“I know Rem, I’m sorry, I know this place has some bad memories for you.” Celes apologized sincerely.

“That’s the understatement of the century.”

“Believe me, I would have much preferred to meet with you anywhere else, but this was last minute, and I needed to make sure we weren’t going to be heard.”

“This is about Diablo, isn’t it?”

With a sigh Celes sat down at her desk, “Yes, but this is also about you.”

“Look, I know he almost attacked you, but I honestly don’t think he’s dangerous as long as you don’t piss him off.”

“It’s not my own safety I’m worried about, Rem.” She sighed.

“If he wanted to hurt me or Faltra, he would have done it already. You said yourself you felt he was being honest, and he told you he doesn’t like sneaking around and plotting.”

“Why are you defending him? You haven’t even known each other for a week.”

“He’s been nice to me and Shera, he even listens to us, even though we’re the ones bound right now.”

“Please be honest with me Rem, I know that can’t be the only reason. You don’t usually let others close to you.”

“Because he’s my only chance at freedom! Okay? Happy now!? If you can think of anyone who can possibly beat Krebskulm besides another demon lord, tell me!”

“Rem...”

“Exactly!” She choked, “The whole reason I went to Starfall Tower during the alignment was because I wanted to summon something strong enough to help me fight Krebskulm! And I did! I actually did it... I met Shera too... I don’t want to spend my life afraid that a demon lord is going to come out of me and kill everyone, if that means putting faith in a different demon lord, then fine.”

“I understand your frustration Rem, but how can you be sure Diablo would even be capable of killing Krebskulm? Even if you did find a way to remove her without dying?”

“Diablo himself said he beat Enkvarios, if he could do that, then he can beat Krebskulm.”

Celes’s eyes grew wide, “What...? He told you he killed Enkvarios?”

“He told Sylvie when we met with her, thirty years ago he was the one who killed Enkvarios.” Celes gasped, “Why are you freaked out?”

“Rem... How much do you know about demon lords?”

--

“So you’re the Demon Lord of Mana?”

He continued filling the containers with alcohol, “Precisely.” I don’t even know why I said that... I’ve been calling myself a demon lord but I honestly never even thought about an aspect, really I don’t have one. But for some reason the moment she asked me Mana came to mind, sort of like that’s what it always should have been. Maybe I’m just feeling inspired today after using my head so much.

“So that’s why you’re so good at doing stuff with mana! That means that I was taught how to focus my mana by the Demon Lord of Mana, that’s so cool!”

“It is an honor that only you can say you have had.”

“Hehe, I always knew I was special!” She held up her head in pride.

With the glass containers full, he stowed what remained of the alcohol before holding his hand over the five containers which seemed to faintly glow as he did, “Hey, how come you used so much alcohol? Wouldn’t the potions get people drunk?”

“All potions have alcohol in them, but by the time it’s done it’s not enough to have any effect.”

“That’s good, but why alcohol?”

“Do you know why alcohol is sometimes called spirits?”

She thought for a moment, “Nope!” She proclaimed proudly.

“It’s something called alchemical mercury, in essence when a plant is trapped and fermented, it dies, but it’s life force, it’s essence, it’s spirit remains trapped in the resulting liquid.” He explained, “In that way alcohol is a vehicle for the spirit of the plant used, it’s believed that’s where the term got its origin.” He continued, “After all the idea of alchemy is rooted in extracting and enhancing the essence, or spirit, of nature to create tinctures. You probably wouldn’t want to drink alcohol made from echinacea, would you?” He picked up one of the glass containers and offered it to her.

She gave it a quick sniff and coughed, “Augh! No way!”

He smiled lightly as he pulled it away and went back to carefully processing the contents of each container.

“Which is why I can use mana like this to speed up and enhance the process, after all mana is the life force of most living things. Some just have a lot more, or less than others.”

“How do you know all this stuff?” Shera asked with fascination as she watched him carefully seal each container, “Watching it is really cool, but when you explain some things my head starts to spin.”

Not taking his eyes off his work, he took each container one by one and gave it a good shake while injecting more mana into the liquid, “It’s important for adventurers to understand more than just killing monsters and such. If you’re interested in it, you might consider a deeper study, it could be useful. As a demon lord, however, there are many fields in which I am well studied. It’s not as though fools are challenging me all hours of the day, I slay those that dare and do what I will with the time remaining.” I mean that’s basically how I maxed out my combiner skill.

“Ooh, I guess that makes sense. How often would people challenge you? It sounds crazy to challenge a demon lord by yourself.”

“They weren’t usually alone, most came in adventuring parties hoping to defeat me for renown and treasure. Weak fools, all of them.”

“That sounds lonely...” She muttered softly.

Diablo pretended not to hear her and just watched carefully as the solution separated, the top layer slowly turning a soft white, “Ah, perfect.” With that Diablo took the rack of vials he had prepared and an eye dropper. Using the dropper he took the completed Ens tincture, the top white layer of the now fully separated mixture, and filled each vial, sealing them tightly, before taking out another rack and repeating the process.

“Wow! So it’s done?”

“Yes, these are health potions, very potent ones at that.”

“So cool! That stuff you bought was so much cheaper than just buying health potions! I bet they’re way more effective than those ones at the shops too!”

It’s only making potions, but Diablo’s knowledge of it is making me feel like a badass right now. She’s gonna make me blush! It was so worth it figuring out how to access this stuff!

“Those echinacea flowers were sort of a deep pink though, and most health potions are red or pink. How come yours are white?”

“It’s an effect of using my mana for the circulation. The alchemists you’re used to at the shops likely only circulate their tinctures once or twice as the process can take a very long time by normal means. But in this way I can perform circulation several times in a matter of minutes, enabling the materials to evolve and enhance many times over to their most perfect state. For a healing potion, this white color.”

How long would it take a normal alchemist to, uh... Circulate ingredients to the same level?”

Diablo seemed to think for a moment, “Without using this method of injecting mana, they would never be able to refine it to this degree. But to get as close as possible, perhaps forty eight cycles of circulation would do the trick. It would take around twenty years.”

“T-Twenty years!? There’s no way anyone would take that much time just to sell the potions for a little more! Wait! That means you made a potion that an alchemist would only be able to get close to in twenty years of work in just a few minutes! That’s so awesome!”

Just over two hundred vials later, he collected them all into a pile, “How many potions does your potion pouch hold?”

“Six!”

He grabbed six of the potions and handed them to her, setting another six aside for Rem before putting the rest into his storage bag, “Ideally you won’t need them, but if you do I can give you more.”

--

“What do you mean? I’ve done as much research as I can about Krebskulm, but you know that the Capital keeps most stuff about demon lords under wraps at the Church.”

“I know, I’m not privy to that information either. But there’s something frightening about them, besides their power and typical violence.”

“What are you talking about?”

“All demon lords have some sort of abilities unique to them, Enkvarios’s was magic reflection.”

“Well yeah, after he emerged thirty years ago, everyone knows that. Are you trying to say Diablo is Enkvarios just using a different name?”

Celes shook her head, “No, it wouldn’t have been long enough for Enkvarios to return, and using another name would be pointless.”

“Then why point out the magic reflection?”

She leaned forward, and folded her shaking hands on the table, “It’s something I heard from a friend in the Capital when I requested information about demon lords. She told me that they are capable of taking the strength and abilities of one another, by devouring their own kind. If Diablo is a different demon lord, yet has Enkvarios’s ability...”

“Are you really saying you think he killed Enkvarios and.... Ate him? That’s insane!”

“What other reason would a demon lord have to slay one of their own? If he killed Enkvarios, and has his abilities, then there’s only one possibility! Rem, I need you to consider that he might be after Krebskulm’s soul inside you!”

“If that was really the case, then why hasn’t he killed me and taken it? And why is he helping me?”

“We don’t know for certain if your death would release Krebskulm, he could just be protecting you until he has a sure method to remove her from you.”

“What makes you think he even knows about Krebskulm being sealed in my body?”

“He can see or sense magic, there is no way he isn’t aware of Krebskulm’s presence.”

Rem froze, recalling the way he reached towards her stomach... “But... He hasn’t done anything... Or said anything...”

“Rem... I’m sorry but I don’t think it’s safe for you to stay near him.”

Celes reached out to gently touch her shoulder, but Rem quickly swatted her hand away, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Celes for a moment and bolted from her office.

“Rem!” Celes called.

--

“You made them, I really want to try one!”

“It’s not as if they taste good, you shouldn’t use a potion when you’re not hurt.”

“What if I scraped myself just a little? Then you won’t mind if I try one, right?”

Diablo put a hand to his face with a sigh, “Why would you injure yourself on purpose just so you can drink a potion?”

The door to their room suddenly flew open, Rem was in the doorway, her face still flushed, eyes still wet with tears, “Rem! Welcome back!” Shera greeted, “Oh... Oh no, what’s wrong Rem?”

She was crying? Did something happen after she left her meeting with Celestine? Damn it, I should have gone with her! He quickly stood, “Were you hurt?”

She shook her head with a sniff, “Shera... Can you leave us alone for a bit?”

Chapter Text

Sh-She wants to talk to me? After she was crying? Did I do something? What do I do if it’s my fault she was crying? Diablo panicked internally.

“Sure, I’ll just go get ready for dinner time!” Shera scurried to the door, “Don’t take too long, okay?” She closed the door behind her.

“Are you alright? You weren’t hurt, were you?”

“Diablo...” She took a deep breath, before going to sit on the edge of the bed, “Will you... Sit with me?”

Seriously, what happened? I’m actually feeling nervous now...

He slowly walked over and carefully sat down next to her, as if she would somehow break if he didn’t move slowly.

As soon as he sat down, her eyes turned to the floor, she brushed her toes with one foot before switching and doing it to the other, over and over again.

Oh man, she’s more nervous than I am. I don’t know what’s wrong, but the right thing to do would be to wait until she’s ready to tell me... Right?

He agreed with his own decision and chose to remain quiet, he didn’t speak, and didn’t look at her, simply looking ahead at the wall in silence.

Rem continued nervously shuffling her feet, her head still down her eyes occasionally shifting to Diablo, but he hadn’t moved or made a sound. If he had realized she kept stealing glances at him, he didn’t acknowledge it, he just remained waiting patiently for her to feel comfortable.

“You... You’re not going to demand I say what’s on my mind...?” She asked slowly.

Diablo slowly looked to her, she still had her head down, though she was shifting her feet a little less now, “Have I demanded anything of you so far?” He simply asked in response, “Or used those collars to give you orders?”

“I... No, you haven’t... You really haven’t...”

He returned his gaze to the wall, “And I don’t plan to.”

It was quiet again, though her nervous shuffling of her feet had stopped now, “Diablo... Why... Why did you stay? With us?”

“I could ask the same of the both of you. From the moment you summoned me I told you who I was, I have not hid that I am a demon lord from you both; and yet neither of you fled, neither of you attempted to fight me.” Even if they didn’t actually believe me, they didn’t run off calling me crazy.

“Well...” She finally looked up at him, though she was back to shuffling her feet, “I... I don’t know... Y-You didn’t seem bad...”

He gave a small chuckle, “I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“But you didn’t answer my question...” She said as she looked down again.

“You’re right.” He looked up to the ceiling, “I believe I can understand why those fake demon lords detest the races.” She suddenly looked up at him again, “But I don’t share that hatred. I actually find mortals quite interesting, so when two of them managed to summon me from my domain, I was intrigued.” Okay this is the moment, I need to look deep and find some lore that also makes her more comfortable! He let out a sigh and sat back a bit, “To be honest, I have long been in seclusion, remaining quietly in my domain, only slaying those who came to me looking for a fight, with no interest in leaving even if I could have. I was intrigued by your ability to summon me, and magic even I know little about in those collars, but...” He looked down at her once more so she could see his face, “I find that having company is not as unpleasant as I expected. Loathe as I am to admit it, I might say it’s a tad... Enjoyable.” While it might be a little altered, it’s true. I’ve been locked up in my house avoiding other people for so long, dealing with so many people like I did today is certainly exhausting, even annoying... But I don’t feel exhausted with Rem and Shera.

Her ears perked up and a slight blush began to form on her cheeks, she quickly looked down again, but the nervous shuffling had stopped.

“I’ve... I’ve never had a friend before... But not from lack of trying. So when Shera called us her friends... I was really happy.”

“You don’t consider Celes a friend?”

“That’s... It’s complicated. Celes is sort of like an older sister I guess. I know it’s unfair of me... But because Celes is part of the mage’s association, I can’t bring myself to fully trust her.”

I wonder if the association has a bad reputation here or something... “I see.”

“What about you?”

It seemed just talking about himself a little was helping her open up, “I can’t say I have interacted with your kind enough to truly even understand this concept of “friendship”. However, while I do find mortals interesting as I said, I also find being around them too often to be rather irritating. After a day like today I find myself needing a break from them, and yet... While you were away Shera observed my potion crafting with constant questions and remarks, and I not once felt my mood sour. I find myself wondering if this is perhaps what she calls ‘friends’.”

“What about now, then? Do you feel irritated with me...?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“That... That makes me happy.” She took a deep breath, relaxing herself as best she could before continuing, “I feel like I should trust you, but because you’re a demon lord... A part of me hesitates to.” Her ears drooped slightly, and she mouthed an apology as her head sank back down.

“That is understandable, in fact I would likely consider you a bit insane if you trusted me so easily after less than a week, knowing what those fools do under the name of demon lords.”

“But Shera seems to trust you completely already! How can you not be angry?”

“Why would it anger me that you are uneasy about giving your trust to a being that is usually known only for wishing to exterminate your kind? Besides, Shera may be outgoing and bold, but she has yet to tell me what she wanted my power for, she does not trust me as much as you think. It’s just that her personality prevents her from outwardly showing it.”

“But you don’t want to kill us all.”

“That’s right.”

“Why? I mean... I know you said the races are interesting or whatever... But that can’t be it, right?”

“You’re asking the wrong question, Rem.”

She startled at the sudden change in his tone and looked up at him, his eyes glowing slightly, “W-What do you mean...?”

“You’re asking why I don’t wish to slaughter your kind, when you should be asking why those pieces of trash want to.”

His gaze was a bit intense, putting her on edge, for some reason she suddenly didn’t feel as safe next to him as she did before, as if something inside her detected something she couldn’t herself, “D-Do you know why the other demon lords hate the races...?”

He smiled lightly, but there was something... Wrong about it, and his slight chuckle made that feeling inside her squirm, “They may have some small differences in their reasoning, but for the most part you can consider it... The sins of the father. Personally I don’t believe in that nonsense, his sins are not the burden of the son.”

“Wha...? I... I don’t think I understand...”

But Diablo blinked and the glow in his eyes was gone, that uncomfortable presence fading in a flash, Really I don’t even know why I said that, but I can’t just back down after saying something like that! “You will.” He responded cryptically.

It was quiet for a moment as Rem seemed to try and process what he said, “I guess I’ll keep thinking about it then... But if you don’t agree with the other demon lords, do you hate them?”

Ah, I have a feeling this is really what she wanted to ask me about, or at least close to it. “Wouldn’t it be silly to despise someone just because you do not agree? I told you earlier I understand their hatred, even if I disagree with it.”

Her brow furrowed slightly at his roundabout way of answering, “So you don’t hate them?”

“When you’re in the markets, and some garbage happens to blow in your path, do you hate the garbage? Or do you pick it up with indifference to dispose of it? Or perhaps do you simply allow it to keep blowing past in the wind?”

“I don’t...” She gave a slight groan of frustration at his continued strange way of answering her questions, but humored him, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t been answering her, just going about it in a roundabout way, “I guess if I’m being honest, it depends on how I’m feeling that day.”

“Precisely.”

“Okay, I get it... So were you just in a bad mood the day you killed Enkvarios?”

“The opposite actually, I was in a rather good mood. I enjoy a challenge, so when Enkvarios, the one demon lord with an ability that was so naturally a counter to my own greatest strength, awakened I was eager to test myself.”

“So if it was a different demon lord, would you have let him continue his rampage without acting?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not.”

“... So you don’t hate the other demon lords, but you don’t like them either?”

“I think it would be fair to say none of them “like” one another. If they did your kind would have been screwed a long time ago by them joining forces; but they don’t. Even the fallen do not agree on which one to follow, those loyal to Modinaram and Jismos for instance did not join Enkvarios in his siege, content to wait for their lords.”

Rem furrowed her brow and looked confused, “Modinaram and Jismos?”

“Are you unfamiliar with those names?”

“Most information about demon lords is kept under lock and key at the Church in the Capital, so even most of their names are unknown.”

In the game the lore for the demon lords wasn’t quite done, but there was nothing about it being hidden... Why would the Church want to hide information about their greatest enemy? “How interesting...”

“Does it bother you?”

“Bother me? No, but I am curious why your own people would withhold information about a threat you should be trying to learn as much as you can about.”

“I don’t know much about it since it was a long time ago, but when everything was out in the open apparently there was a huge amount of demon lord worshippers. So the Church made it a point to gather up all knowledge about them and destroy it or lock it up.”

Yeah that’s not suspicious at all. “How foolish. But, I suspect none of this is what had you so upset.”

“No... Not really...”

He closed his eyes, “You don’t seem injured at least, that is good.”

“You were really concerned I had been hurt, weren’t you?” She blushed lightly as she looked at him.

But his eyes remained closed and he didn’t reply, which made her snort out a small laugh, “You know, after being alone with you like this, I think I’m starting to understand you better.”

She laughed, so I don’t think she meant it in a bad way... He opened his eyes, “Is that so?”

“Yeah.” She smiled softly, “Just sitting here talking to you like this made me feel better, so I think I’m ready to tell you what I wish for.”

Rem is going to tell me before Shera? That was unexpected! He simply gave her a slight nod.

“You can see mana, right?”

“Of course.”

“What does mine look like? Describe it to me like you did Shera’s.”

He looked at her a moment, as if trying to decipher what he saw, “It’s a light blue, and dark orange, proud and stubborn... But alone, not cold but perhaps seeking warmth.” He pondered.

“But that’s not all is it?”

He shook his head, “No, but to be honest I thought you were unaware.”

“Tell me what that mana is like too.”

“If I were to keep it simple, it is quite similar to mine, but while my mana is dark, black, with a deep blue at its core... The core of this one is sort of a yellow orange, the violence and destruction around it makes it difficult to discern...” He narrowed his eyes, “But I am certain it is a playful feeling, yet like a child seeking warmth.”

She looked surprised at that, but didn’t linger on it, “Do you know what it is?”

Diablo shook his head, “Admittedly I don’t. But it feels strangely familiar to me, intimately so...”

“You really don’t?” She blinked in surprise.

He shook his head again, “I have been curious about it since you first summoned me, but given its potency and your low level I had assumed you may not be aware of it, so questioning you would have been pointless.”

She let out a deep breath, and began to laugh, “You didn’t know... You didn’t know!” She laughed.

His brow furrowed, “I’m not sure I understand why that’s funny.”

“I’m sorry.” She sighed and stopped laughing, “It’s not funny, I’m just relieved. Celes said something to me during our meeting that made me think you might only be with us because you wanted the thing inside me...”

“Why would I?”

“Because demon lord Krebskulm is sealed inside of me.”

“... I see.” That’s what that is!? What kind of nutjob seals a demon lord inside a person!?

“You don’t look surprised.”

“With the outer mana so similar to my own it makes sense, even if I wasn’t able to recognize what it was... How could you have ended up with them sealed inside of you? It was your God who sealed each of the demon lords away, but it was a thousand years ago.”

“That’s about the only thing I was able to learn about the demon lords as a whole, each of them were put to sleep and locked away by God and entrusted to each of the races to guard. My ancestor carried Krebskulm, and eventually my mother, and now me...” She clenched the blankets on the bed and bit her lip, “When the holder gives birth to a daughter the seal is passed on and the previous holder dies instantly... If I didn’t run away I’d be assigned a healthy male to bear children with when I turn thirty, and die after giving birth, just like my mother did...”

What!? That’s so messed up! The event for Enkvarios’s spawn was just some weird staff the fallen stole! If God or whatever can do that, why the heck would he have put one of them inside a girl and condemn them to this cycle? Is this some kind of bullshit punishment? “I’m sorry.” What else can I even say?

Rem shook her head, “I was angry when you told us you’re a demon lord, but it’s not like it’s your fault... Besides... I used to think that if I could just get stronger and then find a way to get Krebskulm out of me, I could beat them myself and the cycle would be broken... But after seeing just some of your power, my eyes were opened to how stupid that was of me. But I also realized that you might be my only chance to destroy Krebskulm, and when you told Sylvie you killed Enkvarios, I knew you were my only shot.”

“Why haven’t you told this to Shera?”

Her ears drooped, “It usually ends badly when I tell people... You’re a demon lord, you wouldn’t be scared of another demon lord. Before I got to Faltra anyone who partied up with me ditched me or even tried to kill me when I decided to tell them... And when I got to Faltra, the Mage’s Association... They did... All kinds of things...”

His mana suddenly flared, the room grew dark in an instant, the wood creaking as if under pressure, “Celestine did what?”

“N-No! Celes didn’t do anything! In fact Celes and I became somewhat close because when she found out what was going on she saved me! She protected me!”

“What of the association?”

“She made sure those involved were punished, I promise.”

The heavy energy suddenly faded, light returning to the room, Diablo let out a sigh, “Sorry if I frightened you.” My mana freaks out when I’m pissed off, understood! I need to keep that in mind...

“It’s alright, I appreciate you getting angry on my behalf though. It makes me feel like you care about us.” She smiled. He felt a blush forming and quickly looked away, I mean I do! But a demon lord wouldn’t say something like that... He cleared his throat, “So, your wish then is for me to destroy Krebskulm?”

“Yes, and I don’t care what you do with them after.”

Eh? Why would that matter? Though actually, in this world making gear would probably mean actually harvesting materials from monsters, not just them dropping the gear. From the leaks Krebskulm’s ability was supposed to be an insane damage reduction effect, I wonder what badass gear I can have made with that? He unconsciously licked his upper lip in excitement over new gear, not realizing Rem took such an expression as a confirmation of her own thoughts. But her concern over that matter had left her, if Diablo really did devour Enkvarios’s power, why did it matter when he was on her side?

“Very well then, if that is your desire, I will crush Krebskulm for you.” He held his hand out before making a fist as if to emphasize his point.

“Since you’re a demon lord that’s...” She waved her hands a bit as if unsure what words to use, “Awake? Do you know how to remove Krebskulm from, well, me?”

He thought for a moment, reaching for the Diablo archives, Maybe there’s something in here? I don’t know why a fake demon lord would know how to release a demon lord, but maybe...

As he reached into his own mind for... Something relevant, images suddenly began flashing through his mind...

A golden figure with no features, the shadow he had seen in the mirror, nine figures, his dungeon, the fallen, the dunes, fire, Faltra, Enkvarios, Rem and Shera... He put a hand to his forehead as images flashed through his head, sounds and voices in his ears... But as quickly as it came, it stopped.

He blinked several times to refocus his eyes and shook his head, What the hell was that? C-Could it be that Diablo has-... Or that I have memories of this world as Diablo? But why was it so jumbled and messy? That combined with my memories of... Whoever I was seeming to fade... I seriously need to figure out what’s going on, I can’t tell if it’s a bad thing or not yet... But I’m a bit worried.

“Diablo?” Rem cut him out of his thoughts.

“It seems I can’t remember...” He put a hand to his forehead again, “My memories before being summoned are a hazy mess... Broken pieces I can’t make sense of...”

She gently put a hand on top of his left hand that was still on the bed, “Are you alright?”

“It’s fine... I’m fine.” He let out a deep breath and quickly stood, “You should head down, Shera will be worried if you don’t eat anything.”

She nodded and stood up, stopping in the doorway, “Are you not going to come with?”

He shook his head, “I need some time with my thoughts.”

“I understand...” She turned to leave, but paused, “Diablo... Thank you, for being so nice to me. And thank you for not leaving.”

Chapter Text

Diablo took the time he was alone in the room to meditate, desperately searching through what he had discovered were Diablo’s memories. What he found was... Nothing.

The memories only came in broken scraps that he could only decipher a few things from, the only thing he could really decipher was that for some reason the golden figure filled his chest with hatred he didn’t really understand, and that the dark figure from the mirror kept appearing, he didn’t like not having any idea what that horrible creature could be or why he saw it then and in his memories.

In those memories he was at least able to confirm that he- Diablo, did in fact kill Enkvarios in this world thirty years ago, but the battle itself was a blur like everything else. Though it did make him feel a bit better to know his own claim wasn’t a lie in this regard, while the memory was unclear he at least didn’t have to worry about being called out on that.

He sighed and sank his face into both hands, “This is going nowhere...” He dragged his hands down his face as he sat back upright, If thirty years ago no one actually saw Diablo me, then it’s unlikely there’s anyone in Faltra who would be able to recognize me and help me out.

“Hang on... My dungeon was in my memories, does that mean that it’s here? It was near Zircon Tower, so if I go there maybe there’s someone that would be able to recognize me...” He sighed, “But that would have to wait, that area is a lot higher level than Faltra, I’d just be putting Rem and Shera in danger.”

For now it’d be better for my sanity if I just shove this whole thing in a box and deal with it as it comes up. It’s more important we get a solution for the collars, and research a way to get Krebskulm out of Rem.

Diablo leaned to one side and rested his head in his right hand, “I’m mentally exhausted anyway after the day I’ve had...”

He slowly closed his eyes...

--

Diablo stumbled in darkness, his legs felt heavy, his head spinning, struggling to walk straight. He felt like he had walked in the void for hours, yet never gained any indication of where he was, and remained as delirious as when he started.

“Where am I?”

His voice echoed through the empty void of black... When the echo stopped everything around him suddenly caught fire.

The void around him turned into a silent black inferno, though it didn’t affect him at all, “What’s happening?”

He searched through the flames and saw... “Rem?” Though she didn’t seem to notice him, “What the hell? Rem!” She still didn’t respond, she was just frozen in place, appearing to be staring at something.

“Hey!” He called out louder and tried to get closer, “Rem!”

He reached out towards her, but as he did the black flames rushed past him, rapidly gathering where Rem was staring... In an instant the flames morphed into an all too familiar figure that now loomed over Rem.

“No... Rem! Move Rem!” He tried to call out, but his own voice sounded distant.

Rem only remained staring at the twisted figure with wide eyes, even as one of its many clawed hands grasped her...

He desperately tried to use his magic, but nothing happened...

Rem was lifted up but still seemed catatonic, “Damn it! Rem!” He tried to rush towards her, but he still struggled to gain his footing and could only stagger a step or two forward.

The figure’s glowing red eyes looked to him, and seemed to somehow smirk, before too many teeth were bared, and Rem was dropped towards them...

“Rem!”

Diablo woke with a gasp, looking around quickly he realized he was in the inn room, having dozed off in the armchair by the window. He quickly stood and looked to the bed, seeing both girls sleeping soundly next to each other, he let out a slow breath.

He put a hand to his chest and breathed slowly to calm down, I’ve never had night terrors before... I never knew it was so intense... He put a hand to his head, What the hell was that? What is that thing? Why am I seeing it more often? Could it be Krebskulm? He shook his head, denying his own theory, No, I don’t know why but I know it isn’t.

He let out one last slow breath, “I need some air...” He said under his breath, looking over the girls one last time before quietly creeping out of their room.

--

It wasn’t particularly late, there was still a small amount of activity on the streets, mostly the lull of patrons who only left after Last Call stumbling home, and an adventuring party or two returning from a long quest.

Diablo ignored those who were roaming their way home and to inns, taking in a deep breath of the clean night air as he walked down the roads in silence. This time no guards so much as lingered on a glance at him, likely having learned to leave him be and there would be no trouble.

He spotted a bench and sat down with a sigh of relief, looking up at the full moon, Yeah, I just needed some fresh air. The sky sure is beautiful, I’m glad I came out here.

He closed his eyes, enjoying the sound of bugs chirping and the cool breeze on his face. But of course, this world had a way of refusing him peace.

“Hey you! Demon!” A familiar voice spat.

Seriously? I thought for sure I’d be left alone this time... Annoyed, he opened his eyes, Isn’t that the angry guy that was with Celestine? What did she say his name was again?

“Is there a reason you are disturbing me? Insect?”

“I-Insect!? How dare you! A filthy Demi like you ought to remember the name of your human betters! My name is Galluk!”

Another guy that’s ragging on me because of my race? Here to make my bad mood worse.

Diablo stood from the bench, “I do not recall being beholden to the likes of you.”

Galluk’s face went red with anger, “It’s your fault I was demoted, you son of a bitch! I was knocked all the way down to an apprentice mage because of you!”

Wait, he’s blaming me for him acting rashly before!? Diablo grit his teeth, So annoying. This guy is so annoying. Really annoying! Opting to be the adult though, Diablo turned away to leave, “I would suggest you leave me be, Insect, before I grow angry.”

“I didn’t say you could leave, filthy Demi!”

A summoning crystal sailed past Diablo, breaking open on the ground in front of him a giant lizard coated in fire appeared in front of him.

This clown is really going to attack me in the middle of town? Is he an idiot? Diablo turned back to look at Galluk, Just drunk... Same thing.

Galluk only laughed, “That’s right! I bet you’re afraid now you lowly Demi! If you get down on your knees and apologize for what you did, I might just grant you my forgiveness!”

Isn’t that a Salamander? They’re only level thirty... Is he really threatening me with something like that when he was at the meeting with Celestine? He grit his teeth harder and his brow furrowed, I’m starting to feel really insulted...

“I will grant you one last warning, Insect... Move.” He growled.

I don’t want to use magic in the city when I can’t be sure of its potency...

“Do you really think I’m just playing around!? Fine then! Teach him a lesson, Salamander!”

The Salamander unleashed a pillar of fire from its mouth directly at Diablo, Galluk laughed madly as the flames consumed his body, “This! This is what you deserve!”

The breath stopped and the flames flickered out slowly, revealing a completely unharmed Diablo. There wasn’t so much as ash or embers on him to indicate there had even been a blazing fire in the first place, the ground around his feet completely unscathed despite the road leading to him from the Salamander being completely melted and ashen.

His expression was indifferent as his glowing eyes looked to the Salamander, “Are you finished?” He asked it, the creature somehow seeming to sweat in response and slowly backing away.

“Wh-What the hell?” Galluk rubbing his eyes, “You should be ash by now! Get him Salamander! Kill him!” The fool screamed.

The Salamander hesitated for a moment, “Poor beast.” But it couldn’t disobey, and so it unleashed its fire once more, “To be condemned with such a fool for a master.”

Unbothered, Diablo simply walked forward through the flames as the Salamander spat its fire continuously. Stopping right in front of the creature Diablo reached up through the flames, his hand clamping around the Salamander’s mouth, sealing it shut.

The creature’s eyes were full of fear and remorse and it made no effort to struggle out of his grip, wiser than its master, it understood doing so would only make matters worse.

Diablo drew his arm back and tossed the creature, sending it through the air where it landed on Galuk on its back, “Ack! G-Get off me! You stupid monster!”

Diablo looked down at Galluk, his gaze full of rage, “I warned you, Insect.” He rose his hand, “It is not wise to take my mercy for weakness... <Demon Squeeze>.” He didn’t bother drawing his staff to cast the powerful binding spell; darkness shot from his finger tips and wrapped around Galluk.

“Wh-What is this!? Let me go!”

But Diablo only turned away, walking back towards the inn as the pressure of the darkness wrapping around Galluk only slowly increased, “A-Argh! S-Stop! Stop!” The sound of Diablo’s footsteps was overtaken with bones being crushed followed by pained screams from Galluk, “Stop! Please! D-Don’t!”

But Diablo only continued walking as the pressure increased, limbs violently severed, and one last wet scream of pain coming from Galluk as his life was quite literally squeezed out of him. Diablo did not look back even once as he returned to the inn.

--

Sitting back in his chair, Diablo glanced out the window, seeing guards hurrying about, likely rushing to clean up his mess.

I killed someone... Even if he attacked me first with the intent to kill, I feel like I should be bothered. But I’m not... Maybe I should be concerned that I don’t feel particularly bothered, but I don’t feel that either. All I can really think is, bastard got what he deserved... He was of no threat to me but he could have hurt someone else screwing around like that. Really all I’m concerned about is if the authorities will respond well or not given the situation.

He shook his head, he wasn’t tired but after trying to find some peace outside and being pestered again, he didn’t feel like leaving the room. So he opted to remain where he was, listening to the feint sounds of Rema and Shera sleeping.

Chapter Text

Diablo observed as Shera slowly woke up, she seemed groggy and like she wanted to roll back over, but as she looked around she quickly realized the sun was up and suddenly flew out of bed.

“Oh my gosh! It’s tomorrow! Or... Today!” She practically skipped across the room in joy as she hurried to collect her clothes.

“Uugh...” Rem slowly opened her eyes, “Why are you being so noisy?” She groaned.

“Rem! It’s morning! Today we get to do our first quest as a group!”

“I’ll get up in a few more minutes.” She whined.

Diablo gave a light chuckle as he stood, “You know she’ll keep you from falling back asleep with her excitement. I’ll let you two change.”

Rem sat up and gave a stretch, “You don’t have to leave every time you know? We’ve all slept in the same bed already, just face the wall or something.”

You might be fine with it, but I think it’s way more uncomfortable sitting here waiting for you to change!

“Yeah! You’re always awake while we’re sleeping and nothing weird happens so it’s fine!” Shera was already pulling off her nightgown as she declared it fine with her.

Diablo quickly turned around to the wall, You can’t just suddenly start stripping in front of me! I’m happy they trust me like this, but this is so awkward... I’ll just count the grain in the wood on this wall.

“Geez, why did you change so fast?” Rem huffed.

“Because I’m so excited! Change faster Rem!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll hurry.”

Shera had somehow shoveled her massive breakfast faster than usual, finishing several plates around the same time Rem had finished her normal sized breakfast, so the group was quickly off to the Guild.

“Come on you guys!” Shera had rushed off towards the Guild.

“Don’t run!” Rem called out.

“It’s fine! You should catch up Rem!” She called back just before unceremoniously crashing into someone as she threw open the doors.

With a sigh Diablo and Rem both jogged over, “Oww!” She whined, “Excuse me, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She apologized.

“Oh my!” The man she crashed into quickly helped her up, “Please, it is as much my fault! As a high level warrior I should pay more attention to my surroundings, my deepest apologies!”

Why does it seem like he’s glowing?

“Ugh.” Rem recoiled, “It’s Emile.”

“You know him?” Diablo asked.

“He’s the strongest person in the Adventurer’s Guild, before you signed up anyway, but he’s... Eccentric to say the least.” She finished with a deadpanned look.

Yeah I could see that, I mean the guy is wearing golden armor, kind of makes him look like a douche. Something tells me he’s going to be a problem.

“Uhm... Thank you?” Shera accepted his help up.

“Yeah, yeah thanks Emile.” Rem put a hand on Shera’s shoulder, before trying to push her along, “Come on Shera we need to hurry and grab a quest.”

“Oh, Miss Rem! Is this a member of your party? It fills my heart with joy to see you making friends.” He dramatically posed with his hands over his heart for emphasis, “If I may I would love to make the acquaintance of the rest of your...” He looked the three of them over, “P-ar-ty...” He took a step back as if he had been wounded with a gasp, “Are those... Enslavement collars!?”

“Uhm, no, actually...” Shera tried to interject.

But Emile only pointed at Diablo, “And you are the so called master I presume? Those horns, those dark clothes, I knew you were a fiend from the beginning!”

Wait, what did I do!? I’ve just been standing here this whole time!

“You would be wise not to make baseless accusations.” Diablo huffed.

“Hmph, and that face as well! Truly a villain!” He declared as if he wasn’t even listening.

What’s wrong with my face? What’s this guy’s problem? Diablo’s eyes moved down for a moment, eyeing his own outfit, Though I guess I sort of do look like some kind of final boss of a game...

“Hey, you’ve got it wrong...” Rem tried but once again Emile wasn’t listening.

“Listen well fiend!” He struck another dramatic pose, putting a hand over his chest and a hand in the air, “I am Emile Bichel Berger! The pride of the Faltra Adventurer’s Guild!” He shifted his pose so his hand in the air was now in his hair, “And I love women!”

Diablo’s expression went blank, “... Huh...?”

Next to him Rem had firmly buried her face in one hand and hadn’t moved, while Shera looked confused.

Emile pointed at him and clenched a fist, “I do not know who you are, but it is clear to my eyes that you have enslaved these poor women! Such a vile act is unforgivable! How can I be the defender of all women if I allow such atrocities to go unpunished!?”

Defender of all women? Is he that kind of guy? Why can’t a catch a break? I feel like people haven’t stopped picking fights with me since I got here.

Diablo gave a sigh, “You are making a big deal of a situation you know nothing about.”

Emile chuckled and placed a hand on his sword, “Ah yes, I understand.” He drew his blade and struck another pose, “You’re saying I cannot convince you, that I need to come at you with all I have to set them free!”

What!? That’s not what I said at all! “Listen you...”

But even Diablo was interrupted by Emile, “I will not allow you to leave until you set those women free!”

“Yeah you tell him Emile!” A few voices in the room cheered.

This guy really isn’t going to listen no matter what we say is he? Though for some reason... Diablo drew his staff and glanced at Emile’s sword, Even though he is very clearly threatening me, I’m not getting that violent rage taking over my senses. My head feels perfectly clear... I don’t get why, but this is a good chance to just teach this weirdo a lesson without seriously hurting him. “Very well, if you will not listen, then allow me to teach you to.”

“I know he’s an idiot, but his heart’s in the right place... Please don’t hurt him.” Rem whispered.

“It’s alright.”

Emile got into a fighting stance, “I, Emile Bichel Berger, will not lose while women are in danger!”

Oh, that’s the stance for <Sword Smite>, it actually makes me a bit nostalgic, a common move for warrior classes to close distance to a caster quickly. I wonder what he plans to follow up with?

“I will set them free!” He declared as he rushed Diablo.

What the hell? Is he seriously just trying to attack me with <Sword Smite>? In response Diablo only raised his left arm, blocking the blade with the back of his wrist, a loud clang ringing out. I guess in this world even the so called strongest of the guild is just an amateur...

“You were able to block that? Impressive for a sorcerer!” Emile jumped back, “But now it’s over!”

Diablo’s eyes widened, “<Alps Fall>?” He questioned.

“Ah! So you are familiar, then you know that this is truly your end!” He declared.

Is he serious? Sure it’s a super strong skill, but it takes so long to charge up... Does this guy think he’s an anime protagonist or something? That the “villain” will just politely wait for him to prepare his attack?

Diablo let out a heavy sigh and put his staff away, walking towards Emile, I’d actually feel terrible if I used magic on someone this out of touch with reality...

“Ah ha! Do you understand your folly? I, Emile Bichel Berger, will not accept surrend-...!”

He was cut off by the sudden backhand to the side of his face, sending him flying into the walls of the Guild hall with a loud crash, almost destroying the wall he crashed into, spitting blood as he violently collided with the wall.

Oh crap, did I hit him too hard? But Emile suddenly stood back up with a shout, That’s a relief... He has to be at least level fifty if he knows <Alps Fall> so at least he has the HP to show for it.

“I will not be defeated while there are women that need my aid!”

“You have principle, I’ll grant you that.”

“I will never lay down my sword so long as there are women in need! Now, come at me fiend!”

What do I do now? I can’t seriously hurt him... But he’s not the sort of call it quits even if he sees how weak he is comparatively.

“Cut it out Emile!” Rem shouted.

“Ah! Miss Rem! Fear not I soon will-...!”

“Listen! We’re not slaves!” She sighed and blushed, “Shera and I screwed up a spell and these collars were the result. Diablo is trying to help us find a way to remove them, not enslave us!”

Emile froze, his sword dropping from his hand, “A-Are you saying... I...?”

“Yes, you jumped to the wrong conclusion.” She confirmed.

Emile fell to his knees in shock, and the Guild was completely silent... Man, this is awkward...

He quickly returned to his feet with a loud laugh, “Ah! I am relieved! It turns out there was no danger to these women! In fact the one I assumed was a villain is an ally to women!” He sure recovered quick! “Please demon, tell me your name.”

“... It’s Diablo.”

“I am Emile Bithl-...” He paused as he bit his tongue, likely due to his currently swollen cheek.

There was an awkward pause over the group, I mean, his face is pretty swollen...

“I am Emile Bichel Berger.” Wow I wish I could just move on from something embarrassing that easily... “I am a friend to all women, and all those who are friends of women! Which means you and I are now friends!” He declared, holding out his hand.

Just like that? “... Okay...” Diablo awkwardly took his hand in a handshake.

“I apologize for going all out against you and misunderstanding your intentions, I swear I will work to better myself to avoid another incident! Though I must say, I was surprised by your strength!”

“Hmph... As long as you’ve learned your lesson...”

“Certainly! Are you all here to accept a quest?” Diablo only nodded, “I see! Then as your new best friend allow me to trat you to some drinks when you’ve completed it to celebrate!”

Wait he’s upgraded himself to best friend already?

“... Ah, perhaps I will accept that offer sometime...”

Emile waved them off as they moved to go upstairs, “Farewell for now my friend!”

“Emile isn’t a bad person, and honestly his strength is impressive...” Rem muttered.

“That guy was pretty stupid, huh?” Shera cheerfully interjected.

Diablo shook his head, “I suppose he’s the sort people describe as a... Lovable idiot.” Rem and Shera both stopped and looked at him in shock, “What is it?”

“Diablo, do you by chance...” Rem started.

“Actually like that crazy guy?” Shera finished.

He cleared his throat and kept walking, “I can respect those who stick to their principles, is all.”

“If you say so.” They both said.

Chapter Text

“Why can’t we grab a quest from the board again?” Shera asked.

“Since Diablo is here we can take the highest level quests, and that was part of the agreement with Sylvie, to help clear those out.” Rem explained.

“Wouldn’t we get those from the board, though?”

Rem shook her head, “To keep idiots that are full of themselves from taking dangerous postings all the quests level eighty and above don’t get put on the board.”

“Ooh, I get it. That’s super cool, it’s like we’re VIPs!”

Diablo pushed open the door to Sylvie’s office, “Yeah, I shouldn’t have expected you to knock.” Sylvie greeted from her desk, shuffling through a stack of papers in her hands.

“Was that a complaint?” Diablo asked as he invited himself in and sat on one of the chairs.

“Just an observation.” Rem and Shera both hesitated at the door, “You both should come in as well, you’re all a party after all.” Sylvie smiled at them as she grabbed some papers and moved from her desk to the sitting area.

“It looks like you already have some quests for us.” Rem noted as she sat down.

“I do, but... We need to talk first.”

“Is there a problem?” Rem questioned.

“That depends on Diablo here.” Sylvie looked to him.

“Speak plainly Sylvie, I’m not in the mood for games.” He ordered with a sharp tone.

She rose her hands in defense, “Alright, alright. It’s about Galluk.” Diablo narrowed his eyes, “The guards have been told to drop the matter for now, but when we approached Celes on the matter she was very certain of your involvement.”

“How can she be so certain?”

“She told us what happened during your meeting, remember? And when we talked to her she explained the sort of person Galluk was, she made it very clear he would likely go after you. Though she was surprised how quickly he did.”

“And? Are you going to put the blame onto me for defending myself and your city from a crazed fool when Celestine failed to appropriately punish someone you’re saying she knew would pose a danger to others?”

Sylvie sighed but gave him a look of understanding, “Trust me I didn’t like it either, but unfortunately Galluk had some familial relations with a few members of the council.”

“That explains why an ass like him was able to get a position close to Celes.” Rem pondered.

“Precisely, and it’s also why his death is a bit tricky.”

“Wait, death? I thought you guys were just talking about how he acted in the meeting! Diablo did you...?” Rem startled.

“Yes. While I was out last night for some fresh air he approached me in a drunken stupor and picked a fight. He had even unleashed his summoned beast in the streets to attack me, so I dealt with him.”

“He really let a summoned beast out in the local area? I knew he was an arrogant fool but I didn’t think he was that stupid...” Rem relaxed.

“Do you have a problem with my decision?” Diablo questioned.

She shook her head, “No, I think you made the right call... He could have seriously hurt or killed a lot of people if he was willing to go that far.”

For Shera’s part, she didn’t seem to even be paying attention, happily taking cookies from the tray between them and stuffing her cheeks.

“That aside, the problem is the council.” Sylvie continued, “They were not willing to let the matter slide.”

“And given the importance of the mage tower I suspect even your General is beholden to them.”

Sylvie nodded, “Unfortunately. But Celes was able to run some interference, even with Galluk having an uncle or two within the council, they cannot refuse the terms she suggested.”

“And what would those terms be?”

“Just to prove that you are now an essential asset to Faltra.”

“And if I don’t?” He tilted his head curiously.

“Well, I don’t think the old coots in the council understood just how incapable we would be of kicking you out of the city if you refused... But they could refuse all city services to Rem and Shera to ensure your cooperation, no inns, markets, food, etcetera.”

There’s something she’s excluding... “Was there something else?” He pressed.

“There was but... I don’t want to say, I really don’t want my Guild turned to dust because of something stupid the council said.” She said with a slight shiver, “Besides, it’s not like you’re planning to refuse, are you?”

“I’m not but...” He narrowed his eyes, “I assure you I will not punish you for something another suggested, tell me what they wanted.” Sylvie bit her lip and looked away... “Now.” He demanded.

“... Celes made a big fuss about it I swear... And we made it clear you wouldn’t accept it... If you don’t meet the criteria they want Rem back as collateral...”

Rem flinched and the room shook as Diablo’s mana began to flare, but he took a deep breath to calm himself, the shaking stopping immediately. Come on I promised not to do anything, keep it under control... His eyes glowed, but he stayed sitting with a calm posture, “I would raze Faltra to the ground before returning Rem to those fools.”

Sylvie let out the breath she had been holding and relaxed back as best she could, “Yeah I figured you’d say that.”

Rem placed a hand on his leg, “It’s alright, I know you’d protect me, and Celes would put up a fight too.”

He gently put a hand on Rem’s head, shuffling her hair just a bit, the glow in his eyes fading, before relaxing back with a sigh, folding his arms over his chest, “So I assume you have something you wish for me to do to prove Celes’s terms?”

Now Sylvie smiled, “Of course! One task was suggested by the General himself, and the other from Celes.”

“And what would those tasks be?”

“Well, I called them tasks but they’re actually quests, just special quests only for you and your party. You’ll be rewarded accordingly still.” She said as she shuffled through papers, “The one that’s more immediate is the one from the General.” She placed some of the papers in front of Diablo, “There’s been some strange happenings around the Man Eating Woods lately, its always been dangerous territory because the high level of the monsters there but lately soldiers have been disappearing. The few who have made it back report they were ambushed from the trees, and their wounds signify it was no monster.”

“The trees? Sounds like elves...” Rem looked to Shera.

“Buuh whaa ooud effs ee ooig eere?” Shera asked through no less than five cookies.

“Well, it’s not confirmed if it is or isn’t elves, and even if it is we can’t be sure which elven territory they’re from. The General is concerned though that whoever they are, they may be preparing for war.” Sylvie shrugged.

“But even if the few elven territories were to unite, they wouldn’t reasonably be able to start a war with Faltra.” Rem pondered.

“It’s not a full frontal assault the General is concerned about, it’s that the elves specialize in ambush tactics. If they’re ambushing our people in the woods, then they might ambush trade routes next and we would be powerless to stop them without burning down the whole forest. They would damage Faltra considerably over time.”

