### **Chapter 10: The Enemy Within**
---
The aftermath of the attack left the fortress in disarray. Ryuji and Astarte worked together to restore order, but the battle had made one thing clear: the Underworld was a place of constant conflict, and trust was a rare commodity. As Ryuji walked through the damaged halls, his thoughts were a tangled mess of the night's events, the seductive promises of Astarte, and the looming choice of the binding contract.
In the command center, Azazel was already engaged in discussions with his top lieutenants. The tension in the room was palpable, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. The demons moved with purpose, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. As Ryuji entered, Azazel's piercing gaze met his.
"Ryuji," Azazel said, his tone serious. "We need to discuss the attack. It was no mere coincidence. There's a deeper game at play."
Ryuji nodded, his face set in grim determination. "I figured as much. This wasn't just an assault—it was meant to test me, to see if I'm truly committed to the Underworld."
Azazel's eyes narrowed. "Yes, but it's more than that. We've received intelligence that the attack was orchestrated by someone within our own ranks. There's a traitor among us."
Ryuji's eyes widened. "A traitor? How can we trust anyone if that's the case?"
Azazel's gaze grew colder. "You're right. Trust is a luxury we can't afford right now. I need you to investigate this. Find out who's behind this treachery and bring them to justice."
Ryuji took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle on his shoulders. "Understood. I'll get to the bottom of this."
As Ryuji left the command center, Astarte fell into step beside him. Her expression was thoughtful, her eyes reflecting the same concern Ryuji felt.
"Be careful, Ryuji," she said softly. "The Underworld is full of hidden dangers. A traitor could be anyone."
Ryuji nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. But right now, I need to start by questioning the soldiers and anyone who might have had access to information about the fortress's defenses."
Astarte offered a small smile. "If you need any help, let me know. I have my own ways of finding information."
Ryuji appreciated the offer but remained focused on his task. He began by interrogating the soldiers who had been stationed at the perimeter during the attack. Their responses were varied, some defensive, others nervous, but none of them revealed any useful information. The more he questioned them, the more he realized that the traitor was likely someone with significant influence.
Next, Ryuji turned his attention to the fortress's inner circle—those who had access to the most sensitive information. He scrutinized their movements, trying to pick up any signs of deceit. It wasn't long before he noticed something unusual: a pattern of behavior that pointed to a specific individual—a high-ranking demon named Malakar.
Malakar was known for his ambitious nature and had been recently promoted to a position of considerable power. His rise had been swift and marked by a few questionable decisions. Ryuji's instincts told him that Malakar was worth investigating further.
That evening, Ryuji made his way to Malakar's quarters, a luxurious chamber located on the upper floors of the fortress. The ornate decor and lavish furnishings were a stark contrast to the damage elsewhere. Ryuji knocked on the door, his mind set on uncovering the truth.
Malakar answered the door, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Ryuji. What brings you here?"
"I need to speak with you," Ryuji said, his tone firm. "It's about the recent attack."
Malakar's eyes narrowed, but he stepped aside to let Ryuji enter. The room was filled with a faint, sweet scent, and the ambiance was almost serene. Malakar gestured for Ryuji to sit, though he remained standing.
"What about the attack?" Malakar asked, trying to maintain a composed demeanor.
Ryuji studied him carefully. "I've been investigating the incident, and your name has come up. I need to know if you had any involvement."
Malakar's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and fear. "How dare you accuse me? I've been loyal to Azazel and this fortress."
Ryuji leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not accusing you without reason. There's a lot at stake, and I need to know if you're hiding something."
Malakar's face reddened, and he clenched his fists. "I am no traitor! I've worked hard to earn my position, and I won't have it questioned by someone who doesn't know the first thing about loyalty."
Ryuji's instincts told him that Malakar was hiding something. The demon's reaction was too strong, too defensive. Ryuji decided to push further.
"Tell me, Malakar," Ryuji said, his voice cold. "Where were you during the attack?"
Malakar's eyes flickered with panic before he forced a calm expression. "I was in a meeting with Azazel. You can ask him if you don't believe me."
Ryuji studied him for a moment before standing up. "I'll check with Azazel. But know this—I'm watching you. If there's any more trouble, I'll find out."
Malakar's eyes followed Ryuji as he left the room, and the moment the door closed, Ryuji could sense the weight of the unspoken tension. The investigation had only just begun, and he knew that finding the traitor would be more complicated than he had anticipated.
As Ryuji walked back to his own quarters, he felt the full weight of the situation pressing down on him. The Underworld was a treacherous place, filled with deception and danger. The traitor was out there, and the search for the truth had only begun.