The King's Game - Seven Calamities Arc (Part 2)

Chapter 32: The Demon Realm

Shadow and the man in rags were left at the pier as Gallo disappeared back into the thick mist, leaving the two with no way out of the Demon Realm.

"Well it would seem that we are stuck here with no option but to go forward; guess there is no chance to back out anymore." The man in rags said as he followed behind Shadow.

The man in rags wouldn't admit it, but something about Shadow made him feel uneasy. The fact that Shadow was the Calamity of Pride did not bother him in the slightest; what did bother him was the change he started to witness as they got closer and closer to the Demon Realm and Arazach. Shadow seemed too much at home in the Demon Realm, as if he frequently visited and knew where everything was already.

Once they reached the grand entrance to the Demon Realm, they were greeted by a gigantic steel door, guarded by what could only be described as a giant suit of armour.

As they approached the door the guard spoke in a deafening tone, and what the guard considered a whisper, "Gallo has sent two more to– wait; it would seem you two have his mark, passage is allowed, once you step through these doors a lesser demon will lead you to the king."

The man in rags was about to say something, but a silencing hand from Shadow stopped him in his tracks. The gigantic steel doors swung open and what the man in rags saw inside completely blew his mind. The image of hell that was imprinted into his mind could not have been any further from the truth. If anything it looked like a normal mortal village; with the exception of various demons moving around.

As if expecting their arrival all along, a small humanoid demon stood waiting for them. The second the humanoid demon saw them, he rushed towards them, bubbling with energy and enthusiasm.

"Ah it's true, the Calamity of Pride in the flesh! This is amazing, I can't believe I actually get to meet you. I'm a huge fan of your work. Could I maybe shake your hand?" The demon said as he hopped around and inspected Shadow.

"Uh, I don't think he appreciates what you doing right now." The man in rags said as he tried to stop the demon

"Don't touch me you filthy mortal, I might get some disease. You can be glad you're with the Calamity of Pride, otherwise I would have sent you to the pits — by the way we can do that if you wish master Pride."

Shadow turned and looked at the man in rags before turning to look at the Demon King's castle in the distance.

"Ah, I believe Shadow wants to meet Arazach as soon as possible."

"Don't you dare use master Pride and the Demon King's names so casually mortal!" The demon said as he shoved a finger against the man in rags' face, "But you are right, King is expecting you two. Follow me."

As they followed the demon through the city, the man in rags noticed how the demons looked at Shadow with awe and admiration, while he was getting sneers and looks of disgust. The man in rags became concerned that he might be attacked by the demons, but his concerns faded when he knocked into Shadow, who had come to a sudden stop.

"Ouch, why did you just stop walking Shadow?" The man in rags asked.

His question however was answered by a giant castle door before them. He had been so preoccupied with the demons around him, that he had not realised they had reached the castle already. The pressure coming from the castle was immense, it took everything the man in rags had to remain standing; the humanoid demon that had led them to the castle however was not as lucky. On his knees with his face to the ground, his breath was ragged and he sweated profusely.

"I'm sorry master Pride this is as far as I can go, any further and King's aura will turn me to ash. I can't believe a mere mortal can withstand King's aura, yet most demons can't."

The man in rags knew the demon was referring to him, yet he ignored it and stepped forward, "Shall we go meet Arazach then Shadow?"

Shadow gave the man in rags a nod as they stepped through the now open doors. All the demons inside the castle looked the same as the demon guard they met at the entrance to the city, the only difference was that these guards seemed more like statues and didn't even glance in their direction.

In front of the throne room's door, the man in rags raised his hand to knock; however, before he could a booming voice said "Enter" from inside the room. With the doors opened Shadow and the man in rags got a look at the entity that was known as Arazach, the Demon King.

"We meet again Haeferic— wait you go by the name of Shadow now, the legendary Phantom Paradox and the King of Limbo." Arazach turned to the man in rags, "And you must be the one who knows of Viezil, come closer and show your face, I wish to see your face mortal."

Shadow and the man in rags stepped closer to the throne as the doors groaned closed behind them, shutting with a loud thud. The man in rags removed his hood and made sure Arazach could get a good look at his face.

"Interesting, you are no blessed human, nor are you a different race or entity. What is your name and how do you know the name of Biaphointar Viezil?"

"That is because I am no special person, I have no power nor any secrets. I am a man of no importance; I am simply a man on a journey to record this event that will be known as The King's Game. Although, if you wish to call me something you may call me Jacob."

Arazach burst out laughing, "So you are the infamous Jacob. I believe at one point you called yourself the God's messenger, please do tell me what happened that you no longer use that title?"

A smile crept across Jacob's face, "I learnt the truth; but I believe Shadow has business with you. I think that should be dealt with first."

"I am interested in this truth you learnt, but yes before we get absorbed in that let me discuss business with the King of Limbo."

Jacob stepped back and Shadow removed a letter from his coat, throwing it towards Arazach.

Arazach caught the letter, yet his eyes remained locked on Shadow, "Do you not wish to talk to me Shadow? Or is this silence a part of your new persona?"

Not getting any reaction out of Shadow, Arazach opened and read the letter. A silence hung in the room as Jacob and Shadow waited for Arazach to finish reading the letter.

After a few seconds Arazach looked towards Shadow, "I see, so your master wishes to take on the Gods and wants my help to crush them. I have always hated the Gods, so this alliance could work; however, I wish to know who your master is first. Who is this Null, that is able to force you to bend your knee?"

Shadow gave no response and at this moment Jacob stepped forward, "I would not recommend you getting Arazach's aid Shadow. I know the truth about Ejitope, the Gods; and most importantly I know the truth about you Arazach."

"Do not be fooled by his lies Shadow, how can any normal mortal know about the past long before his time. There is nothing about it written in mortal books, and while I will admit I was curious how he knew Viezil's name, his joke has gotten old." Arazach turned towards Jacob, "Do not anger me any further, otherwise I will ensure that you are reduced to nothing but rubble before my very eyes."

"Do you fear me Arazach? Do you fear that I will tell Shadow all about the past? I can destroy your alliance right here."

Arazach looked at Jacob with a worried face, butthat was quickly replaced with a sinister grin and a bellowing laugh, "This isso rich. You travelled with him yet you don't know anything do you Jacob.Shadow is a demon, he is the brother of the Demon King, Arazach; me!"