“And since he has not confirmed it, he doesn’t want to risk more of his own soldiers sending them into the woods just to gather information about their attackers.” Sylvie nodded at Diablo’s observation, “It makes sense, I would do the same in his position. Though I am curious how you feel about him using your adventurer’s in his soldier’s place.”

“Honestly if it weren’t for the situation, I would have put up a much bigger fight about it.” She sighed with a shake of her head, “But given the current issue with the council, and your own status... Let’s just say I’m confident that even if there’s an army of elves out there in the trees, you’d be perfectly fine. I would never hand off a quest this blatantly rigged to my more... Mortal adventurers.”

“I appreciate your honesty on the matter.”

“I might be considered too bold at times, but I’m old and wise enough to know who I should and shouldn’t bullshit.” She gave him a thumbs up.

“I’ll accept this quest of course, but I am curious first what Celes wanted from me.”

“Well the General’s quest is more about proving your worth to Faltra, while Celes’s is more about proving it to the Mage’s Association specifically.”

“And what does she suggest?”

“Well she had two proposals.” Sylvie raised two fingers, “The one she suggested first was that given your knowledge of mana and magic, that you may be able to help improve and possibly extend the barrier around the city.”

“I see, it would be mutually beneficial to do so, but defensive magic is not my specialty so I cannot be certain if my aid would be of much use. Just because I can deconstruct it easily does not mean I can build it.”

“Yup I get that, and Celes thought you might say something like that, that’s why she offered a second option.”

“And that is?”

“If you could teach her and a select member of the council how to see and manipulate mana as you do, they’d use it to improve teaching young mages.”

Diablo lowered his head and closed his eyes in thought for a moment, “I will take a look at the barrier, I may have an idea it’s just a matter of if it would be possible to incorporate... If not then I suppose I could attempt to teach her how to see and manipulate the flow of mana, though I cannot say how much good such a skill would do for a mortal, besides perhaps tutoring students who do not know how to move their own mana.”

“Perfect! I really appreciate your cooperation, just so you know. And I promise that the reward for doing both of these quests will be adequate, the council tried to push that you shouldn’t be rewarded, but the General and I were insistent.”

Diablo picked up the papers she had placed down and began looking over them, “If you are looking for gratitude for doing your job; I suggest you look elsewhere.”

Her expression turned to a pout for a moment, “I guess I should expect that...” Before clearing her throat, “At any rate, as I said the more immediate problem is the General’s quest, in those documents you’ll find the full report of the situation along with all locations where ambushes are believed to have occurred. For now the goal is to just confirm who or what has been ambushing soldiers and to gather information about why they’re doing it, once we have that info the General will make the call from there on how to handle the situation diplomatically or otherwise.”

Diablo didn’t respond for a moment, quickly skimming over the documents, “From this it seems your General isn’t too concerned on the method for obtaining the information he’s after.”

“He takes attacks on his men very seriously, honestly if you did something nasty to get what he’s after, you’d probably earn some favor with him for taking some “just vengeance” as he would say.”

“Diablo, if they’re elves... You wouldn’t hurt them, would you?” Shera asked with concern.

“Not unless I felt it necessary, don’t worry.”

Rem peeked over to try and examine the documents Diablo held, “What’s the reward for doing this?”

“The General authorized sixty platinum pieces.” Sylvie smiled.

“S-Sixty!?” Rem’s eyes shined, “I’ve never had a quest pay out that much!”

“That’s the difference between fifty and below quests and ninety or higher.” Sylvie laughed.

“Man, I wish we summoned you sooner...” Rem huffed.

“I don’t see any time constraints on here.” Diablo noted after putting the documents back down.

“If you’re able to handle it by the end of the day that would be ideal... But the General doesn’t view adventurers too highly if I’m being honest so he’s not confident enough to put a time limit.”

“I suppose a General wouldn’t be, would he.” Diablo shrugged, “It shows their foolish arrogance setting up things in such a way that my only options would be to accept or destroy Faltra...” Diablo sighed, “But for their sake...” He glanced at Rem and Shera, “I will cooperate.” He stood up.

“I really appreciate it either way.”

“Was there anything else?” She shook her head, “Well then, are you ready to head to your first quest, Shera?”

Shera jumped up in glee, “Yes! Let’s go Rem!”

“Good luck!” Sylvie waved them off.

--

“Have you ever been to the Man Eating Woods, Diablo?” Rem asked as they made their way to one of the ambush locations on the map.

It wasn’t particularly interesting, but it was a good place for certain classes to grind at a low level. “Yes, but it was a long time ago... From what I recall the average monster is level sixty around here.”

“That’s right, honestly if it is elves like Sylvie and the General seem to think, it’s a bit impressive they’re hiding out there.”

“What’s impressive about it? Such places are their natural habitat, aren’t they?”

“I... I guess with how strong you are you probably don’t realize how tough a place like this is for the rest of us. Emile is probably the only one in the Guild besides you who could survive alone in this place, at least for a little while. Normally no one who is sane would take a quest that goes any further than the edge of the Man Eating Woods.”

“I see...” Rem would probably be a lot closer to her goal if she was willing to take higher risk quests... But even if it’s uncannily similar, this world isn’t a game, if she were to die, that would be it. Why would people risk their lives easily just to level up faster? “I suppose I’ve grown too accustomed to those who are willing to throw away their lives all too easily at the prospect of growth or for greed.”

“Don’t feel bad, Diablo!” Shera smiled, “You said before your interactions with people were pretty limited to those that would show up to try and fight you, right? So of course you don’t get normal people, I mean only crazy people would challenge a demon lord that’s minding his own business.”

“I suppose you’re right.” He blinked.

“Besides most elves aren’t fighting monsters, but we’re super good at avoiding them in the forests!”

I guess I understand why Rem said most mages are summoners... Why would you risk your life getting stronger when you could have a summon fight for you? Though it does make me curious what the state of this world would be if I hadn’t killed Enkvarios.

“At any rate, this is it.” Diablo flicked the map.

“There were a good handful of ambush locations marked on there, what made you pick this one?” Rem looked around, seeming unimpressed.

“Because the lake and thick tree line. The trees here give plenty of cover and places to ambush from, where a swamp like this is a prime location for Madara Snakes. So an average soldier sent out for reconnaissance wouldn’t have any choice but to go back through the thick line of trees, making them an easy target.” He explained.

“Wow... I never would have considered that...”

“Well, you have to learn to think a bit differently when fighting intelligent beings rather than monsters.”

“Diablo was right too!” Shera skipped over before lowering her voice to a whisper, “I can hear voices in the trees. There’s a lot of them.”

Diablo turned his attention to the trees and focused his mana sight, “I see... Their mana is so thin I didn’t notice it. Good work Shera.”

“Hehe, I got praised!”

Since elves naturally suck at magic it makes sense their mana is really thin, so I think this confirms it... Which means I need to be careful, I still haven’t had the chance to try out my magic that isn’t confined to single targets, so I shouldn’t use anything that might have unexpected collateral damage.

Diablo drew his staff, “<Earthen Grasp>.”

The ground suddenly shifted, a dozen hands forming from the ground before reaching up quickly into the trees, throwing down an elf each from them trees before crumbling away to dust.

“Woah... I’ve never seen a spell like that.” Rem muttered in awe.

“Argh...” The group of elves grunted and stood back up, “What the hell kind of spell was that?”

So it was right then, but why are elves picking a fight with a human city? I thought Greenwood had an agreement with the humans.

“C-Celsior!? What are you doing here?” Shera gasped.

“You know these elves?” Diablo questioned.

But Shera went quiet, “Uhm...”

“So it was true then!” The elf she called Celsior declared, “That collar is all the evidence we need!”

Diablo rose a brow, “Evidence of what?”

“Do not play coy with me, demon! Lady Shera went missing in the forest, we had been searching for her all this time and recently heard a rumor that she was made a captive in Faltra! But when we requested her safe return we were simply told returning her wasn’t possible.” The elf grit his teeth.

Wait, so they came here and started all this trouble to get Shera? She must be important in the Greenwood then... Hang on! Who told them returning her wasn’t possible? Does that mean that this is my fault since Sylvie would have been too afraid to tell me Shera was the key to this!? Did she give us this quest knowing this would happen? Diablo scowled, “I’m going to give that damn rabbit a piece of my mind when we get back...”

“You guys have got it wrong, Shera isn’t a captive of Faltra.” Rem stepped in.

“How do you explain that slave collar then!? The same collar you are wearing! Shera is the noble princess of Greenwood, placing a slave collar on her is a serious crime!”

I should have seen that coming... It didn’t really cross my mind before but she did introduce herself as Shera L Greenwood, the initial and surname were a dead giveaway she was at least a noble of Greenwood...

Shera stepped behind Diablo a bit, “I-I won’t let you take me back! I don’t want to go back!”

“Princess, please! Your family has been worried sick! If you don’t return the royal bloodline cannot continue!”

“I don’t care! Here I’m free, and I won’t give that freedom away for anything!”

“Free? You’re a slave!”

“I was much more of a slave back home than I am here! Collar or no collar, I’m not anyone’s slave! My life belongs to me!”

“I’m sorry Princess, but we were ordered to bring you home by any means necessary... We are not above using force.” Celsior threatened.

“Celsior... Please...”

Rem stepped forward to block Shera, “We haven’t known each other for very long... But you said we’re friends, and friends help each other out, right?” She smiled, “Besides, leaving your home to seek your own freedom... I can understand that really well.”

Shera began to tear up, “Rem...”

I suppose getting them to leave peacefully isn’t an option if they’re willing to drag their own princess back kicking and screaming...

Diablo let out a sigh and stepped forward, blocking both of the girls, “Shera.” He looked to her from the corner of his eye, “I believe I understand now why you wanted a powerful summon. So tell me, is this what you wish to use my power for?”

“Diablo...” She sniffed and wiped her eyes, “Y-Yes! I... I wish for my freedom!”

He gave her a smirk, “Very well then.” He turned his gaze back to Celsior and the other elves, “You have made quite the mistake today, elves, believing I would allow you to touch one who belongs to me.”

“You’ll be alright now...” Rem said softly, putting a hand on Shera’s shoulder.

“So you admit it then! Very well, we’ll kill you and take the Princess back by force!” He drew his bow, “No one escapes our sight! Fire!”

A dozen arrows flew through the air, hitting their mark, They’re really well trained, they’re firing together but are all aiming for different vitals.

Celsior took a step back, “Wh-What in the...?” All the arrows had hit, he saw it with his own eyes, but they all fell to the ground broken, “How... How are you uninjured!?”

Diablo tilted his head, “I am curious, did you truly believe you could harm me with arrows like these?” He stepped on the broken arrows on the ground to make his point, “I doubt you could fell even a boar with such ammunition.”

“Wh-What? Are you mocking us!?”

“I suppose I am.”

“Of course we don’t use ever green arrows on monsters!” He grit his teeth in anger, “I didn’t want to use the arrows provided by the prince, but clearly you are no ordinary demon.”

Half of their number drew special arrows, “Oh? <Tempest Arrows>? You should have used those from the beginning.” Those are what everyone used in PvP battles, they could bypass armor effects from gear, though not a persons stats. They were perfect for taking out unprepared mages.

“I’m surprised you’re familiar with these treasures, but it doesn’t matter! We will not accept surrender!” And they loosed their arrows.

Well, unfortunately for them... I’m not an underprepared mage.

“No! Diablo! Those are really bad!” Shera cried out.

But he made no attempt to avoid the arrows, they screeched against his armor upon impact, but after a moment, fell to the ground... The elves staggered back in shock, “I-Impossible...” Celsior muttered as Diablo simply patted his chest where they had impacted as if patting dust from his clothes, “The treasure of the royal family had no effect...?”

Shera probably doesn’t want me killing them, they’re her people after all... With how shaken they are just a display of power should be enough to crush their fighting spirit.

“Royal treasure? Don’t make me laugh.”

Rem and Shera both cheered, “He’s okay!”

“Of course he is, a stupid elf treasure can’t hurt Diablo!”

“What the hell are you...?” Celsior sweated.

“Remember this moment and your powerlessness well, elf.” Diablo rose his staff, a magic sigil appearing in the air, “I am Diablo, the demon lord of mana! <Ice Age>!”

In an instant the swamp froze over, the trees encased in ice, the ground itself frozen, the entire Man Eating Woods was encased in ice, it had even begun to snow.

Okay, I’m glad I didn’t use something that does damage! I did not mean to make the spell that big, I think I just destroyed an entire ecosystem by accident...

The group of elves collapsed to their knees shivering in terror as much as they were the cold...

“H-How... How is this possible...?”

“I sure am glad you’re on our side.” Rem sighed in relief as she wrapped her arms around herself, “Though maybe warn us before you change the weather next time?”

Shera approached Celsior, “I’m glad you’re okay, sorry about this Celsior...” He smiled sadly, “When you go back, can you tell my brother that I have no intentions of returning? Tell him I’m not his to own, I don’t plan on leaving Rem and Diablo’s side any time soon.”

Celsior simply stayed frozen in shock, but he seemed to nod just slightly, that was enough to make Shera smile before suddenly tackling Rem, “Hehe! I knew you liked me!”

Rem blushed, “W-Well we are friends, right? Now get off me!”

“No way! You’re warm!”

Diablo smiled at them both, I probably should try and fix this... It’s made of magic so I should be able to... Taking a moment to focus while Rem and Shera wrestled in the snow, Diablo lifted a hand, Concentrate my mana and...

There was a shimmer and the ice and snow vanished in a spark of magic, I did it!

“Oh! You fixed it!” Shera let go of Rem and looked around.

“I couldn’t well leave it like that. Monsters who prey on the creatures here likely would move closer to Faltra.”

“Speaking of Faltra, let’s go home!”

Home, huh? “Actually, since we finished the quest so quickly, I was hoping to do a little monster hunting while we are here.”

“What for?” Rem blinked.

“I need to confirm something, is all.”

Chapter Text

In the end finding monsters turned out to be difficult... They probably all cleared out or went into hiding after I used <Ice Age>. But Diablo was able to convince Rem and Shera to wait at the edge of the Man Eating Woods, with the excuse that he wanted to test a new spell and it could be dangerous.

After searching through the archives and running a few tests, I get it now. In the game the MP used for a spell was completely determined by the spell itself, naturally the higher level and more powerful spells used more MP. But this isn’t a game, so that restriction doesn’t apply... I could make an <Explosion> as powerful as a <White Nova> if I just channel more of my mana into the spell. So if I use less...

Diablo focused to restrain his mana, “<Explosion>.” The air exploded in a small two foot radius, much smaller than even the effect of <Explosion> he was used to from the game.

Man it’s so cool! I never would have thought of this on my own! And I’ve realized I can cast my spells instantly without even using my staff.

“Though it does beg the question why can’t someone like the head of the Mage’s Association see and manipulate mana like this? And why did she need a pre-configured glyph to use that sealing spell before?” I haven’t met many mages, so I can’t say for sure, but it feels like no one else can do stuff like this... Is it just because I’m high level?

Diablo shook his head, not wanting to keep Rem and Shera waiting any longer he decided to return to them so the group could make their way back to Faltra.

The more I use magic the more I feel like I’m missing something, like I can do so much more with it than I realize... I need to find some time to do research.

--

“You and the General were right, there were elves from Greenwood in the forest staging the ambushes. Apparently they were looking for Shera.” Rem explained.

“I see, we suspected as much. What happened to the elves?” Sylvie asked.

“Diablo went like-!” Shera stretched up her arms in an exaggerated fashion, “Fwoooosh! And scared them all half to death!”

“Wouldn’t they come back then?”

Rem shook her head, “After Diablo asserted that he can’t be trifled with, Shera talked to the elves and told them she’s here by choice and won’t be going back.”

“Hopefully they take the message well then, if it’s coming from their princess, they shouldn’t refuse.” Sylvie nodded.

“About that.” Diablo started in a sharp tone that made the hair on Sylvie’s ears stand on end, “The elves seemed convinced Shera had been captured and was being detained by someone in Faltra who was making it impossible to return her.” Sylvie’s face twisted into a pained grimace, her puffed up ears twitching nervously, “I wonder why that is.” He finished with narrowed eyes.

“W-Well it wasn’t entirely untrue was it? Would you have handed over Shera if we asked and she said she didn’t want to go...?”

“That’s not important. What matters to me is that you gave us this quest knowing that Shera was the princess of Greenwood, and that the elves were here to retrieve her. Yet you failed to mention any of this.” Diablo leaned back and folded one leg over the other, “I suspect you were given orders so I won’t accuse you directly. But I also suspect you might know why such important details were withheld. I am certain you understand my brewing anger at the knowledge that if it had been anyone but me, both Rem and Shera would have been in danger.”

Sylvie’s ears drooped and she lowered her head, “I didn’t intend to deceive you, honestly. But I was given very specific instructions from the General on what to divulge about the situation. I asked him why but he wouldn’t give me his reasons, though I do suspect he might have been hoping you would respond aggressively and kill the elves. If you did then he would have been rid of them for good while creating justification to ban you from Faltra, since the kingdom of Greenwood would likely want retribution but couldn’t justify a war when it would have been an independent party’s responsibility.”

Diablo let out a sigh, “I see.”

Sylvie perked up suddenly, “B-But! I only agreed because it was you and I was confident you and the girls would be fine!”

“Calm yourself.” Diablo waved a hand dismissively, “I am not the sort to punish the Knight for the actions of the King, even should the Knight become a Pawn. I will take your honesty and opinion into consideration while I decide how I should respond to your master’s movements.” If she’s even close to right, it shows the General’s willingness to use all his pieces like Pawns and throw them away. I really dislike that kind of thinking... But I can’t just walk into his office and threaten him, I’d be putting Rem and Shera’s livelihoods at risk by association. Man this diplomatic stuff is annoying.

“Uhm... You’re not going to kill Faltra’s leader or something, are you?” Shera questioned.

“A hostile take over of the kingdom would certainly be the easiest option in the short term.” All brows raised in his direction, “But it would far more of a pain in the long term. So I will tolerate these diplomatic annoyances for now, I will only respond violently as I deem necessary.”

“Uh... Thank you...?” Sylvie responded.

“Would you prefer I behave in a matter fitting those who share my title?”

Sylvie quickly waved her hands, “No, no! What you’re doing now is perfect!” With that she grabbed the leather bag that had been sitting next to her and dropped it onto the table, “At any rate, here’s your payment for the quest, sixty platinum pieces, as promised.”

Diablo took the bag and quickly counted out and separated three piles of twenty coins before putting the pile in front of himself into his own pouch, “A-Are you sure you’re okay with this, Diablo? I mean... Shera and I really didn’t do anything.”

“Shera is the reason we got the quest, and anyway we’re a party now, right? That means what’s mine is yours, and all that.”

Rem’s face went red and her eyes a little blurry, “Are you crying, Rem?” Shera peeked past Diablo at her.

“Sh-Shut up! I’m not crying!” She pat both sides of her face with her palms, clearing her throat, “I’ve just always had to scrounge and pinch copper between quests since leaving the mage tower. This is the first time I’ve had spare funds after a quest that wasn’t immediately all spent on an inn room and potions after!”

Sylvie chuckled, “Don’t spend it all in one place.”

The group stood up from the couch to leave, “And Sylvie, I expect the full details of quests from now on.” Diablo nodded as they began to leave.

Sylvie gave a mock salute, “Yes sir!”

As they left the Guild Shera darted in front of Rem and Diablo, “We should go to a bath house!”

Diablo blinked, “Faltra has one?”

“It’s pretty nice actually, though you have to rent a private bath so it’s pretty pricy.” Rem confirmed.

“What do you usually do then?”

“I haven’t had a bath in weeks!” Shera proudly proclaimed, “I’ve been too broke to rent a bath, and the river you’re allowed to bathe in is kind of far.”

“I’d hate to say it but I haven’t bathed in a while either...” Rem grabbed her own tail, “My tail’s started to get greasy...”

I do really miss baths already... If there’s a bath house I so want to go!

“Very well then, if that’s what you both want.”

“You’re coming with us, right?” Rem pressed.

“Yeah! You’re always so clean looking but you haven’t had a bath since we summoned you, right?”

“I never said I wasn’t interested.”

--

I said that, but this is not what I expected!

He was expecting a room that split into separate baths, but it turned out renting a room with a bath was... Exactly that. When they entered the room it was an elevated wooden platform with a large space for undressing and redressing with baskets and hooks to place their clothes, several bath towels of varying sizes, and wash cloths.

“Oh, it’s like the bath back home in Greenwood, everyone shares.”

“I wanted to rent a separate room but coming here is pricy already, I don’t want to spend money like we’re nobles just because we have some now.”

“We all sleep in the same room and no one’s done anything, so what’s the problem?” Shera asked.

“I just don’t want to bathe with an elf.”

“Oh? So it’s fine if it’s just you and Diablo?” Shera teased.

Rem’s face quickly turned red, “I-I didn’t say that!”

Don’t say something like that Shera, this is already uncomfortable!

Diablo cleared his throat, “Since the changing area isn’t split up, why don’t you both change first?”

“Alright.” They both agreed.

Diablo moved to the other side of the room and faced the wall, Honestly, I’m not really tempted to look, which is surprising... But this situation is a bit awkward... Though I guess sharing a bed with two women is kind of a way bigger deal than a public bath, so I need to relax.

“You’re supposed to leave the towel on Shera!” Rem scolded.

“But how am I supposed to take a bath when I’m holding onto a towel?”

Yup. This is awkward. I think not seeing and letting my mind make up weird things is just making it worse.

“You seriously don’t know how to wrap a towel?” Rem sighed, “Hold still, I’ll do it.”

Rem grabbed the ends of Shera’s towel and wrapped it on her properly, “Oh, it really does stay!”

“It’ll stay as long as you don’t mess with it. Now let’s hop in the bath so Diablo can change.”

“You can turn around now, Diablo!” Shera called him over, “Me and Rem are all covered up.”

Yeah, there’s nothing to be uncomfortable about. Both of them seem comfortable, so I should be the same.

Rem and Shera had both slipped into the bath as Diablo began disrobing, facing the wall of course he felt facing their way while doing so would be weird. He didn’t feel any eyes on his back either, which made him a bit more at ease.

With a towel now tightly wrapped around his waist he turned around, “Alright.” He announced.

Looking his way now, both girls tried to hide their blushing, it was the first time either of them had seen him without at least the <Hollow of Jet Black> on and were surprised by his built frame.

Rem cleared her throat, “Are you going to leave that fancy ring on? Aren’t you afraid it’ll get damaged in the water?”

Diablo looked to his hand, I doubt a ring from a demon lord would be low enough quality for that, but she has a point. “Ah, I’m so accustomed to wearing it, it didn’t cross my mind.”

He turned around to place it with the rest of his equipment when both girls gasped rather loudly...

He quickly turned back to them, “What’s wrong?”

Both girls looked to one another, “N-Nothing.” Rem said uncomfortably.

“S-Sorry Diablo... That was rude of us to react that way.” Shera added in a sad tone.

Diablo only blinked at them both, “What are you talking about?”

“It’s just... Seeing someone like you with scars...” Shera started.

Scars!? “Scars?”

Now Rem and Shera seemed uncomfortable as he slipped into the bath and felt at his back, sure enough there was something there. Raw and fleshy, like a severe wound that was barely beginning to heal. What the hell?

“Are they that bad?” He questioned.

Both girls looked at each other again, “They look really fresh somehow. Like someone put a blade through your back eight times just recently.” Shera said seriously.

Wait, there’s eight scars? When the hell did that happen!? Diablo tried to recall when such injuries might have happened, but once again all that went through his mind were vague flashes of interminable images and a lingering hatred... He put a hand to his forehead and shook the feeling away.

“You said before your memories were mostly missing from before we summoned you, right? So I guess you didn’t know either, did you?” Rem asked.

Diablo shook his head, “I didn’t, it’s not as if I can feel them.”

“We’re sorry.” They said at the same time.

“It’s quite alright.”

An awkward silence hung heavy for a while before Rem spoke up, “With your regeneration, what could even leave a long lasting fresh scar like those? I know you don’t remember but...”

“It’s scary to think about.” Shera finished Rem’s thought.

Seriously, imagine how I feel! I’m the one with some apparently nasty scars I have zero recollection of!

“You at least got payback on whatever it was, right?” Shera lifted an arm and flexed a pose, likely with the intent to ease the mood.

“... No. No I don’t believe I did.” His eyes narrowed dangerously, “... But I will.”

Chapter Text

There was a gentle knock on the door, Rem who had been sitting on the edge of the bed brushing her tail quickly stood up to open the door, “Celes? What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry for bothering you while you’re relaxing, but it occurred to me that when I spoke to Sylvie about that quest, I never provided a day, hour, or location to meet with Diablo.” She smiled, “So I thought perhaps if you are not busy today, I can escort you to the barrier.”

“Very well.” Diablo stood up.

“Can I come too?” Shera hopped off the bed excitedly.

Celes gave her a warm smile, “Of course. Rem is welcome to come as well.”

“No thanks, I’m not going to the Mage Tower.” Rem scoffed as she plopped back onto the bed, grabbing the brush once more.

Celes looked a bit disappointed and even sighed slightly, but she was quickly smiling again, “I understand. If there’s anything either of you need before we depart I can wait downstairs.”

“Shera?”

“I’m ready~”

Diablo nodded, “Lead the way then.”

“See you later Rem!” Shera waved as they left.

--

“Woow! It’s even bigger up close!” Shera marveled at the mage tower.

Celes chuckled, “It’s rather impressive isn’t it? If you’ll follow me inside, I’ll lead you to the mechanism that runs the barrier.”

Diablo and Shera followed her inside, “I am surprised you are taking us to the heart of your barrier.” Diablo noted, “I was under the impression you did not trust me.”

She led them to a door coated with warding spells that deactivated at Celes’s touch, revealing a descending spiral stairwell, “To be honest, I don’t.” She sighed as the three made their way down the long stairway, “I can’t help but continue to wonder why a demon lord is here in Faltra. But I find myself also asking, why would you have not acted already if your intentions were bad? I’ve seen first hand that you could take my life at any time to destroy the barrier. And I also wonder what two young women see that I don’t, to trust you as Rem and Shera do? If Enkvarios was not slain when he was, Faltra would have fallen, and that would have been from a demon lord on the outside. So as the one who was able to fell him so quickly and quietly that not a soul was aware of what happened... What could you possibly be waiting for? Truth is, I don’t have an answer to that question, no matter how I think about it. So no, I don’t trust you, but I’ve accepted that whether I trust you or not, it wouldn’t matter in the end. So why not do what I can to stay on your good side then?” She smiled, “Besides, I want to trust Rem’s judgement. Even if I admittedly am a bit envious of you for having her trust.”

“I commend your foresight, even if it is rooted in suspicion of me. I cannot fault you for it, as I once told Rem, I would think you insane to trust someone easily who shares the title of those known for wishing to slaughter your kind. And speaking of Rem, you should talk to her.” Celes suddenly looked back at him, “I think you’ll find it isn’t you she doesn’t trust, but your masters.”

Finally at the base of the stairs, they were met with another magically sealed door, “Thank you, I will talk to her...” She approached the door, “It’s strange, I get all in my own head about you being a demon lord, a threat, a monster, but both times we’ve spoken now...” She touched the door and just like before the wards faded away, “I don’t know...”

“You don’t know?” Diablo tilted his head.

“There’s something oddly... Reassuring about your presence.”

“I know, right?” Shera jumped in, “Diablo’s got a scary aura and face.” Did she just insult my face? “But you feel kind of, at peace around him. As long as you’re on his good side, anyway!”

“How strange.” Diablo noted.

“Here we are.” Celes guided them inside, “This is what forms the base of the barrier.”

She gestured to the center of the room.

They had entered a large chamber, at its center there was a large pillar engraved with archaic runes and a large glowing diamond shaped slot of some kind. Around the large pillar in the center were nine smaller ones with similar runes engraved into them, thrumming with an eerie light. Lines marked the floor between the smaller pillars and around the large one with that same eerie glow, making a nine pointed star with the largest pillar in the center.

The pillar in the center must be the power source, and I’d bet structurally speaking those other nine pillars line up with the nine pylons around the city perfectly.

“How interesting...” He muttered as he took in his surroundings.

“Stories say that after the demon lords were sealed away, God created these structures and gifted them to the most prominent cities around the world.” Celes explained, “Faltra was gifted one due to one of our walls being the first line between the race’s land and the fallen’s.”

Diablo’s eyes were locked on the center pillar, “No...” He slowly walked closer to it, “This is no work of God...”

“What...? How could you possibly...?”

“I recognize this energy, and these runes...” He muttered before placing his hand against the pillar and closing his eyes.

“What do you...?” Celes started but was quickly shushed by Shera.

“Shh! I’ve never seen Diablo this focused before.” She whispered at her, “Maybe he already figured something out.”

“I-I see...” Celes said quietly, choosing to remain quiet.

Shortly after entering the chamber, Diablo felt familiar with the energy humming pathetically through the room, and was currently focused on it, getting a feel for it while more or less cross referencing it with his memories and knowledge as Diablo.

After a while he suddenly opened his eyes, “No way...”

Both Celes and Shera looked at him eagerly, “What is it?”

“Celes, as the one who manages the barrier, you can’t leave Faltra, right?”

She nodded, “Right, if I leave the barrier fails.”

He pulled his hand away and looked to her, “Do you know why you can’t leave?” He had a look more serious than usual in his eyes.

“From how the process was explained to me-...”

Diablo interrupted her, “Do you know why?”

She felt a chill go down her spine when she made eye contact with him, “I... No, I suppose I don’t...”

“No, of course you wouldn’t.” His gaze trailed back to the center pillar, and as if he was privy to some private joke, he suddenly let out a laugh.

“I don’t understand... What’s funny about that?” Celes was uneasy, and from the look on Shera’s face, she was too.

He sighed away the laughter, “It’s not funny, it’s not funny at all.” He clenched his hands into tight fists, “In fact, it makes me so angry I can only laugh to keep myself from destroying this place.”

“... There’s something bad about the barrier... Isn’t there?” Shera knowingly asked.

“It’s the <Curtain of the End> though slightly modified. I knew I recognized it but I needed a closer look to be sure.”

“It certainly sounds ominous, but what is it?”

“Were you aware this center pillar is actually a container?”

“A container? No... What would it be containing?”

Diablo put a hand to it and after a moment, the pillar split open, “Look for yourself.”

Slowly the pillar completely opened up before its hollow frame sank into the floor, revealing on a small pedestal a giant skull. Though the skull seemed to be constantly regenerating and deteriorating over and over again in a rapid cycle, never recovering more than some of its muscle and tendon structure, and sometimes a single eye, before it all turned to dust once again and started over.

Celes took a step back, “Wh-what is that?”

“It’s Europa. Or part of what’s left of him, anyway.”

“What’s Europa?” Shera questioned.

“In all honesty, even I do not know exactly what Europa was, or where it came from, but it was a monster that sought to usurp your God. In truth it wasn’t particularly powerful, but it did possess a unique ability that was always active so long as it was not attacking, called <Curtain of the End>.”

“What did it do?”

“It sounds rather ominous, but in truth it’s just a barrier, but a very powerful one. I must admit that while it infuriates me, I am also impressed that a mortal figured out a way to channel that barrier in a slightly modified form through Europa’s corpse. I suspect his remaining pieces are what runs the barriers in the other cities with them and is why the amount of barriers created is minimum.”

“It’s certainly creepy... And it does bother me a bit to know that it is a monster that runs the barriers, but I don’t understand why that would make you angry. Unless you knew this beast.”

“I knew Europa only in that I was the one who slayed him. They key here is a question that remains to be answered, Celes. You still do not know why you cannot leave Faltra.”

“I... That’s true... I admit I’m a bit more confused now finding out that the barriers are actually powered by this... Monster.”

“When you were made the keeper of the barrier, you were brought here, to this central pillar, yes?” Celes nodded, “And you were told to recite some chant you didn’t understand, yes?” Once more she nodded, “Why do you think this fragment of Europa is rapidly regenerating before decaying again like this?”

“I don’t know anything about the monster, so I have no idea...”

“The reason you can’t leave, the source of the barrier, and the state of Europa are all connected as to why you can’t leave the city.”

“I’m afraid I still don’t understand what you’re implying...”

“He’s a persistent bastard, Europa can reform and revive endlessly so long as it is given an adequate sacrifice. It’s a creature that feeds on the souls and essence of talented mages to reform and sustain itself. The enchantment you were tasked to perform down here was a binding of sorts.” He reached for something in the air and grasped it carefully, giving it a gentle tug, at that moment Celes stumbled forward with a gasp for air, and a hair-like string that glowed faintly appeared in Diablo’s grip, “You cannot leave because your soul and mana are bound to Europa... You are being devoured at a rate far too slow to take notice; in order to heal Europa just enough to power the barrier, but not risk reviving him.”

Celes trembled as she carefully grasped the strand that was coming from her chest, “Th-This can’t be... How... How can I still be alive...?”

“It’s an extremely slow process, as I said, too much too quickly and they’d risk just reviving Europa and destroying the barrier at once. You’ll likely die at a much younger age then expected, can you say that there is a single former head mage on this council your association operates on?”

She fell to her knees, “Th-There... There isn’t...”

Diablo released the thread and it vanished from view once more, “I suspect the reason your council wanted Rem...” He glanced to Shera, then cleared his throat, “A soul like that if managed correctly could likely be an unlimited power source.”

“God...” Celes gasped then clasped a had over her mouth as if she were sick, “I... I was the one who reached out to the council to... It’s all my fault... God, please forgive me...”

“You’re asking the wrong person for forgiveness.” Diablo sighed, “You acted with good intentions, but could not have known you were a pawn in someone else’s game. So I will not judge you, that is for Rem to decide. As for your council...” He grit his teeth.

“Diablo... Could you free Celes...?” Shera asked, “She shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice herself...”

“Yes, I could sever the connection quite easily. But the barrier would fall in a matter of days afterwards, and I suspect that isn’t what she wants.”

Wiping away tears Celes shook her head, “No... I didn’t know, and I am disgusted with the council, but risking the lives of everyone in Faltra for my own sake isn’t right either.”

“But, you can fix the barrier, right? Your magic is really powerful so you could make a new one that’s better, right?” Shera pressed.

Diablo shook his head, “Not at the moment at least. I could make a barrier around the city using the pillars that are in place, but it would be temporary. I’m afraid I only know one warding spell and it requires me to constantly pour mana into it, so it wouldn’t be sustainable if I leave.” He looked to Shera, whose ears drooped and had a sad expression on her face, “But with some research, and perhaps if I can recover more of my memories... I can come up with a solution, I am certain of it.” I’m not certain of it! I only know <Prism Wall> and I can’t sustain that forever, let alone have it block off fallen and only fallen! But I can’t just say no when Shera’s making that sad face! With the tiny bit of Diablo’s my memories I have there is a crazy amount of knowledge about magic and stuff, so surely if I dig deep enough and figure out how to recover more of my memories I can find an answer... I need to stop writing checks with my mouth. Diablo wallowed in his own mind.

Celes stood back up, “I appreciate it, I really do. Perhaps I’m starting to understand why Rem and Shera trust you...” She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, “With that in mind... Could I perhaps ask a different request then what was originally asked?”

“Ask and I will consider.”

“When the time is right...” She took another deep breath, “Would you help me dismantle the association council?”

Chapter Text

I told her I’d think about it after seeing how Rem felt about it... But how the hell was I supposed to respond to a question like that? I don’t want to get involved with these bigger world problems! “But... Those council guys really piss me off...” He muttered under his breath.

“Eh?” Shera turned to look at him, “Does that mean you’re going to help Celes with the council or whatever after all?”

“As I said, I prefer not to get caught up in this bureaucratic nonsense... But I will leave it to Rem to decide.”

“Why are you leaving it up to Rem? Isn’t it way too big of a deal for me and Rem?”

“It is not my place to share her secrets, but she has some history with the Mage’s Association and their council that has led me to my decision to trust her judgement.”

“I see...”

“Does that bother you?”

“A little bit I guess... It sort of feels like you’re choosing Rem over me.”

His brow furrowed, “Did I ever say I would choose one of you over the other? I agreed to aid you both with what you want, what I decide to do after that is not your business.”

Her ears drooped a bit, “So... When you’re done will you leave?”

Wait, did I hurt her feelings? That’s not what I meant! “I didn’t say that.” He sighed, “I will help you both as promised, but I do have my own goals as well.”

“What if we decide to go with you?”

“I won’t stop you, if that’s what you’re asking. But I can’t promise it will always be safe to stay by my side.”

She laughed lightly, “That makes me feel better. It’s unfair of me to think you’ll always stick around, that you don’t have your own goals... But if you’ll let me and Rem stay with you when you go to fill those goals, I at least would like to stay. And I bet Rem would too.”

“If that’s what you want.”

Shera smiled, “Anyway. Do you really think the barrier could be extended to the Bridge of Ulug?”

“Not in its current state at least, and Celes knows that.”

“Uhm... If Celes knows that, then why did she ask us to go there and evaluate if you think it’s possible?”

“Remember our meeting with Sylvie? Our agreement to resolve the issue caused by Galluk’s death...”

“Murder.” Shera corrected.

“Yes... At any rate, the agreement was to fulfill a request by both the General and the Mage’s Association. Now that Celes knows the truth of the barrier she is likely hesitant to do anything that could aid the council, so she made up a pointless task for us to complete instead. This way we can fill the needed requirement and get the council off our backs without aiding them.”

“Okay, I think I get it.” Shera nodded, “So when we get there what are you going to do?”

“I’ll do the evaluation properly of course.”

“So when you fix the barrier, do you think you can extend it to the bridge?”

“Most likely, yes. Though another conduit tower will likely need to be built.”

As they got closer to the Bridge of Ulug, Shera spoke up again, “Uhm... Diablo, I think something’s going on at the bridge.”

She immediately recognized the quick moving around the soldiers were doing as panic, while Diablo, who still wasn’t used to other people, just saw them as busy.

“A busy day it seems, perhaps a caravan arrived of some sort.” He dismissed.

Shera squinted, “No, they’re definitely freaked out about something...” She suddenly gasped, “You don’t think Greenwood actually attacked do you?”

“I doubt they would have been able to prepare enough of a force to cause panic at a place meant to drive off fallen in such a short time. Even if they truly were preparing for an attack already.”

As they approached a guard stopped them, “No civilians are allowed to pass at this time, for your own safety, please head back.”

“We’re here at Celes’s request, it should be quick, right Diablo?”

But before Diablo could speak, a few more guards approached, “Y-You!”

Their tone was clearly hostile, though no one pointed weapons at him, “Y-You did this? Didn’t you!?”

Diablo only blinked in confusion, “What did I do exactly?”

“D-Don’t play coy!” One of them spat, though his hands were shaking.

“I knew letting a demon lord stay in Faltra would bite us in the ass!” Another shouted.

I haven’t done anything though...? Were they friends with Galluk? Nah, there’s no way a guy like that had anyone on his side.

“What?” Some of the other guards panicked, “A demon lord?” “That guy’s a demon lord?” “Why’s he coming from Faltra?”

I can’t believe I’m starting to get in trouble now without even opening my mouth. Diablo sighed inwardly.

Seval trembling spears were pointed in his direction, though Diablo was too confused at the situation to really be bothered by it, “I-I don’t know what’s happening, but Diablo’s a friend!” Shera quickly stood in front of him, Wait, why are you shielding me? You know small fry like these guys can’t hurt me Shera. “He hasn’t done anything!”

I’d be a bit moved if I had any idea what I’m being accused of...

“As if we would believe what a slave has to say!” One shouted, spears more resolved with a dainty figure distracting from the intimidating one.

Diablo’s hand suddenly fell on Shera’s shoulder and he gently pulled her back, moving to stand in front of her, “I have been trying to make peace with your rules in Faltra...” His gaze turned sharp, and threatening, “But I will not stand idly by should you threaten what belongs to me.”

Behind him Shera blushed a bit, but quickly shook it off, “At least tell us what’s going on! Maybe we can help!” She pressed.

“You can help by calling off your dogs!”

I have dogs...? Diablo’s gaze turned from sharp back to confused, “The fallen at the gate!” Another guard clarified.

Wait, that’s what they’re freaked out about? Well that makes a lot of sense actually... A normal person would get destroyed by even a low ranking fallen so if there’s more than one it makes sense they would be worried. And I guess why they would blame someone they know as a demon lord for it. “Fallen is it? I assure you this has nothing to do with me. There are no fallen loyal to me.”

“B-Bullshit! Fallen don’t usually act in groups! And there’s a whole fucking army of them at the gate!”

Diablo only gave a scoff, “That is none of my concern.” He turned away with a toss of his cloak, “Let’s go back, Shera.”

The guards were only dumbfounded as Diablo turned away to return to Faltra, but it was Shera who spoke up, “W-Wait!”

He turned slightly to look at her, she hadn’t moved and looked desperate, “We can’t just leave...! Diablo, you know that these people wouldn’t be able to handle an army of fallen, they’ll be slaughtered!”

“One or one hundred fallen makes no difference, they can retreat to the barrier just the same.”

“I... You’re right, but...”

“We’re not retreating.” One guard stepped forward, “There’s at least two hundred fallen out there, we won’t be able to delay them for very long, but hopefully we can delay them long enough for traders and travelers that haven’t reached the barrier yet to make it.”

Two hundred fallen? That’s a lot... These small fry probably wouldn’t stall that many fallen for even a few seconds. Though that begs the question, why is that large scale of a force here?

“Diablo... You can stop them right? I don’t want everyone here to die when I know I could have done something to help!”

Does asking me to do something about it count as you doing something about it? Diablo gave a heavy sigh before turning back towards the bridge gates, “I can’t seem to catch a break can I?” He muttered to himself, “Open the gate, I will deal with this.” He ordered.

The guards looked to each other in confusion as Diablo moved past, “Did you not hear me? Let me pass before I change my mind.”

“O-Open the gate!” One of them ordered.

“Stay here Shera.”

She nodded, “Thank you Diablo.” She beamed at him.

I complained, but having Shera thank me with a big smile feels awesome! It should be okay to show off a little bit, right?

Diablo’s eyes scanned over the fallen that had stopped just before the bridge, It’s odd for fallen to be coordinated like this... They even stopped their push and seem to be waiting for something... Why would this many fallen approach a city with a barrier? And what are they waiting for? His eyes fell on a female fallen, fairly elven looking, atop a drake that was perched on a cliff face overlooking the two hundred or so fallen, Must be their commander... The more humanoid a fallen the more intelligent they tend to be, and sometimes powerful. An intelligent fallen leading them just brings why they’re attacking now further into question... I have a bad feeling about this whole thing, but whatever they’re up to won’t matter if I just blow them all away here.

Diablo drew his staff, giving it a spin for added flourish before slamming it into the ground at his side, leaving one hand atop it, “I do not recall giving you permission to approach my territory.” He said in his best commanding tone, feeling his mana course through his whole body, “I’m feeling rather generous, so I’ll allow you to live if you leave now.”

His eyes glowed and most of the fallen seemed to stagger back or tremble in fear of the aura he was emitting.

“They’re afraid of him?” One guard whispered from the ramparts.

“They can probably feel he’s a demon lord.” Another whispered.

“Why don’t they back off then?” A third whispered.

“Rem told me that Diablo said before there’s different factions of fallen that obey different demon lords.” Shera responded, “These ones probably loyal to someone else.”

“He did claim earlier that there’s no fallen loyal to him...”

One boar headed fallen was bold enough to step forward on his own, “You. Small.” It growled as it stomped in front of Diablo, “You. Not. Krebskulm.”

Diablo’s eyes went wide, Krebskulm? Could they have sensed that they’re in the city? So they’re after Rem?

“Very well then...” Diablo picked up his staff and pointed it at the fallen, Focus and compress my mana... And... “<Flare Burst!>”

A pillar of fire erupted from his staff, so powerful only the charred lower half of the fallen that approached remained, the pillar continuing into the army of fallen turning several more into ash in an instant, the center of the bridge along its path having melted.

With thirty of their number slain, the fallen grew loud with roars and snarls and desires to kill the one who had slain them...

“Stop.” The fallen woman Diablo assumed was their leader called out.

The fallen masses grew quiet as she hopped off her mount and made her way to the bridge, stopping several feet from Diablo, “I’m surprised you approached without your mount.” Diablo noted.

“Wouldn’t move. Scared. Your fault.”

“Quite the intelligent beast then, more than I can say for you and your soldiers.”

“Want run. But mission. Important.”

“So your resolve is absolute then? Very well.” He got into a fighting stance once more.

“Wait.” The fallen woman still hadn’t drawn her weapon, and her army remained stationary, so he figured he could oblige her for now, “Tell Edelgard. Why help humans? Smell like. Demon lord.”

I smell like a demon lord? “I don’t owe you any answers. Besides I could ask you the same, why do you want to kill them?”

That seemed to catch the fallen off guard, she looked surprised by the question, and even looked like she stopped to think about it, “Edelgard doesn’t know...” After another moment of hesitation she drew her spear, “But must rescue. Demon lord.”

“You mean Krebskulm?”

“Yes.”

So they do know... Well, at the very least they know Krebskulm is inside the city, they might not know their soul is inside Rem exactly.

“If that is the case, then I cannot allow you to pass.” She seemed to seriously consider why when I asked about them killing humans... Plus this is a rare chance for me to actually question a fallen, I need to confirm if they actually know where Krebskulm is without giving it away in case they don’t. So I should let her live at least and take out the rest.

“Can’t lose. Will use. Right now.”

Diablo could see the energy begin to gather around Edelgard, <Sacrificial Charge> right out the gate, huh? She’s really going all out opening with that. Actually it kind of makes me happy to be taken seriously like this. But...

“I apologize that I cannot return the gesture at the moment...” Diablo lifted his left hand, a dark magic sigil appearing that he seemed to grab a hold of, “<Dark Star.>” He grasped the sigil and Edelgard gasped in surprise as she was suddenly consumed by darkness.

Where Edelgard once stood was now a perfect sphere of pitch black, thrumming slightly with magical energy.

Diablo completely disregarded the black sphere Edelgard was trapped in as he walked past it, “As for the rest of you...” He regarded the army of fallen, “I will show you one of my greatest spells, be honored.”

The fallen began to charge with roars of fury, but he didn’t flinch as he pointed his staff at them, “<White Nova.>”

Expecting something like the fire pillar, the guards on the wall ducked their heads down, but there was silence...

So they peeked back over the wall, “Uh, what’s that...?”

Many guards watched unimpressed as the small white orb slowly drifted to the ground, though having seen Diablo’s magic a couple of times now, Shera had learned it was anything but subtle, and immediately ducked down after peeking over curiously herself.

The orb touched the ground and suddenly erupted with such force the gatehouse shook, the horizon beyond the wall stained white.

When the light faded, not only had every last fallen been obliterated to a point not even ash remained; but at least two miles of terrain in a cone shape in front of Diablo was completely gone. Okay, maybe I put too much mana into that... But I wanted to be sure I’d get them all...

With the light gone, those who weren’t temporarily blinded peeked back over the wall, “N-No way...”

“The fallen are gone!”

“He killed them all!”

“Holy shit we’re alive!”

Cheers erupted from the wall, though Diablo had one more thing to attend to... He turned around and approached the sphere, waving a hand to dismiss it, it vanished instantly revealing a collapsed Edelgard, she was breathing shallowly, many of her bones broken or crushed.

She seemed pretty high level so I increased the potency a little bit, but I guess I added too much... She’s still alive at least.

Diablo approached her and kneeled down, “Can you hear me?” He called out to her, but got no response, “Completely out then, huh? I can’t take you back to the city, but I’ve still got questions for you...” Diablo stood and turned to the wall, “Hey!” He called out.

