Our story continues: during the meeting taking place in MALEKIN's palace, a mysterious shadow has appeared, and it turns out to be ASTAROTH. What sinister purpose could this being have?
MALEKIN: ASTAROTH? Why would someone like you come before us?
Everyone adopts a combat stance in the presence of this being.
ASTAROTH: Calm yourselves, it will do you no good to attack me; this is merely a projection using my powers. I am thousands of kilometers away from your position, I only wish to speak.
DANTE HERALDI: Fine, say what you have to say and vanish. Are you here to declare war on us?
ASTAROTH: Hmm, insolent human. Do you think that just because you are that guy's favorite I wouldn't hunt you down and kill you? Watch your words.
DANTE HERALDI: Don't think for a second that I'm afraid of you.
MALEKIN: Enough. What do you want from us? Speak once and for all.
ASTAROTH: Very well, I only wanted to inform you that you do not represent a threat to me. In fact, MALEKIN, I plan to leave your little experiment of a city alone, just to see how human life develops in hell… I find it intriguing. (everyone is taken by surprise).
MALEKIN: What's the catch, demon? Your brother died; do you not care about that at all?
ASTAROTH: Wahahahaha! That thing was nothing more than a replaceable pawn. I only sent him to your city because I wanted to get rid of him, and at the same time, take the opportunity to gather information about your city. Everything else he might have told you is a lie; he is entirely useless. I am practically a god, and the goal of many demons like myself is to displace the gods that were created, in order to stand one step away from divinity. I planned to achieve that with you, but I already have others far better than you, so that is why I intend to leave you in peace. It isn't worth traveling so far; you are no longer worth the trouble.
DANTE HERALDI: What the hell are you talking about? What do you mean by "created gods"?
ASTAROTH: Hmm, I spoke too much, that is something you all are not meant to know just yet. Anyway, that is all. Farewell, enjoy your freedom while you can, jajajaja.
DANTE HERALDI: Wait, I need to ask you something else!
As DANTE raises his voice, the demon ASTAROTH vanishes, leaving a scorch mark on the table.
MALEKIN: Bastard... after how much effort it took me to clean that table.
Everyone is stunned by the occurrence, so they resume their conversation.
DANTE HERALDI: That bastard… what the shit did he mean by "created gods"?
MALEKIN: Don't dwell on it too much, DANTE. (DANTE gives him his full attention). Because of all this information, I have made a decision, and I am going to help you escape from this place. We are going to visit the king of this world. It is time to go to that place.
DANTE HERALDI: But MALEKIN, are you sure about trusting that demon? Maybe he's lying to us.
RENJIT: I don't think so. From what ACHAM said, that guy is some sort of scientist and likes to nose around. If he says he finds MALEKIN's city interesting, he won't do anything.
MALEKIN: My thoughts exactly. It's time to return the favor, DANTE, for the help you provided in this war. Besides, I'll get stronger if I go with you, heh.
DANTE is deeply moved by MALEKIN's words and looks over at REX, who smiles back at him.
DANTE HERALDI: Well, if you believe you can help me, you are more than welcome. Alright, when can we leave?
MALEKIN: Give me a month to get everything sorted out in the city so we can set out.
DANTE HERALDI: Fine, I'll be waiting for you at the mansion. Train a bit if possible, because I have a feeling this journey will be highly brutal.
Everyone watches as the human DANTE and the demon MALEKIN shake hands, and even though MALEKIN is wearing his bandana, it is clearly visible that he is very happy to help DANTE. Following this, the meeting comes to an end, everyone says their goodbyes, and DANTE returns home alongside REX.
Having arrived at the house, DANTE remains embarrassed around ELENA. He doesn't know how to deal with what he is starting to feel, so he simply says goodbye to head to his room. ELENA notices that DANTE is ignoring her and goes to the living room to sweep, trying to distract her mind. REX looks at her, notices that ELENA is sad, and decides to cheer her up.
REX: (enters and lies down on the floor) ELENA… how was your day? (Elena doesn't respond)… ELENA?
ELENA: (sighing)… HA! Sorry, yes, you're right, I'm a bit distracted.
REX: I know. I think you should talk to DANTE about what you're feeling.
