"Here you go. I improved the handle and the blade for better balance and grip. They should be better to use by now." Terizla said as he handed Martis the newly reforged twin blades.

"Thank you, but... I must ask, is your human friend alright? She seems kind of... Bothered." Martis questioned as he pointed at Ruby who was twisting and turning in the wooden pallet she calls bed while also mumbling and muttering in shame.

"Frankly, I don't know. She's been like that since she got back home from an outing with Dyrroth."

"That brat took a human prisoner out of the Abyss and bonded with her? She must really be precious. Well, I couldn't blame him. A girl with that beautiful face and body is worth all the effort and humans are also said to be very fertile. Additionally, I also heard that she's a formidable fighter. She would be a very worthy wife."

"I wouldn't be barking up that tree. Dyrroth is surely going to kill you if you lay a single hand on his Ruby."

"Don't worry, I'm not planning to. She is far too young."

"Good to know you're not some pedophile."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Ruby buried her face on her pillow before screaming in shame and regret.

"Why did I kiss him?!!! He only said some sappy lines and then and then I... Aggghhhhhhh!!! I hate myself!"

"I wish I could go back in time and slap myself. Stupid stupid Ruby for kissing that ugly shit faced demon! You're so dumb! Dumb! How am I supposed to get out of here now? Dyrroth thinks that I'm in love with him. That's so not true. I was just... I was just-- I WAS JUST HORNY! AND CONFUSED. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING!"

"That kiss doesn't mean shit! I don't like him! I. Don't. Like. Him!! You believe me right, Ice bear?" Ruby asked pitifully to the stuffed toy.

"Alright, we get it, you don't like him."

"You can talk?!" Ruby exclaimed incredulously.

"No you dummy, it's me." Terizla interrupted as he leaned casually against the foundation while looking at her with a judgemental look. His visitor already left so he had time to indulge in her shame.

"Hey, Terizla. What's up? By the way, do you know where Dyrroth is right now? He would usually be pestering me by now. I wonder what he's doing."

"He's probably laying siege on the Azrya woodlands and we speak. All while choosing which things to collect for you."

"Oh, right! He told me that he'll be away for a few days or weeks which gives me some time to think."

"What's troubling you again? You seem to have unlimited problems revolving around one demon."

"I'm just annoyed at myself for... for kissing... him. Why did I even do it? I'm going to lose this bet! And then I'll be stuck here forever!"

"Why are you even here in the first place? Didn't I already give you a way out? Unless of course, you don't want to leave him."

"That's the problem. I don't know what I want." Ruby replied, sitting up to face the gigantic man before hugging the ice bear to her chest.

Ruby had already asked herself a thousand times the same thing Terizla just said. Why hasn't she left yet? She wanted to leave at the same time she doesn't. She's divided between her natural human desire for freedom and her feelings for a certain demon prince, which she continues to deny and repress.

Then what are her feelings?

Her feelings... It's filled with confusion and uncertainty. Everything she told herself is a lie she wanted to believe in order to soothe her heart about her growing fondness for Dyrroth. She doesn't even know what she wants to accomplish anymore.

Maybe... Just maybe, she's afraid of losing Dyrroth forever because once she leaves, everything will change and she will break his heart. He will hate her for the rest of his life. And of course, it's probable that he will take that anger out on the innocent. She can't have that on her conscience, could she?

Ruby paused for a moment to take a deep breath and clear her mind. Okay fine, there's no point in denying and evading everything. She needs to face it heads on and take the bull by its horns. Or the demon rather.

Fine, she likes him. So now what? How does she unlike him? Ruby thought about this thoroughly while Terizla already began preparing their lunch. Back to her previous question. How did Alucard lose his love for her? Well, he found someone else to love.

Oh. My. Gods!!! That's it. She just  to find someone else and fall in love with him so she can fall out of love with Dyrroth! But who can she love in a place like this? It's not like there are so many Dyrroth-like men who would be willing to fall in love with her here. But she at least has to try. Well, there's a handsome man she once saw here. The one who saved her from Helcurt. Maybe he can help her, in one way or another.