“Y-Yes sir?” A guard responded.

“Does this place have any holding cells?”

“Y-Yes sir! There’s a small prison down below!”

With that Diablo scooped up Edelgard and made his way to the wall, carefully putting her down, “I need to question this one when she wakes up, so for now put her in one of the cells and-...”

Suddenly he got a splitting headache, “A-Argh...” He leaned forward and clutched his forehead in pain.

Shera quickly rushed to his side, “Diablo! Are you okay!?”

The headache grew more painful as part of all his senses were hijacked... He could smell the battlefield, but also smelt human blood and familiar scents from the city. He could see Shera’s worried face, but it was overlayed with faded images of dead humans, Emile, and Celes. He could hear Shera’s please for him to respond, and Emile who sounded heavily wounded as he declared himself a protector of women, Rem’s voice begging him to flee, an inhuman voice taunting them...

And a young girl’s voice he didn’t recognize... “...Please... Hurry... Hurry...!”

Diablo gasped when the invasion of his senses stopped, the headache quickly fading, “Diablo! Diablo! Are you okay? Say something!” Shera panicked.

“Rem’s in danger...”

--

The lizard-like fallen laughed once more, “The great Gregore can appreciate a human with such boldness! But unfortunately I do not have as much time as I’d like to play today.”

Emile shakily got to his feet once more, “I... Won’t... I won’t fall here...! I cannot allow... The barrier to fall...!”

“Don’t be stupid, human. You can barely stand as it is. Move aside and the great Gregore may keep you as a pet instead of killing you!”

“N-Never... Emile Bichel Berger will protect... These women...!” Barely able to stand he shakily rose his sword, “Have at you!”

“Emile please! You’ve done enough!”

Rem tried to rush to his aid, but Celes grabbed her arm, “Rem, please flee... The barrier will fall if I die here, but we have no idea what might happen if you die... With Krebskulm, or Diablo...”

“Fine then, all of you will die by the great Gregore’s hand then!” The fallen rose an arm and dark magic gathered in his hand, “Feel the might of the greatest dark magic sorcerer!”

But as he prepared to unleash his attack, a magic circle appeared in the air between Gregore and the others. It floated there for a moment before suddenly spinning rapidly, suddenly turning into a gap of black and dark blue energy, as if space itself had been pulled open.

“No more tricks!” Gregore shouted and tossed the ball of dark magic towards the gap in space.

It passed through easily, but suddenly came back at him, hitting him square in the face. The strength of the spell and his innate resistance to dark magic as a fallen did little more than make him stagger and wound his pride.

“For a little lizard to call himself with such a title...” A sharp voice came from the gateway, “How pretentious.” Through the gateway Diablo stepped, Shera right behind him.

With both of them through the gate closed, the magic circle vanishing.

Seeing him Rem immediately felt tears sting at the corner of her eyes, “Diablo...”

Ignoring Gregore, Diablo approached Emile who was barely standing, “Pro-tect... Protect them... I’ll...”

Diablo grasped Emile’s shoulder, “You did well, you can rest now... Friend.”

With only his will keeping him standing, Emile immediately collapsed to the ground with his words, a tiny smile on his face. Diablo turned to Shera, “Here. Give him this.” He handed her a healing potion.

She nodded firmly, “Right!”

With that, Diablo turned to Gregore...

“Shera, how the heck did you guys know we were in trouble?” Rem wiped at her tears.

“I don’t know... There was a ton of fallen at the bridge, and Diablo did something that made this huge boom and blew all of them away! Then he got a headache and suddenly said you were in danger!”

“Th-There were fallen at the bridge!? So this whole thing was a planned invasion...” Celes gasped.

Rem looked at Diablo’s back, “He sensed I was in trouble...?”

Diablo’s eyes were burning red as he looked at Gregore, he was pissed.

“Who the hell are you showing up out of nowhere?”

“Me? A little gecko invades my territory, and attacks my property, and has the nerve to wonder who I am?”

Something about this guy shook the fallen to his core, his instinct screamed to retreat, but his wounded pride wouldn’t allow it, “G-Gecko!? How dare a lowly demon insult the great Gregore! I’ll show you the power of my dark magic!” Gregore threw his hands forward, “<Dark Bullet!>”

Several balls of dark magic shot towards Diablo, but just before they made contact, they were immediately reflected back at the fallen, Diablo’s eyes still burning into him.

The fallen sputtered as he was bruised by his own magic, “So it wasn’t just a trick earlier. It doesn’t matter, magic isn’t all I have! I’ll make you pay for ruining my fun!”

The fallen lunged at Diablo who barely moved in order to catch his giant fist in midair, “Wh-Wha...?”

“Your fun was it?” Diablo’s burning eyes narrowed as his grip increased enough to snap the fallen’s bones, who cried out in pain, “Then allow me to have a little fun with you.”

Still holding onto Gregore, Diablo spoke a spell, “<Dark Press>.”

The spell pressed down with such force that the fallen’s hand which was still in Diablo’s grip was severed violently at the wrist as the magic forced him to the ground. Gregore screamed out in pain as Diablo tossed the severed appendage aside, “Let’s see how much you can withstand of your own magic. O’ greatest dark sorcerer.”

“<Dark Bullet> <Shadow Flare> <Black Rain> <Dark Burst>.” Diablo unleashed multiple low level dark spells all at once on the restrained fallen who cried out in pain.

“N-No... Please... Please stop...” Gregore begged, his body in tatters, “H-Have mercy...”

“Isn’t this what you planned for them?” He gestured to the bodies of those who tried to help Emile, and the wounded Emile and Rem, “All in good fun of course? So why would I show you mercy?”

“I-I’m sorry... Forgive me...” He pleaded.

Diablo walked closer, unconsciously licking the corner of his lips as he stalked closer. He reached down and put a hand to Gregore’s head, “How pitiful.” And suddenly the fallen turned to ash with his touch...

Diablo looked to his hand for a moment, before giving a heavy sigh, the red glow in his eyes fading.

Suddenly he was tackled by Shera, “Diablo!” She cheered, “We made it! Rem’s okay!”

He stiffened from her sudden embrace, before awkwardly patting her head, “Yeah... We made it.”

She let him go with a big smile, and he looked to Rem, “Are you...?” He started to ask, but saw tears streaming down her face, “Why are you crying?”

“I...” She sniffed and wiped at her tears, “I thought we were dead... I didn’t think anyone would save us... Thank you... Thank you so much Diablo.”

“I think you should be thanking Emile. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it in time.”

“J-Just let me thank you first, jerk!” She smiled through her tears, but looked to Emile, “Thank you too Emile, you were really brave.”

Everyone looked to Emile now who had recovered enough thanks to the potion to also be in tears, “Wh-What are you crying about!?” Rem sniffed.

“He really did it... He called me his friend...!” Emile wiped his tears.

Chapter Text

The clean up efforts after the invasion was thwarted began rather quickly, businesses and homes that needed to be fixed, bodies that needed burying. Luckily the inn managed to survive the attack, so Diablo quickly retreated back that way.

“You don’t want to help with the rebuilding efforts?” Shera questioned.

“It’s because of me this place is even still standing, I think I’ve done plenty already.” His tone was rather short.

“You’re right, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything...”

“It’s not that...” He sighed while running his fingers through his hair once, “I just... Need some time alone right now.”

Rem grabbed Shera’s arm and started to lead her away, “No problem, Shera and I want to help in the city as much as we can, so we probably won’t be back until dinner time.”

“R-Rem!” Shera protested.

Diablo gave her a slight nod as he retreated upstairs, Shera being pulled outside by Rem.

“I don’t know what’s got him in a bad mood, but he clearly needs some space right now.” Rem said, finally releasing Shera.

“He’s probably upset about what happened at the bridge, which means he should talk to more people!” Shera insisted.

Rem’s brow furrowed, “What you said was pretty unclear before, what exactly happened at the bridge that would have him in a bad mood?”

“There was a whole army of fallen coming to invade Faltra, but the moment we got there all the guards were accusing Diablo of calling them here. He didn’t seem too upset about it at the time, but I bet it hurt his feelings!”

“Yeah right, does Diablo really seem like the type to care what some loser guards say? I bet something else is bothering him.”

“Hmm... Maybe he’s grumpy because he’s tired?”

Now alone, Diablo slumped down onto the bed before burying his face in his hands, What the hell is happening to me? No... I know what it is, I knew since I first realized my memories were being replaced. But...

“I thought I could ignore it, thought it would be fine...”

The more I forget about... About the place I was summoned from, the more pieces of my memories as Diablo seem to recover. But something is still wrong, still missing, still keeping the pieces apart. I realized that a while ago... But I ignored it because things here are better, it seemed fine, seemed safe- if not jarring...

He looked to his hands, which were shaking just slightly, “That was the first time I’ve felt hungry since coming here... Some instinct took over and I just swallowed up that fallen’s mana in an instant... The reason I can see mana, the reason I can mess with it in a way no one can; it’s all rooted to the need to consume and absorb it... I’ve just been taking in the mana around me unconsciously, it wasn’t until I expended enough of my own that it wasn’t enough anymore.”

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, I sort of knew... It was sort of an instinctual gut feeling that I was actually what I claimed to be, unconsciously explaining things I hadn’t decided on myself to others. Sure at times I feel almost controlled by rage, but it’s never been directed at anyone who didn’t deserve it, and I can bring myself back, so it was fine... But if I’m a demon lord, and I consume mana... What does that mean for people around me? It doesn’t make any sense why I would be the exception to the rule of demon lords being mindless beings of destruction. So if I do recover all of my memories as Diablo, what then? Could I become a threat to Rem and Shera? He thought back for a moment to the figure from his nightmare, the same shadowy thing he saw in the mirror... Am I going to turn into a monster...?

--

A day would pass and rebuilding efforts continued, while those who unfortunately died during the invasion were collected and undergoing preparations for a service in a day or two. Though Diablo’s mental state hadn’t improved, even the girls telling him about the report that the fallen leader; Edelgard, had escaped elicited no reaction besides a simple hum of acknowledgement. Even after reporting that she didn’t harm anyone during the escape.

He avoided conversation and even drew away when Rem or Shera approached, they had tried over and over again to figure out what was wrong, but nothing worked.

Not wanting to push him away, both girls decided it was perhaps best to give him some peace, let him figure out whatever he needed to figure out... That was of course until he finally spoke again only to say, “Perhaps it would be best if I depart.”

Naturally such a statement freaked out both Rem and Shera, but neither were sure how to approach the situation since they still couldn’t get him to share what was wrong.

Which is how Diablo ended up alone in a local tavern with Emile...

Not sure what else to do they had apparently reached out to the eccentric warrior who barged into their room at the inn, insisting that it was his duty to protect even women’s feelings, and to cheer up his greatest friend. He had assured Diablo that he would have the tavern cleared out so the two could drink their sorrows away in peace. He relented in the end and now sat across from Emile at a table, a tankard in front of them both, a keg to the side of the table Emile had hauled over after convincing even the barkeep to leave the “heroes of Faltra” alone.

“My friend, I understand if you do not wish to talk, and as a true friend I will not push you to.” Emile filled up the tankard in front of Diablo at the keg before slamming it down on the table, striking a dramatic pose along the way, “But even I, the great Emile Bichel Berger, cannot empty this keg alone! I require your aid once more!”

Diablo gave the seemingly sparkling Emile an exasperated look before finally opening his mouth, “I’ve never had alcohol.”

“Oh is that so? Then I shall consider it my duty as your greatest friend to teach you how to drown your woes in alcohol like we mortal men do!” He proudly declared, “So observe! Take a deep breath, toss your head back, and...!”

Emile did as he said and began to chug his own beer, downing it extremely quickly he let out a heavy breath as he slammed his now empty tankard onto the table, “Haa! There is nothing quite like a drink after a rough day my friend!”

Diablo sighed and looked at his own tankard, I’m not sure if I can even get drunk... But I suppose I can humor him.

Diablo picked up his tankard and mimicked Emile, though he wasn’t able to chug the drink the way someone apparently as practiced as Emile had of course.

Surprisingly, it didn’t taste bad. He was telling the truth when he told Emile he’d never drank before, but he knew things like coffee, alcohol, and tea tended to have a sort of acquired taste requirement. Which he always found silly; why would you keep drinking or eating thing you didn’t like to force yourself to like it? Hence why he never bothered touching the stuff, so he was surprised to find the beer was pleasant.

And now as he sat looking at the bottom of the empty tankard, a comfortable warm feeling was starting to fill him. His worries were slowly fading into a pleasant buzz; not unlike the foam of the drink. A pleasant haze slowly made its way into his mind as the comfortable warmth spread through him.

Emile, having downed his third drink himself, noticed Diablo’s shift in posture, slowly becoming more relaxed and melting into his seat a bit. Unfortunately for Diablo there was a gleam in Emile’s eyes at the confirmation that the demon lord could in fact get a buzz, eager to use this chance, the golden warrior took Diablo’s tankard, “Another round then my friend? You already look as though your mood is improving.”

Diablo had to admit he did feel a lot better at the moment, his concerns were still there, but for now the fog hid them away behind comfort and bubbles. So maybe another drink would bury them further.

“Another round it is then.” Diablo said.

“As you say my friend!” Emilie happy refilled Diablo’s tankard.

--

Three drinks and a little time later, Diablo’s arms were limp at his sides, and he had fallen forward at some point (suddenly feeling his head was too heavy) so that his chin was on the table, tilting his head slightly to be more comfortable, the cool wood feeling nice on his jaw.

The pleasant fog had left his mind and was replaced with an uncomfortable heat that seemed to amplify his concerns to a roar in his head, a splitting noise that needed to escape his skull before it cracked open.

Leading to the flopped down Diablo to suddenly declare, “I’m a demon lord!”

Emile did not comment, he had drank enough to be a tad tipsy himself, but not enough to lose his inhibitions, he felt a bit bad for using this tactic, but he wasn’t sure how else to get his friend to open up, which to Emile is clearly what the man needed to do. So he patiently waited, expecting the thoroughly drunken Diablo to continue.

“Diablo, the demon lord of mana!” One of his limp hands made an exaggerated gesture before falling back to his side, “But my memories are all~ screwed up.”

“Your memories? How so?” Emile pressed.

Diablo let out a hum of thought before continuing, “Stuff’s missing. Like, a lot of stuff.” He blew a raspberry, “Changing. Missing. I dunno who Diablo is, no~t really.” He shifted to his other cheek as he finished.

“Is that what’s had you in a foul mood since the invasion?”

“Sorta. Not really. Demon lords are monsters, they show up, start smashing things and the people ban together to beat them back. Woohoo.” He lifted both hands and did a little fanfare before once again going limp.

“As I understand that is usually what happens, indeed.”

Diablo suddenly sat up again, though now flung himself back, so his upper back was slumped over the back of the chair a little, and his head hung limply as he faced the ceiling, “It is! So how come I’m not smashing things?”

Emile rose a brow, “I’m not certain I follow, my friend.”

“C’mon it’s simple!” He moved forward again, putting one arm on the table, using the other to make a fist and gently hit the table as he did, “Every demon lord goes on a rampage when they wake up! How come I didn’t? Is it cause my memories?”

“Ah, I understand! You’re worried it’s your memories being in a fractured state that is keeping you from acting as one would expect from a demon lord. So if your memories returned...”

“Exactly!” Diablo nodded before flopping down on the table again, “Who was I before? It doesn’t make sense that I’d be the o~nly demon lord with good behavior. What if my memories come back and I turn into a total monster?” He pouted.

“I suppose that turns into the deeper question of are your memories your personality or not.” Emile pondered, “Is this what’s had you so distant lately, my friend?”

“I wanna at least get the collars off the girls first like I promised. I promised I’d help them after that too but... I’m worried I guess. I do sometimes get these violent urges, what if they get worse? I should just go back into seclusion before anything happens.” He lamented quietly.

“I see... I admit that your worries are beyond me, my friend. But allow me to ask you something.”

Diablo turned his head to be able to look at Emile, waiting for him to continue, “Those violent urges you mentioned, have they ever once been directed at the girls? Or me, for that matter?”

“... No. The worst it was, was when I saw you guys in trouble.”

“I see it as a good thing then, righteous fury to protect those you care for! My friend, you may not have your memories, you may not know who you were, but at this very moment you are making new memories! Even should those memories return, you’ve made friends and allies, it is not as if you would suddenly reject them, is it?”

“I hope I won’t...”

“Precisely! The current Diablo is an ally to women! If you continue to make new memories you can cherish I believe that no matter who you were in the past will matter. Is it not paladins, the most respected holy warriors, who combat heresy with such righteous fury? I believe a fury to protect ones friends is much the same. A being that is a monster at heart would not be capable of such a thing.”

“I suppose...”

“You do not strike me as an evil person my friend, though perhaps there is someone out there that knew the old Diablo you mentioned who can reassure you.”

“I thought that too, but how am I supposed to find someone who knew me when I can’t remember anyone who might’ve?”

“A fair point, but don’t be discouraged my friend, I am certain you will find the answer!” Emile pat his back.

“I guess this did make me feel better... I think I know what to do...” Diablo closed his eyes, “You’re a good friend Emile. Thank you.” He muttered just before dozing off.

Emile smiled before hoisting the drunken Diablo to his shoulder, “This too, is what we mortal men do.” He chanted happily as he aided his unconscious friend back to the inn.

Chapter Text

Diablo’s mood had significantly improved the day after his bout with Emile, he still had his concerns, but they were replaced with a newfound resolve. True friend that he was, Emile didn’t spill a word about what they discussed to the girls, accepting instead that he had helped Diablo find his resolve and letting him decide if he would relay his own concerns or not.

For now Diablo chose, not.

He had pretended everything was okay all this time, he could go a bit longer, at least until he got a confirmation for himself if it was or wasn’t.

And so after Rem and Shera had breakfast, he approached with what he was willing to.

“I’m sorry, for yesterday.” He cleared his throat, “There was a lot on my mind.”

“Just don’t do it again, okay?” Rem clicked her tongue.

“It’s okay!” Shera smiled.

“That being said, there is something I must confirm... When the time is right I intend to travel to Zircon Tower. However, that area is far more dangerous than Faltra, so I cannot advise you to follow me there.” They both looked ready to protest, but he quickly rose a hand to indicate he wasn’t finished, “But I will not stop you should you wish to do so.”

“You changed your mind? You’ll let us go with you?” Shera excitedly asked.

“When the time is right.” He nodded.

“If you don’t mind me asking; what’s at Zircon Tower that you need to go to a dirty place like that?” Rem asked.

He paused for a moment, considering what to say, “... You could say my old home is near there.”

“Woooah! We get to see your home!?” Shera’s eyes seemed to sparkle.

“It’s nothing that interesting I assure you, I call it my home but it’s actually a dungeon and quite dangerous.” In my memories the throne room at the end, the entrance, and treasury all looked the same, but I wonder if the rest of the dungeon is the same? If there are any different traps it could be really dangerous. Not that it wouldn’t be already.

“You lived in a dungeon?” Rem rose a brow.

“I’m not sure where else one would expect a demon lord to be.” Diablo pointed out.

Rem pondered for a moment before looking at him, “Huh. I guess that’s fair.”

Just then there was a light tap on the window, catching everyone’s attention, “Oh, that’s a turkey shot.” Rem approached the window.

“What’s a starter summoned beast doing here?” Diablo questioned.

“Actually, the mage guild handles a large portion of Faltra’s mail system.” She opened the window, “Training carrier birds takes time and a lot of work, why bother doing all that when you’ve got plenty of mages that aren’t good for anything else? A summoned beast will follow a command instantly without any training thanks to the collar’s magic.” The little bird hopped onto the ledge and leaned forward, presenting the note tied to it’s back, “See?” Rem untied it and the bird flew away, “It’s probably from Celes.”

“I see, a rather creative solution.”

“Oh, it’s addressed to you, Diablo. This is definitely Celes’s handwriting.” She offered him the letter.

“To me? Does she have another request for me?” He took the letter and opened it, quickly skimming its contents, “It appears her friend with knowledge on the collars has arrived. It’s the details for meeting with her.”

“So we can finally get these annoying collars off?” Shera gave her collar a tug.

“Ideally, yes. I am a bit skeptical of this friend of hers but for now it is our best bet... Her friend is setting up her marketplace tomorrow, so she can meet with us today.”

“Celes did mention her friend was a traveling merchant of sorts... Where does she want to meet with you?”

“Her friend wants to meet with all of us actually, though Celes says here she understands if you don’t want to come, Rem.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“She wants us to meet with her and her friend at her quarters in the Mage Tower due to the closely guarded nature of the magic behind the collars.”

“I see...” She thought for a moment before shaking her head, “No, this is something I need to try and move past, for my own sake. Besides...” She then lowered her voice as if to whisper, “You’ll be there... So I’ll be safe...”

“Of course, I doubt those fools would dare to touch you while I am there, but if they do...”

She smiled, “Thanks Diablo.”

--

Rem paused, looking up at the tower she took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, “You’re certain this is alright?” Diablo questioned.

She nodded, “I’ll be alright.”

Shera suddenly wrapped her arms around Rem, “I don’t know why this place bothers you, but I can tell it’s something painful. I’m not strong like Diablo, but I’ll protect you too!”

“Sh-Shera...” Slowly Rem returned her hug, “Thank you.” Before pushing her away, “N-Now get off me so we can get this over with!”

“Hehe, okay!”

With one last huff of air to steel herself, Rem stepped forward, “Let’s go.”

I’m kind of jealous of how brave Rem is, to step up and face her fears and trauma like this, despite having every excuse to just stay back at the inn. But at the same time... Man I feel so much pride right now, knowing that she’s okay doing something like this because she trusts me with her safety.

Entering the tower, Diablo approached the reception desk, offering a letter with an intricate wax-seal that was included in the letter from Celes, “We’re here to meet with your head mage.”

“Oh wow, it’s not often I see Lady Celes’s personal seal.” The man examined the letter, “Please wait just a moment while we dispel the wards.”

“I’ve actually never been up to Celes’s quarters before... I didn’t know the security was so tight.”

“It makes sense, it’s similar to when we came to examine the barrier.”

“Ooh yeah! Celes took us through a bunch of doors with all this fancy magic on them!”

“Haha, Lady Celes’s office isn’t quite as complex as the stairwell to the barrier’s control room, but there is magic sealing and even concealing the path.” The receptionist smiled.

As they waited, an old man’s voice called out, “Ah, Lady Rem, it has been far too long.” Rem seemed to flinch at the voice, “It is good to see you.” An elderly man approached with a warm smile.

“G-Greetings... Elder Irarkis...” She nervously returned his greeting.

The elderly mage moved closer to Rem, and moved his hand as if to touch her shoulder, “How is your... Condition?”

But as his hand reached to touch Rem, Diablo moved between them, pulling Rem behind him slightly as he did, giving the bearded old man a threatening glare, “Not only do you have no right to ask that, you certainly know this isn’t the place.” He said sharply.

Irarkis, as Rem had called him, lowered his hand, his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed at Diablo, but it was so quick no one else seemed to notice it. His expression was immediately filled with the joy of meeting someone you admire, “Oh ho, you must be Lord Diablo!” He’s seriously using honorifics to try and kiss ass? Diablo snorted in his head, “I’ve heard much about you! The demon lord who saved Faltra, three times even! Hoho, I thought my old heart would give out hearing such shocking stories!” He beamed.

Though with how timid Rem was, Diablo didn’t believe the “kindly old man” façade for a second, his gaze remined cold and threatening, Rem’s fingers curling around his cloak as she cautiously looked from behind him. Shera for her part was glancing nervously from Irarkis to Diablo, she could feel the tension between them and wasn’t sure if she should say something or not.

“Drop the act.” Diablo practically spat, “What do you want?”

“Act? No, no, I assure you I truly wish to offer my deepest gratitude for all you have done. But I won’t hold this against you, don’t worry, I imagine an ancient demon lord like yourself has every right to be wary of human’s intentions, hoho.”

“You speak as if you know me.”

He stroked his beard, “I’m afraid my knowledge is limited to what I was able to get my hands on when I last visited the Capital. Information about demon lords is closely guarded you see, and the information about... Certain ones, is even more so.” His old eyes sharpened, but he maintained his friendly smile.

“Mind your step fool.” Diablo warned, I am curious, but I bet this sly bastard has the kind of price I’m not willing to pay. I’d much rather wait for someone else.

“A demon lord would certainly be a very, very good asset to any organization, but especially one like the Mage’s Association.” His eyes drifted lower, “And two of them...”

Diablo took a step forward with a snarl, earning a squeak of surprise from both girls, but with that the old man threw both of his hands up in surrender and took a step back, “My apologies, a simple suggestion, nothing more.” His friendly demeanor fully returned, “It fills me with joy to know our Rem is so well guarded. Please take good care of her, Lord Diablo.” With that, he offered a polite bow and walked off towards where he came from.

Diablo continued watching him as he walked away with sharp eyes and grit teeth, “Bastard...” He hissed.

Though when the old man was out of view, something soft fell on Diablo’s head, immediately snapping him out of his brewing rage and making him flinch away.

He looked quickly to see Shera, who had reached up and put a hand on his head, giving it two soft pats and offering him a thumbs up, “Good job not going too far.” She grinned.

Diablo slowly blinked at her, it was as if those two pats had reset his brain and it was still booting back up, “It sort of feels like you’re patronizing me.” He finally said. She really just pat my head like I was a good dog for barking at an intruder... Didn’t she?

“A-Am not! J-Just... Whenever something happens and me or Rem are feeling bad, you always do this... So I wanted to try it...”

Though... It surprised me but, it was kinda nice... He looked away from her, “I didn’t hate it...” He turned his attention to Rem, “Are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine.” She blushed slightly, “Thanks for always looking out for us, Diablo.”

“E-Erm... E-Excuse me...” The receptionist approached, his whole body shaking, “Th-The passage is ready, i-if you’d follow me...”

I forgot about that guy... Poor bastard just saw his boss and a demon lord have a standoff, he’s probably not paid enough for this. I feel bad for the guy. “Very well.”

“It’s okay, Diablo won’t do anything unless you give him a reason to!” Shera reassured him.

So I am being treated like a guard dog. He thought for a moment, Actually, maybe that’s not such a bad deal...

--

Finally reaching Celes’s office, the party was greeted by Celes and another woman at a rather fancy table sipping tea from the most expensive looking teacups Diablo has ever seen. The two had seemed to have just finished a discussion, “Oh, you’ve made it.” Celes noticed Rem to Diablo’s left and smiled brightly, “Rem, you came as well? I’m so glad, I hope no one gave you any...” She slowed down and her face slowly fell from a smile to a grimace of fear, “Trou-ble...”

Of course her attention was caught by Diablo who very noticeably shifted from a stagnant expression to extreme irritation, “Oh dear... I’m so sorry, I didn’t give any information about a time in hopes it would keep any bothersome people from intercepting you.”

“It’s fine, it is not your fault. It was a simple fool making suggestions only a fool of his caliber would.” Diablo sighed away his irritated expression.

“Ah, of course. I appreciate you being so forgiving.” She quickly stood, “At any rate, some introductions are in order. I’d like to introduce you to Medios, she is my friend I mentioned that might be able to assist you.”

The women she referred to as Medios stood to greet them, “It’s a pleasure, I-...” But she was suddenly cut off by her own gasp of pain, she put a hand to her head with a groan and carefully lowered herself back to the chair she had been sitting in.

“M-Medios! Are you alright?” Celes quickly moved to help her.

“I-It’s alright, I’m fine, Celes.” She smiled but her eyes were still closed and she took a slow breath, “My goodness, you told me a bit about the company you’d be bringing but that was unexpected.” She let out another slow breath, seeming to have shaken off whatever pain had hit her, she now looked to the party, though she kept her eyes tightly closed, “My apologies I didn’t mean to cause a scene so quickly.” She gave a lighthearted laugh, “I never imagined I’d lay eyes on someone with mana so intense it would overload my sight to the point of a migraine like that. That man is certainly everything you’ve claimed and more, Celes.”

That caught Diablo’s interest, “You have the mana sight as well?”

“Oh my, this is unexpected. Yes, it’s a rare skill so I am surprised to encounter someone outside my line of work who can see it.” She then chuckled to herself, “I almost want to make a joke, but after being painfully stunned by just your resting mana, I’d much rather not risk angering you.”

“A wise decision.”

“I’ll cut to the chase then. I understand that an incident caused two women to be bound by the magic that enslaves magic beasts, correct?”

“That is more or less the situation, yes.” Diablo answered.

“I see. As I was going to say earlier, like Celes said my name is Medios, I am a slave trader.” A slave trader? I knew from people’s reactions to the girls that this sort of thing existed, but I wasn’t expecting this... “Have you ever been to a slave market by chance?”

“Of course not!” Rem and Shera answered in tandem.

“I am completely unfamiliar with the trade.” Diablo added.

“I’ll keep it short then, as you are probably aware to some degree, the collars worn by summoned beasts are extremely similar to the ones used in the slave trade.”

“That much has been made clear.” Diablo nodded.

“Good, but what you probably don’t know is that slave collars are not just an accessory and form of identification. In truth the magic used in the collars formed in a summoner’s pact as well as the collars created for the slave trade are fundamentally the same.” That surprised the three of them, “Fundamentally the same, but with different functionalities. A collar used for summoned beasts for instance, as you know, will force the monster to follow a given order no matter what, even if the bond from summoner to summon is lacking.” She carefully felt around and found a box on the floor next to her, with some more feeling around she grabbed a hold of a collar inside, “But a slave collar does not give total control. It can certainly give orders but there are a large amount of safety measures in place to protect slaves, the slave market is far more clean and regulated than most people realize.” She smiled, “At any rate, this means that the absolute core of the two collar types is the same, but the summoner’s collar is a lot more potent, and the potency depends on the strength of the summoner.”

“I see... But then the question would be if in this scenario were Rem and Shera’s magic used because they performed the ritual? Or was mine because the ritual was reflected by me...” Diablo pondered.

“Precisely, I can teach you the method to remove a slave collar, which in theory should work for a summoner’s collar, but I want to confirm that exact question first. If you don’t mind, I would like to examine one of the women who are collared closely to determine the situation.”

“I’ll...” Rem stepped forward, but Diablo quickly grabbed her shoulder and shook his head, mouthing the word ‘Krebskulm’, and Rem understood. Medios might not know what it is, but if Diablo could see Krebskulm from the beginning because of his mana sight, certainly Medios would as well. Rem cleared her throat, “I... Vote Shera.” She declared quickly.

“Me? For a second I thought you wanted to Rem. Are you sure?” Both Rem and Diablo nodded, “Okay~!”

“You’ve decided? Perfect, let’s go to the other room, I’m afraid if I open my eyes with that impressive friend of yours in the room they might start bleeding.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll help you then!”

“Hurry back.” Rem waved.

--

A few hours passed before the door finally opened, and Shera was guiding a sweating and panting Medios by the hand, Celes stood quickly to help her friend to a sofa.

“Is everything alright? Was there a problem?” Rem asked quickly, noting Shera still had her collar.

“No, no...” Medios panted, “I’m sorry, I was able to confirm right away the magic tied around the collars was very obviously from an extremely powerful source.” She explained while catching her breath, “But I wanted to try my hand at removing it myself regardless.”

“It seems you were unsuccessful and burned out your own mana.” Diablo noted.

“My apologies... I was referred to you by Celes so of course I trust you but... I hope you understand that the method of applying and removing collars is a very closely guarded trade secret I am reluctant to share.”

“Very well, I’ll forgive you wasting my time. But I hope that you do not plan on continuing to waste it by being in such a state.”

“Of course not, I’d rather stay on your good side. Even if my mana is depleted because you can already see the flow of mana I only need to explain the process to you, no energy required.”

“Then let’s get this over with.” Diablo stood back up.

“Certainly, Shera would you please guide me back to the other room? Even Celes doesn’t know the method so I’d like to teach you in private.”

“No problem!” Shera did a mock salute before guiding Medios once more.

“Alright Shera, go ahead and lie down.” Medios instructed, “Pardon me but I’ll need to continue to keep my eyes closed.” She nodded in Diablo’s direction.

“As long as it does not effect this process, I do not care what you do.”

“Of course. Now then, you can enhance your mana sight when you need to, yes?”

“Of course.”

“Perfect, then that makes things a lot easier. Go ahead and sit down next to Shera on the bed, to begin place your hand where her mana is most concentrated.”

Diablo looked to Shera, Honestly, I’ve felt kind of drawn to Shera’s mana before, it looks so warm. But where it’s focused is... C-Can I really put my hand that close to her breasts...?

“Uhm, it’s okay if you touch me Diablo.” Shera noticed his hesitation, “You’re always respectful of me and Rem so I trust you.”

“My, my, a gentleman too?” Medios chuckled, “I’m a bit envious of you both.”

“Very well then.” Diablo nodded, Just focus completely on her mana... I’m not touching Shera’s skin barely an inch above her boobs... I’m touching her mana. Wait, why does that sound more dirty...? He focused completely on the warmth of her mana and placed two fingers on her chest.

“If you’re ready, focus your sight deeply on her mana. You should begin to see a thread of foreign mana.”

Diablo did as instructed and focused, he immediately saw the stark contrast of a royal blue thread twisted around Shera’s otherwise pink and green mana, as if constricting it. It was almost as if several ropes were wrapped around the core of Shera’s mana to hold it down, tied together somewhere else.

“I see it, it certainly matches my own mana.”

“Good, carefully guide your hand, follow that thread. It’ll guide you to the core of the binding that makes up the collar, where it forms can differ person to person.”

“Understood.”

Carefully Diablo followed the threads of royal blue mana, his two fingers gently glided down Shera’s chest, making her shiver slightly, until he stopped at her stomach.

“Here... I can see where all the threads are bound together.” There was a mass of twisted threads, like a giant messy knot that was moving slightly, as if adjusting the knot constantly to prevent it from coming undone.

“Excellent, you really are incredible to find it that quickly.” Medios complimented, “Now you’ll need to carefully inject your mana towards it until it feels as through you can physically touch the tangled threads.”

Closing his eyes Diablo did as she instructed, carefully pushing a thread of his own mana towards the knot, so focused on his task he paid no mind to Shera’s mutters of it feeling weird. “It’s a lot, but it feels like I can reach it, just a little more...”

“Incredible, you reached it so quickly... You’d put the rest of us slave traders out of business...” She cleared her throat, “Once you’ve reached it, you can begin untangling the threads. I tried myself but I’m afraid I don’t have the mana to untangle a mess that size or complexity, I ran out of mana before I even got a single thread undone.”

Diablo took a deep breath, It feels constricting, and difficult to breathe in this space... But since this ball is made up of my own mana, I think that’ll make this a lot easier actually...

He reached out towards the tangled mess carefully, using his own mana, the mess of threads stopped moving instantly, allowing him to grab hold of a thread.

He gripped it tightly, Since it’s my mana... It’s like it wants to return to my body... I wonder if I can just absorb it the way I did with that fallen’s mana? Slowly, carefully... I don’t want to catch Shera’s by accident...

He took another deep breath, letting it slowly, and carefully manipulated the thread he had grabbed a hold of. Slowly the thread wrapped around his fingers, moving to his palm where it began to disappear into his skin. As it did the ball slowly untangled itself, easily follow his order as it flowed into him.

It’s working, but this is so weird... It really does feel like I’m eating something even though the mana is flowing in through my hand right now. There’s this really good taste on my tongue... And I’m slowly starting to feel full... This certainly isn’t the way Medios intended, but if it works, and if it satiates Diablo’s my craving for mana at the same time, two birds one stone.

Several minutes passed and there was a sudden click, the collar on Shera’s neck popping open before fading away as if a breeze carried its ashes.

With the collar gone, Diablo opened his eyes and slowly sat back up, Shera quickly feeling her hands around her neck, “Y-You did it! The collar’s gone!”

Medios’s jaw had fallen open, “I-It’s already done? I can’t believe it... C-Can you try giving her an order to ensure it’s working?”

Diablo thought for a moment as Shera jumped for joy, “Shera, I order you to sit back down.”

“No way! I feel like dancing! I can’t wait to show Rem!” She cheered.

“Wow... It took me twelve years to master the enslavement process, and I bet it would have taken longer than that for me to undo such a mess of threads...” Medios marveled.

Diablo only scoffed, “You cannot compare yourself to a demon lord, I cannot be measured by your mortal standards.” Plus I didn’t even do the process right! I probably could but this way was much faster. Though right now I feel so stuffed I want to take a nap...

Diablo stood up slowly, “Shell we go then, Shera?”

“Yes! I’ll help you again Medios!”

“No, no it’s alright, I’ll just stay here for a bit.” She smiled.

“Oh, okay.”

With that Shera darted out of the room brimming with excitement, Diablo slowly following behind, “Look Rem! Diablo did it! The collar’s gone!”

“Y-You actually did it? I can’t believe it...” She shook her head, “I mean, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, Diablo doesn’t seem to follow any logic. But still.”

“Oh my, how wonderful.” Celes smiled, “I’m excited for you, Rem.”

Diablo rose a hand to stop them, “I’m sorry Rem, but I can’t remove yours today.”

Her ears immediately drooped with that statement, “Wh-Why not?”

Because there’s no way I can eat absorb any more mana today, I’ll explode! “The process was more strenuous than I had expected, I just need tonight to recover my energy to ensure I do not make an error.”

Her ears perked back up, “O-Oh, that makes sense.”

“I’m glad Medios was able to help.” Celes smiled.

“Will you go to Zircon Tower as soon as Rem’s collar is off too?” Shera asked.

“You’re planning to leave Faltra?” Celes questioned.

“There are some things I need to do, I had intended originally to depart as soon as the collars were off, but things have changed.” He looked to the girls, “Since you both intend to come with me I believe we will stay in Faltra a bit longer once I remove Rem’s collar so you both can raise your levels. As I said before, the area around Zircon Tower is far more dangerous than the Man Eating Woods.”

“Oh yeah! I bet we could level up a bunch with Diablo having our backs!” Shera proclaimed.

“That’s good to hear, of course I wouldn’t try and stop you from doing as you wish, Diablo. But I was told that tomorrow someone is arriving from the Capital to meet you and General Galford regarding the fallen invasion.” Celes explained.

“From the Capital? Did word really spread that fast?” Rem’s eyes widened.

“Well when one man fends off an entire army of fallen alone, rumors spread rather quickly I’m afraid.” Celes gave a clearly nervous smile, “Someone from the Imperial Knights who was stationed nearby is coming to investigate the incident. But I do hear they have great rapport with other towns, so I don’t expect there to be any problems.”

If they came from the Capital, they might know something about the locked up information on demon lords... “An Imperial Knight is it? I may have questions for them myself...”

Chapter Text

“Can I watch this time?” Shera asked after breakfast.

“I don’t see why not, though the process is all internal so there won’t be anything to see really.” Diablo responded.

“That’s okay!”

“It doesn’t hurt, does it...?” Rem slowly asked Shera.

Shera quickly shook her head, “It was a little weird if anything.” She pondered, “Like, I think I could feel Diablo’s mana flowing into me a tiny bit.”

“Considering elves are particularly insensitive to mana, I am surprised you felt it at all.”

“Let’s get this over with then. What do I need to do?”

“Just lie down and relax, that’s all.” Diablo gestured to the bed.

Rem nodded and followed instructions, “I’m going to have to touch you, if that’s alright.”

“I-It’s fine... Just hurry up and get the collar off already.” She blushed.

Just like with Shera, Diablo gently placed two fingers on her chest and carefully began to use his mana to search for the threads.

What’s this? There’s two different threads...? The one made of my mana seems to be going up towards her forehead, but this other one... He focused a little more, It’s gold, and going towards her stomach... It’s sort of familiar. It’s not the collar, but... I have to know...

Following the threads, Diablo’s fingers trailed down to Rem’s belly button, This... So the golden threads of mana are what keep Krebskulm bound... He examined the yellow orange mana that was surrounded by black, though the black mana seemed to have thinned a bit since he last saw it. Or was it because he had never examined it so closely?

The mana was tangled heavily in the golden threads, I shouldn’t mess with it, I won’t mess with it... But... It’s strange that the mana binding Krebskulm inside Rem looks much easier to remove than my mana that created the collars...

He carefully reached out and touched one of the gold threads but immediately felt as though his fingers had been burned when his energy made contact, and he quickly drew himself away. Though once more the golden figure he had seen in flashes of his memories appeared, It’s the same... These threads and that golden bastard... Argh, I don’t even know why that figure makes me so angry, but...

He focused on the mana entangled in the golden threads once more and his mouth began to water, his thoughts going quiet, I... He slowly reached towards it...

But clarity suddenly returned to his mind, and he quickly drew his mana away from it, Sh-Shit! What the hell am I doing? This isn’t something I should be messing around with, I need to take care of the collar.

He quickly adjusted his mana and moved his fingers up to Rem’s forehead, where he felt the tangled threads of his own mana that had bound the collar.

Just like before he reached out and began to absorb the mana back into himself, though at a faster pace this time, I feel like the more I mess with mana like this, the easier it gets, and the better my control gets. Like... Like some kind of muscle memory that just needed a little jogging.

Soon Rem’s collar clicked open and disappeared just like Shera’s had, Diablo drew his mana away and sat upright, “It’s done.”

Rem sat up and felt around her neck, “Just like that? It barely felt like you did anything.”

“As I told Shera before, the process is all internal. In fact, for a mortal, I imagine the process is extremely complicated and difficult.”

“Is there anything you’re not good at?” Rem snorted.

“Diplomacy!” Shera immediately proclaimed.

“I mean, he’s not good at it, but I think everyone’s too scared to get on his bad side, so he’s sort of good at it still just in a bad way.”

“I’m still here you know.”

“It’s the truth and you know it!” Shera stuck her tongue out at him.

“Yeah, yeah.” Just then there was a light tap on the window, “Speaking of diplomacy, I suspect that is about what Celes had mentioned yesterday.” Diablo stood to open the window.

“An imperial knight in Faltra... I know Celes had said the one they’re sending has good rapport, but I’m still skeptical.” Rem said as she stood up to peek around Diablo and examine the letter.

“I would expect someone with the prestige of an imperial knight to be rather professional.” I remember them being pretty rare and of a really high pedigree, something like only one percent of people who try to become an imperial knight are successful.

“You’d think so... But in the Capital only humans are citizens, any demis like Shera and I are slaves or prisoners of some kind. Here in Faltra people like Galluk are rare, but in the Capital it’s common... I’ve heard imperial knights are some of the worst kinds of those people.”

“I see...” He hummed, “If that’s the case, there may be a problem after all.”

“Uh... Diablo, you’re not going to start a fight with an imperial knight, are you?” Shera worried.

“As I recall, I am never the one starting the fight.”

“That’s...! Huh... I mean your attitude certainly causes problems with certain people but... I guess you’re right. Technically.” Rem pondered.

“Uhm, isn’t that just confirming a problem will probably start with an imperial knight because of how Diablo talks to anyone but us?”

“If a representative of the Capital wants to start a conflict with me, let them try.” Diablo scoffed. I’ve given up on trying, every time I try to not say anything that’ll get me in trouble, I just make it worse. “At any rate, we have a summons from Faltra’s city lord alongside this imperial knight. Since we are affiliated with the Adventurer’s Guild, Sylvie is requesting we meet with her first as she will be tagging along as our representative.”

Sounds like she’s babysitting us. “Sounds like she’s babysitting you.” Rem said in tandem with his thoughts.

So she thought the same, huh? “Yes, well. I did express to her in the past my distaste for this General’s actions, it makes sense that she would wish to act as a mediator.”

“You don’t seem annoyed by it though.”

“As I said before, I do not fault the pawns for the actions of their king, she’s in no position to defy the leader of the city that houses her organization.”

“What if she was in the position to go against his orders then?”

“Then the meeting regarding the Greenwood elves would have ended very differently.” He said coldly.

--

As usual, Diablo opened the door to Sylvie’s office without knocking, “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite demon lord!” Sylvie smiled.

“Don’t try and butter me up Sylvie, what other demon lords do you even know?” Diablo snorted as he invited himself in and took a seat, Rem and Shera following behind after a moment of hesitation.

“Alright, alright, I guess I should expect flattery won’t get me anywhere. Our guest from the imperial knights was a little delayed but should be here soon, so there was something I wanted to talk to you about before they arrive.” She said as she moved from her desk to sit across from Diablo.

“Is there a problem?”

“It’s more about preventing a problem...” She rose her hands in a pleading gesture, “While the imperial knight is here could you please, please not mention you’re a demon lord?”

“No.” He answered simply.

“B-But... An imperial knight would surely report to the Capital...”

“And how is that my concern?” He tilted his head, “As I recall, your Capital did nothing while Faltra was almost over run by Enkvarios and his armies. I doubt those cowards would act now.”

“Well that was different... They had to consider their own safety first...”

“Is that what you believe?”

Sylvie waved her hands, “That’s not the point! Point is, this scenario is different, you’re not attacking Faltra, and have even been an ally, if the Capital finds out about that they might try and... You know...”

Irarkis’s comment echoed in Diablo’s mind, “A demon lord would be a valuable asset to any organization...”

Diablo’s eyes narrowed and glowed for just a moment, “Let them try.” He said sharply.

“Could you at least promise not to drag Faltra into things if they come to that?” She pleaded once more.

“Very well.” I don’t believe the Capital would wage a war with a demon lord of their own volition, if what I know about them is still accurate they’re less about going to war on equal or losing terms- and more about bullying nations too weak to even try and fight back. But if they really did change and decide to come after me... “I will ensure your people do not get dragged into a war.”

“I’d rather you say you’ll make sure you don’t start a problem in the first place... But having your word Faltra won’t get pulled into anything makes me feel better.” Sylvie sighed.

“The responsibility is partly on your shoulders for allying with a demon lord, is it not?”

“D-Don’t act like we had any choice!” She complained.

Actually you did have a choice... If everyone had just told me to piss off, I would have. Though I guess they didn’t know that and might have felt forced in the end to cooperate with me. Actually, now I feel kind of bad...

Not much time had passed before there was a knock on the door, “Come on in.” Sylvie called out.

The door opened and in stepped a woman in armor, with long red hair, “Greetings, I am Alicia Cristela of the imperial knights.” She placed her right hand over her chest and bowed slightly, “It is a pleasure to meet you all.” She offered a light smile, “I apologize in advance for my lack of experience, but I assure you I will do my best to be of use while I am here.”

A female imperial knight? Imperial knights are already rare, but one that’s a woman...

“It’s nice to meet you Lady Alicia.” Sylvie stood up and approached her, “I’m Sylvie, the guild master of the Faltra Adventurer’s Guild. I appreciate you agreeing to come by and meet everyone first.” She offered her hand.

“Of course.” Alicia returned her handshake, “Though admittedly I feel as if I know everyone already having read the reports so many times.” She gave a small laugh.

“So this meeting is just for introductions before we go meet with the General?” Rem blinked.

“More or less.” Sylvie nodded.

“You mist be Lady Rem.” Alicia approached and offered a small bow in greeting, “You’re a summoner as I recall, correct?”

“Uh... Yeah, that’s right.” Rem awkwardly answered.

Alicia put a hand over her heart as if moved slightly, “Ah, you’re a skilled summoner not in anyone’s employ, such an uncommon thing, I imagine you’ve had many struggles to make such a difficult decision.”

Rem flinched, “I-I guess you could say that.”

“My apologies, I assure you I don’t mean to pry, I am here only to aid the people of Faltra as much as I can. You do not need to share with me if you don’t want to, of course, my only wish is to offer my help, if there is anything you need I will do everything in my power to aid you. Please remember that, and do not hesitate to ask for my help, should you need it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind...” Rem cleared her throat, “As a female imperial knight, I’m sure you’ve had a lot of struggles of your own.”

