The Lucifer/Satan-led regime had become tiresome, cliched, and one-sided. It was clear that a new ruler was needed. However, the question remained: who could be king, aside from the current leaders? Every demon seemed selfish, every ghost was focused on their own well-being, and the neutral spirits remained, well, neutral.
A DAY LATER SOMEWHERE ON EARTH...
A handsome man with a sly grin on his face mused, "What on earth or, well, in hell is this?" He was none other than Asmodeus, the notorious Arch demon, renowned for his cocky attitude and on the cusp of becoming the Devil. As he sat in a grand office surrounded by a group of men, they briefed him on the state of affairs in hell.
The news was nothing short of astonishing. Hell, it seemed, was calling for an election. The demons were demanding democracy. Asmodeus couldn't help but be entertained by the audacious proposition. "Ha! I can't believe this. I wish I could see the expression on Satan and Lucifer's faces," he chuckled.
"So, Asmodeus, what are your thoughts on our proposal?" inquired the men around the table. Asmodeus surveyed them coolly before responding, "Why in hell would I entertain that?" Their astonishment was palpable. This was a once-in-an-eternity opportunity for any demon, yet Asmodeus seemed utterly indifferent.
His nonchalant response stemmed from a singular reason. Asmodeus had long abandoned the cause of hell. He had given up waging a futile war against their Father, the Almighty God. After being absent from hell for over a century, he saw no reason to return and become the scapegoat for the kingdom of darkness. "What has Lucifer had to say about your demands?" he inquired curiously.
"He's been uncharacteristically silent. You know Lucifer and his pride," they replied. "Asmodeus, please consider the offer. We are weary of their reign, and it appears that Satan is eyeing the throne once more. You know what happens when he seizes control," they implored, almost as if they were pleading with him.
"Oh, Satan, the timeless lover of conflict and devastation. I wish I could see you right now," he muttered to himself as he rose and turned his back on the men.
"Alright, I want to hear Lucifer's endorsement straight from his own lips," he declared, turning to address the men around him. Their faces paled, well aware that such a request would bruise Lucifer's ego. Asmodeus was fully cognizant of this, but that was precisely his intention. He yearned to stand before his brother, who had once derided him for drawing power from the weakest sin. Now, as the entire realm of hell clamored for his ascension to the throne, he simply wanted to witness his dear brother's reaction.
He longed to lock eyes with Lucifer and witness his pride crumble before the one he had dismissed as a misguided rebel. Initially, Asmodeus had disagreed with their ideologies, often dismissing their cause as foolish and vain. However, his time on Earth had revealed to him the freedom and power that he would have never experienced as an innocent little angel. While he couldn't deny missing that life, he realized that his rebellion had been driven by a desire to break free from the constraints that had dictated his eternal existence.
He had hoped that joining his seven brothers would provide the liberation he sought, but instead, Lucifer and Satan had only shown him an alternate form of control. It took years for him to emancipate himself from the belief that he needed them. Now, truly free, he vowed never to be anyone's puppet again.
It was a firm "no" from Asmodeus. They could keep their coveted throne; he was determined to reclaim his dignity and respect. He yearned for Lucifer's acknowledgment of his newfound superiority, after which he intended to turn the tables on them and retreat to a demon-free existence, living happily ever after.
Leviathan, the leader of the messengers, approached Asmodeus and tapped his shoulder, seeking to dissuade him. "You truly don't need to do this, Asmodeus. We both know you have no desire for the throne. Let's make a deal – endorse me for the role, and I will ensure the others never trouble you again."
Turning to his brother with a world-weary expression, Asmodeus retorted, "What do you know about what I want? This is the first time in a century that we have spoken, and here you are, boldly proposing deals. Let me tell you something! When I become king, you can come and make a deal with the Devil."
Leviathan wasn't taken aback by Asmodeus's tirade and mocking demeanor; their relationship had never been characterized by warmth and understanding.
Now, witnessing the transformation of Asmodeus into a formidable amalgamation of Lucifer's pride and Satan's refined rage, Leviathan no longer had to fret about Asmodeus appearing weak in the eyes of others.
"Since it appears that you have everything under control, shall we proceed to finally meet your ardent supporters? They are eager to welcome their new king," Leviathan remarked in the most cynical tone imaginable.