Chen Ming's breath hitched as he surveyed the swirling abyss of the Demon King's domain. The vast chamber stretched endlessly, with blackened spires clawing at the crimson-hued sky. Shadows danced around the Demon King, his imposing figure cloaked in flames and darkness.
"You are mine now, mortal," the Demon King declared, his voice reverberating like a thousand souls crying out in unison. "You forfeited your body to me when you made the deal. As such, you will serve as my protector until the debt is paid."
Chen Ming's fists clenched, his confusion giving way to defiance. "Why would someone as powerful as you need a protector?"
The Demon King's lips curled into a cold smile. "Even kings have enemies. And I, more than most. Your task is not to question but to obey."
Chen Ming's mind raced. He didn't even know the name of the being he had bound himself to. Yet here he stood, facing an eternity of servitude to a nameless demon. "You haven't even told me your name. How am I supposed to trust you?"
The Demon King's flames flared brighter, casting eerie light across the chamber. "Names have power, mortal. Knowing mine would endanger us both. Do as you're told, and perhaps one day, you'll earn the right to hear it."
Before Chen Ming could protest further, the ground trembled violently. The chamber's walls groaned as cracks formed, spewing streams of molten lava. From the fissures emerged grotesque creatures—their bodies twisted amalgamations of bone, sinew, and shadow.
"Perfect timing," the Demon King said, his tone dripping with amusement. "Your first test as my bodyguard begins now."
Chen Ming's instincts kicked in as one of the creatures lunged at him, its claws glinting with venom. He sidestepped swiftly, drawing his blade in a fluid motion. The steel bit into the creature's flesh, but it let out a guttural roar, swiping at him with renewed ferocity.
"Pathetic," the Demon King scoffed. With a flick of his wrist, a surge of energy bolstered Chen Ming, sharpening his senses and enhancing his strength. "Do not hold back. Use the power I've granted you."
Chen Ming gritted his teeth, reluctant to rely on the Demon King's influence. But as more creatures poured in, their glowing eyes filled with malice, he had no choice. He let the dark energy course through him, his movements becoming faster, his strikes deadlier.
He darted between enemies, his blade a blur. Each slash brought down another monstrosity, but the numbers seemed endless. Sweat dripped down his brow as exhaustion began to set in.
"Enough!" the Demon King bellowed, his voice shaking the chamber. With a single wave of his hand, an inferno engulfed the remaining creatures, reducing them to ash.
Chen Ming dropped to one knee, his chest heaving. "What… what were those things?"
"Assassins sent by my rivals," the Demon King replied nonchalantly. "You'll encounter worse in the days to come."
Chen Ming glared up at him, his grip tightening on his sword. "This wasn't part of the deal. I didn't sign up to be your pawn."
The Demon King's eyes burned brighter. "You signed up to survive, mortal. And survive you shall—if you obey. Now rise. Your training begins immediately."
Chen Ming hesitated, his mind swirling with doubt and anger. But he knew he had no choice. He had made his bed in the depths of hell, and now he would have to fight to keep his soul intact.
"Fine," he said, standing tall despite his weariness. "But don't think for a second that I'll bow to you forever."
The Demon King laughed, a sound that echoed through the chamber like thunder. "We'll see, mortal. We'll see."