Chapter 33

  The idea came out of nowhere, but holy shit, look at this… Dozens of demons lining up to get their skin pierced. Beautiful. I figured piercing was common in hell after seeing Kalh’s bling. So, I wasn’t exactly shooting in the dark. The main goal was to spark a fight. Let’s be real—when demons kill each other, it warms the soul just a bit. Still, I can’t lose sight of the endgame. Aiden’s got twice the troops, but ideologically charged fanatics are a ruthless force. Ksiron’s got a decent shot at winning. If he does, I’ll have to keep up this prophetic charade until the big boss shows up and fucks us all. So, I gotta sabotage this sortie.

  - For total victory, we must sacrifice ten of our strongest demons to the future god! Let their blood guide us! Fear not! Your souls will be reborn in mightier bodies, serving the lord as generals!

  Minus ten heavy hitters. Could’ve pushed for more, but that’s too risky. Prep for the fight was in full swing. I ordered every demon equipped with a short sword, like a Roman gladius, maybe shorter. Also banned armor.

  - Your faith will be your shield!

  Blacksmiths worked their asses off. Good thing they exist here. The punk count kept climbing. Tons of demons had already pierced their chests, shoulders, even jaws with massive rings. Some said fuck our flash mob. I ordered them killed. Man, I got such a kick out of that.

  Later, I hit the square where Kserox was still hanging, alive. One crucial task left. Gotta save my future boss.

  - Kneel before me, and I’ll let your pathetic life serve my greatness. – Ksiron mocked Kserox with arrogance I hadn’t seen before.

  - Ha! Never! I’d never bow to a worthless, slimy piece of shit like you! Torture me till the end of time, I won’t stoop that low.

  - Well… Fine by me. Didn’t really want your oath anyway. Killing you now will be much sweeter.

  - Kill me? Don’t make me laugh! You’re not worth my claw. I’m the strongest demon on the outer arc! In a fair fight, you’ve got no chance. You’re a coward, only threatening me while I’m chained.

  - Strongest? Look at yourself. You’re no different from horse shit. You’re nothing. You don’t deserve to fight me. Die…

  - Please, Your Glorious-Assness, stop. – I stepped closer. Good thing Kserox’s face is a mess right now, or Ksiron might’ve spotted the resemblance. Still, better pull my hood tight.

  - Prophet?

  - We need this demon. His role is vital to your glorious future.

  - This scum who spawned the last generation? Bullshit…

  - Our fate’s paths are unfathomable. Even the smallest detail can lead to unexpected outcomes. Fear not, Your Shaggy-Majestyness, with me by your side, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

  - What crap is this freak spewing? You’re a bunch of lunatic idiots. Last generation, huh? Still peddling that lie? You set me up yourself. Why keep lying?

  - Haha. You still believe the garbage those pathetic traitors fed you?

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  - It’s true! I’m the strongest! The smartest! That generation couldn’t come from my blood.

  - Fairy tales… Stories for thick-skulled morons. They just wanted to turn demons against their true lord. That’s all they used you for. And you fell for it like a dumbass. You’re not far off from your spawn.

  (Damn, fun watching one lie duke it out with another. Just missing popcorn.)

  - Your Bright-Foreheadness, you need to prep for battle. Leave him. His time hasn’t come.

  - I’m always ready for battle!

  - I can’t reveal all the details, but trust me—it’s necessary. I’ll explain later, alone. There’s one more ritual you must complete.

  - Ritual? – Ksiron perked up. – Alright… I’ll wait.

  Ksiron strutted off, head high, shoulders broad. A worthy contender for hell’s throne. I glanced around—no one left near me and Kserox.

  - I’m here to save you. Ignore this farce. – I whispered.

  - What? – The demon blinked, confused.

  - Right now, Aiden’s got about a thousand demons outside the city. He’s ready to fight. I’ll make sure he wins. Then I’ll free you right away.

  - What the hell’s going on?

  - Ksiron’s lost it.

  - No shit.

  - You don’t get it. He believes all this nonsense. I had to play along to get a shot at saving you.

  - Who even are you?

  - Just a guy who gives a damn. – Too bad the mask hid my smug grin.

  …

  About five hundred demons lined up in long rows outside the city. Each gripped their weapon, staring ahead with purpose. Getting them to stand somewhat straight took me half a day. A chaotic mob isn’t exactly military. We’re at war, right? Reminded me of army drills—everything parallel and perpendicular. Hated that shit… The demons besieging the city were ready too. Ksiron stepped forward, and I followed. Time for a speech or something… As his press secretary. Heh… Badass…

  - Loyal servants of His Majesty! Brave demons! The hour of our glorious victory is here! Today, we march as one to proclaim the reign of His Divine Might, the Lord of all, Ruler of the world, Immortal Ksiron!

  - Ksiron! Ksiron! Ksiron! – The demons chanted.

  - We can’t wait for the gates to the surface to open! We’ll seize power ourselves! We’ll lead all demons to a great future! Only these pathetic traitors stand between us and our dreams! And what do we do with traitors?

  - Death! Death! Death! – The crowd roared. I glanced back and saw the other side’s demons looking pretty damn shocked.

  - Today, we become one! We bind our hearts! We entrust our fate to the True Ruler of Hell! Thread the Chains!

  - Chains! Chains! Chains!

  A few demons between the rows dragged long, hastily forged chains. They threaded them through the iron rings on the demons’ bodies, literally linking each one in formation. I’d pitched this secret unity ritual to Ksiron before the battle: “You can borrow another demon’s strength, but I know how to absorb it. If you take the power of all these demons, you’ll be the mightiest in hell. The ritual’s dangerous—anyone else would die instantly. But you’re chosen. The death of a few hundred demons is nothing compared to what you’ll gain. You’ll wipe out armies with a breath. I saw it in my visions. This is your moment to become a god.” Ksiron bought it instantly. No surprise.

  When the chains were threaded, I got curious: how effective is this in a fight? Would’ve loved to test it, but… All the chains connected to one in the middle, perpendicular to the rest. I handed its end to the Lord. But first, I ran it through a ring on my hand. No, I’m not that stupid—I had a bracelet made. Still, Ksiron was stunned.

  - You too? – He asked.

  - Of course. I’m honored to sacrifice my life for you.

  - Your sacrifice won’t be in vain. – He said proudly, turning to face the enemy.

  We charged. His Majesty literally led his army. This was my moment of truth. I cooked up this insanity hoping my skills would hold. But how it’ll actually go? God only knows. Just gotta feel five hundred bodies. No biggie. My max so far was one. So, focus like never before… Focus like you’re balancing an iPhone with chopsticks while leaning over a ship’s edge. Focus like you’ve got diarrhea on a date with a hot girl. Focus like they’re squeezing you for orange juice. Come on… It’s all in your hands!

  - What now? – Ksiron asked.

  - Almost ready. Keep moving. The ritual’s starting.

  We closed in on the enemy. Aiden didn’t wait either. A slightly rattled mob of bloodthirsty demons followed him. Only a few dozen meters to impact. Demons screamed. War cries echoed everywhere. Feet sped up, eager for battle. Their eyes burned with hunger. Their spirits blazed with rage. Their blood boiled. Their brave hands, gripping weapons, suddenly—against their owners’ will—drove them into their own heads.

  Spasm… Shit happens…