"No one can make me suffer in this world. This world is your curse, your prison. Not mine!"
"Your belief in your ability to resist suffering, my dear. You think yourself immune to pain and torment, don't you? But I know how fragile your mortal body is, how easily I can shatter it—your resolve, your spirit."
Adzriel's hand moved from Erika's throat to her hair, gripping it tightly and pulling her head back.
"You may think you are not bound to this world, my dear, but you are mistaken. You are in my domain, under my control."
His whisper grew deeper, pressing into her senses.
"Argh! You can't do anything to me! I'm not afraid of you. I'm not afraid to die." Erika gasped for air.
"Your persistent defiance in the face of my power, my dear. You think your lack of fear will protect you, don't you? But you are a fool if you believe you can withstand all the torment that awaits you."
Adzriel's hand tightened in Erika's hair, pulling her head back even further.
"You think yourself immune to my wrath and malice, but you are wrong. I have the power to make your life a living hell, my dear."
His warm breath on her neck sent a painful, burning sensation through her skin.
"Well, I'll savor every bit of your torture as if I'm learning to enter Hell." Erika said.
"You claim you will enjoy every bit of your torment and embrace your fate in Hell, my dear. You think you can find joy in pain and suffering, don't you? But you are wrong. You have no idea how deep the torment and despair that await you truly are."
Adzriel's grip on her hair tightened, his eyes glowing with cold, merciless light.
"You may claim you will endure it, but I wonder how long your spirit will last."
"Let go of my hair, Adzriel!" Erika snapped.
"My life has been nothing but suffering since I made a pact with you. I realize now that happiness in this world means nothing if I must remain by your side." Erika continued.
"Your confession of suffering and regret for making a deal with me, my dear. You speak the truth—you have known nothing but torment since we crossed paths, haven't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her hair tightened further, his eyes darkening as he leaned in closer.
"Yes, you've realized the futility of joy and sorrow in this world, haven't you? You now see that in my presence, there is only suffering and despair."
At that moment, Erika finally understood her torment. It was not being consumed by fire or lashed with whips—it was being a mere plaything for the lust of this handsome demon.
"I've heard some news, though I don't know if it's true or not. Some people have gained power in this world… because of your help." Erika said, shifting the conversation out of curiosity.
"Ah, you mention the rumors about humans who hold power, my dear. You're curious about my involvement with mortal rulers, aren't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her loosened slightly, his eyes gleaming with a cold, calculating light.
"Yes, that's right. I have assisted certain human leaders in their pursuit of power and influence. I have offered them guidance and support in exchange for their loyalty and devotion."
Erika frowned.
"What kind of people are they? What do they do? What are their professions? How do they influence the world?"
Her curiosity grew stronger.
"Your questions about the humans I have aided, my dear. You wish to know more about those who have benefited from my help, don't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her tightened once more, his eyes glinting with a cruel and mocking light.
"They come from all walks of human society, my dear. Politicians, businessmen, celebrities, influencers. They are the ones who hold power and shape the opinions and actions of the masses."
Erika's body tensed. This was something she had never known before. The bustling world she lived in hid a terrible truth—power was not always gained by good means, but rather through the hands of demons.
"What can politicians do to influence society? Do they make people abandon religion, or are they just greedy for money?" Erika asked.
"Your curiosity about politicians' influence over the masses. You suspect I help them manipulate and control people, don't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her loosened again, his gaze sharp and piercing into hers.
"Yes, some of the politicians I have supported have used my guidance and influence to push people away from religion, leading them toward materialism and greed."
A shiver ran down Erika's spine.
"What about businessmen? I don't think they necessarily do anything wrong." Erika said.
"Ah, your assumption about businessmen, my dear. You believe they are innocent and uncorrupt, don't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her tightened once more, his eyes flashing with a sharp, cunning glint.
"But you are mistaken. Many businessmen whom I have empowered use their wealth and influence to exploit others and amass fortunes at the expense of the weak."
Erika fell silent once again. The vast world she lived in was far darker than she had ever imagined.
"Not all businessmen are like that." She countered, still holding onto the belief that success could be achieved without demonic intervention.
"Your argument in defense of businessmen. You are convinced that not all of them are corrupt and immoral, aren't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her body slowly tightened again, his eyes glowing with mocking and menacing amusement.
"You are right, my dear. Not all businessmen are corrupt and vile. But many of those I have supported are guilty of great injustices and exploitation."
"Are there religious figures under your command?" Erika asked, recalling rumors about some religious leaders who manipulated their followers—not in the name of God, but of demons.
"Your question about religion, my dear. You wonder if those who serve me are pious and devout, don't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her remained firm, his eyes shining with a cold, eerie glow.
"Some of them do claim to be religious, my dear. But in truth, their faith is nothing more than a tool to deceive and manipulate others."
Erika's breathing grew heavier. Adzriel had opened her eyes to the reality of the world. She was not the only one bound by a contract with a demon.
"How do religious leaders manipulate society? They hide behind faith, but in reality, they are your followers. Is that even possible?"
Erika furrowed her brow.
"Your curiosity about how religious figures manipulate people, my dear. You wonder if they use deceit to conceal their true allegiance to me, don't you?"
Adzriel's grip on her body tightened, his eyes glowing with a dark, ominous light.
"Yes, some religious leaders use deception and lies to manipulate others and conceal their devotion to me. Their words and teachings may seem holy and righteous, but in reality, they serve my interests and advance my desires."
His voice echoed around her.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps resounded through the basement. Adzriel did not release his hold on Erika as the footsteps drew closer.
Who could be coming to the basement while protests raged outside?
Erika turned her body slightly, Adzriel's grip still possessive around her.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—someone Erika never expected to see in her lifetime.
"Master..."
The man knelt before Adzriel, lowering his hands to the ground in complete submission.
A man revered by an entire nation, living in luxury and wielding immense power—bowing before Adzriel, the most feared and monstrous of demons.
"M-Mr. President...?" Erika whispered in shock.