Encounter with the Demonic Lord

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a grand chamber, inside the castle bathed in red light. In the center of the chamber stood the demonic lord, a towering figure with horns jutting from his forehead and wings that spanned the length of the room.

"Prince Eidan," said the demonic lord, his voice a low rumble. "I have been expecting you."

Lord Samael's outfit was made of the finest obsidian black fabric, which shimmered under the light with a metallic sheen. The fabric is soft to the touch but appears strong and durable. The edges of the outfit are lined with intricate gemstones, which sparkle with a darker shade of red and orange hues.

The outfit comprises a long black cloak with a hood that drapes over his shoulders, covering his back. The cloak has a high collar that sits close to his neck, giving him an air of authority. Beneath the cloak, he wears a black leather tunic, which has intricate designs etched into it with silver thread.

His trousers are also made of black leather, and they fit snugly around his muscular legs. On his feet, he wears black boots that come up to his mid-calf. The boots are adorned with small black gemstones that add to the dark, mysterious look of his outfit.

Overall, Lord Samael's outfit was a perfect representation of his power and authority in the demonic realm. The black color, along with the gemstones and intricate designs, symbolizes his strength, while the red and orange hues add a touch of danger and fierceness.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lord of the Demonic world, Samael Eryx." Prince Eidan greeted the demonic lord gracefully. He didn't show any signs of anxiety or stiffness in his movements.

"Hmm, I have heard about the youngling of the human realm that is so beloved by the mana that even the magic here doesn't know any boundaries for the love and care given." The demon lord chuckled at the boy who was standing in front of him.

Prince Eidan may be the crown prince of the Lucidnia Empire, but in a realm that wasn't his territory, he must abide by the rules and rulers alike.

"Thank you for such generous words, I am eager to see what kind of realm is under the rule of a great leader."

"A great leader you say, how can you be sure when you haven't even seen the place that I rule." Lord Samael asked indifferently.

Prince Eidan thought for a moment and said in an innocent tone, "I believe that a great leader is someone who is both playful and responsible, who has a good relationship with his subjects and earns their respect. And from the way your servants speak and those children obey you, it is clear that you possess these qualities."

Lord Samael's lips curved into a small smile at the prince's words. "You are a perceptive one, young prince. I strive to maintain a balance between playfulness and responsibility, for it is important to keep one's subjects happy while also ensuring their safety."

"I agree," said Prince Eidan with a nod.

"A leader who only rules with an iron fist is not a leader at all. One must also have compassion and understanding for their people." Prince Eidan added.

Lord Samael listened intently, his piercing gaze never leaving Eidan's face. "Indeed," Lord Samael said his tone thoughtful. "I am glad that you see things the same way as I do, Prince Eidan. I hope that after you have inspected my realm, we can join hands and work together to make it a better place for all who reside there."

After a long pause, they both stared at each other's unmoving figures.

At this, Lord Samael let out a burst of loud laughter, that wasn't mocking or scornful.

His appearance changed to that of a normal human-like structure, the horns that were curled out front vanished and the long wide wings turned into small sparkles of red-black dust. While still maintaining a regal appearance, his long black cloak disappeared into thin air and his outfit changed to a loosely held black silk shirt with silver buttons and a silver emblem over the chest, which contrasted sharply with his pale skin.

His fine trousers were made of soft black leather, tailored to fit his long legs perfectly, and his boots were polished to a high shine, with a hint of orange hues here and there. The gems were reduced to a specific number and were shimmering on the sleeves. Wearing an enchanting ashen ring on his left hand with held an unknown aura within.

Around his neck, he wore a silver pendant on a chain that glinted in the light, adding to the overall aura of mystery that surrounded him. His hair became shorter and rougher and was styled in a way that was both fashionable and timeless, with a slight wave that fell just over his forehead.

Despite the lack of a cloak, Samael's appearance still exuded a powerful aura, and anyone who encountered him would recognize him as someone of great importance.

His eyes changed from blazing orange and gold pupils to pupils of obsidian with hints of orange and red in the irises. There was a glint of aggression and otherworldly power remaining in them but were more subtle. A symbolic earing twin dragon hung leisurely on his right ear. His grin was friendlier than before.

"Ah I didn't mean to be rude, it's just…it's been like a hundred years since I last talked to a human who isn't afraid!" He walked over to where Prince Eidan was standing still processing the image change that occurred.

'A hundred years? How old is this guy?' Eiden held back the urge to ask what he was thinking.

"I was advised to impose an image of someone threatening but I can't keep up with all this serious and formal talk, so," Lord Samael patted his highness's shoulder and with a wide grin he asked, "Want a tour, your highness?"

Lord Samael was a demon of great power and influence, but those who knew him well knew that he was much more than that. Despite his fearsome reputation, he was a playful and lighthearted demon who enjoyed making those around him laugh. He had a sharp wit and a quick tongue, always ready with a joke or a clever quip.

However, beneath his playful exterior lay a deep sense of responsibility. Lord Samael took the welfare of his subjects very seriously and worked tirelessly to ensure that they were well cared for. He had a keen understanding of the needs of his realm and made it his mission to address them in a timely and efficient manner.

As they went outside they talked about the affairs between the three realms and lord Samael also expressed his worries about the increasing rate of incidents happening.

If the evil force is attracted to something that is another evil that is milder but can be devoured by force, and so the demonic realm was a perfect place to take advantage of.

The capital city Nefarion was mesmerizing to the eyes, regardless of the origin of its name; it was filled with rather a sense of allurement. Even though occupied by lesser demons, the streets were bustling and busier with stalls of food and trading.