"Hey, Terizla. Who was your friend that suddenly visited?"

"That was Martis, the Ashura King, he turned into a God after conquering thousands of worlds. Why?"

"He's really hot. Do you think I'm his type?" Ruby's words made the blacksmith pause in chopping the lettuce and face her with narrowed eyes.

"Why are you asking about that? Aren't you already settling on your feelings for Dyrroth? Are you planning on having many husbands? Polyandry is not considered bad in the Abyss, in fact, it's even encouraged for fertility but for a monogamous human like you, it's basically adultery."

"I know but I'm not married to Dyrroth by the traditional spousal rituals. He hasn't taken me down the aisle or something so it's not official. Plus, I thought that if I found someone else that I love I would lose my feelings for Dyrroth like how Alucard forgot about me. Then I would win our wager and Dyrroth will have to keep his end of the bargain by letting me go!"

"You really think that would work?"

"Well, there are a few complicated variables like Dyrroth's spontaneity but nothing has changed. Our wager states that if I don't love him by the end of one year I get to be free. Simple as that. So where does Martis live?"

"I'm not telling you." Terizla said with finality.

"Okay, fine that's a stupid plan. I'm not going to seduce him. You said earlier that he's a mortal that turned God, right? Then maybe he can help me with my problem. Dyrroth suggested that perhaps I can tap deeper into Fenrir's powers more than a simple buff up. He thinks that I can borrow a portion of Fenrir's powers and insisted that I explore these abilities to better protect myself in the Abyss. I think that Martis can help me with it since he's a god."

"Are you sure he's the man for the job? Frankly, your celestial sources are different. He became a God by accomplishing magnificent feats while you earned a portion of divinity by contracting a talking dog chained somewhere in oblivion. I'm not even sure if Martis knows Fenrir. Maybe someone from the Northern Vale can help you since Fenrir's lore originated there. Your friend Freya is a Valkyrie who came from Northern Vale, maybe you should ask her once you leave. If you have the guts to leave Dyrroth."

"I can leave him but not yet without settling things with him so my best option is Martis. Dyrroth sent spies to the Empire and went there himself. You said he nearly broke down when he thought I left. I can't have him weighing down on my conscience if he kills innocent people because of me. Please, Terizla. I need to do this. I want to do this." Ruby pleaded with her brightest puppy eyes which took some time to affect the blacksmith but he eventually gave in. Even if Terizla looks intimidating, Ruby found that he's really soft-hearted.

"Alright, fine. I'll tell you where but you need to promise me that you won't do something stupid and dangerous. You don't know Martis nor his people so tread carefully and escape when you think that you're in danger."

"Yes, I promise. I'll return in one piece."

"I'll hold your word for it. Now, I need to give you something." Terizla retrieved a box from his weapon storage and handed it to her. Ruby saw two golden wristbands where a dark red ruby shaped like diamonds glinted.

"Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you."

"It's your scythe."

"What?!" Ruby gasped flabbergasted by the information.

"How can this be my scythe? They're bracelets."

"Just put them on." Ruby complied and wrapped the golden bands around her black wrist cuffs.

"Connect them together." Ruby did as he said and clinked the two golden cuffs together. She was surprised when the bands turned into light before instantly shaping into a long and large scythe. Her eyes widened in wonder when she saw how beautiful the red blade glinted attached to its long black handle. The weapon felt lighter and more natural and it blends well with the colors of the Abyss so she can launch sneak attacks without being noticed because of it.

"This is awesome!" Ruby did some tricks and twirls with her new weapon knocking a few tables and chairs and slicing some furniture in half before posing with a wide bright smile.

"Maybe you should try it outside instead of here." Terizla suggested exasperatedly.

"So how do I turn them back?"

"Just snap your fingers. If you snap your fingers again they'll turn into smaller twin sickles for climbing and grabbing."

Ruby snapped her fingers once and the scythe turned to bracelets but when she snapped her fingers again the bracelets turned into two average-sized sickles just as the blacksmith said. "Woah, this is so awesome! I can't wait to try it on somebody."

