—Bloodwing |E-|—Race: VampirePathway: SinSpirit |E-|Strength |E-|Stamina |E|Agility |E|Affinity |E-|Active: |Blood drain |E-||The bats hovered with their wings beating steadily to keep themselves aloft. The burning flames at the tips of their tails enlightened the dark ceiling of the cavern and made it appear as if it were studded with glowing stars.—Bloodwing |E|——Bloodwing |E-|——Bloodwing |E-|—The succubi couldn't help but glance upward while they were engaged in a dogfight against the remaining monsters. The bats' inaction was puzzling and unsettling to all.Only Monika was uncaring. Her greatsword cut through another worm. She drove her blade into the ground to rally her children."Focus on the ground!" she commanded.Those bats would have long attacked if they wanted to. They would have ambushed them in the middle of the fight. But the fight was already at its end. This alone was enough to presume the likelihood of an intelligent keeper at command—a demon.The succubi redoubled their efforts as they tore through the remnants. The last worms fell after a while. All the succubi regrouped with their bodies bruised but unbowed. Monika stood at the center. Her greatsword dripped with dark blood as she gazed up at the bats. Silence enveloped the permeating fog.Clap Clap ClapThe bats parted. Their wings flapped in unison to create a path. Through this opening emerged a figure who stood atop one of the larger bats.The man wore a dark attire. A crimson-lined coat flowed around him like liquid shadows. His pale face was framed by raven-black hair—blacker than even Monika's.Clap Clap ClapHis claps reverberated through the cavern with a rhythmic cadence that sent shivers down the spines of the succubi.The bats remained still as if they were also held in thrall by this dark figure. Monika's eyes narrowed as she watched him from afar.—Valentine |D+|—Race: VampirePathway: SinClass: HemomancerSpirit |C-|Strength |D|Stamina |C-|Agility |D+|Affinity |D+|Active: |Blood drain |D+|| |Transmutation |C-||The man ceased his applause. His hands came to rest at his sides as he surveyed the spectacle under his feet. A faint smile that revealed a glimpse of elongated canines played on his lips. He stepped off the bat to the ground with his coat billowing around him."Truly impressive," he said. "How long has it been? Less or barely three hours," he stepped closer. "And yet you've managed to build such an impressive army."The succubi tensed at his advance. Their bodies coiled with readiness as every muscle poised for action. Hel's strings shimmered as he subtly readied them for any sudden move."But what's more impressive is—" he pointed at Monika, "You yourself.""State your business," Monika said calmly, "Valentine."Valentine bore an expression of apathetic detachment. His piercing crimson eyes were devoid of any warmth or emotion. His hands that moved to adjust the lapels of his coat underlined the complete lack of concern for the eyes glaring at him. The light caught on his belt—a relic embedded with a glowing Rune of Blood."I also like your attitude," he smiled lightly. "Getting right to the point. The bureaucracy in Hell can never comprehend the beauty of simplicity.""So?" Monika prompted."You probably have lots of questions, darling. Feel free to ask whatever you please," he prompted back.Monika nudged her head. "Are you fucking deaf? I've already asked you my question. State your fucking business. Do I have to add 'Would you' or 'Please' for it to sound more like a question? And just who the fuck are you calling a darling? Huh? How old are you?"The calculated calm of Valentine's facade slipped for a moment. His eyes widened ever so slightly. A flicker of surprise and distaste crossed his otherwise impassive features. It was clear that he was not accustomed to such unexpected coarseness of crass language.Hel shook his head at the back as he adjusted his glasses. There was finally another victim to share all the pain he had gone through."So?" Monika prompted. Again. "Are you frozen? Are you feeling bad? There is no daylight in this cave.""I'm 86 this year," he said out of nowhere."So you're younger than me," she tsked. "But that's kind of irrelevant. You said you've come from a bureaucratic state. Then, you should understand that some questions should be left unanswered. Why the fuck would I need to know your age? Huh?"Didn't you just ask?—Both Hel and Valentine thought at the same time."I've come as a helping hand to guide you through this labyrinth to Hell," he exclaimed while holding to his fury. "Labyrinth of Sin is divided into nine dungeons. Each signifies a sin. This dungeon is under the jurisdiction of my lord. I'm one of the administrators of the Labyrinth of Sin.""Who's your lord?" she immediately followed."Lord Nocturne. He's otherwise known as Blood Baron," Valentine clarified."Are there other candidates here besides me?" she asked."Yes. Nine overall. All the nine barons have been patiently waiting for the commencement of the selection trial. You'll now be nurtured by the Blood Baron himself," he noted emotionlessly."And what if I don't wanna?"An almost imperceptible tremor of fury passed over Valentine's face. His previously apathetic expression hardened as cold fire ignited in his crimson eyes. The mask of indifference slipped to reveal a simmering rage beneath. "There's no such option, lady archdemon.""But it's quite strange, don't you think so?" Monika asked herself. "Why did he not interfere while I fought with the minotaur? Why did Valentine not help me previously? We could have completed the achievements more quickly with his help. It would benefit both of us as they want to nurture me for their benefit. Otherwise, why would they?" Her eyes narrowed as she thought aloud. "Hey, what do you think, Valentine?"Valentine remained silent."Unless they cannot interfere in the first three hours. But that invalidates the point of achievements. Are they gone now?" Monika asked.He shook his head. "We should first arrive in Hell. You don't need to know it."Monika pointed at him. "And you don't need to know it either." Her eyes darkened."What?""What took you so long to arrive here was because you were uncertain whether I'd appear in the first place. There are no nine candidates, correct? All the bullshit you've spewed about nine baronies or whatever and such… In truth, this whole labyrinth is under the jurisdiction of your Baron. You are the administrator." Monika's finger sharpened.Valentine's composed facade twitched for the briefest moment. His resting fingers clenched slightly before relaxing again. The muscle in his jaw tightened."How do I know? I don't. But judging from your face, I've hit the mark. My value is far higher than you're giving it credit for. Normally, you'd want to snatch me before the others do. That's why I know the labyrinth is fully under the hands of your barony. You don't strike me as someone in a hurry."Valentine's eyes narrowed in the gleam of irritation."You're a terrible liar. You are hiding too much—an obvious, oblivious liar. You know a lot. I don't believe any of the things you've spewed so far. Whether I've hit the mark or not is of no significance, really. One thing I know for sure is you're untrustworthy. Either you tell the truth, or I'll force you into telling the truth in the most gruesome way possible." She next pointed her greatsword at him.Valentine continued to remain silent.Suddenly—"Hahahahah…""AHAHAHAHA!"He erupted into a maniacal derision. His once composed face contorted into a crazed expression under the cackling laugh. Each cackle dripped with mockery and disdain—cold and contemptuous—condescending.Cheeeeeee!His laughter was soon joined by the screeches of his bats. The cacophonous noise reverberated off the cavern walls.But suddenly—He calmed down. His expression reverted to one of complete apathy. "You don't seem to understand the situation you're in. The Baron has spotted you, and now you will become his mistress. It's an honor, and you should be grateful for it. You're overly perceptive, so you should know better than I do. Does looking at my status not suffice?" he asked. "And what if I lie? You have no choice but to follow me from now on. Or do I have to beat you to it?" Valentine added."Alright," Monika said. She took a step forward and raised her hand. Her fierce expression softened into one of contrition and took on a tone of humility.She lowered herself into a deep and respectful bow. "I apologize!" Her face reddened.Huh?—everyone thought. They were all taken aback—be it Monika's subordinates or Valentine. Even the seemingly unintelligent bats quietened their screeches.…It was awkward.