It was a sight to behold. It was unlike anything Prince Eidan had ever seen before. The streets were filled with all kinds of creatures, each one more unique and terrifying than the last. The buildings were tall and made of dark stone, with intricate carvings and sculptures of demonic creatures adorning their facades. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, giving the city an otherworldly feel.

As Prince Eidan walked through the city, he saw a variety of markets, shops, and restaurants. Some stalls sold exotic and unusual foods, while others offered bizarre trinkets and potions. The demon vendors were boisterous and loud, each trying to outdo the other in attracting customers. The overall atmosphere was one of excitement and danger as if anything could happen at any moment.

Despite the chaos, there was a sense of order in the city. Guards patrolled the streets, making sure that everything was in order and that no one stepped out of line. The people of the city went about their business with a sense of purpose, each knowing their role and their place in the grand scheme of things.

As Prince Eidan looked around, he couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sheer energy and vitality of the demon realm's capital city. It was a place where anything was possible, and where danger lurked around every corner. But for Prince Eidan, it was an adventure that he would never forget.

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Speaking of adventure, the lord of this place was carefree and had Eidan try out different foods.

Roasted Abyssal Squid: A tender and juicy squid roasted over an open flame until it is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

Fire-Breathing Dragon Chili: A spicy and flavorful chili made with dragon meat and infused with demon spices that make it extra hot.

Cursed Cakes: These cakes are cursed with a spell that causes anyone who eats them to experience vivid nightmares for a week. Only the bravest demons dare to try them.

Soul Sucker Soup: A hearty soup made with the essence of captured mortal souls, which gives it a rich and smoky flavor.

Dark Chocolate Covered Scorpions: A crunchy and decadent treat made by dipping live scorpions in dark chocolate. The venom is neutralized during the process, so it is safe to eat.

These foods are not for the faint of heart, but they are sure to satisfy even the most adventurous demon's cravings.

After the enforcement by the lord to try and eat everything in stalls, Prince Eidan was tired and couldn't eat more.

He wasn't delicate in the matters of trying food but sudden changes in the taste and portions made him full and heavy.

The lesser demons spent their time in excitement as a guest of the lord was visiting them.

After a long time spent, they finally settled inside a rather calmer shop.

"I know the gist of the events that are happening inside the human realm as well, but I must ask…what made the Prime Mage trust a Demonic lord without a doubt?" lord Samael asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

To which Prince Eidan calmly explained, "You are neither wholly good nor wholly evil. You exist in the space between, and that makes you a valuable ally to us."

"Wow, the young prince is good at flattery," Lord Samael chuckled in awe.

"And you're with taking the flattery," Prince Eidan said nonchalantly and then asked with a serious expression on his face, "That aside…I wanted to ask you about something important."

"And what might that be, youngling." Lord Samael said while eating that looked something like a stew, he didn't like being called a youngling but he didn't want to talk about the age gap either, as Rupias told him he will suffer the consequences of a long history lecture with the lord.

"Do you possess the demonic weapon, Shadowfall?" It was the demonic weapon that was wielded by all the previous lords of the demonic realm and now was in the hands of the current lord, Samael Eryx.

"Hmm, this is rather a sensitive topic, not to be shared with a meal outside." Lord Samael stirred the pot with a dark expression, but soon shrugged and said cheerfully, "Get some rest for tonight and we shall talk about it tomorrow morning!"

At this response, the prince just looked at the supposedly demonic lord chugging away the stew.

"I wonder what it is that you're eating…" Prince Eidan looked at lord Samael nervously.

Wiping away his lips, Samael said enthusiastically, "Oh I'm glad you asked!"

And so the young lord and young prince ended up talking about the famous "Bloodstone Stew". It's a thick and hearty stew made with dark and spicy ingredients such as beef, black beans, chili peppers, and a hint of bloodstone, a mineral with a reddish-brown color that is said to have mystical properties in the demon realm. The stew is often served with a side of crispy demon skin chips.

After experiencing an exhausting and stimulating day in the demonic realm, Prince Eidan was escorted to his room where he finally was able to relax and freshen up.

He sat near a bedside table, the flickering light of a candle-like gem was dimly lit and as he wrote a letter to his homeland about his safe arrival in the demonic realm, he closed his eyes and asked his small companion that came along with him.

"Lumin, please do this favor." Eidan smiles tenderly at the summoning of his light spirit.

Lumin is one of Prince Eidan's majestic spirit animals that takes the shape of a hawk. Its feathers are a radiant golden color that glimmers in the sunlight, and its piercing eyes are a bright and alluring shade of blue. Lumin has a wingspan that is wider than any other bird, and its feathers make a soft rustling sound as it flies.

Lumin is a loving and devoted spirit animal, always by Prince Eidan's side and watching over him with a watchful eye. It is incredibly intelligent and perceptive, able to sense danger and protect Eidan from harm. Despite its impressive size and strength, Lumin is gentle and graceful and moves with a fluidity that is both mesmerizing and calming.

Lumin has a deep connection to Prince Eidan and seems to understand him on a profound level. It is fiercely loyal and protective and will stop at nothing to keep Eidan safe. When it is not soaring through the skies, Lumin can often be found perched on Eidan's shoulder or nestled in his arms, content to bask in the warmth of their bond.

Although it is smaller and cuter when Eidan summons it, Lumin can transform into an adult form at his command.

Lumin takes the letter from prince Eidan's hand and delicately presses it between its strong beaks. Before leaving it snuggles with Eidan's face and tickles kindly.

As the spirit leaves, Prince Eidan finally makes his way to a restful slumber.

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