The next morning, our protagonists get ready and head to the guild to choose their next mission; a conversation begins along the way.
DANTE HERALDI: Rex, do you think we're strong enough to retreat from this city?
REX: Maybe… I don't know, but I think we still lack power. What do you think about waiting another week? We don't have to worry about money anymore, right? Besides, the gem you ate only gave you a little extra strength; we'd better be more cautious.
DANTE HERALDI: Yes, perhaps you're right. If you say so, I think I'm already very strong, but well, let's continue with this adventure; after all, we have plenty of time to return.
REX: (wagging his tail) Of course, we have to spend our time properly; we have to live in the moment. What do you think about reaching level C and retreating?
REX: We've arrived at the guild.
Our friends enter the guild and are greeted by the demonic hostess, who delivers some news.
DEMON HOSTESS: Hello, Mr. Paimon, the guild leader wants to speak with you about yesterday's information. He's waiting for you in his office; please follow me.
DANTE HERALDI: Very well.
The demon leads him to the second floor. They stop at a very luxurious door and knock.
DEMON HOSTESS: (Opens the door) Leader, I've brought the demon who delivered the information.
GUILD LEADER: Please come in. (Hoarse voice)
DANTE HERALDI: Hello, good day.
GUILD LEADER: Hello, young man, please sit down. I want to discuss yesterday's information with you. You saw a gigantic demon, didn't you?
DANTE HERALDI: (Sits down) Yes, it was enormous. Thank goodness it didn't see us.
GUILD LEADER: First of all, let me introduce myself properly: I am a demon with a name; my name is BELIEL. Here is your reward for the information, 1 gold coin; it was very good information. We are already preparing a house hunting equipment to take down that demon.
DANTE HERALDI: I might ask, "Why, sir?" "Aren't we all in the same boat?"
LEADER BELIEL: I know you're not from here, but you should know that not all demons share the same mindset. We settled down to live prosperously for millennia, but those demons are wanderers and are constantly destroying everything in their path. They destroyed our city once before, which is why we always act with caution; if it hadn't been for our king, we wouldn't have been able to defeat them.
DANTE HERALDI: Understandable, pardon the question.
CHIEF BELIEL: Don't worry, unlike them, we do reason. Well, putting all that aside, I wanted to ask you a favor: join the hunting party to kill that thing. That way you'll be promoted to C rank and become one of the torturers, allowing you to continue increasing your power, Sir Paimon.
DANTE HERALDI: Are you serious? Well, I appreciate your offer, but are you sure about this?
CHIEF BELIEL: Of course, you've shown me potential; you're the first to defeat the wolves after a long time in which several tried.
DANTE HERALDI: (in his mind) No wonder the demon hostess didn't believe I could defeat them.
CHIEF BELIEL: Sir Paimon, what do you decide?
DANTE HERALDI: Well, if you believe I can, I'll try. Right, I'll take my leave.
CHIEF BELIEL: Of course, good luck. Later in the afternoon, they will be notified to meet at the south gate to begin the raid.
Dante then leaves; he bids farewell to the demon hostess, who smiles as he departs. Several demons in the guild glare at Dante, but he pays them no mind; he then leaves, talking to Rex.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, Rex, those demons gave us a really nasty look.
REX: Actually, they were looking at you (wagging his tail); maybe they're not too happy that we defeated the wolves. Remember what Chief Beliel said, that you were the first to defeat them. Those wolves are reborn after 10 years; that's why this mission is constant. They're special monsters; there are few here that are truly immortal.
DANTE HERALDI: Wow, so those things revive after a while. That demon lied to me (imagines Mammon). If there are immortals in Hell, I thought there was no other chance (sighs). Well, let's hang out around here.
REX: Yes, there are immortal monsters and demons; their souls are bound to existence itself, but you have to be very special. Perhaps there is a power that can make us immortal; only God knows.
DANTE HERALDI: Oh, I see. Let's go.
