I sat back in my chair as the demoness dressed in a maid's outfit bowed, closing the door behind her as I brought the cup of tea to my lips.

  Tasty!

  [What the fuck is this, a tea party?] Joshua yelled.

  Lunarius, the third Primordial I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thus far, had used some sort of shadow skill to teleport us to his domain in Hell. It was a humongous palace, covered in black spikes and obsidian walls. The interior had hints of red, with luxurious velvet carpets lining the floors of every room and hallway. He had brought me to some sort of gathering place, a number of chairs spread in a small circle.

  The Primordial Black, as he so elegantly referred to himself, sat with one leg crossed over the other, pondering over our conversation.

  “Another world, you say? And this parasite inside of you, he too is from your world?”

  “Uhm,” I paused, thinking. “I guess you could say that.”

  “How wonderful!” Lunarius suddenly exclaimed.

  [Why don’t you just teleport us the fuck outta here?] Joshua complained.

  He seems nice! And he gave me tea!

  [You’re so naive.]

  “In all my years of living, I have never encountered such an interesting skill!” The demon continued, placing his tea back on the table in front of us with a small clink. “Now, you also said you had a way back to the Mortal Realm? Do tell.” He stared expectantly, and I suddenly felt a bit apprehensive about the whole situation.

  “Why do you ask?” I questioned, eyeing the demon cautiously.

  “Well, ever since the last war between the demons and the angels, no demon has been able to return to the Mortal Realm for hundreds, if not thousands of years! Luminarch is a lucky one.” The demon explained.

  “Are you saying that you used to live in the Mortal Realm?” I questioned, eyes wide. Kril hadn’t mentioned anything like that in the demon booklet.

  “Oh yes, a long, long time ago. A forgotten era, really,” he waved an arm dismissively, but gazed at me mischievously. “I’d love to return, however. To see what’s changed and all that.”

  I’m not sure I can trust this guy…

  [No shit Sherlock.]

  You know about Sherlock!?

  [I know everything you know and more.] Joshua replied ominously.

  “What’s in it for me?” I challenged, but quickly came to regret my words. My chest seized, my head pounding, and I froze in complete paralysis.

  [Primordial Intimidation]

  As quickly as it started, however, it stopped, and I was free to move again.

  “Apologies, little demon. I allowed my temper to flare. Please, show me some grace. I beg of you.” He said, bowing his head slightly. It felt somehow both manipulative and genuine, like allowing your ten-year-old niece to beat you in a game of chess.

  I need to get out of here, but I also need at least one Greater Demon so I can complete that quest…

  “You said you were reborn recently. Why does it seem like you still have all your memories?” I questioned, thinking about Azazel, who had said that he would need to reach level one hundred to regain his full powers and memories.

  “We Primordials are but one of the many immortal beings of this world. We just so happen to be the only ones who reincarnate with full knowledge of our previous lives.” He paused, inspecting his impeccably shaved fingernails, “Although, it's a rather tiring existence. Oh, what I would give to be like the dragons, reborn anew, allowed to forge a new path in this… uninteresting world.”

  Uninteresting? It’s pretty interesting to me.

  [You haven’t been alive for a millennium.]

  That's true…

  “If I take you back with me, how can I trust you?” I asked calmly, hoping he wouldn’t take offense at my question.

  “You can’t, not really anyways.” He answered simply, echoing the same sentiment Joshua had once before. “However, I am not quite prepared to make my return just yet, Soltheron and I have some… unfinished business.”

  “Soltheron?”

  “The fourth Primordial,” Lunarius stated, like it were obvious.

  “Of course, I should've known.”

  “That’s why I have a proposition for you,” Lunarius rose from his chair, standing right beside me. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, then activated a skill. A small crescent moon formed on my bare shoulder, barely larger than a dime.

  [Shadow Mark]

  “This skill allows me to track you, even as you travel between realms. If the being with my mark is so willing, it will allow me to teleport to your shadow,” he began to explain. “Now, seeing as you have angered my brother Luminarch, I take it you may need some protection?”

  I nodded, remembering the powerful and menacing demon I had managed to piss off only one day into my journey.

  “Well, if he ever bothers you, you can activate my mark, and I will come to your aid.”

  “And what do you get out of this?” I questioned slowly.

