The journey to the underworld was undertaken again. For this one, there were only three members of the journey. Matthius, Niel, and Arneld. From the capital city to the city of Artar there was not even once any danger seen. However, that place, the forest of darkness that stretched vast before them was one of the problems they had to get through.
The demon forest, the place where terrible monsters lived. Since thousands of years ago that place became the medium separating the upper world and the lower world, between the demon race and humans. People did not know that if they went deeper, the world where terrifying figures lived would be found by them. For a long time the palace had given a prohibition for stepping foot deeper.
And now, those who made the prohibition walked to meet the feared figure, the one capable of making this world turn upside down. With courage, they were about to ask for help. All agreements had been thought of. Life and death had been wagered in this game.
"I hope the Demon King can talk." Matthius's hope as he walked behind.
"He really can talk, you know. But, we don't know how to make him discuss." Niel replied, walking in the front row with Arneld.
"Ah, is that so." Matthius put on an indifferent face.
"Matthius, watch every step you take. We must as much as possible avoid fighting with monsters." Arneld said.
"I don't see a single demon monster since at the forest entrance."
"That is because there are many adventurers hunting, different from the place we are going to. The deeper you walk, the greater the danger that comes." Niel explained.
Matthius was silent. His feet followed Niel and his father, traversing the dark forest that felt ominous. The shriek of crows sounded frightening, making anyone's hair stand on end if they heard it. The sound of bushes rubbing was not left behind. Until reaching the deepest place, the bad feeling became more piercing and the thickness of dark mana became more suffocating.
Their steps would not falter. If this failed, then there would never be a second time. The target had shown himself yesterday, and a time like this was exactly right to gamble; hunting or being hunted. But, stop quickly!
His forehead was made to frown in confusion seeing the unusual sight ahead there. How could it be? A green grass field stretched dozens of kilometers, frequented by beautiful animals and beautiful flowers blooming. A building with a peaceful countryside nuance as if calling out the melody of an ancient nostalgia. The roar of the flowing river became the last weapon destroying their grim shadows. Is this... hidden beauty?
"What is this... really the underworld?" Matthius was confused.
"Why does it feel like entering a fairy tale land?" Arneld was just as confused, then glanced at Niel.
"I-I also don't know." Niel answered stammeringly.
"But, look over there." Matthius pointed at the palace standing on the other side of the grass field expanse.
"Ah, apparently the palace part is still the same, huh." Niel felt a little disappointed seeing the Demon King's palace had not changed at all from a hundred years ago. Gloomy and terrifying.
"It feels like that palace is shouting 'die' at us." Arneld whispered.
"Ancestor lord, are you alright?" Matthius saw Niel's body stiffening.
"N-nothing." He evaded. "Hurry." He walked ahead first toward the large gate stretching thousands of hectares between the hot craters surrounding it, passing the only bridge connected to the entrance.
Meanwhile, inside the castle called out for exuding killing aura, two demons sat calmly while gazing at the perfection of their Master's face in a form that was very sweet. His cheeks puffed up plump, his small hands busy flipping the book looked funny, his appearance like a child was truly sweet. However, that sharp gaze was not sweet.
Where did his smile like the morning sun go? Whichever his form, a Lucifer did not care. For him his Master remained his Master, a great figure he greatly admired. Whether in the form of Leviathan, or this cute figure. It felt like having two Belphegors.
"Your sparkling earring is truly beautiful, Master. May I know the reason you are wearing it?" asked Lucifer before Leviathan who sat with his left hand supporting his face, gazing at a face like a master artist's sculpture.
"This functions to restrain the overflow of my mana." Leviathan answered without turning from his book.
Lucifer corrected his sitting position while saying, "Ah, no wonder when at the academy I did not feel your magical energy."
"Hm, I see."
Lucifer nodded slightly while smiling. "But, are you interested in the academy? You want to destroy it until nothing is left?" he asked, full of curiosity.
"I only want to study, no more."
"Ah, I see." Lucifer continued maintaining his smile. "You are already very great, but with studying you will become even greater. So, what are you studying?"
"Basic magic."
Jder!
Lucifer felt like he was struck by lightning on a morning that was still early. "Ba-basic... magic?" His face changed, confused and pale.
"Could it be... you lost your power?" asked Belphegor who had only been silent and listening since earlier.
Leviathan closed his book, "No. It's just that, I don't know how to use basic magic that makes me keep using god-level magic."
"I-I see... hha.." Belphegor forced his face to smile even though drowsiness kept resisting.
"Do you know how now?" asked Lucifer.
"Not yet. But, it feels nice because I got my first failure." Leviathan smiled, making Belphegor who had been defeated by drowsiness become enthusiastic again. "Can you teach me?"
Lucifer and Belphegor looked at each other, then both laughed together facing Leviathan. "Your Lordship's pendant is truly beautiful, huh." Lucifer said.
"Right, right!"
It was to be expected. These two demons also couldn't use magic other than high-level magic it seemed. Once they used magic, a city might be destroyed without a trace left. Studying at the academy was indeed the right choice to control it.
"Where did you get it?" Lucifer seemed to really want to know.
"Someone gave it as a lucky charm." Leviathan touched the crescent moon pendant hanging on his neck.
"I really want to meet him to thank him." Lucifer said sincerely, not the manipulative and deceitful demon soul.
"He is a married woman at the adventurer reception desk in the city directly across from the demon world."
"I will meet her later."
Leviathan didn't answer anymore. He was busy flipping the pages of the new book Lucifer had prepared without flinching. Lucifer focused on gazing at his face, and Belphegor fell asleep again. That calmness invited birds' chirping into the room. Several times Leviathan shifted his gaze looking outside, seeing the calmness of the demon world.
The sound of splashing water, tree leaves blown by wind, and the footsteps of demon animals running. At a glance, the demon world looked like the human world. With this, the image of the demon world that was scary and full of corpses and cruelty was shattered. However, however beautiful and calm it was, there were still creatures who had everything trying to ruin it. Leviathan's sharp glint that revealed the Infinity eye caused a vibration signaling a threat trying to approach.
"A-are you alright, Master?" Lucifer was extremely shocked seeing his Master's mood suddenly worsen.
"Calm down, Master." Belphegor was just as shocked.
Leviathan closed his eyes for a moment then exhaled softly and said, "It seems they have come."
"Who, Master?"
"People I know." Leviathan stood from his seat, stretched out his hand for a crow peeking perched, and stroked its head gently while saying, "Welcome them well."
Lucifer also stood and bowed low while replying, "Yes, Master."