The time seemed to slow down, my restless mind quieted down despite the apparent chaos consuming us all. Memories of Loki remained and everything we had gone through remained but nothing ached anymore. It was blurred out, like a faded postcard from a place never visited.

Even though I was sitting in the office chair for a short time, the peace of mind that I had made it feel like I was there for much longer. It was strange, going from chaotic whirlwind in my mind to a genuine bliss. There was still profound hatred I held for Devil but that was what I was familiar and comfortable with.

But the love I used to feel for Loki... that was something different. It made everything seem worse than it actually was. It was as if the love had intensified the pain, amplifying every hurt until it became unbearable. I realized now that denying those emotions, pretending they didn't exist, had driven me further into madness. It was a madness I hadn't even recognized until now, as I sat here, distanced from it all.

And what worried me most was that I didn't know for how long I had actually held that love for him. It seemed like it had been there much longer than I'd realized. Looking back, what had felt like instant attraction, now appeared to be something far deeper. I hadn't understood until now how effortlessly I had let him in, how easily I had allowed him to claw his way into my life. The realization struck me with a heavy weight—love hadn't just been a fleeting emotion, but a silent, persistent force that had shaped everything. And one that I was happy to live without.

As I grappled with these thoughts, the door creaked open, and in walked Belial. His presence was like a shadow cast over the room, dark and imposing, yet oddly reassuring in its familiarity. He took a measured step inside, his eyes scanning the space with an inscrutable expression.

Belial had always been an enigma, a figure who straddled the line between ally and adversary. His motives were often shrouded in ambiguity, and his loyalty was something I had always questioned. Yet, in that moment, his arrival felt almost like a twisted form of salvation.

"You..." he frowned as he scanned me for a few seconds, "You seem different. Are you okay?"

I hadn't realized it would be this obvious. It felt as if I had shed some invisible burden, like getting rid of a terminal illness.

"I'm perfect," I said with a smile that felt both genuine and new.

He studied me more closely, his suspicion and confusion clear. "You were losing your mind earlier," he remarked, his voice carrying a trace of concern. He took a few steps closer, as if trying to bridge the gap between our altered realities.

"I got it solved," I hummed, a touch of amusement in my voice as I relished the newfound clarity of my own mind.

"Solved, you say?" he asked. "Drugs?"

I laughed out loud at his immediate assumption, "you'd be surprised but no."

The surprise was evident in his eyes, and his confusion seemed to deepen. "Then what happened?" he asked, clearly baffled by my apparent transformation.

I shrugged, a playful grin on my lips. "Sometimes, clarity comes from unexpected places." I stood up from my seat and approached him.

Belial's eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to piece together the puzzle of my sudden change. "That's a rather philosophical approach. Care to elaborate?"

I shook my head, still smiling. "Not today. Just know that I've come to terms with things in my own way. And right now, I'm just enjoying this moment of clarity."

None of his questions got answered but he didn't seem to want to pry anymore. Instead, he just sighed and said, "Okay. Keep your secrets." His tone was a mix of acceptance and mild frustration, but there was an underlying respect for my choice to remain vague.

Despite his curiosity, Belial seemed content to let the matter drop, at least for now. The room felt a little lighter, the tension easing as Belial settled into a more relaxed stance. It was clear that he had his own ways of navigating the labyrinth of emotions and thoughts, just as I was finding mine.

"Now... dear Belial," I said, my voice taking on a teasing note. His eyes lit up instantly at the endearment, a flicker of surprise mingling with delight. I smirked lightly and slowly approached him, letting my hands trace his chest over his button-up shirt. The touch was deliberate, a gentle exploration that seemed to bridge the gap between our earlier conversation and the current, more intimate moment.

"Any special reason you wanted to see me?" I asked, my tone playful yet inviting.

Belial's expression softened, the initial surprise giving way to a more genuine warmth. He looked down at me, his usual composure giving way to a hint of vulnerability. "Well, I knew you were going through something serious so I wanted to check up on you."

