In the depths of hell, in a dark chamber, Nicat stood bound in chains. Despite the passing of six years, there was not the slightest sign of aging on his body. Only his eyes… those eyes held nothing but accumulated rage and a burning desire for revenge.
For these seven years, no demon had come here.
Until now.
A demon with jet-black wings, sharp horns, and eyes glowing like flames stepped inside with heavy strides. He approached Nicat, examined the motionless man between the chains, and spoke with a mocking grin:
"Dante is dead."
Nicat opened his eyes, but gave no reaction.
The demon continued:
"The sealing spell will break in exactly one month. You and the others will be released from here."
This time, Nicat slightly lifted his head and looked at the demon with cold, emotionless eyes. Then he said only one word:
"I understand."
The demon wasn't satisfied with such a short response. Curiosity gnawed at him. He stepped closer and asked:
"So, what will you do once the seal is broken?"
Nicat remained still within the chains. After a few seconds of silence, he replied in a voice as cold and sharp as ice:
"I will kill everyone in the world. But first… I will find Nahid and kill him by cutting off his head."
When the demon saw the deadly seriousness in Nicat's eyes, he instinctively stepped back. Not for a moment did he doubt the man's resolve.
There was no reason to stay any longer. As he turned to leave, Nicat's voice echoed once more:
"Stop."
The demon paused and slowly turned his head toward him.
"I have a question."
Nicat's voice was unchanged—cold, emotionless, and threatening.
The demon tilted his head slightly, waiting.
Without blinking, Nicat asked:
"Who took my place?"
The demon gave a faint smile, though unease lingered behind it. Finally, he answered:
"His name is Astaroth."
Nicat showed not the slightest hint of surprise upon hearing the name. The demon's title might have been terrifying, but it meant nothing to him.
Seeing Nicat's lack of reaction, the demon stepped back again and asked:
"After you get out… will you become the demon king again?"
Nicat closed his eyes, imagining the moment he would be free of the chains. Then he opened them and answered:
"First, I will kill him."
The demon understood that the conversation was over. There was no point in staying any longer.
And silently, he left.
---
King Necor sat upon his throne, his face pale. Seven years ago, he had incited the people and risen to power. Back then, he was seen as a hero. But over time, the people fell into misery, taxes increased, and hunger spread. And now… upon hearing that Dante was dead, his entire body froze.
He quickly locked eyes with the messenger.
"How… is that possible?"
His voice trembled.
The man delivering the news continued:
"That's not what matters, Your Majesty. The sealing spell will break in one month."
These words struck Necor's heart like a dagger. He knew what that seal meant. The former king, Nihad, had been sealed in this very throne room.
And now… he was returning.
Cold sweat ran down the king's forehead. His hands trembled. If Nihad returned, the throne wouldn't matter… he might not even survive.
Suddenly, he shouted:
"Isolate the throne room! Call all the soldiers here! The moment the seal breaks… cut off his head!"
They immediately sprang into action. The room was surrounded by spells, and the guards took their positions.
But would it really be enough?
---
After a long journey, Zaydan had reached the city. Moving silently through the night, he entered a tavern he knew well. He spotted the man in the crowd and quietly sat beside him.
The man took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Zaydan.
"The job is ready."
Zaydan carefully examined the paper. But his eyes stopped on one name.
King Necor.
He frowned. A sense of suspicion crept into him, and he quietly asked:
"How much gold will be paid?"
The man shook his head calmly.
"No gold will be given."
Zaydan narrowed his eyes in disbelief.
"What?"
The man smiled slightly and shrugged.
"This is my request. Consider it your debt to me."
Zaydan slowly folded the paper. There was unease inside him, but in the end, he nodded.
"Alright."
And silently, he stood up and made his way toward the palace.