“I admit I’ve certainly faced adversity in my position because I am a woman, but I also believe that because of those struggles others have seen my will and my peers respect me more for it. They may be unpleasant, but I believe our struggles and strife make us stronger as people. But I do still have a long way to go.”

“I suppose we might have some things in common.” Rem muttered.

Alicia approached Shera and grabbed a hold of both her hands, “You must be princess Shera.” She greeted with a big smile, “Let’s work together to make the people of Faltra and Greenwood happy!”

Shera beamed right back at her, “Yeah! Let’s do our best!”

She just switches her personality so easily to talk to everyone in the best way... Why do I feel intimidated by this level of diplomacy? I’d crack talking to someone like that, I need to think of a way to keep her from talking to me so she doesn’t see right through me...

Alicia made her way towards Diablo, offering a deep bow, “Sir Diablo, please allow me to offer my deepest gratitude to you for quelling the fallen invasion. Regardless of your intentions, you saved many lives that day. Thank you very much.”

Diablo summoned up his best furious expression as Alicia rose to look at him, “Who gave you permission to speak to me? I should burn you where you stand for daring to act so familiar with me.” He bit out with malice.

Alicia flinched, but there was a flash of something odd in her expression... But it quickly faded and she bowed once more, “My apologies, I will speak more carefully from now on. I hope that in spite of my disrespect that you will still allow me to be at your side while I am here.”

On the other side of the office Rem and Shera were whispering to each other worriedly, “Does Diablo not like her or something?” Shera whispered.

“Maybe he senses something about her.” Rem whispered back.

“I dunno, even when we met that angry guy Galluk, he was never so angry without someone else trying something first.”

Okay that was too much... Reel it back in. Diablo clicked his tongue, “Do as you please.”

“Thank you for your generosity. If I may, can I ask you a question?”

“Make it quick.”

“Of course. Your name... Are you perhaps descended from demon lord worshippers?”

That startled everyone in the room, while none of them had seen an imperial knight, they heard plenty of horror stories of how they respond to those they accuse of being demon lord worshippers. Perhaps a fight with the Capital would start sooner than expected...

But Alicia very quickly picked up on the tension in the room and immediately waved her hands, “Oh my, I don’t mean to imply anything! I just found it strange someone would share the name of one of the demon lords, I was curious is all, especially with how guarded that information is. I am not accusing anyone of anything.”

S-She knows the name Diablo? Did someone who knows about who Diablo was before just fall into my lap? “Now you deign to insult me? Listen well, whelp. I am Diablo, the demon lord of mana.”

~~

There was a brief look of something akin to shock, yet closer to excitement on Alicia’s face, but it was gone in an instant, “I-I see, that is certainly quite a claim.” She looked to Sylvie, “Though this wasn’t included in the reports.”

Sylvie cleared her throat, “Well... It wasn’t our intention to deceive, but I think you can understand why we would omit Diablo’s true nature in the reports to the capital.”

“Yes I suppose I can understand why you would have reason to fear from two sides how things might go if you had reported it... That being the case then, you’re certain he is indeed a demon lord? Isn’t it strange he’s aided Faltra?”

Diablo winced at that last remark, but Sylvie firmly nodded, “I guess his behavior is certainly strange, but there isn’t a doubt that he is not only who he claims to be, but that he also was the one who killed Enkvarios thirty years ago.”

“How interesting...” Alicia pondered for a moment, “At any rate, I assure you this will remain between us, I understand why you chose not to include that detail in the report, and I certainly do not want to be the one to bring a demon lord’s wrath upon Faltra or the Capital. Though I admit I am curious to speak with you privately sometime, Lord Diablo, if I may.”

What’s with the sudden upgrade? She was already being respectful but it just went up. “I will consider it.”

“All that aside, what does General Galford want with us? He’s a pretty stubborn guy, so I doubt he’d ask to meet with us just to offer thanks.” Rem questioned.

“Right, the prince of Greenwood is arriving today, apparently he wants to discuss the matter of Shera returning to them. So you guys are sort of caught up in this whole thing.” Sylvie sighed, “I actually sort of expected him to try and place bounties on Shera, but I guess his people were freaked out enough after encountering you that they’re being more tactful.”

“So you think this prince would otherwise be more hostile?”

“From the little bit I know of him and the wording of his letter, absolutely. He’s requested this meeting and is putting on a front of being diplomatic, but I don’t buy it, they’re planning something.”

“Certainly their choice to meet shortly after the fallen invasion while the city is still undergoing repairs and the people are on edge was not coincidence...” Diablo pondered.

“Yeah, I felt the same way.”

Diablo looked to Shera, “What do you think Shera? Would your brother make a move in this situation?”

Shera winced, “I... Keera isn’t the same as he was when we were kids... He’s obsessed with the throne of the elf kingdom, and securing an heir...” She clutched her hands tight to her chest, and Rem quickly grabbed both of her hands to support her, “My brother would do anything to get what he wants. Even if he knows how strong Diablo is, he would still probably...” She muttered.

“It’s okay Shera.” Rem consoled her.

“I see...”

“In that case, I’ll send some of my people to check things out around the city more discreetly than a bunch of guards can. We need to be ready for them to try something dirty.” Sylvie nodded.

“So then, Keera is really coming here?”

Sylvie took note of Shera’s posture, slumped shoulders, tight knees, guarded torso, as if trying to look smaller, “I’m afraid so.” She said in a somber tone.

I might not be good at social stuff, but I’ve read enough novels that I think I understand what’s going on with Shera given the implication... But what can I do in this situation?

“I... I don’t want to see him...” She uttered quietly.

“I’m sorry Shera, but it was made clear they won’t cooperate if you’re not at the meeting.” Sylvie sighed.

Shera quietly stared at the floor, “Shera...” Rem put a hand on her back to try and comfort her.

I...

Diablo moved in front of Shera, Rem quickly scurrying out his way upon seeing the icy look in his eyes, “Shera.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and kneeled down a bit to be eye level with her, “Look at me.”

His tone was firm and cold, Rem usually trusted Diablo, but there were occasionally times where he seemed... Off, and she had an odd feeling in her gut that seemed to always recognize when he was being this way. Right now she had that feeling, but it usually only felt that way when he was extremely angry, or if asked certain questions about himself... Was he angry at Shera?

Slowly, Shera complied and met Diablo’s hard gaze, “Do you want to run?” He asked in that same tone.

“What?” Sylvie and Rem both questioned, Alicia was silent but was watching with great interest...

“I... If I run again then... Then the people in Faltra...”

“I do not care about those insignificant creatures... I asked if you want to run.” Shera only looked at him silently, shifting nervously, “If you wish to retreat, to never see your brother again, I will not hesitate to take you and Rem from here, and I will slaughter any pursuers so none think of coming after you again.”

“D-Diablo!” Sylvie tried to interject, but Alicia’s hand fell on her shoulder.

“A moment... Look, the princess’s posture has relaxed a little.” Her eyes were fixed on Diablo.

After a while of looking into Diablo’s hard expression, and collecting her thoughts, Shera opened her mouth, “No... Running would be easier and less scary... But... But I like it here, and I don’t want anyone to get hurt because I was being selfish. I-I need to face my fear.”

Diablo stood upright and moved his hand from her shoulder to the top of her head, gently shifting her hair, “Then I will protect you while you face those fears.”

Shera grabbed his hand on her head and held it there, both her hands over his hand on her head as she sniffed, tears beginning to sting the corners of her eyes, “Diablo, thank you...” She choked out, barely holding back her tears.

He took his free hand and gently placed it on her back to comfort her, which made Shera immediately release his hand that was resting on her head and threw herself into him, no longer holding back the tears. He gave a sigh, but a small smile formed and just as quickly as that feeling in Rem’s gut came, it left, and she sighed in relief as Shera cried into Diablo’s chest.

Chapter Text

There was a brief look of something akin to shock, yet closer to excitement on Alicia’s face, but it was gone in an instant, “I-I see, that is certainly quite a claim.” She looked to Sylvie, “Though this wasn’t included in the reports.”

Sylvie cleared her throat, “Well... It wasn’t our intention to deceive, but I think you can understand why we would omit Diablo’s true nature in the reports to the capital.”

“Yes I suppose I can understand why you would have reason to fear from two sides how things might go if you had reported it... That being the case then, you’re certain he is indeed a demon lord? Isn’t it strange he’s aided Faltra?”

Diablo winced at that last remark, but Sylvie firmly nodded, “I guess his behavior is certainly strange, but there isn’t a doubt that he is not only who he claims to be, but that he also was the one who killed Enkvarios thirty years ago.”

“How interesting...” Alicia pondered for a moment, “At any rate, I assure you this will remain between us, I understand why you chose not to include that detail in the report, and I certainly do not want to be the one to bring a demon lord’s wrath upon Faltra or the Capital. Though I admit I am curious to speak with you privately sometime, Lord Diablo, if I may.”

What’s with the sudden upgrade? She was already being respectful but it just went up. “I will consider it.”

“All that aside, what does General Galford want with us? He’s a pretty stubborn guy, so I doubt he’d ask to meet with us just to offer thanks.” Rem questioned.

“Right, the prince of Greenwood is arriving today, apparently he wants to discuss the matter of Shera returning to them. So you guys are sort of caught up in this whole thing.” Sylvie sighed, “I actually sort of expected him to try and place bounties on Shera, but I guess his people were freaked out enough after encountering you that they’re being more tactful.”

“So you think this prince would otherwise be more hostile?”

“From the little bit I know of him and the wording of his letter, absolutely. He’s requested this meeting and is putting on a front of being diplomatic, but I don’t buy it, they’re planning something.”

“Certainly their choice to meet shortly after the fallen invasion while the city is still undergoing repairs and the people are on edge was not coincidence...” Diablo pondered.

“Yeah, I felt the same way.”

Diablo looked to Shera, “What do you think Shera? Would your brother make a move in this situation?”

Shera winced, “I... Keera isn’t the same as he was when we were kids... He’s obsessed with the throne of the elf kingdom, and securing an heir...” She clutched her hands tight to her chest, and Rem quickly grabbed both of her hands to support her, “My brother would do anything to get what he wants. Even if he knows how strong Diablo is, he would still probably...” She muttered.

“It’s okay Shera.” Rem consoled her.

“I see...”

“In that case, I’ll send some of my people to check things out around the city more discreetly than a bunch of guards can. We need to be ready for them to try something dirty.” Sylvie nodded.

“So then, Keera is really coming here?”

Sylvie took note of Shera’s posture, slumped shoulders, tight knees, guarded torso, as if trying to look smaller, “I’m afraid so.” She said in a somber tone.

I might not be good at social stuff, but I’ve read enough novels that I think I understand what’s going on with Shera given the implication... But what can I do in this situation?

“I... I don’t want to see him...” She uttered quietly.

“I’m sorry Shera, but it was made clear they won’t cooperate if you’re not at the meeting.” Sylvie sighed.

Shera quietly stared at the floor, “Shera...” Rem put a hand on her back to try and comfort her.

I...

Diablo moved in front of Shera, Rem quickly scurrying out his way upon seeing the icy look in his eyes, “Shera.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and kneeled down a bit to be eye level with her, “Look at me.”

His tone was firm and cold, Rem usually trusted Diablo, but there were occasionally times where he seemed... Off, and she had an odd feeling in her gut that seemed to always recognize when he was being this way. Right now she had that feeling, but it usually only felt that way when he was extremely angry, or if asked certain questions about himself... Was he angry at Shera?

Slowly, Shera complied and met Diablo’s hard gaze, “Do you want to run?” He asked in that same tone.

“What?” Sylvie and Rem both questioned, Alicia was silent but was watching with great interest...

“I... If I run again then... Then the people in Faltra...”

“I do not care about those insignificant creatures... I asked if you want to run.” Shera only looked at him silently, shifting nervously, “If you wish to retreat, to never see your brother again, I will not hesitate to take you and Rem from here, and I will slaughter any pursuers so none think of coming after you again.”

“D-Diablo!” Sylvie tried to interject, but Alicia’s hand fell on her shoulder.

“A moment... Look, the princess’s posture has relaxed a little.” Her eyes were fixed on Diablo.

After a while of looking into Diablo’s hard expression, and collecting her thoughts, Shera opened her mouth, “No... Running would be easier and less scary... But... But I like it here, and I don’t want anyone to get hurt because I was being selfish. I-I need to face my fear.”

Diablo stood upright and moved his hand from her shoulder to the top of her head, gently shifting her hair, “Then I will protect you while you face those fears.”

Shera grabbed his hand on her head and held it there, both her hands over his hand on her head as she sniffed, tears beginning to sting the corners of her eyes, “Diablo, thank you...” She choked out, barely holding back her tears.

He took his free hand and gently placed it on her back to comfort her, which made Shera immediately release his hand that was resting on her head and threw herself into him, no longer holding back the tears. He gave a sigh, but a small smile formed and just as quickly as that feeling in Rem’s gut came, it left, and she sighed in relief as Shera cried into Diablo’s chest.

--

“Oh, Madam Sylvie! I assume these are the guests General Galford was expecting today?” The guard before the lord’s estate greeted.

“That’s right, Diablo, Rem, Shera, and Alicia.”

The guard pulled out a notebook and began writing, “I know it’s a hassle, but I have to document who arrives, when, and when they leave, so bear with me a moment. The General is quite particular about these sorts of things.” With his writing done, he gave a nod, “That’s that, when you leave please just give me a wave so I can document your departure as well.”

How militaristic... I guess he’s called the General for a reason.

With that the guard opened up the gate, “Welcome. Madam Sylvie has been to the war room before so she can show you the way.”

“Thank you, we’ll be on our way now.” Sylvie gestured for everyone to follow her, “I’ll show you to where we’re meeting inside.”

“I’ve never seen the city lord estate up-close before... It’s huge.” Rem gazed up in awe.

“It’s a bit much, isn’t it?” Sylvie chuckled slightly, “It really doesn’t suit General Galford if you ask me.”

“I’ve never met him in person, but from what I’ve heard, that doesn’t surprise me.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it, even the home of the royal family in Greenwood is nothing like this.” Shera said with eyes full of wonder, “What do you think Diablo? I bet you used to live somewhere like this, right?”

Diablo thought back to his dungeon, though it was different from how he remembered it... Or was it the same...? It was still very much a dungeon, a dark, dreary, and deadly place. “Not at all actually.”

“Really? Given your attire I would figure a luxurious looking place would kind of suit you.” Sylvie looked at him and thought for a moment, his red-eyed gaze flashing in her memory, sending a chill down her spine, “Actually, no, never mind. You’d fit better in a dark place that probably has a few torture chambers.”

“If I recall correctly, you mentioned before you lived in a dungeon, right?” Rem asked.

Diablo nodded, “That’s right, and it was about what you would probably expect for a dungeon.”

“I have a feeling a demon lord’s domain would be a lot more than what you’d expect from a normal dungeon. Dozens of fallen guarding the place and what not.” Sylvie scrunched her nose.

“No way, Diablo said before the fallen aren’t loyal to him.” Shera looked to Diablo for confirmation, “Right?” To which he nodded.

“Isn’t that strange?” Alicia questioned.

“Well, there’s a lot of strange things about Diablo for being a demon lord.” Rem shrugged with a shake of her head.

“If you don’t mind my prying then, Lord Diablo... Why would fallen not follow you?”

“Truthfully... I’m not sure, or rather, I can’t remember would be more accurate... Though if I were to hazard a guess, it would be because the fallen are not necessarily loyal to or servants of those weak fools; but that the fallen wish to see the world burn and the most likely tool achieve that goal would be a demon lord. But I do not share that mindless desire, so I am of no use to them.”

“So then your memories are...” Alicia muttered to herself.

Sylvie cleared her throat as she came to a stop, “This is the war room, normally I’d brief you about etiquette and that stuff, but considering who’s here...” She trailed off.

Everyone looked to Diablo who simply rolled his eyes, “Let’s just see what he wants.”

With a sigh, Sylvie knocked on the door, a gruff and commanding voice called, “Enter.” In response.

Sylvie opened the door leading the others inside to a huge meeting table, across the room a desk where an older man stood. Even having never met this man before, it was not only clear he was the General Sylvie spoke of, but also that he was a seasoned veteran and had seen plenty of battles in his time. The way he moved as he stood from his desk, and the way his eyes quickly but discreetly examined the group and the space around them, assessing them and their surroundings.

He's definitely not the sort of general that rose through the ranks behind a desk. You can really feel his experience when you look at him, Sylvie definitely wasn’t exaggerating when she said he slew dozens of fallen on his own during Enkvarios’s invasion.

“So you’ve arrived.” He gruffly remarked.

“That’s right.” Sylvie greeted with a smile, “Let me introduce you to Diablo.” She gestured his way, “And while you’ve never met I believe you’re aware of his party members, Rem and Shera.” She continued.

“I am familiar with the reports, yes.” His eyes shifted to Alicia, “And this one, the king’s favorite.” He said it in almost a snarky tone, as if he was doubting her position.

The implication that he felt Alicia was only made an imperial knight as a form of favoritism was very clear in such few words, making her flinch a bit, but standing firm she cleared her throat, “I assure you I am more than qualified to assist with what ever Faltra’s needs may be, General. Please allow me to prove myself before you make such judgements.”

“Hmph, I suppose we’ll see how qualified you are when the time comes.” He turned back to Sylvie, “And have you told them any details of this quest?”

She shook her head, “They know the prince of Greenwood is arriving soon as well but that’s about it.”

“Then I will keep things brief. Those elves are demanding the return of their princess and are threatening my city for the exchange.” His eyes flicked to Shera, then to Diablo, “Since you are the one guarding said princess I will consider it your responsibility to resolve this issue.”

Diablo narrowed his eyes, “Are you trying to tell me to hand her over?”

“How you resolve the issue is none of my concern, so long as Faltra is left out of it.”

“I see.” He’s rough, but more reasonable than I expected. Though I get the feeling that if I wasn’t a demon lord, this would be going very differently.

“So you want us to stop a war between two nations?” Rem’s brow furrowed.

“That is correct.”

“Isn’t that unreasonable? How the heck are a couple of random adventurers supposed to handle something that’s so diplomatic?” Rem pressed.

Rem’s right of course, but also... This Galford guy isn’t wrong either, this whole situation is actually our fault, if Shera wasn’t in a demon lord’s shadow the guards probably would have caught her and handed her back over a while ago and none of this would have happened.

“But I am not dealing with ‘random adventurers’. Between the three of you is the only princess of the elf kingdom, and a demon lord. And now an imperial knight. I normally would not trust bumbling adventurers, but this is a special situation, is it not?”

So this guy hates adventurers... That confirms it then, he’s only being civil because of me. Though it’s strange he works with Sylvie considering...

“It’s fine, Rem. I am not unreasonable, I can understand how this General came to the conclusion he did. I will accept this quest, though I will be expecting a monetary reward, considering I have already saved your city once when the fallen attacked with nothing to show for it.”

 Galford grit his teeth, “Even as a demon lord, adventurers are all the same. Fine, you will be compensated.” He spat.

“If it displeases you, perhaps the hero of the war thirty years ago should have done something when the fallen came.”

Galford grit his teeth even more, “The situation had been resolved before I received the report.” He growled in defense.

Diablo gave him a smug grin as he rose a brow, “Oh? That is the convenient defense you wish to lean on? Your system is too slow? Had I waited until you received those reports, Faltra would be a buffet for fallen and demonic beasts right now.”

As the tension grew between the two, Alicia suddenly stepped forward, “Excuse me.” She bowed her head, “As an imperial knight assigned to aiding with this task, I should have stepped in sooner. Please allow me to take responsibility for this offense.”

Galford let out a sigh and relaxed, “It’s of little consequence. I was the one who forgot adventurers are lacking in customs and courtesies.” He shook his head, “At any rate, I do have a question of you.” He looked back to Diablo.

“What is it?”

“I was skeptical originally, but with all the reports from my men and Sylvie, I acknowledge that you are indeed who you say you are. In truth, I do not care that you are a demon lord, all that matters to me is if you are an asset to Faltra, or a liability. So tell me, demon lord, which can I consider you?”

“I am no asset of yours. However, should you continue to treat myself and my party well, you can consider me an ally. So long as Faltra remains useful to me, I will provide aid.”

“It seems we can agree on that way of thinking at least.”

“That aside... Considering what Sylvie has told us, I assume you have been preparing for a war with the elves?”

“I have only been preparing an appropriate response should they choose to act out. I have no intentions of chasing those who specialize in ambush tactics into the forest where my men would die needlessly.”

Diablo thought for a moment, “So they remained, even after my last message?”

But Galford shook his head, “They retreated, but have returned with an estimated two hundred of their number.”

“Two hundred? That’s such a small force for a full scale war against a nation the size of Faltra.”

“The elven kingdom is quite small, two hundred is likely all of their troops that can be deployed away from Greenwood. If a war were to occur they would likely remain in the forests, cutting off our supplies and water sources, slowly bleeding Faltra into coming to them for an ambush.”

“Not underestimating your enemy despite their small number; how astute of you. I suppose “General” isn’t merely a title for you.”

“Power alone is not what rose me to my position, tact and wit are equally as important, perhaps more so. Which is why I would prefer you hand over the princess, though I assume I cannot change your mind on that front.”

Diablo closed his eyes, “She is not mine to hand over, Shera chose to stand her ground, I am simply respecting her wishes. The elves will be dealt with as agreed, just the same.”

“Very well then, I would like to ask the princess something.”

Shera flinched from behind Diablo; where she had retreated to earlier, “Wh-What is it?” She nervously asked.

“I am simply curious, why did you cast aside your kingdom and people?”

“I-I didn’t abandon my people! I...” She slowly lowered her head, “It’s... I don’t think I’m ready to talk about it... But when you meet my brother...”

“I see, I believe I understand. My loyalty is only to my people, so I cannot sympathize with your situation as it has caused direct conflict with my city... But.” His eyes moved to Diablo, “As a man of power, I can understand your choice to shield her, in spite of your origins.”

“I will consider that enough then, I can also agree that I find it difficult to care about the circumstances of those I do not consider close.”

Alicia approached Shera and put a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t worry princess Shera, we will solve this conflict without handing you over.”

“Th-Thank you Alicia.”

Just then there was a knock on the ornate door, “What is it?” Galford called.

“General, the prince of Greenwood’s carriage is arriving now, shall I have a guard escort the prince here?”

“Yes, we are ready to receive them.”

The man nodded in response and quickly left to send word, as the door closed Shera grew tense.

“It’ll be alright Shera, we’ll protect you.” Rem gently squeezed her shoulder.

Shera looked up to Diablo, who offered her a nod, steeling her resolve she took a deep breath, “I can do this... I can.”

Chapter Text

Shera knew those footsteps all too well the soft thump of elven shoes; designed for moving through the thick forests of the Greenwood kingdom, the steady pace of someone too haughty to hurry along for anyone, and the distinct thwop of a gait that moved with barely restrained rage as each step fell flat-footed. A stride her sharp elven ears knew all too well... One she was trained to cower from...

As her sharp ears picked up on those footsteps approaching the war room through the hall, her mind was brought back to the countless times she heard those same footsteps in the halls of her own home.

Shera opened her eyes and she was in her old room... The familiar sting of a fresh bruise across one side of her face, her legs tucked into her chest, her arms wrapped around her knees, her back against her old door. As if doing this would somehow save her.

In an instant she was suddenly back there, to a familiar home, a familiar fear...

Tears quickly began to sting the corners of her eyes, “Mother and father are away... Again.” She whimpered.

Those familiar footsteps echoed through the hall, though with a quickened pace, filled with fury... There was no need to pretend here, in her own home, those steps had no need to pretend, no need to hide. It was never really her home, after all. People told her it was, but she knew it wasn’t true.

The owner of those steps tried the door, but it didn’t open easily with Shera’s back against it, “Open this door.” The voice demanded sternly.

Shera only whimpered, tucking her legs in tighter with a shake of her head, as if he could see her, as if this would somehow protect her.

She knew it never did.

The door now rattled against her back, “I’m warning you! Open this door!”

The rattling grew more intense as the owner of those steps and that voice banged progressively harder on the door. Shera stayed with her back against it, tears streaming down her face now as she lifted her hands to cover hear ears, as if that would make the shouting and banging stop.

The light door folded now against the banging, smacking roughly into her back, but she only curled up tighter, refusing to move.

“SHERA!” The voice screamed in fury before the door was thrust open, knocking Shera to the floor with a slight scream as she quickly scurried to the other side of the room, curling up defensively on the floor.

Her ‘brother’ approached her with angry steps, “How dare you try and run from me!” She peeked over her arms that were hiding her face slightly to see a raised hand, and she quickly tucked her face away again. But he didn’t strike her, and his voice suddenly softened with a sigh, “Why do you act so childish?”

That got her to move to look at him, foolishly... She should have known better... As a hand suddenly snatched the arm that had been shielding her and she was struck in the face, the same spot that was struck before she had fled.

“You have to be punished now for not listening to me.” He said with a twisted grin as the grip on her arm became painful, another impact hitting the side of her face, “If you would just obey me, I wouldn’t have to punish you.” Another impact, “This is your fault!” Another, “Why do you make me do this, Shera?” And another, her ‘brother’ released her arm, the other side of her face being struck now, causing her to fall to the floor, “Huh? Why don’t you say something?” A foot found her side, making her stagger onto her hands and knees, “Answer me? Why do you make me do this!?”

She didn’t answer, only continued to sob quietly as she was grabbed by her hair and forced to look up at her ‘brother’.

“Well, whatever.” She had given up on fighting back a long time ago, it only made things worse for her, so despite the pain, she didn’t struggle when she was pulled forward a bit by her hair, “Really, it doesn’t matter if you comply or not.” He grinned, “It works just as well when you submit like this.”

She had long given up on fighting back...

But this was wrong...

On her bed, her ‘brother’s’ hand around her throat as he removed his own clothes...

She had put up with Keera for so long, she always put up with it... The bullying when they were little, that turned more and more aggressive as they both got older... But this, for some reason this filled her with one thought, This is too far...

She had long given up on fighting back...

But something told her this time she had to, she had to...

She grabbed the hand that had been gripping her throat, and with a gasp and a scream, “No!” She was able to get him off of her.

He hit the floor with a crack, but Shera didn’t look back, even as he screamed her name full of rage, even as those steps were now hobbled...

If she looked back now, she would stop.

And she didn’t want to stop, as she fled that home that was not hers, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t want to stop.

But she heard that voice still...

She had long given up on fighting back...

But she could still run.

“So it seems our princess is here after all.” His voice sneered, “Though last I heard she had a collar.”

Rem noticed the way Shera had frozen since Keera arrived and had moved to comfort her as best she could.

“The result of a summoning accident, nothing more.” Sylvie quickly came forward, “Diablo here was able to get the collar removed without issue.” She gestured to Diablo.

“The horned demon...” Keera muttered through clenched teeth, but his expression was quickly replaced with the fakest smile any of them had seen, “Ah yes. The one who has been protecting my sister all this time.”

Diablo didn’t respond, though his gaze was so cold it felt as if the room dropped several degrees in temperature as his eyes remained locked on Keera. He didn’t like this guy. Not one bit.

He may only have had a tiny understanding (he felt) of Shera’s situation, but even without that, he felt like the man he was looking at was an absolute slimeball. Something about him was unbearably fake, almost unsettling. He reeked of it...

When he looked closer the little bit of mana he saw was pungent, it was like whiffing something that had been brewing in mold and rot for weeks, a sudden assault on all the senses, he was barely able to contain the urge to gag. Given that the mana he saw tended to somehow match the traits of people, color, smell, taste, movement, everything tended to be based on personalities... It was abundantly clear what kind of person this brother of Shera’s was. It only confirmed his suspicions.

“This meeting taking place here is only a formality.” Galford stepped forward, “I have already made it clear to the three of them that Faltra has no intentions of getting involved. As your goal is only the princess, this matter should be handled between you and her guardian.”

“Hmph, you can declare impartiality all you want, but your city has been harboring the demon that stole our princess.”

“Excuse me, but I must request you show some decency.” Alicia interjected, “I understand your frustration with such an important figure to your kingdom having been away for so long. But she was not stolen, Lord Diablo has simply provided her with protection. Had he not been here Shera and all of Faltra would have been slaughtered during the fallen attack.”

“Sounds to me like Faltra isn’t ready for war.” Keera said smugly, “If they’re relying on some lowly demon to guard them from invasion. Even more reason for Shera to be returned to us immediately.”

Keep your cool... For Shera’s sake... I really want to blast this guy with a strong enough spell to erase him from existence, but he’s still her brother, and a noble. I shouldn’t do anything violent without approval. Deep breaths.

Diablo glanced over to Rem and Shera, Shera’s gaze was distant, though Rem had pulled her into a hug to try and comfort her.

“Mind your tongue.” Alicia said sharply.

Why do I feel like she’s getting more upset than I am over me being insulted?

Keera flinched at the way her tone felt like a knife against his throat, “At any rate, I suppose I should thank you for guarding my sister.” He cleared his throat, “But now I ask that she be handed over.”

Shera tensed in Rem’s arms, who pulled her closer, “Do you expect me to throw her to you without asking her thoughts?” Diablo finally spoke.

“What...?”

“It’s not my decision, nor is it yours.”

“You...! This is a matter of the royal family of Greenwood, her feelings don’t hold any sway.” He spat, “Shera.” He called.

But Shera didn’t move, she remained in Rem’s embrace and lowered her gaze to the floor, “It would seem you have your answer.” Diablo observed.

“You would doom Greenwood? You would forsake our family? Forsake me?” He grit his teeth, “Shera!” She flinched at him shouting her name.

“If she doesn’t want to leave, I won’t force her.” Diablo’s cold gaze locked onto Keera, glaring down at him with sharp eyes, “You have your answer.” He repeated.

Even Keera froze under that gaze... He felt his blood run cold, and fear snake its way through every fiber of his being... Even he was able to feel pushing further was something he should not do.

But he couldn’t be called a logical being, he was more akin to a wild boar, rushing forward purely out of what emotion drove him the most; rage.

And so, seeing red, feeling he was in control when he saw how Shera trembled in fear of him, he moved forward, stomping past Diablo to approach Rem and Shera.

But as he rose his hand, his arm was grabbed with a crunch... The sound was visceral, but it took a moment for his brain to register... Then he screamed.

As he rose his hand with the intent to strike at Shera, his forearm was grabbed by Diablo, who took it like a vice, crushing the bones in his arm, Keera’s forearm immediately turning a disgusting purple as he screamed, but couldn’t budge the iron grip.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Diablo hissed, his eyes burning red, mana crackling off his form like static, the room growing darker, “I said you have your answer.” His voice was full of fury but was eerily calm.

Keera only continued to scream out in pain as he tried to free himself from his grip, “Consider this your warning.” He pulled on Keera’s crushed arm and lowered his head to force the panicked elf to meet his eyes, “I will not warn you again.”

With that, Diablo released him, the mana fading, light returning to the room, his eyes returning to their purple hue, though a slight tinge of red remained.

Keera scurried back, he had never felt like this in his life... He always felt in control, even Shera; who he knew was stronger than him, bent so easily under him. How could he be so afraid? How could someone defy him!?

But any rage that was brewing was immediately replaced with fear when he looked back up at the towering demon- no, he was no pitiful demon... The monster before him.

He quickly rose his good arm in surrender, “W-Wait!” He was drenched in sweat as he recoiled back with his hand out, “S-She hasn’t actually answered herself! I-I’ll respect her decision so long as she voices it on her own!”

Shera’s eyes widened but she still couldn’t find her voice.

“T-Tomorrow! M-My men will give you the location of our camp, m-meet me there tomorrow with your answer!”

It’s obviously a trap. But...

Diablo looked over to the girls once more, “Shera?” He questioned.

She looked at him wide eyed, but managed to nod, just barely, “Very well then. We will be there tomorrow.”

As Keera hurried from the war-room like a wounded dog, Diablo wiped the hand he had grabbed him with on his slacks as if he had touched something slimy, “How disgusting...” He muttered.

Chapter Text

Everyone was aware the offer was a trap, but Sylvie was confident it wouldn’t matter with Diablo present, Galford didn’t care as long as Faltra wasn’t at risk, while making a passing remark about a bird in the hand... Alicia insisted she come along to provide what aid she could.

So after some consoling of Shera, the party returned to their inn room, the girls sat on the bed together, Rem gently holding Shera’s hand, while Diablo sat away from them analyzing the map the elven soldiers had given him.

It looks like they set up camp pretty far inside the Man Eating Woods, which is surprising. I know the elves are good at avoiding monsters in the forests, but that Keera guy doesn’t strike me as someone who’s capable of moving like the soldiers, elf or not. So they must be prepared this time to deal with monsters. He lowered the map with a sigh, It’s a good ambush spot, and I don’t trust a word that creep said so I know without a doubt that this is a trap. But he would have had reports from his men about our first encounter... So surely he wouldn’t be so stupid as to only prepare just more elves to try and subdue me or perhaps snatch Shera from under me. So what could he have prepared?

Rem looked over to Diablo who was still studying the map, “You have a plan, right? You won’t let him take her, right?” She asked.

He looked up just a little from the map, “He couldn’t have made it more obvious that this is a trap, don’t worry, I’ll be ready.”

“See Shera? It’ll be fine, you know how strong Diablo is, you’re the one who saw him beat the fallen army. That slime ball won’t be able to touch you, he’ll be sent packing with his tail between his legs and then the three of us can come home no problem!”

It feels kinda nice to have Rem have such faith in me. Though that means I really can’t screw this up, I have to be ready for anything!

“I... I don’t want to go back to Greenwood... I really don’t...” She finally spoke.

“I know you don’t.” He closed his eyes a moment, “If you don’t want to meet him at all, I can still help you run.”

“No... I... I want to face him! I froze up earlier but I need to face him. If I don’t, if I just run away again... I won’t be free. I feel like I’ll never really be free unless I can face him...”

“Then we’ll help you face him.” Rem reassured her, “We’ll make sure that he respects your answer no matter what. And then we’ll all come back home together.”

As the girls went to sleep together, Diablo remained awake, studying the map still, If I were setting up an ambush... He had marked several spots on the map, Galford had reported around two hundred elf soldiers, considering they should know by now a single spell from me would take them out if they were concentrated, they probably spread out like this, groups no more than ten probably so they could cover more area. He drew more circles and lines through the map, trying to foresee how they would likely move from their assumed positions, Elves aren’t the best fighters, but their ability to move swiftly through the forests is unmatched, if they were spread out like this and came at us... He drew several arrows towards the star he had drawn to represent himself and the girls, Like so... Even I wouldn’t be able to prevent them from snatching Shera without having to kill them all and blow up the whole forest... Both things they probably are aware I’m trying to avoid... He gave a contemplative sigh as he leaned back, gazing down at the map, index finger tapping his temple in thought.

“Ah...!”

He suddenly snapped upright, hit with a sudden realization, With my ability to influence spells because of Diablo’s my mana control, I should be able to extend the duration and influence the space...!

He held out his hand, as if holding something, Carefully, so I don’t wake up the girls...

A small translucent box formed in his hand, glowing with a rainbow of colors, Perfect, now I just need to extend the duration...

--

I was so focused on the idea of a possible ambush last night I completely forgot Alicia was coming along... Diablo internally facepalmed.

“Lord Diablo.” Alicia gave a formal bow, “I admit I am skeptical of the prince’s intentions, so please allow me to do all I can to aid in defending the princess.”

“It seems we were thinking much the same. I have prepared for this prince to not keep his word.” Alicia looked almost disappointed in response, She’s kind of making me feel bad for forgetting she was coming... “However... I admit that the rather infantile mana of most elves does make them more difficult to detect, so an Imperial knight watching our backs could prove useful.” But I can’t let that change anything. I can’t let my own feelings get in the way, all that matters is ensuring Rem and Shera’s safety.

Alicia seemed to light back up with that, “I will do everything in my power to be useful to you, Lord Diablo.” She almost seemed too excited to say so.

Rem took Shera’s hand, “Are you ready, Shera?”

Shera took a deep breath and squeezed Rem’s hand, “I’m ready, no matter what happens.”

“Very well then, before we head in though.” Diablo hovered a hand over both girl’s heads, “<Prism Wall>” Around both girls a translucent cube formed before fading, leaving only the soft glow of an array of colors emitting from them, “A precaution.”

Alicia, looking entranced by the rainbow of colors asked, “What is that?”

“A barrier using all six elements, it will prevent anyone or anything from passing until time runs out or I dispel it myself. Perhaps a bit excessive using a spell that could block even one of my attacks... But better to be prepared than not.”

“All six at once? How incredible... There are some very talented mages in the Capital but even the greatest of them can only use two at once. Though I suppose a demon lord’s ability is beyond mortal understanding. How long does it last?”

“I ensured it will last two hours.”

“Ah... As expected of Lord Diablo... The sheer mana it would take to have a barrier like this last even ten seconds would be immense... But two hours...” She muttered to herself in awe.

I’m not sure why, but sometimes that imperial knight gives me some weird vibes... Diablo shook his head, “At any rate, let’s go.”

Rem and Shera stayed close to Diablo’s side as they entered the Man Eating Woods, behind them Alicia moved with a hand on her blade’s hilt, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

--

Diablo concentrated his mana sense to detect the elves that surely waited in ambush, their mana was small as a race, but all the races had at least some that he would be able to detect. Looks like I was spot on with where I anticipated them to be... But none of them seem to be moving.

“There’s a lot of them...” Shera whispered.

“You can sense them too, Shera?”

“Well... I don’t really sense them, but I can hear them.”

Elves do have sharp senses... And she did say she was a level fifty ranger even as a child so I shouldn’t be surprised.

“As expected they seem to be positioned for an ambush, but I am surprised none of them seem to be moving.”

“Are you sure you want to be a summoner?” Rem teased Shera, trying to lighten the mood, “You’d make a way better ranger with senses like that.”

“Well...”

Diablo stopped and held out an arm, “Someone’s approaching to greet us it seems.”

The girls both tensed and Alicia gripped her blade tightly as she turned to keep an eye on their rear.

A familiar elf approached with both his hands raised, “Greetings Princess Shera, I was sent only to show your party the way.”

“Celsior...”

Celsior’s eyes shifted to Diablo, and he seemed to tense up a bit before looking back to Shera, “Do you trust the future king, your own brother, so little that you felt the need to bring that monster with you?”

“Don’t say that! I haven’t known Diablo or Rem for long but... But they’re more my family than Keera ever was!”

“Princess Shera... I...” He gave a heavy sigh, “You know how the prince is... The Greenwood kingdom needs you.”

“So that’s the reason you’ve aided a prince you do not respect? If your people are so aware that your prince is not fit to rule, then why chase a princess that doesn’t want to take his place?”

“An outsider could never understand! The king and queen are...” He trailed off, clenching his fists.

“I see.” I really don’t... Is he saying the king and queen aren’t fit to rule either? If that’s the case though are the elves so caught up in tradition they’re willing to deal with it and run themselves ragged chasing a princess that doesn’t want to rule, rather than chase out the royal family? There has to be something going on that I don’t understand. “Be that as it may, that does not give you the right to rob the freedom and choice from Shera.”

“What about you then? If Princess Shera said she wanted to come back with us, would you let her?”

“Do not project onto me, little elf. Whatever Shera chooses, I will respect it.”

Celsior lowered his head as if in shame before lifting a hand, “This way, please. I’ll take you to Prince Keera’s tent.”

Diablo glanced to Rem and Shera, who both gave him a nod, “Very well.”

Celsior led the group to a large clearing, an embellished tent coming into view, “Wait here one moment, I will inform the prince of your arrival.”

As Celsior approached the tent, an eerie tune from a flute filled the air, “I don’t like this...” Rem tensed, moving closer to Shera.

“Commanding troops using a tune perhaps?” Alicia questioned, drawing her sword and scanning the area.

Diablo however narrowed his eyes, “No...” With his own senses currently on high alert he saw the strange flow of mana that seemed to dance with the ominous song. It drifted along with the music, making its way towards Shera, he quickly moved in front of her and grabbed a hold of the strange flowing mana, it was odd and certainly unique... But something about it reminded him of the way the mana twisted and moved within the enslavement collars. “So that’s your game, is it...?” He muttered as he dismantled the strange spell, anger slowly rising in his chest.

When the song was finished, Celsior and Keera both emerged from the tent, Keera had a sick grin on his face, it seemed he was unaware his strange spell had been stopped.

“Ah my dear sister, it’s always such a pleasure to see you.” Keera greeted, before glancing at Diablo with disgust, “You didn’t have to bring your guards though, I would have postponed out meeting so you could say your farewells if only you’d asked.”

“They’re my friends.” Shera protested, “And they’re here to support me.”

“Hmph, it doesn’t matter either way.” He pointed his flute at her, “You want to come home, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t want to go back there.”

Keera smirked, “Yes of course, I...” Then froze, “D-Did you say... No?”

“Th-That’s right! I’m staying here with Rem and Diablo, I’m never going back with you!”

“You...” He suddenly threw the flute to the ground, “Why... Why didn’t it work!? I tested it on the guards I know it works! I...!”

“Are you perhaps referring to that enslavement spell you attempted to use?” Diablo tilted his head.

“I... I have no idea what you’re referring to. Elves aren’t capable of magic like you demons.”

“That is somewhat true I suppose. But a magic artifact... Like a flute perhaps. Unfortunately for you I saw and stopped the magic from it from reaching Shera.”

“What...!?” He pulled on his hair, “Useless... Useless!”

Now Alicia stepped forward, “Is the prince of the elven kingdom going to go back on his word? You assured Shera you would leave her be if that is what she wished.”

“What a load of shit! Why would anything that useless bitch has to say matter!? I don’t want to be lectured by some worthless human!”

Shera clenched her fists, “That’s enough Keera! I’m not going back! I renounce my place as princess!”

“You worthless bitch! Kill them! Kill them now! I don’t care of you break her arms and legs, just kill them and capture her!” Keera screamed.

Rem raised a summoning stone, “Stone Man!” She called out as arrowed rained down on them.

A Golem made of rock, twice the size of a human appeared in front of Alicia, easily blocking the arrows aimed at her, while the rest aimed at her and Diablo shattered harmlessly against Diablo’s Prism Wall.

“Good work, Rem.”

“I can help to, I don’t want them to hurt Shera either.”

I don’t want to hurt them if I can avoid it, since they’re still Shera’s people... And I need to avoid damaging the forest, so...

Diablo pulled out his staff, “<Tidal Wall>!”

There was a roar of water and in an instant a pillar of violently raging water formed, creating a column inside the clearing, blocking out the unwanted guards. The tide was so powerful it would have certainly swept away and subsequently launched anyone foolish enough to try and pass.

Alicia looked around at the pillar of water in awe, “Incredible.”

“That will keep out the riffraff as long as needed. Shera, it’s up to you how you want to handle Keera.”

Keera grit his teeth furiously, “You... You damn... You disgusting demon! Fine then!” He pulled out a huge summoning stone, “If I can’t have what I want, then I’ll destroy it all!”

“That’s...!” Shera gasped, “Keera, don’t!”

But he threw the stone to the ground, “Burn everything, Force Hydra!”

In a bright flash of light a huge four headed monster appeared, all four of it’s dragon-like heads reared back and roared, shaking the ground.

“What the hell kind of summon is that...?” Rem stepped back.

“It’s the guardian of the Greenwood royal family... It’s supposed to only be used if Greenwood is in serious danger... How could my parents allow it to reach Keera’s hands...?”

Keera let out a laugh that was full of insanity, “Ah! Gaze upon this magnificent beast! The Force Hydra was granted to the elves by the God of Destruction himself as a protector deity! A pathetic demon has no hope of facing a gift from the gods!”

Diablo gave a sigh and stepped forward, “The three of you, stay back there. The Prism Wall will keep you safe but I’d rather not take any chances.”

Rem and Shera both nodded, and Alicia offered a salute with her sword, “I will lay down my life to protect them if need be.”

Diablo looked up at the Force Hydra, and the lumbering beast looked down at him with all four of its heads locking eyes with him.

“Are you afraid now, demon? But it’s too late to beg forgiveness! Kill him, Force Hydra!”

One of its four heads shifted, looking to Keera the one head let out a hiss and suddenly it’s huge tail swung, crashing into Keera sending him flying into the Tidal Wall Diablo had created which sent him flying, if he hadn’t died from the tail impact, or drowned in the violent tide, he certainly died when crashing into the ground after being launched by the tide.

With Keera out of the way, the Force Hydra gave a snort, all four heads once again looking down at Diablo...

Looking up at the beast, his eyes glowing, Diablo gave a light chuckle, “An unruly child, as always.” He mused at the beast, “Perhaps four identities was too much.” He rose his staff, “You understand what must be done, don’t you?”

The hydra gave another roar before unleashing four elemental breaths at once towards Diablo, “An elemental attack your breath may be...” He rose his left hand, “But even this is composed of mana.” The breaths shifted and focused to his left hand, grasping the breaths as if he had just caught a ball, they dispersed.

Alicia’s eyes grew wide, “He stopped that so easily...?”

“As expected of Diablo.” Rem said smugly.

“It seems it’s my turn now.” Diablo rose his staff once more, “<Lightning Storm>.”

As if it understood, the hydra looked up with its four heads, a huge magic sigil forming above it larger than the hydra itself, the sigil called down a tornado that engulfed the beast. The hydra let out a shriek as it began wildly firing its breath in all direction, but all its attempts were halted against the raging tornado. As it tried and failed to resist the sigil flickered and several bolts of lightning rained down, filling and merging with the tornado previously formed the hydra roared as it was burned and shredded by the raging storm. As the beast shrieked one last time, the storm faded... In its place sat the now cracked summoning stone.

Diablo approached the stone and knelt down, he touched the stone gently with two fingers, “Sleep now...” He said softly and the stone turned to dust.

He put his staff away and stood, looking at the spot the stone had vanished from for a moment, Why... Why did that feel so... Familiar...? And why do I feel a sense of... Is it regret...?

“So then... It really is...” Alicia gasp in shock.

“Heh, as expected of our Diablo! Even a summon like that was nothing!” Rem boasted.

“Thank you...” Shera held back tears, “Rem, Diablo, even Alicia... Thank you so much...!”

“Yeah...” Diablo looked away from the spot and turned to the Tidal Wall, with a wave of his hand the water evaporated, “There’s still one more problem though.”

But to everyone’s surprise, when the wall of water was gone, the two hundred elves Keera had brought with him had not only left the trees, but had all moved aside, creating a path.

“Princess-... No, Shera.” Celsior approached, “I understand if you cannot forgive us, any of us... But we’ve decided...” He looked past her to Diablo for a moment, before looking back to Shera, “We will no longer pursue you. Your freedom is yours, I will ensure the king and queen understand.”

“Celsior...”

He moved aside now, “We choose to respect your choice. You are no longer our princess.”

“All of you... Thank you, I won’t ever forget that you all chose to help Keera, but... But I think I can forgive you at the very least.”

“Well then, Lady Shera it seems you’re free after all.” Alicia smiled.

“What do you say, former princess Shera?” Rem teased, “Should we go home?”

Shera wiped away the forming tears before brightly smiling, “Yeah, let’s go home together!”

Chapter Text

“I’m surprised General Galford kept his word.” Rem remarked as Diablo split her and Shera’s share of their pay, “After you two had that squabble I would have thought he’d try something.”

“The fact that he didn’t shows he has other plans. For now at least he likely considers me an asset that he can use if need be and wouldn’t want to ruin that.” Diablo explained as he slumped down into his usual chair, closing his eyes.