  “Why, I can’t let my brother kill the most interesting being I’ve ever met!” Lunarius exclaimed. “I gain a little good will for assisting a young demon such as yourself, and in exchange, I make my return to the Mortal Realm after finishing up with Soltheron.” I stroked my chin in deliberation for a few moments, but eventually decided the demon's deal was as good as any.

  “Now, be safe on your travels, little demon—”

  “Wait!” I interrupted sheepishly, Lunarius paused, tilting his head. “Is there any way I could… bring a Greater Demon back with me?” I gestured vaguely, hoping a prospective ally would appear from thin air.

  [What the hell is wrong with you?]

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Maybe he has a spare subordinate he doesn’t need anymore!

  The demon glared at me with his piercing silver eyes, then spoke, calmly but with an air of warning, “Do not overstep, little demon. My generosity has limits, after all.”

  I hung my head, disappointed. Then stood. I stuck out a hand, momentarily wondering if demons even shook hands, but Lunarius took mine in his, gripping it tightly. I stepped backwards, making sure that the Primordial was not in range of my skill before activating it.

  [Abyssal Rift]

  “So it's true!” Lunarius exclaimed, waving goodbye like a friendly neighbor. “How interesting indeed.”

  My world went dark, then brightened, blinding me as I squeezed my eyes shut.

  Then, I began to fall.

  I had appeared in the middle of the sky, hurtling down towards the ground unceremoniously. As I neared, I could see the ground rushing towards me, and I braced for impact.

  They should at least let me target this stupid skill!

  I landed with a huge explosion, creating a small crater at the impact zone. Dust and dirt fell all around me as I waved my hands in front of my face, coughing heavily.

  Then, a sharp, glowing sword pointed directly at my face.

  “Lucivar?!” A voice called from behind me, and I immediately recognized it as Viressa’s. But the wielder of the sword was not one of my companions; rather, it was a human.

  A familiar human.

  “Eldros!” I shouted, and the hero, now a young boy, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, recoiled in surprise. “I’ve been meaning to apologize! I am a demon after all!”

  “What in the Aspects are you talking about?” He said, oblivious to our extensive history.

  [He doesn’t remember you dumbass.] Joshua deadpanned.

  I can see that.

  I stood, but Eldros’ sword pushed closer to me, and I noticed a small group of adventurers behind him. This time, however, they were no mere amateurs. Three people stood in a small semicircle behind the Hero, each with distinct weaponry and armour. One girl wielded a bow, some type of archer, another with a glowing sword and shield, perhaps a knight or warrior of some kind. The final adventurer had a small wand and glasses. I half expected him to scream expelliarmus at any moment, but he stayed silent, eyeing me suspiciously.

  My companions fanned out to face them, and it seemed I had landed right in the middle of their battle. Zorrack was in his larger form, somehow even larger than when I had last seen him. Cedric was poised dangerously with his bone dagger at the ready, now almost as tall as me when I was a Lesser Demon. I couldn’t see Viressa, but I assumed she had made the same advancements the other two had.

  [Subjugate four Greater Demons (3/4)]

  If only I could’ve gotten another, I would have been able to upgrade the skill…

  Fang had also grown, now the size of an adult Plains Warg, large enough for me to ride. Azazel seemed mostly the same, though, perhaps needing longer to grow up than the rest of us.

  “Four demons, a Dragon, and a Warg? What kind of horror is this?” The bow-wielding adventurer said, breathlessly staring at me.

  I began to negotiate, “This must be some kind of misunderstanding, how about you all just go on your way—” I was cut off by Eldros’ blade pushing right up against my neck.

  “Why don’t you lot explain how you got here?” The hero, if he was even ‘The Hero’ yet, demanded.

  “Long story short, we pissed off Luminarch, teleported here, and are steadily trying to build a house,” I explained, gesturing towards the logs that had fallen to the ground outside of the Warg den.

  “You know the Primordial White?!” The Knight adventurer asked, incredulous. I nodded in response, and my companions backed me up, quickly recapping our story.

  “But Nora said her party was murdered by a group of demons, that has to be you guys!” Daniel Radcliffe accused.

  “That’s true,” I held up both hands apologetically, “But that was self-defence. They threatened us first. Plus, we even let the healer girl go.”

  “She’s traumatized!” The wizard shouted.

  I mean, would you rather be traumatized or dead?

  [Considering how traumatized I am by being stuck in your head, I’d rather be dead.]

