The treacherous landscape warped into an even more desolate expanse as Gunjo, Yaien, and the ever-mysterious Elma made their way towards a hidden sanctuary—a canyon carved into the earth by forces both ancient and arcane. As the trio approached, the sheer cliffs rose around them like the jagged jaws of some primordial beast, a testament to the untamed power of this infernal realm.
Gunjo's attention, however, was drawn not only by the monolithic scenery but by the ethereal game system window that suddenly emerged before him, a translucent pane of insight that hovered like a ghostly sentinel. Its spectral glow cast an otherworldly light on the canyon's entrance, and with but a thought, he summoned its analytical prowess.
'I've never ventured down here…'
[System Analysis Initiating...]
The window began populating with detailed entries as Gunjo's gaze traced the path ahead:
[Flora: Hell's Whisper Vine - Rare]
A climbing plant that thrives upon the canyon's walls. Its leaves resemble screaming faces, emitting a faint, sorrowful moan when the wind passes. Highly valued in demonic alchemy for its properties of amplification.
[Fauna: Ember Beetles - Common]
Small carapace creatures that scuttle across the canyon floor. Their shells, akin to smoldering coals, leave a faint trail of ember dust. Can be ground into a fine powder for fire-based potions or incendiary wards.
[Item: Inferno Bloom - Uncommon]
A vibrant flower, a stark contrast to its bleak surroundings, pulsates with an inner flame. Just one petal can boil a cauldron of water—or scald an enemy's flesh.
[System Assimilation: Soul Sand - Abundant]
Grains of sand swirl lazily in the canyon's choke points, rumored to contain fragments of condemned souls. A necessary component for rituals seeking to bind spirits or enhance necromantic spells.
[Artifact: Shard of Erebus - Unique]
Pieced together from the scattered remnants found along the canyon's overhangs, this relic hums with a foreboding energy.
[Miscellaneous: Abyssal Crystals - Uncommon]
Clustered formations clinging to the canyon's recesses, these crystals emanate a darkness that seems to devour light. Sought after by artificers to empower items with nether energies.
Gunjo meticulously observed as each entry bloomed with detail, noting the potential uses and inherent dangers lurking within each description. As he did, the hideout came into view, a stark departure from the inhospitable exterior.
Within the cleft of the canyon, they found a place where the gloom relented—a hidden grotto illuminated by dim, phosphorescent moss that dappled the walls in a ghostly emerald hue. Hooks and shelves naturally carved into the stone displayed sundry ingredients and apparatuses, a testament to Elma's alchemical expertise.
A steady drip of cave water beat a rhythmic tempo, harmonizing with the subtle hiss of steam rising from bubbling cauldrons. Tables cluttered with parchment, quills, and tomes forged a scene chaotic and scholarly all at once.
Magic pervaded the air, a tangible current of power that swirled like an invisible tempest, caught in an eternal dance with the tools and trinkets that filled the space. Here, nestled within the canyon's protective embrace, was a nexus of ancient wisdom and forbidden craft—a sanctuary from the savage lands outside, a haven safeguarding secrets not meant for the feeble-hearted or the easily corrupted.
As Gunjo, Yaien, and Elma crossed the threshold into Elma's sanctum, the harshness of the hellish exterior gradually subsided, giving way to an atmosphere that was unexpectedly welcoming. The scent of charred cedar and sulfur mixed into something strangely comforting as they ventured further inside. Gunjo, ever vigilant, allowed the system window to educate him on his new surroundings.
Yaien saw Gunjo, and he thought, 'This kid..he's heavily focused. What runs through his head during a time like this?'
[System Detailed Scan Activating...]
With a soft hum, the spectral pane refreshed to outline the components that made this space a home amidst the relentless inferno outside. The details flickered across the screen:
[Furniture: Obsidian Wood Bed - Handcrafted]
A sturdy frame carved from the heartwood of the obsidian trees found only within the deepest layers of the nether realm. Its naturally fire-resistant nature makes it ideal for rest in this environment. Comes with a mattress woven from the silk of Ember Moths, offering a sleep as deep as the abyss itself.
[Utility: Basalt Dresser - Handmade]
This dresser, with its smoothly polished surface, defies the abrasive nature of its source stone. The expert workmanship is evident in the seamless movement of its drawers, silent as a shadow. Ideal for storing items that demand preservation from the elements.
