After being swallowed into the floor he reappeared somewhere, in throne hall.
Magnificent braziers half-enclosing each of the twelve soapstone columns light up most of the throne hall, engulfing the space in a brilliant glimmer. The illustrations of a legendary victory on the embowed ceiling dance in the flickering light, while marble icons and carved images look down upon the porcelain floor of this sublime hall.
A ruby rug runs down from the throne for a few meters before coming to an end, while pennant banners with embellished fringes swing gently from the walls. Between each banner hangs a small luster, some of which have been lit and in turn illuminate the artistic depictions of divine beings below them.
Massive windows are framed by draperies colored the same ruby as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with impressive needlework and fine patterns.
At the center of a small platform sits a striking throne of silver. The throne is covered in symmetric emblems, and each of the front legs is fixed with a ruby demon wing. The broad pillows are a light ruby and have been adorned with ornate borders.
Sitting on the silver throne was a woman of unparalleled beauty, unlike any he had ever witnessed before. Though this man have seen his fair share of beautiful ladies, both natural and artificial, none could compare to this woman who now sat before him. He found himself at a loss for words, unable to adequately describe her captivating presence.
Right now, a certain desire stirred within him as he gazed upon her, and he made no attempt to hide it. He longed for this woman to be his, even though he knew realistically, such a thing was impossible. Yet, the thrill of attempting the impossible was alluring.
He was no fool, however. He could sense the power that emanated from this being, though it was concealed. The man's instincts told him that this was someone who stood at the absolute summit, a true apex predator.
The young man felt tense, yet thrilled, as he stood there and allowed the woman to scrutinize him with her beautiful crimson eyes. After what seemed an eternity, she finally opened her mouth, and the sound of her voice sent a chill down his spine.
"Not bad, my son. I am Lilith, your creator. The ruler of this realm. Welcome to your new life," she introduced herself, and the moment he heard her name, he felt another shiver run down his spine. Having read numerous books, mostly in the fantasy genre, he was all too familiar with her name and her position as the first original demon.
While he was lost in his own thoughts, Lilith observed him and chuckled.
"What is it? Cat got your tongue?"
"No, I was lost in my thoughts for a moment,"
He snapped back to reality and offered a polite bow. "Thank you for offering me a second chance at life, Mother."
Lilith smiled, seemingly pleased with his behavior. "Not bad!"
He heaved a sigh of relief inwardly before lifting his head. The real thing was about to start.
"Mother, there must be a reason for your actions," he said, eager to understand the purpose behind this unexpected reincarnation.
Lilith chuckled as he posed his question, appearing unsurprised, almost as if she had been anticipating this inquiry. Instead of directly addressing his question, she countered with one of her own.
"Son, tell me, what does the one who stands atop the summit fear?" This query could be interpreted on multiple levels, but there were only a handful of correct answers. Given what he knew of the woman before him from books and his instinct, the answer seemed rather obvious.
"I believe it is loneliness and boredom," he replied, his tone exuding a sense of certainty. And indeed, he was confident in the truth of his response.
Lilith burst into laughter, her amusement palpable.
"Bravo, as expected of my son," she proclaimed, praising his response.
He waited patiently for her to continue, and she did not disappoint.
"Indeed, it is as you said. We who stand at the summit fear loneliness and boredom. The reason I asked another question instead of answering yours was simply to allow you to understand the reasoning behind my actions. And I believe you must have already grasped the answer, am I not correct?"
Lilith's eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint as she looked down on him from her throne. She was testing him, and he was determined to rise to the occasion.
Unbeknownst to him, the corner of his mouth curled into a subtle smile.
"Indeed, your assumption was not wrong. I have understood why you have reincarnated me. It is because you are lonely, but more importantly, extremely bored. Powerful being such as you fear boredom more than anything. And from what I could infer, you must have watched my past and then decided to reincarnate me, because I will become your source of entertainment. Am I correct, mother?"
He spoke those words with unwavering certainty, his analysis precise. She must have observed his past through his very soul and chosen to reincarnate him, for he could provide a better source of amusement.
Most would have scoffed at this, perhaps even grown angry at being reduced to a mere plaything, an entertainer. But that was not his case. He was truly grateful, for through this opportunity, he had been granted another chance at life, a chance to fulfill his desires. And if his assumptions proved correct this time, it would undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience.
A subtle, amused grin tugged at the corner of Lilith's lips.
"You've got it right, my son. I'm starting to like you more and more. I simply reincarnated you because I lack a source of entertainment, and you shall provide it as payment for this opportunity."
"I will, and I promise you won't be disappointed," he responded with a smile, his chin raised high. He would provide her the best source of entertainment and slowly win her over – he must absolutely make this woman his. He vowed this silently, but his eyes were filled with a desire he made no effort to conceal, as he sought to establish a firm foothold.
Lilith seemed to have noticed his desire and asked, after subtly placing one leg atop the other – a simple action, yet one that held a deadly charm. He felt the blood nearly rush to his lower body, but he managed to calm myself through sheer willpower.
"Do you desire me, son?" Lilith inquired, a smile playing upon her lips.