"You can control them without doing the gestures but you need to control it with your mind. It's yours now so naturally, you have a connection to it. You just need to think about what you want a scythe or a sickle and they'll comply. You'll get it after a few tries. I added a few more tweaks but I will leave it up to you to discover them all."

"Thank you! I'll begin packing my gear now. Hopefully, Martis lets me in." Ruby said excitedly as she began running around and collecting her stuff for her travel.

🌹🌹🌹

A deadly foreboding silence reigned on the hillside of the Azrya forest. The once lively woods lost their vibrant color due to the new forces that had settled in its breast, casting large dark shadows that brought an ominous aura upon its branches. The melody of the forest also vanished, it's residence became mute as they fled from the suffocating miasma that now settled under the thickets.

Large demons prowled scouting the grounds while some sharpened their weapons. They made sure to make no noise and to move with stealth to avoid being discovered by their enemies. There were only a few thousands of them but their leader ensured that their quality precedes their quantity.

A tall fully armored demoness made her way between the campfires and hulking beasts. The grip on her spear tightened as she passed by some wyverns being saddled and weaponized. The beasts groaned and snorted as the demons sharpened the spikes on their bodies and added toxins to their claws. She soon reached the center of the encampment where a large tent stood erected.

"Everything is ready, my lord." Sorca informed as she took her place beside the prince who said nothing as he stared at an object in his palm. She glanced at his hand where she saw a golden locket where an image of a certain blondie smiles back at him. The demoness felt a smile tug at her own lips as Dyrroth kissed the image before hiding it in his pocket.

"Very good. Make sure to find the elf called Miya, rough her up a bit but don't kill her. That little bitch shall be a gift for my princess."

"Of course, my lord. We are ready to lay siege upon the elves, the legions are only awaiting your orders. However, we spied some additions to their forces such as towering forest guardians, the magical leonins, and the holy centaurs. It appears that they expected our arrival. Furthermore, we must be wary of their king, Estes, who had recently recovered from his battle injuries given by Alice. Their champions the assassin, Karina, and the archer, Miya are also present and they're rumored to be formidable." reported Sorca without losing a breath.

"I expect that you can handle both of these whores since you're one of the Abyss' strongest soldiers." Dyrroth said while repositioning himself in his throne with a complacent poker face as if the matters of war are as simple as a game of chess.

"I will ensure your victory, my lord. Even if I have to lay down my life just to open our path to Moniyan." Sorca swore with utmost honesty and determination.

"I demand no such thing unless it is inevitable. You are forbidden to fall in this battle or someone precious will weep and blame me for your death. Do not let Ruby cry and your spouse be widowed. That is your order." The demoness was more than astounded by his words. Even though he didn't directly phrase it, Sorca is aware that Dyrroth sincerely values her loyalty and her companionship. Her dedication and her formidable strength are the reasons why he trusts her as his right hand and why she was chosen as the guard of his paramour, Ruby.

"As you wish, my lord!"

"Selena will be accompanying you. Thankfully Lunox will no longer interfere this time with her wooden companion since he's dead." added Dyrroth as he inspected the pieces laid on the map of the Azrya woodlands.

"Selena... One of our enemies is her family, her sister. Karina. Will she be able to accomplish her duty to the Abyss and not let her soft elf side get in the way?"

"Selena knows where her allegiance lies. I trust that she will put her beliefs before her blood. Oh, it will be such a savory tale if she will be the one to end her sister's life don't you think?"

"Definitely, my lord. As for my other task, the spies have located the mirror you desire and your other vassals are already informed of what they should do."

"Perfect. Now let's hope that the wolf is not bluffing or else this will be all for nothing."

"The wolf you refer to is Fenrisulfr, bringer of death and destruction and Ruby's patron deity, correct?"

"Yes, he's been pestering my dreams. He's showing me visions and coaxing me to do certain things that I'm only doing since it's for Ruby. Additionally, I've overheard her talking with an acquaintance of hers. It was about some elf who stole her former lover and how much she loathes her. It seems that the information came at the right timing since this battle was being planned around that time."