"How is it that you're suddenly so worried for me, huh?" I asked softly, my tone tinged with suspicion. I stayed close, my fingers continuing their gentle caress over his chest, deliberately maintaining the intimate proximity to keep him off balance.

Belial's gaze remained steady, though his eyes revealed a flicker of something softer than his usual guarded demeanor. "I suppose even I have moments where I can't help but care. Maybe it's a flaw in my otherwise meticulous nature, but seeing someone I respect in distress—it has a way of affecting me." His words were wrapped in a veneer of casualness, but there was an underlying sincerity that couldn't be ignored. It was as if he was attempting to navigate his own complex emotions while still maintaining his characteristic poise.

"I didn't expect you to admit that," I said, my voice carrying a note of genuine surprise. "You've always been so... enigmatic. It's refreshing to see a different side of you."

Belial's smile widened just a fraction, a hint of amusement mingling with his affection. "Enigmatic, am I? Perhaps I prefer to keep some of my cards close to my chest. But that doesn't mean I'm indifferent."

He took a step closer, his hand gently resting on my shoulder in a gesture of genuine support. "Sometimes, even those who seem the most composed have moments where they let their guard down. I'm here because I wanted to make sure you're alright, even if it means admitting that I care."

My breath hitched when I heard his words. Belial was truly enigmatic yet surprisingly straightforward at the same time. Due to the nature of his work, one would assume he was among the worst type of demons. Before, I used to think he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed but each day, he seemed to surprise me in a new way. I couldn't quite figure out his motives yet but maybe they were really that simple.

Then I remember, he, too, was tortured by the Devil for something he didn't do. He, too, was betrayed by someone he trusted. One would be stupid to continue to be on the Devil's side after all of that. But it wasn't enough for me to lay my full trust in him yet. I was far too scarred by everyone.

I grabbed him by the tie and pulled him closer with a smirk as I slipped my hand in the coat pocket. He gasped in surprise at my sudden action before I harshly pulled away.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, his voice strained and edged with anger. The warmth that had previously softened his features was replaced by a stern, guarded expression. He took a step back, his hands instinctively moving to straighten his tie, a clear sign of his discomfort.

I held up Solomon's ring, letting it glisten in the light. "Sorry, Belial. It's precautions." He stared at the ring, his expression shifting from shock to a more controlled but still visible anger. His reaction was swift and sharp.

"So this is how you repay my concern?" he snapped, his voice laced with hurt and indignation. "You suspect me of treachery after everything?"

I could see the hurt in his eyes, and it made my heart sink slightly. "I can't just ignore everything that's happened, especially when you've been so closely associated with the Devil."

He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "You think this is easy for me? I've been through my own share of betrayal and manipulation. Just because I'm here doesn't mean I'm in league with those who've hurt us both."

I watched as he struggled to keep his emotions in check, his hands balling into fists at his sides. The hurt in his eyes was evident, and it struck a chord deep within me.

"I know you've been through a lot," I said, my voice softening, "but I have also been through so much more. So, I'm sorry but I have to care for myself first now. If you understand, you understand. I can't handle another betrayal. I don't want to take my chances, Belial."

Belial's gaze was a mixture of hurt and resignation. His eyes searched mine, trying to find the remnants of the connection we'd shared moments before. "Is that what you really think of me?" he asked, his voice strained. "That I'm just another potential traitor waiting to stab you in the back?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of his hurt. "It's not about thinking you're a traitor. It's about me needing to protect myself. I've been burned too many times to let my guard down so easily. Trust is... hard for me."

He stood there, the tension in his posture visible, as if he was caught between wanting to lash out and retreat. "I understand the need for caution, but to pull back so quickly... it's like you don't even see me for who I am now. Only for the fears and scars of your past."

There was a profound sadness in his voice, a reflection of the emotional turmoil that had been unleashed. I could see how deeply my actions had affected him, and it pained me to realize how much I had hurt someone who genuinely cared.