DANTE and REX proceed to wander through the city, finding armories where DANTE manages to buy some better leather clothing similar to that of an ancient archer, but with reinforcements on the shoulders and legs because he didn't want heavy armor, since he is fast. Now better dressed, he buys REX a helmet for protection and a special chainmail shirt for him. They go to eat some meat at a restaurant; while they are eating, a kind of bat arrives with a message for him.
DANTE HERALDI: Look, Rex, they're calling us; we need to go to the gate to meet up with the others.
REX: I hope it's not those guys who were giving you dirty looks at the guild.
DANTE HERALDI: Don't worry, we're already very strong; besides, we're ready for a fight.
Dante and Rex head to the south gate; upon arriving, they encounter more than 10 demons of all shapes and sizes. There were centaur-like creatures, some rather ugly ones, and some that commanded respect just by looking at them, of course, and one demon in particular.
GUIDE DEMON: Alright, everyone, we've arrived. I'll be the guide demon; according to the information provided by our friend here (points to Dante), we'll have to head to the wolf territory. That's where our prey is. Any questions?
DEMON 1: Is it true that he's an ancient demon?
GUIDE DEMON: Yes, it's an ancient demon, about 10 meters tall, so we have to hunt it carefully. Alright, everyone, take those carts with monster dogs and let's go. You two companions (pointing to the centaur demons): You, for obvious reasons, aren't getting on the carts; if you could, you'd rather help us by pushing one of the carts because we don't have many dogs (smiling).
CENTAUR DEMON 1: Damn it, I think that's all they brought us here for, to be pack mules.
GUIDE DEMON: Don't despair; I'll pay you a little more for this favor, if you survive, of course, hehe.
CENTAUR DEMON 2: Well, what does it matter, brother, we'll have more money.
CENTAUR DEMON 1: Fine, let's do it, let's go.
DANTE HERALDI: My guide, what's the plan?
DEMON GUIDE: Don't despair, we have a long way to go. When we arrive, I'll explain the plan to fight that thing. Everyone here is qualified to fight, so don't despair; get some rest.
Everyone climbs into the carriages and they begin their journey. Along the way, they talk about the demons' past adventures, how they faced humans who tried to escape, but defeated them. Dante, nervous, smiled with concern; they were mocking Rex, thinking he was a capable little devil dressed like that. Some time passes, and they arrive at their destination.
DEMON GUIDE: Well, we're here. Since it's getting late, we'll camp, as night is falling. We'll begin the hunt early tomorrow morning and explain the plan. You two (he points to the demons, looking quite intimidating), yes, you'll be on the first watch, so be alert. Now, the rest of you, set up your tents or sleep wherever you like; the hunt starts early tomorrow. Good night.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, Rex, we didn't buy a tent or anything, right?
REX: Well, we only have some small blankets. How about we go a little further out and sleep somewhere? I'll keep watch first so you feel comfortable, since I know you're very distrustful.
DANTE HERALDI: I'm more distrustful of you, Rex, after last time (looking annoyed at the dog).
REX: No, this time I swear I won't fall asleep, and if I get sleepy, I'll let you know.
DANTE HERALDI: Okay, Rex, you rest too; after a while, wake me up to relieve you.
REX: Whatever you say, Dante, I'll keep watch; you rest first.
The boys wander off from the others, and the night passes peacefully. A few hours go by; this time, Rex manages to wake Dante to change shifts. Dante looks at him kindly, telling himself he's improving. Rex goes to sleep beside the tree where Dante had been resting and quickly falls asleep. Dante sits on a fallen tree and gazes at the sky, noticing that there are stars in Hell too, and wonders, "Why?" Looking at them, he thinks how beautiful they are. Time passes, and everyone wakes up and starts eating. The guide decides to extend the task, killing time until the afternoon. Then the guide begins calling everyone.
