The Greatest Story Ever Written

Chapter 6

 Upon the platform, pulled by the demonic beasts, the gigantic portal emits an evil aura. All who gaze upon it can feel the malevolent presence from beyond. Darkness surrounds it as light seems to be swallowed by the portal, akin to a black hole.

In front of the platform is a lion-like demonic beast. Riding on top of it is a peacock-like demon lord. The demon lord looks upon the walls and gates of Asylum with disdain.

How unsightly. He thought. However, it looks durable and I can sense a strong barrier protecting it.

He found one of the imps that fought here. "Imp," he called. "You have fought these people yesterday, correct?"

"Y-yes, milord," replied the imp, slightly nervous.

"Good. Tell me about this unsightly settlement!" said the demon lord.

"W-well, milord, I am sure you can already sense that there is a barrier protecting the walls," the imp began. "They seem to have magical firearms as well, not unlike the ones the other lords and ladies encountered in Europe."

The demon lord narrowed his eyes. "How did they acquire such armaments? Our reports said that this settlement has not come into contact with the Europeans yet!"

"W-we don't know, milord," the imp said. He then pointed to a mutated human with an exposed gigantic brain. "T-the mutant said that they might have designed the weapons on their own."

"I see," said the demon lord. He dismissed the imp and thought about what he said for a while.

The demon lord then looked towards the mutant. "Mutant, get over here!"

The mutant stopped tinkering with one of the siege engines to be used by the horde and went towards the demon lord. He then kneeled on one knee. "You have called upon me, milord?"

"Yes," said the demon lord. "I heard that you theorized that the people in this settlement created their firearms... how did you come to that conclusion?"

"I-I asked for some information regarding magical weapons from yesterday's leader before the battle started," He replied. "He gave me a book which contained many of the armaments encountered by the various armies of the Seven Sins. Among them are the European firearms."

"What is the connection between, them, then?" asked the demon lord.

"N-none, milord!" the mutant replied. "Their design is different from the European ones. They seem to be more akin to wands, staves, and other foci as opposed to firearms!"

"Intriguing," said the demon lord. Perhaps this might not be a useless endeavor after all.

He then pointed towards the walls. "Is it true that there is a demon over there?" he asked the mutant.

"Yes, there is, milord," replied the mutant. "A fire demon, to be specific; he caused a lot of damage too."

"A lowly fire demon?!" exclaimed the demon lord. He then smirked. "It is time to negotiate, then."

On the other side of the wall, meanwhile, the people defending Asylum prepared themselves for the worst.

Remuel turned towards Harold. "Can you feel that?"

"Feel what?" asked Harold.

"The demonic energy – there's a strong demon nearby."

Harold looked towards the horizon. "Ah, that. Yes, I can, but I'm more concerned about that portal."

Remuel was about to say something when a loud haughty voice suddenly came from the demons' area. "Fire demon, I, a demon lord of Pride of the Seven Sins, command you to come forth and negotiate with me!"

Every guard on top of the wall then frantically scrambled to get their weapon and aim at the demon. However they were stopped by Remuel. "They want a negotiation, so I'll give them one."

He then turned towards Harold. "Tell Alejandro and company to start the construction of that new weapon idea of theirs. I'll go talk with our friend down there."

"Will do," replied Harold before he sent a message.

Remuel flew down towards the demon lord and his mount. "What do you want, demon of Pride?"

"Why, that's rather rude of you. You haven't even told me your name, yet," replied the demon lord. "Though, I suppose I should say mine first. I am Sigmareth, demon lord of Pride."

"Be careful with this one, Deunocens. I smell a scheme," whispered the Archdemon of Fire to Remuel's mind. I know. That is why I'll say my human name instead.

"You can call me Remuel, demon lord of Pride," replied Remuel. "Again, let me ask, what do you want?"

"Well, I can see that you and your... subordinates seem to be rather stubborn," replied Sigmareth, smiling. "I would like you to surrender and join my army. In exchange, I will spare your lives and even give you a high rank."

Remuel laughed. "You... you sure you're not a comedian?"

This lowly fire demon dares to insult me?! Thought Sigmareth."What is it that you think is so amusing, fire demon?"

Remuel took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. "Did you really think I was the leader of Asylum?"

Sigmareth widened his eyes. "You mean to tell me there is another, stronger demon leading you?"

Remuel's eyes widened before he smirked. "Demon? Nah, Pacifico's not a demon. He's a human – one that became a monster, that is."

Sigmareth furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Remuel spread his wings and took off, leaving Sigmareth behind. Suddenly, a gigantic magic circle formed on the sky, accompanied by maniacal laughter. Sigmareth barely dodged the gigantic beam of light produced by the circle.

On top of the wall is a man wearing brown robes, with his face hidden by a hood. Magic seems to radiate from him. Sigmareth feels great pressure from this man.

"You there!" called Sigmareth. "Who are you and why did you dare to strike me with a beam?!"

"Rather rude, are we?" replied the man. "I am the leader of this city. Stop attacking or I will be forced to actually aim, birdy!"

Sigmareth's eyes burned with rage.

"You dare?!" He screamed with indignation. "You better prepare, you peasant! You and your pitiful city shall not stand after a day!"

Uproarious laughter was the only response, which served to only irritate Sigmareth further. With a huff, he flew back into his army and ordered his men to attack the city.

The siege commenced once more.