"I'm sorry, Belial," I repeated, my voice faltering as the weight of the situation pressed heavily on me. "I wish things were different. I really do. But right now, I have to be cautious, even if it means pushing away those who don't deserve it. We are dealing with the Devil now. The last thing I want is to be tricked in a fight I've been preparing for this entire time."

Belial's gaze remained fixed on me, the air thick with the weight of our conversation. His eyes shifted between me and the gleaming ring, a silent battle of emotions playing out behind his usually impassive facade. The silence stretched, each second heavy with the burden of unspoken feelings and past actions.

He sighed deeply, the sound carrying a mix of resignation and acceptance. "Fine. I can't blame you. I also put you through hell once before." There was a palpable shift in the room as Belial's shoulders relaxed slightly, his defensiveness giving way to a more somber demeanor. "I understand the need for caution. And while it hurts to be mistrusted, I know I've made my share of mistakes."

It was rather odd seeing him admit that. I had anticipated a much different outcome. However, I still felt better having the ring to myself. So, I smiled lightly as I pushed the ring inside my coat pocket. Then my hand went up to stroke his cheek in attempt to disarm him, to show him I meant no harm.

"Thank you for understanding," I said softly, my voice carrying genuine appreciation. "It means a lot."

Belial's eyes fluttered closed for a moment as he felt the softness of my touch, the simple act of kindness breaking through the barrier of mistrust. When he opened them again, they were filled with a mixture of gratitude and lingering uncertainty.

"You have a way of making things more complicated," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I suppose that's part of what makes you... you."

I chuckled at his words, tension slowly leaving the air, leaving only sombreness in its wake. "That I know. But I feel much safer knowing I am more in charge now with the ring."

Belial nodded, his expression turning serious once more as he shifted his focus. "Speaking of those in charge..." he breathed out, his voice dropping to a more urgent tone. "One more reason why I came here. The Devil is noticing that Paimon has been gone for quite a while. I've managed to stall it as much as possible, but you need to be on guard. Prepare to strike very soon. The ring is with you now, so it's up to you to act."

His words carried a weight of urgency, and I felt the gravity of the situation settle over me. "I can give you the scroll with the incantation," he continued, reaching into his coat and pulling out a small, ancient-looking scroll. He extended it towards me with a serious expression.

I took the scroll from him, feeling its delicate weight in my hands. The intricate symbols and faded script hinted at its power and the gravity of the task ahead. I nodded, "I appreciate the warning. And the scroll. It seems like we're at a crucial juncture."

"Exactly. I advise you not to go anywhere in the meantime. Stay put." He said sternly and I had to admit that I liked that look on him.

"That I know as much." I smiled lightly and he tried to fight off a smile but failed.

"Good," he said, finally allowing the smile to fully emerge.

"Thank you. Truly." I continued to smile, our eyes locked as our gazes lingered on each other. There was unspoken alliance being formed once again. There was an odd warmth surrounding him. Despite his ambiguous attitude, Belial's presence felt like a lifeboat more often than not. It was in the way he just let me be, without pushing, without judging. In a world filled with shifting allegiances and treacherous paths, that simple acceptance was everything I had ever wanted.

So, I pulled him closer, our lips meeting in a gentle kiss. His hands instinctively cradled my face, his thumb stroking my cheek with a tenderness that spoke of unspoken care. I wrapped my arms around him, feeling a wave of relaxation wash over me under the comforting touch and kiss. The moment was tender, stripped of any lust, and purely filled with comfort and gentleness.

At once, he pulled away, with a deep frown as he shielded his ear with his hand. I looked at him in confusion, trying to decipher what was happening.

"Devil is yelling in my ear because I'm taking too long... and Paimon's gone for too long." He forced a smile as if he was guilty.

"Ah..." I sighed before stepping away from him. "Go on then. Don't let me get you in trouble."