DEMON GUIDE: Boys, the time has come. With my location powers, I found that bastard; he's about 500 meters from here, just sitting down, looking hurt. Who did he fight? I don't know, but this is our chance. Okay, here's the plan: three of you will attack him head-on to distract him, and the rest will attack him from the sides in all directions. You, Paimon, told me you're very strong, so you'll be with me to deliver the killing blow. You'll try to aim for the neck; from what I've seen, he's not in his best shape, so it'll be easy. Good luck, boys, split up and head west 500 meters from here. Break ranks now.
The demons scatter in all directions like ninjas; only the GUIDE, DANTE, and REX remain, talking for a while.
DEMON GUIDE: Alright, Paimon, let's go quickly up that mountain; we'll reach him soon, from behind, we'll surprise him. Does that little demon know how to fight too? (referring to Rex).
DANTE HERALDI: Of course, sir, I trained him myself, very well, I'll follow you.
DEMON GUIDE: Well, I hope he helps you, because we're going to need more than enough hands to defeat that thing. Go ahead, Paimon, let's begin this mission.
Dante continues following the guide; after a few minutes, they see the gigantic demon sitting at the foot of the mountain where they were.
The guide roars, and the hunt begins. Everyone rushes toward the demon, following the guide's plan. An epic battle is about to begin.
In an instant, the centaur-demons race in front of the giant demon, hurling magical spears they conjur out of thin air. Mounted upon them was another larger, more muscular demon who, shifting the earth with his powers, manages to seize the giant's legs, and the immense monster takes notice.
The giant quickly gets up to attack, but very clumsily because he is injured; no one knows who hurt him. Suddenly, the gigantic monster slams its fist down, knocking the centaur demons off their feet. But the muscular demon manages to leap up, and with his earth powers, he creates a large spear and plunges the stone spear into the giant's leg.
The gigantic demon kneels in pain, and the other demons take advantage of the situation, unleashing their powers: high-pressure water blasts, powerful fire, and a kind of black energy blast from their hands, striking the giant from all sides.
The giant demon begins to open its mouth, enduring the attacks, and a great beam of light shoots from its mouth, shooting from the ground into the sky, evaporating everything in its path and also wiping out about three demons. Then Dante leaps from the cliff and begins to fall from the sky with the guide demon and Rex. As he falls, Dante screams.
DANTE HERALDI: HEY, GUIDE, THE DEMON IS REALLY STRONG. WHAT CAN WE DO?
DEMON GUIDE: LISTEN, KID, I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A PUSH SO YOU FALL FASTER. YOU HAVE A WEIRD WEAPON, RIGHT? USE IT.
DANTE HERALDI: HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?
DEMON GUIDE: I FELT ITS POWER WHEN I SAW YOU, BUT ANYWAY, LET'S LEAVE THAT BEHIND. HERE YOU GO, CONCENTRATE ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
DANTE HERALDI: OK, LET'S BEGIN.
The demon guide then positions himself above Dante mid-air and grabs the soles of his feet, concentrating a strange energy that propels our protagonist at full speed toward the demon.
Dante, mid-fall, draws his sword and focuses his newfound wolf abilities, gaining increased speed and strength.
For a moment, Dante feels the power of the sword; it's absorbing his energy. With a spectacular slash, he severs the monster's entire right arm, from the shoulder down. The monster roars in pain, and instinctively kicks the monstrous giant in the ribs on its right side, throwing it off balance.
Dante manages to propel himself safely to a ledge on the mountain. Rex, meanwhile, has already fallen onto the giant demon's head. The immense demon begins to writhe in pain, shooting beams of energy from its mouth in all directions.
Rex is clinging tightly to the giant's fur to avoid falling. The demon guide was already perched on his left shoulder when the giant demon managed to free himself from the stake in his leg, yanking it out of his foot. He then began attacking all the demons, unleashing lightning attacks and slamming his single hand into the ground.