  Eldros shook his head, then yelled, “OK, quiet!” All in attendance fell silent at the boy’s call, somehow regally commanding despite his youth. He lowered his sword, regarding me with caution.

  [Truth Dragon’s Blessing]

  A sense of calm washed over me, as if I were lying in a spa having my feet massaged by a goddess. My companions all lowered their weapons as well, entranced by the pleasant embrace of the Hero’s skill.

  “Thaleres granted me this skill, and with it, no being in this realm could possibly tell a lie under its effects.” Eldros started, “Now, do you have any intentions of harming humans in any capacity?”

  “No!” I said cheerfully, and the adventurers gasped in shock.

  “Don’t trust him, Eldros!” The Knight shouted, but Eldros silenced him with a stare.

  “Have you, or any of your followers, told a lie to me during our conversation?”

  “No!”

  “Do you truly wish to fight against Luminarch?”

  “Yes!”

  He gave me a satisfied look, then broke out into a small smile. “A friendly group of demons, what a surprise!”

  “Oh, c’mon, Eldros, just because your skill—” The wizard started, but Eldros quickly interrupted him.

  “Are you doubting the blessing of the eldest True Dragon?” He challenged, eyeing the wizard. The boy backed down, withering at the Hero’s intimidating gaze. He returned his stare towards me, then began to speak again, “And this dragon with you, Azazel, right?”

  “That is I,” Azazel answered, hopping up onto my shoulder.

  Eldros glanced at the dragon, nodding approvingly, “So it seems the True Dragon of Will has chosen you, demon. Impressive.” He extended an arm, and I took it with mine.

  “I am Eldros, a B-Rank adventurer from Elurien.” He turned, introducing each of his companions one by one. “D-Rank Paladin, Tyrien. C-Rank Arcanist, Conrad, and D-Rank Marksman, Lyssira.” They each nodded in turn, trusting in the judgment of their leader.

  I don’t recognize the names of any of these classes; they must’ve all had a second class upgrade at least.

  [I could take 'em.] Joshua boasted.

  “I’m Lucivar,” I responded, continuing down the line of my companions, who each hesitantly introduced themselves as well.

  “Well, it's nice to meet you, friendly demon. I will notify Elurien of your presence and relay your truthfulness to the King.” Eldros said, turning away with his party. The arcanist and paladin eyed me suspiciously, but chose to follow behind the hero.

  He’s pretty friendly, I wonder what made him so mad before…

  [The real Demon King probably wasn’t as stupid as you.]

  I turned to my companions, all of whom released sighs of relief.

  “Thank god you came, those guys were strong,” Viressa admitted, sagging her shoulders.

  “I missed you,” Cedric said quietly. I smiled, rubbing his head like a small child.

  "Nice pants," Azazel complimented, looking down at my new Magma Leggings.

  “Where did you go?!” Zorrack screamed.

  “I ended up in Hell and had a brief encounter with two Primordials, fought a bunch of monsters and demons in some kind of arena, and made friends with Lunarius!” I recounted, recapping my adventure. My companions stared at me, jaws agape.

  “What the heck is a Lunarius?” Fang questioned, strolling towards where we were huddled together. I patted his glorious gray coat, resisting the urge to hop onto his back.

  “What do you mean by ‘made friends’? With a Primordial?!” Viressa exclaimed, losing her cool.

  I nodded slowly, attempting to reassure the demons. “It’s nothing to worry about, although, if anything bad happens, let’s just say I have a trump card.”

  Suddenly, stomping feet could be heard in the distance. I turned to the source and saw the once whimpering treant, Thuldur, bounding towards us.

  “Carter! Carter! Help!” He frantically shouted, tearing up the dirt as he sprinted down the hill leading towards Ossara’s forest.

  “What’s wrong?” I replied, running to meet the tree.

  He came to a screeching halt, eyes darting between me and my companions who gathered to comfort the frightened treant. “Ossara! The forest! It’s—” He shouted, speaking too quickly to understand.

  “What are you talking about?” I asked calmly.

  “The elves! The elves have attacked!”

  Elves attack people? I thought they would be nice… or at least stick to their trees or something.

  [This isn’t a fairy tale.] Joshua said, mocking my preconceived notions about Elves.

  I turned to my companions, meeting each one in the eye. In an unspoken agreement, we followed Thuldur, racing to the aid of the ruler of the forest.