ELENA: Um, you think so? (realizing what she is discussing with REX, she turns bright red) Wait a minute, REX, don't say things like that!
REX: (looking at her with narrowed eyes) Do you think I don't know? I am an animal; I sense things much faster than you humans do.
ELENA: (Calms down)... But, REX, he has a goal, and I don't think I'm part of his plans.
REX: You won't know unless you try. (standing up and walking away) Keep my words in mind. I'm going out.
ELENA: Uh… yeah, sure…
Night has arrived at the house, and DANTE is resting in his bed with the balcony of his room wide open. He is deep in thought, troubled by what he is feeling for ELENA.
DANTE HERALDI: (thinking out loud) Dammit, I don't know what I'm going to do… I love my wife and my kids, but this thing I'm feeling isn't new to me. I haven't felt this way in a long time, and the last time was for my wife. (a massive explosion echoes from the forest where he used to train) What was that? God, is he fighting something or is he just pissed off? Well, anyway, I'm confused. What should I do? Is what I'm thinking wrong?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: And why should it be wrong?
Out of nowhere, a mysterious voice speaks up. DANTE recognizes it instantly and bolts upright from his bed, realizing that the voice came from the balcony and belonged to none other than BELL. The demon who had granted him his powers had returned, and he was sitting on the balcony eating an apple.
Reacting rapidly, DANTE grabs his pouch, draws KUSANAGI, and launches into an attack, throwing a sword slash straight at BELL's throat. However, BELL stops the powerful strike using just two fingers, shoving him backward. As DANTE crashes to the floor, BELL mentions something…
BELL: Wait, wait, mortal! I didn't come here to fight. (he notices a small cut on his fingers) Wow… Incredible. You have improved a lot; now a simple attack of yours can actually hurt me, jajajaja. (he heals instantly).
DANTE HERALDI: (taking a defensive stance) What do you want! (in his mind) Why haven't REX or ELENA noticed this monster?
BELL: Hmm, you might be wondering why no one is coming up; it's because I placed a barrier in this room, and we are momentarily isolated.
DANTE HERALDI: You bastard, what did you come here for? … And I want to ask you, why did you give me this power?
BELL: No, no, no, I only came because I sensed you had something in your heart that you want to let out. Tell me, my friend, what is troubling you? Heh.
DANTE HERALDI: What the shit are you talking about?
BELL: Come on, mortal, I know something's up; I can't just leave you like this. As my subordinate, I have to spoil you, hahaha—oh God, listen to what I'm saying, oops, I shouldn't talk about that big bearded guy.
DANTE HERALDI: Seriously, you only came here for that? (sighing) Umm, fine, you just have to answer a single question for me, and I'll tell you what's on my mind. (with a serious look).
BELL: Hmm, fiiine, by the hells, agreed. Ask, but only one.
DANTE HERALDI: (sheathing his sword) It seems like you truly don't want to do anything to me... and I've been thinking, and I only have one question for you: why me?
BELL: (his eye twitches), (sighing)… Look, kid, I'm just passing the time. Do you think someone like me would have responsibilities? The truth is, I have nothing to do and I am immortal, which is why I get bored. That's all, there's nothing else to it.
DANTE looks at him suspiciously, thinking that this demon is highly bizarre, and he doesn't truly believe he is doing everything just out of boredom. However, he lets it slide because he doesn't know how to deal with him.
DANTE HERALDI: (sighing) Fine, I'll believe you.
BELL: Ah, finally, now we're talking. Can you tell me what's wrong with you? I need to go somewhere else to torture some humans.
DANTE HERALDI: No way, I thought you said you had nothing to do.
BELL: You are driving me out of my mind, human.
DANTE HERALDI: Alright, listen…
DANTE, still untrusting, relates everything about his wife and ELENA to BELL, who listens closely to it all, merely nodding his head to prompt further details. Once the conversation is finished, the demon speaks.
BELL: So that's all. Well, I only have one thing to say: take her with you and make her your new wife.
DANTE HERALDI: Are you insane? Didn't you hear what I just told you?