"If I may ask... This battle is not merely for supremacy but also to avenge the heart of the crimson maiden, isn't it?" Sorca questioned without fearing that she's stepping on a boundary.

"Who knows. Now, let us begin our invasion." Dyrroth stood from his chair and exited his tent to face his large bloodthirsty demon army who roared cheers at the sight of their monarch. Both male and female demons have wide bloodlust grins upon their faces as they await their leader's orders.

"My brethren, we come here before only to retreat. Now we come here again to take over and invade! We will crush these pathetic elves and we will destroy everything they've built, their hopes, and their dreams. And we will do it with pleasure! We will rain down fire and blood upon these pathetic mongrels and tear down the very roots of their life. We will succeed where the others failed and we will do it spectacularly. Join me and give me your strength and I will give you blood and glory! Now move forward and bring death and destruction to everything that lives in this blasted place! Send out the dragon-kin and set ablaze the Tree of life!!!"

The forest reverberated with the terrifying roar of the demon horde. The trees shook with fear as they can only stand and watch while the army swung their weapons and hoisted their bombs. The earth thundered with their footsteps as they began marching to lay siege upon the splendid elven castle where the elves waited for their last stand.

🌹🌹🌹

"So this should be the entrance." Ruby mumbled to herself as she stood in front of a large arch in the middle of nowhere.

Terizla had instructed her to head straight southward and there she would eventually locate the gate of Devas. The trip took a few hours especially since she's only going by foot. The path here was perilous as expected, but not as bad as the Fangs so it was only a piece of cake. Additionally, her new scythe proved to be formidable and excellent. She easily sliced through flesh and boned like a warm knife through butter. Terizla really outdid himself with this one.

"It's less fancy and terrifying than I thought and it seems that no one's here." She noticed symbols inscribed in the arch but has not a single clue on what they say or mean.

"How the hell am I supposed to get through it? Should-- should I knock? Bang some stones? This is so unexpected."

"And what did you expect from the doorway of my home?" questioned a deep male voice with a hint of amusement.

Ruby instantly summoned her scythe to defend herself if needed be. She trained her eyes on the silhouette moving from the darkness of the gate and anticipated what actions he might take. Her composure visibly softened in recognition of the person who helped her escape Helcurt.

"Well, perhaps a bit more glowing and stuff." Ruby replied casually however her heart was beating rapidly in anticipation and fear of rejection. Martis emerged from the center of the arc holding his twin swords in hand.

Oh, God. He's really hot. Ruby thought as she looked him up and down. She hadn't gotten a good look at him when they first met and she didn't really bother to ogle him when he visited Terizla's house. Martis is incredibly robust. His arms are big and strong, which seems to be capable of crushing a tiger's skull with ease. His built is bigger than Dyrroth's and his abs are more well-defined.

Ruby had to stop herself from blushing when he stepped closer in front of her. He's really intimidating but his manly charms made up for it.

"So, what does the splendid new princess of demons want with my country?"

"Princess of demons?? I am no such thing!! I'm simply a huntress who had the misfortune of getting lost in a place like this." Ruby protested, suddenly feeling offended that she's being defined by her affiliation with Dyrroth.

"Is that so? My apologies then, I thought you were getting chummy with the demon prince so I assumed as such." Martis replied sarcastically.

"Anyway, I came here to ask you for a favor."

"A favor? What can I do for you then?" Martis inquired, intrigued by what she wants from him.

"I would like to ask you to teach me how to use my godly powers. You see, I contracted a powerful wolf god named Fenrir a few years ago but I still have no idea how to use his powers. Dyrroth thought that it will be very helpful if I learn how to use my abilities to defend myself better in the Abyss."

"And what do I get in return for helping you to your end?" Ruby wasn't very much surprised by this. Of course, negotiations need mutual benefit however she doesn't have anything valuable to offer him. But, she knows who does.

"Well, pretty much anything you want that I can give. Dyrroth allows me to access his treasury so you can name your price. What is it that you desire?"

"Very well, what I want is simple but are you sure you can give it?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Ruby replied with determination. She didn't miss the mischief that briefly flickered in his crimson orbs before he spoke.

