Late night.

Tonight's sky is adorned only with scattered stars.

The usual Star River and glowing celestial bodies have all vanished.

A darker night, rarely seen.

It seems as if tonight, secretive events are happening during this time.

In the Royal Capital of Southern Cross Island, at the center of the Imperial Palace.

Outside a wide, heavy gate, many guards come and go, standing watch.

Around them, knights are patrolling, suggesting this is the most important place in the entire palace.

Inside the gate.

It appears to be a more private lounge. The decor and luxurious furnishings indicate it's a place where someone extremely important resides.

Moving further inside, through a small door, a faint scent of blood wafts from within.

The door leading outside is wide open, offering access to a balcony beyond.

A tall, burly, stern man stands straight on the balcony, looking outward.

His face calm, never smiling.

Holding a wine glass, he savors the taste.

In his other hand, he holds a book.

The source of the bloody scent is in the center room behind him, where a maid, dressed in a servant's attire, lies pale on the floor.

Blood trickles from her features, and her expression suggests she endured some form of mental torment before her death.

"Oh, my friend, we meet again," a slightly flamboyant voice sounds from behind Kriyal.

Faced with the corpse behind him and the unfamiliar voice, Kriel remains unperturbed: "I wouldn't consider myself friends with a demon."

"Don't say that; we are certainly friends. Haven't we met many times?

And how do you feel about the techniques I've offered?"

"If multiple meetings make someone a friend, my friends would be far too numerous," Kriel says, without addressing the latter question at all.

The demon, concealing its form, isn't angry. With a slight wave, a faint green mist emerges from the maid's features, which he inhales into his nostrils, as if it's an addictive stimulant.

Those savvy enough would immediately recognize the mist as the poor maid's soul.

On her exposed skin, faint red streaks appear.

"How about my previous proposal? I can help fulfill your ambition; you merely need to cooperate with me.

I even offered a small advance, proving my ability to assist you.

Your strength has only just reached the Fifth Stage. In these desolate borders, you might reign free, but venturing slightly further, your strength is akin to a mere ant.

Those people view you as a country bumpkin; I'm sure you've felt it, that cultural tension beneath the surface.

Don't you wish to repay such disdain? To trample those foreign nobles who belittled you, those mortals who dare to scorn you, showing them who holds true power. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

With my help, for a small price, your ambition can be expedited. Why hesitate?"

Kriel turns to face the demon, which remains concealed.

Confronted with the demon's temptation and seemingly penetrating words, he maintains an indifferent expression, as though unaffected.

"You call yourself a demon, but your actions resemble those of a devil. It lacks the essence of a wrathful demon's deeds."

"I am, indeed, a demon. I assumed you weren't a racist. I'm among the rare, brainy type of demons.

And unlike those devils, I don't always play cunning tricks.

So, my nature is sly yet violent. How about considering it further?"

"No, my answer remains rejection. I have no habit of trading with demons; I shall attain my desires using my abilities and strength."

Hearing Kriel's words, the demon isn't surprised or angered but simply chuckles lightly, with an apparent hint of disdain.

"I see you've enjoyed using the powers I've shared, oh, hypocritical mortal."

Facing the demon's words,

Kriel is unfazed, clearly possessing an impenetrable resolve.

Apparently, this demon retains devilish traits, provoking only verbally without any violent acts.

Distinctly different from its kin.

Rising from a nearby chair, a small bell appears in its hand.

Placing the bell on the nearby desk.

"Though our partnership hasn't flourished, I'm offering you a small gift.

Like the ones I've given before, I'm always generous, especially to friends.

You can rest assured; this gift poses no danger, merely offering aid in times of peril.

However, my patience has limits. When you decide to ring the bell, it signifies your willingness to cooperate. Beware."

"Hahaha, then I shall eagerly await good news," the demon chuckles, bowing slightly before its silhouette vanishes into thin air.

Watching the demon disappear, Kriel looks at the bell on the table, picking it up.