Meanwhile, Dante, exhausted from the effort of the attack, simply watched until he regained some energy. The demon guide then drew some daggers, concentrating his wind power, and began slashing at the giant demon's face, preventing him from unleashing more lightning, as most of his allies were being killed by it. The demon guide shouted at Dante.
GUIDE DEMON: PAIMON, ONE MORE ATTACK, JUST ONE, QUICK!
DANTE HERALDI: What the hell, I can't move very well and he wants me to keep going.
DANTE watches the guide demon giving it his all, while he sees spikes emerging from the demon's shoulder, attacking the guide. He dodges as much as he can while continuing to launch his own attacks; a few spikes hit him and DANTE quickly gets to his feet.
DANTE HERALDI: Damn it, I don't know these demons, I don't care about their lives, but why do I have this feeling of needing to help someone else? Damn it.
Dante leaps from his spot with brutal force; he feels a small fracture in his legs, but continues. Concentrating his energy as before, he lunges for the demon's neck. The demon leader is then struck by several spikes, the spikes piercing his body, causing him to fall motionless from the giant demon's shoulder.
Quickly, the giant demon turns its head, facing Dante, and opens its mouth to unleash a deadly beam. Dante simply stares at it, the attack charging in his hands, wondering if it will succeed. Then, as the demon prepares to fire the beam, it suddenly shoots it skyward, screaming in pain.
Confused, Dante sees Rex above him, on the giant demon's head, unleashing powerful scratches, forcing the demon's head up and exposing its neck.
Then Dante notices this and adopts a very serious expression, concentrating all his wolf power. The sword begins to absorb Dante's power, directing it towards the demon's neck. By the time the demon manages to break free from Rex, it's too late. Rex quickly descends, grabs the demon guide, and pulls him out by throwing himself into the void, sliding down the giant demon's body to the ground.
Suddenly, an immense dark slash rips across the giant demon's shoulders from side to side. Its head goes flying to one side as a rain of blood drenches the area. Yes, it was Dante; he had won the battle with that final strike. Rex looks on, relieved that it was finally over.
Rex carefully laid the demon guide on the ground. The guide was alive, but badly injured. With feline agility, Rex scaled the giant's body as it teetered to the right, about to fall to the ground.
Rex immediately grabbed Dante, who was collapsing from exhaustion, his hands broken from the immense power he had used. Rex quickly brought Dante to safety and placed him beside the demon guide.
Rex then went to retrieve Dante's sword. Some time had passed, and Dante opened his nearly healed eyes to find his sword beside him, with Rex lying there. Before him sat the badly wounded but conscious demon guide, perched on a log, smoking a cigar. Dante looked at him, somewhat puzzled.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, are you alright? I didn't know we had these things here.
DEMON GUIDE: You mean this thing in my mouth? (He inhales and exhales the smoke.) The king gave it to me. They say it's from the mortal world; it's relaxing.
DANTE HERALDI: Of course it is. Do you have one for me, please? I desperately need a cigarette for this fight.
DEMON GUIDE: Sure, but let me tell you something, Paimon… I never told you what these things were called, so are you really human? Am I right? (He stands up with a very serious expression.)
REX and DANTE stand up quickly, attentive to the demon guide's last words.
DANTE HERALDI: (Surprised and nervous) This… wait, it's not what you think. I know this from all my travels.
GUIDING DEMON: (looking at him seriously for a few seconds) Hahaha, relax, kid. If you're human, I have no interest in you; your behavior has already confirmed that. We've just reached the end of this day, and our wounds will begin to heal.
Dante is very confused but attentive as the demon looks at him and continues speaking.
GUIDE DEMON: Look, let me introduce myself formally: my name is BELFEGOR. Of course, I'm just an intermediate demon; the name is borrowed, but my master always told me to doubt everything, whether humans are this or that. I'm just like him; I doubt everything, and I'm also curious. I brought you far from the camp so we could talk properly. Besides, those little bits of toys you had on your head had already broken; anyone else would have devoured you by now.
DANTE HERALDI: But you're a demon; you have no interest in devouring my power.
