Insight and Greed stood side by side as they prepared to carry out their master’s orders. With a nod, the two Archdemons parted ways, each heading off in pursuit of their individual hunts. Insight dissolved into her murder of crows, the shadowy flock dispersing through the dense woods, their obsidian feathers blending seamlessly into the dark surroundings. She stalked silently, her movements cloaked in an unsettling tranquility as her crows sought out hidden monsters lurking past the trees. Talons glinted faintly in the pale moonlight, slicing through flesh and silencing prey with swift and merciless precision. Each kill left no sound, no trace, as Insight continued deeper into the forest.

  Greed, by contrast, strode purposefully toward the front of the camp, her golden axes shimmering as they materialized in her grasp. She exuded confidence and ferocity, a predator who thrived under the gaze of witnesses. The battlefield ahead was chaos—a swarm of monstrous hordes drawn by the noise and bloodshed of earlier battles, now converging upon the human soldiers. The knights fought valiantly but were outnumbered, their shouts of desperation echoing through the night.

  Greed’s presence electrified the air. Without hesitation, she charged into the heart of the fray, her axes gleaming brilliantly as they tore through the enemy. Every swing was a symphony of destruction, each kill an awe-inspiring display of her prowess. The golden weapons transformed with fluidity—a spear piercing the chest of one beast, a whip wrapping around another and snapping its neck, and arrows of radiant light raining down upon clusters of monsters from above. Her dazzling magic illuminated the battlefield, turning her into a beacon of hope amid the chaos.

  “She’s unstoppable!” one knight exclaimed, his voice filled with amazement. “The Archdemon of Greed fights with the power of the heavens themselves!”

  Another soldier, standing in awe, added, “She doesn’t just fight—she turns carnage into an art!”

  Greed smirked as she pressed forward, her movements becoming even more vicious as the monsters faltered under her onslaught. Her strikes left trails of light across the battlefield, a testament to her destructive elegance. The soldiers rallied behind her, emboldened by the sight of an otherworldly force defending them with unparalleled skill.

  While Greed basked in the spectacle of her triumph, Insight’s battles unfolded in silence, shrouded by the darkness of the forest. Her crows moved like shadows through the night, their talons rending through monstrous forms in chilling efficiency. Insight herself remained composed and analytical, a predator who preferred stealth and subtlety over grandeur. Her quiet dispatching of enemies created a stark contrast to the blazing theatrics of Greed’s hunt.

  As Insight maneuvered through the woods, she found herself drawn to the location where the Demon Lord had slain the God of Dreams. The air shifted as she approached, a faint divine flicker lingering in the spot where the god had fallen. The energy was weak, almost imperceptible, but Insight could sense its significance. Kneeling down, she clasped her hands and muttered a silent prayer under her breath.

  “Though your time has ended, your echoes remain,” she whispered, her voice soft yet unwavering. Her crimson eyes glimmered faintly as a single tear rolled down her cheek—a rare display of emotion that faded as quickly as it had appeared.

  Standing once more, Insight steeled herself and returned to the woods. This time, she cast aside the stealth of her crows and summoned forth a large black scythe, its blade forged of pure shadow and pulsing with dark energy. Her strikes became bold and decisive, each swing cleaving through any enemy foolish enough to cross her path. The monsters’ roars of agony reverberated through the forest as Insight carved a path of destruction, her scythe embodying the sheer wrath of the Archdemon.

  As dawn broke, Insight emerged from the woods, her demeanor calm and collected as she returned to the camp. At the entrance, piles of monstrous corpses stood as a testament to Greed’s relentless hunt. The soldiers worked tirelessly to collect the remains, their admiration for the Archdemon of Greed evident in their every movement.

  Greed stood amidst the pile, her golden axes shimmering as she absorbed the energy of the fallen creatures. Her demonic magic flared as she conjured radiant golden jewels, tossing them toward the soldiers with a casual gesture. “You’ve proven useful,” she said coolly. “Consider this your reward.”

  The knights’ eyes widened in awe as they scrambled to collect the glittering treasures, their voices rising in praise. “Thank you, Lady Greed!” one soldier exclaimed, his tone full of gratitude. Another added, “Your generosity and power know no bounds!”

