The grand celebration for Leo's victory over Diablo brought a wave of joy to Valentine's castle. The Vampire Nation's morale was at an all-time high as Leo stood beside Lord Valentine, receiving his reward: the rare power of teleportation. The ability to travel anywhere in the vampire realm thrilled Leo, though it came with the unspoken weight of newfound responsibility.
After the festivities, Leo retired to his chamber, but rest was far from his mind. He summoned his personal assistant, Viola, an act that surprised her since he rarely requested her presence. Viola entered, her expression curious but calm.
"Master Leon, how may I assist you?" she asked, bowing slightly.
Leo's tone was unusually serious. "Viola, I need answers about the Demon World."
Her eyes widened at his words. "The Demon World? Forgive me, my lord, but such knowledge is not mine to share. Only Lord Valentine holds such secrets."
Leo studied her carefully. "Are you sure? You misunderstand my question. I seek clarity, not deception."
Viola hesitated, then shook her head. "I know nothing, my lord. But why do you ask me about the Demon World?"
Leo leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Because of a certain encounter I had on the battlefield. A demon approached me—calm, smiling, and oddly polite. He said he wasn't there to fight but to offer me an exchange of information."
Viola's curiosity betrayed her as she asked, "What kind of information?"
Leo continued, his voice measured. "He claimed there was a spy in Valentine's ranks. A demon masquerading as a vampire, gathering intel for their side. And he gave me a name: Viola."
Her expression froze, the shock on her face undeniable. Before she could speak, Leo added, "At first, I dismissed it. But then I began noticing... peculiarities. Your behavior, your knowledge—it didn't add up. Care to explain?"
Viola's hands trembled slightly as she muttered, "You misunderstand—"
"I don't misunderstand," Leo interrupted. "I have proof."
Viola's fear turned to desperation. Without warning, she lunged at Leo, her fingers crackling with energy. But Leo was prepared, his flame shield activating instantly. Viola stumbled back, realizing her attempt was futile.
"Yes," she finally admitted, her voice a whisper. "I am a demon. And now that you know, I have no reason to let you live."
To her surprise, Leo burst out laughing. "So the demon's claim was true. But do you know who gave me this information?"
Viola narrowed her eyes. "Who?"
Leo's grin turned wicked. "Diablo himself."
The words hit her like a storm. "Impossible!" she exclaimed. "You defeated Diablo—everyone saw it, even Lord Valentine! How could he be alive?"
Leo leaned forward, his tone dripping with confidence. "That's where my story gets interesting."
With a snap of his fingers, the room's atmosphere changed. The warmth of the castle vanished, replaced by the biting cold of a snowy forest. Viola shivered, looking around in confusion.
"Where are we?" she demanded.
Leo smirked. "The Dark Forest, in the heart of the Demon World. Or, at least, that's where you think you are. It's my new ability. I can alter reality, creating illusions so vivid they feel real. Even you, Viola, fell for it."
Viola's fear grew. "You mean…?"
"Yes," Leo confirmed. "What you saw on the battlefield wasn't real. I didn't defeat Diablo—I made everyone believe I did. Even Valentine."
Viola's breathing quickened. "If Lord Valentine discovers this, he'll—"
"He won't," Leo cut her off. "Because he's seeing only what I want him to see. Right now, he believes I'm resting in my room, reflecting on my victory. He has no idea we're having this conversation."
Viola's shoulders sagged. "You're clever, Leon. But such deception can't last forever. Valentine is no fool."
Leo laughed again. "Let him watch. By the time he realizes the truth, it'll be too late."
Viola's gaze hardened. "What's your game, Leon? Why align yourself with Diablo?"
"Turn around," Leo said, his voice calm yet commanding.
Viola hesitated but obeyed, only to gasp in horror. Diablo stood behind her, his imposing figure as menacing as ever.
"Brother?" Viola whispered, her voice trembling. "Why are you here?"
Diablo's smirk mirrored Leo's. "Little sister, it seems our paths were destined to cross again. Did you really think I wouldn't notice your presence in Valentine's ranks?"
Viola stumbled back, her mind racing. "But how? You… you were defeated!"
"An illusion," Leo answered for him. "Diablo and I struck a deal. I spared his life in exchange for information about the Demon World—and you."
Viola's heart sank. "So this was all a trap?"
"A test," Diablo corrected, his voice smooth. "And you passed, Viola. You've proven your loyalty to the Demon World by staying hidden for so long. But now, the game changes."
Leo stepped forward. "Viola, you're going to help me. You'll be my bridge between the Vampire Nation and the Demon World. Together, we'll uncover the real enemy behind this war."
Viola hesitated, torn between fear and loyalty. "And if I refuse?"
Leo's smile faded, replaced by a cold, determined expression. "Then you'll be the first to fall. Choose wisely."
The weight of his words hung in the air as Viola realized the stakes. "Fine," she said at last. "I'll help you. But if you betray me…"
"I wouldn't dream of it," Leo replied, his grin returning. "Welcome to the team, Viola. Let's rewrite the rules of this war."
As the snow swirled around them, the unlikely alliance between Leo, Diablo, and Viola was forged—a pact that would shape the fate of Valentine's land and beyond.