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Not particularly. I don’t take any issue with guarding the city that has compensated us well and raises no complaints about a demon lord in their midst.”

“I suppose that’s fair...”

“What about Alicia? She went back to the Capital to give her reports, right? Won’t she have to tell them there’s a demon lord in Faltra?” Shera questioned.

“That’s a good point... I know she said she wouldn’t, but...”

“She won’t.” Diablo said simply.

“I know she was here to help us, but I didn’t expect you to trust an imperial knight so quickly.” Rem furrowed her brow at Diablo.

“I’m not certain you could call it trust... But I know she won’t.” I don’t know if we can trust her, but there’s something about her that makes me feel like if I were to say jump she would say how high. I don’t get it, but my gut feelings haven’t been wrong so far...

“That aside... You granted Shera’s wish, I sort of expected you to be in a good mood, but you seem... Tired.” Rem pointed out.

“Me, tired?” Diablo opened one eye to look at her, “Don’t joke.”

I don’t understand why I felt like that with the Force Hydra... It’s almost like part of me feels grief, it doesn’t make sense... It doesn’t bother me in the same way my worries about that fallen did, but it’s strange. It’s... Uncanny that I have no idea why I sometimes feel a certain way or choose a certain action. But I sort of just want to mope around today...

“Let’s take a few days off then!” Shera declared.

“At least Shera’s in a good mood.” Rem snorted, “We were compensated pretty well for that last quest so we can afford to take some time off.”

“Did you have something in mind?” Diablo asked.

“We could laze around all day and check out all the cafés!” Shera declared.

“Actually, I was thinking I could teach you how to do the summoning ritual. You are registered as a summoner, after all.”

“Really?” Shera’s eyes lit up, “I could have my very own summon!?”

“Well, as long as you do it right.” She glanced over to Diablo, “Not that we really need another summon with Diablo here... But its important to know how if you want to call yourself a summoner.”

“I can’t wait! Let’s do it first thing in the morning! You’ll come too, right Diablo?”

“I suppose I am curious.”

“Then Shera and I will go shopping for the materials, I used up what I had remaining when we summoned you.”

--

When the girls returned from shopping Shera had her nose stuffed in a book, which caught Diablo’s curiosity, “It’s a sort of summoning basics books, it goes over the different summoning circle formations and what we know of their functions.” Rem explained, “She’s been studying since I bought it for her.”

Diablo gave a slight laugh, “At least she’s diligent.” He shook his head, “Though you said, ‘what we know of the functions’ do you not know how the summoning magic actually works?”

“Even the Mage Association’s understanding of magic is very limited, spells, their formations, and even summoning is all passed down, basically we know that this particular thing works to get a certain exact result. Most people think that the original methods for a lot of spells were passed down through word of mouth which diluted the knowledge on them over time until things were more carefully documented.” Rem explained.

“Has no one really thought to try and alter the results?”

She shook her head, “It’s been tried, but no one has had the knowledge or perhaps the power to do so, the closest anyone has come is figuring out how to combine two elements. But from what I understand there’s less than five people in the whole world capable of something so sophisticated, and even they can’t do anything like that wind and lightning spell you used yesterday... That’s why it’s so hard to believe you can use magic like you do.”

“I see.” Is it a lack of understanding? Tools? Or perhaps mortals just aren’t capable of advanced magic? Though so far I’ve only encountered one person who could see the flow of mana, but even then she could only see it, she not only had little control over that sight itself, but couldn’t manipulate the flow of mana either... And it is my control of the flow of mana that allows me to twist it into an altered or even new spell. I wonder...

“Do you perhaps know what these symbols mean?” Diablo held out his hand and formed a simple magic sigil that Rem could examine.

“Huh? Are you crazy? No one has any idea what the symbols or formation of a magic sigil means.”

So that must be one of the missing pieces... Diablo looked to the sigil he had formed with a sigh, before making it vanish, It’s the chemical and elemental composition of the intended spell as well as a mathematical formula that determines the output, I guess in hindsight it is pretty advanced stuff... But there’s no way there aren’t some geniuses that figured this out, sure they would need to be capable of altering the mana in the right way to adjust the formula and composition... But if I’m really the only being with the ability to manipulate mana outside of my own body in this way as the “demon lord of mana” ... Then how could the races have ever figured out magic in the first place? He turned back to the window, I’m not sure why it’s on my mind, but... Something about this smells fishy...

“By the way, Diablo...” He turned back to Rem with a raised brow, “I’ve been wondering... That hydra thing, what exactly did you do with it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Usually when a summon is killed they go back to their crystal state, like that hydra did, unless the summoner is also killed then they go back to the realm summoned beasts come from... But Keera clearly wasn’t its original summoner, so it simply reverted to its crystal form until you... Touched it... Did you send it back somehow?”

She felt a certain familiar discomfort as he gave a small smile, but she also felt... Sad...

“No, I didn’t.” He shifted back to the window again, “I unmade it.”

Somewhere too deep inside herself to understand... Rem wept...

Chapter Text

“I was under the impression you always went to Starfall Tower to do your summoning.” Diablo noted as they headed the other direction, towards the Man Eating Woods.

Rem shook her head, “Starfall Tower is... Special. During certain phases and cycles of the sun and moon it sort of enhances the gate that’s opened during a summoning. Thanks to that a level twenty summoner might summon something twice their level, like an Aslau. But any other time it’s just a big tower with an okay view.”

“I’m surprised then that only you two were there when you summoned me.”

“Well, there’s a lot of restrictions in place for the tower at each major city, not only are there restrictions in place to prevent lower level summoners from using them, but there’s also rules about entering in the first place. Summons are usually your level or lower for a reason, if they’re too strong they might not listen to you... Like that Force Hydra did...”

“I see... So only those who have a certain talent and trust are allowed to enter then?”

Rem nodded, “Yeah, the tower was open because I was already there and Shera wandered in not knowing any better. I should have secured the entrance behind me, but I’m glad I didn’t.” She blushed slightly at her own admission, “It’s an understandable system, even if you don’t seem like you would have done anything bad... I bet that even if the binding wasn’t reflected it wouldn’t have worked on you, so if we had summoned something else, it might have been really dangerous. Celes trusted me and I wasn’t ready...”

“But we summoned Diablo and he’s done a lot of good so far, so you were more than ready!” Shera declared.

“She does have a tendency to say something smart when you least expect it.” Diablo snorted.

“I guess she’s not just a dumb elf sometimes.” Rem blushed, “Either way, it would be more convenient if we could do the ritual in town, but since you can’t predict what you’ll summon it’s too dangerous.”

“So is it completely random then?”

“Mostly, your level and the amount of magic you put into it play a role... I’ve heard of summoners higher level than me getting stuck with something level twenty though and sending it back.”

That’s a surprise... Most summoned beasts have a single ability they can use with almost no crossover, so a wide array of them, even low level ones could be quite useful.

“Right here’s a good spot.” Rem stopped the group, “Do you remember the circle I told you to use from the book, Shera?”

Shera nodded eagerly, “I studied all night!”

Rem reached into her bag and took out a small multi colored crystal and a pouch that was full of a variety of ground up minerals and handed them to Shera, “Alright, draw the circle using the dust and then put the crystal in the center. It’s alright if you mess up a little, the circle doesn’t have to be perfect but be careful.”

“Right.” Shera nodded firmly and got to work.

Diablo crossed him arms, leaning against a nearby tree he watched with interest, “What is the crystal used for?”

“The crystal catalyst in the center is what you focus your mana into during the summoning.”

“I see... Wouldn’t it be more efficient to pour your mana into the magic circle?”

“Well...” Rem pondered it for a moment, “Probably but I don’t know of anyone with enough precise control over their mana to be able to draw the circle with it and maintain it. Besides you probably.”

“So instead you use the crystal as a point of focus and allow it to redirect the flow in your place... It’s more diluted that way but it’s an interesting solution.” He contemplated.

Shera finished and stood back to examine her work, “How’s that, Rem?”

“Oh, it’s a little bit messy but for your first time it’s really good.”

Diablo curiously looked over the magic circle Shera had drawn, It’s off... “Are you sure that’s right?” He questioned.

Both Rem and Shera jumped in surprise a little, “Th-That’s how the book showed it, right Rem?”

“This is right, aside from a few bits of crooked lines it’s exactly how it should be for her level.”

“Hmm... Do you still have that book?”

Shera nodded, “Of course, here.” She handed it over.

Diablo examined the book and the circle Shera had drawn, It certainly matches the book, but... He furrowed his brow and flipped through the pages, It’s not just this one... All of these, the formula isn’t quite right.

“Is something wrong?” Rem asked.

He shook his head, I shouldn’t think too hard about it, Rem said yesterday that a lot of this stuff was passed down for a long time before it got properly documented like this, of course it would end up a little off. This formula would certainly work it’s just inefficient as hell... “Forget it, it’s nothing important.” He brushed them off as he reached into his pouch and took out a piece of charcoal.

“If you say so...” Rem said skeptically before turning back to Shera, “We’ll proceed then.”

“Right.” She nodded back.

Diablo flipped to the back of the book where there was a few blank pages and began quickly writing and drawing. On one page he drew part of a magic circle, with several small notes and mathematical equations all over the page, before using the next page to add another layer to the circle, and again, until four blank pages later he had drawn a full magic circle cleanly, It should be something like this... He looked over the final product, For sure, but I don’t want to mess with Shera’s first summoning, especially when Rem is teaching her. He put the charcoal away and closed the book, looking at the girls with a soft smile as Rem lectured Shera, Next time I’ll have them try this instead.

“Now just focus your mana into the center of the circle where the crystal is.”

“Focus my mana... Like Diablo showed me before, right?”

“That’s right.”

Shera took a deep breath to settle her nerves, “I’m ready.”

“Alright, don’t be nervous, and good luck.” Rem stepped back over towards Diablo as Shera began, “So, what do you think she’ll summon?” She asked as they both observed Shera now.

“Who can say? But certainly a wind element summon.”

“I’ll never let you hear the end of it if you’re wrong.” She taunted.

“Have I been wrong before?” He quipped back.

“It’s a good thing I don’t like to gamble I suppose.” Rem gave a slight huff in amusement, “You really have a tendency to defy all logic, but... It’s not a bad thing. That sort of thing, it’s given me a sense of hope I haven’t felt in a long time... And I know for Shera too. I bet there’s a lot of people in Faltra that feel something like that too after you stopped those fallen.”

Diablo laughed slightly, “Hope, huh...?”

“Wh-What’s so funny about that!?”

“Nothing, nothing at all.” He shook his head with a chuckle, “It just reminded me of something is all.”

“I did it!” Shera declared as a swirling gate consumed the magic circle.

“Good work, keep focusing until something crosses over!” Rem called out, “It’s a clean gate, stable too, Shera actually seems to have a talent for this.” She noted to Diablo, “If she wasn’t an elf, she might actually have a knack for summoning...”

After a minute or two the gateway flashed and burst into a small pillar of light, “W-Woah!” Shera shielded her eyes.

“Here it comes...” Rem looked closely.

The pillar of light faded in a gust of wind, just above the gate was a small figure, it was wispy and shifting a bit as if made of wind somehow. Its “body” glowed with an ethereal green, the creature would have been quite difficult to discern without it, but thanks to the glow its shape could be made out, it had the body shape of a beautiful woman with long flowing hair and four wings, the flowing summon was no larger than Shera’s head.

It twirled in the air majestically as it skipped through the air down towards Shera, “I-I did it! My first summon!”

“That’s a Sylph.” Rem walked over to Shera, “It’s actually not bad for your first summon, but... While controlling wind currents sounds good, its only level twenty and their offensive and defensive capabilities are some of the worst for a combat type summon.” She sighed, “Since you didn’t have any issues opening the gate you could dismiss it back and try again.”

So Rem would also rather send something back that’s considered weak? Diablo audibly sighed.

“Why would I send it back? Even if it’s not the strongest... It’s a summoned beast that came all the way here and crossed over just for me.” Shera smiled at the Sylph, “Of course I want to contract with it.”

That immediately lightened Diablo’s mood, and filled him with a certain sense of pride, I should have known Shera would see it that way, I’m weirdly proud of her.

“Alright then.” Rem handed her a summon stone, “You remember the spell, right?”

Shera nodded then held out her hand with the stone towards the Sylph, “In the name of Shera L. Greenwood, heed my call and obey.”

The Sylph reached out with one of its little wispy hands and touched the stone, triggering a flash of magic, a small collar forming around its neck, with the collar formed the Sylph did a twirl around Shera, “It worked!” She cheered, “My very first summon!”

“Congratulations Shera.” Rem smiled.

Diablo uncrossed his arms and stood from the tree he had been leaning against, “Good job.” He said as he approached, “It’s true that wind summoned beasts usually are lacking in fire power compared to dark and fire summons, or defense compared to earth and water ones, but their abilities are usually useful in surprising ways.”

As Diablo now stood in front of Shera, the newly summoned and contracted Sylph eagerly did a twirl around him before returning to Shera, “Rem said the Sylph could control wind currents, but I don’t really get it.”

“Well, they can certainly compress them to launch low powered attacks and create thin shields, but that’s not making much use of their abilities.” Diablo snapped his fingers and instantly ignited a small fire on the ground, “For example, ask her to snuff this flame out.”

Shera looked to the Sylph, “Can you do it?” The sprite nodded and extended its arms, and the flame quickly vanished, “Oh, it worked!”

“It might seem small, but a single Sylph could stop even a raging inferno by depriving the flames of any air and can even stoke the flames. Though a more relevant example to you...” Diablo looked around before pointing to a tree a little ways away, “Could you shoot that tree from this exact spot with your bow?”

Shera shook her head, “There’s too many curves on the way there for even a perfectly aimed arrow to make it.”

“Well, if you fire an arrow and have the Sylph manipulate the air around the arrow, she can guide it no matter where the target is and even speed up or slow down the trajectory.”

“Wow! Sylph you’re so impressive!”

“I never would have considered anything like that...” Rem added in surprise.

“In truth, wind summons are some of the best if you’re a multi-class like Shera.” The Sylph seemed to puff out its chest in pride with Diablo’s words, “On the surface they might seem like a poor pull, but if you think a little creatively, their abilities always lend extremely well to it.”

“Hehe, sounds like I summoned something pretty great after all! Thanks Diablo!”

“As expected of you, I suppose.” Rem chuckled.

“I’ll practice with this little Sylph a lot so we can show off all kinds of combos!”

Chapter Text

Diablo opened the window for the carrier bird, “From Sylvie by the looks of it.” He noted as he took the letter.

“I guess our week of quiet is over.” Shera whined.

“Just because we have extra money right now doesn’t mean we can laze around forever. Normally adventurers of our level that don’t take any quests for a while would lose their registration.” Rem lectured her.

“What!? I never knew that!”

“That makes sense, the guild probably doesn’t want to have affiliation with slackers claiming to be one of them.” Diablo noted as he read the letter.

“Does that mean Sylvie sent us a letter because we’re in trouble?”

“It’s not something we’ve talked to her about, but considering she’s giving Diablo all the really unique quests, I don’t think she’d revoke ours, Besides, it’s only been a week.” Rem explained.

Diablo crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the fireplace, “It’s nothing like that, looks like she has a quest she’d like to discuss.”

“What’s it about?” Rem questioned.

“She didn’t say in the letter, but it’s fine. Why don’t you both stay here?”

“What? How come?” Shera quickly complained.

“It’s just to get the details of the quest, there’s no reason for all of us to be there. I can get the details and collect you both after if need be.” Besides, I feel like the two of you never get any alone time.

“That’s okay, I sort of wanted to talk to Shera anyway...” I knew you’d understand Rem!

“Oh, okay... See you later then Diablo!” Shera waved as he left.

--

“Ha, I left the door open this time so you wouldn’t surprise me by just opening...” Sylvie began with a taunt, “Oh...” Before looking at the doorway, her tone immediately turning serious, “You’re alone today.”

“Is that a problem?” He asked as he twisted a chair around to sit on the other side of her desk.

“Well, the quest is for you so I guess it doesn’t matter. Though to be honest I feel a little less safe without Rem or Shera around.” She laughed slightly as if she said it in jest, but it was clear she was being honest.

“Our arrangement has been quite beneficial to me, why would I hurt you at this point?” Sylvie was one of the people there when Enkvarios invaded so I understand her hesitance to trust me... But I sort of feel like I’ve earned it at this point. He inwardly sighed, Though I can’t really imagine how it must have felt to see hundreds of fallen and a demon lord just outside your home, knowing you can’t stop it. That fear is probably stuck with everyone who was there to some degree...

“I suppose that’s a fair statement... Did something happen with the girls?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I simply felt they could use a little time to themselves for a change.”

“Oh, that’s courteous of you...”

He waved her off, “It doesn’t matter, what’s this quest you asked for me for?”

“Right, of course.” She shuffled some papers around before putting a detailed sketch in front of him, “Recognize this by chance?”

“Of course, that’s the fallen that led that attempted assault on Faltra a little while ago...” He paused and thought for a moment, “Edelgard, from what I recall. I handed her off to the guards with the intent to interrogate her about the invasion, but she escaped during the chaos with that gecko.”

“So the guards were right then...” She gave a heavy sigh, “There have been reports from the guards of a fallen moving around just outside the barrier, those at the Bridge were claiming it was the same fallen who led that attack.”

“So you needed me to confirm.” Sylvie nodded, “How odd though, I didn’t take her for the sort to scout like this. She was certainly far smarter than most fallen but not enough to organize that joint attack.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.” Sylvie sighed, “The General and I have concerns that someone in the city has been working with this Edelgard. We’re aware there are demon lord worshipers in the area, but only the particularly... Zealous ones are traceable, most of them operate in secret and communicate in codes.”

“And? Are you hoping I can root them out for you?”

She shook her head, “No, this isn’t really about them, it’s a problem Faltra has faced for a long time having faced an invasion from a demon lord in the past and being so close to the fallen territory. My concern is just this fallen you call Edelgard...”

“I see, go on then, what are the reports besides having seen her?”

“That’s just it, she hasn’t exactly done anything. From the reports this Edelgard shows up, lingers around without getting too close and just takes off if anyone tries to approach her.”

“She hasn’t attacked anyone?”

“There have been a few who managed to get too close, but no one’s been killed or seriously injured, just knocked unconscious.”

“That is strange... Even if she was working with someone in town, for what reason would she let people who threaten her live?” Diablo pondered.

“I think she’s waiting for something, or maybe someone... That’s why I want you to go check it out.”

“So then, you think she’s trying to get my attention?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m not ruling it out as a possibility. Either way she’s too high level of a fallen for me to send anyone besides you.”

“This works out quite well, I was hoping I’d have a chance to encounter her again.” I was so disappointed before that I wasn’t able to ask her anything.

“Well the.” She shuffled through papers, “Here’s the reports as well as the map tracking her movements we’ve made. She follows a pattern so it’s fairly easy to predict her location.”

Diablo looked over the papers she gave him before giving a nod, “Then it seems we have our meeting location set.” He stood up, “Do me a favor.”

Sylvie tensed slightly, “What is it…?”

“Nothing difficult I assure you. Just send a letter to our room again to let Rem and Shera know I’m doing this quest alone.”

“You’re heading out to meet that fallen now? Without Rem or Shera?”

“That’s right.” Edelgard somehow knew Krebskulm was in Faltra, and while I still am not sure if she knows where in Faltra, I can’t take any chances. She said before she could smell that I was a demon lord, so it stands to reason she would sense Krebskulm inside of Rem.

--

“Another letter?” Rem took the letter from the turkey shot, “Oh, it’s from Sylvie, looks like Diablo decided to head out to the quest she gave him immediately.”

“Oh no, is there something serious going on again?” Shera quickly sat up.

“It’s hard to say, she wrote that he’s dealing with a fallen and that he asked her to send us a letter to know he was heading out alone.” She tightly clutched the letter, “Is this his way of telling me it’s time…?” She muttered.

“Are you okay Rem?”

“Yeah…” She tossed the letter into the fireplace and sat back down on the bed next to Shera, “Hey Shera, now that you’re free, have you thought about what you want to do?”

That made Shera jolt slightly, “Well… I guess I never thought about it too much, I thought I’d be running from Keera forever so the idea of opening something like a cafe sounded nice.” She lowered her head with a blush, “But then I met you and Diablo, it was weird at first but now I think it would be nice if we could all explore the world together.”

“I see… You’re not afraid of Diablo?”

“Of course not! But, I guess Greenwood has never dealt with the fallen or demon lords or any of that stuff, so I don’t really understand it. So maybe it’s easy to not care what Diablo is. Sure he seemed like he might be mean at first, but he turned out to be nice.” She put two fingers around her eyes to imitate Diablo’s sharp eyes, “He just has a grumpy face, like this!” That got a chuckle out of Rem, “It was scary at first when he got angry, but it was always to protect you and me.” Shera lowered her hands to her lap, “I don’t know much about demon lords... But if Diablo is nice, then maybe there’s others that are nice too.”

Rem gripped the bottom of her shirt, “Yeah… I want to believe that too… Which is why I have to tell you something!” She suddenly looked to Shera with resolve, “I want to tell you about what I wished for Diablo’s help with!”

Shera gave a serious nod, “If that’s what you want.”

“It is, you’re so brave, it’s my turn to be brave too. But you have to promise not to freak out when I tell you.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

Rem took a deep breath, “I… I told you before how I wanted to defeat Krebskulm, right?” Shera didn’t say a word, she simply nodded in acknowledgment, “The reason is… Is because Krebskulm’s soul is sealed inside of me.”

“Wha…? I… I mean… How…? How did that happen?”

“You said Greenwood doesn’t know too much about demon lords, so do you know about their seals?”

Shera shook her head, “Not really…”

“It’s said that over a thousand years ago God defeated and sealed away each of the demon lords, some were hidden away in their respective seals, but most of them were entrusted to the races of our world to guard, from what I understand all of them were locked away in unique ways too… Krebskulm was forced on the pantherians, specifically my family. I don’t know why we were chosen, if it was a punishment to my original ancestor or whatever, but Krebskulm was sealed away inside my ancestor’s womb. Because of that all her direct descendants share the curse… Women in our line will always bear a daughter, the seal is passed on at birth, and the mother dies shortly after.” She gripped her clothes tighter, “If I hadn’t run away from my clan… In about seven years I would have had a suitor chosen for me, forced to birth a child, and died. That’s why… That’s why I have to find a way to get Krebskulm out of me and defeat them! I…” She sniffed, choking back tears, “I act tough but I ran away because I was scared… I… I’m not ready… I don’t wanna die!”

Shera quickly wrapped her arms around Rem, pulling her into a hug, “You’re not a coward Rem… Everyone’s scared of dying, but you’ve been trying hard to get strong enough to beat Krebskulm. I think that’s way braver than just sitting around waiting for a curse to kill you! You went out to try and fix it!”

“Shera… You really aren’t just a dumb elf.” She wept and half-laughed into Shera’s chest.

“Hehe, I knew you love me.” She teased, “Besides, I know it’s scary… But if anyone can figure out how to get Krebskulm out of you and beat them up, it’s Diablo!”

“Yeah…” Rem pulled away from Shera and sat back up, “He promised he would, but… But I’m not sure if that’s entirely what I still want…”

“What do you mean?”

“I… There was something Diablo said to me when I told him, something weird and cryptic like he does sometimes… He said something about not punishing the son for the sins of the father, I didn’t understand at the time, but… But I think maybe I get it now.”

“I don’t get it.” Shera scrunched her nose.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while… I was skeptical of Diablo at first, demon lords are supposed to be monsters, borderline mindless beings of destruction, so why wasn’t Diablo? What was his game? But after seeing how strong he is I realized it was silly and arrogant to think he would even feel the need to play games with us to get what he might have wanted. So I sort of started to question what we know about demon lords… Then those fallen attacked… I… I sometimes have this strange feeling in my gut around Diablo, when he spaces out or says strange things… At first it was this feeling of fear, but then I started having a gut feeling of respect, anger, or even sadness. I thought maybe it was an instinct but, after that fallen attack when you said Diablo sensed I was in danger… I don’t think he sensed I was in danger, I think he might have sensed that Krebskulm was in danger. I think that gut feeling I get around Diablo sometimes is somehow Krebskulm’s feelings manifesting. When I came to that conclusion and thought back to how it used to only be a feeling of fear I started to think maybe… Maybe Krebskulm is also afraid to die. And maybe since they’re a demon lord their feelings sometimes resonate with Diablo’s, so they’re sometimes angry, or sad…”

“Rem…”

“I started thinking, we don’t really even know why or what exactly happened over a thousand years ago, and being around Diablo has made me question so many things. Like, why would the church hide so much stuff about demon lords? Why would something as dangerous as a demon lord be inside some weak pantherian? Which again made me think of what Diablo said to me that one time… To not blame the son for the father’s sins… It’s not Krebskulm’s fault they’re sealed inside of me, it’s not their fault I’m cursed… It’s God who chose to seal them away in this fashion… And the demon lords themselves, I don’t think they hate the races, not really, I think they’re angry at the father but can’t reach him, so they lash out at the son. I finally understand what Diablo meant that time… The demon lords are furious at God, and with all the secrecy around them, I have a feeling there’s a lot more of a reason to that then we understand.”

Chapter Text

“Based on all the maps and reports Sylvie gave me… She should be near the southern end of Lake Seplia.” He looked out towards the south and gave a heavy sigh, “Walking everywhere is such a pain, it takes forever to get anywhere…” He looked down at his hand, I wonder if I could cast Flight if I removed the ring? I was paranoid about taking it off before, but with how easily I can deconstruct spells, do I really need it? “It’s a bit of a walk anyways, so there’s no harm in testing it out, right?”

With a deep breath he removed the <Demon Lord’s Ring> and put it in his pouch, “<Flight>.”

For a moment the spell’s magic gathered around him, but suddenly with a flash of light and a sound akin to glass shattering, the spell recoiled on itself and fell away.

Diablo quickly reached into his pouch and pulled out the ring again, “That… That wasn’t the ring…”

So then… Enkvarios…

He put a hand to his head as memories of the fight with the Demon Lord of the Mind suddenly came rushing back to him… Though perhaps calling it a fight was…

He remembered luring Enkvarios away from the battlefield before wounding him, and whisking away the wounded Enkvarios elsewhere… Then his vision being filled with the blood and entrails of the Demon Lord of the Mind as no less than eight clawed hands tore the demon lord apart brutally. Several sets of claws tearing into his flesh, ripping away chunks of meat and gristle, haphazardly scooping them up into a waiting maw that barely chewed its prey. It wasn’t a fight… It was like watching from the perspective of a wild and starved predatory animal as it tore into a helpless fawn with no concern for anything but its prey.

But in spite of his animalistic actions he could clearly recall that he felt no such feelings towards the people of Faltra before he struck Enkvarios, and his violent intentions were directed solely at said demon lord. But in that moment he remembered being filled with such a ravenous hunger, nothing in his mind except for his prey up until said prey was wholly devoured and suddenly… Suddenly he could think, he could recall, though it was as if it was the first time he had done so in a long time, as if…

“It’s as if… Enkvarios was my mind… Or at the very least, part of it…” He slowly lowered his hand with a grunt, “What the hell does that even mean…?”

Though despite what I saw… What that version of me; whatever it was, did… I don’t feel worried about it. When I first saw Rem I think something in me instinctively knew that what I saw in her was Krebskulm… It’s why I felt strange around her at times, and why I sometimes had those horrible visions, but… “But… The more I cared about them both the more any of those weird feelings faded, I think somehow my feelings for both Rem and Shera outweighed whatever monstrous instinct is in me to… Consume other demon lords…”

He sighed and shook his head, “I don’t have time to think about all that and what it means right now though… It’s another thing for the list of questions when I hopefully find someone who can tell me more about Diablo myself.” He looked to the ring for a moment before deciding to put it back on, “I am rather used to it at this point, even if it’s just an accessory. But if <Magic Reflection> is an actual ability of mine, can I deactivate it?”

He focused for a moment and then gave it another try, “<F̵̧̨̛̯͍̟͎̫͔̻̙̟͓̳̲̲̟̳̓̈́̑̍͗̽͐̂͗̽͝l̵͎̼͇̱͓̥̤̗̽̈̂͂́̈̅̈́̿̂̊́̚͝͝i̵̡̹̤̻̥͉̺̠̹̱̅ͅğ̸̲͇̲͋͛̓͆̆͂̿́̕͝͝h̶̲̫̞̗͎͎̦͌͘ͅẗ̷̢̘̯̮͓̭͖̹̞͈̖̖͌̑̇̌̀̾̉̽̚͜ͅ>.”

Though the spell that escaped his lips was… Off.

The magic gathered, but rather than forming around his body in the way the <Flight> spell always had, it focused behind him forming ethereal and translucent wings completely from mana. The strange wings were around his height from top to bottom, but glowed with a black and blue magic energy that made their exact features difficult to discern, especially in their translucent and disconnected states. Though from what was discernible it was as if tightly wound tendrils of magic were holding together the five bones of the wing, said threads of magic relaxing and draping down like a long cloak when the wings relaxed.

“What the…?” The wings of magic spread out a bit so Diablo could take a look, “They’re almost exactly like…” His mind went to that familiar form, before he gave a slight laugh with a shake of his head, “Yeah… I guess that makes sense. Though they’re purely made from my mana, unlike the real things.” He reached up and his hand waved right through the top of the wings, “So it should work the same as the spell, right?”

The wings shifted slightly and he shot up into the air, Heck yeah, this is going to make so many things so much more convenient, not being able to fly was probably the worst downside of <Magic Reflection>.

From high in the air he looked around, “This place though… It really is beautiful isn’t it? I can’t imagine wanting to see it destroyed for petty reasons. It’s even more breathtaking from up here.” He shook his head with a slight sigh and a weak smile, “Anyway, let’s move.” And he shot off in the direction of Lake Seplia.

Diablo dismissed the magical wings just above the ground and landed smoothly, This is so much faster, I’ll have to come up with something for the girls, I don’t think they’d appreciate being carried like sacks of potatoes. “Anyway…” He looked around, “She should be here…”

As if on cue Edelgard emerged from the brush, “Demon lord… You came.”

“So you really were trying to get my attention then.”

Edelgard nodded in confirmation, “Demon lord protected races… Protected. So Edelgard didn’t hurt others.”

“I appreciate you doing that, I had wanted to meet with you anyway but if you were killing travelers and guards haphazardly this would be a very different discussion.” His eyes glowed just slightly, and Edelgard flinched back.

“Edelgard understands.”

“At any rate… I do have questions for you, but considering you sought me out yourself, you must want something. So go on.”

“Can Edelgard really ask… Ask for demon lord’s help? Edelgard disobeyed before… Disobeyed.” She said timidly.

“It depends on what you want from me of course, but I have no expectations for you fallen to obey me, so given that you’ve thus far respected my wishes… I am willing to forgive and forget.” He waved a hand dismissively.

“Then…! Edelgard must free Krebskulm! Edelgard knows demon lord is in city…! Edelgard knows!”

“That’s all then? You want me to help you release Krebskulm from their seal?” Edelgard nodded excitedly in response to his question, “So you know it’s in Faltra… But do you know where?”

She looked confused for a moment, “Where…? Don’t know, but… Doesn’t demon lord know? Edelgard can smell Krebskulm on demon lord.”

He put a hand to his face with a sigh, “Just call me Diablo, please… I do know where Krebskulm is, but that doesn’t mean I’ll just tell you.”

“Will do anything Diablo asks! Just tell Edelgard!” She pleaded.

“In truth, that is part of what I came here for… But how I handle Krebskulm doesn’t depend on you, it will depend on them.”

“… Edelgard doesn’t understand.” Her brow furrowed in confusion.

“It has been my intention from the beginning to release Krebskulm from their seal and kill them… But more recent events and feelings have made me change my mind to a degree.” He looked up to the sky, “If I release Krebskulm and they can prove they mean the races no harm, then I will have no reason to fight them.” Before looking back at Edelgard with sharp eyes, “But if they are a threat to them… I will have no choice but to tear Krebskulm apart on the spot.”

Edelgard wanted to protest, to defiantly claim no one, not even another demon lord could beat her master, but… The few times she had felt Diablo’s gaze, truly felt his gaze, she felt something she couldn’t comprehend, none could comprehend, gazing into her… And she dare not gaze back…

But despite that, she was wholly loyal to Krebskulm… “Edelgard understands… Edelgard will follow demon lord Krebskulm. No matter what. If Diablo fights demon lord, then Edelgard will fight Diablo too. If demon lord helps races like Diablo… Help too. Edelgard will help too.”

So this is what unwavering loyalty looks like… For a moment a difficult to discern silhouette with inhuman features popped into his mind, as if he were trying to think of someone he couldn’t actually remember. It’s a bit… Nostalgic, even if it’s different with Edelgard, in a cute sort of way… Like an easily excited child being asked to help their parent.

“If that is your resolve, then very well. But I have questions of my own for you.”

Edelgard nodded, “Edelgard will answer.”

I was already able to confirm that while she knows Krebskulm is in Faltra, she doesn’t know it’s inside Rem. But that’s not all I need to know before moving forward…

“First of all, do you know a means to release a demon lord from their seal?”

She nodded eagerly in response, “Edelgard knows the method. Edelgard wanted to meet Diablo because takes mana. Lots of mana.”

Mana? He snorted slightly, How ironic that the ones best suited to releasing a demon lord are just demon lords. It’s almost like a bad joke. Though it was probably an oversight.

“I see. Is this process dangerous? Can a demon lord be extracted from say… A mortal, safely?”

“Edelgard knows, is very safe. Demon lord would be pulled out safely.”

“And if the host were to die…?” He asked in a cold tone.

“Never. Fallen wouldn’t want host to die!” She vigorously shook her head, “If seal is broken wrong demon lord could die!”

“So the demon lord’s soul would reform elsewhere and the fallen would have to search for it all over again…” He thought aloud, “I suppose that explains some things… Though you said they could die, so what if they don’t then when the seal is improperly broken?”

“Fallen elders say demon lord is… Wrong… Weak. Elders say it is responsibility to slay. Responsibility. So demon lord can be born again the right way in future.” She said it with some reluctance.

“And how do you feel about that decision?”

“Edelgard hates it…” She clenched her fists, “Edelgard’s duty is to help and protect demon lord Krebskulm. Edelgard’s duty. No matter what!”

“And what of the other demon lords then? Or me?”

“That…!” She lowered her head as she stopped to think about it for a moment… “Edelgard recognizes, respects. But does not worship. Edelgard only follows Krebskulm.”

“Why is that?” This is my chance to get some kind of idea why some fallen are this loyal to just one specific demon lord, when they supposedly all follow them.

“Don’t… Edelgard doesn’t know… But Edelgard feels deep inside, strong instinct… Edelgard belongs to demon lord Krebskulm.”

What does that mean? I feel it’s significant somehow, but I don’t know how…

“I understand.” Not really… “Then I have one last question for you before we come to an arrangement… What do you know about the demon lords?”

Edelgard looked at him for a while, as if trying to figure out why a demon lord was asking her something like that… After what felt like several minutes she finally answered, “… Nothing.”

If it was anyone else, Diablo would have assumed they were joking… But this fallen probably didn’t really understand what a joke even was…

“… What?”

“Edelgard has instinct to find to protect demon lord Krebskulm. But Edelgard can only sense… Edelgard does not know what demon lord looks like…”

“Then… You at least know how many demon lords there are, right?” He hurriedly asked.

She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head, “No. Edelgard doesn’t know. Only Elders of fallen know about demon lords. Rest of fallen are instinct, only instinct.”

“These fallen Elders don’t pass any of this down…?”

Again she shook her head, “Never. Edelgard doesn’t know how much elders know about demon lords either. Elders are very… Treacherous…? Edelgard doesn’t trust them. Elders hide things.”

So even the fallen Elders are hiding information about demon lords? The Church, the fallen… Why would both of these opposing forces hide the same information? What the hell is going on!?

I need to resolve this Krebskulm thing quickly and head to Zircon Tower… There’s something there… There has to be...

Chapter Text

The door to Sylvie’s office swung open unceremoniously in a way she knew who to expect, “That was awfully fast.” She greeted.

Diablo didn’t step into her office, he simply nodded at her from the now open doorway and announced, “The problem has been dealt with.” Before turning away, “You can send compensation to Rem.”

“Ah…” Sylvie quickly jumped up from her desk, “Wait!” She rushed to the doorway, “I get you don’t care about our process, but I do need some kind of report to submit!”

He only turned his head to look down at her, his eyes glowing slightly, “Then make one.” He said coldly, “The problem has been dealt with.” He repeated slowly, emphasizing each word.

Sylvie froze, after a moment Diablo seemed to accept her submission and moved to leave once again.

But just before he reached the staircase, a hand grabbed his cloak, “L-Look…!” Sylvie’s voice cracked.

Diablo had stopped once again to look at her, she was trembling slightly under his gaze, but her fingers remained coiled around his cloak, “I… I get it… Okay? You’re something else… Something me, Galford, none of us can comprehend… Something some of us glimpsed once, or at least- something we thought we glimpsed once… To something like that, something like you… Stuff like this seems trivial, a waste of time… Someone like me pretending to be in charge probably seems like an ant that learned to bark at your feet… But that’s not what this is about!” She steeled herself, courage finally finding its way to her voice.

Finally, pulling his cloak from her grip, Diablo turned to look at her completely, listening to her words, “I… I want to trust you, I do. But I’m afraid of what I once glimpsed thirty years ago…” She shook her head, “But that’s my problem, not yours.” Before giving a heavy sigh, “I want to trust you, not because you’re some asset, but because of you. You saved Faltra, twice, that was great and all, but I’ve seen it when you’re here with Rem and Shera… That look you gave me earlier, and the one you’re giving me now… You never look at them like that, even when they question you outright, you always have a gentleness in your eyes that simply cannot be fake. Because of that, I want to trust you. But… But when you say something so… Ambiguous like that and just leave, I can’t help but wonder why. Even if I’m afraid to confront you I wonder what you’re scheming… I want to believe that at the very least you wouldn’t do anything that would hurt your two charges, but…” She took a step back with a shake of her head.

Finally, Diablo gave a heavy sigh, Perhaps I was being too hasty… He looked at the dejected Sylvie, And forward…

“She’s not dead. Edelgard, that is.” He finally said, that made Sylvie’s ears twitch and her head quickly raised to look at him… His expression had softened, “But she won’t cause trouble or lurk around here anymore. She understands that I will not show mercy a third time, I spared her in exchange for information under the arrangement that she will behave should I let her live. That is all.”

“S-So she was here for you then? But why…?”

“Such things are beyond your understanding. Perhaps one day it will be clear… But rest assured, it is simply a personal matter, Faltra and other mortal settlements will not come to harm.” He closed his eyes for a moment, “The moment this… Personal mater is dealt with, I will be leaving Faltra.”

“… And the girls…?”

“If they wish to follow, I will not stop them.”

“I see… Thank you, for telling me. I’ll respect that this is a personal issue for you, like I would any guild member, but I do still have to file a report, I could lose my position if I don’t follow procedure.”

“Do your paperwork then. You can tell Galford I would expect the Idle General to afford the one who saved his city a little privacy.” He turned back to the stairs.

“I-I’ll put that in my report but I’m going to make it super clear you said that, not me!” She called.

“Do as you like.” His voice called back from the stairwell as he left.

Just as Diablo reached the bottom of the stairs a chipper voice called out, “Ah ha! I knew I felt an ominous presence! It’s good to see you my friend!”

Diablo’s expression thinned in a strange mix between a smile and offense, An ominous presence? I feel like I should be insulted, but it’s just Emile, he probably thinks it’s a compliment.

“Emile, it’s been a while.” Diablo greeted him.

“Too long!” Its barely been a month… “I’ve been on a personal journey of sorts! Unfortunately it has yet to bear fruit, but I, Emile Bichel Berger will not be deterred!”

Diablo mentally snorted, Never change Emile. “Then I’ll bid you good luck on your next outing.”

“Ah, you seem busy my friend. I had hoped to trouble you now that I’ve returned, but another time perhaps.”

“Tomorrow.” Diablo nodded, “Come by the inn tomorrow afternoon, you can regale me with your adventure then.” He paused, “So long as you don’t plan on getting me drunk that is.”

Emile gave a hearty laugh, “I wouldn’t dream of it, my friend!”

As Diablo moved to leave, and Emile moved to join the usual suspects, Diablo’s gaze sharped and his hand firmly fell onto Emile’s shoulder, “Listen.” He said seriously, lowering his voice so only Emile would hear him, “Don’t leave the city for at least three or four days.” His fingers dug into his shoulder a bit, “Understand?”

A lesser man would have questioned why, a stupid man would have interpreted it as a threat and lashed out. But Emile was neither of these things, so he simply nodded and offered a, “Thank you.” Trusting that the demon lord he had dubbed his best friend was ensuring his protection. He didn’t need to know what from, if his friend said it would be safe inside Faltra, then it would be.

--

Diablo lightly tapped on the door before opening it, “Oh, you’re back!” Shera greeted him.

“Yes.” He said simply as he closed the door behind him, before his eyes shifted to Rem, “There’s something we need to discuss.”

“Okay, but me first, I have something to tell you!” Rem quickly declared.

A slow blink then, “Very well.”

“I told Shera… About Krebskulm.”

“And? She seems quite alright with it.”

“Of course, friends stay together no matter what.” Shera said smugly.

“Well then, it seems your fears were rather unfounded. If not understandable, I suppose.”

“You know, if anyone else put it like that I’d probably be offended.” Rem snorted, “But since it’s you… Thanks, Diablo.”

“Don’t thank me just yet.” He moved across the room, “Though this certainly makes things more convenient.” He said as he sat down.

“What do you mean?” Rem rose a brow.

“I’ve learned the means to safely remove Krebskulm from your body.”

“What!?” Shera jumped up in surprise.

“Y-You did? A-And you’re sure!?” Rem similarly jumped up from the bed.

“Of course.”

“So then… When Sylvie sent a letter saying you went to deal with a fallen… You spoke to them?” Rem quickly put two and two together.

“That is correct.”

“I see…” Rem put a hand over her chest and lowered her head, “I… I don’t trust a fallen with something like this, I would be skeptical… But.” She rose her head, clenching her hand into a fist, “I do trust you. So if you are confident that whatever this fallen said is true, then I’ll accept it.”

That’s the third time today trust has come up regarding me specifically. It’s funny in its own strange way. “Then you have my word, everything will be fine.”

“Uhm…” Now Rem lifted her other hand, tightly clasping both hands together over her chest, “Diablo… What do you plan to do with Krebskulm when you release them from the seal…?”

He tilted his head slightly, “I’m not sure what you’re asking, Rem.”

“I… Remember when I first told you about Krebskulm? How upset I was…?” He gave a nod of confirmation, “I didn’t mention it then, but the reason was because of a conversation Celes and I had. She had mentioned how you must have consumed Enkvarios, given that you have his ability, and warned me that you might be staying close to me and Shera because you intend to devour Krebskulm as well…” He rose a brow but she quickly raised her hands in defense, “I-I didn’t believe it of course! Well, I considered it was possible, but I thought that even if it was the case, it didn’t matter; because a demon lord like you becoming more powerful isn’t really a bad thing. As long as you helped me, it didn’t matter…” She began picking at her own fingers.

“And? What changed?” He questioned.

“I… I thought about what you said to me before, then I thought about you, me, and even the feelings I sometimes get in my gut that I’m sure now are from Krebskulm… I thought maybe, just maybe there could be other demon lords that are like you, and I felt that it wasn’t fair to blame Krebskulm for my situation, so then it wasn’t fair to just assume they’re evil. I want to give Krebskulm a chance.”

Diablo quietly stood and approached her, his eyes glowing just slightly as he placed a hand on her head, “I see… It seems you are not under any magical influence…” The glow immediately faded from his eyes when he confirmed it, he lowered his hand slightly, gently brushing her hair from her face, “Things such as this are why I cannot understand why anyone would wish to destroy your kind…” He said softly before taking a step back, “Rest assured, while I certainly have the desire to consume Krebskulm… I have already promised the fallen, Edelgard, that I will grant her master a fair chance. Should Krebskulm prove they are a threat to the mortals, I will not hesitate to take them. But if they prove they can live peacefully, then I am content to leave them as they are.”

“Y-You already decided that?” Rem then shook her head and laughed, “No, of course you did. This is why I trust you so much, Diablo. Every time I have something I’m worried about you just show up and squash it, I don’t know if you’re just that far ahead, or if you don’t even realize you’re doing it.”

“That’s great Rem! Looks like you had nothing to worry about after all, just leave it to Diablo!”

“Coincidence is a funny thing I suppose. I admit I had believed you may be against the idea of me sparing Krebskulm should they be peaceful.”

“In the past I would have for sure, but you and Shera changed that… Especially you.”

“So then… Do you have a plan for uhm, pulling Krebskulm out of Rem, or however that works?” Shera leaned to one side curiously.

“The day after tomorrow.”

“Th-That soon!?” Both girls stammered.

“Yes, you will have tomorrow to steel yourselves, admittedly I also want to end this as soon as possible.”

Chapter Text

“It feels strange knowing that tomorrow we’ll be facing a demon lord…” Rem thought aloud, putting a hand over her stomach.

“What do you mean? We see Diablo every day.” Shera sat up.

“Th-That’s different though!”

Shera giggled, “I know, it’s just cute seeing you so flustered.”

Diablo looked up from his book for just a moment, They’ve really come a long way from their bickering at the beginning, haven’t they? Smiling just slightly before going back to his reading.

“I just mean… I feel like we should be doing something, you know? Preparing, stocking up on supplies, buying gear, that sort of thing. But we’re just sitting here like it’s another day off.”

“It is a day off. Relax, settle your mind and feelings in preparation for tomorrow.” Diablo said while turning a page without looking up, “Things will be moving quickly soon. Stay here, go shopping, whatever eases your mind.”

“Besides, if Krebskulm is bad then Diablo will be the one fighting them.” Shera pointed out, “I don’t think we can really do anything in a fight between two demon lords.”

“You’re right… But it bothers me at least a bit to know this huge thing is about to happen and all I can do is lay there and watch.” She threw herself back, her head landing on Shera’s lap.

“You’ve done enough already, more than you even realize…” Diablo quietly assured her.

“So are you just going to stay here all day and read, Diablo?” Shera asked as she played with Rem’s hair.

“I have plans of my own today.” He paused, scrunching his nose slightly as if realizing how that sounded, “By that I mean Emile intends to come by later and likely whisk me off to a tavern.”

“Emile? Wow you guys seriously get along…?” Rem muttered, “I thought you just pitied him or something ‘cause he’s weird.”

“Yeah but that’s not like Diablo.” Shera pointed out.

That made Diablo chuckle slightly, “Of course not. We are indeed what you call friends at this point.” Though if Emile heard me say that he would probably cry again…

“Friends huh… What about me and Shera…?” Though as soon as the words escaped her mouth, Rem quickly sat up and clapped a hand over her mouth as if it would somehow take the question back.

Diablo looked up from his book and rose a brow, “Was it not already clear I consider you both friends?”

“Uhm… I don’t think that’s what she-…” But before Shera could finish Rem had quickly put both of her hands over her mouth.

“O-Of course! You just never said it aloud before!” Rem spat out.

With a tilt of his head Diablo stopped to think for a moment, “… Have I not…?” Before shaking his head, deciding he wasn’t sure one way or the other.

“You know what?” Shera stood up, “Since Diablo is planning to have a guy’s night out with Emile, you and me should have a girls night out just the two of us!”

“I’d really rather just stay here…” Rem tried.

