32. Harvest Moon Festival (Part1)

Beelzebub reclined lazily on her fly-themed throne, her fingers tapping a slow, rhythmic beat on the armrest. Her sharp, red eyes flicked toward Pandemonica, who stood at her side, ever composed and attentive.

"So, Pandy," Beelzebub drawled, a mischievous grin playing at the edges of her lips. "Today's the day Stolas is supposed to be assassinated, yeah?"

Pandemonica adjusted her glasses, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes, my lady. It's set to happen in the Wrath Ring during the Harvest Moon Festival."

Beelzebub's brow lifted, her interest piqued. "Harvest Moon Festival? What's that all about, anyway?"

Pandemonica's eyes flickered with mild irritation, but she answered with her usual patience. "The festival is a traditional annual event celebrating the bountiful harvest of the previous year. It's known for hosting the Pain Games—a series of grueling challenges designed to determine which imp is the toughest in the Wrath Ring. Stolas's role is to oversee the event and use his grimoire to open a portal, allowing the imps to view a true harvest moon."

"Pain Games, huh?" Beelzebub's grin widened into something more feral. "Now that's my kinda party."

The doors to the throne room swung open with a resounding thud, and in strode a tall, muscular figure with wild, flowing hair and a confident stride.

"Bee!" Justice's voice rang out, bold and clear. "I'm here for the challenge!"

Beelzebub's grin turned devious. "Not today, Blindy. I've got something way more fun in mind. And you're just in time." Without warning, Beelzebub's hand shot out and clamped down on Justice's shoulder with surprising speed. Justice's blind eyes widened in shock.

"When did she—?" Justice's mind reeled as she tried to comprehend how Beelzebub had moved so fast.

Pandemonica's eyes narrowed in disapproval. "You can't leave, my lady. There's still a mountain of tasks you—"

"Mooou I'm bored," Beelzebub interrupted with a pout, puffing out her cheeks like a child throwing a tantrum. "I'm leaving it to you. You're smart, you'll figure it out."

Pandemonica's jaw tightened, a rare flash of irritation crossing her face. She shot a glare at Justice. "Why her, my lady? Do you really need to go with that musclehead? Why not take me instead? I'm far more efficient."

Beelzebub's eyes glowed with mischief. "Boo! I'm taking Blindy, and that's final. Don't be so jealous, Pandy!" She stomped her feet in mock frustration, acting more like a spoiled child than a Queen of Gluttony.

Justice's carefree smile returned as she shrugged, clearly amused. "Looks like I'm the favorite today, huh? Where are we headed, Bee?"

Beelzebub's grin was sly as she leaned in close. "Wrath Ring. We're gonna see what all the fuss is about with this 'Pain Games' thing." Her wings buzzed in excitement.

Pandemonica's eyes went wide with alarm. "You can't do that, my lady. If someone recognizes you, the festival could be thrown into disarray. Worse, Lord Satan might hear about it and be furious. You know he hates it when you—"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Beelzebub wagged a finger at her. "Don't underestimate me, Pandy. I've got a card up my sleeve."

Her eyes gleamed with dark crimson light as she raised her hands. Her aura flared to life, filling the room with a dense, oppressive heat. Justice's body began to glow as well, her form shifting and warping. Beelzebub's body changed alongside hers, their figures shrinking.

When the light subsided, Beelzebub and Justice stood in the forms of two imps. Beelzebub's new form was short, with red-tinted skin and wild, untamed white hair, while Justice's imp form was bulkier but still distinctly recognizable.

"Ta-daaa!" Beelzebub spun in place, striking a pose. "Now I'm just another imp named… uh… Flee! Yeah, Flee!" She pointed a clawed finger at Justice. "And you're Blindy!"

Justice tilted her head, unimpressed. "You gave yourself a new name but didn't even change mine?"

Beelzebub's grin widened mischievously. "It's way more fun to call you Blindy, Blindy."

Justice sighed, her smile unshaken. "Fine, whatever you say, Flee." She shoved her hands in her pockets and rotated her head at Pandemonica, who stood at the door, her face buried in her hands.

"I'm surrounded by children," Pandemonica muttered, her patience visibly wearing thin. She glared up at Beelzebub. "If you get caught my lady, I'm not cleaning up after you."

"Don't worry, Pandy! We'll be super, super sneaky!" Beelzebub winked, giving her a double thumbs-up before grabbing Justice's arm. "Later, Pandy! Hold down the fort!"

"Hold down the fort, she says," Pandemonica grumbled as the two imps disappeared in a flash of red light.

---

The Wrath Ring was a stark contrast to Gluttony's wild, chaotic decadence. Here, the air was thick with the stench of smoke, sweat, and blood. Imps of every shape and size crowded around the festival grounds, cheering and jeering as contestants faced off in the infamous Pain Games.

Beelzebub—now "Flee"—stretched her arms over her head, letting out a relaxed sigh. "Ahhh, smell that air, Blindy. Pure, unfiltered Wrath. I love it."

Justice—or "Blindy"—crossed her arms, glancing around with a smirk. "I'll admit, it's got charm. So what's the plan, Flee? You gonna enter the games?"."

They strolled casually through the festival, blending in with the raucous crowd. Beelzebub's eyes scanned the arena—mud pits, spike gauntlets, and flaming obstacle courses lined the competition grounds.

Justice nudged Beelzebub. "You joining, or are you just here to watch?"

Beelzebub's grin grew sharper. "Oh, you'll be joining, Blindy. Not me." She leaned in close, whispering into Justice's ear. "If you get 1st place while restraining yourself, I'll give you a reward."

Justice raised an eyebrow, her grin matching Beelzebub's. "Heh. Fine. This could be fun."

(End of a chapter)