  Greed smirked, basking in their adoration. Without further acknowledgment, she turned and headed toward the Demon Lord’s tent. Inside, she found Insight kneeling before their master, her posture respectful and reverent. Without hesitation, Greed followed suit, joining Insight in silent meditation as the Demon Lord rested, his aura subdued yet commanding.

  The three remained motionless for hours, their powers solidifying as they immersed themselves in their respective states of meditation. The tent was quiet save for the faint hum of energy resonating from the Demon Lord’s presence.

  Suddenly, a commotion outside shattered the tranquility. The sound was followed by a loud reverberation in the sky, prompting the knight captain to enter the tent. He stepped inside cautiously, his head bowed low.

  “Are you humans so uncivilized that you don’t request permission before entering another’s quarters?” the Demon Lord asked coldly, though his eyes remained closed. Insight and Greed did not stir, their meditative states unbroken.

  The captain quickly bowed in apology. “Forgive me, sir Demon Lord. I was in a rush to inform you of the airship’s arrival. I thought you might prefer to board it and rest in more fitting accommodations while we pack up the camp. As part of the city lord’s gratitude for the savior of his men and brother, he has sent his personal luxury airship for you, along with the one used for transporting our troops.”

  The Demon Lord rose from the bed, his crimson energy flickering faintly as he stretched. “As he should,” he said, his tone regal yet sharp. “I’ve grown tired of this squalor amidst a battlefield filled with peasants. Rise, my minions, and follow me to our new accommodations.”

  Greed and Insight rose obediently, their loyalty unwavering. As they prepared to follow their lord, the captain hesitated, then spoke again. “The lord did have one additional request, sir Demon Lord.”

  The Demon Lord’s expression darkened. “Was rescuing his family not enough?”

  “No, Lord,” the captain replied nervously. “It is something mundane. He simply wishes to know the name of the hero who performed this miracle.”

  Greed’s body erupted into violent, shimmering energy, golden light pulsating around her like an unstoppable storm. Insight followed suit, her form enveloped by shadowy tendrils that slithered like living darkness. Their combined presence radiated pure malice, their auras pressing down on the air like an unforgiving weight.

  Greed lunged forward with swift brutality, seizing the captain by the neck with one clawed hand. The golden energy encasing her fingers burned faintly against his skin, leaving a visible mark as she began to choke the life out of him. The captain gasped desperately, clawing at her iron grip, but his efforts were feeble and utterly meaningless.

  Insight, her crimson eyes glowing faintly, summoned a shadow dagger in her hand, its dark blade pulsating ominously with flickers of energy. She stepped forward calmly, positioning the dagger at the captain’s stomach, the tip pressing just enough to threaten piercing the flesh. The captain’s breathing quickened, panic overtaking him as despair clouded his mind. He didn’t know why his life was suddenly about to end, but the sheer terror of the Archdemons froze him in place.

  “Enough.” The Demon Lord’s voice rang out in cold authority, each word cutting through the oppressive tension like the edge of a blade. His tone was calm and regal, yet it carried a weight that commanded absolute obedience.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Greed released the captain without hesitation, letting him collapse to the ground in a heap, coughing and gasping for air as he clutched his neck. Insight withdrew her dagger, though her shadowy presence remained oppressive. Both Archdemons loomed over the trembling man, their predatory gazes fixed on him with vicious intent. Greed’s mark remained burned into his flesh, a dark imprint encircling his neck.

  The Demon Lord stood motionless, his mismatched eyes narrowing as he spoke. “Captain, I have heard your men using names with each other quite casually. But for our kind, it is not the same. A demon’s name is sacred. To know a demon’s name is to hold power over them and to wield the ability to curse them.”

  He took a step closer, his aura pressing down on the captain like the weight of a collapsing world. “None know my true name, and none ever will. Should anyone learn it, they will soon die by my hands.” His voice remained even, almost conversational, but each word carried the promise of death.

  “Inform your superior of this knowledge. In fact, tell all who have ears,” the Demon Lord commanded. “I was patient this time, but should I hear someone ask for my name again, I will kill them, their families, and whoever else just happens to be in the vicinity while my minions run wild.”