But Shera grabbed her by an arm and tugged her off the bed, “We should rent out a private bath! Come on Rem, a relaxing spa day and some girl talk, doesn’t that sound great?”

Using her free hand Rem grabbed the edge of the bed and pulled back against Shera, “H-Hey! I said I’d rather stay here!” She gave Diablo a pleading look, “D-Diablo! You can’t let her do this! Do something!”

But her supposed savior didn’t even look up from his book, “I’m afraid I agree with Shera this time, Rem.”

“Y-You traitor!” She cried out.

The door creaked open slowly… “Patrons~” Mei’s eerie voice called into the room, “You’re disturbing the other guests~ Do I need to remind you again?” Her pristine nails dragged along the wooden door aggressively.

Shera immediately let go of Rem with a slight yelp, “N-No, we’re sorry.”

Mei only smiled creepily at them through the crack as she slowly closed the door, “On second thought… Maybe I would rather do a spa day then stay here…” Rem sighed in relief.

“We’ll see you later, Diablo.” Shera waved as she pushed Rem out the door.

--

Soon Diablo was in a familiar setting, an empty tavern with Emile and a large keg, “I thought we had agreed I wouldn’t be drinking with you.”

“Of course, I am a man of my word!” Emile filled a single mug and downed it in seconds before filling it once more, “This is just for me!”

Diablo blinked, “Your enthusiasm in everything you do is astounding.”

“Ah ha! Each day is a gift, my friend! That is why every morning I joyously greet the sun!”

Diablo could only picture Emile in just his underclothes, standing on the roof of an inn, loudly shouting good morning to the rising sun… Yeah, it’s no wonder he doesn’t stay at the inn, Mei probably kicked him out ages ago…

“I’ll take your word for it then.”

“Come now my friend, you awake each and every morning with two lovely ladies, certainly each day is a blessing!”

“I suppose it has been nice to be among friends, I do not miss the silence as much as I had anticipated.”

“Friends?” Emile paused to down another drink before slamming his mug onto the table, “Friends!? Don’t be modest my friend! Surely there is more to it then that with those two!”

Diablo’s brow furrowed, “I’m not sure I understand.”

“Have you spoken to Lady Rem and Shera about this matter?”

“Rem did ask an odd question this morning… She asked if I had considered her and Shera as friends, perhaps she was concerned because I never said it aloud.” Diablo pondered.

The color drained from Emile’s face, “And… What did you tell her…?”

“I told her I considered them both as friends.” Emile face planted onto the table, white as a ghost and frozen in time for a moment, “… They acted strangely as well… Is there something I’m missing?”

Emile shot up suddenly, “You truly only see them both as friends? I thought for sure there was more between the three of you at this point!”

Diablo only looked confused, “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You…” Emile put a hand to his forehead and sighed, “Ah I’ve let myself forget you’re not an ordinary being, perhaps such a thing is beyond a demon lord’s understanding. Tell me, my friend, deep in your heart when you think of those two, what do you feel?”

“… My heart…? You’re not making sense, Emile.”

“I assure you it will make sense! Think of them both, Rem and Shera, and reach into your heart!”

Diablo attempted to ‘reach into his heart’, whatever that meant… But the result was not what Emile expected…

Emile was met with eyes that glowed red, the air around his friend having changed, heavy, cold… It sent a shiver down Emile’s spine…

“… You cannot reach into something that is not there.” His tone was somehow heavier than his presence in that moment.

So was this the demon lord Diablo?

But before Emile had a moment to think about the implications, the heavy presence was immediately replaced by the air he was used to around his friend, and the glow vanished from his eyes…

“I can’t say I get what you’re trying to suggest, Emile.”

With everything back to normal, Emile was slapped in the face with reality, “Ah… It’s nothing, my friend. A simple exercise.” Had he just witnessed for a moment who Diablo was in the past? Emile slowly sat down on his stool, “About what we had discussed last time we were here… Did you ever find an answer to your questions?”

Diablo shook his head, “I’m afraid not. For the time being I’ve chosen to just sweep it under the rug, as they say, though I have a strong feeling of where I will find my answer… I just cannot go there quite yet.”

“I see, then I wish you the best, my friend.” Emile said before taking a much slower drink.

“But none of that is what you wanted me to meet you here for, is it? I suspect you had your own troubles.”

“Ha ha, truly remarkable. My friend it warms my heart that you were able to detect I was troubled! Perhaps yours is not completely absent!” Though his brevity faded as he folded his hands onto the table with a sigh, “I’m… At a loss… I’ve been on a journey of my own but I’ve made no progress, I admit I am beginning to lose hope.”

“You were away from Faltra for a few weeks, as I recall. I had assumed you were on a long quest.”

Emile shook his head, “No, my friend. I suppose you could say I had a wake up call… Everyone called me the Guild’s Strongest Warrior, but that day when that fallen got inside of the city, I couldn’t do a thing.” He tightly clenched both fists.

“Emile, that fallen was at least level eighty if not higher, the fact that you were able to stall him for so long was impressive in its own right.”

“More than a dozen others gave their lives to help me stall that fallen… My friend if you had not recently made a home in Faltra it wouldn’t have mattered, the barrier would have been destroyed with Lady Celestine and Faltra would have been little more than a landmark…”

“Comparing yourself to a demon lord will only lead you down a hole you can’t climb out of, Emile.” Diablo tried.

Emile shook his head, “Rest assured my friend, I have no intention of attempting to reach you, that would be folly. But there are mortals that can fight dozens of fallen, General Galford, Miss Sylvie, both examples in our own city, and the heroes in Lyferia are said to be able to fight even ancient dragons. To be called the Guild’s Strongest Warrior when I could not handle a single fallen… What a joke.”

“So this journey of yours then was one to get stronger?”

“Exactly right, but I seemed to have reached a peak, no matter how I push I cannot improve any further. It is nothing unusual of course, most reach a peak of their ability and require a master to improve further.” He sighed.

“So then you went on a journey to find this master, but couldn’t?” Diablo questioned.

“Sadly no… It was my intention to progress from a Warrior to a Sword-master, I had heard there was a great Sword-master in the northern woods and hoped to become their student. But through several journeys in the area I’ve come back empty handed each time.”

“Why a Sword-master? I thought something akin to a Paladin suited you better.”

“I’m afraid the means of becoming a Paladin are rather strict, someone like me who is lacking in faith, as they would say would be kicked from their order faster than even you could imagine, my friend.”

“I see…” Diablo thought for a moment, “Why not become an Avenger? Certainly a tank would be much more suited to protecting others as you wish.”

“An Avenger? It is certainly an option… But there hasn’t been record of an Avenger in centuries, I would have more luck trying to convince the Paladin Order to allow me in.”

“Just because there is no record, doesn’t mean there isn’t one.” Diablo smiled mischievously, “I happen to know where you might find an Avenger; calling them a master would be an understatement. They would certainly teach you.”

“Y-You do!?” Emile shot up from his stool, “To protect others and avenge those we cannot… I did not think it possible but the ideal of an Avenger is certainly one I support!”

I’m not sure why… But I’m confident that not only do I know one, but that they’re somehow still around… And they’d definitely do me a favor like this.

“Soon Rem, Shera, and I will be departing for Zircon Tower, the Avenger I mentioned should be there.” Emile’s eyes lit up at what he knew was being implied, “Come with us.”

Chapter Text

“So this is it then… We’re just going to march to the edge of the fallen territory and release Krebskulm…?” Rem gazed out to the distant trees.

“Well, we won’t be marching, but that is more or less the idea.”

Rem took a deep breath, “I’d hate to admit it, but I’m nervous… I have faith in you of course, but… To think that my whole life was leading to this one moment.” Her hands shook slightly, “I guess I always imagined this would be a bigger deal… But here we are, just us three.”

“It’ll be okay Rem, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous.” Shera gently took her hands, “If anything Diablo’s the weird one for acting like it’s just a normal day.”

“I’m not sure how you expect me to be acting.”

“No, that’s fine. Honestly I’d be a lot more nervous if Diablo wasn’t acting like he always is. It’s weirdly comforting to see him acting like this is no big deal.”

I mostly just want to get this over with, glad I could be of service though I guess.

“If you’re both ready; I’m afraid I have not had the time yet to develop a better option, but this will be much faster.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” Rem furrowed her brow.

Diablo summoned his wings of mana, “I did say we won’t be walking. Though I will have to carry you both.”

“No way! You can fly!?” Shera exclaimed excitedly.

“Of course.”

“I guess this one time it’s fine, but we’re walking back.” Rem declared.

“Ah… Demon lord…!”

Edelgard quickly approached Rem as Diablo lowered both girls to the ground, but Diablo immediately snatched her by the arm, “Do not touch them.” He said coldly.

Edelgard backed down quickly, “Edelgard is sorry… Sorry. Excited to feel Krebskulm so close. So close…”

“That’s the fallen that led the invasion!” Shera pointed out.

“Apparently they had known Krebskulm was inside of Faltra, just not where. There’s an irony I suppose in that the gecko could have killed Rem without ever realizing it.”

“But… She can sense Krebskulm inside of me…?” Rem questioned.

“Edelgard can. Gregore was idiot. Big idiot, but useful.”

“So only some fallen can sense demon lords?” Rem pressed.

“Edelgard can sense Krebskulm because Krebskulm is Edelgard’s master. Enkvarios, Gregore’s master. Fallen worshiped Enkvarios scattered. Some joined other demon lords… No loyalty. No loyalty!” Edelgard explained.

“What the races wouldn’t give to be able to learn some of this stuff…” Rem muttered, “What about Diablo, then?”

“… Don’t know… Can’t know…”

What does that mean? I thought she could sense who I was or something the first time we met.

“What do you mean you can’t know…?” Rem pressed on.

“Can’t. Can’t know.” She stopped to think for a moment, “Comprehend…? Comprehend, Edelgard can’t.”

That’s just more confusing I think.

“Regardless.” Diablo cut in, “Such matters are not why we are here.”

“Yes! Edelgard is ready!” She quickly cleared some cut up brush, revealing a rather intricately woven bed of leaves underneath, “Edelgard prepared place to lie down.” She proudly showed off her handiwork.

… I wonder how early she got here just to make that… It’s a proper bed.

Rem looked nervous again, “Is that for me…?” To which Edelgard nodded excitedly, “But… Why go through all this trouble?”

“Important! Demon lord in your body, good fallen should praise as demon lord’s protector!”

“I-I see… Since you worked so hard then, I guess it’s better than lying in the dirt…” Rem took a deep breath and slowly lay down on the hand-crafted bed, “It’s actually pretty comfortable.” She laughed nervously.

Shera approached to kneel by the makeshift bed and grasp Rem’s shoulder in an effort to comfort her, “It’ll be alright, let’s take some deep breaths together.”

Rem nodded and the two began slowly matching each other’s breath while Diablo looked to Edelgard, “And?”

“Need to pour mana into demon lord’s soul inside her.”

“That simple?” Diablo tilted his head, to which Edelgard nodded.

Well, it’s only that simple on a surface level… After seeing the seal for myself before I understand what Edelgard is getting at, she just doesn’t know exactly why pouring mana into Rem is needed. Diablo approached Rem and slowly knelt down, Since I couldn’t easily touch those gold binds on Krebskulm’s soul, the idea is probably to use my mana to overwhelm them instead and force them to fall apart.

“And how much longer do you think it would have taken for the seal to naturally come undone?” He asked.

“Uhm…” Edelgard put a finger to her chin in thought, “Century? Edelgard heard from elders, at least century. Demon lord’s mana recovering slowly. Eventually recover enough to break seal. Break seal.”

“I see.” So the other method would be to inject Krebskulm with mana directly so they recover enough to break out on their own. Obviously I won’t be doing that. I’d rather not take any weird chances by injecting my mana into another demon lord.

“Rem, are you ready?”

One more deep breath in time with Shera and she nodded, “I’m ready.”

Having approached it before, it was quite easy for Diablo to find his way to the seal once more, he approached the golden threads and reached out towards them, stopping just inches away to focus his mana into the strange threads. He let out a slow breath as he focused, and like a flame on a string, his mana began to burn away the thread, quickly eating its way along its many twists and turns.

Rem tightly closed her eyes as she felt her insides burning, “Everything will be alright Rem, keep breathing with me.” Shera tightened her grip on Rem’s shoulder.

It’s working… A bit more…

Magic energy began to pour from Rem’s body, Almost there…

Rem let out a pained gasp as magic energy erupted from her body, clustering together and hovering in the air.

Diablo pulled away from Rem and quickly stood up, drawing his staff, “It’s done.”

“Ah… Demon lord… Demon lord…!” Edelgard bowed towards the shifting magic.

The hazy magic orb lowered towards the ground, shifting and solidifying… Diablo’s grip on his staff tightened, his eyes beginning to glow, “Here they come…”

As the energy solidified, forming a monstrous shape, Diablo suddenly felt a pit in his stomach… A desert in his throat… His eyes glowed with a furious crimson, his grip on the <Staff of Tenma> increasing so much it was a miracle it didn’t shatter in his grip as its haft creaked and crackled in protest, mana furiously poured out of him with such intensity even Rem and Shera were able to see it… Edelgard’s excitement to greet her lord was rapidly replaced with terror as the incomprehensible thing she just barely felt from Diablo was laid bare as said thing let out the heavy and barely restrained breath of a starving man seeing food for the first time in ages.

Did he never intend to keep his promise…? There was no sign that he had any intent besides sinking his teeth into Krebskulm’s throat the moment they awakened…

The energy further compressed and shifted, now taking a much more human shape, before finally fading away… Revealing…

“A child…?” Rem and Shera both questioned.

A child that appeared no older than ten, with black horns and a long tail opened her pink eyes with a yawn.

“That’s really Krebskulm?” Shera looked to Rem like she had an answer.

Said child looked down at herself after her yawn, “I’m free? I-I’m really free…?” She quickly looked around to confirm, her eyes falling on Diablo, she excitedly waved at him as if waving down a friend across the road.

That made Diablo flinch slightly… A child…? She’s just a child…? He grit his teeth, No, it has to be a trick…

He shifted to move forward, “D-Diablo!” But froze at Rem calling out to him.

He turned slightly to look at Rem and Shera, “You said you would give her a chance, didn’t you?”

He grit his teeth even more, a furious scowl on his face as he looked back to Krebskulm, I did… Didn’t I…? What am I doing right now? She hasn’t done anything…

Slowly, he put his staff away, though his posture was still tense, his eyes still red… “I did promise… To at least give you a chance…” He bit out.

Her expression shifted to a slight frown, “I’m sorry, big brother… I know you wanted something else.”

Diablo only clicked his tongue in irritation.

“Big brother…?” Rem asked slowly as her and Shera moved to Diablo’s side.

Krebskulm nodded, “Yup, the oldest should be called big brother, obviously!” She announced proudly.

“I see… So, now what…? I mean, you don’t seem hostile…” Rem awkwardly asked.

“Big brother always liked mortals, so Krebskulm does too!” She proudly pointed to herself.

“Can it really be that simple…?”

“Demon lord doesn’t want to kill races?” Edelgard shakily asked.

“Nope!”

Edelgard’s eyes lit up, “D-Demon lord!” She praised, “Edelgard will follow! No matter what! Edelgard worried demon lord would fight!”

“Hehe, you deserve praise for your loyalty, so good job!”

Shera looked up to Diablo, who still looked ready to attack at the slightest notion, “Diablo… Are you alright?” She worriedly asked.

“… This is…” He clenched both fists, Is what…? If I can’t keep a promise, then what am I even doing…?

Krebskulm approached the three of them, “Big brother…” She looked up to Diablo, “I know why you’re angry… But…” She looked directly into his burning eyes, “You feel it too, don’t you?”

Too soon…

“… You’re right…” He relaxed, if only a little, I do feel it too, like an instinctual warning… But that doesn’t help with this ache throughout my body…

Rem and Shera both looked between the two demon lords in confusion, neither had any idea what the two meant, but it seemed to calm Diablo down, if only a tiny bit.

“So… Now what? I know everyone’s been okay with you Diablo, but frankly a lot more people know the name Krebskulm… Galford and Sylvie might lose their collective minds…” Rem wondered aloud.

“Well we can’t call her Krebskulm, I say we start calling her Klem! It suits her cute face better anyway!” Shera declared.

“Well, I guess that solves one problem… But she looks just like a fallen.” Rem scrunched her nose, “Diablo at least can still pass for a demon to the common people, just a big one with horns.”

“You both are awfully sure she won’t be a problem.” Diablo’s tone was clearly annoyed.

“I mean if we just stay in the fallen territory, it doesn’t prove anything, right? Besides, you’re here if there is a problem.” Rem pointed out.

She has a point… He took a deep breath to try and calm himself, “This will… Take time.” But it still burns…

“Edelgard cannot enter city…” She pouted.

With a sigh Diablo reached into his pouch and pulled out two heavy cloaks, “These suppress magic energy, in theory they will keep the barrier from detecting you… And hide your appearances.”

Edelgard’s eyes lit up, “Edelgard can come to? Edelgard follow demon lord!”

“Also, Edelgard if you’re coming with us, you need to call her Klem too.” Shera nagged.

Klem nodded, “She’s right, call me Klem from now on.”

--

The walk back seemed to do little to improve Diablo’s mood, even as they approached Starfall Tower, his eyes were still red, his posture still tense.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Diablo in such a bad mood.” Shera whispered to Rem.

“Me either…” Rem whispered back, “I… I think he honestly didn’t expect Klem to be friendly…”

“So he’s angry he didn’t get to kill her…?”

“I have a feeling that’s the case.”

“Maybe he’s just hungry.”

“… You both do realize I’m right here, don’t you?”

Both girls let out a squeak in surprise, but kept moving as if they didn’t hear him, though no longer paying much attention to their path they didn’t realize Edelgard had stopped and crashed into her, though she didn’t budge.

“Uh… Why did you stop?” Shera asked while rubbing her head.

“Sense. Something coming.”

“What is it…?” Rem looked around, “Is that a bird?”

What appeared to be a large owl with a single horn descended rapidly towards them, “Is that a monster?” Shera tensed.

As the owl descended it rose its wings and rapidly changed shape, growing larger as its bones popped loudly in place, a large avian fallen hitting the ground with a heavy thump.

“That’s a fallen…!” Rem quickly prepared a summoning stone.

“I flew here as quickly as I could as soon as I felt the presence of a demon lord awakening.” The owl-like fallen twisted his head ninety degrees to the side, “But now I sense two demon lords.”

“Eulerex not serve Krebskulm. Why Eulerex here?” Edelgard was immediately ready for a fight.

“Why…?” The fallen’s head twitched to one side, then the other, “My lord may be gone, but it matters not. So long as a lord rises to slaughter the races, I…!”

But the fallen Eulerex’s words were cut short…

The instant he had declared his intent to kill the races, Diablo had already moved, “<Volcano Canon>.” He had barely uttered the spell and a beam of fire shot from his hand, instantly turning Eulerex’s entire head to a burnt clump in the middle of his declaration.

“That was…” Rem started, but apparently Diablo wasn’t done…

Without a word he grabbed a hold of the twitching remains, his fingers digging into flesh, easily puncturing through before tearing away taking with them a hunk of flesh, feathers, and bone… And without hesitation, or a sound, Diablo sank his teeth into the meat, feathers and all…

Edelgard’s eyes were wide but she didn’t speak or move, Rem and Shera were both frozen in a mix of shock and horror, as they could only watch Diablo raise the body higher to sink his teeth into with a snarl.

Klem was the only one who did not look shocked, or afraid as Diablo tore into the fallen with no regard for any of them.

It was as if he had forgotten they were even there…

“D-Diablo…?” Rem tried, but there wasn’t any response, save the continued sound of flesh being torn, and bones being crushed between teeth…

With the fallen completely gone, the growing ache throughout Diablo’s body faded, it was still present, but it had grown dull, tolerable. “Haa…” He let out a heavy breath and futilely wiped at the dark blood on his face, In front of all of them… I… But if I hadn’t… If I hadn’t I might have lost myself in one of their directions… “… How unsightly of me… I apologize…” It’s been getting worse… Doing this quickly was the right call; because I feel like I’m on the verge of falling apart…

“I… I guess I was right, Rem…” Shera nervously tried to joke, “I guess he was hungry...”

Chapter Text

Looking down at his… Messy to say the least, state, Diablo let out a heavy sigh before giving a wave of his hand, “<Water>.” Easily conjuring up a sphere of clear water and using it to at least rinse off the worst of the damage, letting it splash to the ground when he was satisfied. Still very much in need of a bath and a washboard.

Aside from his abrupt apology, he still hadn’t acknowledged the others, or what he had done…

“W…. Wh-What…?” Rem tried but couldn’t find any words.

Ignoring her stammering Diablo simply moved past her, continuing the walk towards Faltra… Without a world Klem moved to follow behind him, Edelgard shaking from her own stupor to follow after her lord.

Rem remained frozen, staring at the splatter of blood and feathers in the grass, “… Rem…” Shera gently tried, certainly she was in shock as well, but to her it seemed Rem needed more support in that moment then she did.

“… He…” She breathed, “Y-You…!” She finally called out, making Diablo stop, “You’re just gonna walk away and pretend nothing happened!?” She shouted.

He didn’t turn, but didn’t continue walking, he just stood there in silence…

“Rem, I don’t think we should… Not right now…” Shera touched her shoulder.

But Rem pulled away from Shera’s touch, “Don’t ignore this! Say something!”

Still without turning to acknowledge her, he responded in a soft tone, “And what do you want me to say, Rem?”

“Something! Anything! How the hell do you expect us to respond after something like this!?”

“Rem, please…” Shera tried again, but again Rem only pulled away from her.

“I trusted you, we trusted you!”

That seemed to make him flinch just a little bit, was she implying their trust was lost just like that? But it seemed she wasn’t done… She choked on her words as tears began to sting at her eyes, “We trust you! Why do you refuse to trust us!?”

The question made him tense up and even bite at the inside of his lip, but still, he chose to not respond.

“Answer me!”

He finally turned to face her, eyes burning brightly, teeth grit in annoyance, “Do not presume to order me.” He said harshly.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, and Rem flinched in response, a splitting pain tore through his chest. He grabbed at the left side of his chest with a pained gasp, doubling over slightly, the glow in his eyes flickering like a struggling flame.

“Diablo!” Shera worried.

“B-Big brother…!” Klem moved to try and help him.

“Don’t.” He said sharply, recovering after a deep breath, “Not now…” Klem nodded and stepped back.

“Diablo… You’ve done more than you realize to help me and Shera… I get it, you’re a demon lord, but why do you refuse to let us even try to help you?” Rem pressed, “I saw it before, before this, you’ve been in some pain… Why won’t you trust us?”

“What are you hoping to hear from me Rem? That I have some great secret for you to hold? A burden to share?” He let out a slow breath, standing proudly once more, though while it had greatly faded, the red never left his eyes, “There’s no such thing… Or at least, even I don’t know if there is. I had told you before my memories are scattered, to say the least… Though I suppose perhaps you didn’t understand just how scattered I meant.” He closed his eyes, “I devoured Enkvarios, yes… But I did not even recall that I had done so until two days ago, it was then that I realized I desired to do the same to Krebskulm. But why? Why, you must be wondering…” He grit his teeth, “I don’t know. Releasing Krebskulm that distant desire turned into a burning hunger, an aching need, as if I hadn’t eaten in thirty years and only consuming her would satisfy that…!” He took a deep breath to settle himself once more, “I don’t know why… I can only assume it has something to do with who I was before my memories were scattered, but I don’t know… The longer I am here the more I recall, but the less I know, the less I feel… And what I have recalled is useless, useless snippets I can’t decipher!” He put a hand to his head and grit his teeth in frustration once again.

“Diablo…”

He took another deep breath to settle himself, “But that fallen, for some reason consuming that fallen eased the pain from the desire to take Krebskulm, for some reason I understood the moment it arrived that I needed to eat it to calm myself. These scattered memories I can’t decipher, these instincts I can’t understand… So I ask you again, Rem… What answer are you expecting from me? What are you hoping to know, when I don’t know?”

“I…” She tried, but couldn’t find her thoughts or words.

“There are moments… Brief moments where I feel like I can grasp it, but they fade… They always fade faster than they came… That is why I plan to go to Zircon Tower, I feel the answer may lie there. But in the meantime…” His fingers roughly gripped his own hair, “In the meantime what can I even do? For all my strength I can’t do a damn thing about what’s happening to me…!”

Suddenly both Rem and Shera dove into him, embracing him like he would disappear if they held on any less, “That… Exactly that, Diablo…” Rem said with her face buried in his chest, “You don’t know what’s going on, and that’s fine, that’s perfectly fine. All I want is to help you, like you helped me, like you helped Shera… And if all that means is hearing your thoughts and sharing your burden, that’s fine by me.”

“Friends can listen to each others worries.” Shera added clinging to his arm, “We might not be strong enough to help you, not the way you beat up the fallen, or chased away the elves, or were ready to fight Klem… But sometimes, getting the bad thoughts out is the most important thing.”

“… I…” He clenched his teeth, “I feel like a part of me is breaking… Like at any moment it’ll shatter, like crystal falling to the ground, it shatters in millions of indiscernible directions, impossible to put back how it was… And if that part of me breaks I… I don’t know… But I’m… I’m worried...”

Chapter Text

“I’m glad you shared your worries with us Diablo.” Rem eventually started as the walk back to town continued, “But I have some questions…” She paused, “I mean, if you don’t mind…”

“… I suppose not, though I can’t say if I can answer any of them…”

“Well… You said before that there are no fallen that follow you… Is that something you remembered for sure? Or did you just say that?”

Is she trying to gauge how honest or dishonest I’ve been with them…? “It was… Instinct you could say. I could not exactly recall, but I could feel that it was the case.”

“Even if there were, does it really matter, Rem?” Shera asked.

“I-I mean… I said before I’ve been thinking a lot lately about demon lords and fallen… And seeing Edelgard, hearing how she wanted to “rescue” Krebskulm… I guess I wonder if there’s an Edelgard out there for Diablo, and if there is I sort of feel bad for them… I wonder if they even know he’s awake?”

“That’s…”

“Klem knows!” Klem suddenly interjected with a raised hand, “This Klem knows there are no fallen for big brother Diablo.” She put her hands on her hips and said it with her nose in the air, full of child-like smugness.

“Isn’t that strange?” Rem pointed out, “Krebskulm- err… Klem shows no interest in hurting the races, yet there was a whole army of fallen that came to try and “save her” before, so it can’t just be because he doesn’t hate the races.”

“That’s because big brother has no fallen.”

All three looked to Klem in confusion now, “What’s that mean?” Rem questioned.

“The fallen were made from demon lords; but none from big brother.” She responded casually, “Klem can understand why big brother didn’t know, or forgot.”

“From? Not by the demon lords?” Rem asked in surprise.

“Demon lords didn’t make the fallen!” Klem exclaimed like the statement itself was offensive, “The fallen were made against big brother’s will!”

“But we always thought…” Rem started in shock, “Then… Where did the fallen come from, and why are they loyal to demon lords?”

“… God made the fallen…” Klem said slowly, “When demon lords were first put to sleep, but Klem was awake, so Klem remembers… God used demon lord’s bodies and energy to make the fallen.”

“So then the fallen are loyal specifically to what are, in a sense, their parent…” Diablo pondered.

“Wh-What…!?”

“Except big brother.”

“Why would God… And if that’s true why not Diablo…?”

Despite his own surprise, Diablo could feel what Klem was saying was true and listened carefully…

“That one Klem doesn’t know.” She pouted, “Klem does remember not feeling Diablo’s presence that time, when the fallen were being made. But this one doesn’t know why...”

“I… What…?” Rem was frozen in surprise… This day was one shock after another…

“So are your memories all messed up too, Klem?” Shera asked.

“Nope! Klem remembers everything Klem should remember!” She declared, “What this one doesn’t know, Klem never knew!”

“That’s…”

“Demo-… Klem woke up right way. Edelgard told if Klem woke up wrong, Klem would be incomplete. Incomplete! Memories might be same, like Diablo’s if woke up wrong.” Edelgard explained.

“Are you implying you think Diablo might have been… Uh, woken up incorrectly?” Rem looked to Diablo.

Diablo only gave a shrug, “I’m afraid the nature of my own awakening is one of those memories that is completely lost. I remember attacking Enkvarios in a starved daze… But I am certain I was awake before then, but any details besides that are completely missing.” He paused, “Though if the fallen were truly created from the demon lords, I suppose that explains why I was able to calm down by consuming Eulerex, and absorbing that fallen’s mana before… It would mean they contain at the very least some essence of the other demon lords…” It would also explain why this emptiness is only directed to the demon lords and the fallen, not the races… In a way, that does ease some of my worries.

“So then the fallen taste like demon lords?” Shera asked.

“Something to that effect I suppose.”

“So what about Klem then? You lost your mind when you saw her, but she was nothing but friendly. Klem do you not want to…” Rem awkwardly gestured with her hands, “You know… Diablo…?”

Klem rose her hands and aggressively shook her head, “No way! Even if Klem wanted to do something that gross, big brother is a lot stronger than Klem. Only big brother Diablo has that erm… Problem.”

Once again she drew everyone’s attention, “What do you mean only Diablo…? And why?”

Klem flinched away at suddenly being accosted, looking like a child with their hand caught in the cookie jar, “Well… Klem knows big brother is special compared to other brothers, but Klem doesn’t really understand why.”

Diablo’s brow furrowed, “And what makes you so certain?”

She perked back up immediately with Diablo asking her a question, “First of all big brother is strong, really strong! Most demon lords are at least sort of close in power, but Diablo is way more powerful. Second like Klem said earlier, Klem remembers God being afraid of big brother, but God isn’t afraid of other demon lords. And third!” Klem held up a hand with three fingers, “Big brother didn’t go crazy after eating Enkvarios!”

“Are you saying he should have…?”

To which Klem nodded, “So Klem is only interested in trying the fancy looking food Klem saw Rem eat before!” But she changed the subject rather than elaborating.

Does she not know why? Or is she not willing to say it?

“Wait, you saw?” Rem pressed.

“Yeah! Klem could see! This one started waking up when you both met big brother, this one thinks having his energy nearby woke Klem up. Not that this one could do anything really… But Klem got to see everyone, and see how big brother cares about Rem and Shera… That’s why this one wants to help protect Rem and Shera too!”

“You really respect Diablo, huh?” Shera asked softly.

“Of course!”

Shera gave a soft laugh, “I can understand that. Keera was… Well, he wasn’t my brother, not really. But my oldest brother Fira, I never got to meet him… He died defending Greenwood from a monster attack before I was even born, but I heard all kinds of stories about him, it was really inspiring, and I respected him a lot. I wish I had the chance to meet him.”

Seeing the subject had been changed, and Klem wasn’t going to elaborate further, Rem sighed in resignation, though they had learned something unbelievable, she had to admit.

At this point, whether it was fear or respect, the guards at both the Bridge of Ulug and the gates of Faltra made no attempt to question Diablo or his party and barely even acknowledged their presence; making it easy to pass with two new party members without worry.

“I think our room is a bit small for five people… But with it being so late Mei wouldn’t be available for us to pay for an upgrade.” Rem noted as they approached the inn.

“It’s fine.” Diablo reached into his pouch and handed her a few coins, “Get some rest and use this when Mei returns to get a larger room.” He said as he turned away.

“Are you not coming back to the room?” Shera stopped him.

“Sleep is unnecessary, it will be less crowded this way.”

“But…” Shera tried, but Rem grabbed her arm and shook her head.

“We’ll see you in the morning, Diablo.”

As they entered the inn a splitting pain ran through Diablo’s chest once again, he grasped it it as if it would somehow ease the pain… I need to keep my promise... But I don’t know if I could hold myself back with the girls asleep and Klem right there.

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as the pain subsided once again, For now I should stay away… His glowing eyes trailed back towards the western border outside the city, And maybe...

Chapter Text

It was rather convenient that the bath house also offered services to clean patron’s clothes and equipment, though Diablo was admittedly a bit hesitant at the idea of trusting his incredibly high quality equipment to a stranger, he didn’t have much choice. The staff had a no questions asked policy as they often served adventurers, as those with regular wealth could afford their own permanent home with a bath, but that didn’t erase the unease of the staff member that came to retrieve his equipment. Their party had been to this bath house a few times by now, but Diablo always maintained a pristine appearance and (as some of the female staff noted) never stunk, in fact he tended to smell faintly of jasmine; his gear always in immaculate condition as well, staff members hadn’t even considered taking his gear when cleaning his party member’s clothes as the man didn’t seem to sweat. But today was different…

Today the Diablo that entered the bath house was disheveled to say the least, he looked agitated, more so than usual, his usually well kept hair was tangled and hard with dried blood, his usually spotless equipment was splattered with blood that was still sticky- somewhere between wet and dry. But the worst of it were his hands and face, his hands were coated completely as if he had used them to tear several somethings apart, his face covered in the splatter and smears of attempt after attempt to wipe some of the blood away before resigning to the mess, clear signs of it having run down his face caked on his neck. He looked like an animal that had torn claws and teeth into prey again and again.

Adventurers had often appeared messy after brutal quests, but this was something else entirely… Staff remained quiet, choosing to save their gossip until after he was gone, but that did not stop the shaky way they accepted his money, or collected his equipment.

Diablo for his part, paid them no mind, when returning from his hunt he had considered a <Rain> spell, but thought better of it, it wouldn’t have done much good with how messy he ended up anyway.

He paid the extra for a room with running water to scrub the blood off himself before entering the bath, by now he had long been clean, but his equipment would take time to be finished considering its condition. So he settled into the hot water and allowed himself to relax as much as possible.

He was certainly feeling better at this point, returning to the fallen territory and hunting some fallen was not something he wanted to do, and some part of him was a little bothered at his own actions… But he felt he had no choice. In the state he was in he would not be able to maintain himself around Klem, the intense and burning emptiness he felt when he laid eyes upon Klem would only be filled by a demon lord, he still could not understand why, but he knew that without a doubt. But sharing the essence of demon lords allowed the fallen to ease that emptiness, at least temporarily, he doubted even a hundred of them would properly quell the yawning void, but a dozen of them at least had halted the pain and enabled him to take his mind away from that empty feeling. Like this he could tolerate being around Klem for at least a week or two, not that he intended to remain in Faltra that long at this point, after the violent reaction his body had to a demon lord’s presence he was resolved now more than ever to get to Zircon Tower as soon as possible… There were a few things to wrap up here, and they would depart.

What was truly troubling were his thoughts while he stalked the fallen territory… Somewhere deep in his mind he did recall a fondness for those of the races, but weighing that against the pain that wracked his body from not consuming Klem he began to find them lacking… Hadn’t he paid enough for them already? Why should he follow the wishes of just two mortals when he had already done so much for all of their kind? How long would he force himself to pay for their sake? Why did he always… Always...

He felt a growing sense of agitation and resentment not just towards Rem and Shera, but towards the races themselves. Was this the feeling those mindless demon lords had? The thoughts filled him with unease, but when he had tried to shake them off he felt that splitting pain in his chest again, that violent crack. The more he felt that pain split through his chest, the harder he felt it became to maintain his calm…

--

Rem had found it difficult to sleep, concerned about Diablo who had chosen not to return to their room with them, but inevitably her exhausted body gave way to rest, only waking when Shera had shook her awake so they could move their things to their new room. As soon as Rem saw the new room she immediately regretted sleeping in.

It seemed Shera had opted to splurge on the upgrade, and while, thanks to Diablo, they were quite well off it still irked the money conscious part of Rem to no end to see the lavish room they relocated to. Though she had to admit, the part of her that wanted to be spoiled was excited…

Their new room was more of an executive suite, these sorts of rooms were usually reserved for wealthy merchants stopping in the area or lesser nobles who were not important enough to warrant staying in the General’s estate, but enough to earn lavish accommodations where they ended up staying. The room opened up to a large sitting room, complete with some stocked bookshelves and a fancy fireplace, connected to it were two separate bedrooms both with large and lush beds and both with a connected private bathroom, including a small tub.

“Shera… How could you betray me like this…”

“I checked, Diablo gave you more than enough for us to upgrade to a really nice room.” Shera argued.

Rem pinched the bridge of her nose, “I don’t think he was paying much mind to the amount he gave me, Shera.”

Shera puffed up her cheeks in response, “Well we have the money to pay for a room like this anyway. Besides…” She looked to Klem and Edelgard who were both excitedly exploring the area, “With how Diablo seemed around Klem… I figured it would be better to have a separate room for her and Edelgard.”

“That’s… Actually pretty smart of you… I wouldn’t have considered that.”

“This one approves! So big brother will approve too!” Klem declared as she stood tall on the sofa.

“Ah! Klem!” Shera hurried over, “No shoes on the furniture! The innkeeper is scary.”

Klem easily did as Shera asked and got off the sofa, but tilted her head to one side, “Klem doesn’t understand, Rem and Shera travel with big brother every day, how can an innkeeper be scary?”

“It’s hard to explain… You’ll understand if she ever gets angry with you.”

“It’s important to understand that while we are paying customers, we’re still just guests.” Rem tried to elaborate.

There was a light tap on the door, which made both Rem and Shera tense, assuming it was Mei coming to scold them.

But Klem hurried to the door, “Big brother’s back!” She cheerily announced, making both Rem and Shera sigh in relief.

Klem opened the door to let Diablo in, “Welcome home big brother!” She greeted happily.

Where did she learn that? He sighed and gently rubbed her head as he entered the room, though quickly pulled his hand away when he realized it.

“Are you feeling better?” Rem asked.

“Significantly so, yes.” He looked around, “I see you upgraded things by quite a lot.”

“Well, it was Sh-… Ow!” But as Rem tried to tell on her, Shera’s elbow jabbed her side.

“It’s not as if we are lacking in funds. Besides, a separate room for Klem and Edelgard is for the best.”

“Told you so.” Shera taunted.

“Ugh, fine. But you said we’re leaving soon, right? If we’re gone for too long we might not be able to upkeep a room this… Lavish.” Rem reasoned.

“It’s of no consequence, I already had a solution in mind.”

For some reason, a certain grass walker felt a sudden and dreadful chill down her spine...

Chapter Text

“Diablo… You’re not seriously planning to bully Sylvie into giving Klem and Edelgard money, are you?” Rem asked in a tired tone as they followed him towards the Guild.

“Why would you assume it is my intention to “bully” her?”

“You’re usually pretty, uh… Forward with Sylvie.” Shera pointed out.

“I am not sure how that equates to you assuming I intend to force her to do something for me, however, rest assured that this is more of a favor to her.”

“But would Sylvie think it’s a favor…?” Shera muttered to Rem.

“I doubt it.” Rem muttered back.

“Even if she dislikes it, she doesn’t really have a choice.” He scoffed.

“So you are going to bully her! Poor Sylvie!” Shera dramatically sympathized.

Diablo gave a heavy sigh, “I suppose I misspoke, but I am not in the mood to explain myself twice, so you will understand when I discuss with Sylvie.”

“Klem, you’re a demon lord, you must know what Diablo is thinking.” Shera tried.

“Klem doesn’t understand big brother most the time. But this one thinks a demon lord as strong as big brother should just do what ever he wants.” She declared.

Diablo disregarded her and simply looked ahead quietly, Klem can be trusted, for some reason I can feel deep inside myself that she was truly being genuine before. But… Even I have been feeling a growing resentment towards the races, not a desire to destroy them perhaps, but like my interest in doing anything to aid them is rapidly slipping away, a disregard. Does Klem truly not feel that way? Or is she simply hiding it extremely well? Perhaps I will have to have a discussion with Klem before we depart, I feel stable enough for now that it won’t be an issue.

--

Inside her office Sylvie’s fight or flight instincts suddenly kicked into high gear, it was a sensation she was getting more and more used to as the instinct tended to rise up in protest every time Diablo came by, but it was different this time, more intense than usual, combined with the chill she felt earlier she could only assume one of two things; a huge storm of something was about to hit Faltra, or a certain demon lord was said storm, about to burst into her office full of rage. Had she done something to offend him? Did General Galford perhaps harass him after the report she sent!?

The grass walker quickly began to spiral as she ran over the report and the last interaction she had with Diablo in her head, trying to find something that might have set him off, anything she could preemptively apologize for to shirk his ire.

But the answer she got was worse (for her mental health) then she could imagine when said demon lord casually strolled into her office like he owned the place as he always did…

God be good there’s two of them…

What had she done to deserve this? She had only just expressed that she would try and trust him, and then he walks into her office with a miniature him. Was he testing her? Pushing to see if she was truly willing to trust a demon lord? No, he was different with Rem and Shera present… He surely wouldn’t test her so aggressively with them in the room, the two women were a security blanket she could clutch to when dealing with the demon lord. So if it wasn’t a test, or some kind of game, why did he bring another demon lord to her? Why did he spare them when it was clear that he had devoured Enkvarios?

--

“Sylvie.” Diablo greeted simply, closing the door behind the group as they fell into her office.

“I’m afraid we don’t have any high profile quests at the moment, so to what do I owe the pleasure?” She nervously greeted, even with the security blanket of Rem and Shera in the room, having seen the horrors of a single demon lord in the past made being in the presence of two almost unbearable. Every fiber of her being screamed to run away and not look back.

“I won’t mince words.” He said as he moved across her office to sit, “Your instincts seem to be rather sharp, I assume you’ve already felt what at least one of our newcomers is.”

Klem easily followed Diablo, eagerly sitting down next to him, Edelgard following suit, leaving Rem and Shera to sit across from the group.

“I… Yes… I noticed that child in the cloak is a demon lord as well…” She tensed.

As the two spoke, Klem’s eyes lit up at the plate of sweets in the middle of the table, “Considering your position, I assume you are one of the few who were aware of the seal inside Rem?” He asked as Klem pointed to the plate of sweets with pleading eyes towards Rem and Shera, who both nodded at her, the small demon lord eagerly snatching up the plate and pulling down her hood lighting up as she tasted her first cookie.

Sylvie nodded, “Yes, Celestine, the council of the mage’s association, and General Galford are all aware of it.”

“Then that makes this simple.” He placed a hand on Klem’s head which made her beam even more than eating the cookie had, “This is Krebskulm, she has been fully released from the seal and is no longer bound to Rem. Though for the sake of some form of secrecy, her name is Klem.”

He removed his hand from her head, and she returned to happily chomping at the plate of sweets, taking three cookies and offering one each to Rem, Shera, and Edelgard. Rem accepted with a slight sigh, Shera happily took the treat, and Edelgard held it in front of herself in awe like she was just given the holy grail from God himself.

“Then I assume you were the one to release her from the seal… I didn’t know it was even possible.”

“It was the fallen Edelgard.” He nodded towards said fallen, “Who shared the method with me.”

“Then can I ask… Why…?”

“It was Rem’s wish to be free from the weight she was forced to carry. I admit my intent was to kill Klem as soon as she was released and take her, but I made a promise to all of them that if she posed no threat to the races I would spare her.”

“So then you’ve determined she’s not a threat? Or is she simply not a threat because you’re here?”

“A fair question. I have determined she certainly has no ill intent towards the races, without a doubt.”

“Klem is only interested in yummy snacks and helping big brother!” Klem herself declared before eagerly eating another cookie.

“As she says. She seems more than content to simply do as I ask, and she is fond of Rem and Shera.”

“I guess that runs in the so called family…” Sylvie muttered as she watched Klem reach over and grab Edelgard’s hands that were still holding the holy cookie, guiding them to lift it to Edelgard’s mouth to eat it, “But why are you bringing this to my attention? You’re not obligated to do so...” What’s your game? Being the unsaid question.

With that Diablo gave a slight grin that sent another shiver down Sylvie’s spine, “Consider it a mutual favor.”

Reluctantly Edelgard took a bite out of the cookie and her eyes lit up in awe, as a fallen she had never tasted something sweet before.

“I don’t think I understand what you’re implying… But I feel like I won’t like it.”

“I had told you last time we spoke it was my intention to depart Faltra soon.” Sylvie nodded in confirmation, “We will be leaving Faltra likely tomorrow, and I cannot be sure when I will return. In addition to that, Rem, Shera, and even Emile will all be coming with me. In other words…” He trailed off, urging her to continue.

“In other words… Faltra will be left without anyone who can take the high end quests, let alone even level fifty and higher quests for an unforeseen amount of time.” She put what he was implying together, “We’ll have to rely on outside help or the General who is tied down by bureaucracy and cannot move freely enough to help us much at all. Either way, problems will fester until they become difficult to manage.” She heavily sighed, “But wait, why are you taking Emile?”

“Diablo likes Emile!” Shera declared eagerly, which made Sylvie freeze.

Diablo cleared his throat loudly, “While it’s true that Emile and I have grown close enough to be called friends, I promised to introduce him to someone who can help him improve his skills, move up to an advanced class, and help him get stronger. It just so happens that this person is at our same destination.”

“I see… If Emile returns to Faltra after a recommendation for a trainer from a demon lord, he would certainly be that much more valuable… Having one of our own able to complete high end quests would be phenomenal.” Sylvie pondered.

“Certainly, but back to the matter at hand.” Diablo interrupted her thoughts, “As you’ve surmised with the lack of anyone to take these quests Faltra may run into trouble… And while we cooperate on terms, those terms have been agreeable for me and I consider Faltra a valuable asset, so I would prefer not to leave it so vulnerable. Additionally… Klem and Edelgard will need funds to pay for their food and board while we are away.”

“Are you really suggesting Faltra has a second demon lord become an adventurer!?” Sylvie suddenly stood up in shock.

“Precisely so. Klem here will happily watch over Faltra and handle those requests in my stead so long as her and Edelgard are fairly compensated, as we have been. She may not be as powerful as I am, but there are very few things in this world that can face even the lesser demon lords.”

“I…” Sylvie hesitated, “It’s not a bad proposal… I just…” She sighed and sank back into her chair, “I know you said she could be trusted, but what if you leave and there’s a problem?”

Diablo held out his hand, mana collected in his palm until a thin glass ball formed, “Use this. It’s made of my mana and is connected to me, so if it breaks I’ll know immediately. If you are worried, and something happens, just break this and I will return here without hesitation to deal with it.” He stood up and handed the thin ball to Sylvie who took it with uneasy hands, “As for Klem. Are you able to send me a signal like you did before?”

Klem nodded eagerly, “Klem can send big brother a message however far away he is if this one focuses!”

“Good, then if you are unsure of something, or someone seems suspicious, you can send me a message. But only if it’s important, understand?”

Again Klem eagerly nodded.

Sylvie stared shakily into the thin orb she was given, what was she supposed to say? No? Even if she couldn’t help but be skeptical, Diablo was right this was a mutually beneficial arrangement, the Faltra guild was desperate for stronger adventurers, especially with their best ones all leaving together, and here Diablo was offering her two that were way stronger than anyone she had (besides Diablo of course) on a silver platter. Her fear of the demon lords aside… Saying no would be a fool’s choice.

Sylvie shuffled through the papers on her desk, finding a blank application with a resigned sigh, “What is her class?”

“Klem is a magic pugilist!” She declared as she punched the air.

Chapter Text

To avoid drawing any unwanted attention, Sylvie agreed with Diablo that it was best not to evaluate Klem or Edelgard and simply documented them both as level eighty to avoid suspicion, and if she was being honest she was a bit worried that testing two powerhouse melee classes would just kill the testers.

Klem had pouted at being dubbed “only level eighty” but immediately was fine with it when Diablo reassured her it was for the best. It baffled Sylvie to no end how a demon lord could seem just like a cute younger sister, but she couldn’t let her guard down.

“So is Klem an adventurer like big brother, Rem, and Shera now?”