BELL: Look, mortal, even if you fulfill your mission, you will be on Earth completely alone, and it will take a long time for you to die. Life goes on. Do you think your wife's soul is going to keep waiting for you in heaven? By the time you return and eventually die, she will have already reincarnated, take it from me. If you want to prove you deserve heaven, live your life happily with someone else; for the moment, her soul is up there because you are down here. Time also flows differently in paradise, and if you make it out and decide to commit suicide, you'll just end up right back here. So take my advice, mortal, and go be happy.
DANTE HERALDI: Wow... it seems you're not completely a monster. You actually have some eloquence from time to time, don't you?
BELL: Don't insult me, I have lived for many millennia to have experience in almost everything.
DANTE HERALDI: But you are right... (lowering his head) maybe it is time to give myself a chance.
BELL: Good, now you feel happy, right? Your mindset is different. What do you want to do now?
DANTE HERALDI: (while raising his head) I'll take her with me to Earth, heh...
When DANTE finishes speaking, he realizes that BELL was no longer in the room. He turns everywhere looking for him, but finds nothing.
DANTE HERALDI: (in his mind) What a bizarre demon. I wish I could have asked him more things, but anyway, he helped me clear my head. (sighing) I suppose I owe him my thanks, wherever he may be.
Out of nowhere, someone knocks on DANTE's door, attempting to call for him. It was ELENA.
ELENA: DANTE, are you awake?
DANTE HERALDI: Yeah. (opening the door) Hey, ELENA, how can I help you?
ELENA: (entering the room) You see, I've noticed that things have been very awkward between us, and I wanted to talk to you about our relationship…
DANTE HERALDI: ELENA, before you say anything, I want to tell you that I like you, and I want you to come with me to the human world… You deserve a second chance too, you… (turning bright red) Will you be my girlfriend?
ELENA turns bright red, completely overjoyed by the news. She wraps her arms around DANTE and kisses him passionately, and a soft "yes" slips from her lips. The night passes peacefully, and we see our young couple spend their first night together. In a night of passion, the two intertwine in a beautiful relationship. (We'll leave the rest to your imagination XD).
The following morning, REX enters the house and catches a strange vibe in the air, finding DANTE smiling from ear to ear.
REX: Hey, you look kind of weird.
DANTE HERALDI: (happily) Huh? No, it's just your imagination, you crazy dog.
REX: Hmm, yeah, sure… (noticing that ELENA is blushing) something definitely doesn't add up here. Well, whatever, hey, don't you think we should go out and train?
DANTE HERALDI: (growing serious) Yeah, you're right, MALEKIN said one month. Fine, let's not waste any time, let's go.
DANTE says goodbye to ELENA with a kiss, and REX finally realizes that these two have coupled up. He is so utterly shocked that he falls flat on his back. Following this embarrassing scene, the guy's head out to train.
Time flies by, and as it passes, we see DANTE and REX taking on guild missions. Additionally, a pact had been sealed with the island, resulting in BELFEGOR becoming the current king; he possessed far greater power compared to MAMMON, and the city prospered… We also witness how DANTE and ELENA's relationship happily flourished. They became much closer during this time.
Now, the month has officially passed, and we see our friends saying goodbye to RENJIT, as he will remain behind to watch over the city.
MALEKIN: RENJIT, be careful, and do not hesitate to contact me using your new telepathic communication power.
RENJIT: Don't worry, with my training, I am certain I will protect this city until you return. Well, the time has come to say goodbye, DANTE. It's a shame you're taking one of the beauties of this city with you. I envy you.
DANTE HERALDI: Hahaha, I've seen women in the city that you might actually like. ELENA is mine, my friend, go find your own.
ELENA: Don't say things like that, DANTE! Thank you for everything, Lord RENJIT, and take good care of yourself.
DANTE HERALDI: Goodbye, my friend—or rather, my brother.
Following a round of handshakes and hugs, they say their goodbyes to RENJIT, and the citizens bid them farewell as well. After a few hours of traveling on REX's back, they reach their destination. At the crossroads, right where the signpost separated the paths, stood the path leading forward to the entrance of MICTLAN. Our friends halt at the entrance of the massive cave, which looked colossal up close; only absolute darkness could be seen ahead of them.
DANTE HERALDI: Well, we're finally here. Let's go.
MALEKIN, ELENA, and REX nod their heads and, holding hands, enter the cave, Rex biting Dante's clothes. They step into the total darkness. What new adventures await them? We'll find out very soon.