As Aengus finished his preparations for the journey to Bella’s Marquis Territory, which a portion of her father’s vast Dukedom, he reflected on how little he actually needed to prepare.
He packed only a few clothes, all made in the Demon Lands, and now he wore a black coat-like garment adorned with spiky bones jutting from the shoulders. The leather was likely from some demon or beast skin, and its rarity made it quite expensive.
However, given his royal bloodline, they had made at least some investment in him. The coat also had defensive properties, which might prove useful later on.
With everything ready, Aengus followed behind Bella, along with her servants—Vespera and several other noble-blooded demons. He mounted a dark, Pegasus-like flying creature and seated himself directly behind Bella, their proximity close enough to feel her presence.
Aengus gripped the creature’s black fur tightly, trying to keep his eyes off Bella’s alluring, curvaceous hips just inches away. Though he couldn’t truly feel emotions, his body had a way of betraying him, reacting to the temptation before him.
Vespera, riding another dark Pegasus, shot daggers at him with her gaze. She despised his presence near her mistress, suspecting him of being deceitful and manipulative. To her, this new servant seemed too calculating, too willing to exploit Bella’s trust. The treasures he had demanded before pledging his loyalty only deepened her mistrust, making her question his true motives.
From time to time, Aengus pretended to be in pain, feigning weakness to lower the others’ guard. He knew how important it was to keep them from becoming too vigilant.
The journey to Bella’s Marquisette would be a long one. Despite having wings of their own, so both Bella and Vespera and others chose to ride these dark Pegasus horses, whose shiny black wings radiated a powerful aura of majesty unlike any other.
Whoosh!
With a mighty flap of its wings, the dark Pegasus ascended higher into the sky, which was bathed in the eerie, dim light of the blood-red moon above. The landscape below grew smaller, swallowed by shadows, as they climbed toward the heavens. The moon’s crimson glow painted the clouds in sinister hues, casting a haunting light on the riders.
As they flew, Aengus glanced over his shoulder, noticing strange, dark fissures forming in their wake. The air itself seemed to tear open, leaving behind rippling voids of darkness that shimmered ominously.
It didn’t take long for Aengus to realize the purpose of these fissures—they served as a warning, a deterrent for any demonic flying creatures that might be tempted to follow them. The Pegasus, a creature of immense power, was making it clear that it was not to be trifled with.
Their journey through the sky remained unhindered for a time, the only sounds being the steady beat of the Pegasus’s wings and the occasional rustle of wind. The vast expanse of the demon realm stretched out beneath them, a desolate, twisted landscape that seemed endless. Despite the ominous surroundings, their flight was calm, almost serene—until they encountered the swarm.
Screech! Screech!
A dark mass appeared on the horizon, growing larger as it rapidly approached. Within moments, they were surrounded by a swarm of enormous, bat-like creatures, their leathery wings flapping noisily as they closed in.
These weren’t ordinary bats—they were vampiric creatures, with fangs as long as daggers and eyes that glowed with a malevolent red hunger. Their shrieks pierced the air, echoing in the vast sky as they moved to encircle the group.
But before anyone could act, Vespera took charge. With an air of authority that left no room for challenge, she extended her hand and spoke a command in the ancient tongue of her kind. Her voice, cold and commanding, carried a power that resonated through the air.
The effect was immediate. The vampiric bats hesitated, their movements faltering as if struck by an unseen force. Their red eyes flickered with recognition, and slowly, they began to retreat, their shrieks fading into the distance.
Vespera’s authority as a noble vampire was absolute; these creatures, bound by the hierarchy of the demon realm, dared not defy her. Within moments, the swarm had dispersed, leaving the sky clear once more.
Their journey continued for two days, traversing thousands of kilometers of desolate, barren desert under the oppressive sun. The landscape was a vast expanse of shifting sands and parched earth, devoid of any significant landmarks or signs of life. The only relief came from the occasional gust of wind that stirred the dry, dust-mixed air.
As they pressed on, a fortress-like structure eventually came into view on the horizon. The fortress was covered far and wide with approximately 10-20 square kilometres area.
The sight was both imposing and eerie—a sprawling complex of buildings, each with its own strange architecture. Some were tall and foreboding, while others were squat and angular, casting long shadows that seemed to writhe in the dim light. The entire complex was shrouded in a perpetual gloom, just like outside.
As they approached, the dark Pegasus flew toward the fortress, ascending to the top of a massive, broad wall that stretched 200 meters high. The walls were constructed from ancient, weathered stone, giving them a foreboding presence.
Atop the walls, several guard posts were manned by vigilant sentinels. These demons, with their sharp skeletal weapons, stood poised and alert, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble.
The moment Bella and her entourage arrived, the guards sprang into action.
“””Lady Bella!”””
“””Lady Bella is here!”””
They roared in unison, their voices echoing off the stone walls in a chorus of relief and respect.
However, for some reason their faces were etched with fatigue, bore expressions that suggested they had endured many long and sleepless nights. The weariness in their eyes spoke of countless hours spent on vigilant watch, their dedication unwavering despite the toll it had taken on them.
Upon their arrival, the sound of gongs reverberated throughout the fortress, marking Bella’s entrance with a traditional and ceremonious welcome. The gongs’ deep, resonant tones echoed through the fortress, signaling both the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter within these ancient walls.
Aengus, seated behind Bella on the dark Pegasus, surveyed the imposing fortress with a blend of detached calculation and keen interest. The sight before him was a proof of the power and influence Bella wielded.
Her subordinates and servants, exuding an aura of formidable strength, were clearly not to be underestimated. If Aengus was to achieve his grand ambitions, this fortress would be a crucial starting point.
To succeed in his plan of conquest, Aengus knew he had to begin here. Gaining control over Bella Bellfrost could provide him with a solid foundation for his future operations. To do so, he needed to meticulously gather information, assessing both the strengths and weaknesses of those around him.
Establishing his own dominance within this base was essential for his strategy.
MANAS had been advising him, had outlined a perfect plan for building his own army. According to MANAS, conquering the world alone would be difficult; a formidable army was indispensable.
Aengus understood that to rise to power, he would need to amass a loyal and powerful force. His ultimate goal was not just to conquer but to seek vengeance against Beelzebub who had billions of demons under his command.
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