[Amenity: Onyx Door - Enchanted]
Unlike its stoic kin, this onyx door opens with a quiet resolve, a portal maintaining the balance between the solitude of home and the chaos that lies beyond. Enchanted hinges prevent it from warping or yielding to the temperature's whims.
[Comfort: Hell Thread Rugs - Artisanal]
Spun from the threads of subterranean insects, these rugs bear both elegance and resilience. Their intricate patterns enchant the eye, while their dense weave offers comfort to weary feet.
[Decoration: Lava Glass Lanterns - Unique]
Filled with liquid flame encapsulated within glass forged in the heart of a volcano, these lanterns bathe the cavern in a soft, molten glow, mimicking the setting sun of a world far removed.
[System Analysis: Hearthstone Table - Unique]
This central table, hewn from a single piece of hearthstone, radiates a gentle warmth, its tempered surface hosting numerous concoctions and lore. A meeting place and an altar, it stands at the core of Elma's domain.
Yaien and Elma moved through the space with an air of casual familiarity, while Gunjo remained in awe, his system analysis providing context to the curiosity he beheld—each artifact and furnishing a statement of defiance against the bleak realm in which they resided, a reminder that, even here, a demon's touch could craft a semblance of home.
Gunjo said, "This is..nice. How do you manage to get around and stuff..?"
Elma grinned, "Thank you. I have plenty of places around that I travel underground to. The Demonic Order has guards watching me, and I create spells to make clones of myself, but they don't last long but it gives me enough time to go out and do what I need to do, collecting things."
"Ah."
'I can't stay long. I have to do this thing for this woman and get back with Sevyn. If I can have an elixir that can grant me the ability to steal enemies energy after I kill them..then that would come in handy.'
Yaien hopped on top of a table, saying, "Hmmm, I'm watching you, skeleton."
Gunjo responded, "Just wait until I get super strong, then I'll kill and eat you and use the elixir on you."
"Yeah I'm definitely telling on you. Elma!"
Elma chuckled, "You two get along now."
Gunjo walked around, asking, "You're not scared of me, right?"
"Scared?"
"Is it because I'm not as strong or mighty as I used to be? Now that I'm a lesser version of myself, everyone wants to beat the shit out of me. And plus you're a human."
"I see your kind everyday, making things for them for free. And plus, I know what you really are."
"What I really am?"
"Mhm."
"W-What am I?"
Yaien hopped on Gunjo's shoulders, saying, "That's WAY too many questions—!"
THWACK!
Gunjo punched Yaien away, sending him crashing.
"AGH"
Elma sighed, "I can't really say for certain. But that's not important now. I understand you have someone you need to be getting back to, so this won't take long."
"R-Right. Why are you helping me?"
"It's not only because we're similar. You know the Demonic Order holds power everywhere. I'm sure you know, years ago, There were times before the stabilization of the Five Thrones when the power struggles within the Demonic Order shook the very foundations of the Nether. It was an era known as the War of Ascendancy. Ancient chronicles tell of entire realms that were swallowed by the raging storm of demonic ambition. Monarchs fell, usurpers rose, and the Nether bled horrors beyond imagining into the fabric of reality. This era sculpted the hierarchy and the capricious politics that govern the relations between demon lords today. The end of this grand war saw the emergence of entities so central to the power structure of the Nether that their very existence became synonymous with the Demonic Order's strength and perpetual resilience. These entities became emissaries, generals, and high priests, ensuring that their liege's will would be done without question or hesitation. Thus forming demon monarchs, demon lords, and demon kings, the three ranks of the Demonic order with everything else under that."
"I knew nothing about that.."
"You learn a lot from being around too many of them, some even willing to give me information to make an elixir out of desperation. But because of what's going on before, that was the power that forged the doors opening into the reality of earth. And I come from a lineage of witches, so this was something alarming to us. We gained our power from the darkness of hell itself, but I was greedy and wanted more and more just to keep us all from getting wiped out. An overwhelming amount of dark magic would destroy any human whole, but I took a gamble, but in exchange, I had to weaken the awakened hunters, and they promised that they wouldn't send doors each week that I weakened 100 hunters or stripped their power with dark magic. But the more I gained the magic, the more I saw things..things I didn't wanna see. The future. So I stopped, and because of that, I was dragged here, paying off my debts to give the demons more power, since my family were good with concocting elixirs from whatever has power, demons don't have that sort of gift. They invaded earth, and lost. They thought they were going to win, but some of the chosen humans gained an unknown power from out of nowhere, which was enough to beat hell."