"Stay vigilant." He said sternly before planting one last kiss on my cheek before darting out of the office. I took a deep breath as I watched him leave. As the door clicked shut behind him, the weight of the moment settled on my shoulders. The kiss he left on my cheek was still warm, a lingering reminder of the brief tenderness we shared amidst the chaos. But as much as I wanted to savor that moment, reality demanded my full attention.

I stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath. The Devil's presence loomed larger than ever, and the clock was ticking. The Devil may have set the stage, but I was ready to play my part. And I would do so with everything I had, leaving nothing to chance. The time for action had come, and there was no turning back now.

Then, with decisiveness in my step, I rushed through the door. The noise of the casino faded into the background as my mind sharpened even more, my vision tunneling and focusing on only one goal. Finally, I pushed the door open and began my search to find Beelzebub so we could be prepared together. Just as I turned the corridor to go towards the far end of the palace, I was face to face with a demon I swore to forget. It was Mammon, his long-lost confidence was back, as he was leaned against the wall as if waiting for my arrival. I almost saw glimpses of Mammon I used to know. I stopped in my tracks and raised my eyebrow.

Mammon's lips curled into a sly grin as he stepped forward, his eyes gleaming in the faint light. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. "You've got such serious look on your face. Care to share where you're headed?"

I narrowed my eyes, trying to mask the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Seeing Mammon here, now, was the last thing I needed. "Just taking care of business," I replied evenly, refusing to let him see how much his presence rattled me. "What about you? Back to your old tricks?"

Mammon's grin widened, the familiar arrogance returning full force. He pushed off the wall with an easy grace, closing the distance between us. "Oh, you know me," he purred, his voice a slick, dangerous whisper. "Always have my fingers in a few pies. But today, I'm more interested in what you're up to. Something tells me it's a little more... delicate."

I scoffed, crossing my arms as I studied him. "If you're fishing for information, you're wasting your time. I'm not in the mood for games, Mammon."

His eyes flashed with something dark, a reminder of the power he wielded, but he kept his tone light. I thought Beelzebub was keeping him down. "Games? Oh no, I'm being quite serious. You've got that look in your eye—you're on the verge of something big. And you're worried, aren't you? That you'll slip up and fall right into the Devil's hands."

I remained silent, my thoughts racing as I weighed my options. Mammon was too close to the truth for comfort, but showing any sign of weakness would only give him the upper hand. What in the hell was Beelzebub doing if he was doing anything at all? "I'm more concerned with getting where I need to be," I finally said, trying to sidestep his probing. "Now, if you'll excuse me—"

He didn't move. Instead, his grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "You can't keep doing this alone," he murmured, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know you don't trust me, but I'm telling you—when it all goes down, you'll need allies. Real ones."

"What makes you think I'd even consider trusting you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "You've betrayed everyone you've ever worked with."

He let out a short, bitter laugh. "Loyalty is a fickle thing in our world, isn't it? But trust has to start somewhere, and like it or not, we're both in too deep to go it alone. You think Beelzebub's got your back? Think again. He's playing his own game, just like everyone else."

My jaw tightened at the mention of Beelzebub, uncertainty gnawing at the edges of my resolve. I hated that Mammon's words had a ring of truth to them, but I wasn't about to let him see that. "Beelzebub and I have an understanding," I said, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. "That's more than I can say for you."

"An understanding," Mammon echoed, shaking his head with a smirk. "Sure. But understanding doesn't always mean protection. When the Devil turns up the heat, you'll find out who's really in your corner. And trust me, it won't be who you expect."

"Listen here, Mammon." I clenched my jaw as I stepped towards him, my fists clenched at my sides. "I once trusted you too. I would've willingly died for you and you betrayed me. You used Belial for your own gains. For Lucifer who didn't even ask how you were doing when I spoke to him." I spat, anger beginning to bubble up to surface. I could clearly see I hit the weak spot as there was a short silence right after.