“That’s right, you are now officially able to accept quests on behalf of the guild, though given your levels there will be some special circumstances to keep in mind.” Sylvie sighed as she put away the now stamped contracts.

“Klem would rather have the first quest be with big brother… But this one is still excited!”

“With that being said of course, there is still the matter of Klem and Edelgard’s appearances…” Sylvie slowly pointed out, “Both of them look like fallen under those cloaks.”

“Yes that has been on my mind as well. Unfortunately I am not familiar enough with the illusion magics some of you mortals use to maintain such a thing at a long distance.”

“I could ask Celes, I don’t know if she knows that kind of magic, but maybe someone in the mage’s association she trusts to keep quiet does.” Rem suggested.

“It’s not a bad suggestion but…” His eyes narrowed dangerously, “That place is full of vultures, to trust them is…”

Sylvie nervously cleared her throat, “Ah… If I might suggest… I do happen to know a mage of sorts that specializes in that kind of magic. They might be able to help.”

“Oh? Are they affiliated with the association?” Diablo questioned.

Sylvie shook her head, “More like the opposite. And they can definitely keep a couple of secrets.”

“Sounds promising.” Diablo thought for a moment, “Since it is on your recommendation, I may be willing to trust them.”

Sylvie froze up, suddenly feeling put on the spot, so he was outright saying he trusted her? Or at least her judgment? Or had Sylvie just put her own friend in a precarious position?

Sylvie swallowed hard, “I… I can take you to meet her when we’re finished here…” She looked over to Rem and Shera, her security blanket… But knowing her friend, it would mean she had to leave that blanket behind, “But… She’s cautious of visitors, and her home isn’t exactly accommodating to a crowd so…” Her voice dropped to an almost whisper, “Rem and Shera would need to stay behind…”

“I don’t see why that would be an issue.” He looked to Rem and Shera, “I doubt either of you mind?” He questioned.

The pair looked at each other for a moment as if they were having an unspoken back and forth, “Of course we don’t mind.” Rem gave a huff, “But…” She scratched the back of her head.

“You don’t need to worry about Klem, not only does she listen to Diablo, but he’ll take care of it if she causes a problem.” Shera finished Rem’s thought.

It had seemed the pair caught on that Sylvie was nervous around or afraid of Klem and attempted to reassure her without realizing the main problem was actually Diablo. She was doing her best to trust him, but the unease would likely never fully fade, additionally that ominous air she felt about him seemed heavier then before making her feel more uneasy than usual. She didn’t doubt that Diablo would handle Krebskulm if an issue arose, considering he had devoured one of his kind before, she wouldn’t be surprised if he was itching to do so again, and was certainly strong enough to do so decisively. Which was why the lingering question remained; but who would stop him?

If Klem snapped, Diablo would handle things quickly, but what if Diablo was the one who snapped? Sylvie was trying to trust him, to not be afraid, she was, but she hadn’t slept much because early that morning before dawn she felt it… Her sharpened instincts felt the thing that entered Faltra and jolted her awake… Something terrifying, looming, something incomprehensible, something… Hungry… And when the party arrived with Klem, she knew it wasn’t the new demon lord, but the one she already knew, that presence she had felt was without a doubt, Diablo. It had left and returned later closer to its usual state, but it left her on edge… Why had his presence felt that way? Why did it remain heavier then before even after it settled down?

Was Diablo reaching the limits of his sanity?

Such traitorous worries had no place in her mind, in truth the demon lord had given her no reason to suspect him aside from simply being.

It wasn’t fair.

She knew it wasn’t fair.

But it also wasn’t easy to simply throw away a lifetime of learning that the very thing he was is something dangerous, something to flee from. Especially not when she had a first hand account of an awakening of one of his fellows…

But it wasn’t fair to assume the worst of all of them… Not when she had now seen two of them for herself.

So she took a deep breath and gave them a smile, “I suppose that does make me feel a bit better.” She laughed slightly, “I’m not particularly busy so I can take you to meet Gwyn now if you’d like.” She offered.

“That would be for the best.” Diablo nodded, “We will likely leave first thing tomorrow, so I suggest you two rest and prepare how ever you need.” He looked to Rem and Shera.

“You really weren’t kidding when you said we’d be leaving quickly…” Rem mused, “But considering…” She thought back to what he had said before about his “condition”, and his confidence that there were answers at Zircon Tower… It made sense why he would want to leave as quickly as possible, in fact if it weren’t for her and Shera, he probably would have left a while ago… If it weren’t for her and Shera, he… She shook the negative thoughts away, “Makes sense, I’ll make sure Shera doesn’t waste all our money.”

“H-Hey!”

“We don’t know how long we’ll be gone or what our income will be like at Zircon Tower so we can’t splurge.” Rem scolded her, “Either you can shop with me approving or disapproving everything, or I can take your coin-purse.”

Shera gasped and quickly guarded her pouch with her coins, “Y-You can’t take my pouch! Fine, I’ll check with you before I buy anything.” She gave a pout, “You’re no fun.”

“Then we’ll see you later Diablo.” Rem waved as she pushed Shera towards the door.

“Right then…” Sylvie sighed and looked to Diablo, “Shall we go? It’s not too far from here.” She stood and moved towards the door.

“Very well.” He looked over to the sofa, “Klem.” He called.

The little demon lord hopped off the sofa to follow him with Edelgard in tow.

--

“Big brother…” Klem whispered as they followed Sylvie.

“What is it?”

“Does the bunny not like you?” She whispered again.

Sylvie jolted in front of them, she tried to hide it but her fluffed up ears gave her away, “Grass walkers have sharp hearing Klem, even if you whisper she can hear.” He sighed without answering.

“O-Oh.” Klem seemed to think hard for a moment, “How come you don’t like big brother?” She loudly asked towards Sylvie. Again Sylvie twitched nervously, “That’s…”

“I believe it would be more accurate to say she’s afraid of me.” Diablo clarified, “Probably of you too.”

“Oooh…” Then Klem nodded confidently, “Huhu, it makes sense that mortals would be afraid of demon lords.” She boasted proudly, “But there’s no need to fear big brother or Klem!” She reassured.

“I wish I could agree…” Sylvie muttered.

“It’s fine, Klem. Her unease does not particularly bother me aside from trying my patience at times. But her nervousness is warranted, her and some of the people here faced an attack head on from that weakling Enkvarios.” Diablo explained.

Klem scrunched her nose at that, “Klem never liked that brother.” She punched the air, “Klem would have beat him up if this one had the chance!”

“Does dem-… Klem like any siblings? Any? Besides Diablo?” Edelgard asked.

Klem thought for a moment, “Klem likes Iankaroz, but big brother is the best!” She declared.

“Iankaroz…?” Sylvie couldn’t help but ask.

“The Demon Lord of the Eyes, as I recall.” Diablo answered.

“Soul, mind, eyes…” Sylvie mulled over the titles to herself, hearing the title from the horse’s mouth so to speak felt significant, though she couldn’t piece together why.

“Best not to linger on it, Sylvie.” Diablo interrupted her thoughts, “Tell us about this mage of yours.”

“Oh, I guess I haven’t said anything about her… But there isn’t much to say, she was one of my party members before the Enkvarios invasion, before I became the guild leader, her name is Gwyn Blackwood. Back then she was exiled out of the mage’s association, to this day she hasn’t fully explained why she just halfheartedly claimed it was because she exclusively practiced magics that were considered taboo by them. She specialized to be a Disenchanter, though the association sees it as witchcraft.” Sylvie explained.

“A Disenchanter? How rare… But certainly valuable to a group.”

Sylvie gave a nod, “She was invaluable to us during the Enkvarios invasion, Galford and I were able to take on dozen of fallen by ourselves, but what no one ever mentions was the string of debuffs, curses and illusions Gwyn had cast on the fallen… Without those we wouldn’t have held out as long as we did. But because those petty assholes at the association I’m a guild leader, Galford is the city lord, and she’s living in a hut in the slums…”

“It seems there are many with reasons to resent the association’s council. Perhaps Celestine has more allies then she realizes.”

“I-I mean…! I wasn’t…”

Diablo gave a chuckle, “What? Are you worried I’ll tell those vultures you also resent them? I would prefer to raze their precious tower if it wasn’t what was maintaining the barrier.”

“So even you hate them…”

“If you care to hear a demon lord’s advice; I would suggest you have a private meeting with Celestine sometime, you may find some common ground.”

Chapter Text

“Please give me a second, I need to explain the situation to Gwyn as best I can.” Sylvie stopped at the door.

“Go ahead then, we’ll be here.” Diablo nodded.

Sylvie stepped inside the ramshackle hut and closed the rickety door behind her, “When this is taken care of, you and I need to have a discussion Klem.”

Klem flinched slightly, “Is Klem in trouble?”

“Nothing of the sort, there was just something I wanted to ask you, away from prying ears.”

She immediately perked back up, “Big brother can ask Klem anything!”

“Of course you would say that… You know if you keep acting like this you’re going to make me feel like a jerk for wanting to eat you so badly earlier.” He lightly teased.

“Klem can act like a meanie if it makes big brother feel better.” She cheerfully offered.

He shook his head with half a laugh, “Just stay exactly as you are, Klem. This version of you is probably the best thing for my… Problem.” He winced in pain, forcing himself not to grab at his chest that felt like it was splitting once again.

“Big brother…” She muttered worriedly.

“It’s fine…” He recovered as the pain faded, “I’m… Getting used to it.”

“But…”

“I’ll be fine.” He reassured her, gently ruffling her hair.

She doesn’t look like she believes it… Neither do I…

Edelgard moved to stand in front of Diablo, her expression completely unreadable as she looked directly at him, “What is it?” Edelgard reached up and ruffled his hair in a similar fashion to how he had with Klem, which made him flinch and draw away, “What are you doing?”

She put a finger to her chin and tilted her head in thought, “Edelgard thought would help? Klem likes when Diablo happy. Klem likes. Edelgard noticed Klem, Rem, and Shera go happy when Diablo does this. Edelgard thought would make Diablo happy. Diablo happy makes Klem happy too. So Edelgard try to help.” She explained.

“Edelgard… You tried to cheer up big brother for this one’s sake?”

“Edelgard tried. Work? Didn’t work.”

Klem beamed, “Klem is proud of you! You deserve to be rewarded, lean down.” Edelgard immediately followed Klem’s command, “Now be rewarded by this one!” Klem announced before reaching through Edelgard’s hood to ruffle her hair playfully.

Edelgard’s eyes seemed to shine as she stood back up and gently put both her hands on her head, just in time for Sylvie to re-emerge from the hut, “Uhm… You can come inside now.” She blinked not sure what she had witnessed.

With a nod Diablo followed Sylvie inside, Klem and Edelgard following right behind him.

As Sylvie had said, it was a bit crowded inside the small abode with four guests, the scent of various herbs filled the hut almost egregiously, across from them sitting in a rickety chair was an elderly human woman, a cane at her side.

“So, these are the guests you told me about, Vi?” Her strong feminine tone betrayed her old and wrinkled appearance.

Sylvie nodded, “This is Diablo, Klem, and Edelgard.” She gestured to each of them before looking to Diablo, “This is Gwyn.”

She had said they were party members in the past… I suppose with Sylvie being a grass walker it’s easy to forget that she must be at least fifty if not even older considering her friend looks like she’s in the seventy range.

“Of course, come in, come in.” She greeted as she hoisted herself out of her chair with her cane, “I admit Sylvie’s story had me thinking she might be playing a joke on poor old me.” She approached slowly, her striking green eyes seeming to shine, “I may be an old woman, but I can still see it… Sylvie was telling the truth, this energy could only belong to a demon lord.” She said as her eyes looked to Klem, before slowly moving back to Diablo, “But you… Similar yet… Beyond, so far beyond…” She quickly averted her gaze from Diablo, “Hehe, I am certainly curious to get a better look at you, but curiosity killed the cat as they say. Or in this case perhaps thrust a poor old woman into madness with gouged out eyes, hehe.”

“Gwyn… Please don’t make jokes like that.” Sylvie shivered.

“You know better than most that I don’t joke often, Vi.” The old “witch” smiled at her.

Diablo’s gaze fell on Gwyn who was casually smiling at him as his eyes glowed, “You seem to comprehend more then most… Yet you don’t cower away.”

“The funny thing about illusionists, we tend to see the truth of the world around us better than most. Even where we shouldn’t. That is why groups like the association despise us, and why I was so fascinated by demon lords even as I witnessed their potential horror.” She said as she moved over to the fireplace, removing the kettle that had been sitting over it to pour herself some tea.

“I take it you saw the tower for what it is then.”

“Of course, unfortunately doing something about it is… Beyond me.” She sat down with her tea, “But as much as I am fascinated by this opportunity to chat with something like you, I’ve been told you and your allies are in a bit of a rush.”

“Sylvie filled you in quite well then.” Diablo looked to Klem and Edelgard, “Go ahead and take off those cloaks.”

Green eyes traced them up and down, “I see, unlike you they are quite blatant to even the untrained eyes.” She laughed slightly.

“Can you hide their features long term?”

“Certainly, I’ve altered appearances far more dramatically then this.” She laughed before taking a long sip of her tea then standing up again once more moving to the fireplace and collecting the still hot ashes, “It just takes a moment of set up.”

She carried the ashes to an exposed section of the floor, dumping them into a pile before using her cane to draw with the spilled ashes.

“Altering the visuals is one thing, an amateur could do that much with this circle.” She explained as she drew a rather simple magic circle, “Where it gets complicated is ensuring the feel is right too, after all you can turn say, a tail invisible, but that won’t do you much good if a fellow in a bar trips over it.” She laughed again, “That is where this layer comes in.” She drew another ring around the circle she had finished, filling it with another complex string of characters.

Diablo’s eyes widened, “A multiplex formula?”

“Hehe, I should have expected something such as you to be able to see it right away.” Gwyn smiled as she continued drawing the magic circle.

“What is multiplex? Multiplex?” Edelgard questioned, not understanding.

“Essentially is is the casting of two or more spells simultaneously so they become one, creating a new and usually far enhanced effect.” Diablo explained, “The circle formed when most spells are cast is in essence a formula, but if you have the knowledge you can combine multiple formulas together to create multiplex magic. But doing so in combat for a mortal is far too impractical as it takes time and far more mana then a singular spell. And I doubt any mortal has the mana to combine more than two spells in this way. Given its impracticality, long preparation time, and extremely high mana cost, I am surprised to see it being used by one other than myself.”

“It’s a reasonable conclusion, those who fight primarily using magic beyond summoned beasts are rare as it is, so to find those who understand it enough to cast spells like these outside of the banished mage capital is even more difficult.” Gwyn agreed as she finished drawing the circle, “This formula is one I made a long time ago using my research from said capital, it combines very specific components of the spells Conceal and Simulacrum allowing us to alter both appearance and feel. Now if both of you dears would come over here I’ll cast the spell.”

Klem looked to Diablo for a moment, “It’s fine, go ahead.”

She stepped forward with Edelgard, but for some reason looked nervous, “There’s no need to be nervous, dear. You can tell me what you want.” Gwyn said softly.

“Uhm… Can… Can Klem have a mark like big brother’s?” She asked as she pointed to her cheek, “Klem understands why you need to hide this one’s horns, but this one likes that Klem matches big brother…”

“Oh my, an adorable thing like you might just break this old woman’s heart.” Gwyn warmly smiled, “If it’s alright with you.” She nodded to Diablo, “Though it will require something separate from this spell here.”

“I don’t mind, if anything it would be for the best, it would make it easy for others to believe her when she refers to me as her brother.”

--

With the spell complete, Gwyn was now carefully using a brush on Klem’s face, “You can consider it a magic tattoo. There’s a lot of warriors with especially hardy bodies or quick healing that make standard tattoo techniques fade very quickly, so enchanted ink like this has become pretty common. As long as you pass just a tiny bit of mana over it from time to time the enchantment will remain making the ink permanent.” She explained as she imitated Diablo’s own mark with the brush, “Assuming you don’t run into anyone that casts disenchantment magic on you.” She laughed slightly.

With her brushwork finished she pulled back and examined her work, “Spot on if I do say so myself, there’s a mirror over there you can take a look with. Now you look just like a young demon.”

Klem hurried over the said mirror and looked over herself, her horns, tail, and any scales were completely hidden, but most importantly (in her mind) she now had a mark on the left side of her face that matched Diablo’s perfectly.

Her eyes shined with excitement as she quickly moved to Diablo, “Look big brother! Look!” She excitedly pointed, “Klem matches!”

Klem smiled contentedly as Diablo gently pat her head, “What do we owe you for you aid?”

“Oh it was more a favor to an old friend.” She smiled, “But if you insist on compensating an old woman, I wouldn’t say no to some company for tea and cookies every week or two. No one really visits an old “witch” these days.”

“This one will consider it Klem’s personal mission to come have tea and cookies!” Klem eagerly declared, “Edelgard will come too!”

Gwyn laughed once more, “I’ll hold you to that then. Such an innocent thing.”

“We’ll be on our way then.” Diablo nodded.

Gwyn waved as the three departed, Sylvie watching them go in surprise. Perhaps Rem and Shera weren’t the only ones to earn Diablo’s soft side, Klem, and even Emile according to Shera…

Somehow that knowledge eased her fear, if only just a tiny bit.

Chapter Text

Diablo led Klem and Edelgard to a quiet part of the slums where few people moved around, “Let’s talk here.”

Klem nodded, “Klem will do her best to answer big brother.”

“Then I’ll get right to it… Do you resent the races at all?”

“If Klem is honest… This one does resent them, just a little bit.” She answered with a sad tone.

“I see… I’m not sure if that makes me feel better or not… I’ve been feeling a sort of growing resentment towards them lately, the kind I can tell could very rapidly turn to hatred. I can’t help but wonder if this is what those like Enkvarios feel, what caused their insanity.”

“Klem doesn’t know either… But… Klem only feels a little resentment because Klem feels it’s the mortal’s fault big brother was hurt, why big brother is still hurting. But Klem knows that’s only a little true, this one knows big brother would say it’s not fair to blame the mortals for what God did to big brother.”

That surprised him, what was she talking about? What did she know?

“What do you mean by what God did to me?”

“Klem doesn’t remember very well, this one only remembers some pieces but… Klem knows for a fact that the scars big brother has were given from God. Klem also understands that must be the reason big brother has been in pain, but that is more of an instinct. Same with the races, Klem doesn’t know exactly why, but Klem feels instinctively that they are related to why God injured big brother.”

“That was… Surprisingly insightful, Klem.” He thought for a moment, “So the scars on my back were from God… The reason why isn’t clear but it’s somehow connected to the races…” But why would I resent them for it? I can only hope it isn’t because my past self was out to destroy them…

“Thank you, Klem. I suppose I will get more answers soon, but having even a small understanding does ease my mind just a little.”

“Klem is happy to help big brother how ever this one can!”

He gently pat her head, “Good job. Go ahead and go back to the inn with Edelgard, you should be in time for lunch with Rem and Shera.”

“Big brother’s not coming?”

He shook his head, “I have to go track down Emile, in my hurry I still haven’t told him we’re leaving in the morning. I also have something I need to do outside of town, so let the girls know I might not be back until pretty late.”

“Okay.” She pouted slightly.

He watched her make her way back to the inn with a sigh, So even Klem has fractured memories of sorts. Then the others… He shook his head and made his way to Emile’s usual haunt, he had told him not to leave town for a while so he was likely out with the usual suspects.

--

A chilly quiet fell over the table rather suddenly, few were aware of Diablo’s nature as a demon lord, but that did not change the flurry of rumors and stories that tended to circulate places like this tavern. So him approaching any table of patrons would bring with it an uneasy silence, and a hope the man wasn’t there for any of them.

To this table’s mix of relief and shock, Emile was easily hoisted out of his seat by the collar of his famous golden armor, “I’ll be borrowing this.” The one who easily grabbed him declared simply before Emile was wordlessly carried out of the tavern like a paper bag.

The moment the source of the chill left with Emile in hand, the tavern erupted in new rumors and questions… What could Emile have done to earn the ire of such a figure?

Unbeknownst to the patrons, the only thing going through Diablo’s mind at the time was how much he despised the crowd, and wanted to remove Emile from it quickly.

Emile was put down as soon as they were outside, where he adjusted his breastplate from the rather sudden ride, “Ah my friend! I know you detest the crowds but I wasn’t expecting to be spirited away so suddenly, haha!”

“Sorry, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with so many eyes and ears.”

“It’s no problem, my friend! I am already familiar with your mannerisms.” He laughed, “I consider it an honor. So then, what is it? Have you handled what ever it was that had you request I stay here?”

Diablo nodded, “It’s been dealt with, I expected some collateral damage but in the end things worked out for the best. But that’s not what I came by for.”

“Of course, of course. I, Emile Bichel Berger will aid you in any way I can!”

“I actually only came by to inform you we will be leaving for Zircon Tower in the morning, so you should go and prepare yourself.”

“I see, when you say soon you truly mean soon…”

“Don’t worry, I already made arrangements to keep Faltra safe in the meantime.”

“Ah… You truly think of everything my friend. In that case I will clear my worries from my mind and focus on my eagerness to meet this ally of yours!” Emile instantly cheered up, “If I might inquire; will we be traveling on foot?”

“Why would we make such a long trip on foot?”

“The capital long banned trade and travel with Zircon Tower, I’m not certain there are those willing to take the risk even with a large sum of coin.”

That took Diablo by surprise, “It was never my intention to use conventional travel anyway, even a carriage would take too long. But I was not aware of this ban… I recall Zircon Tower being rather lawless but to think the capital would go so far as to ban trade and travel with the only checkpoint in the desert… It must have degraded quite far.”

Emile looked confused for a moment, before giving a laugh, “My friend the Zircon Tower you recall must be hundreds of years in the past, and here I thought you wished to go there knowing full well the sort of place it is!” Emile gave him a hearty pat on the back.

Diablo’s brow furrowed, “What do you mean?”

“My friend, Zircon Tower has been exiled from the kingdom because it was labeled as a den of demon lord worship. The story goes that the church sent armies to try and destroy and purge the place multiple times in the distant past but they were soundly defeated; in the end the church deemed it too high a risk to continue trying and so the city itself was banished, no trade, no aid, nothing. I had thought a supposed den of demon lord worship was your goal if you were seeking your own memories.”

“I… Was unaware of such a development… It just so happens my old home of sorts is connected to Zircon Tower, my main goal was returning there.” There’s no way it’s because of my dungeon being there, right? “Wait, Emile… You were willing to follow me to a place you knew would have you marked an enemy of the capital if they found out you were there?”

“Of course! My friend my faith is in you, not in some church or kingdom!” He proudly banged a fist to his breastplate.

“Ah…” Diablo sighed and couldn’t help but give a slight smile, “Thanks Emile.”

--

Emile returned to his abode to prepare with the expectation that he and Diablo’s party would meet outside the city one hour after sunrise, plenty of time for breakfast as he had said. In the meantime, Diablo had one last errand to run, though he was unsure how long it would take.

It’ll draw a lot of attention but I want to get there as soon as possible… A week long carriage ride just isn’t an option.

Diablo approached a shop near the city gates, a place for traders and travelers alike to purchase carriages.

The young assistant to the elderly carpenter nudged the old man, “Hey boss, that guy looks like some kinda noble or something!” She whispered, “Should I give him a squeeze?”

The elderly man smacked the back of his assistant’s head swiftly, “Are you dense, girl? That’s a big demon with horns, haven’t you heard the stories around that guy?” He harshly whispered back.

She rubbed the back of her head with a pout, “I’ve been practicing in the shop boss, I don’t hear many rumors.”

“That’s the guy that single-handedly wiped out an entire army of fallen with one spell, then he went and took out the entire Greenwood military including some crazy demigod they summoned!” He whispered, “Some people are even saying he beat Faltra’s own soldiers and General Galford into submission. I don’t know about that last one but I wouldn’t want to mess with the guy who blew away hundreds of fallen like nothing so I believe it.”

“Isn’t that kind of hard to believe? Are you drunk already, boss?”

“It’s the truth you ungrateful brat!” He smacked the back of her head again, “Now get over there and act like an honest salesperson!”

The apprentice scurried over to Diablo, “W-Welcome sir!” She cleared her throat, “Is there anything in particular you’re looking for this fine afternoon?”

After hearing her talk about fleecing me, I’m kind of tempted to intimidate… He quietly shook the thought out of his mind, But I shouldn’t… Try not to look threatening…

“Yes, actually.” He grimaced a bit but swallowed it down, he hated talking to strangers still… “Just something enclosed, no need for anything fancy as long as the inside is comfortable.”

She looked back to her boss who made a threatening gesture, “Of course, then I’ll recommend this one here.” She led him over to a sleek looking carriage with a single window, “While the exterior is fairly standard, the interior boasts finer seating then the average of its kind. It’s quite soft for bumpy rides.”

“Sounds promising. What is the price?”

“It’s…” Her boss cleared his throat, drawing her attention again he made another threatening gesture before pointing down, “Ten…” She started but again her boss made another threatening gesture before pointing down with more emphasis, “Eight…?” Again he pointed down which made her give him a grimace, prompting him to gesture the number six, “Six…!?” She looked to Diablo who was opting to act as if the exchange wasn’t obvious before shakily clearing her throat, “Ahem… For you sir, s-six platinum pieces.”

He reached into his pouch and took out six platinum coins, “We do deliver as well for a small fee.” She practically muttered as she took the coins.

“There’s no need for that.” He looked to the carriage, “However…” Before looking to her boss, “Could I request you remove the wheels?”

Both looked confused for a moment, “Ah… We certainly could, but…”

“I’ll pay your delivery fee for them to be removed. They won’t be necessary.”

“Of course sir, the fee is just one platinum piece.” The old carpenter approached, tools in hand.

The pair worked quickly and the wheels were swiftly removed, “This will serve.” Diablo nodded.

“But how…?” They both began to question, but without a word Diablo lifted his pouch and the entire (now wheel-less) carriage was easily sucked inside, leaving both of them sputtering.

With that Diablo offered them both a nod and left.

--

“Now then…” Diablo landed near the outskirts of the Man-Eating Woods, “Let’s test my theory.” He reached for his pouch and the wheel-less carriage appeared.

He approached the carriage and placed a hand against it, “<Adzet>” With Diablo’s spell the carriage easily lifted itself off the ground which made him smile, “So it does work. The mana cost for something this size is high, but with my mana that won’t be an issue.”

He carefully guided it back to the ground and canceled the spell, “Now it’s just a matter of practice…” He declared as he sat in the coachman’s seat, muttering another <Adzet>.

Chapter Text

It was official, Sylvie definitely preferred Krebskulm to Diablo, how did she end up here favoring one demon lord over another?

There was a name and reputation tied to Klem, Diablo as a demon lord was completely unknown, but between the two of them Diablo had an... Aura about him, something beyond comprehension, but the kind of something you knew never to dare to try and get a better look at no matter how curious you might be. Klem on the other hand while she certainly carried the presence of a demon lord, she had an aura of innocence around her, truly like the child she appeared to be. Sylvie insisted she wouldn't let herself lower her guard against the small demon lord, but she had to admit she was cute, and a lot easier to deal with.

Diablo's aura made him extra difficult to deal with, the more she dealt with him the more Sylvie realized that he didn't actually seem to be doing it intentionally, but that perhaps made him all the more frightening... The fact that he wasn't trying to be intimidating or scary, just that he naturally commanded what ever space he was in, in a way, that made him more dangerous in her eyes. Everything he uttered felt like a demand, even if he may have intended it as a request that you could decline (if anyone was willing to decline a demon lord's request).

Klem on the other hand was cheerful, cute, and while she was still figuring out what manners were she was trying her best. Her “big brother” had told her to listen to Sylvie unless something seemed suspicious, and the cheery child followed eagerly, determined to receive praise from “big brother” for the good job she did when he returned. She even listened with great interest when Sylvie suggested she try saying things like “please” and “thank you” and for the love of all that is holy, knocking on her office door before entering.

With how unconditional Klem’s love and respect for her “big brother” seemed to be, Sylvie supposed she should consider it a sign of Diablo’s trust in her that he was willing to simply tell the little demon lord to “do what Sylvie says” without any further instruction, like it wasn't needed, like they could trust Sylvie would not abuse this authority.

Or maybe it was just that he trusted Sylvie wouldn't dare abuse this authority…

She could never really be sure with him.

In a way, Klem was a positive influence on Sylvie as much as Sylvie was a positive influence on her and Edelgard respectively. With the much more difficult to handle Diablo away, Sylvie’s interactions with a demon lord were now exclusively with the sweet and innocent Klem, gently easing a lot of her fears. It made her wonder how many of the demon lords were like Klem and Diablo, and if those that the demon lord cults worshiped were ones like Enkvarios, or ones like Diablo…

Visiting Gwyn the week before had put a lot on her mind, leaving her thinking back to when Enkvarios and the fallen attacked Faltra… Even if it was a day she would rather have forgotten…

--

They had heard the rumors that a demon lord had awakened, and seen the movements of the fallen as their territory spread closer and closer to Faltra. Perhaps it was their arrogance or they were simply being naive, but everything happened so fast…

Hundreds upon hundreds of fallen had gathered around Faltra, a tide of fallen blocking all four paths in or out of the city, it was clear they intended to prevent escape. Seeing the fallen cooperate like this was unheard of, let alone seeing this many in one place… But despite that the people of Faltra arrogantly laughed away the threat, all four guard posts retreated into the barrier to wait out the storm, it didn’t matter how many hundreds of fallen they brought to bare, a fallen would never be able to breach the barrier.

The thing that appeared was not a fallen…

It was huge, a giant mass of stringy pinkish gray tangled flesh, standing tall on crooked fleshy legs, how those decayed and fleshy limbs held the thing made little sense, but with its size it mattered little, it could clear plenty of ground in a single lumbering step. In place of arms was a distorted mess of twisted flesh that formed tentacle like appendages, four from where one would expect arms, and what seemed like a hundred more twitching and squirming from its back, as if tasting the air around its grotesque form. A face of tangled meat that lacked any features besides a pair of glowing slits and a gaping maw of crooked teeth.

The fallen without command moved aside and knelt for the thing…

Lord Enkvarios they had called the thing… A demon lord…

Everyone had fell back into the barrier confident it would hold, but at the sight of the thing… There were very few who remained confident… The nature of demon lords were mostly told in myths and whispers as the knowledge on them was held exclusively by the church, but one thing was always clear; the carnage and horror a single demon lord could bring.

Everyone understood the thing had to be stopped if they were to survive…

As it approached the city countless arrows and spells flew at it, but the arrows didn’t appear to effect the horrid mass at all, spells somehow stopped as if hitting a wall before turning right back on their casters, summoned beasts refused to emerge when called. Efforts to stop the thing were useless, it approached the barrier, its disgusting appendages colliding with the barrier as if testing the barrier’s strength.

Some felt relief seeing a dozen appendages hit the barrier with a squelch, no signs of the barrier giving way, but they were foolish… Despite its lack of discernible features, it somehow seemed to grin before it leaned its horrible face right up against the barrier and spread its maw wide… With a roar it unleashed a breath attack stronger than any dragon any of them had ever seen… A pillar of black and red washed over the barrier, the sky over Faltra became pitch black with flickers of dark red lightning, anyone who was foolish enough to feel hope for a brief moment quickly lost it all as the barrier began to crackle and began being eaten away by the evil flames.

The barrier shattered… And all hell broke loose…

As soon as the barrier was destroyed the thing backed away, bearing only a sadistic grin on its disgusting face as the fallen poured into Faltra. It didn’t help them, it could have destroyed them all after breaking the barrier, but it was intelligent enough to derive some sick pleasure from watching the races panic and struggle, so it only watched… Faltra would only be able to take a chance to fight back because the sadistic thing willed it. It appendages had scooped up its own soldiers as it moved away from the city, devouring its own servants to recover what ever energy it had spent shattering the barrier before idly watching the war rage on.

Sylvie, Galford, Gwyn, and an archer named Silik had adventured together for almost a decade, they fought all kinds of beasts, dragons, fallen, but nothing could have prepared any of them for this… But it didn’t matter, the four of them were the best shot Faltra had so they had to act, even if all they were doing was delaying the inevitable, maybe they could delay long enough for the Capital to grant them aid.

…

But the Capital never did… They made it clear in their response they didn’t intend to either… Faltra would be a sacrifice, a sacrifice to buy the next major cities time to prepare for the coming nightmare.

Their stalling had been for nothing… They fought so hard, pressed on even after a fallen the thing had enhanced devoured Silik, there was no time to mourn, they had to hold on, hold on until the Capital received word and sent aid, hold on until the Mage’s Association prepared something, anything.

No one was coming to help them…

They were abandoned, the Capital delivering a bull shit message about Faltra’s great sacrifice, declaring their party leader, Galford, the lord of a doomed city, the Mage’s Association making no effort to restore the barrier and choosing to help their oh so important council flee from the city.

They would die in Faltra, their home. They would die as nothing more than a plaything for a sadistic thing before it callously moved on to repeat the cycle.

They battled the fallen endlessly, slayed countless numbers of them as their master watched without a care, nothing but joy at the race’s suffering. This would never end unless that thing was brought down… But they were tired, so tired… They couldn’t phase it when things first started, how could they do anything now that they were on their last legs?

And finally, the thing moved… Its fun over, the mortals giving up and no longer scurrying about for its amusement, it was finally time to end their misery.

But then there was a flash, no one saw what happened, what did it, or who, but suddenly there was a gaping wound through the thing’s chest. The sadistic smirk had finally left its face and somehow had been replaced with fear… No, not just fear, it was horror, sheer and complete terror as great as what they had felt when it had shattered the barrier.

It collapsed, flailing its hundreds of appendages to get away from what ever had injured it so suddenly, but there was another flash and a horrible shriek that echoed for miles, and the thing was gone. It had been critically injured and was suddenly gone like it had been spirited away by some incredible force.

Faltra hushed into shock and confusion, before erupting into a second wind. The thing was gone, the fallen without a master were disorganized, and Faltra suddenly, so suddenly was given the chance to put up a fight that meant something.

Sylvie woke from the nightmare she had repeated all to often, sweating, but this time she couldn’t help but laugh.

“To think the only reason we lived that day… Was because another demon lord showed up and so decisively cut down Enkvarios not a soul saw it happen.” She shook her head and laughed at the irony.

Even if she had no idea what Diablo’s assumed true form looked like, she couldn’t help but see that thing within him, though she supposed in a literal sense, it was now.

She could only snort at her own bad joke.

Her deep seated trauma from that day would never go away, and while Galford hid it well she knew he must have felt it too still. But Diablo and Klem were different…

Even though Diablo had likely saved Faltra that day by sheer coincidence, thirty years later he saved it twice while of sound mind, and even arranged to continue to keep it safe while he was away. And now…

“I should have some snacks with Klem, I bet she could help ease my fear and tell me more about him.” She looked out her bedroom window, “And… Maybe when they get back… I should thank him.”

Chapter Text

Despite her child-like personality and appearance, Klem understood why she couldn’t go with them to Zircon Tower, and that traveling with the current Diablo would just cause him to be in pain again. So she didn’t beg or plead to tag along when the time came for them depart, though she couldn’t fully hide her sad expression when she said goodbye to her big brother, and her new friends. Though he only acted like he cared about Rem, Shera, and Emile, Klem understood that Faltra was starting to mean a lot to him too, so she would do the best job ever making sure it was safe and helping Sylvie. After all, Faltra had quickly become their home.

Diablo had left a bit early while Rem and Shera ate breakfast to “prepare” however they were getting there, he still hadn’t said anything about it. It was strange to be traveling again after so long in Faltra for both Rem and Shera, but this time they would be traveling with friends, and that filled both of them with a newfound excitement to adventure to somewhere new, both of them had traveled to this point only out of fear and necessity… And while for Diablo this journey was indeed a necessary one, for them both it was one they chose to go on to support their friend. Like this they felt more like an adventuring party then ever before. In a way, it was exciting.

Diablo gave Emile an exasperated look as the warrior arrived at their meeting place, “Are you planning to build a home in Zircon Tower?” He questioned.

Emile; who had a heavy trunk in his hands, bags almost as big as he was strapped to either shoulder, a third even larger one balancing on top of the two on his shoulders, and a fourth small one balancing on that, gave a laugh as he put down the trunk, “You can never be too prepared my friend! No one has been inside Zircon Tower so I could not be sure what to expect, or how long I might be staying there.”

“But I never told you how we were traveling… What if you weren’t able to bring all that?” Diablo resisted putting his hands over his face.

“Given where we’re going I had assumed we would be traveling by foot, carrying this much is not a problem for a level seventy warrior!”

“So you were just planning to carry all of that for a months’ trip?”

“Of course! I even assured the top of my trunk was cleared so I could aid in carrying any camping supplies!” Emile gave one of his signature sparkling salutes.

Diablo gave a sigh and could no longer resist dragging a hand down his face in resignation, “Suddenly I think I understand why you travel solo…” Before approaching Emile and grabbing at his bags while opening his pouch which easily took in each of his bags, before collecting his trunk as well.

“Incredible!” Emile marveled, “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you’d have such an incredible item my friend, but it’s amazing never the less.”

Diablo shook his head with a sigh before adjusting the pouch once more, and the modified carriage appeared, “I’m in a hurry myself to get there, so traveling on foot was never going to be the plan.”

“A horseless carriage? I am curious to see what interesting way you have planned, my friend.”

Rem and Shera arrived right on time, approaching to the sound of Rem nagging Shera for taking too long at breakfast.

“So everyone is here then. We can begin.” Diablo noted.

“Uhm, Diablo… What is that?” Rem asked pointing at the wheel-less carriage.

“This is our means of travel for the time being, you’ll see for yourselves shortly.” He turned his attention to Shera, “Can you summon your Sylph?”

Shera gave an excited nod before tossing the stone on the ground, “Lif!” She called out.

“You’ve named it?” Diablo rose a brow.

“Of course!” She declared proudly as the wind spirit did a twirl, “She’s a friend now too so she needed a name, I picked one while I was practicing working with her and she seemed to like it.”

“I see, I am glad you are getting along with your new summon. Then can you have Lif create a pocket of air inside the carriage?”

“Okay!” She then turned to Lif, “Can you do it?” The little spirit gave a nod before raising its arms and calling on the air around them, after a moment there was a thin wall of wind that could be seen through the window and door.

“Well done, this will work perfect, she’ll be riding with you to maintain the pocket.”

“We’ll do our best!” Shera declared excitedly.

With that Diablo sat down in the coachman’s seat, “We’ll be rather high up to avoid unnecessary attention, so each of you will need that to breathe. Get in and get comfortable.”

“I don’t know what I expected but I’m not surprised…” Rem muttered before climbing in first.

Once everyone was situated and the door closed Diablo muttered, “<Adzet>” And just like that the carriage began to quickly climb into the air until it reached the clouds.

“Incredible… Never had I imagined I would be flying in a carriage like this. My friend never ceases to amaze.” Emile marveled, gazing out the window.

“Honestly I thought he was planning to carry us all there, I’m glad he came up with something else.” Rem sighed.

“Let’s do our best, Lif!” Shera cheered on her Sylph.

Diablo looked back a bit, “We’ll be moving rather fast, so make sure you’re ready.”

Everyone nodded and with that Diablo shifted his mana to move them towards Zircon Tower…

Along the couple of hours flight Diablo weighed if it would be best to visit the city proper first, or to head directly to his dungeon. Something was drawing him to both, he knew he wanted to reach his dungeon and see what he could find, but for some reason he felt as though the city itself was extremely important. It was something on his mind before, a nagging feeling telling him it was important to stop by the city, but then Emile informed him the place was not what he remembered… That it was a den of demon lord worship, and that nagging feeling became more aggressive, he felt that if the church had marked the place as condemned then it meant there was something significant there, something that would shed light on matters concerning himself. For some reason that convinced him the city itself would show more promise then his dungeon.

And besides, his memories of the place were fractured as well, the layout of his own dungeon became a blur in his mind, unable to recall most of the place. That made the choice clear… They would visit Zircon Tower itself first and foremost.

And as Zircon Tower came into view he knew he made the right call…

The place absolutely radiated mana, it was like suddenly gazing at the sunrise and he had to quickly block out the extreme mana.

Somehow the mana radiating from the place was significantly greater than his own...

Chapter Text

Considering the extreme amount of mana emanating from the place, perhaps landing a little ways away for the sake of not drawing too much attention was pointless, but Diablo at least felt it was important to start on the right foot for a change. So they landed and unloaded from the carriage just a mile or two away and made the rest of the trip on foot. While he normally couldn’t be bothered with professionalism for those who considered themselves above others; he felt this place was important enough that he should at the very least make an effort, reminding himself over and over to be patient with the guards as they approached the city.

Even at a glance this place was far different from what he recalled, the Zircon Tower in his mind was a lawless place, a desert town that struggled to stay afloat while a so-called city leader lived in luxury, a prime target for fallen and bandit attacks alike, a place that was perfect for mercenaries and thieves. This… This was an oasis of magic in the desert. A circle of archery towers was around the city, providing the magi-gunners inside a full view of the city as well as the area around to handle outside and inside threats quickly, each archery tower also held a Devil Eye, a level seventy summoned beast that specialized in wide area of effect fire magic, not a creature that could handle powerful targets, but if an army attacked they would certainly handle hundreds of basic troops. Between each tower there were small guard posts to act as inspection points, each post appeared to have two warrior-type guards, behind them a sorcerer.

On top of all that, the vast majority of these guards were demons and dark elves. There were a few human guards, but almost every single one of them was a demon or a dark elf proudly on display, actually seeing both those races was rare enough, but even when they were found in populated areas they both tended to hide themselves in cloaks, bandages, or other heavy clothing.

But perhaps the most shocking thing… There was a barrier… Zircon Tower was not supposed to have a barrier.

As they approached the guard post to enter the city properly each of the guards clearly tensed, though not out of hostility or even fear… It was the sort of tension one would see when an excited child was sternly told to sit down quietly for a moment. And it wasn’t just them, Diablo could feel the same eyes on them from those in the nearest archery tower.

It was strange.

Seeming to realize they were being waited on, the dark elf warrior cleared her throat, “Ah, um… Are the four of you a group?”

Diablo gave a nod, “That’s right.”

Each of the guards flinched with his words as if struck, “N-No problem m- uh… Sir. I-If you could give us just a moment our sorcerer will attune your group to the barrier so you can pass.”

“Attune? So the barrier here isn’t like the major cities?” Rem questioned.

Diablo shook his head, “No it is quite clear this is completely different.”

The demon sorcerer gave a nod, “Attuning is complete. Welcome to Zircon Tower.”

With how guarded the place was, and with what Emile had said about it, Diablo was expecting to face some resistance, but they easily let him and his party in without so much as asking a single question.

It was strange.

Entering the city proper, Diablo’s attention was immediately drawn to the ground. Throughout the city there were channels made from cobblestone connecting at various points, mana flowing through it like a creek.

It wasn’t something that occurred to him, but as soon as he saw it he recognized the intent, “Incredible…” He marveled.

“What’s up Diablo?” Shera questioned.

“These channels throughout the city’s grounds, they’ve created one giant magic sigil encompassing the entire city, directing a flow of mana through it to create the barrier. Such a simple yet creative solutions I wouldn’t have even considered it…” He mumbled, "Though the mana itself… It’s potent, extremely potent, these channels contain traces of that immense mana that nearly overwhelmed my senses.”

“This place seems to have a lot of mage types, could they have a hundred of them all channeling mana into this or something?” Rem tried.

Diablo shook his head, “No… This signature, this is the mana of a single being…” He narrowed his eyes, “But the color…”

It was strange.

He shook his head, We’re here and this place is something else… But now that we’re here I’m not quite sure where to begin, I don’t know if it’s the weight of this mana or something else but now that we’re here, the instincts that have been sort of directing me have gone quiet.

He looked to the tower itself for which the city was named; This mana is strongest inside the Zircon Tower itself, maybe that’s the best place to start.

Diablo paused and looked around, “Although…”

There was something… Unusual about the people here, and not just that they consisted mostly of races that were rarely seen.

They were being watched. Well that wasn’t entirely true, more specifically he was being watched, he could feel eyes upon him from every which way, but if he looked towards those staring at him they either hid away or tried to appear as if they had never been staring. But he felt no malice, there was no ill intent behind the eyes watching him, in fact he mostly felt like they were excited (much like the guards) or extremely interested. Really it was like they were desperately trying not to stare, but simply couldn’t help themselves.

Though for some reason he found he didn’t really mind.

It was strange.

“For a place the church labeled a den of demon lord worship, it seems rather ordinary here, doesn’t it?” Rem observed, “If not… Unique.”

“It seems to be less a city of demon lord worship and more a city of mages.” Emile nodded in agreement, “I cannot help but wonder what the true reason this place was exiled for is.”

“Maybe they just changed their ways and are trying to get back in the capital’s good graces.” Shera said optimistically, “I mean, look!” She pointed to a building in the distance, “That’s the grandest church I’ve ever seen!”

“That does most certainly appear to be a large church…” Diablo looked towards where she had pointed, “But given the detail it had to have been built a long time ago, plus all this magic structure isn’t something that happened recently. Regular soldiers are armed with magi-guns and even magic equipment, the circle alone that forges their barrier must be centuries old. And…” His eyes fell back to the large church, “That’s no ordinary church… The ones built by the church of the capital are mostly uniform they follow a specific architecture, that one is very different from those.” Diablo explained, “I’m a bit surprised you even recognized it was one, Shera.”

“I didn’t know it was unusual. When I was little we visited the dark elves and they had a small church that looked a lot like that.”

“I see, perhaps their belief is something different after all that the capital doesn’t like…”

The building in question was the second largest building in the city, after the Tower itself, but it did not possess the towering steeple, rather it was a far more circular building with a vast dome for a roof. It also didn’t posses the usual white and gold painting and details, instead the building was a striking combination of dark blues and purples, despite the desert sun however the colors had not faded, it was clear it was regularly maintained. What ever faith these people had, they held it in very high regards.

“I’ve never heard of demon lord worshipers building churches.” Rem noted, “What did the dark elves worship in their church?” She asked Shera.

“I dunno. I wasn’t allowed to leave my father’s side while we were there, when I think about it though it looked pretty new.” She thought hard.

“I guess we’ll find out while we’re here then, I admit I am quite curious!” Emile declared.

“For now let’s head to the tower proper, perhaps we will find what I’m looking for there.” Diablo continued forward towards the elegant tower.

People continued to stare but avoid, but despite that there was never a guard that tried to question them, and when they reached the base of the tower the several guards posted there didn’t bat an eye as they approached, clearly intending to let them through without issue. It was clear it was a force meant to stop intruders, but they seemed to have no intention of stopping these ones.

It was strange.

It was as if the whole place was expecting them.

As they approached the tower the large doors opened and they were greeted by a familiar but unexpected face, “Lord Diablo, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Alicia greeted them with a bow and a big smile.

“A-Alicia!?” Rem and Shera both stammered.

“Forgive me this was probably a sudden reunion.” She said with a warm smile, “But we’ve been expecting you, I’m so happy you’ve made it.”

Chapter Text

“Wait, what do you mean you’ve been expecting us? What are you even doing here? I thought this place was condemned by the capital, why would an imperial knight…!?” Rem began to question in shock.

“Lady Rem, all will be answered soon. I understand your confusion but it was my hope not to lay on too much to suddenly, that’s why I asked the others to resist approaching your group.” She smiled.

“So then you did know much more then you had let on back in Faltra. I do not appreciate being deceived.” Diablo narrowed his eyes.

