NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Tartaros
It was morning, and as always, the season brought cold rain. For Baldwin, neither the chill nor the rain posed any inconvenience. Velisara had informed Baldwin that he was now part of their family. Olivia, thrilled by the news, was overjoyed to have a "brother."
That day, Olivia and her mother Velisara planned to head deep into the forest. Hidden within its depths was a clearing where they maintained a small farm. It was a safe haven for them, far from the judgmental eyes of villagers who refused to sell them goods. After a quick breakfast, the three set out.
As they walked through the forest, Olivia and Velisara peppered Baldwin with questions.
"So, how old are you, Olivia?" Baldwin asked.
"I'm 12 years old," Olivia replied cheerfully.
"What? 12?!" Baldwin exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes, she's 12," Velisara confirmed with a gentle smile.
"And how old are you, Baldwin?" Olivia asked, her curiosity piqued.
Caught off guard, Baldwin quickly tried to steer the conversation elsewhere. "So, how far is the farming area?" he asked Velisara.
"Hey! Are you ignoring me?" Olivia pouted.
"No... I just mean, I'm not much older than you," Baldwin replied, clearly evading the question.
"We're close now," Velisara said, stepping in to ease the moment.
Despite the cold and recent rains, the sun managed to pierce through the clouds that morning, giving the forest a spring-like warmth. Along the way, Baldwin spotted several animals—rabbits, squirrels, and even a few low-tier beasts like Bee Bangs and Chameleons. These creatures weren't aggressive but rather preoccupied with their own lives.
As they journeyed further, the terrain shifted. The ground became rocky, and soon they arrived at their destination—a small clearing with a stream flowing nearby. The canal meandered gently through the area, its crystal-clear waters originating from a river further up. The setting was idyllic, with fertile soil perfect for cultivation and the soothing sound of water adding to the serene atmosphere.
The forest clearing was peaceful, sunlight streaming through the trees as Olivia giggled at Baldwin's feigned confusion about her age. Velisara watched them with a soft smile, her eyes brimming with gratitude for the boy who had saved her daughter.
But far away, peace was a distant memory.
Asmodeus stood alone in an empty grassfield, the silence pressing against him like a mocking hand. The bitter taste of defeat still lingered from his duel with Abyzou Katz, and his fury boiled over.
"Damn it!" he roared, his voice echoing across the desolate expanse.
"So, Spambag, you still want to keep this up? It's nearly morning, and I've already proven the Demon King's decision was the right one," Abyzou said, standing triumphantly over Asmodeus, who was embedded in the wall, his pride shattered.
Gritting his teeth, Asmodeus slowly pulled himself free and stood upright, his expression a mix of frustration and reluctant respect. "Indeed, I agree, First Demon Lord. You are a perfect fit for the Governor's position," he admitted begrudgingly. "I shall take my leave." Without waiting for a response, he dissolved into water and vanished.
Moments later, he reappeared in an empty grassfield, far away from any signs of life. The air was still, the silence almost mocking him as he stood there, seething.
"Damn it! Losing to a woman—what a disgrace!" he muttered bitterly. "Everyone sides with Baldwin because of his sister! Abyzou, the so-called First Demon Lord, and even the late King Azazel Greenblade supported him! Why?!"
Asmodeus clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. But before he could dwell further, a voice interrupted his thoughts. It wasn't spoken aloud but rather delivered directly into his mind.
"Asmodeus..."
Startled, he spun around, searching for the source, but the field was empty. Slowly, realization dawned on him—it was telepathy.
Asmodeus started shouting into the emptiness of the field, his voice echoing across the desolate grasslands. "How dare you call me by my name! Just because I lost a duel? Huh? I will make Baldwin and his sister my slaves!" His fury crackled in the air, his eyes glowing with raw anger.
"Asmodeus..." the voice called again, deep and resonant, cutting through his rage like a blade.
The voice continued, calm yet commanding, "We wish to work with you, for we share a common enemy—Katz Baldwin, the descendant of the First Demon King."
"You dare speak my name, you rats?!" Asmodeus bellowed, his pride wounded further by the audacity of the unseen speaker.
A chuckle echoed in his mind, cold and mocking. "Ha...ha...ha. Someone who loses a duel and claims to be 'great'—truly, I should respect you more, Lord Asmodeus. My apologies if I've offended."
"Are you mocking me?!" Asmodeus roared, his fists crackling with energy, ready to unleash his wrath.
"I wouldn't dare, my lord," the voice replied smoothly. "As I said, we seek to work with you. Yes, you are greater than us, far more honorable. But you must consider our offer, Lord Asmodeus. Shall we become partners?"
Asmodeus narrowed his eyes, suspicion creeping in. "And why should I trust you?
You hide behind telepathy like a coward and won't even reveal who you are."
"In due time, my lord," the voice assured. "But first, will you agree to hear us out?"
Asmodeus hesitated, his pride clashing with his desire for revenge. Finally, he grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming. "Yes. I'll hear you out."
"Very well then," the voice said, its tone carrying an ominous finality, as though the deal was already sealed.
"We are known as Tartaros," the voice declared, its tone calm but carrying an undeniable weight. "We are a simple yet righteous organization. We work with anyone, be they demon, elf, or fairy. Our goal is to bring back those who are lost—those who truly belong here."
"And who do you work for?" Asmodeus asked, his voice sharp with curiosity and suspicion.
"We work for Hades, our lord, and savior, the mighty king," the voice replied without hesitation.
Asmodeus furrowed his brow, the name stirring old memories. "Hades... Hades... Yes, I remember him. Isn't he a god?"
"Indeed, Lord Asmodeus," the voice affirmed. "He is a god, but he stands against the Origin Gods. This means he has the potential to be a powerful ally for the entire demon race."
Asmodeus snorted, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "I see. But honestly, I don't care who you work for or what you want. What I do care about is how I might gain your god's favor. Are you expecting me to sacrifice myself or something?"
The voice chuckled lightly. "Not at all, Lord Asmodeus. We aim to bring him back from the Underworld. To achieve that, we need to complete a series of rituals. However, there's a significant obstacle in our path—Baldwin. He has the power to stop us."
"So, it all comes down to Baldwin," Asmodeus said, his voice heavy with disdain. His fists clenched, raw energy crackling faintly around them. "Fine. If he's the obstacle standing in your way, I'll ensure he's removed. But I expect results-don't waste my time."
"Not just you," the voice corrected. "Together, we will eliminate Baldwin, clearing the throne for you. Once Baldwin is out of the way, we can bring forth Lord Hades and finally destroy humanity and their so-called gods."
A spark of intrigue flashed in Asmodeus' eyes. "Hmm, I see. And what do you call yourselves again?"
"Tartaros, my lord," the voice said firmly.
Asmodeus hesitated, the telepathic voice's offer ringing in his ears. His pride clawed at him, demanding he reject their proposition outright, but the promise of power-and the chance to destroy Baldwin-was too enticing to ignore.
His sharp teeth gleamed as a dark grin spread across his face. "Very well," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "If this alliance helps me achieve my goals, so be it. But know this-once Baldwin is gone, I will claim what's mine."