Chapter-12

The tension dissipated as quickly as it had risen. Belial, ever the showman, snapped his fingers, and a portal shimmered into existence behind him. "My treat, gentlemen," he declared, gesturing towards the portal with a flourish. "Though, I can't guarantee it'll be anything like your anim or whatever concoctions, fire-breather."

Roland eyed the portal with apprehension. Stepping through portals to demon lord lairs wasn't exactly on his isekai bucket list. However, the prospect of a cold beverage and a chance to avoid sleeping under the stars was tempting.

Eldric, ever the cautious one, cleared his throat. "Hold on there, Belial. Before we embark on any interdimensional pub crawls, perhaps we should establish some ground rules?"

Belial chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Roland's spine despite the dying embers of his Bankai. "Ground rules? Fine, paladin. But know this – my hospitality is legendary, even amongst… well, demons."

Eldric, unfazed by the veiled threat, nodded curtly. "Excellent. First, no summoning surprise demon armies mid-drink." Belial snorted, but a glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "Second," Eldric continued, "no indulging in Roland's… more destructive tendencies."

Roland crossed his arms, a mock pout on his face. "Hey, I can control Ryujin Jakka perfectly well." Belial threw his head back and laughed, a booming sound that echoed across the battlefield.

"Of course you can, fire-breather," he said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Now, any other stipulations from the holy paladin before we commence our interdimensional pub crawl?"

Eldric pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I believe that covers it. Though, perhaps you could tone down the demonic ambiance of your… establishment?"

Belial grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the firelight. "Deal. Now, shall we?" He gestured once more towards the portal, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Roland, despite his nerves, couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. This wasn't exactly the isekai adventure he'd envisioned, but it was definitely an experience he wouldn't soon forget. Stepping through the portal after Eldric, he braced himself for a night unlike any other, filled with dubious drinks, questionable company, and the ever-present possibility of interdimensional chaos. As the portal closed behind them, the silence settled once more over the scorched battlefield, the only sound the distant wail of approaching sirens, forever oblivious to the bizarre events that had just transpired.

The portal deposited them in a bustling tavern, a stark contrast to the devastation they had just left behind. The air thrummed with raucous laughter and lively music, a cacophony of sounds that assaulted Roland's senses. Patrons of all shapes and sizes filled the room – hulking orcs nursing tankards, sleek elves whispering secrets, and even a pair of fairies arguing over a particularly large beetle perched on the counter.

Belial, his horns retracted and his form radiating a more casual charm, surveyed the scene with a practiced eye. "Welcome to the Howling Cauldron, gentlemen," he announced, his voice barely audible over the din. "My favorite watering hole in the demon realm."

Roland, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds, blinked rapidly. This was nothing like the taverns he'd seen in anime – no scantily clad waitresses, no conveniently placed weapon racks, just a chaotic mess of otherworldly beings enjoying their evenings.

Eldric, ever the diplomat, offered a curt nod to the patrons. "Greetings," he boomed, his voice surprisingly clear despite the noise. "We come in peace."

A hush fell over the tavern as all eyes turned towards the trio. Belial, ever the showman, chuckled. "Relax, everyone. Just some new… acquaintances of mine. They're harmless… mostly."

A ripple of nervous laughter ran through the crowd before the cacophony resumed. Belial, leading the way, navigated them through the throng towards a vacant booth in the corner. Taking a seat, he gestured for Roland and Eldric to join him.

"Now," Belial said, snapping his fingers, "let's see what this fine establishment has to offer." A scantily clad imp, with horns that looked suspiciously like overripe bananas, materialized beside their table, a tray laden with various goblets and steaming mugs balanced precariously in her hands.

"The usual for Lord Belial," she squeaked, her voice barely reaching their ears over the din. Belial winked at her and gave a curt nod.

The imp turned to Roland and Eldric, her eyes widening in surprise. "And for the… newcomers?"

Roland, ever the curious one, leaned forward. "What's that bubbling concoction in the green one?"

The imp's brow furrowed. "That, sir, is Swamp Water. Not recommended for the faint of stomach."

Eldric, ever cautious, opted for a simple mug of ale. Roland, however, couldn't resist the allure of the unknown. "I'll take that Swamp Water," he declared, a mischievous glint in his eye.

The imp, clearly hesitant, handed him the green goblet. As Roland took a tentative sip, his face contorted in surprise. The "Swamp Water" tasted like a battlefield had been distilled into a single, foul-tasting beverage. It was a repugnant cocktail of rotten eggs, stagnant swamp muck, and something vaguely reminiscent of burnt socks. The aftertaste lingered on his tongue, a persistent reminder of his poor decision.

He grimaced, pushing the goblet away with a look of disgust. "Ugh," he sputtered, his voice hoarse from the assault on his taste buds. "Maybe I'll stick with water after all."

Belial burst into laughter, the sound a welcome break from the chaotic symphony surrounding them. Roland, sheepish but determined to salvage his pride, attempted to mask his grimace with a nonchalant shrug. "Hey," he mumbled, "you never know unless you try, right?"

Belial, his amusement subsiding, clapped Roland on the shoulder. "A wise saying, my friend," he boomed, his voice laced with good humor. "Though, in the future, I would recommend taking the imp's warnings a little more seriously."

Sir Eldric lowered his voice to a more serious tone. Leaning closer to Roland, he asked, "Tell me, Roland, what is your human form like?"

Roland, momentarily distracted from his burning tongue, cocked his head in confusion. "Human form? What do you mean?"