ACT I – VI
THE COURT OF LEVIATHAN

With nothing but darkness lurking in the domains of the Underworld, it is simply a desolate place void of a lively atmosphere. However, that does not apply to the very first layer of Hell.

When the other rings lack in color, the Ring of Animian bursts with hues. Its beauty can rival the most beautiful places in the human realm and even the Telestial Halo of the Heavens. A beauty that hides the horrifying pits below, giving the illusion of utopia.

Once the corpses enter the Gates of the Underworld and glimpse the splendor of Animian, hopes are raised upon arriving at the Hell's Court. Hope that they can peacefully stay in this wonderful place. Though, that decision is solely based on the Devil King.

The Ring of Animian is purposely made to deceive the corpses, igniting their love of material and superficial things. Nonetheless, it is indeed a paradise for those whose sins did not tip off the scale. But with the number of sins a human can do in their whole lifetime, it is a rare case.

Most of the residents of Animian are usually those who have already repented their sins. They are the Enlightened and only wait for their reincarnation.

Today, an influx of dead humans has come. Their memories are taken to the Scale of Providence and weighed together with the Fortune Feather. This great artifact sits beside the throne where the light is the brightest in the room. The scale glistens from the soft illumination, further enhancing the silver colors and making the golden feather gleam.

It is the balance of sins. The one that determines the fate of the dead. If the scale does not move, they won't be delivered to the other layers of Hell but if the crimes are heavier, they are given to the Archdemons to atone.

Several corpses have already been sent to the rings below as the Devil King has expected. Another one traipsed the hall with ease, producing rhythmic footfalls on the marbled floors. Both corners of the King's lips twitch upon watching the man making his way to the center of the room where a podium is located.

"Name," the Devil King inquires.

"Levi Horris," the young man answers right away.

The Devil King simply nods as he glances at the paper in front of him.

Levi Horris. Dies at 18 due to a car crash. Belongs to a family of four and has been a good student. A favored child with peerless talent. Upon reading it, one will have assumed he shall be in the Heavens and not in Hell.

The King's eyes lock with pitch-black ones. It is a pair of ebony orbs that are cloaked from all the temptations of the world. Without saying anything more, he raises his hand and the teenager glows as his memories are taken away.

It swirls and forms a colorless sphere, shimmering its way towards the scale. Once it sets down, the scale moves. Gasps echo on the whole interior. The Cavalries and Aides stationed inside have their mouths hanging open. It has been centuries since they have witnessed something like this and it never fails to catch them off-guard.

The memories are lighter than the feather. That only meant that a mishap has happened once again. The dead mortal shall be declared an angel, not a corpse.

"Your majesty..." the aide's voice dawdles beside him but the King is already transfixed on the man.

It is highly remarkable how the youth pretends to see his surroundings, directing his sight every time someone whispers near him. However, the King is able to unveil his disguise. Peering his magic away, the man has distinct features expertly hidden.

Long black tail curls from his back and two curved horns are sprouting on his head.

He is no doubt a Cambion. A creature born from a demon and a human. But that is not all. No demons cannot execute a perfect deception yet this young man is able to despite the fact that he is in the middle of a punishment. One that can cause blindness for a year. The longest among all the divine punishments.

The Devil King's smile widens as he pushes himself up from the throne that is coveted by all. He descends on the stairs and reaches out for the youth.

"Welcome to Hell, Candidate of Leviathan."