Devil’s Music

Kamageen looked down at the dozing Geon and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Not much to him, huh? Face is just okay... talented in music and art but not exactly a genius... Oh, is he getting taller?"

Gently stroking Geon's head as he lay down, Kamageen quietly called out, "Pyemon."

In an instant, a crimson circle made of light appeared beside Geon. Patterns of four individuals emerged on the scales, accompanied by a foreboding black light bursting out.

"Long time no see, Your Excellency Kamageen."

The one who slightly bowed his head was a teenage boy wearing a golden crown atop long, flowing blonde hair down to his waist. The creature he rode had a predatory glare, closer to a beast than a herbivore.

Ranked ninth among the 72 demon lords, Pyemon, also known as the commander of 200 colossal legions, ruling the western part of Hell. Initially an archangel, Pyemon governed fire among the four elements as the king of elemental spirits.

"Indeed, it's been a while. Since Lucifer hosted the Night of Slaughter, is it the first in 300 years?"

Kamageen chuckled warmly, patting Pyemon's shoulder.

Pyemon glanced affectionately at Kamageen before offering a faint smile.

"Your Excellency, I've heard rumors that you're still accumulating sanctity. But isn't this the human realm? How come a prominent figure from Hell lingers here? Celestial angels, aware that Your Excellency doesn't cause harm in the human realm, might not raise concerns. However, it could be an issue in Hell."

With a chuckle, Kamageen lightly tapped Pyemon's back.

"Hehe, thanks for your concern. But I won't stay here for long, so don't worry."

Pyemon grinned, scanning the surroundings.

"But why are you here? Summoning me must have consumed a considerable amount of power. Is it worth it?"

Nodding, Kamageen replied, "Hmm, indeed. As you know, I'm gathering sanctity. You'd probably recall my subordinates attempting to approach human politicians to gather sanctity. Handling information of that level is basic for commanding 200 legions, isn't it?"

Pyemon slightly bowed, saying, "Of course, Your Excellency. Oh, please don't misunderstand. It wasn't an attempt to monitor you, just hearsay. Seems like the gossip among Hell's officials."

Kamageen grimaced slightly, remarking, "Right, those self-proclaimed wandering poets. So, did you hear about the outcome?"

Pyemon seemed momentarily hesitant before responding, "Ah... yes, Your Excellency. I heard the results weren't favorable."

With a faint smile, Kamageen added, "Heh, telling it directly to me might be a tad difficult. Heard about the whole 'giving a fish and teaching to fish' scenario? Raised politicians trained and endowed with abilities fell into Marbas's manipulation. The power gained from misdeeds after their initial policies for sanctity far surpassed the sanctity itself. Ultimately, it only benefited Marbas."

Pyemon quietly nodded in response.

Kamageen gestured with both hands, saying, "So, Pyemon, my plan is to create a child who can bring happiness to many humans through music. Even if people claim that music itself generates magic, ultimately, won't it return as sanctity if many are happy listening to it?"

Pyemon tilted his head slightly, responding, "But, Your Excellency, art is a risky venture. Even in music, some individuals exposed to it may deviate morally, commit various crimes due to mental disorders, or in severe cases, harm others or even commit suicide. Aren't you aware of that?"

Kamageen nodded deeply, acknowledging, "Right, your words are true. But here's the thing. Among those who listened to musicians active in the human realm, only a tiny fraction ended up making wrong choices or faced issues in character. Instead, thousands experienced a sense of happiness. Even with an equal exchange, sanctity would outweigh."

Pyemon, lost in thought, gazed at the ground.

Kamageen looked at Pyemon and held his hand, saying, "Pyemon, I can provide this child with scholarly talent and exceptional looks using my abilities. However, I can't grant your beautiful voice. Can I ask for your blessing for my child? Of course, I'll transfer my magic equivalent to the weight of the soul you'll receive."

Pyemon burst into laughter upon hearing this proposal. "Haha, you're at a loss then. After all, aren't you unable to expend your magic?"

Kamageen also laughed, saying, "Hahaha, you truly act as the commander of legions. So, what do you say?"

Pyemon tilted his head and replied, "No, I'll grant it. But there's a condition."

Kamageen tensed slightly, looking at Pyemon.

"What is it?"

"Let me observe."

"Observe what? The child?"

"Yes, the child's growth, the future unfolding before them, the pain, anger, joy, and happiness they'll carry. Let me witness it all."

"What's the reason for that?"

"After all, you won't only ask this of me, right?"

"Hmm?"

Pyemon grinned mischievously, saying, "Are you just raising a child who sings well? The abilities I can offer are only a beautiful voice. If you seek assistance from other demon lords, you can exhaust your magic and grant the child greater abilities. An individual receiving blessings from several demon lords, yet offering no significant compensation—wouldn't that lack interest? It's going to be fun, really fun. Haha."

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