Mammon's eyes darkened, the smirk slipping from his face. He stared at me, his expression shifting from smug arrogance to something more vulnerable.

"You think I don't regret that?" he finally said, his voice quieter, almost raw. "You think I haven't played it over and over in my mind, wondering what might have happened if I'd made different choices? But regret doesn't change anything. We were all caught in this game, played like pawns, and none of us came out clean."

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. I could see the cracks in his armor, the weariness in his eyes that matched my own. And for a brief, fleeting moment, I felt a pang of something—empathy, perhaps?—for the demon who once meant so much to me.

But the anger still burned, fueled by the memories of his betrayal. "And now what?" I demanded, my voice cold. "You want forgiveness? Redemption? You think you can just waltz back into my life and pretend like nothing happened?"

"I don't expect you to forgive me. But we both have the same enemy and you need any ally you can get-"

"An ally? That's rich coming from you." I interrupted him with a scoff.

"You're going to need to need much more than that ring and wits about you for this." He spoke, his voice stern. I frowned, taking one step back from him.

"How did you–"

"I've dealt with enchanted jewelry all my life. I know what one feels like without having to look at it." He smirked.

"Oh, so this is just a ploy for you to get your hands on this? Well, you must think I'm really fucking stupid, don't you, Mammon?" I growled. I so wanted to punch him in the face. No matter what he said, it just made him sound worse.

Mammon's smirk remained, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes. "Think what you want, but I've no interest in that ring. It's not my style, anyway," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I do know the power it holds, and I know how it can twist someone if they're not careful."

I took another step back, my fingers instinctively curling around the ring in my pocket, its weight suddenly feeling more ominous. "You don't get to lecture me about caution, Mammon. Not after everything you've done. If you think I'm going to let my guard down around you, you're even more deluded than I thought."

He held up his hands in mock surrender, the smirk never leaving his face. "Relax, I'm not here to take anything from you. I'm just saying—be careful with that thing. Power like that always comes with a price. And if you're not ready to pay it, well... you know how that story ends."

"Don't act like you care," I snapped, my anger flaring again. "You've never cared about anyone but yourself."

"Maybe you're right," he replied, his tone suddenly serious, the smirk fading. "Maybe I'm just looking out for number one. But that doesn't mean I'm wrong."

I could feel the tension between us thickening, the unspoken history of our past looming large. It was clear that whatever game Mammon was playing, he was playing it well. But I wasn't about to let him manipulate me again.

"Mammon..." I hissed out. "If you say one more thing, so help me, Devil, I will bind you to this ring and you won't know what's in and what's out. You've had your chance, and you screwed up."

"So you're willing to forgive Belial and not me?"

"He has proven his loyalty! Where do you think I got that ring?!"

He paused for a second, surprise visible on his face as he grappled with the new information. "Is that so?" He asked, trying to contain from laughing. "Damn... he really will go to extreme ends if you are fucking him good." He chuckled. "Good job, Asmodeus. You manipulate well. Learned from the best - me."

I paused for a few seconds, just staring at him, wondering if he had completely lost the plot. "I'm not manipulating anybody."

"Oh, really?" He smirked as he drew nearer. "Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me you care about Belial?"

His question hung in the air, heavy and taunting. I clenched my jaw as I was looking at him as he arched an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider. I narrowed my eyes, trying to hold onto the semblance of composure, "I don't see how that's any of your business."

Mammon's eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and challenge. "Oh, come on. You can be honest with me, I don't judge." He shrugged.

"Mammon." I growled. "Not everyone's as shitty as you. Please, fuck off."

Mammon's smirk faltered for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "Shitty, am I?" he retorted, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "I see you haven't changed a bit. Quick to throw insults when you're backed into a corner."

"Backed into a corner?" I snapped, stepping closer, my anger bubbling to the surface. "I'm not the one trying to manipulate everyone around me. That's your specialty, remember?"

