Entering the Hidden VIllage in Demon Realm

Darkness pressed in from all sides as the group descended deeper into the bowels of the demon realm. The newly formed party had used the Hunter's Guild mission to go to this hidden village of Otogakure. 

The air grew thick with the scent of decay, chemicals, and something far more sinister. They had slipped through a crack in the underground tunnels, guided only by faint glowstones and their own senses, until they finally stumbled upon a hidden laboratory. A sprawling, heavily fortified complex carved into the cavern walls.

The sight that greeted them was horrifying. Rows of chained, exhausted captives from Insei and beyond, their bodies scarred and weakened from cruel experiments. Strange machines hummed and whirred, and shadowy figures moved among the shadows, tending to grotesque apparatuses and twisted creatures.

The group froze in the shadows, each weighing their options. The debate was fierce and urgent.

**Reval and Uriko** exchanged a grim look. “We can’t just stand here,” Reval hissed. “Those people need help. We should fight now, free them, and get out. The longer we wait, the more they suffer.”

Uriko nodded sharply. Her spear was already in hand. “We can’t leave them to rot here. We fight, we win, and we save everyone we can.”

**Vin and Poh**, however, exchanged a cautious glance. “We need to be careful,” Poh said softly. “If we attack recklessly, we might cause chaos and make things worse. We should gather intel, learn what they’re doing, how many are held hostage and then plan a rescue that’s more strategic. We can’t save everyone if we’re overwhelmed.”

Vin nodded in agreement. “Discretion might be our best weapon here. We get the information, locate the worst camps, and then come back better prepared. We can’t afford to tip the scales against us before we understand what we’re up against.”

I, listening to both sides, closed my eyes for a moment and sought guidance. I knew the stakes were high. The cries of the prisoners echoed faintly in my mind, fueling my resolve. I reached out mentally, calling upon master, Enuma.

“Master,” I whispered in his mind, “what should we do? Do we fight now or gather intelligence first?”

A moment of silence. Then Enuma’s voice, calm but sharp, responded. “This is no ordinary operation. The experiments and the experiments’ mastermind are linked to one of the Six Supremacists, the one known as Gehenna. The banners you saw those dark sigils belong to him.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. “Isn't he close to Raifanto, the Demon Supreme Leader? That’s shocking if true." 

Raifanto, the peaceful one, has a close relationship to Gehenna. My father always liked Raifanto and tried helping him restore the demon realm which the war had cause devastation. It’s a treacherous game they’re playing. If they are playing friendly here, yet doing such experiments in secret. What is the end goal of such a laboratory. 

I had an inquiry, "Wasn't Raifanto was trying to cease the war, to bring peace between humans and demons. Why would Gehenna do such horrible things? ”

Enuma replied. “Power corrupts, boy. Even the most peaceful face can hide darkness. Gehenna’s influence is insidious. He’s a master manipulator, and the experiments are designed to push the boundaries of demon cruelty and human suffering. It is for a future war between the races. If you want to stop this, you need to know his plans. But be warned: fighting him directly puts everything at risk. Sometimes, gathering intel and striking at the right moment is the better choice.”

Terran clenched his fists, the weight of the revelation heavy on his shoulders. “So, do I leave the prisoners for now?”

“No,” Enuma’s voice echoed in his mind. “Fight to free them. But do so with caution. Gather as much intel as you can find out where the major experiments are happening, who’s in charge, and how you can cripple their operations. Your immediate goal is to rescue the innocent. Your long-term goal is to unravel the lies that threaten to destroy the balance of this world.”

The decision was made. Terran still asked, "Do you hate your own kind? Always siding with my people over the humans over the demons,"

Enuma suddenly stammered, almost shyly replied, "No, boy. It is I have now world without you. I still be stuck alone in that cellar. Seeing you be the benefactor of my wits only benefits me after your father slayed me."

Terran blushed but spoke aloud at the bickering group frozen by principles. He explained, "We need to free the innocent kidnapped prisoners. However, we don't have enough manpower to help them. So, we need to split up." 

Vin was the first to understand. She said, "I will be better at moving stealthfully. While no one stands out better then, Honey." 

I confirmed. "The plan is for Vin and Reval to get outside this hidden base and send a signal to bring aid from Hokado.  Uriko and Poh will free the prisoners, and fight as escorts."

Uriko grew worried, and asks, "What are you going to be doing?"

I replied, "I will be the distraction. I will find out who behind such a hidden laboratory."

The others gasp with astonishment. Vin speaks up, "Honey, you are going to take such a risk? You have no idea the strength of the enemy and you going to stand out like you usually do."

Uriko starts to cry out with worry, "No! Do not take this on by yourself. I ca-"

"Enough!" I shouted to interrupt the princess.  I explained, "I will be the one that takes the risks. We are not official knights, nor just simple adventurers." 

I left it there for the others to interpret them how they want. Reval scowled at such grandstanding, "You are not the only son of a hero. I can easily take on the task to find out the leader and get away." 

I replied, "You are all very capable. However, do you recognize the banner that is hanging inside this base? Cause I do, and only I have the knowledge of who might be the puppeteer." 

Reval still scowling, clicked his tongue, "Tch, I still can cut any demon no matter who it is." 

Uriko pushed Reval and said, "Get moving! Faster you send the signal, the faster you can start cutting enemies."

Uriko turned to me and said, "Do not get hurt, not a single scratch nor hair! Or I will destroy the entire place damn all the consequences." Uriko moved to start freeing the prisoners with teary eyes. 

Poh quickly moved and said, "Wait for me." as he used illumination magic to bring more visibility in the dark laboratory.

I storm through the hidden base, knocking down every closed door I see. The fight to expose the true puppeteers behind these terrible experiments has begun. Demons start to poor out of the rooms, see me rampaging around and give chase quickly. 

Vin calls out to the swordsman, "Come on, we need to move fast." as Reval runs after her still upset scowl on his face.

The stakes had never been higher, and the shadows of treachery stretched far beyond what they had ever imagined.