"So you're wanting to make me an elixir, to make me stronger. Even after all of that. You should be seeing me as some sort of asshole, especially with the rumors about me."
Yaien laughed, "It's not rumors if you're really an asshole! HAHA!"
"Damn you!"
Elma continued, "Yes, everyone has heard of your tales and arrogance, but deep inside, you're not like them. You've never been humbled until you lost your power, like me."
Gunjo paused, thinking, 'I remember a time when I said I'd never be humbled by anything. Did me losing my power..being stripped down to a fucking skeleton…did that humble me? I don't really feel like it has, but maybe it's too early, right? But ever since it happened, I've been thinking more and more. Near death experiences, struggling, losing, falling apart, and even felt sad emotions.'
Gunjo looked at Elma, saying, "Yeah, I got it. So you were charged and sentenced to serving hell itself. What do you really want from all of this?"
"The same thing you want. Freedom. You have potential to get stronger, because I've been watching you since you fell from the Demonic Order's congregation. And if I craft you this one last elixir, then that's all we need. I've seen your slow progress, you're not nearly as strong as you were before, but you're improving. I'm proud of you."
Gunjo thought, 'I wanna know..what she saw in her visions back on earth when she dabbled with dark magic from hell. Proud of me…I never heard those words before. Even from my own parents..'
Yaien asked, "Are you proud of me too?!"
Elma rubbed the back of Yaien's ear, "Of course I am. Now, I will give you the list of the ingredients needed to make the elixir. It's not too far, but the journey might be tedious. But you won't go alone."
Gunjo folded his bone arms. "Oh shit. I'm taking the rat bunny with me? I might get hungry and eat him along the way."
Yaien replied, "We can have round two, bastard!"
Gunjo asked Elma, "I'm not as strong yet, but you still want me to go out and gather things while there's a bounty out?"
Elma answered, "You will succeed. Besides, while I'm brewing the blood in the pot to prepare the elixir, no one else can be around until I am finished. Plus, you will be using the invisibility elixir I crafted, the same ones we used back before. You have to take the elixir ever ten minutes, because that's the longest I can make them last. Each of you will get 10 each."
"Figures. Alright. Thanks. What's the list?"
Suddenly, there was a human man walking out, his hair black and long, and he had scars on his face, and he had a black beard.
His attire is a fusion of traditional and stylized elements, indicative of a warrior's garb. He wears a loose-fitting kimono in a subtle shade of gray with a hint of lavender, adorned with a faint pattern that could represent a family crest or symbol of his status. The kimono is secured with a wide, rust-colored obi (belt) tied intricately at the front. Over the kimono, an orange inner collar adds a pop of contrasting color, emphasizing the character's robust neck and strong jawline. Draped over one shoulder and wrapped around his arm is a deep red sash, which could serve the dual purposes of aesthetic appeal and utility in battle. His face is marked by sharp, well-defined features, including a strong, square jawline, thick eyebrows, and piercing, dark eyes that gaze intently from beneath them. His hair is long, black, and pulled back into a topknot—a hairstyle often associated with samurai. Loose strands of his hair are caught in the motion of the wind, adding dynamism to the image. His facial hair consists of a neatly trimmed mustache and a pointed beard, both enhancing his mature and formidable appearance.
He said, "Ah. So the two piss boys aren't dead. Tragic. They got lucky."
Gunjo asked, "And who are you?"
"Shh."
"Shh..? Who the hell are you telling to shush?"
"You're coming with me. No time to waste. I'm gonna test your gall before we run out into imminent death, piss boy."
"Shut up human. I can devour you easily."
"In your state? Nah. I'm one of those dreadful Awakened you demons dealt with."
"You're..one of them? How did you get he-.?"
"Yep, let's go. Oh, and Yaien. Come too. Your rabbit ass isn't excluded."
Yaien was hiding on Elma's shoulder, sweating, "Haha, well, you see, Um—."
The man grabbed Yaien, saying, "Yoink. No excuse."
Gunjo asked again, "WHO are you? I order you to answer me—wait never mind. I'm not a demon king anymore. But still! I don't like a bunch of mysteries."
"Yamato. Yamato Takahashi. I know who you are, Gunjo the former demon king. Elma told me actually, I don't know shit about shit about anything of demons. The only thing I kinda know is the letters the Demonic Order member send each other that are scattered all over hell. I have a few, I'll let you be nosey and read them later. But I'm here for a reason, and that reason is mine alone. So don't go asking me why I'm—."