BELFEGOR: I don't give a damn about your powers, pal. You saved me. If you've been in these realms for a long time, you know there's no second chance here. Seriously, not all demons are despicable beings; we have goals and ambitions too. I let you live because I'm a different kind of demon. Besides, that dog helped you. I see he's pretty strong, hehehe.
DANTE HERALDI: What? REX, nooo, he's just a bit of a nuisance, but he's not very strong.
BELFEGOR: Hey, dog, why don't you tell him the truth about your strength?
DANTE HERALDI: (Dante glares coldly at REX) What are you hiding from me, REX?
REX: The truth is, I only just realized my power myself, DANTE; it's not like I didn't want to hide it from you. (Suddenly, REX grows larger than his normal size.)
DANTE HERALDI: (Dante is surprised) Wait, but how is that possible? You're almost the size of those wolves we killed.
BELFEGOR: See? That dog is really strong. He would have torn me to pieces if he'd tried anything to do to you.
DANTE HERALDI: We'll talk about this later, Rex, but thanks anyway. I owe you my life.
BELFEGOR: You know, you're better than I thought. I never imagined I'd have a human near me. The surviving lads are setting up camp right now; we'll be leaving in a few hours. I'd like to ask you to share some knowledge of your world with me, and in return, I'll keep quiet and give you something special.
DANTE HERALDI: (Dante looks at him doubtfully.) Well, what do you want to know?
BELFEGOR: Everything you can tell me about that world.
DANTE HERALDI: Very well, listen.
Dante proceeds to tell him about everything related to his former world: food, technology, weapons, stories created by humans, and his own history. After hours of conversation, time passed quickly, and it was time to leave for the city.
BELFEGOR: Well, that was splendid knowledge. As I promised, nothing is free anywhere. We made a deal; I keep my promises. Give me your hand. (He looks at him seriously.)
Dante gives the demon his hand, and a small flame ignites in his hands and enters Dante's body. Surprised by what happened, he asks:
DANTE HERALDI: What the hell was that, BELFEGOR? I felt something entering me.
BELFEGOR: Listen, I can't offer you your revenge because this world is truly vast; those damned humans who betrayed you are likely here, so I've given you a very useful ability for your search, my "location" power. With it, you'll be able to find them once you master it better than I have.
DANTE HERALDI: Really? Honestly, thank you so much. There are good demons, I'm surprised.
BELPHEGOR: Ha, your stories about us are exaggerated, but some are true. Not all of us have horns and tails; some of us are different, as you've probably noticed. The strongest of us doesn't even look like one of the demons in your stories; look at me, I'm practically the same as you, but all black and wearing a vest.
DANTE HERALDI: You're right. Well, it's time to go. Thank you very much, BELFEGOR.
The boys exchange satisfied glances after all their practice; Dante then pulls another set of toy horns from his satchel and looks at Rex, puzzled.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, Rex, why does your clothes grow when you do? Hmm, but your helmet did break.
REX: I haven't the slightest idea, maybe it's part of my powers (wagging his tail); besides, that helmet was in my way.
DANTE HERALDI: Oh, Rex, what am I going to do with you? (shaking his head)
Our protagonists head back to the camp. After a short wait, all the survivors gather their belongings and board the carriage, bringing with them the giant demon's crystal—a gem so massive it took up an entire wagon by itself.
Fortunate yet tragic, less than half of those who set out to hunt the demon remained, leaving plenty of room for the crystal.
Everyone begins the journey toward the city to rest; today's battle has come to an end.
We return to the site of the final struggle, where a four-winged shadow hovers above the giant demon's corpse. It smiles, then takes flight and vanishes into the distance.
Dante didn't know it yet, but that shadow had already set its sights on him. And in Hell, nothing is a coincidence...
Hello, this is your friend aggret 1 speaking. This week, one chapter will be published every day, after that it will be two per week. Thank you and sorry for the delay, hehe.