"I want you."

🌹🌹🌹

Dyrroth frowned. He blasted the root brains of a forest guardian with ease before landing on his feet and paused to look around. War raged on between the demons of the Abyss and the wenches of the Azrya forest. Everything is going as planned with a few casualties on his side but that's expected in warfare. He suddenly had a nasty feeling in his stomach as if he wanted to punch someone. Someone who's not supposed to be touching what is his. Anyway, he continued fighting.

Elves may be agile and know a thing or two about fighting, but it wasn't enough to surpass nor even match the undeniable ferocity of demons. They've been fighting for about 3 hours now but little progress is being made in regards to breaching the castle. The centaurs are proving to be mighty foes that even the bigger demons are having a hard time battling them with the additional support the marksmanship of the elves provided. His attention turned overhead.

Wyverns battled griffins and other feathered aviating creatures capable of combat that's why they weren't able to set ablaze the tree of life yet. The dragonkin may be formidable but they are being overwhelmed by numbers so there is little to be expected from them now. If he had a true full-grown dragon things would be easier but of course, he doesn't, so he has to make do with what he has. The demons are already closing in on the wall, they just need to get the explosives by the gate and blast that thing to smithereens to finally infiltrate the castle but the pests are putting on a tough fight. Coupled with the magic of the Leonin, this siege might last for a few days or weeks even. It seems that they've enhanced their defenses since the last attack. Their king had even set up a force field but it doesn't matter. He will surely mow them down once and for all.

A centaur tried to run him down but he merely activated a glyph in the air and blasted the thing to oblivion. An arrow shot past him nearly taking out his eye if he hadn't taken a small sidestep hitting instead a small Leonin misplaced in the battlefield.

Well, how rude. If he loses his eyes then he won't be able to see the beautiful face of his common rose. We can't have that, can we? He grabbed a random spear buried in the ground before preparing to launch it to the arćher who aimed at him. He took a step forward before twisting his body from the target. He prepared his stance and extended his left arm forward to balance himself before throwing the spear and expertly hitting the elf who fell dead beyond the wall. The other demons roared, impressed by his accuracy before replicating his action to take out the archers on the battlements.

Many of them succeeded but many also fell before they could even throw their spears due to the expert marksmanship of the enemy. Dyrroth noticed more elves gathering in the battlement and knew what was coming.

"Legion! Raise your shields!" he yelled before punching an elf with his fist filled with dark energy instantly killing the bastard.

"Raise your shields!" yelled one of his comrades before passing to another.

"Raise your shields!"

"Raise your damn bloody shields!"

The message reverberated across the demons who heed the order. Those close by went beside each other to form a defensive formation. Sorca and her soldiers went to Dyrroth's side and raised their shields above their heads to protect their prince. Soon the dreaded attack came. Long silver arrows, blessed by the moonlight began raining above their heads like a tempest of death. The demons who have no shield and those who didn't hear the order due to bloodlust became riddled with arrows and died instantly. Some who were more brilliant used the body of the dead to deflect the attack.

"Your majesty we are making little progress."

"I am aware. I have dispelled the barrier with my Abyssal strike but they keep on bring it back after 10 minutes of being destroyed and those demons trapped inside the barrier were easily massacred. We need to destroy the towers which replenish the barrier but I can't keep on using my Abyss strike lest I wish to die. Tell Zubeia to go back to the Abyss and call Moskov and Helcurt." There was a brief silence from the demoness before replying to him.

"Zubeia is dead. The pink leonin blasted her and a few others with her magic." reported Sorca with a solemn tone.

Zubeia was Sorca's younger sister so her listless attitude is understandable. Dyrroth gave her a brief look of pity before hardening his gaze and grinding the cog works in his head. His mind suddenly wandered to a memory of Ruby who flicked a cherry on his face using a spoon. He didn't expect that the extra propulsion would cause additional damage crushing the cherry as it lands on his face. The hit stung and now that little playful attack will help him win this war.

"Call for a retreat and send someone to fetch the craftsmen in the Abyss as well as the mining worms. The elves will have to die another day."

"Yes, my lord."