“I… Please forgive me… I did not wish to deceive you Lord Diablo, but once I confirmed who you are and when you said your memories were missing I was not sure how to approach. It was when you mentioned your plans to come here, to Zircon Tower that I began to understand what I needed to do.”

“I see, then I expect you to be fully honest from now on.” He lectured.

Alicia nodded confidently, “Yes, that was my intention, and that is why I returned here to meet you. A familiar face to carefully explain seemed like the best choice.”

“But, that doesn’t explain what an imperial knight of all things would be doing here.” Rem pressed.

Alicia scoffed at that, “I am an imperial knight in name only, my loyalty lies elsewhere.”

“So you’re a spy.”

“To a degree that would be accurate to say. But my history is not what Lord Diablo came here for, is it? So please, come with me and I’ll share everything I can.”

Diablo gave a firm nod, “No more distractions then, I would know everything.”

She nodded and led them inside the Zircon Tower, “We’ll begin here, within the Zircon Tower.” She led them through a short hallway, unlocking and opening the heavy doors at its end.

“This… This is the source of that mana… No, it’s more accurate to say this is that mana.” Diablo noted as they entered the room.

They had been led into a room that could only be described as an indoor lake, a vast gap in the earth that had been carefully built around, but it was not water in this large lake; it was mana, or more appropriately it was blood that was so incredibly infused with mana it could easily be mistaken for being just the latter.

“Yes, this place is the blessing responsible for our barrier that protects us from even fellow mortals. It is also what enables us to forge magic-equipment reliably, though we prefer to avoid using it carelessly.” Alicia explained, “I show you this because how it got here is essential to the story I recovered from the books the Church had intended to destroy, as well as the words of those few alive who know more history then us mortals can imagine.”

“Very well then.” Diablo turned away from the lake, “Say your piece.”

She gave a bow, “Then I will begin.”

It is something that has long been forgotten by most, and certain groups would ensure everyone forgets, but this world had two gods, Creation and Destruction two balancing forces. Though for the second god, Destruction was simply a title, his role was more of an equalizer to Creation so he has had many titles over the years, The God of Destruction, The Demon God, The God of Magic, what have you. A god who could create but not destroy, and a god who could destroy but not create, such was their nature. As forces to balance one another our world was prosperous and peaceful, Creation forged the races, bore gifts and elevated our kind, while Destruction moved disasters and the like to ensure we remained strong. After all creation unabated breeds excess, complacency and apathy, it is loss that brings about personal growth, war that breeds innovation, too much creation brings destruction, and too much destruction ends all things. It was their well maintained balance that enabled early life on this world to be prosperous and peaceful.

However, that balance would not remain.

Destruction was rather fond of the beings that Creation forged, he did not mind that they did not worship him or that most feared him, he found them simply fascinating. He cherished them greatly, and while his role was primarily destruction he was not a cruel being so he took great care in fulfilling his role as soft handed as possible. Destruction is what he may have been called, but in truth he was a rather gentle being, though it need be said that a god is still a god, and incurring one’s wrath would be foolish.

Creation on the other hand, perhaps true to his role, with time felt apathetic towards his own creations, and began to grow bored of them. After all creation on our world has been automated in a fashion, he created beings capable of free thought, of breeding, of building, so as time went on he was needed less and less, and with Destruction’s fondness for his creations being so great his soft handed way of delivering his role meant Creation was never needed to rebuild. The mortals still worshiped Creation, of course, but that wasn’t enough anymore, he was bored, and that boredom grew to resentment, and that resentment grew to action.

He could not destroy, but he could create. So create he did…

Creation began forging those we do not recognize as races, the beast-man tribes like orcs and kobolds, making them far stronger than the races he had forged originally and giving them a resentment for his own creations.

Seeing this, Destruction simply fulfilled his role as an equalizing force and blessed the races with mana and the knowledge of magic so they would be capable of fighting this new foe. In truth Destruction thought nothing of it at the time, perhaps Creation wanted to automate destruction the way his creations had automated creation. He did not mind if that was the case, it meant he may no longer need to play a hand in destroying what the interesting little creatures had worked so hard to build, if anything it made him admire them more seeing the way they learned to use his blessing to fight, forging countless new methods to use it, the way they stood fast against this new foe. Perhaps Creation was looking to understand Destruction’s admiration for the mortals, after all Destruction was the only one who saw first hand the way the mortals rose up every time he had to play his part, the way they came together against all odds to recover and help one another, the way they were able to elevate hope eve in the most dire circumstances.

But Destruction was naive, or perhaps simply too hopeful.

Seeing the mortals were now able to resist, Creation only grew more resentful, so he began to forge monsters, beings stronger than even the beast-men he had created who would be drawn to kill mortals.

So Destruction once again took action. He was not a being of creation, but he was a god of immense magic power and an endless well of mana, so he used his magic to gift mortals with monsters of their own; the summoned beasts. He created every summoned beast there is and developed the concept of summoning them from the realm of magic into our world, this too he gifted to mortal kind.

But this time Destruction realized something more was going on then what he had assumed, so he knew he had to confront Creation.

“This is where the legends grow hazy and there is someone I would like to introduce you to who may be able to fill in more details here. But I will still share what I know.” Alicia paused, waiting for Diablo’s confirmation.

He had questions of course, but he nodded for her to continue.

The method on how it was done or what exactly was used is unknown, though it is suspected it was some type of blade forged by Creation.

When Destruction made to confront Creation he was ambushed, we believe that Creation could not truly face or destroy Destruction so instead he shattered his very being. Nine blows were delivered by Creation, each one ripped something from Destruction, weakening him certainly but also breaking him down, Creation’s goal was to ensure whatever remained of Destruction would be little more than a wild animal.

Nine blows delivered, nine pieces torn out.

Though Creation had plans for those fragments, what better to use to destroy his own creations so he could start over then to use the very essence of Destruction’s being?

So those nine fragments were used as the catalyst to forge nine Demon Lords, he then used those components to create new monsters with much more of a power to destroy then anything he could create alone; the fallen.

But his work wasn’t quite complete, he needed to ensure that Destruction would not be able to return, after all the shattering of his being was not perfect, it was possible for him to heal if he were to recover his own fragments. So Creation cast Destruction down to the desert, a desert with at the time a small bandit town to its name. Yes, this lake of mana is the blood that was shed from the wounded Destruction, moments before the last of his own being was gone.

It was Creation’s hope that such a barren place would prevent anyone from approaching, he never did understand his own creations.

So he built a huge dungeon, a tomb here in this desert where he could bury the wounded Destruction for eternity.

With Destruction buried in a dungeon in the middle of nowhere Creation took the fragments, the Demon Lords, and tormented them, he wanted to ensure the fragments of Destruction did not share his compassion for the races, he needed them to hate us. When he felt they were ready they were given in their sealed states to each of the races, his own creations, to await their recovery then he would watch as they destroyed everything.

But Creation once again did not understand his own creations, there were those who had worshiped Destruction, they gathered here to create Zircon Tower and continued to study magic even as Creation tried to dispose of it.

“As you may have guessed by now, the church here in Zircon Tower does not worship Creation, but Destruction. Those of the capital heavily worship and are closely connected to Dios; Creation, many high ranking officials of the Lyferian Church have heard from Dios directly. Here, however, we worship only Destruction, the God of Magic, the Original Demon Lord… Lord Diablo.”

Chapter Text

“That’s… That’s not funny, Alicia.” Rem objected.

“I don’t think she was making a joke, Rem…” Shera said softly.

“She wasn’t. It’s true, all of it. While I still can’t remember; I can feel it without a doubt.”

“You don’t seem surprised by this news, my friend.” Emile noted.

Bull shit I’m not surprised! But what do you even expect me to say about something like this? “It is… Something I suppose to learn of my own nature. But I guess I am mostly relieved, relief that my desire to consume the demon lords and fallen likely stems from a need to restore myself, as opposed to a more animalistic desire.” And that’s also true… Being told you’re a god is a lot to take in, but at the very least I am relieved to know that instinct isn’t as dangerous as it felt. And from the sounds of it my past self wasn’t any threat to mortals, though… I should take that with a grain of salt considering Alicia and these people apparently worship me… Now that’s a thought. But the Church of Lyferia probably tells its own version, and who’s to say which one is true? Though I think I understand those feelings of resentment I’ve been feeling… He grabbed at his chest and willed the all too familiar ache away, If some part of me remembers making these stands for mortal’s sake… But why would I only now start feeling this way?

“You’ve been doing that more and more lately, Diablo…” Rem slowly pointed out, “It’s getting worse.”

“It’s none of your concern.” He said sharply, but quickly softened his tone, “I… Wouldn’t say worse, just… More frequent, if anything I’m getting more adapted to it.”

“That’s not…” She tried.

“Ah… Lord Diablo, if I may.” Alicia interjected.

“What is it?”

“It was my hope not to relay too much to quickly, but I believe perhaps it would be more harmful to continue to delay things. There is someone in the city I can introduce you to that may know how to aid you.” She adjusted her glasses, “It was my intent to introduce you after a few days but I see that now would be best… If that is your wish.”

“And why were you planning to wait?”

Alicia seemed to flinch with that, “Ah… This person is a seer, of sorts and informed me that it would be best not to possibly overwhelm you. Not that it would be possible to overwhelm you, Lord Diablo! He did not elaborate much but… I trust his opinion.”

“A seer is it? How interesting…” Diablo thought for a moment, “However the luxury of time is not something I feel I have, so you will take me to this seer.”

“Of course, though I must sincerely apologize, matters regarding this seer are rather… Strict and secretive, so I will have to request that your companions stay behind.”

I don’t really know what to expect so I think it’s better this way, besides, having them here makes me feel as if I need to be the one to maintain my composure. “That is for the best.”

“Then you are all free to use the suite at the top of the tower, there is a full bedroom with plenty of room for all of you, as well as a luxury bathroom and plenty of other amenities. This room is the only one that is off limits and will be locked.”

“We’re staying here, in the actual Zircon Tower?” Shera was wide-eyed.

“Of course, only the best for Lord Diablo’s companions.” Alicia smiled, “There is a full service staff here as well if you would like food or anything else.”

“Alright! Let’s go check it out Rem!” Shera pulled her along.

“W-Wait!”

Emile laughed, “Well then my friend, I suppose for now I bid you farewell.” Before turning to follow the girls.

“Then if you would come with me, Lord Diablo.”

“Very well, lead the way then.”

--

“If I may…” Alicia eventually spoke up during the walk.

“What is it?”

“I was curious… When you recover your fragments and return to your full might, what do you intend to do?”

“I can’t say. I’ve heard your story and it weighs on my mind, but I’m afraid without any memories your words are meaningless. As if you told me a story about someone who I do not know.”

She stopped walking for a moment, “I see… I suppose it is unfair of me to assume you would simply accept everything I have told you. But…”

“Besides.” Diablo stopped her, “I do not exactly intend to consume the others. Well, I have a strong instinct to I suppose, but that is neither here nor there.”

“You really don’t…? Ah…” She shook her head, “Then what of Krebskulm? She was in Faltra, was she not? When I realized who you were I assumed Krebskulm was the reason you were there with Lady Rem.”

“So, you knew Krebskulm was inside of Rem?”

“I knew she was in Faltra, and I knew the history of the black-fur pantherians who housed her, considering how rare ones with pure black fur are I had simply come to the logical conclusion when I met your group.”

“I see… I released Krebskulm from her seal, but she is currently residing in Faltra with the name Klem.”

“Then you didn’t…!?”

“No, she proved she posed no threat to the races so at Rem’s request I let her be.”

“I… It seems I have done nothing but misunderstand your intentions, Lord Diablo.” She gave a deep bow, “Please forgive me.”

He simply walked past her, “It is of little consequence. Are you going to take me to this seer or not?” He asked impatiently.

“Ah, of course, my apologies.” She did a little jog to catch back up to him, “This way; we can find the seer at the church.”

Alicia seemed deep in thought the remainder of the walk and didn’t speak up again…

It’s true that I’ve felt a hatred towards what I now understand is God, or Dios, but this still doesn’t feel real to me… Maybe it’ll hit me if I recover my memories at some point, but it’s true that I feel like I’ve heard the story of a stranger, even if deep in my own mind I know it’s the truth. I have no idea what to expect from this seer, but at the very least I am curious, and I’m still desperate for some kind of answer…

He looked up at the magnificent building she led him to, “I would think for a secretive seer, dwelling in a prominent church would defeat the purpose.”

Alicia gave a slight laugh, “You’re right, but while most are aware the seer is here, here being within the city, no one knows that he lives under the church.” She led him inside and approached the pulpit, “Given the respect around this place it’s quite perfect for hidden rooms, no one would even consider snooping. I admit I felt conflicted when the knowledge was passed down to me, but there is nothing nefarious, I assure you.” She tapped her foot along the edge of the pulpit in a very meticulous pattern before there was a loud click, and the stars leading to the top of the platform shifted back, revealing a trap door, “It is more for the security of the seer that this hidden space was built.” She gestured to the trap door, “I’m afraid even I am restricted on visiting the place, and besides I believe you both will have a lot to discuss in private.”

Diablo looked at the trap door for a long moment… He could feel the way the mana below reached out to him, It can’t be…

“Will you remain here, then?” He slowly asked Alicia.

She shook her head, “I’ll head back to the tower proper to ensure your companions are settling in okay. There is an exit below that leads back to the tower.”

“Very well then.” He took a pause, “I appreciate you accommodating them…”

“Of course, Lord Diablo.” She gave a bow and left him alone.

Diablo remained gazing down at the trap door for a moment longer…

The mana hummed gently through the trapdoor, beckoning him, but also introducing itself…

It was a familiar mana, a brilliant and beautiful metallic green, but tainted with streaks of gray, surrounded by a familiar thin layer of black.

It was a gentle mana, wise, a feeling one might expect from some gentle and ancient being that sits down to share its wisdom on an unassuming park bench, yet stained with a deep seeded sense of loneliness. The unassuming old man that shares untold wisdom to anyone who sits next to him on the bench may do so out of kindness and good will, but also because he is isolated and alone.

Just a few weeks ago if he saw this mana, felt the way it gently reached out to him, Diablo would not have recognized it, known only what he saw and that it was certainly strong… But he understood a lot more then he did even just a few weeks ago, just having Klem around made him realize a lot of things.

Made him realize that he did in fact recognize this mana without ever opening the door, so he responded to its call, not by overwhelming it with his own mana, but greeting it with its owner’s name before even meeting them. Letting him know that at the very least, his brother understood who he was.

“… Iankaroz.”

Chapter Text

Finally, Diablo opened the trap door and headed down the stairs, the hidden entrance closing behind him.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs he was greeted by an elderly demon sitting in the middle of the room as if meditating, his silver hair was past his shoulders and he had a long well kept beard to match, he wore a simple but heavy brown robe, a tattered blindfold over his eyes, though what drew the most attention was the way his shadow extended to the wall behind him, pitch black and filled with countless eyes, each eye held three irises all of which shifted to look at Diablo. But the hundreds of eyes blinked and immediately vanished, the room appearing normal, and the elderly man appearing no different from an old demon man.

“My apologies.” The old demon slowly stood, “It’s been so long I wished to get a proper look at you.” As he fully stood he leaned his weight forward onto a rough wooden cane, “It is good to see you, eldest brother.” He said with a warm smile.

“When Alicia told me I’d be meeting a seer, I can’t say I expected a demon lord.”

Iankaroz gave a warm chuckle, “No I suppose you wouldn’t, after all most of our brethren are… Unmanageable.” Iankaroz moved across the room with the feeble walk one would expect for his appearance, but moved as if he could see perfectly fine through the tattered blindfold.

“I’m more surprised to find that three of you have been freed.” Diablo noted as Iankaroz prepared some tea.

“Four, I’m afraid.”

Diablo rose a brow, “You’re not counting me, are you?”

Iankaroz shook his head with a somber laugh, “Sadly, no, it was a long time ago far longer than you recovering Enkvarios, so I understand why you don’t remember.” He sighed as he readied two tea cups, “Modinaram was released almost immediately after Dios locked you away, he was slain by your knight, but because he was slain rather than sealed back up, he remains free and will return with a vengeance when he finally fully recovers.”

“I see… How did you end up here then?” Diablo asked as he was handed a teacup.

“The demons brought me here.” Iankaroz said as he sat at a small table, gesturing for Diablo to join him, “Each of us were handed off to one of the races, I was given to the demons, who when they heard of this place many of their number gathered here taking my seal with them.” He explained as Diablo sat across from him, “It is possible I maintained my sanity because of my recollection of the truth, but I also believe it is just as likely that it was because they used your mana to release me.”

“With that lake under Zircon Tower.”

“Precisely. I requested this sanctum be built for me down here to isolate myself from the people of Zircon Tower. Ah, but not because I did not enjoy their company, in fact I rather miss it…” He trailed off.

“Then why did you choose to live down here in secret?”

“Because the gift I have as your eyes. That willful girl called me a seer and that is true, I certainly possess your gift of foresight, but it is not the kind that mere mortals should possess. Even when you were whole the foresight was not perfect, I can only see that which is fated to pass and cannot be delayed or halted. There were many devotees above that wished to see that which is yet to come, but for most all they see is future tragedies that cannot be stopped. I wished to move to this solitude because of my own weakness, I wanted nothing more than to fulfill their wishes, but doing so only brought them lifetimes of pain trying to find a way to prevent something that was fated to pass… So I chose to live in isolation.”

“Weak indeed.” Diablo scoffed, but then gave a sigh, “Though if you are all simply pieces of me; it is a weakness you inherited from me. I also find it difficult to turn away requests from those I care for, even if it might be dangerous for them.”

Iankaroz gave a small chuckle as he sipped his tea, “If only we all inherited your compassion.”

“Since you seem to be so aware of the others; how many of you would you say are like this?”

“Just myself and Krebskulm, I’m afraid… It is not as though all of the others are lacking in intelligence, though some are certainly in that position, but that their resentment and anger are too great to be reasoned with, even if you were to release them personally.”

“A resentment I’ve been becoming more familiar with myself lately…” Diablo muttered.

“Yes, I suspected that is why you came to see me. While it is nice to talk like this, you came here for a reason.”

“Yes… I was a bit skeptical when Alicia suggested a seer after noticing part of my problem for herself, but perhaps you’d be best for this after all.”

“That which I do not know I can often see.” Iankaroz chuckled, “I will do what I can.”

Diablo gazed down into the teacup between his hands for a long while before giving a heavy sigh, “More and more lately I’ve felt as if I’m… Losing myself. It began with memories fading, before I was summoned there was something else, but I rapidly forgot what that was… But I didn’t gain any memories of myself in exchange so all I did was lose what ever that was, I don’t remember what it was but I feel as if losing it isn’t good. After losing those memories I started to feel a creeping sense of anger, a budding resentment that more recently has been growing louder and louder.” He let out a heavy sigh, “I’ve tried to hide it from the others but… Fighting off those feelings of resentment and anger has been creating an intense pain in my chest, the more I shake those feelings away, the more often I feel that pain, and the more intense it gets.” He clenched the teacup and gave another sigh, “I don’t understand what it is, but I feel that it’s bad… Extremely bad… And so far my instincts haven’t been wrong.”

“I understand… Having taken a proper look when you arrived, I know exactly what you speak of, and I’m afraid you are right, if it is not dealt with it would be catastrophic.”

Diablo gave a light snort, “I’m not sure if that makes me feel better, or worse.”

“It’s rather solvable actually, but in order to understand I need to first tell you about the plans you had made before your being was broken.”

That immediately drew Diablo’s attention, “Plans?”

“Of course, there is a reason Dios had to resort to cowardly tactics, after all.” Iankaroz chuckled, “If you would allow, it shouldn’t take long to explain.”

“Very well then, go on.”

“I remember it quite well, I already told you how our foresight is restricted to events that cannot be prevented; before you approached Dios regarding his attempts to wipe out his own creations you foresaw his betrayal. Knowing you could not stop the betrayal from happening, or from your being getting torn apart, you instead devised a plan for a future that was not yet fated. Dios would likely seek to keep your mind and heart from you as much as possible, without your mind you would be unable to function, and without your heart you would forget your compassion and go mad. But you would not be able to separate them without Dios realizing something was amiss, so you took a tiny fragment of both, so small they could pass for human, and sent them away across the realms themselves where Dios could never dream of finding them, they likely settled into a being from what ever realm they landed in. You then sent a message to your knight to prepare a particular summoning ritual, one that would be able to call those fragments back to this realm and return them to your body. I do not know the specifics but it required a particular catalyst as well as for your mind to be restored before it would activate, which is why you only returned recently. You ensured you would remain asleep in the dungeon Dios intended to seal you in until your mind, Enkvarios was found. Your memories that faded were likely the memories of the mortal that became your heart and mind, I cannot say for certain but I suspect the fragment of your mind you recovered had some complications re-integrating, creating a hole, so to speak. It should recover without issue as you restore more of your own being. As for the pain you’ve felt…” Iankaroz let out a long sigh, “It is the fragment of your heart… A mortal heart cannot possibly handle the strain of being in a divine being’s body, so it has begun to crack. Well, that’s not entirely accurate… It began to crack long ago, and is now on the verge of shattering completely, the more you push against your own nature the greater the strain, it would be a non-issue were your heart in tact, but as it is, it won’t take long for the severely damaged remains I saw to shatter completely.” He lowered his head, “If that happens… Well… I do not believe I need to tell you the devastation one such as you could bring to this world.”

Diablo put a hand to his chest, “… So my heart is quite literally breaking down…”

Iankaroz gave a nod, “Despite your compassion, you are still a being whose very existence to sew destruction, chaos, and devastation. Your gentle heart allowed you to find compassion for the mortals you observed, but without it… Without it you would be reduced to your base instincts, and Dios is likely aware of this as well.”

“What am I supposed to do then?”

“You simply need to retrieve Cardia, your heart.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

Iankaroz gave another chuckle, “Because it is. Considering the state of your fragmented heart you don’t have much time, but luckily I know where you can find Cardia.”

Chapter Text

Leaving Iankaroz’s sanctum left Diablo with a lot on his mind…

He was operating on a timer, from Iankaroz’s analysis, that timer did not have much left on it. It was rather fortunate Iankaroz knew where to find Cardia so Diablo could hopefully beat the proverbial timer, but that place was the Greenwood Kingdom, he wasn’t sure how he was going to tell Shera they needed to return to the very trauma she had fled from.

But what was on his mind the most was Iankaroz’s request just before he left the sanctum…

“In exchange for everything I’ve told you, I have a request.”

“I see no reason to refuse given how helpful you have been. What is it?”

“I understand you may be reluctant to do so given my own peaceful nature, but… When you retrieve Cardia I would like for you to return here and consume me as well.”

“… What…?”

“Given your current state doing so now would create an additional strain on that mortal heart of yours and shatter it instantly, which is why I ask that you do so after reclaiming Cardia.”

“No, I mean… You want to be consumed?”

“As the real thing, perhaps it is difficult to understand, but… We fragments, we are beings that were never meant to exist, weak and fractured mockeries of a far greater whole. We will cease to exist when you reclaim us, but I want nothing more then to return to where I belong. And besides, you cannot remain in your broken state forever.”

From his words it seemed it was a good thing in the end he agreed to give Klem a chance, if he hadn’t he would have lost his sanity right then and there, which put a weight on his mind. But Iankaroz’s request kept repeating in his head…

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to take Iankaroz, in fact the entire time they spoke his instincts were quietly but violently raging to do so, luckily he was satiated enough from his previous bout that he was able to keep the lid firmly on those instincts, but they were still very present. Though at the same time, he didn’t want to take him… Iankaroz truly seemed a kindly old man in nature, but he was right, Diablo, being the Diablo, couldn’t possibly understand how Iankaroz and perhaps the others felt over their own false existence. He called them fake in the past, but the meaning of that was only making itself known after properly meeting two of his so called siblings. Not that he felt bad about it or anything, what he had said was nothing but the truth after all. But it did make him wonder something…

Was it truly Dios that the others hated? Even if they didn’t remember, if Dios truly was the one who wanted to see creation destroyed to rebuild it, then why would the wrathful demon lords do exactly what Dios wanted?

Perhaps the one they really resented, was him.

After all he left these fragments to rot in their bindings for a thousand years, if they referred to him as their oldest brother… Wasn’t it the older brother’s job to protect the younger siblings?

Did his past self know that his fragments would be sentient?

It seemed learning more only increased the weight on his mind… Alicia had said something about Iankaroz recommending she wait to introduce them; if Iankaroz was already aware of the strain on what remained of his mortal heart then perhaps he knew how heavily the new perspective would weigh on him, and hoped to avoid increasing that strain. All that meant was that the timer, which already had little time remaining, had even less then anticipated. As much as he wanted to stay for at least a few days and allow Shera time to come to terms with returning to Greenwood, he had to move, now.

But he still did have to make good on his promise to Emile, and he needed to prepare, there was no telling how the elves would handle the situation and if a fight broke out, he wanted Rem and Shera to be as ready as they could be. Luckily the solution to both these problems was the same…

His dungeon.

He still wasn’t really sure why he was so certain he could find Emile a master, or why he was convinced he would find them at the dungeon, but when Iankaroz had mentioned his “knight” he felt that sense of familiarity once again. He couldn’t recall this person, but he instinctively was aware of how loyal and trustworthy they were. Distorted glimpses that were difficult to discern… Diablo found himself silently hoping this person he didn’t know was still alive, if it were possible.

As Iankaroz had said, the passageway led him straight back to the Zircon Tower, Rem jumped in surprise when one of the shelves in the library suddenly moved.

“O-Oh it’s you.” She greeted with a heavy breath to settle her accelerated heart rate, “What’s with the secret passage?” She looked past him as the shelf moved back into place.

“Did I startle you?”

“N-No! Pantherians have sharp hearing so the shelf moving was super loud is all!” She blushed slightly.

Diablo gave a snort, “If you say so. I just took the apparent short-cut back to the tower, though I didn’t expect someone to be in the library.”

“This place is… Strange…” Rem carefully put back the book she was feathering through before, “I don’t know how much I believe Alicia’s story.” She blushed once more, “I-I mean, not that I doubt you or anything! I just don’t know what to make of this place is all…”

“I understand what you mean, I admit I’ve been questioning the validity of these people’s beliefs myself. Without my memories it’s difficult to see their tales as anything but fairy tales, but I have a nagging feeling that there is a lot of truth to it.”

“I didn’t really think about it, but all of this is crazy and shocking for us, but I can’t imagine for you. I mean being told you’re some ancient god?” She tried to laugh it off.

“It’s certainly something, but it changes nothing…” He looked around at the shelves upon shelves of tomes, “It’s unfortunate… I would like to spend some time in here myself, but we have to get moving.”

Rem blinked in surprise, “Already? I sort of expected us to stay here for a few days.”

“Let’s just say I have a solution to my… Problem, but that solution is on a time limit, so we need to move quickly.”

“You’re not going to tell us, are you…?” She asked in a sad tone.

He only looked down at her in silence for what felt like (to Rem) several minutes, before turning away from her completely, “Where are Emile and Shera?”

Rem gazed at the floor with a solemn expression for a moment before answering, “Shera is napping in the room at the top of the tower, Emile is guarding the door or something, I don’t know with that guy.”

Diablo nodded, “Get your things ready as well, I will collect them both and meet you at the base of the tower shortly.”

Still looking a bit let down Rem offered a simple, “Right.” Before heading out.

Her sad tone echoed in this head, “You’re not going to tell us, are you…?”

He gave a heavy sigh, No, I’m not… I can’t handle how you both might respond to my situation, not right now at least. But it’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s that I trust you too much…

--

“We’re really not staying even one day?” Shera pouted lightheartedly.

“I’m afraid so, we need to move quickly, though if you would rather stay I would not fault you for it.”

“Why would I come all the way here with you just to stay behind? The whole point was to travel with you and Rem! And Emile too I guess.”

“We’re heading to Greenwood.”

Shera froze, “Wh-What…?”

“We’re going to my dungeon to gather some equipment, supplies, and such, but from there we are heading straight to the Greenwood kingdom. There’s… Something there I need to retrieve.” Diablo briefly explained.

“Greenwood!? You didn’t mention that before we left Faltra?” Rem questioned.

“I was not aware that I would find what I’m looking for there until a moment ago.”

“But still…!”

“It’s okay, Rem.” Shera interjected, “I… I actually want to go back… And-And I’m not just saying that! I want to go back and confront mother and father about everything that happened, everything they let happen. I was going to ask to go back there but I wanted to wait until after… So it’s okay.”

“Are you sure you’re alright with that?” Diablo asked.

Shera gave a nod, “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do but didn’t want to trouble you. If it’s okay with you I’d like to meet with my parents while we’re there.”

“Of course, I will likely need to meet with them myself.”

“You’re not thinking of doing something, are you?” Rem asked in a tone that was half joking, half serious.

“Do you trust me so little that you think I’d threaten Shera’s own parents?”

“Th-That’s not what I…!”

“I was joking.” Diablo stopped her, “What we are going there for is supposedly in the royal family’s care, so they should know precisely where to find it.”

“… Your sense of humor is awful…” Rem muttered, “But what if they don’t hand over what ever you’re after willingly?”

Once more he turned away from her without answering, “We’re leaving.”

There is no willingly… They will not be given a choice to make. He thought dangerously as he walked away, Rem, Shera, and Emile all jogging to catch back up with him.

Chapter Text

The outside of the dungeon was mostly as Diablo remembered it, the top half of a pyramid that was buried in the sand, though the manticore statues that guarded the entrance appeared to have long been removed, the lack of any remnants of the statues meant that someone had been able to remove them, or someone destroyed them and was kind enough to clean up the mess for some reason. Though given the presence of old bones around the entrance, Diablo at least was inclined to believe they were simply removed, by who was another question entirely.

The statues are gone, but there’s no telling if the traps and monsters inside are gone as well.

“Stay close behind me, this place is dangerous.” He ordered simply to the others.

The others didn’t need to be told twice, they carefully followed Diablo as he opened the heavy doors and led them down a long stairway.

They reached the doorway to the first floor and immediately Diablo could feel something was amiss, he stopped just in front of the doors.

“What’s wrong, Diablo?” Shera questioned.

“Something is off… Keep your guard up.”

That put everyone on edge as Diablo pushed open the doors to the first floor only to find it was quiet. An empty room, a vast empty room, but empty nevertheless.

“This… Seems a little too easy for a dungeon, right? There must be traps all over this room, right?” Rem tried.

“This floor is supposed to be filled with hidden monsters, but…” Diablo scanned the room, “It’s completely empty.”

“That’s good, isn’t it? It means we don’t have to worry! Right?” Shera moved closer.

“Dungeons are supposed to reset Miss Shera, we still don’t fully understand what they are but if it’s a proper dungeon it resets over time, traps, monsters, bosses, what have you.” Emile explained.

“Precisely, this doesn’t have the look of being recently cleared, but as if the monsters were removed and the traps disabled.” Diablo nodded, “It bothered me at the entrance as well…”

“But this is your dungeon, isn’t it? So who could have disabled everything besides you?” Rem questioned.

“Exactly, that is what I am wondering as well. And why.” And if Alicia is to be believed, this place was put here by Dios, so I’m a bit concerned as to what might be waiting if everything is like this…

“It seems there is nothing to it then to continue on, my friends! Strange though it may be perhaps we should consider it a kindness that whoever may be waiting for us wanted us at our best!” Emile non-nonchalantly declared.

“That’s one way of looking at it, let’s continue on then.” Diablo nodded before proceeding.

Floor after floor they were greeted only by open and eerily sterile rooms, an empty and completely quiet dungeon, there was something unnerving about it, but so far nothing had happened.

“This place is huge… I’d hate to have to explore this when everything is active, I’m tired just from all the stairs we’ve climbed!” Shera tried to lighten the mood.

“I guess it is convenient, but there’s something unnervingly surreal about a dungeon full of seemingly sanitized rooms.” Rem shivered slightly.

… My treasury better be intact. Diablo mentally complained.

“Each door has had some small form of instruction, I certainly am curious just what sort of trials awaited us had this place not seemingly been deserted.” Emile remained optimistic.

“Ooh that’s true! It’s a bit of a shame that my first dungeon ever is so weird and empty!” Shera agreed.

“It is difficult to say whether it’s for the best or not, we’ll find out on the last floor…” Diablo muttered.

He pushed open the door to the twelfth floor, “There’s one final floor after this.”

“Let’s go quick then, I could use a break!” Shera moved forward to the now open doorway, where Diablo had frozen.

“Why’d you stop? Is something wrong?” Rem questioned as she pushed forward.

“I’m not sure if wrong is the right word…”

The twelfth floor was different then the other empty and function-less floors, it appeared much the same as Diablo remembered it, a cavern-like chamber that opened up to a sky that followed the cycle of night and day outside, but there were some key differences. There was a small endlessly flowing waterfall creating a quietly rushing river through one side of the chamber, the chamber’s floor now filled with flowers of varying colors and breeds, there even was a garden full of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Tending to the garden near the river was a young girl with long pink hair wearing a frilly maid’s uniform. The young girl after several moments, noticed the open door and small party in its doorway, she quickly jumped to her feet with a worried gasp and ran across the chamber as if fleeing, and pushed open the door to the final floor retreating inside as the doors slammed behind her.

“What is a kid doing here?” Rem questioned.

“I don’t know… And this floor, it’s the only one that’s active but it wasn’t like this before.” Diablo finally stepped into the chamber.

“The rest of the place it so empty, maybe some one is living here?” Shera observed.

“There was someone living here, in a sense… But not a human.”

“Does it anger you that a human seems to have moved in, my friend?” Emile approached.

“I wouldn’t say that, I’m more curious. So long as my vault is left untouched it’s not as though I have a love for this place that was once my prison.”

He stepped further into the cavern, where there was a large stone slab in the center of the flowers, the slab was crudely engraved with a warning: Shouldst thou proceed, thy life shall be forfeit; intruders are urged to turn back forthwith.

“Now that manner of speaking is familiar…” For some reason seeing the old-fashioned language on the stone made him happy

“What the heck kind of writing is this? Did we go back five hundred years?” Rem scoffed at the stone slab as she approached.

“Whoever wrote this has no mind for aesthetics, a serious warning in the middle of a field of flowers? I doubt any intruder would take it seriously.” Emile observed, “Though I can respect their taste.”

“At any rate, those doors lead to the final floor, let’s not linger here.” Diablo kept moving, approaching the immaculate doors to the final floor.

Diablo opened the doors to the familiar throne room…

The place appeared as he remembered it, aside from one glaring difference… At the base of the steps that ascended to the throne stood a being holding silent vigil. The creature(?) stood around two heads taller than even Diablo coupled with a large muscular frame that cut an intimidating figure, it wore heavy looking armor that was so dark it was as if it swallowed what ever light hit it, the armor itself adding to the imposing appearance of the creature, the only color the creature wore was an emerald green shawl that was old and tattered. What little bit of the creature was not completely covered in armor revealed it was a dragon-like being, its scales were nearly as dark as the armor it wore, a pair of horns on either side of its head that curled downwards, great wings on its back that were slightly tattered. The creature stood with two hands on the hilt of a massive ornate sword that was almost as long as the creature was tall, an additional pair of arms were folded behind its back as if waiting, its brilliant gold eyes with slits for pupils fell on them as they entered the throne room.

For a moment the humanoid dragon-like creature simply observed them, it’s golden eyes seeming to analyze them, considering them.

For what felt like eternity it didn’t move, and neither did Diablo, finally golden eyes met lavender ones and the creature shifted…

One of his two gauntlet covered right hands shifted to the base of the hilt of his massive blade and remained there, the other right hand shifting up to make a fist in front of its own face as if in prayer as it moved down to kneel, both of its left arms now resting atop its left knee. A very old-fashioned knight’s show of allegiance.

“My Liege.” It greeted Diablo with its head down.

Diablo only looked at the bowing creature, something about this being filled him with a powerful sense of familiarity… This being was no enemy, and was one he could trust unconditionally, he knew so somewhere deep inside his fractured memories.

“It has been quite some time, Nazir.” Diablo greeted, his eyes shining slightly as he recalled the name of his trusted knight.

“It is with the utmost honor that I find my name esteemed by thee in thy broken condition, my Liege.” The creature, Nazir, remained bowing.

He’s so old school he’s probably waiting… “On your feet, Nazir.” Diablo nodded, to which the creature easily stood, stowing away his sword on his back and now standing with all four hands folded behind him, as if waiting for more commands.

Behind the throne, a pair of sky-blue eyes peeked out, pink hair falling to the side as their owner tried to sneak a peek at the group.

“Sir Nazir, is that Master Diablo?” A soft voice whispered, probably thinking the others wouldn’t hear.

“Rose.” Nazir sternly yet softly said her name.

The little girl flinched and hid fully behind the throne again, before slowly stepping into full view like she had just been caught doing something bad.

Nazir looked down as he held out one of his left hands, a gesture that made the little girl he called Rose quickly approach and wrap her small hands around his armored fingers, she now held onto his hand as she hid behind him a bit, “Pardon me, my Liege, I did advise her to remain in concealment should any soul venture hither, yet one cannot quell the innate curiosity of youth.”

“It’s of no consequence.” Diablo waved it off, “I suspect this child is the reason the previous floors were disabled?”

“Thou art indeed correct, my Liege, I was compelled to purge the other levels to ensure the safety of young Rose. Yet, I have remained unwavering in mine duty to protect this abode.” He then seemed to think for a moment, “Albeit no intruder hath set foot within these hallowed grounds for at least a century past. I am of the conviction that the denizens of this realm have, for some time, come to understand their inability to surpass this venerable abode.”

“Wait, a century? How long have you been down here?” Rem stepped forward.

“As I recall.” Diablo began, “I gave him the order to watch over this place shortly before my being was broken by Dios, so around a thousand years.” With what bits I remember and feel, Nazir is definitely the knight Iankaroz had mentioned.

“A thousand years!?” Now everyone reeled.

“Though he has served me far longer then that even.” Diablo added.

“What about Rose, then? She said ‘Master Diablo’ didn’t she?” Shera questioned.

Rose, apparently sensing the innocent heart of Shera in the way only a child can, released Nazir’s fingers and stepped forward confidently, “I’m eight!” She declared while holding up eight fingers.

Chapter Text

“Oh my gosh she’s adorable!” Shera swooned.

“Eight? How long has she been here then?” Rem questioned.

“She didst arrive here in the tender age of two; the manner of her advent is not a matter for discourse whilst the little one doth remain in attendance.” Nazir briefly explained, “Though I assure thee, I took no part in the manner of its unfolding; I merely delivered her from her dire fate.”

“That makes it pretty clear I’d say.” Emile nodded, “Poor thing.”

“At any rate, while I admit a part of me is curious, this isn’t what we came here for.” Diablo stepped in.

“Verily, my Liege, what dost thou command?” Nazir bowed at the waist.

“First my vault, there are things to prepare before our departure, equipment for my companions and funds.”

“Can I help?” Rose eagerly offered.

“If it doth not displease thee, my Liege, young Rose hath adapted well to the stewardship of the equipment vault.”

“If you’re certain, I’ll trust your input.” Diablo nodded.

“Yes!” Rose cheered but then quickly corrected herself with a clearing of her throat, adjusting her posture, standing straight folding both hands over her waist before giving a perfect bow, “My apologies, that was inappropriate. It’s an honor to serve you, Master Diablo.” She stood back up and gestured towards the sealed door behind the throne, “If you would follow me please.”

What a stark contrast, I guess Nazir taught her this sort of thing. Though I’m not sure how I feel about it with her being so young, it feels a bit uncanny.

“Very well then.” Diablo nodded and the group followed the small child to the treasury.

“W-Whoa…” Rem marveled as they entered the sealed room, “Even in the market I’ve never seen so much equipment in one place… I’m not an appraiser or smithy, but even I can tell it’s all super high quality too.”

“Everything’s so sparkly~” Shera’s eyes shone.

“A collection like this could gear up an entire army.” Emile noted.

“Of course, according to Sir Nazir, this is equipment Master Diablo has gathered or forged himself for over a thousand years. There’s a separate vault below where Sir Nazir collected anything that was forged or blessed by Master during the Age of Myth.” Rose proudly explained, she was professional but couldn’t hide her child-like eagerness to share what she had been taught, she was a child, after all.

“The Age of Myth?” Shera tilted her head in confusion.

“Did they not teach you anything in the elf kingdom?” Rem playfully scoffed, “The Age of Myth is the time before the demon lords were sealed away…” She paused, “Though I guess now that we know a bit more about that it’s more accurate to say it was the period before Dios wounded Diablo.” She quietly added.

“But why’s it called the Age of Myth?” Shera questioned.

“That, Lady Shera, is because there is no history from that time. If that was intentional or not is another matter for debate, but there are no records pertaining to that era so as mortals we can only speculate and create myth.” Emile explained.

“Ooh, so that equipment would be crazy, crazy strong then!” Shera nodded as she understood what that meant.

“Of course.” Rose puffed out her chest, “I’m not allowed down there though so I can’t show you any of those.”

“Is it dangerous or something?” Rem now asked.

Rose gave a nod, “Sir Nazir says that equipment that powerful tends to have a sort of ego, not that it’s s…” She paused and thought for a moment, “Sen-… Sen-ti-ent.” She sounded out the word slowly, “But it can influence people who aren’t strong enough to use it and s- sup-press it properly.”

So then could I bless Rem, Shera, and Emile’s gear? Or would it be dangerous? Though I’m not really sure how to… Maybe I could test it on something.

“To start, Rose, do we have a bow better than Shera’s?” Diablo looked down to the small child.

“Of course, Master. Is it okay if I appraise your friends?”

“You can do that?” Rem’s brow raised in surprise.

Rose nodded proudly, “Yeah! I have really good appraisal skills, the best, Sir Nazir says!”

“Go ahead then, you have my permission.” Diablo approved.

“Hmm…” Rose looked Rem, Shera, and Emile over carefully, “The elf’s gear is already some of the best for her level… But we do have a bow or two that compare. The pantherian also already has a lot of good gear but we do have some better accessories and weapons she could use.” Her eyes slowly shifted to Emile and she gave the most unimpressed look an eight year old could possibly give, “His gear stinks. It’s shiny, shiny garbage.” The girls couldn’t help but giggle as Emile looked defeated for the first time that they had seen, “But there’s a lot of stuff to replace it with here.”

“Very good, Shera, are you particularly attached to that bow?” Diablo turned.

“Huh?” She took the bow off her shoulder and examined it, “No, not really, it’s not anything special.”

“Then I’ll take it off your hands.” Shera looked between the bow and Diablo in confusion for a moment, not sure why he would want her standard issue bow with all the nice things in this place, but she didn’t mind so she handed it over without question. Diablo examined it for a moment, “There’s something I need to do, Rose, since Nazir trusts your insight I’ll trust you to choose well for them.”

“Y-Yes Master!” She quickly bowed, “I’ll do my best!”

With that Diablo returned to the throne room, surprised to find Nazir was not there anymore, curious, he looked for the draconian-knight’s presence, finding it was beyond a door he didn’t recall being there in the past. He approached and could hear the unmistakable sound of cooking, with a shake of his head he opened the door to find said knight moving about a kitchen that had clearly been built with Nazir’s huge stature in mind, who was deftly moving all four limbs at a time to prepare ingredients while managing what was already on the stove.

“I didn’t take you for a chef.” Diablo lightly taunted as he stepped further into the kitchen, Shera’s bow in one hand still.

“Ah, my Liege.” Nazir stopped everything he was doing for long enough to turn to Diablo and give a deep bow before returning to his task, “I would not profess to be a chef; rather, it is an undertaking I have pursued from necessity, for the sake of young Rose.” He stopped for a moment, freezing in place for just a second as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it and continuing his work, “Pardon my presumption, my Liege, for the hour of luncheon doth swiftly draw nigh, and I had thought that your esteemed companions might also require sustenance ere embarking upon your next adventure.”

“It’s alright, I have been pushing them to rush to our next destination so they will appreciate a moment of reprieve before we press on.” Diablo moved to the table past the kitchen area and sat down with a sigh, “I actually wanted to ask you a few things.”

“Indeed, my Liege, if it be not a burden to you, I may respond whilst I diligently labor.”

“Of course, that’s fine.” Diablo nodded as he placed the bow on the table, “This first.” It was strange being around Nazir in private, the ‘old fashioned knight’ way he behaved and spoke was one thing, Diablo didn’t mind that, what was strange was the level of trust he felt. He understood that it was because he had known the warrior for millennia, but it was strange feeling such a complete and impenetrable trust for someone he didn’t remember at all. But because of that sense of trust and loyalty he felt comfortable admitting; “I wanted to try blessing some of their equipment in my current state, but I have no idea how.”

“Thy recollections are far more impaired than I had anticipated, my Liege…” He shook his head, “Yet, it matters not. I do recollect that when thou didst bestow thy favour upon my equipment, it was achieved by channeling thine own mana into it, accompanied by a fervent prayer.”

Diablo’s brow furrowed in confusion, “A prayer?”

“Indeed, my Liege. To mortals, a prayer is but a desire cast into the void, yearning for a response from fate, a deity, or another mysterious force. Yet when a god prays... A god's supplication transforms a wish into existence, a hope rendered tangible.” A gauntlet clanked against his chest-plate as he turned to Diablo once more, “I know not what entreaty did grace your thoughts when mine armor was sanctified, yet should you implore that bow to bestow protection upon its bearer, verily, even in your present condition, it shall assuredly conjure a formidable means to fulfill that very purpose.”

Diablo looked down at the bow on the table, “Magic and a prayer, huh…? How cliché… Though I can see why my past self seems to have had a hobby forging equipment, with such a broad criteria the pool of effects would be limitless.”

Nazir gave a light chuckle, if it could be called that with the guttural rumble that came from him, “Thou from the ‘Age of Myth’, as the mortals do term it, did possess a great fondness for the experimentation of such matters, my Liege.”

Diablo sat in silence for a while, the only sound being Nazir’s continued cooking, the sizzle of food being heated and the clang of pans and utensils, “That… Was the other thing I wanted to ask you.”

Nazir only waited for Diablo to continue without a word.

“You… I don’t remember you, not really. Though it does bother some part of me greatly to say so out loud, I have that instinctual connection that tells me I’ve known and trusted you for an incredible time span, that means… You know me, or knew me would be more accurate.”

“Verily, my Liege, I have been in your service since near the very commencement of time in this realm.” Nazir responded slowly.

“Exactly, that means you probably know more about the old me, the me I don’t remember, then anyone. I want to know more about that me. I… I feel a sense of unease at recovering myself when I have no idea who I was…”

Once again Nazir stopped what he was doing, leaving the room hanging in a heavy silence for what felt like ages…

“Perchance... I am not the most suitable to assuage your inquietude, my Liege…”

That made Diablo rigid, “What do you mean? Are you saying…?”

But two right hands rose to stop him, “Forgive mine interruption, my Liege, yet I must elucidate. My kind were fashioned solely to serve thee, which renders me a lamentable candidate for entire honesty in the eyes of certain souls.”

That clarification made Diablo relax quickly, So he’s just worried that I wouldn’t take his input seriously with the knowledge he was created to serve me… But wait.

“I didn’t recall that you and yours were made to serve me.” Diablo’s brow furrowed.

“Verily, it was an eternity past when thou and Dios didst remain allies and could even be deemed as friends. My kin, the V’agnn were fashioned with express intent to serve thee; yet we...- I possess mine own free will and, should I so wish, could indeed defy thine commands.”

That’s good at least. But… “You’ve corrected yourself twice now, Nazir… What happened to the other V’agnn? You called yourself the last of them before.”

Yet again, he paused, before letting out a sigh, “Aye, twas by mine own hand were they butchered.”