Demonic Realm

"Evil is not the main deciding factor in the qualifications to become a demon. In fact, it is one of the lesser ones. One of the most major is, in fact, that moral line that you spoke of. The one you never crossed."

Sirius placed his hand on Cyril's shoulder, patting it as if proud.

"Demons do not act as just tormenters, but also as tempters and judges. That means that you must have a clear judgement on what is morally right, and what is morally wrong. This qualification is vital in being a demon. Incidentally, it is also a vital qualification in becoming an angel, which is likely why His Excellency Lucifer wished to recruit you. Simply by having and not crossing that line proves that you have a strong moral compass."

"I, I see…"

The old man's words were brief, but they gave Cyril enough for an entire month's worth of thoughts.

"There are still many unanswered questions. Who are the 72? And what was the 'old covenant' that was evoked back in the court?"

"Firstly before those, you should know of the seven princes, Sir Surrey. Even if you do not know their names, you must surely have heard about them with how widespread they are in religion."

"Yeah I know of them. The seven deadly sins."

It was quite obvious, especially upon seeing the number of thrones and Lucifer, who represented pride.

"Indeed. I will not iterate on them seeing as you already seem to know them. You have already met three of them. Lord Lucifer who represents pride, Lord Beelzebub who represents gluttony, and Lord Belphegor who represents sloth."

"Yeah. The sleeping guy is Lord Belphegor and the… large… guy, is Lord Beelzebub."

"Hm," Sirius chuckled upon hearing his answer. "I can understand how you see it that way, but that is wrong. It is the other way around."

"Huh? Seriously?."

"You must learn that one cannot simply be judged by appearance in Hell, especially the princes. While it is a trustworthy factor, it can be misleading. As for the 72, I am afraid I have spoken too much. You will learn of them in due time, assuming you survive."

"You mentioned that earlier. Survive?" The old man's words sent a chill down Cyril's spine.

Pausing his footsteps, Sirius turned to face Cyril before somberly shaking his head.

"You would have been safer with Lord Lucifer, but unfortunately, my Lord has evoked the old covenant to claim you first. It means that as the punished, Lord Lucifer has the last claim in subordinates. There is no one to blame here, it is not your fault that your affinity and personality suits my Lord's tastes that much."

"Mammon, the demon that represents greed."

He didn't even have to hear of the demon's name to know of the one that had claimed him. Just a bit of self-introspection was enough to figure it out, as an incredibly greedy man.

"Indeed. I am afraid you will not be able to meet him personally, as he is attending to another guest. It is why I was sent to welcome you." Sirius furrowed his brows lightly before turning to the corridor's window. "There are several responsibilities for new demons, and they are what I was getting to. The main one is, well, to survive. I did not wish for it to be this way, as I have not met a fellow human in several decades now, but you have no choice."

"…" Cyril remained silent, listening intently.

"My Lord Mammon's test in knowing whether you are worthy to serve is very different from Lord Lucifer's. While the latter would personally groom you, Lord Mammon takes a more ruthless approach. You are to be sent into the realm alone, and prove your worth there."

"The… the realm? You mean the demonic realm? You can't possibly mean Hell, right?"

Cyril was flabbergasted by the news, but Sirius only gave him a dry smile, which told him enough.

"How do you expect me to survive in Hell? Isn't he just sending me to die? I'm just a human being!"

"Not quite, Sir Surrey. As I had mentioned before, you will no longer be mortal from henceforth. You will be a demon."

"Even so… I'm just a human, just barely forty. I know nothing about Hell. How am I supposed to live?"

"An astute observation, and you are correct in everything. However, there is good news. You are not serving any regular demon, but one of the Princes of Hell, his Excellency Mammon. Therefore, you will be given the appropriate advantage. It is different for everyone so I don't quite know what it will be, but I assure you that it will be powerful."

"It doesn't matter if it's powerful or not!"

"It will matter, Sir Surrey. Mammon's blessing will deter many potential enemies, and perhaps even forge you allies. Though… it will also attract no small amount of ambitious demons hoping to devour you for that power."

"Wha-…" Cyril was at a loss for words.

It was bad news followed by good, followed by bad. It sent him on a roller coaster of emotions.

"Powerful or not, I've barely properly fought before in my life. I don't like fighting! What am I supposed to do?"

"I cannot say, Sir Surrey. That is for you to figure out." The old man gave Cyril a look of sympathy. "The lack of information is also intended. If you are capable of surviving in these conditions, then you will be considered worthy as a subordinate of my Lord."

"…" Cyril still remained speechless.

It was only until he noticed the sly upturn of the corner of the old man's mouth did he realize that Sirius was taking amusement in his varied reactions.

"…Do you find this funny? Playing with my emotions? Or is it my poor circumstances?"

"Hm! Hm. Hm." Sirius chuckled several times in a strange manner before smiling, "I apologize, Sir Surrey. I mean no harm, do remember that while I may appear to be an elderly human, I am also a demon myself."

"…"

"Hm!"

Sirius chuckled a few more times before turning around. He walked along the corridor before reaching the seemingly endless window at the wall. Stopping there, he turned to gesture Cyril to come forward.

"I have teased you enough. Come, Sir Surrey. Witness the power of a demon."

Cyril was still slightly annoyed, but his curiosity won him over as he eventually began heading towards the window. As he approached it, the view from outside the window grew clear.

It seemed as if he had been right, the corridor had indeed been suspended in the air. From below, the source of the glowing light became clear.

It was veritable mountains upon mountains of gold.