- Asmodeus -

They reach the gates of the Black Serpent’s dungeon. The justiciar Elaine stands in front of Taro.

“Stay back…” she orders, “I’ll open it.”

With great heft she pulls the grand doors apart with her strength.

“Let’s go.” Elaine motions Taro when a person sized gap was sufficiently made.

They close the grand doors behind them.

The pair walks down the deep dark corridor for sometime until the come across a familiar face.

“Who goes there!” A guard halts the two.

It was the guard that Taro met when he tried to sneak into the marsh village.

“Ah! It’s you! You were adventurers that caught some kind of disease that makes your skin red!" he realizes,

“Yeah, haha. I recognize you as well!" Taro greets the old acquaintance.

“Hmm good! You might as well get in!” the guard insists, “There aren’t many safe places anymore,”

Taro and Elaine were let into the chambers.

“Red skin disease?” she asks,

“It’s… a long story. Haha,” Taro brushes off the question,

The pair was surprised to see within the walls a flourishing community was inside. Humans and demons alike mingle. A market place was in a buzz with vendors and business being conducted all around. The sound of socializing and haggling injected life into the once ominous dungeon. One stall in particular was in such a buzz that they could not even see what was being sold. 

Although it had been some time and it had changed to a large degree, Taro remembered the layout. He makes his way to the Serpent’s atrium. To his surprise even the unseen halls were available to the public. New areas were made to house people’s homes. An intricate series of tunnels with floors were made to accommodate areas of play and business.

Finally the pair make it to the great ornate door of the atrium. A small placard was hung on its handle. The text read:

---Abandon all hope.---

Do not Enter.

Taro and Elaine look at each other. Taro decides to ignore the message and enter anyway.

Upon entering they both feel a chill down their spine. The atrium was far cooler and deathly silent. As they get closer they see a figure hunched over the altar. He was far too engrossed in his task to have noticed the two entering his domain.

“Asmodeus.” Taro calls out to the figure. He turns.

“It’s you.” Asmodeus growls.

“…oh. It’s you!” he says surprised.

Asmodeus turned and stood to reveal himself to the pair. To say he looked different would be an understatement. He wore a headband tied over his head that said [HARD WORK] and he sports large circular glasses not too dissimilar to Taro’s spectacles.

“W-What happened to you?” Taro explains.

“Huh? What do you mean?” he asks,

“Uh… Nevermind that… Um, how were the mangas?” Taro changes the subject in fear of offending.

“Ahahaha” He laughs, “They were pleasing but it took no time at all to complete each set!”

“I suppose someone like you would be able to finish them quickly.”

“In any case! I longed for more! My lust for more turned to desperation, into a creative spark that longed for an outlet!” He announces with his arms outstretched, “I’ve been making my own manga!”

“Eh?... You’re kidding?!” Taro was dumbstruck from the revelation of one of this world’s strongest beings becoming an otaku because of him.

“I jest not!” he smugly asserts, “Come boy! Read Read my [ネーム] or rough draft! For those not immersed in the Japanese culture.”

“(Oh my god kill me now.)”

“Aoi! Get my guests some tea!” he shouts while he shoves the manuscript in Taro’s hands.

“I’m not your maid!” a disembodied voice calls out,

“Aghh! I’ll have your thoughts later!” the dungeon lord exclaims, “I need to keep working! I’m behind my deadline!”

“D-Deadline?!” Taro asks, “You’re a dungeon lord!”

“But my fans! I cannot disappoint them!” he explains scribbling away at the sheets on the altar,

Despite her protest Aoi did in fact bring refreshments to the atrium. She gives Taro a courteous nod. They all sit together while Asmodeus continues to whittle away at his draft.

“Uh… Fill in here?” Elaine asks as she helps ink the draft,

“Yes! Like I said! X’s are fills! Three dots are screen tones!” he barks,

“Y-Yes sir!”

…

“So… How’s my sister?” Aoi asks not paying attention to her master’s activities,

“She’s missing...” Taro says sadly, “It’s part of why I came here.”

“Hm? Did you guys have a fight?” she jeers,

“D-Do you not know what’s happening out there?”

“I don’t? My duties extend to my master and the dungeon’s needs.” she explains,

“The end of the world is happening out there! Orochi is building a tower to enact revenge on the heavens!” Taro shouts,

“HEY!” Asmodeus roars, “ I told you to use the other screen!”

“Eek! Sorry!” Elaine cowers,

“Haah…” Aoi sighs, “That would explain all the influx of refugees I suppose."

“What happened there anyways,” he asks, “I didn't peg you guys as the type to take in people?”

“They started coming in and quite frankly, Asmodeus has been annoying about wanting people to read his little stories.” Aoi calmly explains,

“Hey! Are you badmouthing my fans?!” the dungeon lord yells,

“Your deadline’s tonight! Are you okay with that?!” she shoots back,

“Grrr….” He meekly gets back to work,

“Getting back on track, have you heard anything? Anything at all?” Taro asks Aoi,

“Hmm… I might’ve actually...” she answers,

“Please!” Taro jumps at the glimpse of hope, ” You have to tell me!”

“R-Relax, it was only a rumor…” a startled Aoi responds, “I overheard some refugees talking about some ruins and how the justiciar are after a red demon.”

“Do you think it could be her?” he asks,

“It’s a non-zero chance…” Aoi says calmly,

….

“Ouuhhhh!!” It’s complete!” Asmodeus roars,

With that he completes his manuscripts.

The three of them clap in unison to congratulate him. He pats Elaine.

“Thank you young girl! I wouldn’t have been able to complete it without you!” he smiles, “Aoi doesn't help me anymore…”

“Yeah, yeah…” Aoi brushes him off, “I’ll send it over to the print guys…”

Aoi then leaves with the manuscript.

“I know this is forward of me, but I want to ask for your help…” Taro requests,

“Hm? You wish to ask of me?” Asmodeus responds,

“Yes, as we speak Orochi is trying to pierce the heavens. If it came to pass would you help us against her?”

“That is forward.” Asmodeus speaks plainly. “There would be a time I would love nothing more than to join forces with her in that pursuit. However, that has changed.”

“Then… You would help?” Taro pleads,

“No. It does not concern me in the slightest. I do not see fit to interfere with matters beneath me.” he answers,

“But this concerns the world! You wouldn’t be able to distribute your manga if the heavens fall and this earth burns!” Taro attempts to placate,

“True enough, it would be bothersome. However if we were to come to blows I cannot guarantee I would win regardless. If I heard right, she gathers an army as well.” Asmodeus explains, “I’ll tell you what boy; if you can dispel her forces and weaken her. I may be of aid.”

“Aurielion! If their armies could keep Orochi’s preoccupied, would you have a chance?”

“Not unfeasible, though the Justiciar despise demons in all forms. I cannot imagine a collaboration possible.”

“I can try.” Taro says confidently.

“Hah. You truly are amazing in many ways.” Asmodeus scoffs, “If you can make that miracle appear, then I am honor bound to do my part.”

“Thank you!” Taro gleams,

Just then Aoi re-renters the room.

“I only ask one more thing: take Aoi with you.” The dungeon lord demands.

“What?!”

“What?!”Both Taro and Aoi reacts in shock,

“She requires more experience, I want her to live a full life, to see more of the world.” he continues, "I cannot abide by her life solely at my side."

“Asmodeus! I want to stay here!” Aoi protests,

“Will you accept these terms, boy?”

“I will.” Taro says with full determination,

“Hold on! Isn’t anyone going to ask me what I think?!” Aoi pleads,

“Also I need more ideas for my manga.” he adds,

…

“... I’m leaving.” Aoi states,