Mammon's eyes narrowed. "Is that what you think this is? I'm just pointing out what's obvious. You're playing the same games, but you're too blinded by your own righteousness to see it."

"I'm not the one who used people for personal gain and betrayed allies. I'm trying to do what's right, even if it means making hard choices." I shouted, my voice echoing in the corridor.

Mammon's expression hardened. "And what's 'right,' exactly? You think you're some kind of hero, don't you? But you're just another player in a twisted game, same as me. The only difference is, you're not honest about it."

"I'm honest enough to admit when I'm wrong," I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension. "Something you clearly haven't learned. You're just a coward hiding behind your smirks and games."

Mammon's smirk faltered slightly, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in closer. "Oh, come on, don't get all high and mighty with me now. You think you're better than me? We both know you're playing a game, and don't pretend like you're not enjoying it."

"I'm not playing games," I snapped, my voice sharp. "I'm dealing with a crisis, and I don't need you undermining everything I'm trying to do."

Mammon chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. "A crisis, huh? And how's that working out for you? Last I checked, you're still tangled up in the same mess you were before. And now, you've got me to deal with too. What a surprise."

"Don't flatter yourself," I said, my patience wearing thin. "You're not the center of my problems. You're just a distraction I'd prefer to avoid."

"A distraction?" Mammon echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is that what you think of me? Just another obstacle in your grand plan?"

"Yes!" I snapped. "You're a manipulative, deceitful asshole who's always got his own agenda. I'm done with your games. I have enough to worry about without you throwing your bullshit into the mix."

Mammon's eyes flashed with anger, his casual demeanor cracking. "And what's that supposed to mean? That I'm the villain in your story? Maybe if you stopped being so blind to your own flaws, you'd realize that not everything is as black and white as you want it to be."

"I'm so done with listening to you." I hissed out. "I don't know what's your agenda. You claim you care about me and my case but all I've gotten was just insults from you. You're not making a strong case here, nor are you helping yourself. Please just either fuck off or say outright what it is that you want from me. I'm so damn tired. "

Mammon's frown faltered as he took in the depth of my frustration. For a moment, his eyes softened, revealing a flicker of something genuine beneath his usually mocking exterior. He straightened up, his posture now less aggressive but still taut with unresolved tension.

"I told you. You need allies, and I want back in the cause. What I did was unforgivable, but I, too, cannot forgive the Devil for betraying me and allowing Lucifer to suffer. Despite the fact that Lucifer may not have cared about me as much as I anticipated, he is still part of something bigger, and fighting for him is more important than our petty squabbles."

I listened intently, weighing his words. There was a certain ring of truth to them, and for a moment, I was tempted to believe him. "This isn't a petty fight, Mammon. You hurt me."

Mammon's eyes dropped, his expression turning somber. "I know," he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. It was the first time I saw genuine sadness in his eyes, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. It took me by surprise, and I fought to keep my own emotions in check.

"I really liked you, you know," I said softly, my voice carrying the weight of that confession. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath.

Mammon's face softened, a mixture of surprise and something like vulnerability crossing his features. The sadness in his eyes was unmistakable now, and it seemed to pierce through the hardened exterior he usually wore. "You did?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as though he was hearing a truth he hadn't fully grasped before.

"I did," I confirmed, my voice unwavering. "To think I even shed a tear for you when you were in a coma—" I stopped, shaking my head slightly. "I was sitting all that time next to you, waiting for you to get better. For you to betray me after that, it's truly unforgivable." I paused, letting the weight of my words settle between us. "All I ask is that you stay away from me. That's the one thing you can do for me now."

I watched him for a moment, my own heart still heavy with conflicting emotions. Despite the betrayal, a part of me wanted to believe that he was genuinely remorseful. Yet another part of me remained guarded, wary of letting past hurts cloud my judgment.

"I understand." He mumbled, his face still somber. "I do miss what we had."

"It won't be the same, Mammon."

"I know."