  The captain trembled uncontrollably, his breathing ragged as fear consumed him. The Demon Lord’s regal composure had begun to warp his perception—how could a creature so calm, so composed, wield power so terrifying? He had begun to forget the stories of demons he had read, tales of their unparalleled cruelty, and the realization hit him like a cold wind. They were not saviors. They were predators. Even the gods paled in comparison to them.

  “Yes, Lord,” the captain stammered, his voice cracking. “All will know this, Lord. I am so sorry, Lord.”

  The Demon Lord’s expression darkened further, his lips curling into a displeased frown. The apology confused him, and his patience waned. “That’s at least the third apology you’ve given me for disrespect. Most have never had the opportunity for one, let alone three. This time requires tribute.” His tone turned sharp, his gaze now icy and unrelenting.

  The captain froze, his voice faltering as he replied, “Whatever you deem necessary, my Lord, I will give you.”

  He didn’t fully understand the weight of his words. The Demon Lord gestured toward his companions, who stepped forward, their respective energies flaring ominously.

  “First, your hand, for that vulgar display when I returned with the rescued peasants,” the Demon Lord declared coldly.

  Before the captain could react, Greed materialized a golden sword in her hand and swung it with fluid precision. The blade sliced clean through his wrist, severing his hand in one swift motion. Blood poured from the wound as the captain screamed, clutching at the stump in anguish.

  “Silence, or I’ll take your tongue next,” the Demon Lord ordered, his tone icy and devoid of sympathy.

  The captain gritted his teeth, suppressing his cries as he desperately tried to stem the bleeding.

  “Next, your eye, for daring to enter uninvited and gazing upon me,” the Demon Lord continued.

  One of Insight’s crows descended from the shadows, its glowing crimson eyes fixated on the captain’s face. With a sudden strike, the crow pecked out his eye, the grotesque squelch of the act reverberating through the tent. The captain fell to the ground, writhing in pain and clutching his bleeding face.

  “Finally, an ear, as payment for being so bold as to try and hear my name,” the Demon Lord concluded.

  Greed stepped forward once more, summoning a golden dagger and slicing cleanly through his ear. The captain whimpered weakly, curling into a fetal position as blood pooled around him.

  “With that, your debt is paid. Now leave me.” The Demon Lord’s voice carried no hint of pity, only cold finality.

  Greed shoved the captain out of the tent, his body trembling and bloodied. Knights who had gathered outside stared in horrified silence, none daring to enter. They quickly picked up their wounded captain and escorted him to the medical tent. His orders were clear: the Demon Lord’s words must be spread to all soldiers and all people upon returning to the city. None must offend the King of Hell lest they be willing to pay the price.

  The Demon Lord and his companions emerged from the tent, their composure unwavering as they strode forward. The faint remnants of blood had been cleaned from their regal forms, yet their ominous presence lingered in the minds of all who witnessed them. Soldiers and knights dropped to their knees as they passed, their heads bowed deeply and their eyes fixed on the ground. None dared to meet the gaze of the King of Hell or his loyal Archdemons, for fear of being consumed by the wrath that simmered beneath their calm exterior.

  Ahead, the airships stood waiting—two massive vessels that towered over the surrounding landscape, contrasting starkly in their appearance and purpose.

  The first, an aerial warship designed for the soldiers, was a sprawling fortress of the skies. Its steel hull gleamed faintly under the sunlight, a reddish tint lending it a menacing aura. Rows of armaments bristled from every angle—massive turrets, piercing ballistae, and arrays of enchanted cannons prepared for aerial warfare. The sheer size of the vessel rivaled a flying castle, capable of holding thousands of troops within its labyrinthine structure. Glowing runes and magic circles adorned its surface, the arcane designs pulsating faintly, channeling the energy of the mages who worked tirelessly to maintain its power. Crystals embedded throughout the ship shimmered with radiant light, driving its propulsion and defensive systems. Soldiers moved methodically across its deck, while a dedicated crew ensured that its kitchens, barracks, and other mundane tasks were perfectly attended to. It was not merely a ship—it was a mobile war machine ready to crush any opposition.