"—Why are you here?" Gunjo asked on purpose to annoy Yamato.
"DIDN'T I JUST SAY—."
Yaien exclaimed, "Come on! We're wasting time! Let's get these ingredients PLEASE."
"Fine, fine; you're right. Don't ever yell at me again I'll slice you in half, Yaien."
Yaien got scared, hiding behind Gunjo's leg.
Gunjo thought, 'Yaien is strong, but if he's scared of this human named Yamato…then he must be a force to be reckoned with. Being around these strong people and humans, it's making me sick. But also making me want to get stronger ever more. I still have some skill points from completing the quest earlier and surviving against Yaien. I'll use those on the road to get the ingredients for the elixir. As for this human Yamato, every demon can sense someone's true emotions. And as for him, he's faking this display he's putting on. Almost like he's forcing it. Why?'
Gunjo, Yaien, and Yamato left the cave, leaving through another exit.
Elma watched, thinking and smiling, 'They'll make it back.'
At that moment, a demon girl ran inside, saying, "I-I HEARD HIS VOICE! WHERE IS HE?! WHERE'S GUNJO?!"
She wears a crown of large, majestic antlers that protrude upwards and outwards from her head. The antlers have a natural brown color with lighter tips and are adorned with small, delicate chains and jewels that dangle close to her forehead. Her hair is long, flowing, and predominantly a deep blue-black color. It is styled straight and cascades down her back, with some strands falling over her shoulders. Her bangs are straight and cut right above her eyes, with longer strands framing the sides of her face. Her eyes are large and expressive, with a red hue and darker red pupils. They are accentuated by what appears to be dark eyeliner, giving them a striking appearance. She has a fair complexion with a neutral expression. Her lips are obscured by a light-colored mask that covers the lower half of her face, hinting at an air of mystery. She wears a dark, low-cut top with gold trimmings that expose a significant portion of her chest. There is a fur-lined collar or shawl draped over her shoulders, adding to the regal and wild nature of her ensemble. Her attire is adorned with various jewels, including a prominent teal gemstone at the center of her chest and smaller gemstones on the chains that dangle from her waist. She held an ornate staff in her right hand, which is topped with a branch-like structure that cradles a glowing ember or flame. The staff is detailed with spiral designs and gemstones, indicating its possible magical properties.
She leaned against Elma, "Where is Gunjo? I heard him! Did you tell him to make me one of his wives? One of his concubines?!"
Elma chuckled, "Even in his skeleton form, you still wish to have him, Kahlel?"
"He's so…brutish." Kahlel blushed, clenching her fists.
"And his wife, Sevyn. You think you can handle her if she finds out you're hunting her own king's heart? And you know in order for a demon king to accept another wife, the current wife or wives have to like you and accept you."
"Pfft. I'm a succubus. I can steal him straight from that bitch. She grew up a warrior, a warrior I watched kill thousands even as a child. Hmph, just look at me. I'm dashing. Perfect all over. No way she can—."
"Did someone say…they'll take my beloved away from me?" Sevyn was standing behind Kahlel, with her hair up in flames, and her fist covered in flames as well.
Kahlel jumped in fear, and she ran behind Elma.
"She's here! The demon witch warrior!"
Elma smiled to Sevyn, "You made your way here, I'm certain you got the letter from my raven?"
"I killed it on accident, is that okay?"
"Oh my goodness. Yeah it's fine, I'll just brew another one."
Sevyn said to Kahlel, "Back to you, what were you saying?"
"N-Nothing! Nothing at all! I was just admiring how pretty I was, and how perfect I was, that's all."
"Hm. Still the same. Since we were children."
"Yeah, haha….haha….you wanna take a walk? We have a LOT to discuss."
"Where's Gunjo? My beloved? I need to see him."
Elma replied, "They had just left, I didn't think you'd arrive so fast. But they're probably miles away from here by now."
Kahlel slides beside Sevyn slowly, slowly trying to put her arm around her, saying at the same time, "Haha..sooo I guess that means it's just you and me..to talk about certain opportunities that will definitely benefit Gunjo—."
"Don't touch me."
Kahlel let go fast, dashing behind Elma, "Yeah no problem. Got it. Understood."
'Tch! I gotta make her accept me somehow if I'm to be a wife of Gunjo.'