We gazed at each other for a few moments, the air was thick with many unspoken emotions but both of us decided to leave them as they were. There was no point in it now. With one quick smile, I brushed past him and started heading towards the training grounds where Beelzebub was.

As I walked down the corridor towards the training grounds, my mind raced with the urgency of our situation. The earlier confrontation with Mammon had left me unsettled, but I had to focus on the tasks at hand. Beelzebub was expecting me, and there was no time to waste.

The training grounds were located in a more secluded part of the palace, away from the main hustle and bustle. As I approached, I could hear the faint sounds of clashing metal and the grunts of exertion. I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.

Beelzebub was in the midst of a rigorous training session, his powerful movements slicing through the air with practiced ease. He was clad in his usual combat gear, his expression focused and intense. His combat gear was both striking and formidable: a gleaming, dark armor that melded seamlessly with the flowing cloak draped over his broad shoulders. The chest plate, adorned with intricate sigils and a central crimson stone, shimmered as he moved, casting faint reflections of light across the room. The gauntlets, reinforced with metal and lined with enchanted leather, were gripping his sword tightly, while his sturdy boots provided solid traction against the polished floor.

Beelzebub's commanding voice then cut through the clamor of the training ground. "That's enough for now!" he called out, his tone carrying both authority and a hint of fatigue. The trainees, panting and exhausted, immediately ceased their movements and gathered around him, their expressions a mix of respect and relief.

Beelzebub's sharp eyes shifted to me as I approached. He dismissed the trainees with a nod, who quickly filed out of the room, leaving us alone. He wiped the sweat from his brow and sheathed his sword, his gaze steady and serious.

"What brings you here?" he asked, exhaustion clear in his voice as I got closer to him.

"Belial said that we should be ready any moment now. I also secured the ring and the scroll." I said in a voice just below a whisper. Beelzebub raised his eyebrows in a surprise.

"Wow, okay. Nice." He nodded.

"We should be close by probably, so we should get back inside soon," I added, glancing around the training ground.

Beelzebub's expression turned thoughtful as he considered the urgency of the situation. "You're right. We need to be prepared. The Devil won't wait for us to catch up. Let's head to my realm and finalize our plans."

He gathered his gear swiftly, his movements efficient despite his fatigue. I watched him, noting the intensity in his eyes, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he often projected. We made our way out of the training grounds, our pace quickening as he opened the portal and we swiftly entered it.

We went to our usual secluded spot and took our seat on the couch. I unrolled the scroll on the coffee table in front of us and placed the ring right next to it. Both of us were staring at the ancient sigil, pentagram and incantation on it, realizing slowly the gravity of the objects in front of us.

"If this doesn't go well... We are screwed, Beelzebub." I swallowed a lump in my throat.

"Yeah. You're right." He said, his expression giving out a glimpse of his bravery faltering for a second. I hated to admit but I was scared too. I didn't know what was going to come after this. If anything was. But we had come this far, I couldn't back out.

"We've got this though. It's scary. But all important changes haven't come by just sitting idly." I said and his eyes locked with mine.

"Rare for you to sound smart," he chuckled.

"I've come to have my own sense of clarity recently." I admitted through a smile.

"I can see that you look different. It's a nice look on you, I don't know what it is." He hummed, amused.

"It's peace." He looked taken aback by my response as he continued to stare at me. Then, his lips stretched out into a small smile.

"Well, it suits you." He responded and I was glad he didn't trying prying more. I wasn't ready to be lectured about if what I'd done was a right move or not. I didn't care, it was right for me.

Then we both shifted our focus on the scroll, running through the complex incantation and ensuring that every detail was meticulously understood. The symbols and words on the scroll seemed to pulse with latent energy, adding to the sense of urgency and anticipation.

As we worked, the room seemed to grow quieter, the only sound the rustling of parchment and the murmured recitations of the incantation. The gravity of our mission hung heavy in the air, but the shared focus and mutual support between us provided a grounding sense of solidarity.