  Beside it hovered the luxury airship meant for the Demon Lord—a far smaller vessel, but undeniably more exquisite. The hull was crafted from polished ivory and gleaming gold, its surface adorned with intricate carvings of celestial patterns that seemed to shimmer as the light caught them. Glowing purple crystals, larger and more refined than those on the warship, thrummed with magical energy as they powered the vessel. Designed for speed and comfort, the ship radiated elegance. A crew of private attendants stood ready to serve, their uniforms immaculate, while mages aligned with the city lord ensured that every arcane system functioned flawlessly. This was no mere airship—it was a floating palace in the sky, a testament to the wealth and power of its owner.

  Word of the Demon Lord’s presence had already reached the luxury airship, and its crew had been thoroughly briefed on how to accommodate their terrifying guests. When the Demon Lord boarded the vessel with Insight and Greed, they were treated with the utmost reverence. Every movement by the crew was precise, every word carefully chosen to avoid offense. The King of Hell was escorted to his private quarters—his companions trailing behind—and they arrived at the pinnacle of the airship’s design.

  The quarters were a sprawling, two-story penthouse, an opulent sanctuary nestled within the skies. Upon entering, the Demon Lord’s gaze swept over the space, taking in every detail. The floors were crafted from polished black marble, shimmering faintly with veins of silver. Plush carpets woven with golden threads accented the room, their softness a stark contrast to the harsh world below. The first floor housed an expansive seating area centered around a floor-to-ceiling window, granting an unbroken view of the landscapes below. The window was framed by velvet curtains embroidered with celestial designs, each constellation glowing faintly as though alive. Beside the seating area was a bar stocked with rare and exotic drinks, attended by a mage capable of conjuring any request.

  The second floor was equally lavish, accessible by a spiraling staircase crafted from golden filigree. The master bedroom dominated the upper level, its centerpiece a massive bed draped with silken sheets and cushions so plentiful they formed a cloud-like embrace. Dim lanterns lined the walls, casting soft, warm light that complemented the dark, regal tones of the space. Adjacent to the bedroom was a bath and sauna, ornate beyond measure. The bath was carved from white marble and enchanted to remain perfectly heated, its surface adorned with faintly glowing runes. The sauna emitted gentle waves of steam infused with calming arcane energy, designed to soothe even the most powerful beings.

  The crew offered separate quarters for Insight and Greed, but the Demon Lord refused, his tone sharp and dismissive. “They will stay with me. Their purpose is bound to my will.”

  Insight nodded without a word, while Greed smirked faintly, her golden irises glinting with satisfaction. The three moved to examine their penthouse, each silently admiring the luxurious accommodations.

  Hours passed, and the soldiers finished loading onto the warship. Both airships began their ascent, the powerful thrumming of crystals echoing faintly as they took to the skies. The Demon Lord remained in the penthouse’s darkened bedroom, immersed in his meditative state.

  Insight and Greed took full advantage of the bath and sauna on the first floor.

  Greed reclined in the steaming sauna, her golden energy shimmering faintly as she stretched. “They treat him like a king here,” she remarked, her tone amused. “And us? We’re queens. I could get used to this.”

  Insight sat nearby, her calm demeanor unbroken. “It is a far cry from hell’s chaos. But let us not grow complacent. The Lord’s ambitions extend far beyond comfort.”

  Greed smirked, resting her chin on one hand. “Do you ever wonder what he’s planning? He’s never one to reveal his cards—not fully.”

  Insight tilted her head slightly, her raven-black hair glinting faintly in the dim light. “I suspect he seeks domination—not only of this world but the realms beyond. It is the nature of his power. He will carve his path, and we will follow.”

  Greed chuckled darkly, her golden irises glowing faintly. “Follow him we will. But I wouldn’t mind a little more luxury along the way.”

  Insight’s lips curled into the faintest smile. “It is rare for demons to enjoy tranquility. Perhaps it is fitting that we indulge—briefly.”

  The two sat in quiet contemplation as the airship soared above the clouds, their loyalty unwavering even as their minds lingered on the possibilities of what lay ahead.